Lauri Robinson's Blog, page 18

Oh, oh!

We had a fun weekend. The grandgirls were over, had out of town company one night, and though hubby was one of the millions who viewed the Super Bowl, I must admit I didn't. I did see the highlights, and of course the re-plays of some of the commercials. The Doritos's Dog and the lost cat poster…that got my vote. Simple but creative. 
This winter sure is flying past. Perhaps because the weather has been so gorgeous. I can't remember a year this warm and sunny. I'm not complaining by any means! With February upon us, Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Remember those boxes we used to make for school? All covered with tissue paper with construction paper hearts. So precious. I remember getting a valentine from a 'secret admirer' one year. I think I was in fifth or sixth grade and it turned out to be a boy in another class that I didn't even know. I also had flowers delivered to me one time when I was teaching from a 'secret admirer'. In the long run, it turned out they were kind of from hubby—in a very roundabout way. He'd aided a woman broke down alongside the road and wouldn't accept a payment from her. She discovered he was my husband and sent me flowers as a thank you. The story is much longer than that, and there are several steps of seven in there, including out of state people, and proved how this person knows that person and that person knows this person…
I must get back to my latest WIP. It's flowing well and I don't want to lose the momentum. 
Enjoy the day. Smile at yourself. It's good to be you!

Interview

I almost forgot: I was interviewed by Long and Short Reviews. Stop by if you have a chance:

Release Day

 Tomorrow, February 1st, Testing the Lawman's Honor will be released. 
El Dorado, Kansas, 1881

Della Cramer has tried her hardest to ignore the way Deputy Spencer Monroe stirs her desire, believing he doesn't share her feelings. Little does she know that Spencer has been harboring years of regret for not preventing her marriage to a scoundrel, despite the searing kiss they shared.

When her long-lost husband's sudden death leaves Della's future uncertain, only Spencer can help her. But first, he will have to convince her to trust him and finally give free rein to her passion....

On Friday night I typed -the end- on my latest manuscript. Now it's with my beta reader. It's a nice feeling, wrapping up a story, almost as nice as starting the next one. 
This winter has been amazing, weather wise. I can't believe it's the end of January and I didn't need a coat when I took the dog for a walk.
Speaking of dogs, I stopped by our son's house today and visited with the granddogs for a bit. Cody said yesterday morning he asked the dogs what they wanted to do—Gander went in the kitchen and carried his food dish back to Cody, while Bear ran upstairs and brought down and orange hunting hat.
Had lunch with a friend today and we spent hours talking about writing. Just doesn't get a whole lot better than that.
I suspect that's enough rambling for now.  Be good to yourself. If you don't, who will?

Just a quick note...

One of my brothers from out of state is here this week, so I'm a little late posting this, but on Tuesday I posted over at Sweethearts of the West about Big Nose George, (a notorious outlaw) and his demise. However, it's what happened to him after his death that's just unbelievable, but true. Check it out when you have a chance.

