Jean C. Joachim's Blog: Stories of Love and Passion, page 41

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "FUNNY"

Thanks for stopping by. I'm continuing my new story this week, entitled RESCUE MY HEART. As of last week, Rory was on her way to the hospital after being hit by a bike in Central Park. To connect with the talented Tuesday Tales writers, click on the link on the bottom.


         Rory left the hospital with a prescription for pain medicine, a large hospital bill, and her broken left arm in a sling. A kind man flagged a taxi for her. She gave the driver the address on Dr. Roberts’ card.       The car pulled up to the Manhattan Animal Clinic and Rory got out. She was feeling weak after the accident and not having eaten all day. She managed get through the door and up to the front desk.
“Dr. Roberts, please.”
“Do you have an appointment?” The older woman behind the desk asked.
“No. He has my dog.”
“Has you dog?”
Rory checked the badge the lady wore and learned her name. “Yes, Mary. Baxter, the pug he ran over in the park today?”
“Oh, oh. Yes. Just a moment.” Mary smiled at her and picked up the phone.
A minute later, Hack Roberts came around the corner.“Hello, Ms…uh, Ms…Aurora?”
“Ms. Sampson. Where’s Baxter? How is he?” “You and Baxter have a lot in common, Ms. Sampson. Baxter has a broken leg and you look like you broke your arm. Not your funny bone, I trust.”“Nothing funny about it. I didn’t break my arm, you broke it for me with your damned, bike.” Anger seethed in her chest. “Is that all that’s wrong with Baxter.”
“Yes, Baxter was a very lucky pug.”
“When can I take him home?”
“Right now. By the way, bring me the hospital bill when you get it.”
“I have it right here.” Rory pushed the papers at him.
“I’ll take care of it.” He took the papers and stuffed them into his pants pocket.
“Damn right you will. But what about my life? I’m a writer and I walk dogs. Now I can’t do either.”
“That’s not my problem. If you hadn’t stepped in front of my bike…”
“Stepped in front of your bike? If you had been going the proper speed and stopped at the light…”
“It’s all water under the bridge now, Ms. Sampson. I guess you’ll have to figure out how to get along. I can’t be responsible for your life.”
A tall, extremely thin woman wearing a short dress, very black, very short hair, too much eye makeup and an attitude approached. She looked over Rory with a disdainful eye.
“Who the hell are you?” the woman asked, directing her words to Rory but her gaze at Hack.
“She’s the woman who got in the way of my bike in the park this morning.”
“Really? Scruffy…”
“I came right from the hospital to pick up my dog.” Rory tried to smooth out her blood-stained shirt with one hand.
“Eww. Please. Get your dog and be done.”
“This is Felicia Adams, my fiancée.”
Rory raised an eyebrow at the woman and muttered under her breath. “Is that a woman or an ironing board?” 
Please leave a comment. I'd love feedback on my story. Thanks. CLICK HERE FOR TUESDAY TALES
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TRIXIE RAISES MONEY FOR PUG RESCUE!

Trixie, my pug in SUNNY DAYS, MOONLIT NIGHTS, is raising money for Curly Tail Pug Rescue. For EVERY comment on this post, I will donate $1.00 to Curly Tail. 
 Following are snippets about Trixie from the book. Below is a link for those who wish to contribute directly as well. Thank you for stopping by.  Homer, my pug, agreed to pose for this post!


She opened the screen door, then worked the old key into the lock on the wooden door and twisted. The door swung open and while she hesitated a moment, Trixie pushed ahead, trotting into the cabin, sniffing.
“Okay, I know you’re braver than I am, Trixie,” she said, following the dog inside. 






 The peacefulness of the short walk home was interrupted by Trixie’s barking as she sensed their approach and was protecting the cabin. Sunny opened the door and the small pug came charging out, barking at Mike and then jumping up on Sunny, trying to lick her face. He dropped Sunny’s hand, crouched down and attempted to make friends with the feisty little dog, but Trixie was still sizing him up. “She takes a while to accept people,” Sunny explained. “She sure is cute.” he commented, rubbing her behind the ears. 

