Winnie Winkle's Blog, page 3

Happy Wedding, Happy Life

I promised a few pics of our family’s celebration. Enjoy!

My new son in law!So happy for my sweet girl!A lovely joyful daySurrounded by happiness

I’ll be back in a day or two with writing updates and newsy bits!

Thanks for celebrating with us and I hope you enjoyed the pics of our family’s celebration!

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Milestones and Highway Divides

Weddings are a time to reflect and grow, holding the past and embracing what’s next.

I am both surprised at the speed of this change in my daughter’s life, and transported back to my own twenties. One thing I’m certain of, is that I am an observer, a privileged one, witnessing the beginning of her loving commitment.

It’s a bittersweet realization, but not a bitter one. I raised a strong woman, independent of mind and body. Now, she wields the tools and intellect to nurture a partnership, and herself, on a curiosity laden journey. I drift back into my own twenties, rooted in a sense of infallibility, and it makes me smile.

Life will come with lessons, but in those first two decades of adulthood, that’s often part of the fun. Finding success in new arenas, creating and meeting goals… or missing them but still improving, that’s a vibrant time of life. I’m excited for them both.

So I may be radio silent for the weekend, but stay tuned. This proud mama will share pics next week.

Weddings are a time to reflect and grow, but they are also a time of catapulting into new, captivating lives full of opportunity and growth. Perhaps that’s why so many of my peers confide they still feel like they’re in their twenties in their heads.

It rocked.

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I’m Not Crying. Well, Actually…

Reviews matter, and I’ve shared why in other posts. But this one, for To Walk in the World, made me weep. The blogger, Julia Picks 1, got this book. All the way. And my heart is both joyful and reliving the toughest book I ever wrote.

Here’s her review:

The truth is that if we choose to be vulnerable and allow others in, much less love others, we will experience pain.  Especially when someone we love dearly dies.  Winkle has written a must-read for anyone, particularly women who have experienced a profound loss.  Writing about the loss of her mother does not limit the power of this novel to those experiencing the same loss, for Winkle makes it clear that loss is loss.  How does one move from the shock and pain to a life lived normally?   

This is at once a deeply spiritual read and a psychological journey into grief.  How can the world around you keep moving as usual when you feel like you are stuck, standing still, gasping for some relief from the hollowness inside?  Follow Winkle as she examines life and what makes it worth living.  The book is beautifully written as two different stories that begin the transformation that must occur to overcome the devastation of loss so that joy can take hold in its purest form.

I found this book to be truly soul-stretching and on point given the last year with losing a family member and so many friends and acquaintances to COVID.  I am thankful that I found this at such a low point in my life for it gave me a huge boost back into joy and happiness.  This is definitely the best novel dealing with grief I have ever read.

To Walk in the World, a captivating tale by Winnie Winkle

Verklempt is a word. It’ll do.

(Click the cover to learn more.)

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Romer’s Candle – New November Release

I’m working on a new paranormal romance called Romer’s Candle, which is Book 3 of the Broke in Magic series. I’s been a long time in the hopper, mostly because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with Romer. He’s complicated.

Broke in Magic is a trilogy about three besties, Jasper, Wellie and Romer, or Jasper Jones, Wellington Williams, and Romeo Carson. I wanted to explore some off the beaten path magic, so Jasper got to be a warlock with a cranky demon dad, Wellie dabbled in conjouring and hoodoo, well, until it dabbled back, and Romer, a brave loyal friend, had a resurrection of sorts, and he has no clue what he is. But he’s working on it and based on what’s pouring out onto my laptop, he’s got a lot going for him!

Up, up, and away!

I’m always interested in the build up to creating magic. It’s not like you’d know how to wield it if it’s a new power. Poor Romer.

At this point, it looks like a release on November 16th, which makes five books for me in a calendar year. Woot Woot! Cover reveal will come out first in my newsletter, so sign up here if you haven’t already.

Watch this site for the new book’s page, as I ramp up this release. It’s been awhile since I penned a romance, and I’m having a fine time. Stay tuned!

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Reviews are Basically Crack for Authors

Creatives thrive on feedback and for authors that means reviews. No point in sugarcoating it, a good review makes an author glow. A reader loved the book, finished the book, and wants more. It’s the trifecta of months (or years) of effort.

Recently, a reader posted this review of Salt Shaken on Amazon, and yeah, I’m the human equivalent of bioluminescence.

And that’s the hook! Can’t wait to see what’s next… swoon… THUD. Because, that’s EXACTLY how I feel when I’m writing. I don’t plot, and I’m right there with you, Jill! What are these insane characters going to do next?

Could be anything!

And check out this review for Boogie Beach, it’s great!

OK, so first off, Queen of Book Lusters is a FABULOUS name. And the Oga’s Cantina reference is a geek-factor-9000 super fandalicious reference. Total author crack.

So when I say creatives thrive on feedback (and for authors that means reviews), now you know why. Reading something fantastic? Go light up the author with a review!

And remember, I still have this FREE read and review offer available for Boogie Beach!

