Stacy Gold's Blog, page 13
October 27, 2017
Romance Giveaways Galore
Sports Romance Giveaway (Ends October 30th)
Do you love sports romances? You could win 38 of them, including books from authors like Tijan and Amy Andrews in the Sports Romance Giveaway. PLUS win FREE ebooks from participating authors (including me!). Click here to enter
Halloween Hot Mega Gift Card FB Hop (Noon Sat, October 28th to Noon Tues, October 31st)Hop from page to page and enter to win a gift card at every stop. With 70+ authors participating, there’s 70+ chances for you to win! I’m giving away a $15 REI gift card plus an ebook. Visit my FB page to start hopping.
Falling in Love Romance Giveaway (Now to November 14th)Want to win one of four awesome Kindle + ebook prize packages (and you choose the ebooks!).Go here to enter to win.
Good luck and have fun!
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October 19, 2017
Random Musings: Life Lessons from Outdoor Sports
Oceana Falls. Tallulah Gorge
Photo by Wesley R. Bradley Boater unknown
Remember that kid in elementary school who was always picked last for any team sport? Whether it was kickball, soccer, volleyball or anything else, that kid was me. I’ll be the first to admit it was warranted—I sucked at team sports. I just didn’t have enough confidence to really go after the ball.
When I was eighteen, I stumbled into a job that literally changed everything—whitewater raft guide. Somehow, I was good at it. I had a knack for reading the water and finessing my boat onto the right line. Best of all, with raft guiding I wasn’t competing against someone else and always coming up short.
My first season as a raft guide put my entire life on a new and different (and arguably much better) course. Because of that job, and the people I met and worked with, the following spring I moved out West and learned to whitewater kayak, ski, and mountain bike.
Over the years I traveled all over the U.S. working as a raft guide on six different rivers in five states. My husband and I met whitewater kayaking. I got my start as a writer with an article published in Canoe & Kayak magazines, and worked as a kayaking sports model.
Being a guide opened a whole new view of the world, and gave me a way to live and work in some of the most beautiful places in the country. Along the way, I gained a ton of confidence in my strengths and abilities. Because, frankly, when you’ve skied a narrow, rocky chute, or paddled a Class V waterfall, interviewing for a job, finding a place to live, or paying the bills doesn’t seem nearly as challenging.
For years, I kept a poster in my office of the largest waterfall I ever ran (Oceana on Tallulah Gorge in N. Georgia, shown above, if you’re curious). Anytime I was scared of something, I reminded myself that if I could do that, I could do anything. Along the way, I realized these sports were teaching me a ton about how to live a happy and fulfilled life.
Here are 12 of the most powerful life lessons I’ve learned from decades of doing outdoor sports like skiing, rafting and mountain biking:
You go where you look, so focus on where you want to go.
If you don’t know where you want to go, you’re likely to end up somewhere you don’t want to be.
You can do more than you ever thought possible. Seriously. Try it.
Twenty-five years of practice will make others think you’re a natural at just about anything.
It’s important to have a plan, and work that plan. It’s also important to have a plan B (and a plan C and plan D), just in case things don’t go the way you planned.
If you think you’re going to screw up, you’re probably right.
Be proactive, not reactive. You’ll get a lot farther with a lot less stress.
Make sure the people around you have your back when things go sideways—because at some point they always will.
Take lessons or find a mentor rather than teach yourself. Otherwise you’re just going to have to unlearn a bunch of bad habits, which is frustrating and a waste of time.
No matter what you do for a living, or how much money you make, everyone takes a beat down eventually. Accept it, and do what you can to reduce the chances and severity, but don’t let that stop you.
What do you think? I’d love to know in the comments below.
The post Random Musings: Life Lessons from Outdoor Sports appeared first on Stacy Gold.
October 9, 2017
Random Musings: Book Review – The Hate U Give
My first thought after finishing The Hate U Give was, wow! Just, WOW!! This book blew my mind, and I devoured it in one sitting. Be warned, this is most definitely not a romance.
The title comes from Tupac Shakur’s “thug life”, which stands for “the hate u gave lil infants fucks everyone.” The way the author ties that theme into the overarching story is incredibly powerful.
Why I Loved this Book
The voice of the narrator is spot-on. This story is so well-written, so real, so emotional, it brings you right into the protagonists’ world. And it couldn’t be more timely.