Sunny awoke early the next day when the sun crept into her window at six o’clock. Trixie was used to sleeping late, so she rolled over on the bed and went back to sleep after Sunny got up
Karen and Sunny strolled slowly, stopping at each table, looking for special finds. Trixie ran in circles when the ladies took too long or lay down and snored instantly when they lingered at a table examining all that was for sale.
 “Thanks, Hal. But I’m not the one giving up, he is,” she said, throwing a stick for Trixie who brought it back to Sunny, but wouldn’t let it go. They played tug o’ war. 


 Trixie continued to bark. She jumped up on the bed and licked Sunny’s face. Sunny brushed her away. Then she started coughing as smoke crept into her bedroom under the closed door.  
  

HELP SAVE AN ABANDONED OR ABUSED PUG! LEAVE A COMMENT AND CLICK TO DONATE DIRECTLY TO CURLY TAIL PUG RESCUE (a 501(c)3 not for profit organization).
Click here for more info about Sunny Days, Moonlit Nights
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My Writing Life - Writing a Series

Current Series
   I enjoy writing series and have strung all my previous books together into four different series. Some were created by plucking out a minor character and giving him or her their own book. Other books qualified for placement in a series by taking place in the same town or city. I assume a romance series can be created from almost anything, for example: from a family of sisters or brothers, to college buddies, from a town or setting, to people who are left-handed. Well, maybe not the last one. Almost any common ground can be the basis for a series. Now I am writing a totally different kind of series and it’s a new challenge.    My current series, HOLLYWOOD HEARTS, is about people in the movie business. I planned this series out all at once with each book relating in some way to the book before. This is where the challenge comes in. I’m weaving characters and plots together from book to book. Men and women who play a small part in the preceding book, leave with a short cliffhanger about them– maybe in an epilogue –making the reader eager for the next book.
    I hadn’t planned to do it this way but could not use my usual way to tie my series books together: put a thousand words from the next book in the back of the previous book because these books were not all written before the series began. In fact, I’m still writing them.
    I also have to keep track of buildings, doormen, and other minor characters in each book, in case they reappear in subsequent books. I store that information in a special file. I have not had a problem with that before, but will have if I don’t do this.
    Another hurdle to clear with a series is making each story unique. Conflicts and obstacles my characters have to deal with in each book should be fresh. I mix up roles in the entertainment business plus include past relationships and other surprises to keep readers turning the pages. 
    It’s all about planning. Writing a series might be harder for a pantser. I’m a plotter so a series is in my comfort zone.  The plus side of series writing is that I know where I’m headed, at least the general direction, for each book before I begin. I also have a stable of supporting characters to call on. This makes the crafting of each story more fun.
    Right now I’m about a quarter of the way through with book four in the Hollywood Hearts series, called MOVIE LOVERS, and enjoying the work. But check in with me when I finish book six. At that point I may be gnashing my teeth and muttering, “Six-book series? Never again.” 
Would you undertake to write a series of 3+ books?  CLICK HERE FOR MY WEBSITE

