Jan Scarbrough's Blog, page 11
July 23, 2015
It’s all about persistence and aspiration
My personal trainer told me this week that to lose weight, it takes persistence and aspiration. He probably didn’t use the word “aspiration.” I picked it because it happens to be the name of one of my favorite lesson horses at Premier Stables—Calloway’s Aspiration—aka Dan. (You see, horses with fancy names have barn names too.)
I looked up “aspiration” in my Word thesaurus and got various suggestions—ambition, goal, objective, desire, and hope. For me, losing the weight I’d put on over the years had a lot of hope to it. I’ve been at this weight loss thing with the personal trainer since October, and I’m happy to report a small success, enough to keep me motivated.
But I’ve been persistent. Who knew I’d become a Zumba class member or try a fifty-five minute cycling class? (Ouch!) Cardio exercise is my friend. Right. If I’d only realized that twenty years ago.
Looking back, I can apply persistence and aspiration to other parts of my life. It’s been twenty-five years since I decided life was too short and if I wanted to accomplish my dream, I’d better get at it. When I tell people I write romance novels, they are impressed. Then I start apologizing—“I’m not a bestseller. I don’t have a traditional publishing career. I can’t make a living at it.”
Why do I sell myself short?
Most people have not written a novel or a novella, let alone about twenty-one of them. And most people can’t ride a horse, especially at “my age.” When I look at it that way, I’m proud of myself!
I’m proud of my small weight loss. I’m proud of every novel I’ve written. And I’m proud I can ride an American Saddlebred horse like Dan.
It just takes a little will (aspiration) and drive (persistence).
June 29, 2015
June 18, 2015
I write romance because I like happily-ever-after endings
It’s that simple. There’s enough bad news in the media. There’s enough heartache in life. So I write romance because everything is tied up in a neat little bow at the end of the book. The hero and heroine are together. All’s right with the world.
Sure, I know it’s a form of fantasy. Fiction is called fiction for a reason. But I hope I’ve put a bit of truth into my books. I hope I speak from the heart and heartache of all I’ve learned over the years.
You see I believe we must deal with problems in this life to test our mettle. Hopefully, we’re made of stern stuff, and we don’t fold. It might take us years. It might take us a lifetime. But I believe we can create our own happy ending if we grow and learn from our mistakes.
In 10 Tips for Emotional Healing: What really helps us reduce our sadness, anxiety, and other emotional distress? Eric Maisel, Ph.D. gives suggestions for dealing with emotional distress. He has some good tips, ones I’ve used over the years without realizing I was using them. I like what he says: “Emotional healing requires that you take real action in the real world.”
I try to write about characters that take action. Something that happens in the developing relationship between the hero and heroine triggers a change in each character. Once this change is made, then they are free to become a couple that can live “happily-ever-after.”
In Brody, our bull-riding hero must come to terms with past mistakes and learn about forgiveness. Kate Laurence in Kentucky Rain deals with an ex-husband, his new wife, and child custody at the same time she falls in love again, only to learn more about herself.
Jake Hendricks and Melody O’Shea in Kentucky Flame must deal with a bittersweet past and a life-changing secret to reach their happy ending.
Looking thoughtful, Jake put a fingertip under her chin and lifted it. “I don’t know about that. I’m all for happy endings, remember? Dreams do come true.”
“If you make them come true,” Mel finished for him . . . .
So, are you working on your happy ending? Are you making it come true?
June 11, 2015
Find Your Next Great Read Scavenger Hunt
I’m one of the sponsors of the Find Your Next Great Read Scavenger Hunt from Night Owl Reviews.
Entering the hunt is fun. 100 Amazon Gift Cards are up for grabs.
The grand prize is a $250 Amazon Gift Card.
Enter Now at: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Blog/Articles/Find-Your-Next-Great-Read-Scavenger-Hunt-June-2015
May 28, 2015
Getting ready for #RAGT15
Next weekend, I’ll be attending Lori Foster’s Reader & Author Get Together (June 4-7, 2015) in West Chester, Ohio. I’m driving up with my editor, Karen Block, and a co-author of the Ladies of Legend series, Magdalena Scott. We will join Maddie James, another Legend series co-author, at the get together and hang out at the Turquoise Morning Press Board Room.
