C.C. Wiley's Blog
July 2, 2020
The Source Behind Mags’s Memorial Stones
I used to see these stones and wonder what they represented. Were they memories shared by just one person? Did they represent those who had passed on? Or, those cherished times that you and that special someone never wanted to forget?
In my new small-town contemporary book, Hearts of Honeybrooke Cove, Margaret Ellington, affectionately known as Mags, kept similar stone towers. They weren’t just for herself, but for those who needed that little extra something to help them over the hump of despair that comes upon some of even the most courageous. She made sure those in need invested blood, sweat, tears, and tender memories. Everyone who set their hand to the stone towers recalled the good with the bad, the sour with the sweet, and then the healing more often than not, slowly arrived.
Sadly, by the time Victoria arrived in Honeybroooke Cove, her great-aunt Mags had passed on. But not even death will keep the irrepressible Margaret Ellington down. She still reaches out from the great-beyond and nudges ever so gently those she cares about, to remember and perhaps change their direction. However, in her own caring, slightly meddling way, she may have fiddled just a little bit too much with the lives she’d left behind.
When the tornado hit Honeybrooke Cove, those notes blew up and out across the lakeside community, and settle in some unwelcome places. To Victoria’s dismay, the truth about Mags’s straightforward observations about her neighbors may be too much for the quiet, idyllic lake town. Thankfully, she has Barrett Collins, her new love, to keep her busy and steady her hand as she navigates small-town living.
And that, my friends, is how it all started…and will hopefully continue on.
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May 2, 2020
Cha-cha-changes!
How has your life changed lately?
It’s been nearly ten months since my accident, and in that time I’ve learned to make a few changes. I’m excited to reveal the gorgeous cover for my latest writing endeavor. I can’t wait for the world to meet the wonderful citizens of Honeybrooke Cove!
Cover Reveal!
[image error]Welcome to Honeybrooke Cove!~The best darn place in Wisconsin!
Victoria Banning’s perfect California life falls apart when she loses her job and boyfriend, all in the same day. Finished with controlling men and broken hearts, she decides it’s time to rewrite her story. New Chapter. New life. All on her terms. When she learns of her great-aunt Mags’s financial distress, she decides to make a road trip. But she’s not in time, and trouble follows her every step of the way when she moves into her late aunt’s rundown cottage in Honeybrooke Cove. Thank heavens, there’s at least one capable handyman in the small Wisconsin lake town to help her put the house on the market. Too bad, he’s overly bossy for her tastes.
Surgeon, Barrett Collins, should have let someone else take his last case. When everything went wrong, he left the big city and rebuilt his life as a handyman in Honeybrooke Cove. He’s up to his tool belt in repairs on Mags’s house and everyone else who needs him. When Barrett learns Mags left her cottage to him and her headstrong niece, he’s ready to ship Ms. Banning back to California. But there is something to be said for sharing a cottage with a beautiful woman. Especially when she desperately needs his help.
Life in Wisconsin’s North Country can be harsh, and when someone wants Victoria out of Honeybrooke Cove, life is unforgiving. As Barrett helps Victoria navigate the elements, they learn to open their hearts and live again.
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” Albert Einstein
August 13, 2019
The Fall
When a writer takes a tumble, we do our best to chant the mantra ‘tuck-and-roll’ then pop up and figure out a way to replay that scene in our next piece. Or is that just me? I admit that I’m easily distracted by the next task or flitting butterfly, resulting in a few bumps, bruises, scrapes, and stumbles. Until a few weeks ago, five to be exact, that is all they were.
Five weeks ago, I made the fateful decision to water a few ferns that I had recently planted before heading to my office to work on my manuscript, Duncan Graham’s Fallen Angel.
And then, Contact Gardening. Face. Head. Right elbow. On a collision course with the stone steps.
The main results? Concussion. Fractured right orbital shelf. And, per the wisdom of several of the hospital medical staff, they felt the need to advise me that I did a really good job of destroying my elbow. I’ll save the gory details for another day. Two days later, I have a partial elbow replacement.
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Five weeks. Five weeks! This post is the first thing I’ve written since The Fall. Is it the concussion or pain meds slowing my brain down, or both?