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September Ramblings

It’s time to plan for 2022. How many books to write? Conferences to attend? What long term goals fill the upcoming year? Which short term ones occupy the quarters?Taking stock keeps focus on the front burner.

August, with its conferences and a book launch, wore me out. I sat with my goals and my brain, ever helpful, supplied mush.

We craft the pressure in our lives, then bemoan it. I took a couple of weekends off, started a book and let the creative drive the car for awhile. Writing is my passion; marketing is the job, and the mechanism to allow passion to move into new spaces. The love/meh relationship is one shared by many indie authors. I’ve decided in 2022 one of my long term goals is to improve my attitude about marketing. I’m going to spend time in those shoes; might as well sashay in a pair I like.

Now that my kids are grown, September isn’t the onslaught of crazy it used to be, but it’s still sweltering, the promise of October’s break in the heat a full month away. Hibernating in the A/C, It’s time to plan for 2022. Since I write in multiple genres, I’d like to hear from you!

What books would you love to see releasing next year?

Drop a comment, send me an email, or visit me on Facebook. I’m filling my planner and I want to hear from readers!

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Peopling post-Covid and a free book opportunity!

As an elite author at the Orlando Reads Books conference, I sat panels, events, and a big signing. My first large scale event since 2019, and I felt rusty. Hell, I was rusty. I’d sat in my safe places and wrote five books, waiting for this virus to stop sickening and killing people I liked. The books came out great, and finally, a light at the end of the tunnel. A conference, a careful one, but still… READERS!

I’ve missed readers. Hearing about my stories through their eyes is special. Heart string strumming time. A hootenanny of love and excitement about characters. Dorky? Sure. True nonetheless.

But the freight train I never saw coming was that little monster called introvert anxiety. I wanted to be there. I was excited to see people! Being asked to share my opinion on a topic from an author’s viewpoint on panels? Yes, yes, YES!

“Perhaps not,” said my tummy. “It’s very peopley here. I’m going to clench and make you uncomfortable. I’ll be over here feeling anxious.”

Great. That’s a terrible idea, Tummy.

Oh, I managed. I drank water. I breathed. And I talked! On my panels, to my readers, and to new ones interested in my latest series. Boogie Beach sold well. It was a long, people-filled, exciting weekend.

So, while getting the wonderful chance to be an elite author at Orlando Reads Books was fantastic, it had a couple of weird side roads. Remember to be OK with easing back into surrounding yourself with people, many who also feel anxious. It’s been an 18 month slog. Be kind to your tummies.

I have an FREE ‘advance review copy’, or ARC up at Booksprout. If you have time to read before September 10th and enjoy leaving Amazon reviews, please check it out. Copies are limited.

Peace and good books!

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Live at Orlando Reads Books!

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Live at a beach near you, Speedo Down!

My new release, Speedo Down, is live on Apple, Amazon, and all other major retailers! Book 3 of the record is a super snarky fast paced romp, just what the sticky days of August need.

Speedo Down: The Record, Book 3

I had a handle on things, then the dragons showed up.

On the average day, I juggle the human and magical worlds with a reasonable amount of skill. Based on the dude exhaling sparks in front of me, today isn’t most days.

I’m Cleopatra O’Keefe, a one jigger juggernaut holding the line between the worlds while slinging drinks and using a symbiont book to help me parse these human, magical, and omnipotent miscreants. I’m just one woman, people. Reality much?

Dragon-human hookups are impossible, but Sparky is as real as I am. Poseidon and his ratty red speedo are MIA, and the incoming info all points to the dragons. My question is, are dragons the bad guys or are Olympians pulling my chain? Their track record kinda sucks.

The Speedo is down. Crud. Day 6,935 of the weirdest job on the planet.

Here’s an excerpt!

Apollo drained his drink and waggled a finger at me for number three. Awesome. I lifted the cask, filled his goblet, and shot Clep a quick glance. A single negative shake and I got busy tucking away the mead before turning to refill Glenna and Chelsea. Two furrows between Chelsea’s red eyebrows sent my stomach in a flip. 

“What? I know that look.”

Behind me, the door opened, sulfur’s scent washing into The Boogey in a wave of doom.

Holy crap. Oh sh*t, oh sh*t, oh sh*t.

Ballard and I, after reading enough witch-based dragon lore to scare the living crap out of us, yanked a plan in place. In between the gore and gloom, one book spoke of honor in the Thundra, what a group of dragons call themselves, and a code of behavior.

One term, venterim, was what I’m staking my life on today. In the magical world, when different races respect one another, en venterim, they stand in a truce. Only in the act of disrespect would the battle commence. This saved tons of bloodshed, and dragons, in their law, also observed the practice. Ballard found information that as the oldest shifting race, the original dragon’s lore, instinct may be a better word, was baked into the blood. It was all I had. Time to jump bare-assed into next.

“Good evening, citizen of magic. Please join us. Could I get you a drink?”

Apollo’s eyes watched my face. 

