Genevive Chamblee's Blog, page 7

All You Need to Know About Demon Rodeo

The definition of a mashup is a creative work that combines, mixes, or fuses two or more elements from different sources. Some of the most popular mashups currently are the musical ones flooding social media sites. Many of these mashups are a combination of past billboard toppers and current favorites that wouldn’t normally be associated with each other but are complimentary (e.g., Bill McClintock’s arrangement of The Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive and Gwen Stefani’s Hollaback Girl to create Stayin’ a Hollaback Girl. However, mashups aren’t limited to music and possibly animations, images, maps, photographs, videos, web services, and more.

In a way, subgenres are types of mashups; although, many writing experts will disagree with such a simplification. I concur that subgenres are more than a hybrid of multiple genres due to the complexities in which all the various elements are woven together. But on the surface, superficially, subgenres resemble mashups. (C’mon give me that one for now and don’t come for me.) Subgenres in the writing world have been well-established for decades (e.g., romcom). Yet, there are still some less common fiction pairings. I dare say that some don’t exist, although, someone probably could prove me wrong. As a challenge in a writing group, members were asked to perform an internet search for two genres commonly paired and report the results. Your girl here was feeling a bit cheeky and searched for an erotica-inspiration romance. The search came up with goose eggs. I can’t say that I was surprised. So, it gives me a little more confidence in making that previous statement that some writing mashups probably don’t exist. (Now, watch someone prove me wrong on this.)

The reason I was so thrilled that this was the topic in the writing group that week is because, for the first time, I was able to finally talk about my new novel, Demon Rodeo. It was such a relief to be able to answer questions and let it all out. And well, Demon Rodeo is a bit of a mashup of sorts. Don’t get it twisted. It is a romance. Love is the heart of the story. But everything else…

Let’s take a look.

First, Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series. But don’t worry if series aren’t your thing. This book can be read as a standalone.For romance readers who are fans of tropes, this is a friends-to-lover story.This story has cowboys. Now, when most people think of cowboy stories, they think of big Stetsons and horses on a farm or ranch. There’s not a horse mentioned in Demon Rodeo—not a one. It wouldn’t be unreasonable for readers to assume horses are present, but they aren’t mentioned. And the cowboys aren’t on a ranch or a farm, but they do wear Wranglers and cowboy hats, although not Stetsons (Plus, what man doesn’t look hot in a tight pair of Wranglers?). They are professional bull riders touring the rodeo circuit. And yes, they can two-step.Demon Rodeo isn’t a Western. Westerns are defined as being set in or centered around the American frontier in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Demon Rodeo is contemporary.Bull riding is often overlooked as a sport, but it is one. This book treats it as such.Demon Rodeo has a multicultural and inclusive cast of characters. Diversity is the spice of life, and of course, I wasn’t going to pass on a chance to write about Cajun and Creole culture. And speaking of…Okay, it’s a bit stereotypic to associate Louisiana with voodoo and mystic works. It is what it is though. I mean New Orleans is practically synonymous with voodoo and the occult. I can’t be blamed for that. (Thank Marie Laveau, Dr, John, St. Louis No. 1 Cemetery, etc.) It’s the same as Salem being associated with witches or Transylvania with vampires. When I found myself writing a paranormal romance, I embraced and leaned into some of the folklore surrounding the Crescent City.Although there is plenty of humor, Demon Rodeo isn’t a rom-com. It isn’t a drama exactly either. That’s the thing about mashups. They can be more than one thing at the same time.The characters are perfect…ly flawed. Perfect characters are boring in my opinion. These characters have faults. In fact, some characters may even be considered morally gray. They experience struggles many readers will be able to relate to and possess hope and desire for a happy ending.It sits at approximately 68,000 words. However, the pacing makes it seem like a quick read.It’s spicy, but it maintains a strong plot. I say if Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild. Here’s your warning. Don’t leave it around for the kiddies. But…The cover won’t give away what you’re reading. No sexy eye candy on this one that will have people in the airport side-eyeing your read. It’s going to be an “if you know you know” deal.Finally, Demon Rodeo contains other elements that I’m not going to share here. I want readers to have something to make them ask, “Say what?”The full blog is up on Amazon, and book video trailers are uploaded on my TikTok page.There will be giveaways. Stay tuned.

By the way, this post is not sponsored or affiliated in any way with Wrangler jeans, but that denim is practically indestructible. It only made sense I would put my characters in them. And I have absolutely nothing against the Stetson brand. When I envisioned my characters, the brand that I saw them in was Resistol. So, this is my official disclaimer. Neither of these brands knows I exist.

Now, I’m thrilled to share the Demon Rodeo cover.

September 5, 2024

Preorder

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

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

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out.Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game.Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin.Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin.Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, a blogger and contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

What It’s Like to Be an Author

Ever wonder what an author’s life is like? Ever thought of it as just a person sitting at a computer or scribbling in a notebook? Ever consider that some stereotypes about writers aren’t true? (Stereotypes about anything is never a good thing.)

The other day, a group of associates began asking me about my latest writing project. At the time, I couldn’t discuss many of the details, but I relayed some of my to-do lists. They were quite shocked to hear that much of my list didn’t have anything to do with creating or typing a story. And that’s when I realized they didn’t have a clue as to all the moving parts in the writing business. My idea for today’s post sparked from there.

I’m going to begin with a point of contention. I say contention because many people not only will disagree, but they will become up in arms about it. I promise I mean no ill will and hope not to offend anyone. Of course, anyone is free to disagree, and this isn’t a conversion attempt. It’s a perspective—one out of I’m sure dozens. So, here goes. There’s a difference between a “writer” and an “author.” There, I said it. What’s the difference? A writer is someone who… well, writes. An author is someone who writes professionally and is published. (Oh, that was a big can of worms. But hold on. Let me explain and clarify.) This is in no way a dig or throwing shade at writers. It’s absolutely not. And, hang on again, there are exceptions and gray areas in that statement as well. Let’s get there.

See, anyone can “write.” I’m sure you’ve heard that statement before. For the most part, this is true. Children learn to write in kindergarten. College students write essays. Professionals write business reports, grants, and propositions. People write government laws and regulations. Administrators write workplace policies. Technically, all of these people are “writers.”

But then there are other writers—people who write memoirs and stories for their personal pleasure. Their intention is not for the world to see. Mostly, what they write is unedited and not critiqued. There’s nothing wrong with this. Anyone who has ever kept a journal knows that writing can be cathartic and therapeutic.

Authors, on the other hand, have the intention of sharing their work with others, of putting themselves out there for public critique. Authors are prioritizing and designating the craft of writing as being their profession and have had works published. However, as I said, there are exceptions. For example, ghostwriters may have had their works published. Technically, they are authors despite someone else’s name being associated with the work. Journalists who publish in newspapers (traditionally or online) are technically authors. They are writing professionally and being published. Playwriters and screenwriters are authors but are not usually labeled as such because their work isn’t in print.

