Veronica Cline Barton's Blog: Mistletoe and Mayhem: Yuletide at Castlewood Manor listed as, "One of the best suspense books of all time." - BookAuthority, page 28

Welcome to Veronica’s #WritersDiary Week 4

Although most of us survived the #LAHeatwave that started last Friday (L.A. area was not unique, apparently the majority of the Earth was going through a major hot flash last week), I’m still recovering. Heat and Veronica do not mix, so I apologize in advance for this week’s slightly melted version of Dear Diary:

I Don’t Care If It Is A Dry Heat, 114 Degrees Is Hot….

I laughed until I cried on Friday when the heat was on big time here in southern California. The conversations flying back and forth on Twitter and FB were hilarious as we shared ‘melting in the heat’ exchanges. The GIFs were flying as people tried to depict their situation in a 8 second clip ( I even attempted heat humor above with the “I’m Melting” clip

Award Show Fever, #InspirationResearch (IR) for Book 3

I’ve been doing lots of #InspirationResearch (IR) for my third book—scoping out new settings and events to keep my characters (and readers) entertained as we begin this latest journey. In the next book, the cast and executives of the Castlewood Manor series get to experience the joyous (and perhaps evil) events associated with the debut of their series, and its first venture into the world of award events for their show (my newly fictionalized awards event, the Telly Tiaras, affectionately known as the Tellies).

Just like the Oscars, Emmy’s, and Grammy’s, expect tons of glamor and glitz (and mayhem, can’t forget the mayhem) in the next book as Gemma, Ma-ma (who happens to be nominated for the famous Telly Tiara) and the rest of the crew make their way to the London premier, and then across the U.S. to see and be seen by their adoring fans. I’m super excited to have the Tellies in the next book—I’ve always heard that these glamorous film and television awards are pretty cut throat, but you ain’t seen nuthin’ yet

Welcome to Veronica’s #WritersDiary—Week 3

Hey there, I hope you had a spectacular 4th of July holiday (without too many fireworks still going off in your head this morning). I’m still stuffed with 4th of July junk food (who doesn’t love food served out of a truck?) and still dreaming of the beautiful fireworks from last night. It’s been an eventful and fun week with lots of smiles and laughs. So without further adieu (I love that phrase), it’s time for Dear Diary,

Ma-ma’s learned a new trick…

Holy cow, they put in a new feature for the photo editor—I can add 3-d graphics….

Look, confetti, bombs, snow….fireworks! Perfect for the 4th of July pics….OK, push that, highlight this, and save! Voila….

Wait, what, where did the file go? I know I saved it…

1 1/2 hours later…OK, this time I’m saving it in the main menu so that it can’t hide….wait, wait, YES! It’s there, 4th of July pics with 3-D graphics found! they’re going to be so popular I know, I’ll get tons of likes on FB and Twitter

Independence Day—Celebration and Wishes for This 4th of July

Wednesday is one of our biggest summer holidays and I’m all ready to put on my red, white, and blue to celebrate our nation’s birthday. I love the 4th of July celebrations, seeing people together with family and friends, smokin’ and grillin’ up a storm, and ending the day by watching spectacular fireworks. The 4th is a day that pulls us together to reflect for a bit and have some good, ole fashioned community fun. I thought I’d share 3 of the things that I’ll be celebrating (and wishing for) on the 4th (and this week/year really), so here goes….

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Our Country, Our People

I’ve been on social media since February of this year, and I have to tell you, at times it’s very scary what you see. There definitely is a chasm in our country, fueled by politics, die-hards, and rhetoric out the kazoo (from the left and the right, I’m not singling out anyone or any side). It’s easy to get discouraged by what you read and see on television. I hope, for the sake of the world’s future, we can unite someday and remember our unity is what makes our country so great. We should not agree on everything all the time—differing opinions (and the freedom to do so) is what keeps us great and brings in new ideas for new times, IMO.