Collage of Things

Last Friday the oldest granddaughter was here all day, and her little sister arrived later that afternoon for them both to spend the night. We ended up going to the grocery store together, hence the pony picture.  Anyway…That morning the oldest, now five and as opinionated as her daddy was at that age, helped with some household chores, which included mopping the kitchen with our Norwex mop. (I LOVE those products.) Shortly afterwards, Papa jutted in and out. Well, it's winter in Minnesota, so therefore he left a few tracks on the floor. With her hands on her hips, granddaughter says: "I realize he may own this place, but you're the one that does all the cleaning!" Oh, yes, be assured Papa got a 'talking to' the next time he jutted in. 
I had a wonderful and long phone conversation with my HQN editor last week. (Oh, how I love her accent and find myself listening to how she says things instead of what she's saying.) We discussed goals and opportunities for the year, and I'm so excited to get them all in motion.  Here's the cover for Testing the Lawman's Honor. (Such talented people those HQN folks are.) It will be released February 1st, but can be pre-ordered now and delivered directly to your reading device on the first.
I've one more story to complete the edits on and then can focus on my new one. It's a contemporary, set in Wyoming. I do love that state. BTW, have I mentioned I'm one of the bloggers over at Sweethearts of the West? Every other day there's a new post from some awesome writers. Stop by if you have a chance. I'll be posting on the 24th about some things I learned while we were in Wyoming last summer. Weird but interesting stuff. 
Received the contract for the comic version of Mail Order Husband for my review and acceptance, and to my surprise there was a second offer. Not for the comic version, but the e-book version. It's seems the Kindle is just now making a splash over there and the first publisher I worked with would like to offer Mail Order Husband as an e-book. Since their first contract was only print, this one covers electronic versions. What a lovely surprise. 
 Be kind. Be happy. And wipe your feet off at the door…actually, while we were in Wyoming I saw a sign that said "If you're not GOD or George Strait, take off your boots." I might have to order one of those. Then again, I don't mind wiping up the floor now and again (Papa usually is very good about that) and he does own this place—just one of the things I love about him.

What a Week!

Goodness a lot has happened since my last blog. Time does fly when we're having fun doesn't it?
Last week the Japan Uni Agency contacted me, this is the same literacy agency that corresponded the rights for Mail Order Husband to be translated into Japanese with Oakla Publishing, to now act on behalf of yet another Japanese publisher. Ohzora Publishing is interested in adapting the story into a Japanese comic book, or manga. I've been informed mangas are very popular in Japan and that people of all ages read them and all genres are included in their range of subjects. Ohzora Publishing has published several romance novels as mangas and will be offering it in print and ebook. This picture is just a sample of one. I have no idea what Mail Order Husband will look like, but I'll keep you posted. This is so beyond my greatest expectation, I'm still in awe. 
The Wild Rose Press contacted me and they are separating the two anthologies I have stories in. Some time this next year or so A Soldier for Christmas (An American Rose Christmas Anthology) and Sheriff McBride (Lawmen and Outlaws Anthology) will be available as standalone stories.
Harlequin offered me another two book contract for two Undone stories to be released yet this year. The first one (a story that I love about a woman gambler) will be released in May, so I am in a rush to get all the ins and outs completed for that to happen.
Today I was one of the judges at our local high school for the Poetry Out Loud Contest. Sixty-five 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders recited poems (some well-known, some not so well-known) and it was absolutely amazing!
And, on February 1st, not only will Testing the Lawman's Honor be released, but I'll have an author interview up at The Long and Short Review site.
Until next week…Smile, dance, and most importantly, be happy!

2012

Well, the last of the company has departed, including a beautiful pigeon that arrived on the front doorstep too exhausted to fly anymore Sunday evening (after two days in a cozy box in the kitchen, he/she informed us this morning he/she was ready to leave and gracefully took to the sky), the tree is down and the stockings put away, so the holiday season must be officially over. 

We had a stupendous New Years Eve party here at the house. All of the kids and their families as well as additional friends and out of town family ate until we were busting at the belts, watched a display of beautiful fireworks that glistened in the falling snow, had a snowball fight (we just couldn't resist and I must apologize again for the snowball that hit Jackie—I sincerely was aiming for Cody!), and then built snowmen, including a miniature one on top of Papa's car which delighted the girls to no end. The following morning, the snowmen looked liked they had gotten into the margaritas after the rest of went to bed after the midnight countdown.  Thanks to so many who have already purchased Disobeying the Marshal! What a thrill to have a release on the first day of the year! The next one, Testing the Lawman's Honor will be released on February first, and is already on Amazon for pre-orders. Just the other day I was informed Sing to Me Cowboy will be released on May 23rd. 
I'm in the midst of edits for my gold mining story and loving every moment of it.
A new year wouldn't be complete with a goal of some kind, so mine for 2012 is to dance more, celebrate every day as it arrives and ends, and love the life I'm so blessed to have.
Happy 2012 everyone!