In the large scheme of things, it doesn’t matter if one considers himself a writer or an author. The reason I discussed it here is because of one of the first points I made: anyone can be a writer. Depending on how that’s said, that can be very demeaning and hurtful. Sure, anyone can be a writer just like anyone can be a neurosurgeon, aerospace engineer, or aviation pilot. But people don’t generally make a grand sweeping statement about those professions because those careers require discipline and education. Well, writing does, too. No, I don’t mean a person has to have a fancy college degree to be a writer. But writing is a discipline.

Because writing is a profession for authors, they treat it the same as others would a nine-to-five job. They “work” at it. They research. They edit. Most follow story structures and use professional writing guidelines. But they (some not all) also deal with marketing, formatting, social media, cover art, contracts, distribution, and more. Plus, those are just the big headings. Each one of those areas can be broken down into many subareas. Many authors will agree that writing the story is the easy part. It’s everything else that is difficult.

And the truth is many others never get past the writing stage. No, I don’t mean someone who has completed a story but has been unsuccessful at publishing. I’m talking about not finishing the story. How many jobs will allow employees to not complete work assignments and continue to be employed? When authors do not complete stories, they aren’t going to get paid unless they are getting royalties from past publications. A business owner will not make a living if he has no product to offer to customers. So, when someone says anyone can be a true writer. But to be an author that statement is only true if the person is willing to put in the effort.

What about people who self-publish? They are authors. A self-employed person is an entrepreneur. Thus, an indie author can be thought of as their own publishing house. Indie authors have a lot of responsibilities. They oversee and handle every publishing detail, from the writing to the formatting to the distribution and sales. It includes editing, marketing, and scheduling. It’s a lot, and an indie author has to be highly disciplined to complete all of these tasks. The pros of being self-published is indie authors have a lot more control over everything and will receive a higher percentage of sales.

Here’s a huge misunderstanding. Many people think traditional authors only write the book and the publishers do everything else. That isn’t true. The publishers do handle a lot, but traditionally published authors, if they want their novel to be successful, must be involved in all the processes that indie authors are (except for formatting and distribution). The exception to this is authors who have name recognition. For example, an author such as Stephen King will sell because he’s Stephen King. He doesn’t need to promote his books, but he does because it is a good marketing practice. He will sell more if he does. But his publishers are going to do a lot of this for him because they know he’s a money-maker. Lesser-known authors who are traditionally published may not receive that same kind of support and treatment. The publisher may invest less in their marketing and promotion. Sure, the publisher wants these lesser-known authors to do well, but the publishers recognize a higher risk on the profit return. Thus, they may make decisions for a smaller number of books to be printed and fewer paid advertisements. There probably won’t be that huge billboard in Times Square. Thus, these authors must do a lot of the footwork.

In terms of the movie industry. Some movies get all the attention. You see trailers and ads for them all over television and social media. The actors hit all the late-night talk shows and have guest appearances out of the yin-yang. At the same time, other movies released that have much less fuss. The general public may not even hear about them until they have made their way to a streaming service. And some of these movies turn out to become cult classics.

The point I’m trying to make is traditional authors who may not be as well-established in the writing world don’t kick back once they finish writing the book and let the publishers handle everything else. No, they are heavily involved in promoting and marketing. However, the publishers do assist them. What traditional authors don’t have to do is find and pay for editors, cover art, and printing.

There are pros and cons to both traditional publishing and self-publishing. The decision of which to choose is what the author feels is the best fit for him or her. There is no general right or wrong answer. Many writers are hybrids. Despite the method, being an author involves far more than writing a book. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the entire ghostwriter thing.

Some writers are rumored to develop a topic—maybe write a few paragraphs or brief outline—before handing it off to someone else who actually writes and edits the story. This allows the developer of the idea to publish multiple books each year. This is a hands-off approach that the writer pretty much only writes the manuscript and nothing else.

Then, other writers skip steps and do a huge disservice to all writers. These are the writers who write books and publish without editing or with poor editing. For many years, this was the number one reason readers were reluctant to purchase self-published books. It is one thing to spend money on a book that just didn’t resonate with you. It’s quite another to purchase garbage. Yes, I said that. It’s the equivalent of going to a restaurant and not enjoying the taste of the food as opposed to being served undercooked food that is nonedible. Neither is ideal, but, at least, the first option gives the consumer a taste. The other goes straight into the trash—or the emergency room.

Now, before anyone comes at me, most books, even the best-edited ones, have a few minor errors sprinkled throughout. That’s not the type of books I’m talking about here. And yes, there have been garbage traditional published books, which call into the credibility of the publishing house. Some writers have been duped into believing a “publisher” was legit when it was a scam or a predatory publisher. The majority of self-publishing writers take writing seriously and desire to only put their best out there for readers. So, the garbage books I’m talking about is not the norm (or standard) of indie publishing. Yet, as with anything, there will always be a few rotten apples to mess it up for everyone. The entire self-publishing world can’t be held hostage just because a handful of writers refuse to act professionally and do the right thing. It would be like dismissing all physicians because a faction is incompetent.

So, that’s it. What did you think? What is your take on the subject of creative freedom? 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.  If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

It’s coming…

September 5, 2024

Preorder

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

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

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out.Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game.Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin.Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin.Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, a blogger and contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

Lessons Learned in the Writing World: 1

I missed my regular Wednesday post last week, and there was a reason for that—a few actually. There has been a lot going on in life, but it’s par for the course at this point. For the past several months, life has been throwing all kinds of curveballs, and I’ve been mainly ducking and trying not to get struck in the head. But sometimes, one has to step to the plate, take the pitch, bunt the inside sliders, and run like the wind.

The main cause was that as I attempted to conjure up a topic, I saw an article about the Romance Writers of America (RWA). It brought back memories, and unfortunately, not good. Y’all, I seriously had to take a moment to ponder if this was a trail through the forest that I wanted to revisit. I don’t know that I’ve ever shared my RWA experience, as I always want to support other writers, and It’s never a good look to kick a person when he’s down. I know the RWA is an organization, but it is made of people and appears to be hitting rock bottom. However, I feel now may be a time to share, and it may help bring closure and help someone else. So, here we go.

For anyone unfamiliar with the RWA, it is a nonprofit association for romance writers. It was founded in 1980 by Vivian L. Stephens, an author and editor. I dare to claim that the RWA was the largest romance writing organization at one point. However, in 2018 and 2019, it was hit with controversies that shook it to its core. Many members left, and the organization never seemed to have recovered. Reportedly, over the past five years, membership has decreased by approximately 80%. As a result, it recently filed for bankruptcy. It’s heart-wrenching to see such a colossal and prestigious juggernaut crumble. Yet, in hindsight, it’s not all that surprising. My experience occurred long before it was rocked by scandal.