My wish for this 4th of July is that all sides take a breather, just a moment, to appreciate the wonderful things we have here in the U.S.A., side by side. Times will change, people will vote, issues will be sorted, and one day (hopefully) we will be united again. My ancestors, who came here as immigrants, served in a war to bring this country to fruition, and I for one, do not want their efforts to be in vain.

This year I’m attending the Mission Viejo 4th of July celebration, volunteering in the D.A.R. booth to hand out flags to those brave enough to answer a history question (everyone’s a winner

Veronica’s #WritersDiary—Week 2

Well I’m back from the beach, head on straight, ready to go into full blown writing mode now. It’s been eventful to say the least, lots of reminiscing and reflections, too much pie, and a few surprises (my hubby is on a mission to light the world, starting with every room in our house).  And did I say shopping? (credit cards are smokin’ this month) My bags are unpacked (minus my chargers left back at the beach—who needs a phone anyway…) It’s Thursday, I’m home, humor is restored— time for Dear Diary;

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The Cats Were Not Amused….

“Why didn’t you tell us cousin Janie was bringing her DOG?” Ebbie hissed.

“Come on, it’s an itty bitty dog, your doggie cousin—he just wants to play….” I say, attempting to pet Ebbie.

“I’ve been under the bed for three days, do you really think I want to play with that fur ball?” Ebbie said, biting my finger.

Day 5—“Olly, olly, oxen free, come on out girls, the dog is gone.” Cats slowly make their way down the stairs and into the living room, sniffing everything the dog may have touched.

“Yuck, everything smells like dog, I can’t stand it.” Ebbie said, mouth open, phermone Jacobsen organ working overtime.

“I know, I’ll take care of it.” Daisy said, going into full hairball discharge mode.

Several hours later as I make my way downstairs for a drink of water….“Augghh, what is that?” I scream, jumping up, looking at my foot that has just stepped in who knows what.

Upstairs, the two cats lie on the bed, and high five their paws. “That’ll teach her, letting a dog into our house. Hack, Hack.” Oops she did it again….

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Yes-I-Did

“Veronica, you do not need those #RoyalWedding figures.” Killjoy Veronica says, shaking her head.

‘But they’re so cute…” Romantic Veronica says, batting her eyes.

“What are you going to do with them? They aren’t even going to ship until November 1st.” Tisked killjoy Veronica.

“They’re writing inspiration. The Wedding Pavilion at Cherrywood Hall is  preparing for an almost #royalwedding you know. Prince Harry I mean Andres may show up in the storyline with his new GF…”

“Oh for Pete’s sake–” The queen was not amused—killjoy Veronica was put in the dungeon, after the credit cards were removed from her possession. Funko #royalwedding figures are on order

Get Out of the Weeds—Aim High & Give Thanks

I found myself being pulled deep into the writing weeds this week—-inspiration bipolarism, writer’s block the size of a skyscraper, criticizing attitude, and just a general sense of BLAH, YUCKO, well you get it. I was more than a bit dumbfounded as to how I got into this strangling writers weed hold—I was at the beach (loving the cool breezes). I had wonderful company (love you cousin). I ate glorious foods (coconut pie is no more). I tried reading, walking, shopping—nothing seemed to be helping me get into a writing mood. And then I remembered a quote from former first lady, Michelle Obama—“When they go low, we go high.” These words resonated with me a lot the past few days, pulling me out of the weeds of yuckism—and here’s why (I think)….

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Sometimes we take on too much…

Yup, I’m guilty—I’m writing book 3, blogging, reading, Twittering, Facebooking, Instagramming, and oh by the way trying to be a good friend, reader, reviewer, citizen, and family member. When I lose my priorities, I get into a mental jam. I know this from 40+ years of working and life experience, I don’t know why I think things are different if I let myself lapse. I’m on a mission to complete my book this summer, that is a huge priority for me. I need to treat this priority with respect, and give it the attention it needs. There’s a time and place for everything, but when I take my eye off the ball and try and be all things to all, nothing gets done and I end up feeling bad and frustrated. So a schedule of events is now my friend—I don’t answer phones (leave a voicemail), I limit my social engagements, I’m limiting the TV time, and I leave social media to survive on its own when I’m writing. Schedules and routines are my new best friends.

