Genevive Chamblee's Blog, page 16

How Not to Do NaNo

November has arrived, and for many, this month marks the beginning of a busy period. Social media frequently becomes flooded with people posting daily gratitude. Many men allow their beards to grow out to raise awareness for cancer. Parades and celebrations will happen for Veteran’s Day. Hours will be spent in a kitchen preparing pies, cakes, and a large bird. And for writers, it’s time for NaNoWriMo or NaNo for short.

Most people know what NaNo is, but in case someone doesn’t, here it is. NaNo is the abbreviation/acronym for National Novel Writing Month. Writers set goals and attempt to reach those goals (usually a designated word count) by the end of the month. For many writers, this is a good motivator to complete writing projects that may have been sitting in a file for months. However, for others, NaNo is just another month. As one author stated, “People who work don’t work one month out of a year. When writing is your profession, it is something you do every day.” In this light, NaNo should be approached as a self-challenge to exceed normal writing expectations or experimenting with new styles of writing.

As I have so often put it out there, I have never been successful at NaNo. However, I don’t follow the typical guidelines or suggestions listed on the NaNo webpage, either. I do my own thing, and this year will be no different; although, I am hoping for a better outcome. I’ve set a ridiculously high goal that seems nearly impossible. Yet, if I attempt, even in failure, I’m bound to find some success. Here are three things that I won’t be doing for NaNo this year. Maybe these will help or inspire others.

Setting a designated writing time. I know. This is an excellent practice for most writers. It’s beneficial to most. I won’t be doing it because this is bound to be my downfall. See, by nature, I’m not an organized person. Coworkers will claim otherwise. In fact, they may even say that I’m OCD or anal about organization. That’s because it’s what I outwardly present. I struggle to look organized. I have rigid, routines and designated places for things not because I want to but because I must if I don’t want to spend half of the day looking for things. If left to my preference, I’m one of the most laid-back people you’ll meet. I do possess organizational skills, but I must force myself to use them. In my day job, I can’t afford to not be organized.

A schedule is a type of organization. My problem is my schedule may vary. Once I set a schedule, my focus is to remain on it. Any deviations will throw me off. My thoughts become so singularly concentrated that the stress blocks me from being creative. For example, if I schedule a 10:00 AM writing sprint and unexpected issues that must be dealt with arise at 9:00, anxiety may begin to rise that I will not have the issue resolved by 10:00. As I rush through whatever issue there is, I’m constantly watching the clock. In doing so, because I’m not relaxed, I’m making more mistakes than I should. This slows me down which makes keeping my writing sprint time harder to keep. Should I make it on time, I’m mentally exhausted and not in a creative writing space.

The answer to this seems simple—be flexible. As I stated previously, organization is a struggle for me. It’s really an all-or-nothing type of deal. Being flexible is a gateway to my procrastination. What works for me is having a deadline that I know in advance. Subconsciously, my brain will calculate the amount of time that I need to achieve the task. Without designating a time, something triggers me when I need to get to work, how long, and how much I need to do in each setting. By the deadline, I will have a completed project.

For NaNo, I’ve decided to work to complete multiple writing projects. I designated a hierarchy of when to work on them other than some have set deadlines. I will work as time permits for as long as I have the stamina.

Word count as measurement. I don’t ever measure progress this way. For me, a story is complete when it’s written from beginning to end. The number of words used is irrelevant. I use however many words that I need to use. A few years ago, a colleague enrolled in a course for continuing education. He had a standing weekly assignment to write a summary of assigned articles. Each assignment had a minimum and maximum word limit. His issue was that he could often adequately summarize the articles in fewer words than the minimum word count. The professor would deduct points automatically for not meeting the minimum. In other words, he was being graded more on quantity than quality. After a few low scores and being frustrated with having to create fluff to put in his articles, he discovered white font color. He would write his summary, copy it, paste it, and change the duplicated text to white font. This duplicate section would be reflected in the document’s word count. His scores increased. Now, I don’t suggest anyone do this, but it did demonstrate that the number of words did not improve or reflect on the content.

In writing, authors are seeking to write substance. Writing words just for the sake of hitting a specific word count in my opinion is adding fluff—content that, in a good edit—will be deleted. The time spent writing fluff could be better spent elsewhere. Of course, this is just my opinion. I’m sure many will disagree, and for authors, using word count works for them. And that’s the beauty of writing. It is individualized and each writer should do what is best for his/her style.

Working on one project. As I mentioned previously, my goal is to complete as many outstanding writing projects as I can. Some will require more effort and time than others. The reason that I’ve decided to work on multiple projects is twofold. First, they need to be finished. Some have been sitting for months. Others haven’t been begun, and they all have deadlines. Whether I do it during November or some other month, they will need to be completed by the same designated date. Starting now will allow me more breathing room to meet the deadline.

Second, it will reduce the chance of being struck stupid with writer’s block or story block. If I get stuck, I can move on to another project and return later. Some of my first failures with NaNo were due to writer’s block or story block.

Measuring myself against others. I don’t suggest anyone ever do this about anything. This is a dangerous rabbit pit to fall into. It’s marvelous to see someone posting their writing achievements. However, that is their achievement and not mine. NaNo is a competition of one. It is a challenge for each writer to complete a novel (or whatever goal he/she set). It is not meant to outwrite other writers. If Joe writes five chapters, great for Joe. His chapter may be short and not well-written. Jane may have written half a chapter that is twice the length of all of Joe’s and also contain fewer errors. But maybe Joe’s chapters are only his outline, and his process is not to be concerned about any errors. Jane may be correcting as she goes. Neither process is wrong. It’s individualized.

And that wraps up all I have to say. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Get ready. It’s almost time to hit the ice again. Future Goals Coming soon.

When a college hockey player needs the help of an attractive older attorney, he gets more than he bargained for when trying to sort out the troubles in his career. Falling in love was never part of either man’s plan, especially as Corrigan’s and Sacha’s lives should never have collided. Now they’re left questioning if they’re standing in the way of the other’s future goals, or if there’s room for redirection.

Preorder your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9

Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (Book #4) takes the ice again. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search for me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and signup today.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

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How to Halloween for Grown-Ups… you know… Adults

It’s spooky season, and almost time for Candy Day. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, but it didn’t start out that way. As a child, I loved dressing up in costumes. But I quickly found myself in a state of grammar school neurosis where I hadn’t evolved from Piaget’s preoperational stage to the concrete operational stage. See, stranger danger had been drilled into me. I knew never to accept gifts from strangers. Additionally, I’d been taught never to beg for anything. Therefore, my five-year-old brain could not figure out how it was okay to walk to a stranger’s door, hold out a sack, and ask for candy. Besides, I couldn’t wrap my head around why I would go door-to-door asking for candy when I could buy it from Dollar General.

I lived in the woods. At no time was I allowed to be outside after dark. See, for anyone who doesn’t know, there’s a difference between the country. In the country, there are cute creatures like Bambi and Thumper. In the woods, if it moves, you’d better run because chances are it can eat you. Unless, of course, we’re talking about the slithery nope ropes. In instances when having the misfortune of coming in close proximity to one of those, you froze and tried not to urinate on yourself. For years, my father attempted to explain to me the patterns, colors, shapes of heads, eyes whatever (yadda, yadda, yadda) to determine non-poisonous from poisonous. My response to him was always the same. If I could see all of those features, then it was too close. I had no interest in what it identified as. I’m of the opinion, the only good snake is a dead snake. (Yeah, come at me. I said what I said.) I’m unapologetic about it because one hundred percent of the snakes I encountered in those woods were cottonmouths, and if you know, you know. Those are aggressive snakes—at least, the ones down by the bayous are. I had a snake “expert” try to convince me that snakes try to get out of the way when they feel the vibrations of humans. Yeah, okay. I call bull, but I’m no expert. All I can do is speak from my personal experience, and cottonmouths do not run. They will stop and wait for you. They will chase you. That is my opinion. Now, I’m not advocating for the massacre of snakes or attempting to incite fear. I don’t even encourage anyone to listen to me. I’m merely speaking my unresearched opinion. Herpetologists have vastly more knowledge on the subject. But I digress.

To make matters worse, children are cruel. They were then and continue to be now. Since I was at such a tender age, I can’t say for certain if what I say now is completely accurate. I can only reflect and make conclusions in hindsight.

Not too far from where I lived, there was an older woman (don’t ask me the age because anyone older than ten seemed ancient to me) who lived in a house that could have benefitted from a little TLC. I believe at one point she lived with a man, but I know as I grew a little older, she lived alone. She rarely came outside, and when she did, she yelled. I can’t recall if she made threats or just talked gibberish. However, I remember all the children hightailing it out of there if she stepped foot on her porch. I was warned by others to stay away from her and did as instructed. As an adult looking back, I believe she made have suffered from mental illness. But as a youth, it was presented to me as a classic tale from any Hansel and Gretel-type story. It was rumored that she hated children and would slip razor blades into candy apples. I was terrified of her. And this combination made trick-or-treating not my thing.

Sure, I loved dressing up in costumes, and I wanted to feast and gorge on tasty, sugary treats. But I also wanted to live. Although I didn’t have a full comprehension of death, I was pretty sure I didn’t want to experience it. (If truth be told, I think I may have thought death and zombies were the same things.) And while I’m here, some of those costumes were downright terrifying. Ghouls with rotten flesh aren’t sexy or cute. I would look at them and freak the hell out. Not my world, and not my journey! So, when the homeowners answered their doors, I was that child that burst into tears and ran away screaming. And the more houses I was dragged to, the harder I cried until I was allowed to return to home.

However, as the saying goes, it is better to give than receive. I later found joy in staying in my sanctuary and passing out candy. For many years, this sufficed me. During my teenage years, my interest began to change, and I wanted to be more active in celebrating Halloween. But I had aged out of what was considered by the community to be acceptable for trick-or-treating. And that was fine with me because I still didn’t want to do that. Yet, I did want to dress up—enter the era of Halloween costume parties and horror movies. Yes, I did say horror. No longer was I consumed with fear. On the contrary, the opposite happened. I didn’t cover my eyes and tremble. Very few slasher films gave me goosebumps. Mostly, I laughed at the fake blood and poor cinematography or the contriteness of the plot. I mainly watched to make fun of my friends when they jumped in their seats.

Now, I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t admit that there were some horror films that scared the bee-geez out of me. (Here’s to The Exorcist and Silence of the Lamb. Okay, and I’ll throw Children of the Corn and The Omen in the mix, too; although, these were more creepy than scary.) I was smart in my viewing. Typically, if I thought a film would spook me, I’d avoid it or would watch it during the day with loads of light streaming in from the windows.

In actuality, Halloween had become about spending time with my closest friends, making stupid jokes and decorating everyday foods to look disgusting. It was spending an evening being someone other than myself and acting goofy.

In college, my interest changed again. Halloween became synonymous with The Rocky Horror Picture Show, being shown on a portable screen set up outside of The Union on the campus square. It was hanging out with strangers who all had gathered for the same reason. It was turning to the person seated on the grass beside me and striking up a conversation about nothing important. It was happy times. Innocent.