THUG is told from the point of view of a young, black woman straddling two worlds–the ghetto where she lives, and the mostly white, private high school she attends. The catalyst for the story is the brutal police shooting of an unarmed black man she grew up with. The rest of the book deals with the cascading impacts to their families, friends, and community.
This is the story (or at least one possible story) of how too many vibrant, intelligent, young black people end up in jail, dealing drugs, pregnant too young, or dead on the streets. The problems it deals with are real problems that real people face every day. Finally, it’s a story about the power of love and family and friendships.
The rights have already been bought to turn this book into a film, and many of the characters cast. Fingers crossed they do the story justice and make the author proud. If so, it could change the way many Americans perceive discrimination in our society.
I can’t wait to read whatever else Ms. Thomas publishes. I don’t want to give away any major spoilers, so I’ll stop here. Go buy it, read it, and review it now.
Already read it? I’d love to know what you thought of it in the comments below!
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September 22, 2017
Random Musings: Too Old to Start Writing?
Me, right after the launch party for my first romance, Just Friends.
The other day, I saw a tweet where some ignoramus told an aspiring author she’s too old to start writing. I’m sorry, but that’s just plain stupid.
I sold my first work of fiction at the somewhat ripe age of 46. For me, it’s seemed like perfect timing. And plenty of authors have started their careers later in life.
Charles Bukowski published a couple short stories and some poetry when he was younger, but didn’t sell his first novel until he was 49. Laura Ingalls Wilders started writing at age 44, and published Little House on the Prairie when she was 64. William S. Burroughs first book came out when he was 40, and Naked Lunch six years later.
In our youth-obsessed society people seem to forget that you can be a terrific writer at any age. In fact, I believe chances are you’ll be a better writer if/when you’re older. And not just because you’ve had more years to practice and polish your craft.
Why it’s okay, or even better, to start writing later in life.
Comedian, actor, and Saturday Night Live cast member Leslie Jones was on The Tonight Show recently. She told a story of getting the chance to open for Jamie Foxx when she was 19, and bombing. After the show, she cornered Jamie and asked him what she needed to do to be like him.
His response was (and I’m paraphrasing here), “Your problem is, you’re too young, so you don’t have any material. You don’t have any stories. Go live life. Go have good jobs and bad jobs. Have crazy roommates, get your heart broken, break someone else’s heart. Then you’ll be ready.”
Yes. YAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSS!
Most people need some life under their belts to have rich, touching, funny, surprising stories to tell. Some of us get that life sooner than others, for sure. And some authors are just gifted with the ability to tell a great story at a young age. I’m not one of them.
The urge to write fiction didn’t even strike me until a few years ago. Until then, all my writing was non-fiction–magazine articles, nature essays, marketing copy and press releases. When I started writing romance, finally, FINALLY, my long list of crazy jobs, fantastic and screwed up relationships, and amazing adventures made total sense.
Agree or disagree—is there such a thing as too old to start writing fiction? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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August 25, 2017
Naughty Nights Romance Giveaway
Aug 24 – Sept 14 to Win a Kindle Fire HD 8 + 80 eBooks!
If you love steamy & erotic romance books with scorching hot heroes, we have 80 of them and a Kindle Fire HD 8, ready for one lucky winner to claim!
This phenomenal prize package includes ebooks by Sylvia Day, Laurelin Page, Alice Ward, Skye Warren, Elle Kennedy, Vi Keeland, Maya Banks, Sarina Bowen, Katy Evans, Kendell Ryan, Adriana Locke, and more. Plus, win 22 sizzling romances donated by the talented authors sponsoring the giveaway—including me. Check out the complete list of eBooks in the prize package.
Two runners-up will win $25 Amazon gift cards.
This Giveaway is Sponsored by these fine authors:
Alicia Kobishop • Allyson Lindt • Anita Kidesu • Cailin Briste • Cassandra Bloom • Christine d’Abo • EJ Smyth • Elizabeth SaFleur •
Jeanne St. James • Jenna Bayley-Burke • Josie Litton • Marie Tuhart • Meg Xuemei X • Megyn Ward • Monica Goggin •
N.S. Johnson • Natalie Rios • Pia Monroe • Rebecca Brooks • Silla Webb • Soraya Naomi • Stacy Gold •
Summer Cooper • Suzanne Jenkins • Taylor Marsh • Tejvati Jheelan • Whitley Cox
Must be 18+ to enter. No purchase necessary.