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Sometimes we go where we don’t belong…

There’s a lot of things going on in the world. Politics and social issues (I can’t even go there it’s so frustrating). Friends and family issues (I love you but sometimes you just have to let go). Gossip and backstabbing (you know who you are, I’m talking to you). No matter where you turn you can get mired down in situations and conversations where you just don’t belong. For me, I start to feel my skin crawl, and I just don’t like it. I don’t need to get into the negative drama of others, thank you. It’s not that I don’t sympathize or wish those who are suffering well, I’ve come to a time in my life where I set limits to what I get personally involved in or not. Others can think what they want or criticize me—the most important opinion I have is my opinion of myself. As long as Veronica is OK with Veronica’s actions and thoughts, I’m good.

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Sometimes you just need a new approach…

Overthinking a subject often puts me to a complete standstill. I’m taking Mrs. Obama’s advise and aiming high, pulling myself out of the mental weeds that are inhibiting my writer’s mind. I’ve revised the outline and plot lines of book 3, stepping out of the previous details which had me locked in their grips, daring me to be free. Sometimes things just aren’t going to work out, and as a writer, you need to know when to let go of an idea, or ‘kill your darlings’ as Stephen King has said. I’m also trying some new writing and development techniques to help me grow and expand the world of my characters (more on this topic later). I’m in a different place than I was a year ago, before the first two books were published. I’ve learned a great deal, and for the third book, I’m going to go out on a few limbs. I’m also writing a short story that I will be sharing with you soon as a #giveaway. I’ve decided these new ideas and approaches are what give me inspiration, and keeps me fresh and having fun as a writer. When nothing goes right, turn left—trust me,  it works.

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And sometimes you just need to give thanks…

I am so grateful for the life I have. The family and friends, my health, my travels, my beloved cats, my new writing career. I  need to pinch myself every now and then to make sure I say thank you, and how much I appreciate what I have been given. I truly believe I have been called to make a change and a good difference with what I do and say and write. A little gratitude goes a long way—and weeds hate it. Blessings to you and yours today, and watch out for those weeds

Welcome to Veronica’s #WritersDiary—Week 1

To keep you up to date as I progress through Book 3, I thought I’d give you  glimpse of what goes on in my little writer gray cells on a typical day (or night) via my #WritersDiary. Expect the abstract, sometimes humorous, somewhat discombobulated (first time writing this word

Up, Up, and Away—Hot Air Balloon #InspirationResearch (IR)

One of my favorite fictional events so far has been the hot air balloon event hosted at the Cherrywood Hall estate featured in Cast, Crew, & Carnage; the Filming of Castlewood Manor. A trip to the Albuquerque for their fabulous hot air balloon event cemented this event in the book. It was a wonderful experience seeing these magnificent floating giants take off in the dawn lit sky. It’s amazing how quiet they are as they ascend, the silence broken only by the whoosh of the propane heater injecting the hot air into their billowing folds, causing them to inflate and rise into the sky.

I was amazed at the size and skills of the teams needed for each balloon launch—-people to unroll the giant canopies, lay out the tethers, inspectors to ensure that everything is safe, and of course the pilot(s) and their guests who are lucky enough to hitch a ride. We arrived at the sight at around 4am, and the fields were already crowded with the teams to get everything going. We were able to walk all around the fields, getting close up looks at the prep teams and the massive balloons, trying to keep warm in the cold morning air.

To me there is nothing prettier than seeing the gorgeous colors of the balloons, highlighted by the fiery heaters in the dawn light. I knew having a balloon scene at Cherrywood Hall was something I wanted, and it was great to be able to get up close and personal with these beauties, even at a very early hour (the balloons need a cold air environment so that the balloons can lift off with heated air—once the ambient temperature gets too high, you won’t be able to lift off).