What is RAGT15? Lori explains it well on the website for the event: Lori Foster’s Reader & Author Get Together, affectionately shortened to RAGT, has been growing over the years. RAGT has a two-part mission: to bring together authors & readers. We also raise money and awareness for several worthy causes, like the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home. Between the huge annual raffle extravaganza, and of course the annual benefit book, these organizations have received many thousands in much needed funding.
I’ll be signing two paperback books Timeless and Kentucky Cowboy on Friday, giving buyers a break from the normal print price. I plan flash giveaways during the book signings. Also, I’m bringing swag and offering copies of free ebooks. I’ve donated two Kentucky themed gift baskets for the raffle. During the event, I hope to meet readers and chat with writer friends.
If you are attending this year, please stop by and meet me. I can’t wait to get on the road for some quality reader and author time.
May 14, 2015
Betting on Love gets another makeover
Revised and re-edited two times. Last time April 2015. Third time’s the charm!
Writing a novel takes a little bit of talent, but a lot of practice. Critique partners, beta readers, and a good editor can provide feedback to make a book better. But, sometimes because the novelist simply gets better by writing more, she can see ways to improve the original text.
That’s what has happened with my contemporary romance Betting on Love.
I was never completely satisfied with Betting on Love. Even after I changed its name from A Man of Her Own and self-published it in 2013, I was still not happy with it.
After a third revision, I’m finally pleased with the story. My editor Karen Block did another edit. My mystery writer friend Rick Polad proofed it. And my wonderful husband reformatted the book uploading in digital format to Amazon, iBooks, Nook, and Kobo.
Self-publishing gives a novelist more control over her work. It’s up to me to provide quality control. It’s kind of nice.
May 7, 2015
Meet multi-published and bestselling author Maddie James
What do you like about writing the Ladies of Legend series?Legend seems to be everyone’s favorite town—at least that’s what readers and reviewers are saying! It’s also one of my favorite towns, and reminds me of my childhood home (a little). Although the setting is entirely different—Legend is a mountain town, and I grew up in a small farming community in Ohio—the warmth of the characters who live there are similar. And there are characters!
People make a small town what it is. They define the makeup of the community. And I believe that I love writing about all of the people of Legend—or the Legendarians—because I love my characters so darned much. They are like family.
Who is your favorite Legend character?
Hands down, Suzie Schul Matthews is my favorite Legendarian to write about. She had her own book in Bed, Breakfast & You, then featured prominently in her sister’s book, Home for the Holidays. THEN I created an entire series around her, where she became the town matchmaker. That would be The Matchmaking Chef Series, which has eight short novellas in all. I also have a cozy mystery planned for her in the future.
Yes, most definitely, Suzie is my favorite Legend character. How could she not be? She has a hunky husband, runs her own cute little Victorian B&B, writes cookbooks, has a television show on the Food Channel, and she bakes cookies all the time. I want to be her when I grow up!
What is the appeal of Legend, Tennessee, and small-town life?
I think the appeal is that a lot of people can relate. Maybe they didn’t grow up in a small town, but perhaps their neighborhood in a larger city holds the same elements. The stories are grounded in home, health and happiness. (Although there are times when there are unhappy people but a happily-ever-after ending is a requirement in Legend, Tennessee!) People say they want to move to Legend and maybe that is because they remember a time gone by, or perhaps they like living in the fantasy of Legend in their heads and hearts for a while.
Ladies of Legend: Return to Legend Boxed Set
The boxed set is available at 99 cents only for the pre-order period plus release week. The release date is May 19, 2015. Pre-order your ebook copy for 99 cents today!
The boxed set includes the novellas: Crossroads by Janet Eaves, Heart to Heart by Jan Scarbrough, Star-Crossed by Maddie James, and Second Chances by Magdalena Scott.
Blurb for Star-Crossed
Ms. Addie Bynum leaves something for Jasmine Walker in her will, and Jasmine returns to Legend to meet with the attorney about the estate. She learns she’s been left with the contents of a safety deposit box and a letter explaining Ms. Addie’s wishes. A letter with requests Jasmine may not be able to fulfill. The thing is, Ms. Addie’s wishes do not align with Jasmine’s busy life in Atlanta. Neither does running into her old high school love, Jack Ackerman, who has his own requests from Ms. Addie.
Biography
Whether writing traditional contemporary romance or building paranormal worlds, bestselling romance author, Maddie James, pens stories that frequently cross a variety of romantic sub-genres. Sweet or spicy, suspense or comedy, western or time-travel, her heroes and heroines always chase one thing—the happily-ever-after—whether they realize it or not!