Entering adulthood, the appeal of Halloween began to fade. Mainly this occurred because I moved (for work) to an area that did not celebrate Halloween. In fact, so opposed was the majority of the community, the local churches would hold evening services to prevent trick-or-treating. See, the churches recognized that if they scheduled a service, parents would attend. If the parents were attending, the majority would bring their young children because they either couldn’t find or didn’t want to pay for a sitter. To draw in the teenagers, many local churches preached the evils of the holiday that made it unsafe. This would make many parents nervous. So, as an alternative, many of the churches would hire a contemporary Christian band to perform during the hours that the city scheduled trick-or-treating. Toss is some food and a guarantee to parents that their crumb-snatchers would be chaperoned for much of the night, it was number one with a bullet.

It wasn’t until I became a parent that Halloween sparked an interest for me again. By then, door-to-door candy solicitation was all but taboo. It had been replaced by trunk-or-treat and Zoo Boo—mini carnivals of ring tosses and lawn bowling. The people handling the games and passing out treats weren’t strangers, but people that my child knew well. My joy came from watching the smile on her face when she received a prize, and the smile I put on other children’s faces when I loaded their backs with homemade goodies and pastries. But those years go by quickly, and my child, too, aged out.

These days, I simply enjoy the creativity of the season—staying home and watching contestants build haunted houses out of cake or create jack-o’-lanterns out of cane syrup. And this got me to thinking. What are some activities to do on Halloween for grownups; a.k.a., adults? Here are some ideas.

Host a game night. Scavenger hunts are always a fun way to coax people to take embarrassing pictures that can be used for blackmail years later. (Just joking… kinda). Seriously, with cell phone cameras, video scavenger hunts couldn’t be easier for participants. It can be Halloween-themed or not (e.g., take a photo with someone dressed in a Wizard of Oz costume or video carving a pumpkin).Host a Who-Done-It. This was suggested by a friend, and if I’m being transparent, this is likely the most complicated activity on the list. It will involve plenty of planning. Basically, this is an Agatha Christie/Clue murder (crime) mystery where players have to figure out using hidden clues who committed the offense stated by the game host. This activity can involve all sorts of Halloween activities such as dressing in costumes, dancing, ghost stories, and so on.Dungeons and Dragons. The only reason this is on the list is that when I mentioned writing this post to a friend, I was in Books-A-Million. One of the workers shelving books overheard and insisted that I include this in my list. I’ve never played D&D, so I won’t get into what I’ve heard said about it. The clerk took me to a D&D section of the store, and I was overwhelmed by how much stuff there was on it. I was like, “wow!” I had no clue it was that popular and concluded there must be something to it. The clerk informed me that many players seriously invest in it and cosplay which sounds like a perfect Halloween activity. Therefore, it made this list.Costume catwalk. This puts a spin on a costume contest by making it into a fashion show. Put on the Vogue music and allow people to do their worst strutting their stuff for all to see. For added fun, make it a neighborhood sidewalk parade.Go on a hayride. Honestly, I never too much understood the appeal of this, but it’s a way to spend time with friends, therefore, I won’t knock it.Write a ghost story. This is an activity that can be done alone or in a group.Visit an amusement park. Why limit yourself to going to a popup haunted house when you can get your blood pumping through your veins on a rollercoaster? For some, this may not seem like a viable option as amusement parks tend to be expensive and may be far away. However, for others, it may be a day trip. Or maybe it’s time for that summer vacation you didn’t take.Halloween Adult Libations. Who says Halloween is only for kids? Well, maybe it is. But for the kids twenty-one and older, special treats still can be had. For some ideas on what spooky cocktails to stir up, visit delish.com.Pumpkin fun. This is an old standby, but what would Halloween be without pumpkins. Pumpkin fun can include carving or painting them, visiting a pumpkin patch, pumpkin tosses, roasting pumpkin seeds, etc.People watching. For those who want an activity that involves little exertion, this is it. The best part is that it can be done in many different locations. One could do it from the comfort of their home or they may choose to sit in a park or another public place. On Halloween, one is bound to witness some strangeness.

Well, that’s it for this Halloween post. What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Get ready. It’s almost time to hit the ice again. Future Goals Coming soon.

When a college hockey player needs the help of an attractive older attorney, he gets more than he bargained for when trying to sort out the troubles in his career. Falling in love was never part of either man’s plan, especially as Corrigan’s and Sacha’s lives should never have collided. Now they’re left questioning if they’re standing in the way of the other’s future goals, or if there’s room for redirection.

Preorder your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9

Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (Book #4) retakes the ice. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and signup today.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

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How to Prep in Preptober

Before I begin today’s post, I throw myself at the mercy of the blog courts and beg for forgiveness. I know I did a reset not too long ago and posted a schedule of topics, but I ask to be granted a pardon this week. It’s been mega busy down here on the bayou, and multitasking doesn’t even begin to cover what I need to do. It was only a matter of time before I was bound to muck something up.

Traditionally, NaNoWriMo and I don’t get along so well. This is no secret. What generally happens is… well, I fail. There’s no other way to put it and no reason to sugarcoat anything. It is what it is. At this point, I’m almost willing to say it’s a psychological block. Once I commit to doing NaNo every ounce of creativity and motivation is sucked out of me almost instantaneously. November is my least productive month of the year.

Then, I was introduced to Preptober, and I thought, “great, it will help.” I thought wrong. In fact, it made it worse. Not only was I not producing in November, I would hype myself up but become less productive in October. The difference was I then had a list of just how unproductive I was shoved in my face. Let me tell you, it’s not all warm and fuzzy for the ego.

What’s worse is that I cheat. I don’t even attempt to follow the loose guidelines set by NaNo. But even in violating the guidelines, I’ve remained unsuccessful. So, for these reasons, I’m once again changing how I approach NaNo which leads me to today’s post. See, I intended to write a Preptober post but forgot. This post should have been posted the first week of October which didn’t happen, hence, my writing and posting it this week. And this is now what has me off my posting schedule. Not a great start. But I figured what is one more year of NaNo failure?

I’m determined that even if I fail, I will perform better than I did last year. And to my credit, last year, I did perform slightly better than the year before… kinda. It depends on how success is measured, and anything is better than nothing… almost. I mean, writing 1,000 words of dribble that all needs to be scrapped is probably worse than nothing. That’s like a negative number.

So, if I always fail, and likely will once again fail, why would I bother writing this post? And why should anyone listen to me? As the saying goes, misery loves company. I thought I would share what I’m changing this year in my preparation for NaNo. Maybe it will help or inspire others. Because while misery loves company, two heads are better than one. There are lessons from others’ mistakes. And there’s always hope.

The first huge change I’m making is being more specific about what I need to accomplish. I never use word count as a measure unless there is a particular reason to do so. Word count to me is just a number. It means nothing if the words mean nothing. I could write the word “cat” 10,000 times and meet a word count. But would that help me toward a story goal? In my opinion, it’s not the number of words written that is important but whether or not those words successfully tell a story. Instead of word count, this year I will be using the number of completed projects.

I know, I did that last year and it didn’t work. When reflecting on my performance last time around, I realized that I missed something critical. I didn’t break down the number of projects. Since each writing project has several parts for completion, I was bouncing around. The result was several projects in various stages but none were complete. Now, I could have viewed what I had completed as progress, but in actuality, it was a source of confusion. I was constantly having to sort out what was happening with what project. I spent more time trying to figure it out than anything else. I gave myself no credit for incomplete projects.

This year, I’m breaking each writing project down into its parts and using checkboxes to note what parts are done. So far, I have 77 writing projects that need to complete by the end of November. That sounds like a lot because it is a lot. It may even be too much. However, I think it is durable if I follow my plan. (Complete the saying… “and the best-laid plans…”) I know me. I know I won’t work on them in any type of logical order. I need flexibility. That is why I have decided that if I complete at least 80% of a project, I will give myself NaNo credit. For example, if a project has ten parts and I complete eight, I can claim that project as a success.

I’m allowing that flexibility for another reason. I may be unable to complete a project due to no fault of my own. For example, a project may require that I research a topic before completing and I do not have access to the research material. I may need to set that project aside and work on something else. Not all projects will be the same size. Some may only have three or four steps while more complicated ones may have fifteen or twenty steps. Thus, completing three smaller projects at 100% may not be as labor-intense as completing one larger one.

But what are these parts that I keep mentioning? Say that I’m working on a story, and I know the basic plot that involves a jewelry heist. I begin writing the scene and I suddenly realize that I don’t know much about how alarm systems work for my MC to disarm one. I can’t continue writing without this information. I could skip it, but by skipping it for the time being and continue writing the rest of the story. However, skipping it may cause inconsistencies or issues in other parts of the story. So, research may be part of this project.

Also, suppose this same story is being told from three points of view. Maybe, as I’m writing, I want to focus on writing each character’s POV as a whole instead of going back and forth between them. Therefore, I may write all of character A’s scenes first, then character B’s, and finally character C’s. In my measure of progress, each character would be an individual part. I could further break the characters down. Say that I know each character will need to tell their backstory, have a scene where they spend time in jail, and acquire some type of magical ability which needs to be explained. Each other these things may be elements measured. Thus, how I measure success may look something like this:

A. Research alarm

B. Character A POV

BackstoryJail timeMagic ability

C. Character B POV

BackstoryJail timeMagic ability

D. Character C POV

BackstoryJail timeMagic ability

That may look dangerously close to an outline. The reason I don’t call it one is because I consider story outlines to shape how a story is told as in X happens first then Y then Z. What I’m using has no designated order. These are just areas that I know need to be included somewhere within the story. I may write character’s B jail time, character A’s backstory and magical ability, nothing for character C, and conduct only half of the necessary research. This would mean my measure of progress would look something like this:

Research alarm – 50% (worth 0 points)Character A POV – 67% (worth 0 points)Character B POV – 33% (worth 0 points)Character C POV – 0% (worth 0 points)Overall NaNo success – 37.5% (an average of total averages)

For some, this may seem too complicated of a system. However, for me, to measure progress since I’m not using word count. My goal is to complete at least 80% of each of the 77 writing projects that I have identified. It’s ambitious, yes. No guts, not glory. But here’s my mindset. All of these projects must be completed at some point. There are deadlines—not November 30, but there’s still a deadline. I know how the holidays get. I’m all too familiar with procrastination. So, why not set a high goal in November for NaNo and get ahead of what I must do anyway?

October will be the time I spend identifying all of the writing projects that I need to complete (that 77 could increase) and all of the things needed to complete them. Some may need to be typed. Some may need editing. Some may require research. Some may require graphics. Some may be 500 words while others may be 5,000. Who knows? But that’s what I’m going to find out and list in my prep sheets.

Another reason I’m electing to do it this way is that some of the writing projects are already begun. Some are very close to being finished while others haven’t been started. This method will allow me to see clearly each part that has been done. So, in the example I made up, I would know exactly what to work on. I could quickly eyeball my checklist and know that character A requires a jail scene, character B needs a background story and set up of magical ability, and character C needs all three.