I learned about the RWA early in my writing career and had been so eager that I joined before being published. I desperately wanted to be a part of a writing community and improve my craft. The way RWA was promoted, it was billed as an organization that was essential for any serious romance writer.

DISCLAIMER: Now, what I’m about to say is my personal experience. Others may have had a completely different experience. Also, since this happened a while ago, some of the intricate details may be fuzzy. I’ll note when I’m uncertain. Again, this is not a slam on anyone. Sometimes, things not so pleasant in life happen. Now back to the story.

At the time, the RWA had three areas that were especially appealing to me: 1. Awards, 2. Contests, 3. Networking.

The awards were coveted. Winning an RWA award was like finding a Wonka golden ticket. Being able to claim that could open many doors, and it looked dang good on a front cover. See, self-publishing was in its infancy—so much so that…well, I’ll get to that in a minute. Just know the awards were a big deal.

Contests were the gateway to awards. The main difference between the two (as I recall) was that some contests didn’t require a writer to have been published. Other rules had less stringent criteria which allowed more authors to participate.

However, the networking was the standout for me. See, back in the day, many publishers refused to accept electronic submissions. Thus, writers had to print hardcopies which meant money. That meant writers were spending tiny fortunes on snail mail to land at the bottom of someone’s slush pile, and even that was a hope and a prayer. First, there was the paper. One hundred percent cotton paper was recommended, and it wasn’t cheap. Second was the cost of ink for the printer, the cost of copying, or sometimes both. Third, there were the mailing materials: envelopes, mailing labels, and clips. (Many places explicitly stated manuscripts stapled would be returned unread.) Finally, there was the cost of posting. Most publishers gave writers the option to have rejected manuscripts returned if a SASE was included. If a writer planned to send the manuscript to other publishers, having a manuscript returned saved the time and cost of reprinting. It also was better for the environment.

Another hurdle was that many publishers wouldn’t accept unsolicited submissions. This meant the best way for a writer to land a publishing contract was through a literary agent. Obtaining an agent was a whole process in and of itself. Well, RWA appeared to have an inside, knowing the coming and goings of acquisition editors at publishing houses in addition to a relationship with many agents. The RWA hosted multiple conferences that facilitated networking between writers, agents, and publishers.

As a bundle to all the aforementioned, winning an RWA contest or award could make a writer seem more marketable for agents and publishers. I guess this could be considered the yesteryear version of a video going viral. It gained the writer a lot of attention, and everyone wanted to be a part of it. Therefore, a lot of literary offers would be given.

Thus, I paid my money and wrote my first manuscript as I learned the ropes. But…

Being unpublished excluded me from a lot that RWA had to offer. I was okay with that… initially. Everyone must pay dues, right?

Well, after a year, I managed a publisher. Granted, it wasn’t a very good publisher and the contract reeked, but it was a legit publisher. Small. Independent. And one that the RWA didn’t recognize. Yes, there was a list of (for the lack of a better word) “approved” publishers (and agents). All my joy was sucked out of me. It was as if they discredited everything I’d done in a few lines in their newsletter. See, there was a section (similar to a who’s who page) that announced first-time authors. This was potentially a big deal because agents and publishers read this. It was exposure.

But here’s what it did for me. Since my publisher wasn’t on this “approved” list, I was ineligible for all the first novel contests. It also meant that if even I changed publisher to one who was “accepted,” the new book would not be considered a first-time novel. Basically, by being published by an “unapproved” publisher, I was more restricted in ways to participate in RWA. As a new author, this hurt.

I wrote a grievance, but the RWA made it clear that they had no intention of changing their policy. I felt defeated. All my hard work and effort was dismissed. I’d jump through hoops to secure an agent and publisher, and I finally found a publishing house willing to take a risk on me. But no. It wasn’t good enough for the RWA. It was one of those “no one will hire you unless you have more experience, but you can’t gain experience without being hired” types of situations. I thought by being a member of the RWA would help bring me to the interfold. In reality, I could attend the party, but I couldn’t dance. It pushed me further out. Maybe it was my mistake to assume that was what would happen.

Furthermore, I perceived shifts in the articles and tone of the newsletter. It didn’t seem very supportive for any members outside of the “approved circle.” Like junior high, I felt there was an “in-crowd.”

At that point, it felt that my membership fees were wasted; yet, my money was just as green as all of the other members (published or unpublished). I grew increasingly despondent with each newsletter. Finally, I concluded if they didn’t accept me, they didn’t need to accept my cash. However, the return policy (to my recollection) sucked, and they didn’t give refunds. Or maybe, it was only partial refunds that they gave. I can’t remember. What I do recall is that I had to wait until my year was up fully to not be a member. And I think (and I’m really not sure about this) I had to give a notification of my intention to leave or, at least, not renew.

After I followed whatever process it was that I needed to follow to terminate my membership, I received a letter from someone in the organization encouraging me to renew. It also stated that some policies regarding “accepted” publishers were being reviewed. I felt this was blowing smoke up my skirt response and left. The following year, I considered rejoining because, honestly, having an RWA member on query letters looked good. Their policies had not changed.

I stopped writing for a while—not just because of this incident, but it was partly the reason. I felt like if I could fit into this large writing community, maybe I couldn’t fit anywhere. I mean, it was so discouraging to not get a foot in the door, and the place that claims it could help open those slamming doors wasn’t doing squat.

Soon, this unpleasantness faded from the forefront of my mind, and I moved on. I landed a contract with an impressive publisher (which was on their “approved” list) and did so without following any of the advice the RWA had doled out. The RWA also had rolled back some of its rules due to the growth of self-publishing. When I decided to look into the RWA again, the organization was swimming in controversy. My point is: 2018 and 2019 weren’t the first time the RWA had excluded writers. Mind you, it was more egregious in 2018 and 2019. By then, I was no longer checking for them and only did so because I was interested in the RITA (which no longer exists).

Now, I’m not going to go into detail about what happened in 2018 and 2019 but know that the organization was accused of not being supportive of all writers. Although my experience was different than other accusations, it falls in line with the failure to be supportive. That’s how I perceived it. As an unpublished writer, I believed that joining the RWA would afford me opportunities to learn trade secrets. Did I mention that there was a “published author-only” membership? So, I didn’t have access to a lot of information. Much of what was given was the same generic information I could get for free. Therefore, I cut my losses.

Now, let me be clear. I’m sure many writers found their membership well worth the fees and gained useful information that helped them in their writing careers. I did not have that experience. Reportedly, there’s new “management” and rules have been revised to be more inclusive. I can’t speak on whether this is accurate or not.