Her first book, THE WILD WEST, a Kensington Precious Gems romance, received a Calico Trails Cameo Award. RED: A SEDUCTION TALE, claimed first place as the Romance Book Scene’s favorite novella of the year. A four time nominee for a CAPA/Psyche Award from The Romance Studio, Maddie’s books have received numerous 5 Star and Top Pick reviews. Her books have landed on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo top-selling lists, and she is frequently listed as a Top 100 Most Popular Contemporary Romance Author at Amazon.
May 3, 2015
Jan’s Street Team
I’m looking for a “few good fans,” 25 to be exact, to be part of my very first street team.
A street team is a term used in marketing to describe a group of people who “hit the streets” promoting an event or a product. My street team will help me spread the word about my romance novels.
If you’ve read my books, enjoyed them, and want to help me publicize them, you’re just the person I’m looking for. Many romance writers have street teams, and I thought it was time I gave it a try.
I want you to help other people discover my writing, because I think I have written good stories with happy endings about people who don’t give up and get a second chance.
What will you do as a street team member?
Join my secret Facebook group along with other street team members.
Review my books on Amazon, B&N or Goodreads.
Share my books on social media.
Let other readers know you like my books.
What do I do for you in return?
You’ll get a special gift from me when you join. (The personal gift will be mailed starting in June 2015.)
I’ll also send you a free ebook copy of one of my self-published books (Betting on Love or Freely Given).
Members of Jan’s RomanceReaders on FB will be in on my upcoming releases. We will talk about next projects and plans.
You’re eligible for special drawings for only team members.
What do you do to tell me you’re seriously interested in joining the team?
Sign up for my newsletter, if you aren’t already signed up.
Amazon Follow: Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations and more coming soon.
Then email me at jan@janscarbrough.com to tell me you want to be part of the team.
Once I receive your email, I’ll be in touch!
April 30, 2015
Writing the Ladies of Legend Series
What do you like about writing the Ladies of Legend series?First and foremost, I’ve loved the connection with my fellow writers: Magdalena, Maddie and Janet. Creating a series with three other different writers has been a fun challenge.
Writing my part of The Ladies of Legend series is the first time I’ve created a sequence of stories with the same characters. I now understand why readers become involved in a series because it gives them a chance to delve deeper into the lives of characters they come to love.
Who is your favorite Legend character?
I love Jane, because as a kid I often felt like a “plain Jane.” I never changed places with another person to attract a guy’s attention, but back in the day, I wore my shortest mini skirts with that purpose in mind. I love Dawn because she discovers that love and family are what’s important in life and acts on her new understanding.
Going back to 1968 and 1969 to explore the history of Jane and Dawn’s family was fun. I lived those years as a teenager, but after refreshing my memory with a bit of Internet research, I realized how turbulent those times were in the United States. Looking at the bigger picture, I recognized that every decade of my life has had its own challenges. We aren’t given an easy path in life, and like my characters, we must act to the best of our abilities to change and grow so we become the human beings we are meant to be.
What is the appeal of Legend, Tennessee, and small town life?
Readers seem to love the Ladies of Legend stories. I’ll let some of the reviews on Amazon tell you why.
“This boxed set was great, wonderful writers and I can’t wait for the next book from all of you.”
“Good characters and story line.”
“Such a delightful series, I’m sorry I came to the end of this set.”
I think modern life is complicated and small town life appeals to people who long for simpler times.
Ladies of Legend: Return to Legend Boxed Set
The boxed set is available at 99 cents only for the pre-order period plus release week. The release date is May 19, 2015. Pre-order your ebook copy for 99 cents today!
The boxed set includes the novellas: Crossroads by Janet Eaves, Heart to Heart by Jan Scarbrough, Star-Crossed by Maddie James, and Second Chances by Magdalena Scott.
Heart to Heart
When Jeremy’s aunt gives him a second chance, he must decide if he believes in the unbelievable and the pet psychic who teaches him about faith…and love.
Jeremy Hamilton’s company is cash-strapped and his personal life is a mess. Inheriting the bulk of Ms. Addie Bynum’s wealth is a godsend, but moving to the small town of Legend, Tennessee, to get that money is a big pain. Ms. Addie has given Jeremy a second chance under certain conditions. Will he take that chance?