One final thing. I’m not going to be all hardnosed about the math. I’m going to check off the boxes and move on. I’ll do calculations at the end to see where I am. The ultimate goal is to complete as many projects as I can at 100%. The reason I didn’t set my NaNo goal at 100% is that there is a difference between optimal and realistic. In thirty days, what can I realistically expect to accomplish? I have to allow for setbacks and unexpected hiccups. And again, it is a very high number. Yet, it isn’t mission impossible.

And there you have it for better or worse. What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? How are you preparing for NaNo. Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Get ready. It’s almost time to hit the ice again. Future Goals Coming soon.

When a college hockey player needs the help of an attractive older attorney, he gets more than he bargained for when trying to sort out the troubles in his career. Falling in love was never part of either man’s plan, especially as Corrigan’s and Sacha’s lives should never have collided. Now they’re left questioning if they’re standing in the way of the other’s future goals, or if there’s room for redirection.

Preorder your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9

Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (Book #4) retakes the ice. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and signup today.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

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How to Deal with Seasonal Depression

It’s that time of year again—the time when the days grow shorter and the air colder… or at least in theory. I mean this is the South. Fall is kind of like one of those mythical creatures that are supposed to exist, and sometimes people claim to get a glimpse of something strange but are not quite sure what it is or if what they saw is real. Fall weather in the South comes and goes like the tide. It rolls in one morning and rolls out by noon. Thus, I’ve always been a bit baffled when I see all of the excitement over the change of season from summer to fall. While I may find it a bit of a mystery, it is a source of dread for some.

As I was pondering a topic for today’s post and hearing all the fall talk, I was reminded that October 10 is World Mental Health Day. I began to consider how the two are related, and it only seemed appropriate to discuss seasonal depression. Before I continue, there is a giveaway happening. Keep reading for more information on that.

Back in the day, there was discussion about whether or not Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) was a real thing. Believe it or not, there were many professionals who did believe it was. And today, there is still some disagreement about it. If one would search for it in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), one may be shocked to discover that SAD is not listed as an independent diagnosis. Instead, it is listed as a specifier of Depressive Disorders (i.e., “with seasonal pattern”).

One criterion for this specifier states that there must exist a regular temporal relationship between the onset of major depressive episodes in major depressive disorder, recurrent. Another criterion is that major depressive episodes substantially outnumber the nonseasonal major depressive episodes over an individual’s lifetime. If psychosocial stressors which are linked by season are considered to be the trigger, then this diagnosis is ruled out. What all this means is that for someone who is feeling a little blue or down in the dumps at the change of seasons, this diagnosis would not apply.

Now that it’s been explained what seasonal depression is and how (partially- not all criteria were listed in this post) the DSM-5 defines it, the next question is how does one combat seasonal depression?

The first step is understanding the how is to know the why. Why does season depression occur? While there may be several reasons, the cause most frequently noted is insufficient sunlight exposure. But why is this?

Research has shown that a deficiency in Vitamin D may be a risk factor contributing to depressive symptoms. When the body is deficient in Vitamin D, it can present symptoms that look similar to those of depression. These include the following: mood changes, feelings of helplessness/hopelessness, sadness, loss of interest in activities and hobbies found pleasurable, fatigue, anxiety, loss of appetite or overeating, excessive weight loss or weight gain, changes in sleep (e.g., trouble falling or staying asleep, insomnia, oversleeping, etc.), and difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness.

Vitamin D receptors are found in muscles, the brain, the heart, and the immune system. These receptors intake the Vitamin D and transport it to the liver and kidneys. In these organs, it is converted into an active hormone. The hormone it is converted into then assists the body in absorbing calcium.

When the skin is exposed to sunlight, the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays interact with a protein in the skin. This protein is called 7-DHC. From there, it is converted into vitamin D3. This is the active form of vitamin D. Hence, the human body acquires vitamin D through sun exposure.

That explains the why and brings us to the how. How does one deal with symptoms of seasonal depression?

The first three points are all similar.

Sunshine. Get outside and soak in some rays. This may be the least invasive and inexpensive of all of the methods lifted. It’s also the most logical. Since seasonal depression is thought to be linked to fewer daylight hours (i.e., fewer hours of sunlight), it is important to maximize time in the sun. Instead of eating inside, opt to have breakfast on a patio or a lunchtime picnic in the park. Open blinds and curtains to allow the sunshine to illuminate rooms. Spend time in rooms that have skylights.Phototherapy. If getting out in the sunshine isn’t possible, the next best thing may be to use artificial light. This involves using light boxes/lamps to mimic sunshine. These types of lights can be purchased in many stores or online. Most recommend twenty to thirty minutes of light exposure per day; however, it is essential to follow the recommendations and directions on the lamps. The idea is to create a chemical change in the brain that lifts mood and alleviates symptoms.Vitamin D. As explained previously, the body requires Vitamin D. When it is deficient, symptoms associated with depression may occur. It’s obvious then if there is a deficiency the answer is to replace or remove the deficiency. Taking Vitamin D supplements may be a solution. However, with anything that is being consumed for health purposes, it is always wise to check with a physician or qualified professional first.Exercise/ Keeping active. There are several reasons why exercise and keeping active are beneficial. First, it can improve physical health by keeping the heart strong. However, exercise is also important to mental health. It releases endorphins which are known to improve mood and make people feel better. Something else that people rarely consider is that many times people gain weight when depressed due to inactivity or an overindulgence of carbohydrates. For some, this weight gain may add to their depression as they may not feel their best, increase their fatigue, create medical issues, or cause self-esteem issues. Exercising may reduce or eliminate this from happening.Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy use with seasonal depression is a little controversial. Some argue it works while others argue that it doesn’t have any significant benefits. The people who support the use of aromatherapy as a viable remedy are that essential oils potentially influence the areas of the brain that are responsible for controlling moods and the body’s internal clock that influences sleep.Medications/Antidepressants. This requires a visit and discussion with a physician, which is beneficial in a number of ways. First, a physician can help clarify diagnoses. Believe it or not, some physical conditions and/or illnesses may present in a way that appears to be psychiatric. Most physicians will complete a physical examination and order bloodwork. This will help them to determine if the depression is attributable to a medical condition as well as in helping to decide which medication to prescribe and which are safe. A physician will also monitor the effectiveness and side effects of any medication administered. Anyone who believes he/she may be depressed should seek professional advice/counsel. I listed this as last, as most people would prefer medication to be the last resort. However, seeking professional advice should never be considered as an afterthought or unimportant.

So, that’s a wrap for today’s topic. What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou. Keep reading for information about the free giveaway.

Get ready. It’s almost time to hit the ice again. Future Goals Coming soon.

When a college hockey player needs the help of an attractive older attorney, he gets more than he bargained for when trying to sort out the troubles in his career. Falling in love was never part of either man’s plan, especially as Corrigan’s and Sacha’s lives should never have collided. Now they’re left questioning if they’re standing in the way of the other’s future goals, or if there’s room for redirection.

Preorder your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9

Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (Book #4) retakes the ice. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search for me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and signup today.

***SALE & GIVEAWAY***

HTP Friends to Lovers! This 99 cents sale begins on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 & runs through Tuesday, October 18th, 2022. There is a $10 Amazon Gift Card giveaway via Rafflecopter; entries are earned via BookBub follows and Tweets about the sale. The links for the sale and the giveaway are listed below. Out of the Penalty Box is just one of the great deals you will find.

Promo Page: https://www.hottreepromotions.com/friends-to-lovers-sale

Rafflecopter Link:  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b228b3067/?

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

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Are Writing Beats Outdated?

Are Romance Writing Beats Outdated? Is it time for a change?

Here’s a topic that is sure to cause some heads to spin. I already know the argument: What right do I have to question such a thing? What makes me an expert? Well, first, I’m not claiming to be an expert. I’m posing a question that I think every writer has the right to ask. Any person in any discipline has the right (and in my opinion, the duty) to question what they are doing and why.

Years ago, employees at a business were instructed that they needed to work late hours a few days every month. The reason employees were told to do this was regarding a very specific incident that has long since been resolved. Yet, the practice continues and serves no viable function. If asked the reason for working late hours, the majority of the employees can’t provide a reason other than they were told to do so. Now, for many, this is completely acceptable. However, in this particular case, the employees are required to perform specific duties—at least, in theory. But because these employees do not know why they work late, they also do not know the extra duties they are to perform. So, they don’t. The end result is a warm body mulling around later than he/she should. Yet, no one questions this mandate because “that’s just how it’s done.” And how many times has a sentiment like that led straight to disaster? Did anyone else’s parents ever ask him/her, “If your friends jump off a cliff, are you going to do it, too?” Doing something without knowing its purpose follows that same principle of blindly jumping off a cliff.

With each book I write, I strive to improve and grow. I believe that to be the truth of most writers. No one wants to put junk out there for public consumption. That is why writers spend so much time editing, researching, and revising. These things are all done to craft a manuscript into the best that it can be. In addition, writers use multiple tools such as dictionaries, thesaurus, writing manuals, and standard practice writing guidelines. I’ve said often, as well as many others much wiser and with more experience than myself, writing has few rules. Most of what is in place are suggested guidelines. However, there are some rules that need to be followed, and many of these guidelines should not be ignored.

One guideline that cropped for discussion in a writing group is what is known as the “dark moment.” It has other names as well and occurs in most stories. In romance, it is the part of a romance where the couple breaks up or forms a belief that the relationship is hopeless or doomed. As with most of my posts, I like to provide a background of why the topic occurred to frame what is about to be written. This subject came about due to a movie. The movie was listed as a comedy, although, I’m not sure why. It had comical—or what producers hoped would be humorous—scenes but largely was an action/suspense. The comedic scenes were used to break up the large amount of tension displayed in the majority of the movie. This is a common (and smart) technique. However, listing it as a comedy is what put this movie on blast in the writing group, and members began to analyze the structure. One of the issues for me, though, happened within the first five minutes of the movie. I should mention here that before I began watching, I had never heard of this movie or seen any previews. Thus, I had no idea what to expect. However, five minutes in, a secondary character was introduced, and I immediately knew from the actor portraying this character that this was the antagonist/villain. The movie was ruined for me at that point because that was supposed to be the twist—the dark moment when the protagonist learns he has been betrayed by his best friend and thinks everything is hopeless because his bestie is too powerful and has too much knowledge.

As a viewer, knowing this information so early in the movie made me bored for the duration. It is said in writing, especially in romance, that the end is predictable but the journey is the surprise. It’s how the two main characters get from A to Z that is the exciting part and makes each story unique. This caused me to think about how “dark moments” function in romances. I asked if they were truly necessary and was met with a resounding yes. But then, I thought some more and applied the “dark moment” to real relationships. After all, novel relationships should be believable on some level.

I thought about a friend who was dating a man who later became her husband. They had their dark moment when she got a new job in another town and insisted that he move with her. When he didn’t, they broke up. It wasn’t the first time they’d broken up, but this time was different because they were engaged. He didn’t want to move because he lived in his hometown and was established there. He eventually moved, and they got married. However, a lot of damage had been done. Initially, he couldn’t find employment, and when he did, it was not a job he enjoyed and also a pay cut. It also made his wife the breadwinner which hit his ego hard. He began drinking and not always being pleasant with his words. He resented her for insisting that he move. They remained together, but the relationship was rocky. This dark moment wasn’t one to be rebounded, and anyone with an objective set of eyes saw this coming long before the relationship deteriorated the way it did.