That sums everything up. 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. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

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

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Releasing September 5, 2025

𝙄𝒏 𝒕𝙝𝒆 𝒄𝙪𝒕𝙩𝒉𝙧𝒐𝙖𝒕 𝒘𝙤𝒓𝙡𝒅 𝒐𝙛 𝙧𝒐𝙙𝒆𝙤, 𝑪𝙖𝒋𝙪𝒏 𝒃𝙪𝒍𝙡 𝙧𝒊𝙙𝒆𝙧 𝙀𝒂𝙨𝒕𝙤𝒏 𝑭𝙖𝒖𝙘𝒉𝙚𝒂𝙪𝒙 𝒉𝙖𝒓𝙗𝒐𝙧𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝙚𝒄𝙧𝒆𝙩 𝙘𝒓𝙪𝒔𝙝 𝙤𝒏 𝒉𝙞𝒔 𝒃𝙚𝒔𝙩 𝙛𝒓𝙞𝒆𝙣𝒅 𝒂𝙣𝒅 𝒓𝙞𝒗𝙖𝒍, 𝙍𝒐𝙮𝒂𝙡 𝙂𝒖𝙚́𝒓𝙞𝒏. 𝘼𝒔 𝒕𝙝𝒆𝙮 𝙜𝒓𝙖𝒑𝙥𝒍𝙚 𝙬𝒊𝙩𝒉 𝒕𝙝𝒆𝙞𝒓 𝒇𝙤𝒓𝙗𝒊𝙙𝒅𝙚𝒏 𝒂𝙩𝒕𝙧𝒂𝙘𝒕𝙞𝒐𝙣 𝙖𝒎𝙞𝒅𝙨𝒕 𝒎𝙮𝒔𝙩𝒆𝙧𝒊𝙤𝒖𝙨 𝙤𝒄𝙘𝒖𝙧𝒓𝙚𝒏𝙘𝒆𝙨 𝙞𝒏 𝒕𝙝𝒆 𝒂𝙧𝒆𝙣𝒂, 𝙩𝒉𝙚𝒚 𝒎𝙪𝒔𝙩 𝙘𝒉𝙤𝒐𝙨𝒆 𝒃𝙚𝒕𝙬𝒆𝙚𝒏 𝒄𝙤𝒏𝙘𝒆𝙖𝒍𝙞𝒏𝙜 𝙩𝒉𝙚𝒊𝙧 𝙛𝒆𝙚𝒍𝙞𝒏𝙜𝒔 𝒐𝙧 𝙧𝒊𝙨𝒌𝙞𝒏𝙜 𝙞𝒕 𝒂𝙡𝒍 𝒇𝙤𝒓 𝒂 𝒍𝙤𝒗𝙚 𝙩𝒉𝙖𝒕 𝒅𝙚𝒇𝙞𝒆𝙨 𝙘𝒐𝙣𝒗𝙚𝒏𝙩𝒊𝙤𝒏.

PREORDER

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NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, a blogger and contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

Let’s Get Ready to Ride

If I said it once, I’ve said it a million times. Being an author involves far more than writing a story. As a craft and a profession, writing has several moving parts. During the process, many of those parts seemed to spin in their own universe at different speeds with no connecting path. Well, today, I’m happy to yank one of those moving parts out of orbit and connect it to a piece I have stationary.

I have been wanting to talk about this for months but couldn’t. I couldn’t even give hints of any real substance. But I can today. I can’t spill all the tea, but I have a couple of cups that are steaming hot. However, let me cool my jet to do this properly. It’s been a while since I’ve introduced myself. I’m Genevive Chamblee, and I’m the creator of the blog, Creole Bayou. I’m also a novelist—specifically, I write sports romance. I didn’t always write in that subgenre. Well, I guess in a way I did, but I just didn’t know it. I frequently had athletes or sports elements, but these components were shadowed in the background. It wasn’t until I wrote Out of the Penalty Box that I brought it to the heart of my stories. And I guess, it’s fair to say that I’m best known for my hockey romances. Before then, much of my writing was contemporary romance with adventure and sometimes the occult.

But what does any of that have to do with anything? Well… A couple years ago, I wrote a short story. There’s a whole story behind the story, but I won’t get into it here. The important thing is that the short story sat in a folder for a couple of years. I visited it several times over the years, and it came to nothing—until last year. I decided to pull it out for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo or NaNo) and give it an honest go at repair/transformation/overhaul or whatever one wants to call it. It needed serious work, and I was determined to put in the time and effort. I didn’t complete it for NaNo, but I got it together by the end of the year. It became a blend of all of my writing loves. The results are…well… not your typical romance. Let me put it this way. If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural all had an orgy, this would be the love child.

DEMON RODEO

Coming September 5, 2024

Hang on to your bootstraps, because things are about to start bucking. And that’s no bull.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, a blogger and contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

How to Cool Off with Summer Cocktails

Attention: This post isn’t for the kiddies. It is intended for those 21 and older. This information is also expected to be used responsibly.

Summer is almost here. As of now, it is knocking on our door or looming around the edges of the backyard. The cool days and the subtle warmth of spring are fast fleeting. I awoke this morning to temperatures in the lower seventies. By 8:30 AM, the temperature was already 78 degrees. It’s going to be a steamy one. But when isn’t it?

When it comes time to cool off, here are some summer cocktails to quench that thirst. They’re good for lounging poolside or with one’s feet kicked up on a comfy sofa. I picked these five refreshing cocktails because they are some of Louisiana’s favorites.

Hurricanes

If Louisiana had an official state adult beverage, hurricanes would be it hands down. Some would argue that Sazerac holds this title. However, Sazerac is the official cocktail of the city of New Orleans and not the state as a whole.  These fruity cocktails are a staple in the bayous and a pitcher can be whipped up in just a few minutes.

Ingredients:

2 tsp Grenadine2 oz Simple Syrup2 oz White Rum2 oz Dark Rum2 oz Spice Rum2 oz Orange Juice4 tbs Lime Juice2 oz Passion Fruit Juice

Directions:

Pour all ingredients into a shaker and shake vigorously for approximately 1 – 2 minutesPour over crushed iceGarnish the glass with orange and/or lime slices and maraschino cherries

La Louisiane

Since I brought up New Orleans, I cannot not mention one of the most popular drinks found in the city. I’m talking about the La Louisiane. This drink derives its name from the historic hotel constructed in 1881. It is a variation of the Vieux Carré cocktail.

Ingredients:

¾ oz sweet vermouth½ oz Bénédictine2 oz rye whiskey3 dashes absinthe4 dashes Peychaud’s bittersAmarena cherry for garnish

Directions:

Chill a cocktail glassFill a shaker with ice,Add all ingredients (i.e., whiskey, vermount, Bénédictine, absinthe, and bitters)Stir to chill thoroughly (approximately 30 seconds)Strain into a coupe or martini glassGarnish with a cherryEnjoy

Hemingway Special Daiquiri

This sour cocktail is named after the famous author, Ernest Hemingway. Reportedly, Hemingway created this drink in a Havana bar when he asked the cocktail he ordered be tweaked more to his liking. According to legend, Hemmingway requested more rum and less sugar. For most people, the version of this drink Hemmingway requested is far too sour. Over the years, it has been modified to be acceptable to more palates and with less alcohol. However, the modern update retains his name. But be careful. This cocktail packs a punch.