Happy New Year!

Out of town family has arrived and the kids will all be over this evening for everyone to usher in the New Year together. It promises to be fun, and I wish you all a very happy New Year!
Tomorrow is the release day for Disobeying the Marshal! What an awesome way to start out 2012! Here's the blurb and a short excerpt….
Disobeying the Marshal
El Dorado, Kansas, 1881
    Marshal Cord Donovan believed he was married to his badge—until one incredible night in Florie Rockford's bed changed everything. When Florie unexpectedly arrives in town with a desperate warning for his safety, Cord is determined to show her that their spark burns so hot that one night will never be enough.
But Florie has returned with more than just a warning—the consequence of their passion defies all the lawman's rules!
A short excerpt:
Florie lowered onto the couch and took a deep breath. It was too late to turn back. She was here. Glancing up was a mistake. The way he cast those caring eyes at her had her heart pounding and her insides growing warmer by the second. The uncanny way he made her feel was scandalous for sure, and she'd thought of little else since he'd left her house three months ago. Could she tell him everything? Right now, gazing at him, it was hard to think. She begged her senses to remain, and settled her gaze on his shoulder, the exact spot she'd dug out the bullet. "How's your wound?"A deep frown formed between his hazel eyes. "Fine. What did you want to tell me?"Twirling and twisting, her mind sought to pull up something besides the images she treasured. The ones of them alone, together. The ones she dreamed of reliving."Florie?" He knelt down in front of her.He was so handsome—and honorable. The urgency she'd felt back at the farm zipped through her, settling real terror in her chest. "Those men you were chasing that day you were shot. It was the Winter gang, wasn't it?""Were they at your house?" he asked. "Did they do this to you?"Fear burned her throat as she whispered, "They're after you, Cord. They're going to kill you."His hand cupped her cheek. "The Winter brothers won't hurt me." His gaze never wavered. "Answer me. Did they do this to you?""They might already be in town, Cord, you have to leave, or…" She bit her lips. The desire to wrap her arms around him and hold on was so strong she trembled from head to toe. She'd put his life in danger, and now she had to save him. Had to. "I came—"
May 2012 be all you wish it to be!!!!

Merry Christmas!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Angels Among Us

Here are two of our granddaughters at church on Sunday. The oldest was an angel in the Christmas Pageant, and did an excellent job of singing. 
I do believe in angels, and it was proven to me again this past week—twice.
On Friday morning I set out to do a bit of shopping, and I must admit, I was feeling a bit bah-humbugish. Though the majority of my shopping was done, I hadn't set up the tree, I hadn't wrapped a single present, hadn't written our Christmas letter or cards…I just didn't seem to have it in me. While driving, I was thinking of years gone past and wishing my mother was in the passenger seat—we always went Christmas shopping together—when all of a sudden I felt her. It was as if she was in the car beside me, and I have to say, she was not happy with me. I was told quite bluntly—which was mom's way of saying things at times—to snap out of it. I was then filled with a burst of energy and by that evening, I had my tree up, sixty letters and cards done and mailed, every present wrapped and stacked under the tree, stockings hung on the fireplace, and batch of cookies baked. I literally had the energy of two people. Thanks, Mom!
Then on Saturday, our youngest son called and said he'd been in his shop working, and the song, There are Angels Among Us was playing on the radio. As the song finished, he opened the door on the bobcat and there, lying on the seat, was this picture. He texted it to me…It's my Mom and Dad several years ago. The bobcat was my dad's, so the picture could have been tucked inside somewhere and never noticed before, then again, it could have just been dropped there to say hello.
There are Angels among us, just keep your eyes and ears open and you'll notice them.
One last thing, I'll be over at Paty Jager's blog tomorrow with an excerpt from Disobeying the Marshal.  
Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!