Tonya VanWinkle's Blog, page 4
June 3, 2018
Me to You
March 15, 2018
The Voice Within
I was watching The Voice on Tuesday evening and towards the end of the show, Kelly Clarkson said something that resonated with me. It was right after Sharane Calister sang, Make It Rain.
“That’s what makes great artists, having all those hurdles and just seeing what you’re going to do with those cards.”
That has stuck with me since and yesterday I received a comment in regards to my previous post – Yeah, That Stings – it reinforced Kelly’s message and opened my eyes to something about myself.
Now this is one of the truest blog posts I have ever read. Hang in there and prayers your way. From what I hear, it is very challenging to be an independent author, but I have faith that in time things will improve for you. It may not seem like it now, but don’t give up. I didn’t realize how you felt or other authors feel about promotion of their books. I knew it was important, but didn’t know authors deep thoughts on the subject until now. Many of us think what can we truly contribute to make a real difference in your books success. – Tammy
Sharane Calister was asked to share a bit of her story; she said that she took all the pain she’d experienced and put it into her music. Yesterday, I took my pain and put it into my words. Normally, I shy away from that, but I have found that when I don’t – that when I use the cards life has dealt me – the writing is true and deep and worthy of connecting me to another because it has meaning and they get it. In some manner of speaking, it touched their heartstrings.
When Tammy said, “Now this is one of the truest blog posts I have ever read” – she got it. She understood me, as well as a few other authors/writers. Her response wasn’t, “I’m sorry I don’t comment or like your stuff” and I’m thankful for that because that’s not what I was looking for. I was looking for understanding, not sympathy. At first, I thought I won’t even share this with the Facebook world BECAUSE someone is going to label it as a “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” and that’s not at all what it was. If that requires explanation – then you don’t get it like Tammy did.
What I realized with Tammy’s first sentence, “Now this is one of the truest blog posts I have ever read” is that I keep a lot of it locked up. I try not to let it out. Imagine if you will: a heart filled with pain the blood vessels surrounding it constricting with each infliction placed upon it – locking it all inside, in a neat and tidy package.
Your emotions are hidden. The tears you want to cry are locked up. The anger you want to release is locked up. Your wearing your grin and bear it smile while dreaming of something more or perhaps a shot of patron BUT at least you’ve tucked your crazy in for the night and out of sight. Right?
Nobody wants to see it. Nobody wants to hear it. Yet, our world is filled with psychologist, counselors, people singing from the depths of their pain, movies based on true heartwrenching stories and books upon books written from a person’s brokenness. So excuse me and my french for a moment, but I call BULLSHIT!
If nobody wants to see it or hear it then why are we paying a small fortune to unload it, why are there songs, movies, and books about it? Because growth and rebirth rise from the ashes of brokenness, emptiness, and sadness. The most powerful and profound things you will ever hear, watch or read must stand upon the foundation of truth. Without that, ya got nothing.
I want depth. I want meaning. I want to move forward freely and not be held back by this self-imposed prison where everything I feel is locked up in a neat and tidy package because nobody wants to see it or hear it. I’m tired of not writing something because of a label it may become saddled with. I’m tired of not writing something because the person who inspired it may not wish it to be out there for the world to see. I’m tired of being scared of what others think.
I want to write from my heart, from every inch of it – not just the “acceptable” pieces. I’m sick of holding back and leaving my work lacking in the depth and the value I wish it to have. I write because I have stories to share. I write because I love it. I write because it is my escape. I don’t write for your sympathy or to make you feel guilty – if anything I write to make you laugh and cry and leave you with the peaceful easy feeling that you’re not alone out there.
I’m done courting insanity. I’m sharing my soul from here on out because I’m tired of being unheard. I’m tired of locking my thoughts and feelings up and maybe that’s something that comes with age or either I’ve just gotten so tired of it that I don’t care anymore. I’m going to write freely because writing within these walls is empty and lacks fulfillment.
Sincerely,
Renea
“To write means more than putting pretty words on a page; the act of writing is to share a part of your soul with the world.”
“A non-writing writer is a monster courting insanity.” – Franz Kafka
“What doesn’t kill us gives us something new to write about.” – Julie Wright
The post The Voice Within appeared first on Renea Westlyn.
March 14, 2018
Yeah, that stings.
Maybe I shouldn’t write this, but I’m going to anyway. Besides, what does it matter? I’m not even sure anyone reads this blog and I’m not saying that to gain your attention. I’m saying it because it’s true, most of the comments I receive are spam.