Ingredients:

¼ oz Maraschino liqueur¼ oz grapefruit juice¼ oz cognac½ oz semi-rich simple syrup¾ oz lime juice1 ½ oz white rum1 grapefruit peel1 lime

Directions:

Pour liqueur, grapefruit juice, cognac, syrup, lime juice, and rum into a shaker.Twist the grapefruit peel to express the oils and add to the liquids.Add ice and shake vigorously for approximately 30 seconds.Strain into a daiquiri glass.Enjoy.

Vieux Carré Cocktail

Since I mentioned it previously, I have to talk about the Vieux Carré (pronounced “voh-care-eh”) Translated, this means “Old Square” and refers to the famous French Quarter in New Orleans. The French Quarter, of course, is the oldest neighborhood in the city and was established in 1718. This drink comes with instructions to sip slowly. It is potent. Lightweights do not want to mess around with this one, and even heavyweight champions should use caution. It is a Mike Tyson of drinks.

Ingredients:

¼ oz Bénédictine¼ oz cognac¼ ounce Sweet Vermouth½ ounce Sazerac rye3 drops Angostura bitters4 drops Peychaud bitters1 lemon

Directions:

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.Stir well until chilled.Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice.Add a lemon twist to garnish.Enjoy

Creole Cocktail

The name of this blog is Creole Bayou. I would be remiss if I didn’t give the recipe for Creole Cocktail. It may have a generic name, but it hits hard. So, hang on to your bootstraps. Due to its smoothness and sweetness, this drink can sneak up on a person. For sure, a designated driver should be appointed if this drink is involved.

Ingredients:

¼ tsp Grenadine¼ tsp Bénédictine1 oz sweet vermount1 oz Southern Comfort1.5 oz rye whiskey

Directions:

Stir with ice for 20-30 seconds.Strain into chilled glassesEnjoy

Well, we’ve come to an end for this post. Remember always to drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Responsible drinkers are always of legal age and who know their limits. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, the National Drug and Alcohol Hotline is open 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and available to help with trained professionals and local resources. Asking for help is never a sign of weakness or shame.

Have you ever consumed any of these cocktails or do any sound like ones you want to try? 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. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

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

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, a blogger and contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

How to Be a Supportive Coworker

This topic came about due to a workplace situation that blew my mind in so many ways. After witnessing it, I began thinking about all the television sitcom shows that are centered around toxic fictious work environments that audiences tune in week after week to laugh about. But what if they aren’t all fake? What if workplaces like those on television do exist? It was a question I never considered until I saw with my own eyes and heard what I heard with my own ears. So, let me briefly explain what happened before getting into what can be done.

Several months ago, a coworker experienced an injury and has been in pain since. In the following weeks, the pain worsened. This worker (we’ll call Jane but that isn’t her name) sought medical treatment, but her injury was basically blown off as not being serious. They gave her a prescription for a mild pain reliever and sent her on her way. Because of this, she attempted to carry on with her daily routine, and this likely caused further injury. She chugged along and visited physicians several times but was always instructed to “give it time” as if she was being impatient.” But then, there came a time when her pain became unbearable, enough to cause one of the doctors she’d seen to order an MRI. Lo and behold, a real problem existed. She was scheduled for surgery. However, the surgery couldn’t be scheduled immediately, as the doctor needed to confer with specialists for the best surgical option.

The following day after receiving her MRI results, Jane returned to work excited and frightened. She was excited about the prospect of finally getting rid of the pain but terrified of having to have surgery. Her reaction wasn’t unreasonable. First, the surgery/procedure, if gone wrong, could have lifelong, debilitating effects. Second, it would mean taking a work leave of absence without pay. Third, it would be expensive, even with insurance. Fourth, while the prognosis was that her pain could be alleviated, there existed a high probability that it could return later. It was a lot for Jane to process, and she turned to her coworkers for support.

In the workplace common area, she relayed everything her doctors had said to her coworkers. By being in the common area, any worker could overhear the conversation. Essentially, it’s this company’s version of gathering at a water cooler. Jane was unbothered by who listened in.

In walks Yenta. (No, not her real name.) I’m not even going to pretend to concern myself with being polite here. Yenta is that workplace’s village idiot after huffing a bottle of bleach. She is an example of how the education system has failed in some districts and the poster child of bankrupted modern-day Beverly Hillbillies.

So, that’s the background. Let’s get into ways of how to be supportive, unlike Yenta.

Don’t say dumb crap. As a general rule, if a person is going to speak, he/she should say something intelligent or, at least, not stupid.

Jane’s anxiety regarding the surgery was notably through the roof. Her doctors were considering two options for surgery. The first was an outpatient procedure. The second was far more complex and would require in-patient with some extra-ultra specialist, as in, an ordinary specialist wouldn’t do. Her MRI had been sent to multiple physicians for consultation. Yenta in all her wisdoms says, “Office? They can’t do that in an office you need to be in a hospital.”

Very patiently Jane explains the situation again, to which Yenta replies, “You need to be laid up.” Now, I’m no physician, but I do know a little something. Therefore, I offer that medical technology is constantly advancing and that surgeries that once required lengthy hospital stays could now only require overnight or performed as an outpatient. I furthered this by giving an example that many incisions that used to be made using a scalpel and were large could not be made using lasers and were considerably smaller. Additionally, I discussed that when doctors used knives and made large incisions, one of the greatest concerns was the risk of infection. Smaller incisions and quicker surgery times using lasers and scopes have reduced those risks, making it safer to return home sooner.

Yenta spouts off, “Yeah, and that’s why people die. She’s going to die at home.”

Yenta wasn’t joking. If it had been a joke, it would have been in grave poor taste. However, she’d been serious. Not only was she uninformed and talking out her butthole, she totally gave zero consideration to Jane’s already fragile emotional state.

Allow the focus to be on the coworker. Don’t hijack the conversation and make it about you. Using a personal story as an allegory or example to make a point is acceptable. But to have the conversation turn and be about you isn’t okay.

Think about Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) in the 1995 rom-com Clueless when she attempts to retell her story of being robbed while Tai (Brittany Murphy) is telling her story about being dangled from the railing at the mall. Clueless was a spin on Jane Austen’s classic romance novel, Emma. The titular character was meddlesome, egotistical, shallow, rather shallow-minded, and inconsiderate.

While Jane was explaining about her injury and pain, Yenta interrupted to yap about her daughter’s unrelated medical condition. The two conditions had no shared commonality other than Yenta’s daughter having a surgical procedure. Yenta’s daughter’s surgery didn’t stem from an injury, affected a different part of the body, and wasn’t as serious. At least, Emma was wealthy and pretty, which allowed her a privileged standing during her time. I can’t say the same for Yenta.