Another friend met her boyfriend on a dating app. When they first began conversing, they lived in two different cities approximately a ninety-minute drive between them. In my opinion, this does not constitute a long-distance relationship. In some large cities, it takes almost that amount of time to cross from one end of the city to the other in rush hour traffic. However, I know there are people who would consider this long-distance. The distance between them did create an issue, though. At the time, my friend had a small child who was involved in multiple activities throughout the week and on weekends. Therefore, she planned her work schedule around her child’s activities. This left little free time for herself. While her child was at a scheduled activity that didn’t require parental presence, my friend utilized the time to do her rat killing. The problem was there wasn’t enough time to travel ninety minutes to, have a proper date, and ninety minutes back in time to pick up her child. In a romance story, this entire period would have been the dark moment because it would seem that they would never be together. There wasn’t a time during this period when they were both free for a date. There wasn’t even a hint of a time that they both could meet. When she would find herself with a free weekend, it was always last minute, and he was tied up with obligations. There was no “breakup” or “setback” because they weren’t together. This extended for a long time. So, when they finally got together, they were together.

I found both of these relationships interesting, and I can see the possibility of a plot for a romance. But if staying close to the source material (I know, the first wouldn’t be considered a romance without a HEA) the “dark moment” doesn’t work. Could one be created and written? Sure. But could a romance story be possible without it? I think the answer to that is yes. Sometimes, relationships move in a straight line without any “reversals.” That does not mean the couple doesn’t have struggles or hardships. Many times, it means the couple makes a conscious decision to work through their problems instead of allowing a misunderstanding or issue to get out of control.

A coworker suspected his partner of having an interest in someone else. He could have thrown up his hands and thought that was the end of what was developing between them. He didn’t think, “Oh, that’s it. We’re not going to be together.” His first response wasn’t to throw in the towel. Instead, he asked her directly if she had an interest in another person. The matter was resolved within seconds. Again, not a reversal or a true “dark moment.” Yet, it could be compelling in a romance.

A huge criticism of romance novels is when trivial matters are blown out of proportion. Many dark moments are included for the sake of meeting the requirement of having a dark moment because that is what most story structures list as a necessary component. Then, there’s a scene that leaves readers like, “What? This is why they are splitting up?” Without the scene, the story would be just as good or better.

That wraps up this post. What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

When the scandal of a double homicide threatens to destroy his career, this billionaire hockey player hires an ambitious sports agent to improve his public image. It’s time to let the puckery begin.

Timothée Croneau is that jock—the bad boy superstar with the naughty reputation. He’s handsome, arrogant, and a billionaire. He’s also the number one person of interest in a double homicide and recently was traded to a losing team that is showing him no love. And wouldn’t it be just his luck that his career splashed in the toilet six months after his long-time agent kicked the bucket? Now, he’s stuck with Ryker Kitsch. An agent is supposed to fix his life, though, not break his heart.

Speaking of breaks, ex-athlete Ryker Kitsch wants his in the sports agency realm. He sees his chance to make a name for himself by helping rebrand his agency’s newly acquired hockey star, Timothée Croneau. The guy needs every lick of positive PR he can get. So, why is the devilishly gorgeous forward fighting him at every step and leaving Ryker to wonder if he’s been hired for a babysitting gig?

The mess Timothée is stirring was never in any contract Ryker was hired to handle. One thing’s for sure. Whether it’s a forecheck or backcheck, collision is inevitable.

Order your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p

Other booksellers: https://books2read.com/penaltykill

Missed the three in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and signup today.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

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How to Know If It Is Romance or Something Else

It’s the fourth Wednesday of the month which means the post du jour should be romance and/or relationship-related. Note, I wrote should. But I can’t help to shake it up just a little. I’m going to hold true to my word and give that splash of romance with something a little extra. See, as I was pondering what to write, I was also reviewing previous notes with the television going in the background. The news was on, and I’d heard enough negativity for the day. So, I clicked a button on the remote, and the screen flipped to some random channel.

I think I watch television like many people. I allow the noise to decide., I ignore what is happening until I hear something that catches my attention. In this case, it was some dramatic da-da-daaah music and two women arguing. I look up, and of course, the argument is about a man, and one of the women is being portrayed as some obsessed psychopath who has kidnapped some innocent woman in the hopes of tricking the woman’s husband into thinking she has abandoned him. The plan is to take have the husband fall madly in love with her (which she is convinced that he already is), take over the wife’s life in the family, and live happily ever after.

I winced. One, the acting was atrocious, but second, there was so much glaringly wrong with this picture. Let us count the ways, starting with the psychiatrist who stated the woman was an obsessive-compulsive erotomaniac schizophrenic. I wanted to fire them and get a refund. Did someone just put all the names in psychiatric diagnoses in a paper bag and pull them out blindly like bingo numbers? Honestly, I do not understand why some people are allowed to get away with writing anything and others are nitpicked to no end. And then I thought, “Hey, there’s my topic: romance in a psychopathological way.” But we can overlook that, right?

Something that has always bothered me is when I’m reading (or watching) a “romance” (book or movie) and what is being described as a “romantic relationship” is in all actuality a mental disorder. What is even worse is not only do they miss the mark on romance, they get the details and/or characteristics of the mental disorder wrong.

So, let’s get to it.

Delusions are fixed beliefs. These beliefs are not prone to change even when there exists sufficient evidence to do so. They are classified as being “bizarre” under three conditions.

They do not derive from ordinary life experiences.They are incomprehensible to peers in the same culture.They are incontestably implausible.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists delusions into the category of Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders. According to the DSM-5, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between an idea that is firmly believed and a delusion. The manual further notes that the distinction is dependent upon the “degree of conviction” that the belief is held. I once met a sixteen-year-old who was said to have had visual hallucinations in the form of seeing and communicating with his deceased mother. After some time, it was learned that he had been raised since birth in a religion that taught communicating with those who had passed on.

Erotomania (also commonly known as erotomaniac delusions) is a delusional disorder in which a person falsely believes that another person is in love with him/her. It originally was known as de Clérambault’s Syndrome, as it was named after the French psychiatrist Gaëtan Gatian de Clérambault. He first described the condition (which he called “psychose passionelle”in 1927. Where many books/movies often miss the mark on this is that the object of the delusion does not necessarily have to be a famous or prominent person. This often is the case, or rather, the object is a person who is (or is perceived to be) or of a higher social status, but not always. The object could be anyone, including a complete stranger or someone the person barely knows. In general, the person experiencing the delusion will attempt to contact or interact with the person he/she is having delusions about. But again, not this is not always the case. It also isn’t always the case that the person with the delusion falls off the deep end and becomes a stalker or kidnapper.

A person experiencing erotomaniac delusions may not exhibit any additional odd or bizarre behavior. This means he/she may be capable of functioning normally without drawing attention to himself/herself or others noticing anything peculiar about him/her. The person may blend in with everyone else and display no marked impairments in any other areas of functioning.

Another factor often portrayed incorrectly in characters who supposedly are experiencing erotomaniac delusions is that they are diagnosed with some other mental or physical disorder that could better explain the condition. For example, DSM-5 states that it is a no-no to diagnose erotomaniac delusions when the disturbance is attributable to obsessive-compulsive disorder or body dysmorphic disorder. How many times has this commonly been ignored in fiction? It also should not be diagnosed if a physiological disorder (e.g., a traumatic brain injury from a motor vehicle accident or fall) or the effects of substance abuse and/or medication is the predominant cause.

And that wraps up all I have to say. What did you think?. What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Get ready. It’s almost time to hit the ice again. Future Goals Coming soon.

When a college hockey player needs the help of an attractive older attorney, he gets more than he bargained for when trying to sort out the troubles in his career. Falling in love was never part of either man’s plan, especially as Corrigan’s and Sacha’s lives should never have collided. Now they’re left questioning if they’re standing in the way of the other’s future goals, or if there’s room for redirection.

Preorder your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9

Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (Book #4) takes the ice again. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and signup today.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

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How to Quiet Quit

The pandemic has brought about many changes, awarenesses, and phenomena. Some time ago, maybe a year now, I heard a term that was intriguing, and even more captivating was it was something I was possibly doing without my conscious knowledge.

Before I get into it, I think it’s important to set some groundwork because many are quick to dismiss this trend as being “lazy” or claiming it to be a part of some larger conspiracy or political statement. For some, that may be the case. However, for many others—and I dare say it’s probably the majority although that is not found in any empirical or statical evidence—it has slowly occurred over time unbeknownst to them. They’ve considered it being in a slum or simply having burnout. Sometimes a person may think they are just feeling sad and not realize they are in the throes of clinical depression. It sneaks up on a person, starting as something small and emergent as an all-consuming crater.

Years ago, I had an experience. A top administrator visited my building. It was one of those pop-in surprise visits meant to shake employees and catch them doing things that they weren’t supposed to be doing. Now, anyone who has ever worked in a large agency knows that on any given day something can and usually does not go as planned. It’s one of those small annoyances that employees deal with. However, well-trained employees recognize the problem and handle it promptly. Sometimes, these issues are employee-made, meaning it was the employee who somehow created the situation. Other times, and those are the ones that are most frustrating, the situation occurs due to something outside of the employees’ control—say, for example, a hurricane coming and knocking out all of the power so none of the computers are functioning disallowing staff to complete reports for deadlines. Or a tree falling and the agency phone lines going down, preventing all incoming (and outgoing but employees could use their “against policy” cell phone for those) phone calls. Things happen, and not always for the good.

On this particular day, there had been maintenance issues with plumbing, and employees who usually didn’t work certain areas and weren’t visible in main work areas at that time of the day, were out of their offices and helping man the situation. Now, most would consider this a good thing—everyone pitching in in a time of crisis to do his/her part. And I would argue for most working establishments this would be true. However, not so much in this instance—at least, not according to the administration. Or maybe it’s more appropriate to say that administration didn’t feel it was enough—they needed to see blood on the table first.

If the staff was considered to be in tiers of 1. 2, and 3 with Tier 1 being the lowest on the rung and Tier 3 being the highest, this the following is what happened. Tier 1 staff generally worked the main areas the full day, whereas, Tier 2 worked the main areas at particular times and in a limited capacity. Although Tier 2 employees were not considered supervisors, they were responsible for anything (and everything) that occurred in the building as well as all of the paperwork. When a Tier 2 worker informed a Tier 1 worker that something needed to happen, it was expected that the Tier 1 worker to carry it out. However, if the Tier 1 worker did not act as directed, the Tier 2 worker would have to go to a Tier 1 supervisor (Tier 2.5) to report it. Now, this Tier 2.5 was not a supervisor to Tier 2 and could not give directives to Tier 2 employees. Tier 2 and Tier 2.5 had the same supervisor (Tier 2.75). But interestingly, Tier 2.5 had more “power” than Tier 2.75. At this point, the cracks in this hierarchy are becoming visible, but let’s continue. When issues arose, it was the responsibility of Tier 2 workers to find the resolution and Tier 2.75 to take all the credit. But when 2.5 made recommendations that could potentially resolve issues but that didn’t fit with Tier 3 (who never had any accurate perspective of what was happening in the work areas), they simply could (and would) say no and shoot it down.