There are months or times when I am good at posting a regular blog and then I fade off. The same thing happens on my Facebook page, my reader group and shoot even my personal profile. I belong to several reader/author type groups and I do great posting there for a bit and then again, I fade away into the nothing. I’ve yet to figure out exactly why I do that, but I think…
I’m tired. I’m tired of being on social media constantly. I’m tired of having my phone glued to my hand. I’m tired of sharing or posting into the abyss and being left disappointed. I feel like I’m fighting the Nothing in The Neverending Story…as if my hopes and dreams are slowly being sucked from my body and leaving me empty as it grows stronger.
This black hole of suck is destroying bits and pieces of my world, taking control of my emotions and leaving me lifeless in the swamps of sadness. And I’ve allowed it to. The times when I post regularly are nothing more than fleeting moments, small bursts of energy – that moment when I decide to try again. Only to be left disappointed and gradually pulled back into the darkness fading away from sight and interaction.
It’s hard to grow a following when you feel like a rope in a game of tug-o-war.
Yesterday, was a busy eventful day via social media in my world. The first book in the Silverpines series was released and all the authors were working hard to get the word out; as well as interact with the readers. I posted multiple times in multiple places, desiring to do my part in helping this series be a success for each author participating.
On my personal profile; I have 8 interactions, 2 shares, and a couple comments from yesterday. It’s as if my posts fell into the abyss without ever seeing the light of day. I’ve felt that way about many things I’ve shared or posted recently. Nothing is left untouched by this black hole of suck, not even my personal profile. Rarely is there a comment or a like.
I did share a funny picture the other day and it’s the most action my Facebook profile has seen in MONTHS! The only other post gaining any kind of action have been live videos of my son doing the CrossFit Open.
I find myself asking, “Why do I even bother“, “What’s the point in sharing this” and “I’m just talking to myself out here“. If we’re honest, my own husband doesn’t even like, comment or share my posts. That shouldn’t bother me, I suppose, but guess what – it does. Why? Because he is ALWAYS on his phone. He likes or comments on everyone else’s stuff and sometimes even shares it. I feel he is more active and interacts more with others on social media than I do. Truthfully, I feel like he talks to everyone but me and maybe I shouldn’t say that out loud either…but I’m tired!
My heart is hurt and I am tired. I’m tired of holding the hurt inside. I’m tired of being upset. I’m tired of the discouragement and disappointments. I’m tired of opening social media and seeing the exact same thing I saw ten hours ago. I’m tired of not expressing what I feel because of the backlash it may present. I’m tired of keeping every little thing to myself when many times all I want to do is scream and cry! I am sick over how much the abyss of social media has taken from me. It’s not just hopes and dreams being sucked away from me; it’s family and friends too. It’s all disappearing into the Nothingness.
It hurts. I feel empty and extraordinarily tired constantly. I keep trying to fight it and then I find myself holding little shreds of my heart in my hands time and time again. I’m tired of this heartache. I’m tired of loneliness. I’m tired of feeling that I could disappear and not a soul would notice.
Am I depressed? No, I am not. I am simply stating what I feel and because it’s deep and dark society says; “She’s depressed“. The truth is I am lacking; lacking in relationships, love and the happiness brought out by them. I am lacking control; control of my tongue. I am lacking in strength; the strength to not get upset, hurt or emotional. I am lacking in desire; the desire to fight for those hopes, dreams, and relationships.
Everything I put out there falls into the abyss and I am left feeling emptier than before, so why continue? Surely, I am not the only one with that thought – look at how many people take breaks from social media or how many give it up for Lent. It sucks the life out of you and takes away those you love. Don’t believe me?
<<>>
Take a moment today and look around you. How many people are actually talking to each other vs staring at their phone? Look at your children and your spouse – what are they doing. For that matter, where are they? Hiding out in their own domain or standing in the hallway out of sight on one of their many devices that has control over them, their lives, relationships, homework… Lastly, look in the mirror.
I have found myself just leaving my phone laying where-ever because if it’s on me, it’s going to end up in my hand stealing away from me precious time meant for others, who may or may not be too blind to see it. Try talking to someone with their phone in their hand – they’re not paying you a lick of attention. You could tell them all about how exciting your day has been or try to talk to them over dinner, but you might as well be talking to yourself. Shoot, you could TEXT them something on that said phone and get nothing in return. Not a congratulations or good job…notta. Happened to me yesterday.