PICK YOUR FAVORITE & BE ENTERED TO WIN MOVIE TIX

My characters in the new Hollywood Hearts series named their favorite movie stars and snippets from their books. Pick one of their stars AND name your favorite movie star in a comment with your email address and be entered to win a pair of AMC GOLD movie tickets, good anywhere in the US. Winners outside the US will win their choice of my books. Winner will be drawn Tuesday.
CHAZ DUNCAN, IF I LOVED YOU
“Whoa! Oh, yes…Harvard M.B.A., right? Harvey told me.” Chaz sat back in his chair again.
“Right.” Meg leaned back, too, folding her arms across her chest.
“Yale School of Drama here. So don’t condescend to me. I’m not a ‘dumb’ actor in love with himself. And you’re dressed pretty hot for a financial advisor with only dollars and cents on her mind. Not that I’m objecting. I love eye candy…great rack, too…” He grinned at her then pulled out his cell phone.
"My favorite movie star, beside myself and Quinn. Oh, real movie stars? Has to be Robert Downey, Jr. for men and Jennifer Lawrence, for women. Jen is hot. Don't tell Meg I said that."
Chaz Duncan  MEGAN DAVIS, IF I LOVED YOU
“Andy, black coffee and water for me.” She called out to her assistant seated at a desk near her door. About a gallon; a pint to drink and pour the rest over me before I burst into flame. 
"Favorite living movie star? Josh Duhamel. Don't tell Chaz!"
QUINN ROBERTS, RED CARPET ROMANCE
She’s definitely coming with me. He decided then and there to take Susanna and Junior on his next trip to Los Angeles and anywhere else he needed to go. It’s hard being alone. We’ll be a family until Annemarie returns. He took a deep breath, shuddered slightly, and returned to his list.
"My favorite movie star? Hmm, Errol Flynn -- a great role model. And Sandra Bullock."
Susanna & Quinn
  SUSANNA BARNES, RED CARPET ROMANCE
She leaned over to pick up Junior, unconsciously giving Quinn an excellent view of her ample cleavage. His mouth went dry. His fingers tingled. She picked the babbling baby up over her head and cooed at him. Quinn’s stare slowly swept over her breasts and down her flat belly to her hips, ending up sliding down her slim legs. He couldn’t stop a lusty smile from curling his lips."My favorite living movie star? Hugh Jackman, for the man, don't tell Quinn."
NOW ADD YOUR CHOICES, DON'T FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, IN A COMMENT. I WILL PICK A WINNER ON TUESDAY.
Check out my books here: MY WEBSITE

HOLLYWOOD HEARTS SERIES

What is the Hollywood Heart series? 

The Hollywood Hearts series follows people in the movie industry from stars to screenwriters, their lives, loves, predicaments, trials and ultimate solutions that lead to happy endings. Come along for the lively roller coaster ride through these lives, pitched and tossed by publicity and trust issues, love and conflict. There will be six books in the series.   While the books are linked, each book is a stand alone and can be read out of order.
What reviewers & readers are saying about the first 2 books in my new series:
Mylulabug: "What a great, light and romantic read you will enjoy here. A love story full of realistic drama and publicity that comes with being a star..."
 Tobi: "...If I Loved You is a fun romance that sweeps you up and takes you away. With love, vengeance, Ms. Joachim's first female villain this story has the perfect recipe. Meg is smart and sexy and sweeps Chaz right off his feet the moment they meet. I had to force myself to put my kindle up this morning to get some sleep..."
Kathleen: "...Her characters and I became instant friends. They are very real to life and I love that they both have vulnerable sides to them. This book had me laughing out loud and it also made me cry. I love how the characters interact, how caring they are with each other. This book is full of passion. Passion for each other, a passion for life and passion for life long dreams." 
A bit about the book 

Does love always mean total truth? Successfully shunning the limelight was one way for Megan Davis to keep her family secret. The press intruded on her life when her twin brother, Mark, became the star quarterback for the Delaware Demons. Disrespectful of tabloid superstars, financial advisor, Meg, was shocked when she was tapped to launch a celebrity division in the prestigious investment firm, Dillon & Weed. The biggest surprise: the charisma of her first client.             Gorgeous, magnetic movie star, Chaz Duncan, wary of women who wanted to bask in his fame or sell his secrets to the media, valued privacy above all else. Would attractive Megan Davis, his new financial advisor charm the truth from him or would he continue his high profile but lonely existence to keep his secret safe? Jealousy, deceit and scandal threaten two careers and the quest for true love and trust in this roller-coaster-ride contemporary romance 
CLICK HERE FOR EXCERPTS & ALL RETAILERS
Karenirene: "...Her books have substance and are enjoyable. I particularly like that you can't figure out the plot in the first chapter! She keeps you guessing!..."
Guilty Pleasures: "...I really thought when I started this book it was going to be a light, fluffy romance and while it had those elements it has some very serious moments as well. Red Carpet Romance is a well balanced story filled with simmering attraction, angst, unknowing deceit, forgiveness, and yes...love."
TVM: "... Love Quinn!!! he sounds so handsome!!! but his true friendship and promises to keep his life and his friends out of the newsbuzz was so awesome. What a story line..."
 A Bit About the Book