Five weeks, and we’re thrilled that I bent my thumb. Because, hey, there are nerves, tendons, muscles, skin, and several broken bones that have to heal. My pen is forced to grow silent while I recuperate. Hunting and pecking the keys with my left hand is a slow and tedious job. PT hopefully can start next week. Holding onto a toothbrush or fork has now become a goal.
For now, my latest WIP will have to wait unless I learn how to write from voice to text. Any recommendations on how to get through this hump in the road?
December 25, 2018
Kindle Countdown Deal: Knight Dreams Only .99 cents for a limited time
Would you give up your vengeance to save someone you love?
The skilled archer, Terrwyn ap Hew, lost her young brother to the English years ago. Now, her night visions reveal that he is alive and she intends to bring him home. But the English soldiers have returned to her Welsh village in search of the famed archer to take on their campaign against France. If Terrwyn is to reach her brother in time, she’ll have to outwit the soldiers and infiltrate their army. This time, no one is going to stand in her way not even King Henry V’s spy, Sir James Frost.
The charming Sir James Frost captures the likeness of his prey with charcoal and parchment. This time, a plot to kill the king is uncovered, and it leads to Terrwyn’s family. When he discovers the maiden hiding amongst the archers, his attention is divided between protecting his king and the woman who pierced his heart with her passion.
Will their budding love overcome the danger that threatens to steal all they dare to dream possible? https://amzn.to/2QvnDnq
September 17, 2018
Utah RWA Welcomes Keynote Speaker ~ Best Selling Author SUSAN WIGGS!
Come and join us, Saturday, October 13th at 11 a.m. at the DAVIS CONFERENCE CENTER, Layton, Utah.
Have you registered for the luncheon? Hurry! There are only a few seats left. Registration closes October 8th at Midnight![image error]
Check out our participating authors here: http://www.utahreadersluncheon.com/special-guestsparticipating-authors.html.
And of course, there will be a great meal.
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Great Food
And glorious swag bags and books!
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Because everyone needs a little magic and romance in their life!
“We, the hosting authors, are present to ensure you feel welcome, included, and enjoy your time with us as an honored guest. You’re Queen (or King) for the day. After all, we write fiction for readers. Without readers, we might still write, but we’d definitely miss out on the joy of seeing our creative work enjoyed by others. We write romance to be savored by romance readers. On October 13, 2018, we cherish the opportunity to meet you, a fan of romantic fiction, enjoy your company, and put on a party held in your honor.”
Get YOUR Tickets! http://www.utahreadersluncheon.com/
June 14, 2018
Lefties are more prone to anger
A study led by Ruth Propper, a psychology professor at Merrimack College in Massachusetts, found that people who are left-handed (or ambidextrous) are more prone to negative emotions. What do our “leftie” friends think about that?
June 13, 2018
The greatest happiness
“The greatest happiness in the world is to make others happy.” ~Luther Burbank
June 12, 2018
Hurry! Pick up Knight Quests for .99 cents
Why wait? Purchase at your favorite retailer while you can. I don’t know how long the publisher will keep Knight Quests: Knights of the Swan #2 at this discounted price. [image error]
For a Knight of the Swan in 15th century England, falling for the enemy is an act of treason . . .
Orphaned as a young girl, Brigitte de Marnier has learned to live by her instincts. Which doesn’t explain why she accepts protection from a soldier in the service of the enemy crown. But something about Drem Ap Dafydd has her leaning into his strength, and surrendering to his intoxicating kiss, even knowing he is duty bound to destroy her . . .
As a newly appointed Knight of the Swan, Drem is eager to prove his allegiance to the English crown in the battle against France. But in his sheltering arms, beautiful Frenchwoman Brigitte arouses in him another instinct—to love, honor, and protect. Then Drem discovers his beloved has a price on her head and he must choose between his vow—and his heart’s desire . . .
Strong people stand
“Strong people stand up for themselves. Stronger people stand up for others.” ~Chris Gardner
June 11, 2018
Trivia Time: How many syllables are in a haiku?
Here’s some literary trivia for you: How many syllables are in a haiku? Got the answer? Show us what you know! And if you get stumped, the answer’s hidden below.