This is rough. Rough as a human being, a wife, a mom, a friend…it’s rough. You see the way it’s impacting those areas of your life>>>look at the way it’s impacting your career. Everything is on social media! Everyone is pushing their business, their careers – asking you to share or support. It’s a constant fight and it’s exhausting! Do you know how many friends/family members I have with businesses? Here’s another thought… How many of those friends and family members with businesses do you support or try to when you can? How many actually return the favor with your pursuits? It’s every man for himself out there or so it seems.
And then there’s me – as a writer/author – this big black hole of suck isn’t encouraging nor does it spark creativity. It’s like being all warm and cozy one moment and have someone throw cold water in your face the next.
Yesterday, started off great. The interaction between the reader group and a few others and everyone wanting to slap the character named Betsy was amazing! I had one family member share the series and another friend reach out to me on Instagram – both welcoming surprises. And then as the day was drawing to a close…
I reached out privately to a few friends and family members asking for their support by sharing a certain post. Mail Order Marshal was climbing to #1 in a couple of categories and we were all doing our best to help it reach that coveted spot. Not one responded. Not one shared. Yeah, that stung. Then before I went to bed I noticed a reader had said, “Take me off the list” in response to a welcome message. This reader is still a member of the reader group and so I find I am lacking in understanding that response.
You notice I put a 1 and 2 next to those two paragraphs. This is why. Number one was full of fun, excitement, and happiness. Warm and Cozy. Number two the abyss sucked it all away leaving me heartsick. And there’s the cold water.
My book in the series will be coming out soon enough and if I can’t even gain support for my friend George – what’s gonna happen with my own book? Now that! That, is a depressing thought.
As a writer/author, I need to toughen up. I need a thicker skin. The problem is I’m tired. And so, if you have miraculously stumbled upon this post and read its entirety I ask you this one simple thing if you can do nothing else…pray for me. I could really use that about now. For when others fail me, let me down or hurt me; God remains and he loves me.
Sincerely,
Renea
The post Yeah, that stings. appeared first on Renea Westlyn.
March 13, 2018
The Silverpines Series
Silverpines has LAUNCHED!!! I’m so stinking excited!!! The first book is also a crossover book for the Brides of Beckham series – so if you’re a fan you should really check this out! George did a great job with this story and I just love it! I hope you will too!
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Betsy Pike’s world comes crashing down when her fiancé, Silverpines’ Town Marshal, is gunned down on the eve of their wedding. To add insult to injury, his killer takes over every part of Ike’s life, the job of marshal, his house, and he even wants Betsy. What’s a girl to do? The men of the town won’t stand up to the outlaw and self-appointed marshal. When he gives her two months to grieve, Betsy comes up with a desperate plan: contact Elizabeth Tandy and order up a husband who has experience as a lawman.
Alexzander Sewell feels like he’s in the wrong place in Beckham, Massachusetts. Born and raised on Ryder Mountain in Harlan, Kentucky, he longs for the mountains of his youth. When his mother moved the whole family to remarry, he became stuck in the town of Beckham. Now his friends, the Tandy’s, offer him a chance to go west, all the way to the Rocky Mountains. The only catch: he must marry a woman in desperate need of a husband and a lawman. Can he find a way to be what Betsy needs and spend time in the mountains?
Can Betsy let go of her love for Ike and learn to love her mail-order husband? Can Alexzander compromise on his dream of disappearing into the mountains to be the man his wife needs? Can they bring the killer to justice or will a series of natural disasters not only spell the end of Silverpines but of their marriage, too? What’s a woman to do when she orders up a Mail Order Marshal?
Get your copy of Mail Order Marshal today!
Happy Reading!
Love,
Renea
The post The Silverpines Series appeared first on Renea Westlyn.
January 28, 2018
Introducing: Josephine Blake
Let’s get to know Josephine!
How long have you been writing?
Well, in all honesty, I’ve always wrote. Ever since I was a little girl. The first story I can remember writing was a short series about a magic pencil that I wrote in 3rd grade.
January 27, 2018
Introducing: Parker J. Cole
Today, we meet Author number eight from the Silverpines series; Parker J. Cole! Yes, George introduced me to her, let’s just go ahead and get that out of the way. However, there are two things I’ve already learned that I can tell you about Parker.
She’s FUN.
Her fav. word has got to be Okeydokey
January 26, 2018
Introducing: Marianne Spitzer
Today, we are meeting Marianne Spitzer! I have been in connection with Marianne for a while now, but truthfully, I don’t know a lot about her. Oh, and guess what, I was not introduced to her by George! Shocking, I know! So I’m excited about this interview!