On the day being discussed, Tier 2 was working side-by-side with Tier 1 to get through a challenging morning. Due to plumbing issues, workers were “off-schedule” and not in areas they were assigned at that particular time. Obviously, if an area is flooded, workers aren’t going to be working in that area until the floors are dry and the area has been declared safe. It’s called making adjustments. And when a routine unexpectedly and suddenly changes, there can be bumps in the recalibration. Think about moving into a new home. Everything is in boxes and has to be put in a new place. Setting up and getting situated takes time. Tier 1 employees were having to resituate themselves. Tier 2 workers we basically “bringing the boxes in off the moving truck.” They were acting as gophers. “What do you need? Okay, I’ll go get that for you.” Tier 2 workers were also directing/orchestrating the transition. “You go to this area to work, and you work over there.” Things were getting done. Then, here comes Tier 3 into the picture.

Tier 3 enters upset by the fact the schedule as written isn’t being followed, and they can’t find employees where the schedule has them listed. Yes, Tier 3 had been made aware of the plumbing issues. But here’s where the problem exists. Tier 3 observes the situation and has no idea what they are observing. The go-to Tier 2.75 and expresses outrage that Tier 2 is not handling the situation. Instead of 2.75 growing a pair and pointing out that Tier 2 is in fact doing what they are supposed to be doing, Tier 2.75 remains silent. Tier 3 then calls in Tier 2 and berates them in front of everyone, reinforcing to Tier 1 that since Tier 2 is technically white-collar employees that they are less important than Tier 1 who are technically blue-collar employees.

See, there existed a tension between Tier 1 and Tier 2, with Tier 1 feeling that Tier 2 should do all the work as Tier 1 instead of “just paperwork”. What Tier 1 failed to realize was that Tier had the responsibility of multiple areas and was not limited to just one as Tier 1. And when Tier 1 failed to report to work, Tier 2 was responsible for Tier 1 duties as well as their own. But the reverse wasn’t true. If Tier 2 didn’t report to work, they were expected to make up any missed work. Tier 2 work was never delegated to another Tier. Even in instances that Tier 2.5 or 2.75 did not report to work, Tier 2 was expected to take up the slack. See, Tier 2 held the same credentials (sometimes more) than Tiers 1, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 4, and 5. Without Tier 1, production slowed. However, without Tier 2, eventually, everything would shut down and no one would get paid. There is something to be said for “paper pushers.” Yet, Tier 2 was some of the worst treated employees.

When Tier 3 decided to berate Tier 2, it was because Tier 3 did not know who the Tier 2 employees were. Because Tier 3 had observed Tier 2 employees performing Tier 1 duties, Tier 3 assumed they were Tier 1. Meanwhile, Tier 1 workers were standing around uncertain of what to do and relaxing while Tier 2 took over. Tier 3 then erroneously assumed Tier 1 workers were Tier 2. From there, Tier 3 goes on a rant about how important Tier 1 workers are and that nothing would be possible without them.

Hold the hell up! What?

There was a lot of smirking from Tier 1 and head bobbing from Tier 2.5 and 2.75. To add insult to injury, Tier 3 had to audacity to say, “It’s a privilege to work here. If you don’t like what you do, go get another job.” This is the point where I mentally checked out. Here I had been busting my bum all morning, raising around like a chicken without a head to put out all sorts of fires was being belittled for it. It dawned on me just how underappreciated I was. How these administrators felt that they not only had the authoritative status but the right to speak to me in such a manner as if I was beneath them. As if I was less of a person because my pay grade wasn’t as high as theirs. And I remember thinking to myself why should I quit and burden myself with finding a new job quickly, when I can stick around, be fired, and draw unemployment while I searched for better employment. If I quit, I got nothing. But being terminated meant that I would have immediate access to all funds in my 401k and receive unemployment at the expense of the agency. Which was the better option?

From that day forward, I never viewed my position as the same. I cease thinking of it as a career and began thinking of it as just another job. But unbeknownst to me, I didn’t realize how deep I was checking out. See, I already felt stressed and overworked. However, there was a “damned if you; damned if you don’t” web flowing.

 Agency policy was that Tier 2 was not to clock out if there was an active problem. Well, most problems tended to occur when Tier 2 workers were about to leave for the day. Why? Because when Tier 2 workers left, some services stopped until the next business day. People who wanted those services to continue longer realized that if they cause issues that Tier 2 from leaving, those services would have extended hours. So, Tier 2 employees stayed. But when it came time for overtime, Tier 3 was unpleased with Tier 2 staying. However, should Tier 2 leave on time with the active issue, Tier two received a disciplinary write-up.

There were two solutions to this dilemma. One, find a way that services could be extended in the absence of Tier 2 employees, or two, change agency policy. Option one wasn’t feasible unless either the laws changed or more Tier 2 workers were hired to work additional shifts. This was a licensing/ credentials issue. The agency realized that for the salary, it would be difficult to hire Tier 2 workers for sloppy shift hours. The alternative solution was to change to policy. The change in policy would mean Tier 2 employees would clock out no matter what, and Tier 1 employees would be responsible for whatever was happening at that time. But changing policy meant two things. First, it would be an admittance that the policy was ill-written. Heaven forbid Tier 3 or above admit any kind of wrongdoing. Second, it would be admitting that Tier 2 employees were valuable. The reason Tier 1 and 3 wanted Tier 2 presence is because Tier 2 was the problem solvers. See, whether Tier 2 was liked or not, it was obvious to everyone that someone had to do the work. At the end of the day, while initially, it may have seemed like Tier 1 was doing all the work because they were the most visible, it was Tier 2 employees that kept the machine well-oiled and pumping. Therefore, I thought what I had felt was nothing more than burnout and needing time off to regroup and reset. Only, I never truly reset.

So, what does quiet quitting look like?

No longer going beyond the bare minimum. I use to arrive early and stay late, work while eating lunch, and even doing prep work at home.No longer striving for perfection. My old boss use to boast that my work was almost always error-free. That was something that no longer could be posted on my resume after the quiet quitting hit. I stopped doing spell checks and figured someone else could catch the errors.Delegating. Truthfully, I probably should have been delegating long before I started instead of attempting to conquer it all myself. I never wanted to burden anyone with actions I could do myself. But since my work wasn’t appreciated, I gelt why should I continue to do what someone who was appreciated more could do.Work smarter not harder. I never took to heart what this meant until it became a pattern that my employer continued to add more to my job duties but not to my salary. And when I say not, I’m talking about years without being compensated with raises or promotions. So, whenever a new duty was added, I took it upon myself to remove an old one. (See item #3…delegating.) I found shortcuts to lighten or quicken my workload. So, maybe reports weren’t as in-depth as they had been in the past. Then again, no one really read them. One time, I received a call from a Tier 4 employee. Actually, she didn’t call me. She called my supervisor who called me because I was too lowly for a direct call. Anyway, this Tier 4 supervisor was reading me the riot act for not including something she thought was important in the report. The fact was that it was actually in the body of the report but just not in the summary. Why? Because the summary is just that… a summary. For the specifics, she needed to read the report in its entirety. Had she done that, she would have had her answer. When I pointed out that it was in the body, she wanted me to copy and paste the entire description and explanation into the summary instead of, you know, summarizing. Call me crazy, but that seemed to beat the purpose of a summary. Therefore, I didn’t feel guilty by shortening the reports to the bare bones.Prioritizing self-care. Admittedly, this seemed selfish at first glance. However, in reality, I had put the job in front of other things that were really important to my well-being. If I was needed at work, I’d skip doctor appointments, even if it took me two months to schedule an appointment. I’d be late picking up my child from daycare and would have to pay overages, not to mention the time missed spending with her. I’d spend my spare time thinking about work and solutions instead of relaxing and taking care of my mental health. One day, I became extremely ill with what my doctor believed was an infection I contracted at work. It involved hospitalization. When I return to work, I was greeted with a reprimand for something that had not gotten done in my absence. Mind you, my illness was serious enough that I medically was not cleared to return by my physician for six weeks. The report that didn’t get written couldn’t have been written prior to my becoming ill. So, unless I wrote it from my hospital bed where I was being pumped full of IV antibiotics, there was no possible way for me to have written it by the due date. If I had dropped dead, my position would have been posted within days. It was obvious then, although I truly didn’t see it, that the agency did not give a rat’s butt about me or my health. So, I clearly needed to. I learned that if I needed to take time off to go to the doctor to go to the doctor. If I needed a day to clear my head mentally, I took the time to mentally clear my head. If I needed to sit instead of standing, I found a seat.Decreasing expectations. I was never a person who needed constant reassurance or pats on the back. However, it’s nice to be given credit for hard work and effort instead of having that credit given to someone else. Matthew 12 -20 talks about “fairness” in favor of the employer. It reads as follows: “These who were hired last worked only one hour,” they said, “and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.” But he answered one of them, “I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I’m generous?” Employers most certainly have the right to promote and reward whomever they want. Just because I feel that I’ve done an exceptional job does not mean that employer should feel the same, even if it’s true. And I had no right to expect to be acknowledged, thanked, or appreciated. The only thing I was ever owed is what the employer agreed to pay me. Thus, I stopped holding my employers to what I considered a standard of decency. Expect nothing, get nothing, and there will be no disappointment.Setting boundaries. One of the oddest aspects of the job I held was that the agency actually believed it/they owned every aspect of an employee’s life. For example, the agency decided that certain Tier 2 workers should be on call. This came about after several Tier 2.72 workers had either resigned, retired, or died and the agency elected not to fill their position. Instead, Tier 3 workers decided to push the extra load on the remaining Tier 2.75 workers which backfired. Instead of accepting the load, those workers retired or resigned. This left a shortage, and Tier 3 decided to pass it to Tier 2. Keep in mind that Tier 2 employees’ load was already heavier than Tier 2.75 and for far less money. This extra came with zero compensation (that is until the Department of Labor got involved some years later, and the solution wasn’t monetary but comp time only to be used when the agency said it could be, which was rare). Employees on-call were required to carry confidential information at all times and were expected to keep it guarded at all times. Think about what this entails. Following this rule severely restricted the movement of the on-call employee. How do you guard thick confidential files while grocery shopping or eating at a buffet? The agency got around paying overtime for on-call by arguing that it did not restrict where an on-call employee could go or activities. For years, they got away with it until they were reported, and D.O.L. highly disagreed with the policy and said it was in direct violation of work-labor laws and fair wages, especially when there were Tier 1 employees who were on-call and being monetarily compensated. The boundaries I set were I didn’t stress over guarding files. I made it clear that when I was on-call if I received a call in a public place (such as the grocery store) I wouldn’t be getting out of line and others may be subject to overhearing confidential information. I also made it clear that I would take no extra measures to guard files that6 should have remained locked at work unless the agency wanted to purchase a locked briefcase or portable filing cabinet. How many doctors drag their patients’ files with them on the golf course or out to eat? Sorry, not sorry.Dumping the corporate ladder. After multiple years of being passed over for promotions, I gave up on the notion of climbing the corporate later. Again, it is evident at my peak or working my hardest for years that my effort was not good enough. And how could it be with the level of nepotism that was running rampant? I was beating my head against a wall. The thing that I noticed was that the majority of Tier 2 workers began as Tier 2 and remained there. All other tiers had opportunities. With the prospect of conditions improving, what exactly was the point of attempting to exceed and find a place at the table with no vacant chairs?Finding other job options that are flexible and accommodating. One thing that had to learn, or rather relearn, was my own self-worth. Over the years, I had begun to view and value myself the same way the agency did. I failed to remember that there existed opportunities for me outside of the confines of one employer. I realized that I could continue to work there, basically delegating it to be my “second job” while pursuing other endeavors and working to improve my resume. This included receiving educational training in other areas and obtaining additional certifications and licensures. I meant building a platform/foundation to step onto once I left. In other words, it involved developing an exit plan/strategy.