Marty Fields is a pet psychic. She’s spent a lifetime explaining animal communication to skeptic citizens of her small town. Only Ms. Addie understands her gift. Keeping Ms. Addie’s six cats after the old lady’s death is the least Marty can do. Yet, she’s put her life on hold. Will the grandnephew’s arrival upset the rhythm of her comfortable existence?
Jan Scarbrough is the author of the popular Bluegrass Reunion series, writing heartwarming contemporary romances about family and second chances, and if the plot allows—horses. Living in the horse country of Kentucky makes it easy for Jan to add small town, Southern charm to her books, and the excitement of a horse race or a competitive horse show. A member of Novelist, Inc., Jan has published with Kensington, Five Star, ImaJinn Books, Resplendence Publishing and Turquoise Morning Press.
April 23, 2015
Meet Bestselling Author Janet Eaves
Welcome Janet Eaves who joins us to talk about Return to Legend.
What do you like about writing the Ladies of Legend series?
There are several things I love about this series. The first being the way it was conceived and built upon by the four of us writing the Ladies of Legend stories. The initial concept wasn’t a concept at all, but a writing exercise we all did while emailing each other all those years ago. That sparked us wanting to place all of our characters in the town we deemed Legend, Tennessee, and have the characters interact with the other authors’ characters in a way that made it seem as if one writer was writing the series. Those first four books are so interconnected we’ve had many great reviews acknowledging that we succeeded in our cohesiveness quest. I love that we built this town by street, store, home location, and even placed it on the earth in an area that made it completely plausible. The warmth of this community we’ve built into over twenty books between us is still fresh and still building. And, perhaps, the greatest thing about the Ladies of Legend books is the ongoing relationship I have with the other Ladies of Legend authors.
Who is your favorite Legend character?
This is a difficult one. I fall in love with my characters as they reveal themselves to me when allowing me to write their stories. But if I had to choose one, I think it would be my heroine, who plays a large part in the very first Legend book (Claiming the Legend) before having her own story in Crescent Moon. Polly Chapman is capable of using lethal abilities to protect and serve her country, but a heart of gold as well, inside a body and mind that are brutally broken by the despicable man who destroyed her faith in humanity, and more importantly, in herself. The only option for her now is either to allow the hot young man sent to put her back together, to cure her, or he will be forced to follow orders, and kill her.
What is the appeal of Legend, Tennessee, and small-town life?
Small towns are like rosebuds… or onions… depending on your perspective. There are many layers. And as you peel them back one by one, the next layer is exposed, and the scent released. From my take, which is more romantic suspense than sweet romance, I love digging into what happens below the beautiful surface of this quaint little town. Although I love navigating the wonderfully old-fashioned streets. All towns have their secrets, and some have the ability to rock the rest of community to its core. But the great thing about Legend is these people love and protect each other, whether they are from generations of Legendarians, or if they just move to Legend to make a new life… or even if they are returning to Legend, because the grass wasn’t greener anywhere else. There is always a reason someone comes to Legend, or chooses to stay, and those things are what make up life. And I think, although we always have a happy-ending in our Legend books, that readers can get lost in both the fantasy and reality that makes up these stories.
My Story in Return to Legend is Crossroads. The heroine in this story was introduced in the first Legend book as well, only then she was a teenager with a bad reputation she wasn’t solely responsible for acquiring. Now she is back and must face the ghosts of her past, while trying to navigate her way into a better future for herself and her son…
There is no way anyone could have ever convinced Sharon Clark she’d one day return to Legend, Tennessee. With her mother playing the leading role of the town slut when Sharon was growing up; with the townspeople either pitying her or looking down their noses at her all her young life; with the child she’d carried and hidden from the town’s prying eyes and expected condemnation all those years ago, going back now is just not an option…
But desperation has a way of changing everything.
Ladies of Legend: Return to Legend Boxed Set
The boxed set is available at 99 cents only for the pre-order period plus release week. The release date is May 19, 2015. Pre-order your ebook copy for 99 cents today!
The boxed set includes the novellas: Crossroads by Janet Eaves, Heart to Heart by Jan Scarbrough, Star-Crossed by Maddie James, and Second Chances by Magdalena Scott.
Biography
Bestselling, multi-published author, Janet Eaves, invites others to take a walk through her imagination. Fast-paced, richly crafted characters, and complicated plots, are what she loves to read and what she always strives to write.