The post Naughty Nights Romance Giveaway appeared first on Stacy Gold.
Random Musings: Naughty Nights Romance Giveaway
Aug 24 – Sept 14 to Win a Kindle Fire HD 8 + 80 eBooks!
If you love steamy & erotic romance books with scorching hot heroes, we have 80 of them and a Kindle Fire HD 8, ready for one lucky winner to claim!
This phenomenal prize package includes ebooks by Sylvia Day, Laurelin Page, Alice Ward, Skye Warren, Elle Kennedy, Vi Keeland, Maya Banks, Sarina Bowen, Katy Evans, Kendell Ryan, Adriana Locke, and more. Plus, win 22 sizzling romances donated by the talented authors sponsoring the giveaway—including me. Check out the complete list of eBooks in the prize package.
Two runners-up will win $25 Amazon gift cards.
This Giveaway is Sponsored by these fine authors:
Alicia Kobishop • Allyson Lindt • Anita Kidesu • Cailin Briste • Cassandra Bloom • Christine d’Abo • EJ Smyth • Elizabeth SaFleur •
Jeanne St. James • Jenna Bayley-Burke • Josie Litton • Marie Tuhart • Meg Xuemei X • Megyn Ward • Monica Goggin •
N.S. Johnson • Natalie Rios • Pia Monroe • Rebecca Brooks • Silla Webb • Soraya Naomi • Stacy Gold •
Summer Cooper • Suzanne Jenkins • Taylor Marsh • Tejvati Jheelan • Whitley Cox
Must be 18+ to enter. No purchase necessary.
The post Random Musings: Naughty Nights Romance Giveaway appeared first on Stacy Gold.
August 23, 2017
In Deep – Coming Soon
So, I’m beyond excited to announce that the latest in my series of short, steamy, contemporary ski romances is coming soon—likely Q4 (cue happy Snoopy dance). It is currently being edited by my awesome publisher, The Wild Rose Press This is the second novelette I’ve set at Emerald Mountain Ski Area in Central Washington State, and it was a blast to write.
I love skiing, so needless to say, I love writing about skiing. Having spent a number of years ski-bumming around the Rockies in my twenties, I’ve seen loads of relationships form on the hill. Something about the extra euphoria, danger, and adrenaline, and makes a developing relationship more intriguing.
If you’ve read Just Friends, my first Emerald Mountain novelette, then you already know ski patrollers Max and Sophie. Their the main characters in In Deep. This is the story of how they ended up together.
Here’s the draft teaser blurb for ya…
Can they keep their jobs, and each other?
Sophie Tremore is trying to build a career in the male-dominated world of Ski Patrol. Hard to do when her new boss and former lover, Max Demford, keeps treating her like she’s incompetent—when he’s not ignoring her existence.
Emerald Mountain Ski Patrol Director Max Demford has been doing his best to avoid working with Sophie. His judgment is clouded by those eight, mind-blowing weeks two years ago. Ski patrol is dangerous enough, and no way could he handle it if another person he cares about gets hurt on the mountain.
Short-staffed, Max reluctantly agrees to train Sophie on avalanche control. Working together makes it harder to ignore the mutual attraction simmering below the surface. When Sophie gets caught in a slide, an adrenaline-filled day turns into a spectacular, sex-filled night they need to forget, or risk their careers.
Want to be the first to know when In Deep is coming out, and get the chance to get your hands on an ARC (Advanced Review Copy)? Join the Gold Club! You’ll also get the chance to win a copy of Just Friends and other good stuff.
The post In Deep – Coming Soon appeared first on Stacy Gold.
Random Musings: In Deep – Coming Soon
So, I’m beyond excited to announce that the latest in my series of short, steamy, contemporary ski romances is coming soon—likely Q4 (cue happy Snoopy dance). It is currently being edited by my awesome publisher, The Wild Rose Press This is the second novelette I’ve set at Emerald Mountain Ski Area in Central Washington State, and it was a blast to write.
I love skiing, so needless to say, I love writing about skiing. Having spent a number of years ski-bumming around the Rockies in my twenties, I’ve seen loads of relationships form on the hill. Something about the extra euphoria, danger, and adrenaline, and makes a developing relationship more intriguing.
If you’ve read Just Friends, my first Emerald Mountain novelette, then you already know ski patrollers Max and Sophie. Their the main characters in In Deep. This is the story of how they ended up together.