I hope you have enjoyed getting to know the Authors of the Silverpines series. We have two left. Parker J. Cole and Josephine Blake. Now, let’s meet Marianne!
Marianne, tell us a little about yourself…
I was born in Wisconsin and lived there until I was eighteen. Then I spent eight years in Washington state and California before returning to Wisconsin. I love eerie places and books. I began with a love of Nancy Drew books and as I grew I found H.P Lovecraft, Poe, Agatha Christie, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle among others. While I love mysteries, my heart lies in the past with stories of mail-order brides and travel along the Oregon Trail in the 1800s. My mom used to tell me I was born 100 years too late since I had such a love of the past.
I have two children and two grandchildren. Family and friends are the most important things in my life. When I am not writing, I am reading or watching sunsets. I am not a morning person and I can often be found writing well after midnight. I enjoy the quiet of night when the rest of the world sleeps.
I believe that chocolate should be a food group. Hershey’s Kisses in my freezer are a necessity. They melt slower and last longer when frozen and I try never to run out of them. Besides chocolate, I love Italian and Mexican food.
1. How long have you been writing?
I wrote my first short story in sixth grade. I wrote on and off for years before deciding to self-publish. I majored in English in college but worked in Human Resources instead of teaching which I would have preferred.
2. What genre’s do you write in?
Sweet Historical Western, Paranormal Mystery, Cozy Mystery, and one thriller.
3. When were you first published?
I self-published my first book in April 2012.
4. Were you published traditionally and then switched to Indie?
No, I have always been an indie writer.
5. How long does it take you to write a book?
It depends on the book. Historical Westerns take a little longer because I do a lot of research to add bits of reality to each book while if it’s a mystery, I can usually finish one in two months since I am using only my imagination.
6. Where can we find your published books?
All my books are available on Amazon.
7. What can you tell us about your first book in the Silverpines series?
Ella Grace Mulvaney is an orphan working at the local Inn. When the Inn owner dies, it is up to her to keep the Inn running. Maybe having a husband will help? Ella Grace is sweet, intelligent, independent, caring, and a bit klutzy.
8. Do you have a newsletter and how often does it go out?
Not at present, but I am looking into starting one.
9. Do you have a Facebook page, group or other platforms where you hang out to connect with your readers?
Yes, I have my Author page on Facebook where I post items I think my readers will enjoy along with book promos and chat with my readers.
10. What is your favorite thing about writing books?
Letting my creativity loose. When you write, there is no limit to what your characters can achieve or where they can travel. Also, when I receive an email or review from a reader telling me they enjoyed my book. I am humbled that I can create something that others will enjoy.
11. What other books do you have releasing this year?
I plan to release another book in my Mail-Order Brides of Gentle Falls series, Grace’s Heart, along with another companion book, Rose’s Heart. I am also working on a cozy mystery for my Annie Ryan series, and trying my hand at a horror novel.
12. Have you done a multi-author series before?
No, this is my first multi-author series and I am honored to be working with a very talented group of writers.
13. What’s one unique non-writing fact about you?
I collect angels. I love all angel figurines from the large twelve inch Jim Shore angels I have received as gifts to the tiny three-inch glass angels I found at the dollar store. It’s very difficult for me to bypass an angel on sale. I have counted cross-stitched them, found pictures of them, and love to read books about them.
WOW, Marianne! A horror novel! I can’t wait to see what you come up with! That’s exciting. Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting with us today. I have enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to working on the Silverpines series with you.
That’s it for today folks! However, the NINE Authors of the Silverpines series have something special going on tomorrow and you are ALL invited!!! We’re having a PARTY! Unveiling a few secrets, handing out a few prizes, playing a couple games…it’s gonna be epic! I hope we will see you there!
Much Love,
~Renea~
The post Introducing: Marianne Spitzer appeared first on Renea Westlyn.
January 25, 2018
Introducing: Christine Sterling-Bortner
I would like you all to meet, Christine Sterling-Bortner. Now, honestly, I don’t know a lot about Christine. I met Christine, once again through George and the Silverpines project. I think she is the only author in the group, I hadn’t heard of or met yet. So I got to learn about her through this interview, just like you!
1. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since I was 7 years old. I received a blue Sears & Roebuck typewriter that year and a writing monster was created. I became a journalist (complete with the brown fedora and a paper that said “Scoop” in the hatband). I interviewed everyone for my paper and then turn around and sold issues back to the same people I interviewed for 25-cents. I found out making up stories was much more fun than fiction so I started writing stories featuring my family members, beloved pets, girls at school and my favorite pop superstars at the time. I recently found a story I wrote in 7th grade featuring my besties and the 80s band Duran Duran. I have been a fiction author, non-fiction author, cookbook author, technical writer, travel writer, medical writer, and ghostwriter. Romance is my first true love, though!
2. What genre’s do you write in?
I love all genres of romance! My main focus is mail order bride/groom historical romance with a Christian emphasis.
3. When were you first published?
I was first published for poetry in 1984. I then moved to being a writer for several confession magazines (True Story/True Detective/True Romance/Real Romance) magazines (they weren’t all true stories) and how much knowledge did a shy 19-year-old know about romance? But I was hooked. I released my first full-length romance novel under my own name in 2017, when I finally decided to get out of my own way!
4. Are you published Traditionally or Indie and why?
I had three full-length novels completed by the time I was 24. However, I was never picked up by a publishing house. I honestly gave up after several rejections. I was told that once you go to self-publishing or POD that a traditional publishing house would NEVER look at you again. This kept me playing small. I had fears about being an indie author because of these stigmas that were repeated back in the 80s and 90s. Now I’m going full force publishing all the things I wanted to over the past years!
5. How long does it take you to write a book?
Once I have the plot fully flushed, I can get a book done in about 3 weeks. Unfortunately, it takes longer for me to edit the book and get it ready for print!
6. Where can we find your published books?
You can find my books on Amazon Author Page. I publish exclusively on Amazon, Kindle Unlimited and will include audiobooks later this year.
7. What can you tell us about your first book in the Silverpines series?
My first book is called Wanted: Medicine Man.
Hattie Richards has two strikes against her: she is half-Native American and a woman. Even with her education as a physician, the town of Silverpines doesn’t see her as more than a healer. Her exotic looks and kind heart captures the attention many men and the irritation of many women. When a disaster strikes, Hattie aids the very people who rejected her skills.
Dr. Richard Childs has always wanted a practice of his own. When a position opens up in Silverpines, devastated by natural disasters, Richard knew this was it. The only condition? He must come as a mail-order groom. If that isn’t bad enough, his intended wife has no idea of his existence.
Hattie is grateful for the help he provides caring for the many wounded. If he would only stop talking as if they are getting married! She sent for a physician’s assistant, not a groom! As they work together, Hattie finds herself falling in love with the gentle doctor. He is caring, attentive and seems at ease working with Hattie and her more natural remedies. When things start happening around the town, Richard is the natural suspect. When Hattie becomes the target of these attacks, can Richard prove his innocence, his love, and heal the divide that has come between them?
8. Do you have a newsletter and how often does it go out?
I send out a newsletter once a month, and at a higher frequency during release time (but not too many). If you would like to join the Chat, Sip & Read newsletter and received author interviews, sneak peeks, free stories, and giveaways, sign up HERE.
9. Do you have a Facebook page, group or other platforms where you hang out to connect with your readers?
Yes, please! I’d love for you to connect with me at:
Reader Group: Chat, Sip & Read.
I am also active in the Pioneer Hearts.
10. What is your favorite thing about writing books?
I love crafting stories and characters that readers adore. There is nothing more fulfilling than a strong feminine character overcoming something, having a major transformation and receiving her Happily Ever After. Yes, all my books are HEA!
11. What other books do you have releasing this year?
In addition to the current Black Hills Brides Book 1 and the Silverpines book, I have a few books coming out this year:
Black Hills Brides Series
Her Secret Baby (BHB #2) will be released in early February and Her Secret Shame (BHB #3) will be released in April. Book #4, Her Secret Love is planned for later this Fall. Right now this is a four book series unless I’m called to continue development!
Heart of Gold Series
Eleanor (HOG #1) will be released in the Summer of 2018 time frame. It is nearly complete!
Victoria (HOG #2) will be released at the end of the year.
The Flower Maidens Series
This is a brand new series I’m developing where the main female characters all have flower names. These are short mostly contemporary stories where the heroine needs to overcome extenuating circumstances to find true love. Right now I’m planning on 10 books in this series. They will be released in between the other books.
Contemporary Romance
I have two Contemporary Romances being released this year.
Kami’s Sutra is being released as part of an Alpha Anthology in July 2018. It tells the story of a love lost, returned and the power of a persistent man in winning back the woman he loves.