Why is gorgeous, rich movie star, Quinn Roberts, sharing his space with a baby he calls “Junior”, if it isn’t his own? Susanna Barnes, his beautiful live-in nanny, can’t figure him out and Quinn refuses to comment. Though wildly attracted to him, his distance from the adorable child puts Susanna off.
Daughter of “Coach Joe”, famous college basketball coach and an assistant art curator at a well-known art museum, Susanna lost it all at the hands of a drunk driver. Her dad was killed and her job given away while she recovered in the hospital. Forced to find another job, she relies on her experience with her sister’s two kids to show Quinn she can take charge. Their overwhelming mutual heat melts his guarded heart and her reserve until a slip of the tongue shatters his dreams. Will she unravel the mystery of Junior’s birth and will they regain lost trust?    CLICK HERE FOR EXCERPTS & ALL RETAILERS

SARAH CASS IN THE HOT SEAT!

     TOUGH INTERVIEW WITH SARAH CASS.
Welcome, Sarah. Have a cup of coffee and a cheese Danish. Let's get started...   1.     Why do you write the genre you write?
It started as a fascination for all things Laura Ingalls.  It grew into an obsession over the clothes of the period…and then expanded into a love of all things old west – from the ugly, nitty gritty- to the proper and prim.
Of course, I have a tendency to not stick with one genre. I have WIP’s in about 5 different genres (some with at least 3 genres that would fit their description).
2.     What does your family say about your writing?
My husband is very proud of me.  He is an insanely huge reader, however he doesn’t read romance, but he’s reading my book (as he can stomach it.  He really doesn’t like romance. Lol).
My teen is proud, I think?  He’s 15, so who knows…
The rest of my family is over the moon.  They’ve all bought it, and I already have a few demands for advanced looks at book 2 (Derailed).
3.     What is the hardest part of being a writer for you?
Tough call – because there are two areas that are difficult for me.
1st is discipline. Actually making myself sit down and work. Write, edit, whatever needs done. I get distracted by the pretty shinies and the internet, etc. I’m a hopeless distraction addict.
2nd is the editing itself. I’ll write until my fingers fall off, but editing hurts. It’s when this goes from the best job in the world to the hardest job in the world.
4.     What’s one piece of advice you give to an aspiring writer?
In the immortal words of Jason Nesmith/Commander Taggart (Galaxy Quest) “Never give up. Never surrender.”
Hehe….sorry, I couldn’t resist.  In all seriousness, I keep saying it, but I’ll say it again.  Don’t think you can do it alone & don’t think you will ever stop learning.  I’m still learning and improving every single day.  And without my support system?  I wouldn’t be here answering this interview with published books on my readers.
5.     Do you open a bottle of wine if you get a bad review?
I haven’t gotten one yet.  Of course, this is my first novel and it’s only a month old, so I’m sure it will happen.  I imagine there will be wine, whine, and a few tears when it happens.  I have enough people to kick my butt that I won’t be allowed to wallow long, but wallowing will happen.
6.     How do you handle rejection?
I laugh in the face of danger. Hahahaha…(Sorry, apparently I’m in a quote-the-movies mode today)
I handle rejection better now than I did a few years back.  I no longer cry at every single one.  Most of them I shrug off and tuck away. I’ve had one or two that got me hopping mad in the last year, actually.  Those I flat out deleted and put on a list to never query again.
 7.     What advice would you give to an aspiring writer who gets rejections?
Don’t take them personally. Everyone gets rejected. Most rejections are form rejections – and those that aren’t should be used as a learning tool. If a rejection really makes you mad?  Find a site that mocks rejections and read for a while.  You’ll laugh, you’ll feel better…Then get back to writing!
8.     What one thing would you change about your writing career?
I would usually say that I would have let go of my first manuscript much sooner…but in the end, my writing career is like my life. I wouldn’t change anything.
9.     Is editing a learning experience for you or a nightmare? Explain.
I plead the fifth. ~ahem~
10.  Paperback or ebook?
Both!  Changing Tracks is in ebook right now, but will go to print in August.  I also have a short story in an anthology called Her Storyand that is in ebook & print.  My April release, Masked Hearts will be ebook only. For myself, I love a good paperback…but for space and ease of travel reasons, I also am quite content with ebooks.
11.  Publisher or Self-Publishing?
Well, I love my Publisher.  I think going Self is really tough and you have to do it right (but so many do it wrong); but I’d never rule it out for myself.  I might do it with my first manuscript if I ever find time to dig it out of the moth balls and revise (revision would be required since I sort of stole one of the characters and put him into Changing Tracks. ~ahem~)
12.  How important are your book covers?
So very much important.  I designed the cover for Changing Tracks.  I’m hoping to continue the trend for books 2 & 3 in the series (Derailed& Dark Territory).  Right now I’m anxiously (and excitedly) awaiting the cover for Masked Hearts.  I want the covers to be just right.  I’m not used to having the art out of my control, but I trust Dawne to come up with something amazing for Masked Hearts, which I ran out of time to do myself since I was editing.
For me the cover says everything…and I think the covers of my Dominion Falls series say they aren’t your average romance…and to expect the tragedy that comes…
 1.     What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Vanilla (with lots of toppings – caramel & hot fudge & strawberries)
2.     Favorite meal is…
Same as it’s been all my life – chicken & dumplings.
3.     Name one place you’ve never been that you’re dying to visit.
Colorado.
4.     Your favorite vacation spot is…
What’s a vacation?
5.     First name of the one man or woman who got away.
Don’t have one. Not anymore. I used to think I did, but those rose colored glasses got shattered by clarity.
6.     Favorite color is…
Purple.  And Orange.
7.     Favorite car is…
1969 Camaro
8.     Gourmet meal out or shopping trip?
I like to shop. Most gourmet food doesn’t sit well for me.
9.     What do you do to cheer yourself up if you’re having a bad day?
Watch Galaxy Quest. Read a book. Abuse the crap out of my characters.
10.  Name an embarrassing moment you’ve had in four sentences or less.
In a beauty pageant I admitted that my most embarrassing moment had been peeing my pants in first grade because the teacher wouldn’t let me go to the bathroom when I asked. That became my new most embarrassing moment.