The man stumbled, hiccuped, and a shower of sparks shot from his nose. 

“That’s new,” he muttered. “Got any beer? It’s f*cking hot in here.”

“Ice cold,” I pushed one across as Chelsea wagged a finger and the glass frosted.

“I’m Patra. Welcome to The Boogey.”

A nod, followed by a red glow flushing his cheeks, and he downed the beer in a single chug.

“Another?”

“Yeah. Name’s Drago. Wanna find a chick, calls herself the Keeper. The f*ck? It’s like she’s decided she’s president or something. Wonder where that came from, you know. Why her?”

Chelsea opened her mouth, but I saw Glenna’s elbow jab into her out of the corner of my eye. Alrighty then. On me.

“The Keeper didn’t choose the job.” I pushed another magically iced beer across the bar. “Keepers are chosen.”

“Who picks?”

To my relief, the mess in front of me was returning to a normal skin color. Maybe this venterim thing was working. 

“The Vapors. They choose the Keeper and have since the beginning of the record.”

“How do I meet them?”

Uh oh.

“They are an ancient race. They are everywhere, but they don’t have bodies.”

“Yeah? F*cking convenient to become the boss of the world because of a damn mist. Sounds like bull to me.”

Drago’s skin lit from within, a faint reddish glow that deepened. 

“I hear you. It’s been a crazy few months.” I sucked in air. My guest resembled a fire pit with legs. “But we’re glad you are here and welcome you with respect.”

The red mitigated a smidge. 

He’s responding!

“OK, so if I want to meet the Keeper, I come here?”

Sh*t. If I don’t identify myself, it’s disrespectful. If I do, Flambe’ Boy might decide to fight, and Hades knows I’m not ready for a showdown. 

Oh, well, so much for strategic thinking, Clep. Welcome to the seat of my pants party.

“You’ve been talking to the Keeper. That’s me, and it’s why I’m happy you’re here. We accept every race, including emerging ones, to the Triune.”

Heat warming my cheeks, I leaned closer. 

“I’m not in charge of the Triune, Drago, just responsible for helping it come together with equity for every partner. Not the same thing.”

He sat for a moment as the witches rested their arms on the bar, ready. 

“Seems like a missed opportunity to me, Blondie. Why not grab what’s there if you’re powerful enough to take it?”

He was radiating a continual pulse of red, and I retreated a couple of steps, holding his gaze. 

“Because that dishonors centuries of Keepers. I’m not the first, but the latest in a long line.”

His nod of agreement dissolved into a frenzied shake. Fire raced from his throat, along his arms, and across his trunk, forming a blaze on top of his gonads. 

That’s going to get his attention when he comes to.

Quaking, his head tipped back and a roar like nothing I’d ever witnessed shook The Boogey. Apollo looked up, sipped his mead, and glanced at Clep. 

Drago shrunk inward as I hit the floorboards. A blast of fire exploded in every direction, including The Boogey’s roof; Drago blew straight through the gaping, fiery hole in the ceiling. The gods drank, impervious, and Chelsea and Glenna cast protective bubbles around themselves, making frantic casts to extinguish the inferno. As soon as a path to the front door cleared, I ran out, jumped on my emergency ladder and slid/fell onto the sand.

A cindered Drago lay on the beach, crispy and moaning.

“Do you need medical attention, Drago? Help is near.”

His eyes, hazel when he arrived at The Boogey, opened, glinting a frightening yellow. 

Changed, he’s transformed. Dear gods.

“I don’t think anyone can fix me, Blondie, but I could sure use a snack.”

Clep shimmered onto the beach and knelt, taking stock. “Your impetus is upon you; it’s time to seek help from our magical world.”

“My what?”

“You’re a shifter, and impetus is the rise of your symbiont to equal status within your body.”

“Who the hell are you?” Drago’s anger shook his body, and he blasted fire at Clep’s face as I ducked, fingers snatching sand, scuttling sideways like the world’s dorkiest crab.

Clep laid a finger on Drago’s crispy chest, pushing as he screamed. 

“I’m a god.” Clep’s mild tone covered the shrieks. “Don’t f*ck with me.”

Snag Speedo Down, live on Apple, Amazon and others, or order a paperback copy via B4R and I’ll sign it for you.

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Summer Insanity and other Melty Things

Good grief, it’s not even August, four books published, and my brain is mush. You’d think, after three decades in Florida, I’d schedule publishing for the cool days of February, but nope.

If you want a snarky beach read, you want one when you’re actually on.the.beach. So, Boogie Beach, Salt Shaken, and the upcoming Speedo Down are ready! Well, Speedo Down releases August 16th, but pre-orders are almost there! Check your newsletter for links!

What? You don’t get the newsiest news? Sign up here.

Don’t forget, paperbacks lovers, visit my B4R store page to order my books and you’ll get one that’s signed!

Now, if you don’t mind, me and my overworked Yeti Cup are off in search of ice and a quench-fest and a little celebration…. Four books published! Cheers!

See you at on Boogie Beach!

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