As stated at the beginning of this post, I quietly quit before I even knew it was a thing and certainly before it was “trendy.” In fact, I consciously didn’t know I was going through it at first. It took a colleague to point out to me it was something I had done in the past. I found myself in a toxic work environment and did not know how to remove myself from it. I just reacted by stopping giving it my all and putting myself first. I needed to be employed, and I had dozens of people warning me that resigning would be rash. But sometimes a work situation can be like a romantic relationship gone sour. The two people just go through the motions of being together but neither is invested. Divorce seems too scary and expensive. It drags out until one finally concludes enough is enough. Sometimes that takes time and the realization comes slow.

There are plenty of people who disagree with quiet quitting and view it as another way to get out of working or being lazy. Some people have such a strong work ethic (and I admire them) that they will work like the dickens no matter what the conditions. A former classmate who is now a business owner stated that he fires any employee who asks for vacation time or to be off on holidays. He claims that he never does these things, although, the photos on his social media pages seem to indicate differently. And I thought about this and wondered if his children are happy when he misses all of the important events for them—not being there for award ceremonies and graduations. Should children expect their parents to always put work in front of them? What exactly is the definition of an absentee parent? What’s the difference between a parent who sends child support from hundreds of miles away and only visits and calls a couple of times a year than one who lives in the same household but leaves before his/her children are away and arrives home after they are asleep, never attends any school functions or recreational activities, and knows little of what happens in their lives other than what is communicated by a spouse? Just a thought. Anyway, that’s all I have.

What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Get ready. It’s almost time to hit the ice again. Future Goals Coming soon.

When a college hockey player needs the help of an attractive older attorney, he gets more than he bargained for when trying to sort out the troubles in his career. Falling in love was never part of either man’s plan, especially as Corrigan’s and Sacha’s lives should never have collided. Now they’re left questioning if they’re standing in the way of the other’s future goals, or if there’s room for redirection.

Preorder your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9

Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (Book #4) takes the ice again. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and signup today.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

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How to Smile Through Hurt and Loss

Today’s post was sparked by events that were a bit somber. And as usual, I’ll begin this post by giving a brief background of what led me to dive into this topic and research.

For years, I’ve hung out on one social media platform or another. It’s always been a source of fun—good for a good kee-kee—and keeping in touch with family, friends, and acquaintances. However, during the pandemic shut-in, one social media avenue fell greatly out of favor with me as it seemed exceptionally toxic in what seemed such a dark period in the history of the world. I began avoiding it and all but disappeared from the platform. It was odd because if someone had told me a year before that would be the platform I abandoned, I would have laughed in their face. I did maintain, and in some instances increase, my presence on other platforms during that time. However, that’s neither here nor there.

But something occurred during this time that I didn’t put too much thought into until now and demonstrated just how small the world is. Scroll back to years ago when I was fresh out of college and hired for my first “professional” job. One of my coworkers who was younger and from a different area became friends (or close acquaintances). He and several others became a part of my work family. We never hung out outside of work but we would have lunch together and talk throughout the day—some topics very deep. While we were (and still are) very different, we had a lot in common. However, the only friends we had in common were our coworkers, but that changed.

See, this coworker was a member of a fraternity, and not just any member, a legacy. Both his and grandfather as well as several uncles were members. He was highly involved in the organization far after graduation. As an ungraduated, I hung out with a decent number of frat guys—the reason being, I was a sorority girl and we seemed to have the same circles. But if the truth is told, I was never close to any of them and only interacted with them at social events. The majority of my close friends back then were “independents” and former high school classmates. Unlike my coworker, when I graduated, I didn’t stay involved with my sorority nor did I keep in contact with many of the fraternity fellas I’d known. So, when a familiar face popped up on my former coworker’s social media friends list as someone I might know, I was pleasantly surprised. Seeing his profile made me nostalgic for those lighthearted college days. I realized there were friends that I had missed. And he had been one of the few people in my close circle of friends in those days. And while he and I hadn’t been exceptionally close, he was a person who was usually present when our group decided to go to a party, play spades, or just hang out in an apartment watching movies. I decided to leave a message in his DM with a quick “hello.”

This is where it became tricky for me. I’m always hesitant about contacting a married man, especially when I don’t know the wife. I never want to give the wrong impression, and sliding into a person’s DMs may come across as a bit sketch. However, leaving a public message seemed cringy since this wasn’t a person I’d spoken to in years. So, basically, my note went something like this: Hi. I don’t know if you remember me, but we went to college together and used to hang out with Joe and Jane and Tom and Sally (all made-up names for this article, of course). I saw your profile on Harry’s social media page and wanted to say hi. I hope you’ve been well. The photo of your family (because his profile picture was him with his family—I wasn’t stalking his page) looks lovely. Have a blessed day.

Honestly, I expected the conversation to end there. However, he responded and requested that we become social media friends. I was okay with that and thought nothing more of it. But the strange thing about social media—which isn’t so strange—is that Big Brother (or rather cookie tracking) is always watching. So, by accepting his invite, I opened myself to the contacts on his list. I hadn’t considered the “friend rabbit hole” that it would lead to. It’s no surprise that in a few short days, I saw another familiar face from college—this time a person who I had considered a close friend…or rather his wife/girlfriend at the time. Let’s call them Al and Peg. (Yes, the names are symbolic).

This is all about seven degrees. I met Peg during my junior year. She had the room next to me in the dorm, and we became friends fast. At the time, she was dating Al, and Al was close friends with the fraternity guy I DMed. The three of them were from the same hometown. Peg had transferred from a rival college to be with Al. This turned out not to be such a hot idea, but that’s a story for another time. I bring it up because it was a key reason Peg and I hit it off so fast. See, Al had lots of friends at college—the majority of them from his and Peg’s hometown. However, they were all guys. Peg didn’t have any friend girls, and Al, being a jealous type, didn’t want her hanging out with only guys, and he didn’t want her going out at all. So, she hung out in the dorm with my roommate and me. Only, my roommate had gotten serious about her boyfriend (and later they got married) and spent the majority of her time with him. Thus, when Peg wanted to hang out with Al and he was with “his boys,” Peg dragged me with her. This is how I became a regular in that group.

But I was a year older and graduated first. The only people from my undergrad days that I kept in touch with were Peg and Al. They had gotten married towards the end of my senior year in a quickie ceremony at City Hall. I never understood why they felt compelled to do it that way other than them being cheap and it only cost fifty bucks. And also, Al had dropped out by then due to his grades which cost him his financial aid. As what happens with long-distance relationships, we began to drift apart. When I would call, Peg would be at work or attending a night class. Al and I would chat briefly, but as stated previously, I was more of a friend with Peg than Al. Peg rarely initiated or returned calls. After about six years post-graduation, I lost contact with them completely. A learned this through a returned Christmas card and a disconnected phone number. I was super sad about this and always wanted to renew our friendship. But the pandemic situation—being locked down—took my wanting to reconnect with people to a new level.

I had searched multiple times for Peg on social media, but I couldn’t find her. Al has a common name, and I couldn’t find him, either. It wasn’t until the whole friend of a friend of a friend on social media window opened that this became possible. I jumped at the opportunity, but not before Al had reached out to me. The thing was, I had left that platform, so I didn’t see his request or message for several months. I accepted his friend request and answered his message, but he never responded. And then, I noticed something—because sometimes I’m just not observant when things don’t concern me. There were no pictures or mentions of Peg on his page. I didn’t want to ask because I was afraid of the answer. The last time I had asked about a mutual friend had been approximately three years post-graduation. He had moved to the city where Al and Peg had decided to make home and had been living with them until he found his own place. Apparently, he had gotten into trouble and moved back to their hometown. I’m not sure of the details—and don’t want to know—but there was a car accident and he was killed. At the time that I asked Peg, the accident had occurred the prior year. So, that just demonstrated how little we had been communicating during that time. I remember when she delivered the news to me, she had been so casual and removed. “Oh, you know he’s dead. Last year, he was drinking and flipped his car. You know his mom had finally let him have the new one.” It was a blow—not that I was close to him, either, but he was young. In fact, he was the baby of the group, and he was gone at twenty-one. Therefore, I wasn’t chomping at the bit to ask about Peg. I figured if I trolled Al’s page long enough, I would get my answer. And sure enough, that happened.

Now, I won’t get into the series of events that happened next, but Al posted pictures of his recent marriage. I found what I think is a work address. From what I can gather, she remarried and went back to school (not necessarily in that order) to fulfill her dream. Remember at the beginning I said she had transferred from a rival school to be with Al. Well, the school we attended did not have her major, which is why it hadn’t been her first choice. She gave up her desired measure to attend the same school as Al. The two of them argued constantly, and the manipulation was out of the yin-yang. I remember wondering why they would ever get married the way they carried on. I chalked it up to my being naïve about how relationships worked. And while all the signs of a ten-car pileup on black ice were present, I never thought they’d get divorced.

The information is new to me, but I’m sure the divorce isn’t. It’s been at least a year since I found Al on social media, and he and Peg haven’t been together during that time. To this day, I haven’t spoken with either of them in too many years to count.

So, what does this have to do with today’s topic? Well, yesterday was when I learned of Al’s marriage. He posted photos. Of course, they were days old by the time I checked into my account and saw them. I should have been happy for him, and on some level, I was. But a deep sadness began to set in me at the same time. It made no sense. These were two people who really shouldn’t have been together and also people who I haven’t been close to in years. Why should I grieve the disintegration of their marriage?

This occurred shortly before I was to meet with a group of colleagues for our weekly get-together. One of the topics of our discussion that night was joy. However, this version of joy wasn’t synonymous with happiness. Joy was defined as “an interior contentment that comes from being close to God (or whatever belief one holds) and in the right relationship with others.” By this definition, one can be joyful and unhappy simultaneously because this definition also notes that joy comes with “speaking and upholding the truth and honesty; integrity in relationships; and enduring hardships and decent conduct.” Thus, this gives the first way to smile through hurt and pain.