 Blurb:
There’s nothing simple about forgetting your past.
Cole Mitchell runs the busiest saloon and brothel in Dominion Falls. He keeps his women at a distance, unwilling to relive a past he worked hard to forget.

Until the night Jane Doe falls into his saloon bleeding and near death.  She wakes with no memory, only the firm belief someone tried to kill her. In the strange world of amnesia she manages to find solace in Cole’s arms and he finds home in hers.
 While they work together to solve the mystery of her appearance, their pasts – her lack of, and his buried – build a barrier between them.
 To make matters worse, Jane’s past isn’t willing to let her go. A stranger proves he’ll kill to keep his secrets safe. With those she loves in danger, Jane’s errant memory is all that stands between them and death.  Cole can only do so much to protect her, will it be enough?
Buy Links:
Secret Cravings Website -  http://bit.ly/14XQPTl
Amazon -  http://amzn.to/11DDgcG
Barnes & Noble -  http://bit.ly/XcTs0RAll Romance Ebooks -  http://bit.ly/WJxSiABookstrand -  http://bit.ly/12dl2PB
 Where to find me:
Redefining Perfect – http://redefiningperfect.com
Sarah’s StoryLines – http://authorsarahcass.com
Twitter – http://twitter.com/sadiecass
Facebook – http://facebook.com/SarahCass.Author
 EXCERPT:
The muffled din woke her. Shelves of liquor and glasses towered above her toward the ceiling. She took a deep breath and the loose stays of her corset shifted. With another deep breath, she turned her head, spotting Cole sitting a foot away. “Well…”
“You panicked. Daisy says you’re fine. Just needed air. Here.”
Sitting up to take the glass he handed her, she sighed. “Thank you. I’m sorry. I heard you tell me to move. I just couldn’t seem to.”
“I’ll remember that next time.”
“Next time?”
“Once the damn Indians start attacking the town, they ain’t gonna stop.”
“Wonderful.” Lifting her hand to wipe at the moisture lingering on her brow, she saw his eyes fall to her chest. Warmth flooded her cheeks and she took a sip of water to try to quell it before it raced through her whole body.
“Martha’s preaching it’s ‘cause the army took prisoners that weren’t renegades.” The mundane talk meant nothing. He moved closer, ever closer.
“Of course she is.” Jane managed to breathe. She felt like she was losing oxygen again. The closer he came, the more the heat spread, tingling along her chest until her breasts ached from his stare. She set down the glass and reached for the corset. “I should probably—”
“No.” His hand closed over hers. “Don’t.”
“Cole…” Her breath hitched when his finger extended to brush along the edge of the chemise. Skin pebbled, a shiver running down her spine. “Why not?”
“Do you really want me to stop?”
God, no. Not for anything. In an instant she knew nothing she’d read could begin to describe the pleasure possible. She wanted this. She most definitely wanted him.
Her hand relaxed and fell aside, giving him free rein. The delicate fabric of her chemise crumbled under his touch, the calluses on his fingertips catching in the threads. His fingers ran along the curving swell of her breast, teasing.
Unbidden, her back arched to move her closer. Too far. He was too far away. She wanted him closer, though she still wasn’t sure why.
Like he’d read her mind, he slipped off the crate, kneeling in front of her. His lips hovered close to hers. Closer now, he moved his entire hand between fabric and flesh.