I’ve only been up in a hot air balloon once, many years ago when I attended the University of Louisville. The balloon I was in stayed tethered to the ground, so I only went up around 100 feet or so. I still remember the thrill as we ascended, and one day, I hope to be able to take a longer, and much higher, ride. Here are some of the balloons we saw at their various stages—the pictures don’t do them justice, but believe me they were hot air beauties

Home Decorating—#CastleStyle

I’m once again in the grandiose rooms of Cherrywood Hall as I write book three and I can’t help but smile at the scale and décor of the rooms my characters have the privilege of living in. There’s something about a room that’s a hundred feet long with fireplaces so big you can walk right into them and stand tall. Our trip to Biltmore House in Ashville last month gave me a refresh of just how grand and elaborate castle décor is.

Biltmore house is has 250 rooms housed in 175,000 sq. ft.(that’s four acres of house, can you imagine!)  I’ve shown you the pictures of the park like grounds of the estate. Today I thought I’d show a few of the interior pictures I took with you and share why they spoke to me as I roamed the grand rooms. The featured picture above is a stained glass the Vanderbilt family commissioned that highlights their love and spirit of hospitality and prosperity, Biltmore style (I’d definitely say they knew how to throw a party). Let’s take a look at a few of the rooms I fell in love with (and I could have sworn I saw Aunt Pippa popping around as we took our tour…).

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The Dining Room

The dining room with its grand 3 hearth fireplace drew my breath away (sorry my picture only captured two from this angle–they have the room roped off). You could literally walk into the hearths standing tall–I’ve never seen a fireplace so grand. The ceiling in this room was over seventy feet tall and could easily sit a hundred+ people if extra tables were set in the room. The wood carvings, frescos, and tapestries in the room were simply stunning. I kept thinking of Gemma and her crew entertaining in a dining room such as this. Can you imagine the conversations, the dresses, the jewels? The Queen herself would approve, I’m sure (although I’m pretty sure that Pippa would have the chairs reupholstered in blue).

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The Library

As a writer and a reader, I fell in love with this room. It is basically wall to wall books (over 20,000 volumes). The wood carvings around the book shelves was just magnificent. Can you imagine sitting in this room during a rainstorm with the fireplace blazing, nestled in a chair reading your favorite book? To me, that would be pure bliss. I just have to close with a picture of this carved book ladder in the library—it’s so beautiful with its curves and detailing, I just love it.

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The Winter Garden

The Winter Room is one of the first rooms you see when entering Biltmore House. The limestone walls and columns are magnificent. I loved the bronze statue and light posts. The carved wood domed ceiling with individual panes was a stunning detail. I’d take my coffee every morning in this room, before anyone was up. I know Gemma would approve

Summer Reads—Step Out of Your #GenreZone

This summer as I’m writing my third book, my #TBR reading list is stepping way outside my cozy mystery genre box (and in some instances I’m stepping way off the planet into worlds I didn’t even know existed). I’ve been able to see and read clips of the works of so many talented writers on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads, it inspired me to read (and review, please don’t forget to review) books and short stories that are out of my usual comfort/genre zone. Variety is the spice of life, right? By reading books and short stories in other genres, I get exposed to the interactions of characters in good circumstances and bad and downright horrifying, which are very helpful to me as a mystery writer. For this post, I’ll share some of the new #GenreZones I’m entering this summer and why.

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Romance+

Who doesn’t love a little romance in your reading? I love the upbeat, feel good love story books where you pretty much know after a bit of turbulence and heartbreak, the hero (or heroine) sweeps in and voila, all is good in the end. These books are a great read for me and keep me in the happy zone–great for trips and poolside reading (IMO—and I love the ones that are made into movies). Romance in another land is another of my favorites—-who doesn’t love those Tuscan and Provence love stories? I keep reading these for the travel experience as well as the love tale. I’ll even be traveling back to my southern roots—you just can’t take the southern girl out of me, even after all these years