Offer words of encouragement or support. I don’t mean “toxic positivity” as some have coined it. I’m speaking of genuine thoughts that will help calm one’s emotions. For example, a coworker stated that one of the surgeons being considered for the surgery had successfully performed a similar surgery on her father and he was doing well. Another coworker pointed out how all of the doctors in that surgical clinic had received awards and recognition for their medical achievements. I quoted statistics that indicated most patients felt instant pain relief within days of the surgery. Yenta had nothing positive to offer.Be informed. This ties in with the very first point of not spreading misinformation.

Yenta asked, “Why won’t he (i.e., the doctor) give you something (i.e., medication) for your pain. Jane stated that he had. Yenta rebutted, “Well, it ain’t working. You need something stronger that’s going to make you sleep.”

Where to start with this? First, Jane couldn’t afford to take time off work. If she was prescribed a medication that kept her practically comatose, she wouldn’t be able to work. Her taking time off to have the surgery was already an issue for her, and she was having to complete mounds of paperwork from HR. Missing work to sleep would pretty much guarantee her termination.

Second, the medications Yenta was talking about are known to be highly addictive. Jane has a history of some “difficulty” using some medications. (Read between the lines.) Jane’s previous medical struggles were no secret around the office.

Third, Yenta knows damn well that many of the medications she referred to wasn’t covered by the company’s insurance and are extremely expensive (practically non-affordable) out of pocket. Everyone has the same sucky policy and complains about it regularly.

Ask what the person needs. Sometimes, the person won’t admit to needing anything. In Jane’s case, we knew money was an issue, but she wouldn’t admit to it. We decided to collect a love offering for her, just a little something to help. Do you think Yenta was in favor of this or that she ever gives? I’ll leave that right there.

And as for leaving things, that’s all I got. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. 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. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

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

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

How to Create a Disaster Preparedness Kit

How to Create a Disaster Preparedness Kit

It’s close to that time of the year when people begin planning vacations. But here in the South, there’s something else that people should prepare for: hurricane season. People who have lived in the region for years may think, “Aw, I got this. I know what to do. I have time.” However, there are reasons that they may have it less under control than they think. Let’s not be remiss. Having a disaster emergency kit is a good idea for everyone no matter where he/she lives. So, let’s talk. And frankly, maintaining a disaster plan and kit is a smart idea to have all year around.

Approximately four years ago, the world broke. Yeah, a little thing called a pandemic ran amuck and changed life as most of us knew it. At first, many of us thought we’d be held up for a week or two. Then that turned into months, and the months lagged into years. So, here we are, and many things haven’t returned to normal. Sure, the great toilet paper crisis is over, but there are still shortages. And not only that, goods are far more expensive than they were four years ago. Thus, running to the store to stock up on essentials a day before a storm comes ashore may no longer be possible.

So, what should be included in this disaster preparedness kit?

Three-day supply of food and water per person. It is best to have foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration. Don’t forget to include snacks. If you prepare your emergency kits far in advance, be sure to check the expiration dates on canned goods that have been stored for a while.It’s a good idea to have extra water for bathing and flushing toilets should there be a loss of water pressure or an issue of water pollution.Flashlights, lanterns, candles, matches.Backup generator.An emergency battery-powered radio to keep abreast of changing weather conditions and important news.Medications. This includes prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC). Don’t forget items such as glasses, extra contacts and contact solution, dentures, and adaptive equipment (e.g., contour pillows, arthritis creams, and special shampoos and lotions, etc.)First aid kid. (Check to ensure nothing contained in it has expired.)Three days’ worth of clothes and undergarmentsCordless chargers for cell phones, tablets, and laptops. Having more than one is beneficial, especially if several devices require charging. Remember, the power may be out for days or weeks. Be sure to charge the portable chargers in advance. They are useless if they aren’t.Extra batteries in all sizes. Don’t be caught not having enough or the right size batteries or batteries that have previously been used and don’t have a lot of juice left in them. As the saying goes: It is better to have and not need than to need and not have.Grooming and toiletries (e.g., deodorant, toothpaste, brush/comb, soap, shampoo, razors, feminine hygiene products, etc.)Emergency contact information and insurance cards/phone numbers. It is okay to have these things on your phone or on your computer but having an old-fashioned hard copy is wise. During Katrina, people were without power for weeks. People needed to conserve their computer and phone batteries as much as possible. Hunting through a contact list for a number uses battery power, provided that one still has juice in his/her phone. But no problem. Just charge it up in the car, right? Well, only if the car is electric or will charge without turning on the motor. Because during Katrina, there also was no gas.Cash. Many times, storms pass over, but when they don’t and leave destruction in their path, it may take days, weeks, or months to get back to semi-normal. This may lead to the closure of banks or an inability to use ATM machines. Shortly after Katrina, many businesses found themselves having to only accept cash payments because their cash registers and debit card readers were not functioning.Babie supplies (e.g., diapers, formula, teething rings, diaper rash cream, etc.)Furbabies supplies (e.g., food, bowls, leashes, crates, etc.)Garbage bags with ties. It is surprising how often this item is forgotten or overlooked. But one will be amazed at how much trash can accumulate in a few hours of being cooped up.Ziplock bags with seals. This may sound like a strange item to include but can be extremely useful if one finds himself/herself in an area where water or flooding is a problem. Ziplock bags can be used to protect items such as important documents, matches, or medications.Entertainment. This is especially important if you will be sheltering with children. You don’t want them bored because that will be a quick way to add gray hairs to your head and elevate your blood pressure. Board games and books are excellent because they do not require a power source.Pillows and blankets. This may not be an item everyone needs to include. However, if relocating to a safe area such as a basement, emergency shelter, or family or friend’s home to ride out the storm, one may feel more comfortable having items from home.Propane, charcoal, lighter fluid. If power is lost for a significant amount of time, foods in refrigerators and freezers may spoil. To prevent having to throw it all away, toss it on the grill or in a deep fryer.Gas. This isn’t something that you can put in your kit but is very important. Be sure to fill up your tank before any storm hits. Fuel shortages are not uncommon after natural disasters.Sentimental items. One thing frequently heard after a natural disaster is people expressing sadness of having lost items that are irreplaceable such as photos or tokens given to them by loved ones. Not everything can be put in a disaster preparedness kit, but do include those things that mean the most.

Honorable mentions:

Toilet paper. I was told by several colleagues to include this, and I think everyone can guess what prompted this.Backpacks. Backpacks are an excellent way to store all these items and keep them organized.Baking soda. This is a personal preference. If there was one thing that I learned from Katrina is that you do not want any food (especially poultry) to spoil in your refrigerator or freezer. Getting that odor out is terrible. There wasn’t a single box of baking soda to be found in the parish. To me, this is a must-have.Bug spray. With flood waters and rotting food comes an influx of pests (e.g., gnats, mosquitos, flies, maggots, roaches, etc.) And in the case of Katrina, it occurred right around the time the lovebugs were hatching or whatever it is that lovebugs do.Bug repellent. Not only will one want to exterminate pests, but having them not feast off your body is great, too.