Here’s the draft teaser blurb for ya…
Can they keep their jobs, and each other?
Sophie Tremore is trying to build a career in the male-dominated world of Ski Patrol. Hard to do when her new boss and former lover, Max Demford, keeps treating her like she’s incompetent—when he’s not ignoring her existence.
Emerald Mountain Ski Patrol Director Max Demford has been doing his best to avoid working with Sophie. His judgment is clouded by those eight, mind-blowing weeks two years ago. Ski patrol is dangerous enough, and no way could he handle it if another person he cares about gets hurt on the mountain.
Short-staffed, Max reluctantly agrees to train Sophie on avalanche control. Working together makes it harder to ignore the mutual attraction simmering below the surface. When Sophie gets caught in a slide, an adrenaline-filled day turns into a spectacular, sex-filled night they need to forget, or risk their careers.
Want to be the first to know when In Deep is coming out, and get the chance to get your hands on an ARC (Advanced Review Copy)? Join the Gold Club! You’ll also get the chance to win a copy of Just Friends and other good stuff.
The post Random Musings: In Deep – Coming Soon appeared first on Stacy Gold.
August 16, 2017
Contemporary Romance Giveaway
The grand prize for this contemporary romance giveaway has beach reads from every contemporary romance lover’s TBR list, all loaded onto a Kindle Fire HD 8. One lucky winner will get 80+ books in all!
Included in the grand prize are bestselling titles from Nora Roberts, Susan Mallery, Kerry Lonsdale, Catherine Bybee, Alice Ward, J.S. Scott, and Debbie Macomber, plus dozens more. Not to mention 27 fantastic books donated by the authors sponsoring the giveaway (including me!).
Two runners-up win $25 Amazon gift cards.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the awesome indie titles by our sponsoring authors. Cowboys, billionaires, Navy SEALs, bad boys, friends-to-lovers… find your next favorite late summer read.
This Contemporary Romance Giveaway is Sponsored by these Amazing Authors
Alicia Kobishop • Amanda Uhl • Anna Durand • Anne Stone • Ashlee Price • Bella Winters • Brenna Ash • Bria Quinlan • Calinda B • Carla Krae • Charlene Bright • Charmaine Ross • Connie Davé • Constance Phillips • Debbie White • Gemma Snow • Jacqueline Diamond • Joanne Dannon • Jody A Kessler • Kim Golden • Kira Blakely • Krista Ames • Kristen Strassel • Liz Durano • Maria K. Alexander • Melinda Dozier • Patricia M Jackson • RR Banks • Sarah Williams • Selina Coffey • Shaniel Watson • Stacy Gold • Stella Marie Alden • Summer Cooper • Tamara Ferguson
The post Contemporary Romance Giveaway appeared first on Stacy Gold.
July 11, 2017
Random Musings: Book Review of Skipping Out on Henry
I’ve always been an avid reader, and by that I mean an avid reader of everything and anything. At different times in my life, I’ve binge-read fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, the classics, Michener, Stephen King, Clive Cussler, Judy Blume, literary fiction–you name it.
While nowadays I mostly read contemporary romance, because that’s what I write, I’m always up for reading something new and different. Skipping Out on Henry fit the bill so perfectly I felt compelled to write a book review.
The author happens to be one of my Twitter friends. As a result of that friendship, I was lucky enough to get to beta read the book in its formative stages, and receive an ARC for review before it’s release. However, I have also bought a copy. And I wouldn’t have written a book review if I didn’t honestly enjoy the story.
And now, on to the book review…
If you’re looking for something fresh and fun to read, this book is clever, fast-paced, and laugh-out-loud funny! It’s a modern take on the time-travel story, and C.L. Ogilvie weaves history, hilarity, and a dash of romance into the perfect vacation read.
I’m not usually one for a ditsy, self-absorbed heroine, but Posey really worked for me. Her shortcomings get her and her bestie into a world of difficulties—starting with accidentally following a random hot guy through a time portal—and make her redeemable. I love a book that surprises me, and makes me laugh out loud. This book did both.
It’s not a romance, per se, but it has a nice romantic secondary story that makes you root for Posey to find love. Grab a copy here, now.
If you’ve read Skipping Out on Henry, I’d love to know what you thought of it. Please comment below, and of course leave your review on Amazon, Goodreads, and anywhere else you can!
The post Random Musings: Book Review of Skipping Out on Henry appeared first on Stacy Gold.