TUESDAY TALES - NEW WIP

Welcome! This story doesn't have a title yet. But it's the continuation of the story I began last week with the picture prompt. 
This is where we left off last week. A pair of concerned blue eyes stared into hers. “Are you hurt?” He asked. Now the new stuff:

 A crowd began to gather. Rory heard the wail of a siren draw closer. 
“No, idiot brain. I’m just fine. Does it look like I’m fine?” She grimaced as she tried to rise to her knees.
Bruce raced over.      “Rory, you okay?”“No, but Baxter looks like he’s hurt worse than I am.”
A patrol man appeared and asked Rory if she needed an ambulance.
“I already called,” Bruce piped up.
“This numbskull was doing sixty, I swear,” she said, pointing to the tall man with blue eyes.
“Sir, what about that?” The policeman turned to him.
“There’s no posted speed limit for bikes. I did kind of lose control around that curve.”
“Kinda?” Rory muttered.
“I.D., please,” the patrolman put out his hand.
The man handed over his wallet.
“Dr. Hanson Roberts,” he said, writing in his pad.
“A ticket? What for?”
“Reckless biking, speeding, causing bodily injury to this young woman.”

 Rory gave a half-smile.
“Serves you right. What about my dog?” She turned worried eyes to
Baxter, who lay still, whimpering.“I’ll take him.”
“Over my dead body…which you almost have…” she said.“I’m a vet…”
“I don’t care if you were in Afghanistan…”
“A veterinarian. Hack Roberts,” he said, extending his hand.
“A vet? Save Baxter.” She ignored his offer to shake.
“Without x-rays I can’t tell the extent of his injuries, but he’s awake and looking around.”
“Dr. Roberts, you’ll have to take some responsibility for this young lady…what’s your name, miss?”
“Aurora Sampson.”
“Aurora? What an odd name,” muttered Hack.
“Oh? Like Hack is normal?” She hissed.
“Miss Sampson, I’m giving you Dr. Roberts contact information.
He should make good on these injuries and my card, in case he doesn’t,” the patrolman gave Hack a dirty look.“Officer, would you mind helping with the dog?”
“Where are you taking him?”
The siren was so loud, she couldn’t hear. He whipped out a business card and handed it to her.
“Here’s the address. Call later to find out how he’s doing.”
“She’s going to be in the hospital, you jerk,” Bruce said.
"We’ll keep him until you can get him. Hey, I’m sorry about this.”
“Yeah? Sorry and a token will get me on the subway.”
Before she could continue her diatribe, the EMTs approached. She answered their questions, craning her neck around them to watch Hack and the patrolman. They picked Baxter up carefully and put him on the backseat of the patrol car. Her eyes, blinking back tears, connected with Hack’s as the car drove away.  "Want me to go with you?” Bruce asked.
Rory shook her head.
“You sure?”“You want your freedom. Might as well start now. I don’t want to depend on someone who doesn’t want to be with me.”
Bruce blushed and gazed at the ground. “It’s not like that. I wouldn’t mind…”
“That’s the point. You wouldn’t mind. That’s not good enough for me.”
The EMT man tightened the straps around her before he pushed the stretcher all the way into the vehicle and closed the door. Rory let her tears fall as they drove away.