And that’s all that I have. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. 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. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

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

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

The Importance of Hugging

Open arms!

In 2018, I wrote a post about kissing. (Kissing Smooch Smooch) To my surprise and interestingly enough, I did not (at least, I could not find where I had) write a post about hugging. In my defense, I thought I had, and perhaps I did and accidentally deleted it before posting. Or maybe I researched it but never uploaded it. Then again, maybe I wrote it in an alternative timeline and it’s floating somewhere in space. I kid you not, I have memories of writing a post about this. It’s a mystery, I intend to correct it now. So, today’s post is about hugging. (Psst…if you find where I’ve posted this topic before, please clue a girl in.)

International Hugging Day (or National Hugging Day) is celebrated in January. (So, I’m just a few months late.) According to research information, this “holiday” was created by Kevin Zaborney because he noticed that many people appeared to feel downtrodden during the winter months and post the holiday season. For this reason, he selected January 21 as the date of celebration. The first documented celebration occurred in Clio, Michigan, in 1986. A day set aside for celebrating hugging may sound silly to celebrate, but who couldn’t use a hug?

Research has indicated that hugging has several positive benefits. For example, hugging may reduce stress and anxiety. When a person engages in hugging, the brain releases oxytocin. Oxytocin (also known as the “love hormone”) is the brain neurotransmitter that helps regulate cortisol levels. Cortisol is one chemical in the body related to feeling stress and anxiety. Additionally, hugs may reduce the risk of heart attack, heart disease, and/or stroke by lowering blood pressure. Other help benefits include boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, fighting off infections, and increasing happiness.

By definition, a hug is an act of holding/squeezing someone tightly in his arms as an expression of affection. But, of course, not all hugs are affectionate, welcomed, or appreciated. Here are 7 types of hugs.

Bear hug. This is perhaps the most common type of hug. Usually, it is one of intimacy and/or between people who know each other well. It is performed by both people wrapping their arms around each other and pulling each other chest-to-chest (relatively, depending on height) in a long, tight embrace.Eye-to-Eye hug. This is a bear hug on eye level. Usually, in a bear hug, the person involved isn’t looking at each other. Either one person has his/her head on the other’s shoulder or chest or a person’s chin on the other’s head. An eye-to-eye hug often involves one person lifting another, but not always. When two people are approximately the same height (or even if not), they may have their foreheads pressed together. Either way, it is a long, tight, and loving embrace. Out of all of the hugs, this may be the most intimate of all of them.Patting hug. A patting hug also is a bear hug, but it involves patting the other person on the upper arms or back while hugging. It may be long or brief in duration and may occur between loved ones or colleagues. In general, this type of hug is engaged in when the involved one or both parties involved are offering comfort and/or support. These types of hugs are often seen between parents and children when the child has injured himself/herself or is feeling scared and in times of tragedy (e.g., funerals/death, receiving heartbreaking/disappointing news, etc.)Side hug. This is a one-limb embrace, performed by placing one arm around another person’s shoulder or waist. This is a preferred gesture when an adult wishes to show affection to a minor who isn’t his/her child but wants to avoid any misperceptions of inappropriate touching, grooming, or sexual misconduct. It also may frequently be the preferred hugging method in workplace situations to prevent allegations of favoritism or sexual harassment. In this day and age, even the best-intended hugs may be reported as something clandestine.Back hug. This hug is just what it sounds like. It is when one person wraps his/her arms around another person’s waist or torso from behind. This is almost always either a demonstration of a close friendship or a romantic instance. Rarely is the hug exhibited between people who do not know each other well.London-Bridge hug. I don’t know if this hug has another name. To be honest, my first time learning about this hug was while researching types of hugs. While I may not have known the appropriate name for this hug, I certainly have seen people engage in this. I have even engaged in this. These hugs are most often seen when two people are uncertain if they should hug each other or when they do not know each other well. Personally, I think a better name for this hug would be a teepee hug. It is performed with the upper torso of two people who are in contact but their lower bodies have a fair amount of distance between them.Polite hug. Last, but not least, a polite hug may be expressed in several ways (bear, side, back, waist, pickpocket, etc.) The difference between a polite hug and all the previously mentioned hugs is that it is extremely brief. It’s always non-romantic. This hug is common among colleagues, associates, first-time meeting greetings (for the touchy-feely types), and/or distant relatives.

And this is it for my list of hugs. Which one is your favorite? What did you think? What is your take on the subject? 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 time to hit the ice again. Future Goals has arrived and is available.

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.

Order your copy at:

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

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

Did you miss 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 X (formerly tweet) me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search for me on Goodreads, Amazon Authors, BookBub, Bluesky, Threads, 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 sign up today.

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

Author Bio

Genevive Chamblee resides in the Bayou country where sweet tea and SEC football reign supreme. She is known for being witty (or so she thinks), getting lost anywhere beyond her front yard (the back is pushing it as she’s very geographically challenged), falling in love with shelter animals (and she adopts them), asking off-the-beaten-path questions that make one go “hmm,” and preparing home-cooked Creole meals that are as spicy as her writing. Genevive specializes in spinning steamy, romantic tales with humorous flair, diverse characters, and quirky views of love and human behavior. She also is not afraid to delve into darker romances as well.

How to Manage Time When You Have None

Generally, it’s my cohorts and their shenanigans that inspire the topics that I write about. However, this one, I’m ashamed to admit, is all on me. I fell into the pit that so many others have. Because sometimes even when one knows what is required and where the dips in the sidewalks are, he/she still trips.

Procrastination is not unfamiliar to me. Although I realize that more times than not procrastination will lead nowhere sunny, I still do it. And it would be reasonable that is what is happened in this instance. But in my self-evaluation of where my life slid sideways, I realized procrastination wasn’t the culprit—at least, not alone. It did show up for a visit a time or two, but again, it wasn’t the main problem. It was in this self-evaluation that it dawned on me other people may be experiencing the same issues. So, in an effort to get myself back on track, I pulled out my handy dandy laptop and got to researching. Some of the things I discovered were surprising.

The following are six ways to effectively manage time that you may not have considered.