Be joyful by using the previous definition. It’s a decision to spiritually decide that earthly situations are not important and have faith that a higher power has the perfect plan for you. Now, for those who do not believe in a higher power, this likely will be of much assistance.Make a change. Often fear keeps us chained to our unhappiness and pain. For example, a person consistently degraded by his/her employer may be hesitant to quit due to the fear of being unable to meet living expenses with a job. Well, if the pandemic taught one thing, it was that people could do without a lot more than they thought they could. A colleague expressed how unhappy she had been at her former job. She had fantasized about quitting but never developed the gumption to do so. Then the pandemic came along and forced the decision on her when her position was furloughed. She found another job but at a lower salary. She worried about her financial situation but decided something was better than nothing. Soon after beginning her new career, she found she was much happier. Her coworkers were all friendly, and her supervisor treated her with respect. She was given a raise at her six-month review and then another the following six months. Then she was promoted to a new position—something that would have (and never had) happened in the twelve years at her previous job. She now earns far more than her previous salary and has better benefits. She expressed that had she not been forced to make a change, she likely would still be in the same situation of being miserable, unappreciated, and degraded at her previous job. Additionally, some of her former coworkers have expressed the same sentiment, and her former employer is having difficulty finding new employees to work under such conditions.Refocus. This perhaps is the advice that is most often given or taken when a person finds himself/herself in a rough patch. The idea is to divert all attention from the source of distress to anything else. This can be an effective method to get through the day. However, the consequence can be not dealing with the source of the problem. Avoiding the root of a problem can be placing a bandage on an infection. What is beneath will continue to fester even if it isn’t seen, and the infection will worsen. Yet, refocusing isn’t all bad. It can be detrimental to remain in a place of sorrow and hurt. A person may refocus by finding new hobbies or interests, spending more time doing current things that bring pleasure, or reorganizing his/her life. Identification. This may seem like a given, but frequently, it is not. People who are experiencing loss or hurt may not know why he/she feels the way he/she does. One of my colleagues in the group expressed that he thought he would be happy if he ended his relationship which wasn’t going well. But after the relationship ended, nothing in his life seemed to improve. He remained unhappy. He had to actively seek why he felt the way that he did with the help of a therapist.Get a physical. Sometimes our bodies are trying to send us messages that we do not recognize. When we are physically unwell, our mental and emotional states can suffer as well. Two of my colleagues in the group expressed that they were feeling down due to vitamin deficiencies. One had a deficiency in B-12 and the other in magnesium. One said the following, “I took the smallest disappointments much harder than I should have. It was because I was beginning my day with less energy, and I lacked the emotional stamina needed to cope with all the small hurts and disappointments that occurred throughout the day. By the end of eight hours, I was an emotional mess and didn’t want to see anyone. I just wanted to get into my comfy clothes and crawl into bed. But I have a family and knew I couldn’t tune out when I got home. Finally, I went to the doctor, and he said I had a vitamin deficiency. I began taking a supplement, and I eventually bounced back to my old self. Instead of feeling tired and wiped out, I began welcoming challenges.”Positivity. For many people, this may be difficult because criticism comes easily. How often do we look in the mirror not to see what is correct with ourselves but what is wrong or out of place? While it’s good to check to be sure nothing is stuck between our teeth, it’s also healthy to identify something good about ourselves. Yes, you may have put on an extra five pounds, but those curves may fill out that new sweater better. Maybe you didn’t get the promotion you wanted. But that promotion may have taken you away from family and friends. It is beneficial to spend time each day to say at least one thing that is positive about yourself.Appropriate placement of causation. I used to work in a place where anytime a particular supervisor visited, employees cringed. The reason being is that the supervisor always brought venom with not a positive word to say. Her purpose, it seemed, was to tear down employees. Instead of looking for anything going right, she focused on the wrong. Now, I know the argument is that the role of a supervisor is to find mistakes so that they can be fixed and the quality of work can be improved. That’s true to a certain extent. But when the supervisor is the reason for the problem but refuses to take responsibility, there’s a problem. For example, one of the workers had as part of her job duties to have so many off-sight excursions. She was to do this in a company vehicle. However, when she would attempt to schedule with the transportation department, she has informed no vehicles were available. The reasons varied from all being reserved to out-of-service for maintenance to not being road safe to the transportation department not processing the appropriate paperwork in a timely fashion. On other occasions, her excursions were canceled due to a lack of support staff to accompany her or inclement weather (both listed in policies and procedures). In her monthly report, the worker was required to give an explanation if the excursion quota wasn’t met. But, and here’s the catch, the worker was not allowed to write in the report if transportation had no available vehicles for any reason, if there had been a shortage of staff (which the worker couldn’t control scheduling), or if the weather didn’t permit. Therefore, it looked on paper as if the employee wasn’t doing her job. Now, one may question why the employee wouldn’t be able to list those causes if they were legitimate and could be proven. Because staff shortages and unavailability of transportation violated the company’s policies and procedures. And who was responsible for ensuring policies and procedures were followed? The supervisor. So, the supervisor would criticize employees for the very situation she created and refused to correct.Perspective. Not everything will go the way a person wants all the time. And not everything is within control. Many of the hurt and feelings of loss are directly due to a person’s inability to control his/her environment yet feel that we could or can. Sometimes a person focuses on a minor detail that has gone amuck instead of grasping the larger picture that may turn out favorable if embraced. Gaining a proper perspective can go far in helping cope with what one may feel as loss or hurt. And there are many ways to gain perspective from taking a step back and asking the advice from trusted others (note the word trusted), to making a list of pros and cons. More times than not, an issue has more than one viable solution.Permeance. Just note that most things are temporary and will pass. There is a season and a reason for everything. Learn what you can while in that season but be prepared to move forward without looking back.Speak your truth. This is likely the most important of all. People have a right to emotionally feel what they feel and those feelings should not be invalidated. During our discussion, one of my colleagues confessed that she recently had been informed by her sister that something she had said years ago hurt her sister’s feelings and her sister continued to carry that hurt with her. “My sister was in a place back then that anything said to her would have hurt her feelings. I didn’t know my words had injured her and carried on as usual. When she told me she had felt offended, I didn’t become defensive. It’s true that my intention hadn’t been to cause harm and that I felt I was telling her the truth she needed to hear. However, although I felt I had done nothing wrong, I couldn’t dismiss her feelings and had to re-evaluate. Perhaps it had been my tone or my word choice. We all perceive and receive things differently. It’s not appropriate that I should assume or require that she accept things the same way I would. We aren’t the same person. I need to respect her as the individual that she is and not the individual that I think she should or needs to be. I shouldn’t brush her off as being “too sensitive” when she is expressing how she feels. That would be an egocentric approach and likely only to continue or increase the distance between us. Instead, I accepted what she had to say and apologized for unintentionally offending her. But I also asked her what I could do to avoid this situation again and how to better communicate with her. I know there is a way that I can continue to convey what I want to say to her without hurting her feelings. We both can speak our truths on equal footing without hurting each other.”

Whew! It was long but we made it through. And that is all that I have. What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Get ready. It’s almost time to hit the ice again. Future Goals Coming soon.

When a college hockey player needs the help of an attractive older attorney, he gets more than he bargained for when trying to sort out the troubles in his career. Falling in love was never part of either man’s plan, especially as Corrigan’s and Sacha’s lives should never have collided. Now they’re left questioning if they’re standing in the way of the other’s future goals, or if there’s room for redirection.

Preorder your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9

Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (Book #4) takes the ice again. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and signup today.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

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How to Outline for Pantsers

Let’s address the huge elephant first. If you hold the belief that plotting is the only way to write effectively, you may want to stop reading this article now. I’m pretty sure much of what will be written from this point onward will only be frustrating to plotters. And if you hold the belief that plotting is the nemesis and not possible for pantsers, hold on a minute. This post may be for you.

Second, this article is not anti-plotter. It is not to say that plotters are wrong or that outlines are not necessary. And it’s certainly not to say that writing on the fly is better or superior to plotting/outlining. Many high-fives go to the writers who are able to outline and plot. Outlining and/or plotting have been proven to be extremely effective methods of writing, and many well-renown authors use them. However, it is not the only way to write. Just as there are many techniques for playing sports or providing medical care, there are various ways to approach writing. Not every writer is a plotter… at least, not in the traditional sense.

A few weeks ago, I was listening to a podcast by a successful writer who declared outlining was the only way to write a good book. Needless to say, she is a plotter. She continued by adding that not plotting is a waste of time and will lead to unnecessary revisions. And if this wasn’t bad enough, she proclaimed that authors who write without an outline will take considerably longer to finish a book. I say, “Bah humbug!” This is a person who does not understand the mind of a pantser. Frankly, I get that because I don’t understand the mind of a plotter. It doesn’t make either of us wrong. It makes us different.

This podcast was discussed in a writing group. The discussion became heated because there were strong views on both sides. However, a revelation came to me as I sat and listen. Perhaps other pantsers have always known this information and it only was just occurring to me. Pantsers do outline. It just takes a different form. Now, I will not be the voice of all pantsers across the world. Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion, and I’m positive there are thousands out there. I’m only presenting the information that I gathered and how I interpreted it. As always, I encourage people to research any topic I present for themselves and draw their own conclusions. I’m sharing this thought because surely, I can’t be the only person to have it.

Frequently, when it comes to professional forums, I feel that being a pantser is invalidated as being a quality writing technique. But let me say with my full chest. The best way to create writer’s block or story block with me is to tell me to write an outline. My brain completely shuts down. It’s overwhelming to try to fit the bits and bobs of plots and scenes and characters on lines besides roman numerals under headers. Why? Because my brain does not move in that type of order.

When solving a jigsaw puzzle, most people start by gathering all the end pieces to make the border. This border is the structure or framework of the puzzle to be filled in. The object is to solve from the outside and work one’s way inward. That basically is how plotting works. A plotter begins with an outline (i.e., a border) and fills in the pieces (i.e., plot details). But have you ever seen someone who solves a jigsaw by piecing together an inside section first? Perhaps there’s one color that occurs in only one area of the puzzle, and the solver gravitates to solving that one scene.

As a pantser, I may have an idea for a scene in my mind. What do I do? Not sit down to jot down points. I write the scene as it comes to me. I may have no idea where this scene will lead or where it should go in a story. It’s an independent scene. But as I write, more about the scene may become evident. I may begin to flush out a character or create a conflict. After some thought, I may decide that that one scene is actually multiple scenes and begin to split things up. Or I may decide that one part of the scene may need to be shifted to a different place or that there needs to be an additional scene between two scenes. Or I may write many scenes that all seem to be random and do not tie together initially. But what I’m doing is getting the thoughts in my head written. However, what may look like a mess of a rough draft, well, that serves the same function as an outline.

When a jigsaw puzzle solver starts from the inside, it does not mean he/she will not complete the puzzle. It does not mean it will take him/her longer. As a matter of fact, when I was a child, I enjoyed solving mazes. What usually happened if I started from the beginning is that I would wind my way to a dead end. However, I quickly learned that if I started at the endpoint and worked my way backward, I encountered fewer mistakes and solved the maze faster. It was the same maze but using a different approach.