BACK TO TUESDAY TALES
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FIVE FAST FACTS ABOUT ILLINOIS!

ILLINOIS

1. The world's first Skyscraper was built in Chicago, 1885. 
2. Metropolis the home of Superman really exists in Southern Illinois.
3. Illinois was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment to the Constitution abolishing slavery. 1865.
4. The ice cream "sundae" was named in Evanston. The piety of the town resented the dissipating influences of the soda fountain on Sunday and the good town fathers, yielding to this churchly influence, passed an ordinance prohibiting the retailing of ice cream sodas on Sunday. Ingenious confectioners and drug store operators obeying the law, served ice cream with the syrup of your choice without the soda. Objections then was made to christening a dish after the Sabbath. So the spelling of "sunday" was changed. It became an established dish and an established word and finally the "sundae". 
5. The world's largest cookie and cracker factory, where Nabisco made 16 billion Oreo cookies in 1995, is located in Chicago. 
Information courtesy of 50states.com
To check out my books, click WEBSITE

ONE QUESTION ABOUT HEROES & A GIVEAWAY

HUNKY HEROES! I love to create heroes that capture your heart. But hunky, near-perfect heroes raise one nagging question. Answer it in a comment and be entered to win one of my books:








Question: Does reading (or writing) about near-perfect heroes sometimes make you feel disappointed in real-life men?  Put your answer plus your email address in a comment and be entered to win your choice of any of my books! What's my answer? I    admit that being immersed in my fiction world may make my expectations a little unrealistic sometimes. But that's just me. What about you? Enjoy a little eye candy. Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget your email. Check out my books on my website. Three winners will be drawn Monday morning.
 

COMPETITION OR COOPERATION?

The Writing Life 
Competition or Cooperation?


According to RWA National, the romance genre generated $1.4 billion in book sales last year. They also affirm that the typical romance reader buys and reads 36 books per year. These figures support my contention that there is no need for competition in the romance book field. 
I didn’t say romance authors do not behave in a competitive manner, some do. I’m saying with such a huge market, there is no need for competition among us. There are enough sales to go around. Some competition can be good, making an author work harder to improve her craft and produce an even better book. However taking that to the “nth” degree by putting nasty reviews on other authors books, slapping a low rating on a book to take another author off Amazon’s or Barnes & Noble's best-selling list is beyond competition. It’s sabotage.  

And if you think these tactics improve your sales, you are mistaken. Tactics like these drag you down, drain you of positive energy, take up time you could spend writing and making new friends through social media. Sabotage is ineffective in destroying your “competition.” Jealousy and competitive feelings rob you of the ability to succeed.

Don’t forget that writers are readers, too. I don’t think I’ve ever met a romance writer who wasn’t a romance reader as well. Writers who are competitive instead of cooperative will find their sales ailing. Don’t overlook the positive value of winning writers as readers. Writers who read your work and like it will buy your books and recommend them to others.

Writers talk. If you have snubbed other writers or actively tried to hurt the sales of another writer, that news travels fast. Writers will avoid your books like they are contaminated. 
What does cooperative mean? It means stopping by others’ blogs, leaving comments. Share your space by having guests on your blog. Write about a book you’ve read and liked. Leaving an honest, positive review on the book of another writer on Amazon and Barnes & Noble may win you a reciprocal review. Or it may not. That’s not the point. Not everything is tit for tat. 
Creating positive energy around yourself by helping others succeed brings good feelings to you and help when you most need and least expect it. Neglecting to put aside time to back others could get you their cold shoulder when you need support; and we all need a boost from time to time.

Sure it takes time to put yourself out for others. If you do it, you won’t regret it. You reap what you sow in this business.
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