Pride. Set it aside. Now, if you’re wondering what pride has to do with anything, then you’re not alone. I was right in this boat with you. As it turned out, pride was my fiercest nemesis and snuck in without my noticing. See, I was so wrapped up in how “glorious” the outcome would be that it caused me to overlook small but important details and emphasized less essential ones. One way to effectively manage time is by focusing on the immediate tasks instead of anticipating outcomes. In other words, focus on the individual trees in the forest.Food. How many commercial or social media ads promoting healthy eating are aired in a day? And who hasn’t been warned not to feed kids foods or sodas containing loads of sugar to avoid hyping them up? Well, for adults, that initial bump in energy may be beneficial. It’s the crash that is may be knotty. How this affected me was as follows. Having a busy schedule means waking early and staying up late. Fatigue lurked around every corner. I would find myself ready to pass out around seven or eight in the evening. Partially, this was related to getting up at 4:00 AM. But it had more to do with the high carbs and sugar I would consume at lunch. Where I would be during the day, food options were limited, and packing a lunch wasn’t always something I could do. Frequently, I’d grab something at a greasy spoon with a soft drink. (Soft drinks aren’t something I normally consume, and I dislike the diet versions.) By the evening, the crash would begin, and I’d not have the energy to do much. This wasted precious time in the evenings. And this would occur day after day. Thus, I would go for weeks being unproductive in the afternoons.Fatigue. Getting adequate rest is imperative. As I mentioned previously, I wasted so much time to not having energy. And fatigue is something that can lag over. I was tired at times I shouldn’t have been. Not being a person who is accustomed to taking naps, if I fell asleep early, I would wake feeling more fatigue than before the nap. Not to mention, I would often doze off in places other than a bed or sofa. My muscles did not appreciate it. So, atop of feeling tired, I was also sore. The battle against fatigue begins with taking breaks, even if you think you can’t afford to or are “on a roll”/“in the zone.” Take the break anyway. It doesn’t have to be a long break.Sprints. Work in sprints. This relates to the previous point. Set a time for how long you will work before taking a break. Most people consider a sprint to be something short in duration. They aren’t wrong since the definition of a sprint is an act or short spell of running at full speed. However, work sprints allow a person to set the pace and duration. For example, a person may decide to work for two hours and then take a break. During that time, the person works as hard and fast as he/she can. That may not sound like a sprint, but it could be if the person is working a sixteen-hour shift. a person may decide on a twenty-minute sprint but works slowly but diligently during that time because the work is tediously detailed. Speeding through that type of task may not be beneficial. Work sprints aren’t about speed. They are about productivity. What good is finishing a task quickly if is incorrect and has to be redone?Rabbit holes. Avoid these at all cost. Sometimes, I found myself getting lost in the purpose of the task. I’d begin one place, and before I knew it, would be on the other side of the earth with a whole lot of uselessness. You may think wandering down one of those dark tunnels is worth it, but really consider it before jumping in. I was given a simple task of determining if certain forms were located in a certain area. Upon looking around, I discovered several other issues. Instead of remaining focused on the forms, I added all the other stuff to the to do list—meaning, I was attempting to solve multiple issue simultaneously. And the more problems I attempted to resolve, the more that popped up. It became overwhelming, and nothing was getting done. Well, that wasn’t true. Things were getting done, but the progress was so slight that it was barely noticeable.Negative people. Oh gosh, could I say a lot about this, but I’ll keep it simple. There are people who are going to do, and everyone else who are going to run their mouths with worthless criticisms and opinions and not do jack. Tune them out. I invested in a new pair of earbuds. A stellar playlist can work wonders.

With that said, that’s all that I have for today. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? 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 time to hit the ice again. Future Goals has arrived and is available.

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.

Order your copy at:

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

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

Did you miss 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 X (formerly tweet) me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search for me on Goodreads, Amazon Authors, BookBub, Bluesky, Threads, 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 sign up today.

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

Author Bio

Genevive Chamblee resides in the Bayou country where sweet tea and SEC football reign supreme. She is known for being witty (or so she thinks), getting lost anywhere beyond her front yard (the back is pushing it as she’s very geographically challenged), falling in love with shelter animals (and she adopts them), asking off-the-beaten-path questions that make one go “hmm,” and preparing home-cooked Creole meals that are as spicy as her writing. Genevive specializes in spinning steamy, romantic tales with humorous flair, diverse characters, and quirky views of love and human behavior. She also is not afraid to delve into darker romances as well.

World Book Day

April 23 is World Book Day. (Note: World Book Day is celebrated on the first Thursday in March in the U.K.) Reportedly, the date of April 23 was selected as the day of recognition because many famous authors have died on that date, which is a little unsettling for writers when one thinks about it. Authors who have death dates of April 23 include Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547-1569), William Shakespeare (1564-1616), William Wordsworth (1770-1850), Rupert Brooke (1887-1915), Tim Keefe (1857-1933), Karl Polanyi (1886-1964), P.L. Travers (1899-1996), Harold Arlen (1905-1986), James Earl Ray (1928-1998), and Boris Yeltsin (1931-2007). It was created by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), an organization whose mission is to promote the opportunity for learning for everyone. The first World Book Day was celebrated in 1995.

The purpose of World Book Day is to promote pleasure reading. It’s interesting to hear so many people are turned off by reading when there was a time in history when people begged to learn to read. In fact, some groups of people were denied an opportunity to learn and would have been severely disciplined or even killed in some instances for attempting to learn. And even when reading became more common amongst larger groups, books were too expensive. There was a time in history when owning books was a display of wealth. Much of this had to do with the tedious process required to print a book.

Before television, the internet, social media, and the likes, books/reading was a main source of entertainment. Book reading and book clubs were popular. In a book, the reader can go anywhere or do anything. Books are truly another world. When I hear someone declare they dislike reading, I often wonder why and if they realize how much they are missing. A coworker once confided in me that she disliked reading because it made her think. Of course, the only books she’d ever read were the ones required in grammar and high school. I don’t even know if school book reports are a thing anymore. I remember back in my day (making myself sound ancient) that most of the books on the required reading list found dull and boring. But those just weren’t my jam. The beauty was there were thousands and thousands of other books for me to choose from.

However, perhaps what I found the most interesting was hearing a coworker rave about a book that was a media darling at the time. I won’t name the book, but it was controversial which is why it was trending. However, many writers and critics pointed out how poorly written the book was. This wasn’t a commentary or criticism about content. The author had not done research and elements of the story were just wrong, not to mention the poor grammar. And many people didn’t notice because they hadn’t read any other books. If one is starving, bitter herbs may taste sweet.

That’s all I have on this subject other than to say grab a book and enjoy World Book Day. If you’re looking for a read, I have a few.

What did you think? What is your take on the subject? 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 time to hit the ice again. Future Goals has arrived and is available.

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.

Order your copy at:

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

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

Did you miss 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 X (formerly tweet) me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search for me on Goodreads, Amazon Authors, BookBub, Bluesky, Threads, 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 sign up today.

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

Author Bio

Genevive Chamblee resides in the Bayou country where sweet tea and SEC football reign supreme. She is known for being witty (or so she thinks), getting lost anywhere beyond her front yard (the back is pushing it as she’s very geographically challenged), falling in love with shelter animals (and she adopts them), asking off-the-beaten-path questions that make one go “hmm,” and preparing home-cooked Creole meals that are as spicy as her writing. Genevive specializes in spinning steamy, romantic tales with humorous flair, diverse characters, and quirky views of love and human behavior. She also is not afraid to delve into darker romances as well.