For most writers, the first draft of their story is not their final draft. Many people assume that when one speaks of editing, they are only speaking of line or copy edits. But structural and developmental edits are real. Even professional plotter authors are edited for content/structure. Thus, it’s not fair to say that an author who is a plotter will not have a plot hole. Ah, but if a plotter has a plot hole, it means the writer botched the outline, right? Not necessarily. Suppose the author did a good job in detailing the plot in the outline but the voice of the narration causes certain scenes not to work which, in turn, causes the plot to not seem solid. Think that can’t happen? Have you ever had a thought that once spoken didn’t come out the way you’d envisioned in your mind? Have you ever found yourself saying, “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded?” Well, writing is no different. Sometimes what an author has in his/her head gets lost in translation from thought to physical words, and this may happen with or without an outline. Therefore, when a plotter is making structural and/or content changes, it may not be due to not having an outline.

Here’s another way to look at it. Pantsering is like active brainstorming except in complete sentences or entire scenes. As ideas come, pantsers write them down. Instead of jotting down a word or phrase here or there, pantsers write the entire scene as it unfolds. Plotters brainstorm. Many times, plotters use their brainstorming to form the sketch of their outline. For a pantser, the brainstorming and outline are merged.

Here is why I don’t play soccer. When I was young, there was a strange position that I’d never seen anywhere else where four players stand on the line in front of the goalie. They never move from this line until the ball comes close to them, and their job is to defend the net. When the ball is close, they are allowed to take one or two steps from the line to kick the ball. And even then, only one of the four could move at a time. It’s like the player had this small area to defend which was directly in front of him/her. Unlike the goalie, they are not allowed to use their hands. There were times in the game when these players were sent to the sideline so that a kicker would have a one-on-one shot at the goalie. Don’t ask me why because I don’t know. I had been so gung-ho to play and begged my parents to sign me up. My father was thrilled and eagerly whipped out his checkbook. I thought it would be so much fun. Well, in the one and only year that I played, this was my position. I found it incredibly boring and hated every second. I stopped wanting to go, and my father, who enjoyed watching the sport, didn’t understand why my enthusiasm had waned. I was in every game, technically speaking. I stood motionless for more than 95% of the game. As a seven-year-old, I couldn’t express it in words other than to say I no longer wanted to play.

Then one game, the coach moved me for a face-off. My little youth heart filled so full that I thought I’d explode. I’d get to play! Gee whiz! The coach instructed me that when the referee blew the whistle, I was to try to kick the ball. Okay, Coach. I’m in. I got this. That is what my naïve self said. Bet you’ll never guess what happened. The ref blew the whistle, and I kicked the ball. Then, the ref blew the whistle again. He said we had to do it over. He reset the ball and blew the whistle again. I kicked the ball. Again, he blew the whistle. Now, my seven-year-old mind is confused. Whistle blow-kick ball. This happened a third time, and the ref is beginning to get perturbed with me. The coach threatens to take me out. But why? So, the next time the ball is reset and the ref blows the whistle, I don’t move. The player from the other team kicks the ball, and all is right with the world. So, what was my job? To stand there and let the other player kick the ball? Apparently so. Then, the coach is telling me to run after the player. Why? Why am I chasing this player when I could have had possession? I was faster than the other player, and I beat her to the kick.

In basketball, when a player throws the ball in, he/she attempts to throw it to his/her teammate. However, a player from the opposing team is also there to block. Sometimes, the opposing team gets the ball first. Maybe I’m just a dumbass who doesn’t know how the game works. I thought I was supposed to try to kick the ball. If the point was to have the other player kick the ball, why was I positioned there? What was my role? How was I supposed to this other player from going to our goal if I couldn’t kick the ball? If I’m not mistaken, the coach took me out of the game after that. I couldn’t really tell you because honestly, I was over soccer at that very moment and tapped out. The message that this sent to me is that I couldn’t use my talent if it interfered with someone else’s. I couldn’t be quick in a faceoff if it meant the other player couldn’t be quick, too.

It’s the same when I’m told that I can’t write a decent story unless I plot. Why? Because someone else can’t write without an outline? Well, I can’t write with one. It doesn’t work for me. It slows me down and hinders my writing process. So, the only other option, if an outline is required, is for me to sit still and do nothing. It’s that soccer game all over again.

Here’s the irony. My parents wouldn’t allow me to quit. It’s a thing in my family to start what we finish. I did it to my own child; so, I can’t gripe too much about their decision. After that game, I was sidelined for many games. I didn’t care, but I think my father may have said something eventually to the coaches. I was put in, but not in the stupid position in front of the goal. It was actual play. I was in the game for three plays, and I scored on my third play. I don’t know why this was wrong because there wasn’t a foul and I remained in bounds. I got possession of the ball using only my feet and worked it down the field. I didn’t touch anyone. When I got close to the goal, I judged my angle and kicked it in. Score! Or not. There was a whistle. I actually walked off the field when it was called back. The coach said something about a faceoff, but I refused to go back in. Call it poor sportsmanship, but I didn’t understand what to do. I wanted to cry—not because they had taken my one and only goal but because I had no idea what to do on the field. I felt completely lost. When I did what I thought I was supposed to do, I was chastised. When I did nothing, I was scowled. Trying to play a game in constructs that I didn’t understand frustrated me to the point I could do nothing but stand still. Trying to write an outline has the same results for me. I simply do not get how to make it work.

In the discussion of this podcast, I heard other pantsers voicing similar feelings. For most, it isn’t that they concern outlining as some evil object… well, maybe. It’s more along the lines that they have a different writing process that works better for them. They construct entire stories and use that very first story as a working foundation. How is that any different from the function that an outline serves? It will be edited. It will be revised as necessary in the same manner that a story that has been plotted will be.

So, that’s all that I have. What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

When the scandal of a double homicide threatens to destroy his career, this billionaire hockey player hires an ambitious sports agent to improve his public image. It’s time to let the puckery begin.

Timothée Croneau is that jock—the bad boy superstar with the naughty reputation. He’s handsome, arrogant, and a billionaire. He’s also the number one person of interest in a double homicide and recently was traded to a losing team that is showing him no love. And wouldn’t it be just his luck that his career splashed in the toilet six months after his long-time agent kicked the bucket? Now, he’s stuck with Ryker Kitsch. An agent is supposed to fix his life, though, not break his heart.

Speaking of breaks, ex-athlete Ryker Kitsch wants his in the sports agency realm. He sees his chance to make a name for himself by helping rebrand his agency’s newly acquired hockey star, Timothée Croneau. The guy needs every lick of positive PR he can get. So, why is the devilishly gorgeous forward fighting him at every step and leaving Ryker to wonder if he’s been hired for a babysitting gig?

The mess Timothée is stirring was never in any contract Ryker was hired to handle. One thing’s for sure. Whether it’s a forecheck or backcheck, collision is inevitable.

Order your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p

Other booksellers: https://books2read.com/penaltykill

Missed the three in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and signup today.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

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Creole Bayou Blog Update

Today’s post is an update as to what is going on at Creole Bayou. As I’ve stated from the beginning and multiple times afterward, I created Creole Bayou as a place where hard-to-find information about the Creole and Cajun cultures can be housed in a central location. I do my best to be objective and conduct in-depth research on each topic. Over the years, I have expanded that scope to include other topics (i.e., writing, mental health, and how these three areas may interact with each other) as these are areas of interest to me. From all the positive feedback that I have received, I’m assuming that this has been a step in the right direction. However, if you follow me and disagree, please let me know. What is it that you would like to see posted on this blog?

Additionally, Creole Bayou is a place of love, acceptance, tolerance, and inclusion. All are welcome. There’s no hate here. Some topics covered may be sensitive in nature, and I do provide warnings/disclaimers before delving into those types of topics.

Second, I have come to realize that my topic schedule has not been as consistent as it has been in the past. I will try to get back to it, maybe with some moderations. Here is what I plan.

First Wednesday of the month: Writing-related.Second Wednesday of the month: Mental HealthThird Wednesday of the month: CulturalFourth Wednesday of the month: Romance/RelationshipsIf there is a fifth Wednesday of the month, it will likely be two or more of the previously mentioned combined. By combined, I mean something like how a mental health issue affects the writing process, how cultural differences can affect relationships, etc.

This is the plan. However, if you enjoy one type of content more than the other, please let me know. Or if you would like to see the order switched, let me know that as well. You can leave a comment on the blog post, tweet me, send me a private message on Instagram, or email me at genevivechamblee@yahoo.com. Also, depending on what is happening on a given week, this order is subject to change.

Most of my posts combined these topics, and there are several reasons for that.

I live and was raised in a culturally-rich area, and I enjoy speaking about it. I want to share with the world my world.I am a writer. Specifically, I write romance. More specifically, I write sports romance. In my romance novels, I include culture and mental health issues. As a writer, I enjoy sharing what I have learned (and am still learning) about the writing process.Since I write about romance and mental health issues in my novels, it seems only natural that I would write about those topics in my blog as well.I research what I write. Unless I specifically say a post is an opinion piece, I research (through news articles, interviews, reports, books, etc.) the information I present. If I’m uncertain of something, I make it known. I always encourage anyone reading anything that I post to conduct further research for himself/herself if she is interested in the topic. There is always more than one point of view.And speaking of points of view, I definitely have one, and I will post what it is many times. However, when presenting topics, I attempt to be as objective as I can be. I don’t always get it right, and I don’t mind when readers tell me that I didn’t hit the nail exactly on the head. That is how I learn how to do better. I do listen. All I ask is to be respectful in the criticism.

Third, I will continue to write bonus posts. When I do, they will continue to be posted on Mondays. My posting time for both days will continue to be 10:00 AM CST unless something interferes with that posting time. I generally tweet a reminder the day before and the hour prior to the blog going live. You can follow me on Twitter @dolynesaidso.

Fourth, I will continue to periodically write a special series. Generally, I post special series on Mondays, but sometimes, I decide to post them on other days. However, they will not take the place of the regular Wednesday post.

Fifth, Sometimes I have guest author interviews. I haven’t had any of those in a while. A few were scheduled but didn’t happen because of life (e.g., schedule conflicts, technical issues, etc.) Hopefully, in 2023, I’ll be able to get back to them.

Finally, I will continue to strive and improve Creole Bayou.

Now, it’s your turn to sound off and tell me what you think. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

When the scandal of a double homicide threatens to destroy his career, this billionaire hockey player hires an ambitious sports agent to improve his public image. It’s time to let the puckery begin.

Timothée Croneau is that jock—the bad boy superstar with the naughty reputation. He’s handsome, arrogant, and a billionaire. He’s also the number one person of interest in a double homicide and recently was traded to a losing team that is showing him no love. And wouldn’t it be just his luck that his career splashed in the toilet six months after his long-time agent kicked the bucket? Now, he’s stuck with Ryker Kitsch. An agent is supposed to fix his life, though, not break his heart.

Speaking of breaks, ex-athlete Ryker Kitsch wants his in the sports agency realm. He sees his chance to make a name for himself by helping rebrand his agency’s newly acquired hockey star, Timothée Croneau. The guy needs every lick of positive PR he can get. So, why is the devilishly gorgeous forward fighting him at every step and leaving Ryker to wonder if he’s been hired for a babysitting gig?

The mess Timothée is stirring was never in any contract Ryker was hired to handle. One thing’s for sure. Whether it’s a forecheck or backcheck, collision is inevitable.

Order your copy at:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p

Other booksellers: https://books2read.com/penaltykill

Missed the three in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and signup today.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

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