Morning’s Dove is a follow-on to Kami’s Sutra and involves characters from Kami’s Sutra. It tells the story of Kami’s best friend and a promise she made when she was a teenager. When the man comes to claim that promise there is a whole lot of fun to be had!
12. Have you done a multi-author series before?
This is my first multi-author series and I love seeing all the plot developments and intertwining of the stories. It is a great feeling to be surrounded by writers of this caliber.
13. What’s one unique non-writing fact about you?
I know all the words to School House Rock’s grammar & history editions. I can sing “Rufus Xavier Sarsaparilla” on demand!
Thank you so much, Christine! It’s been a pleasure!
Much Love,
~Renea~
P.S. Don’t forget to join ALL nine of us this Saturday 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. for our Silverpines Party!
The post Introducing: Christine Sterling-Bortner appeared first on Renea Westlyn.
January 24, 2018
Introducing: Renea Westlyn
So, I suppose I should tell you a little about me…
First off, I hate these questions and I wrote them! Plus, they make me want to sing, “Getting to know you, getting to know all about you” – you know from the King and I? Julie Andrews? What can I tell you… I’m from a small town in Missouri where everybody knows everybody. I married my husband 3 months out of High School. He served in the Air Force for 24 years. We moved from Missouri, to Utah, to Ohio, to England (for 6 years), to Oklahoma and then he retired and we settled in the beautiful state of Virginia. We’ve had a lot of adventures in our nearly 19 years of marriage and I look forward to many more. We have two children, 18 and almost 16. They make me feel rather old, though I’m not. Anyone wanna guess my age?
Let’s see, what else…I’m bluntly honest, but I try hard not to hurt anyones feelings. I am a coffee addict. I enjoy Cherry Pepsi’s and Pizza. I love to read and get lost in a story, it’s like adding more adventures to my life. I love road trips and traveling in general. I tend to try most things at least once. I am an introvert and sometimes battle anxiety. I enjoy running… Recently, I was complaining about being lonely. My teens have busy lives and don’t need much from me other than food and driving one them somewhere from time to time and my husband travels. Now, the good thing about being an introvert is I actually enjoy my alone time but sometimes I do get lonely. I think I was feeling the early symptoms of the “empty nest” syndrome. My daughter graduates this year and she’s my coffee buddy and she’ll be leaving me. It makes me happy and sad. My son said to me, “Well Mom, what did you want to do before you were Mom?” I didn’t have to think long to answer him. “I want to write. I’ve always wanted to write and I’m too old to be a barrel racer now.” Lastly, I am an old soul. It seems I never spend time with those my own age and I’m completely okay with that. I like being the baby – cause I’m actually the oldest sibling.
1. How long have you been writing?
I started writing when I was 8, little poems, short stories, journal entries, long letters…anything I thought of really. I was always writing, still am. At the time I needed an outlet, then I fell in love with it and the rest is history.
2. What genre’s do you write in?
I discussed this with my writing mentor George and he gave me a category… Sweet Clean Romance.
3. When were you first published?
I have not yet published a book. I have sat on my work my whole life. I did have one poem published in 1999, but other than a newspaper article and writing for a few websites that’s the jist of it.
4. How long does it take you to write a book?
Truthfully, I don’t know yet. I’ve not finished one. I have over 50 incompletes. I get so far and then I self-sabotage. I get scared and I shut down. I started “The Scent of Coffee” last year, everything was going great and then for some unknown reason I hit the breaks. I will finish that book this month. I could have finished it last year in probably a month, but I didn’t and I can only blame myself.
5. Where can we find your published books?
You will find my published books on Amazon this February! It might only be one, but it might be three – who knows! That, however, will be the place to go.
6. What can you tell us about your first book in the Silverpines series?
Oh, I really don’t want to tell you very much! I’m afraid I’ll give it away! Abby Porter is a mail-order bride that arrives in Silverpines, Oregon to marry Reverend Samuel Bates. However, when she arrives it is complete destruction and chaos. She has no idea if he is alive or not! And…that’s where I’m gonna leave you hanging. Sorry! We’re having a Silverpines party on Saturday -online, and we’ll be giving away more secrets, playing games and there will even be prizes! So you should totally join us and learn more!
7. Do you have a newsletter and how often does it go out?
I’m working on that. I have something up on my website here that you can sign up for, but I’m not sure if it’s for updates posted or what. I really need to sort that out, but I’ve kinda been busy writing a story.
8. Do you have a Facebook page, group or other platforms where you hang out to connect with your readers?
Oh, heck yeah! I’m everywhere!
