Brenda Whiteside's Blog, page 85

A ROYAL MUSE MONDAY with Christina Hollis

MUSE MONDAY It’s lovely to be here today—thanks for the invitation, Brenda. Although I’ve written quite a few novels (you can see all my titles on display at http://bit.ly/1HGQX9O), my first book for The Wild Rose Press, His Majesty’s Secret Passion, was only released in February this year. That was really exciting, especially as I’d originally written it as a treat for myself. His Majesty’s Secret Passion is set on a sun-drenched Greek island, a long, longway from the wet and windswept countryside where I wrote it! Imagining a passionate summer romance was the perfect antidote to the short, dark days of a Gloucestershire winter. When readers wanted to know what happened to Krisia, a minor character in His Majesty’s Secret Passion who was thrown into a major job crisis, my single title magically turned into the first part of series called The Princes Of Kharova. While the first book is about a king who meets a woman who’s more than a match for him, the second book, Her Royal Risk, tells the story of  a playboy prince pitted against a serious, hard-working woman in a fight to save their country. They’re supposed to be on the same side, but they can’t stop pulling in opposite directions. The action takes place in the fictional country of Kharova, which is in the eastern Mediterranean. That gave me another chance to fantasize about stunning scenery, beautiful weather, a tough, handsome hero and romantic evenings under the stars....Here are the details for the first two books in the Princes of Kharova series: His Majesty’s Secret PassionLeo Gregoryan diverts the energy he once poured into his dream of becoming a doctor toward his royal duties. All he needs right now is a stress-free vacation–no future queen need apply. Sara Astley escapes to the luxurious Paradise Hotel after a personal disaster. She hides her broken dreams behind a tough exterior, and her stubborn streak makes her a challenge Leo can’t resist. His special brand of hands-on persuasion seduces her into enjoying the holiday of a lifetime. Their fling can't hurt either of them–or can it? Leo's focussed on being the ideal hero. Sara knows what she wants, and that’s independence. Then a revelation tears them apart, meaning things can never be the same between them... Her Royal RiskPlayboy Prince Athan is a brilliant soldier—and the world's worst boss. Landed with the task of bringing order to his working life, dedicated personal assistant Krisia only takes on the job out of loyalty to her king. A past disaster means Krisia is determined not to fall in love with gorgeous Athan. When she does, heartbreak isn't far behind. Then, a secret Athan has been fighting to hide comes to light, threatening his future. Krisia must stifle her pain, and work more closely with him than ever before.  If their emotions take over, they both risk losing everything...Extract from Her Royal Risk:“It wasn’t until I joined the army I felt I’d become part of a real family. A proper family.”“What about your sister, Maia?”Athan snorted. “You know as well as I do, my sister hates the outdoor life. Besides, she was always tagging along after you.” The frustration of kicking around the palace with no one to talk to came back to him in a rush.“You were jealous?” Krisia paused with a forkful of smoked salmon half way to her beautiful lips, then added the killer blow, “Of me?”He’d never thought about it like that before. “Yes. Yes, I suppose I was. Who wouldn’t want to be top of the class in every subject?”“Not you, surely?”“Are you mad?” He curled his lip. “The only person who could come out with a line like that is someone who’s never failed at anything.”“But you’re head of the army and chief of security now, Athan. How much higher can you possibly go?”It was another thing that hadn’t occurred to him, and it took this woman—the bane of his childhood—to point it out to him.“True.” He lifted his glass in the mockery of a toast to her. “I always thought you were too clever by half, Kris. I was wrong. You’re too clever by three-quarters.” He took a drink. He was about to make it a big one, then reconsidered. Alcohol never managed to come up with any good answers to his problems. Kris, this mastermind with letters after her name, might be a better bet. He put down his glass. Placing his finger on the base, he pushed it aside in a measured gesture. “Leo’s the king. It’s my job to support him. I take that seriously. The best way I can show my loyalty is by running the army and coming down heavily on Mihail and his rebels whenever I can.’“King Leo makes a big thing about not being happy when other people hand out jobs to their relatives. Doesn’t that worry you?”At last, Athan could feel the conversation heading his way. He finished his starter, then leaned back in his chair, taking his ease. “No. I’m the best man for the job, end of story. I got this position on merit alone.”“I know. I also know all our old tutors are lost for words about it.”He twitched a shoulder. Bringing up the past couldn’t bother him, as long as the talk centred around his army career. “I’m a practical man, Kris. How much of your book learning do you use in everyday life? Not a thing,” he said without giving her time to argue. “I can make my way in the world anywhere I choose. If my brother decides there’s only room for one Gregoryanak here in Kharova and boots me out, then that’s fine by me. Does it worry you this new job of yours could vanish in a round of job cuts?”Her reply was fast, and furious. “Yes. Yes, it does.”
Right now, I’m putting the finishing touches to the third book in the Princes Of Kharova series, which has the working title Heart of A Hostage. To find out more, sign up to my mailing list here: http://bit.ly/1eKihHg
Buy Links:His Majesty’s Secret Passion:     http://bit.ly/1ujX5zcHer Royal Risk:                          http://bit.ly/1GQPIIqMy social media links:Website: http://www.christinahollis.comFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1Ee1urMTwitter: https://twitter.com/ChristinaBooksBlog: http://christinahollis.blogspot.co.uk

A NEW AGE MEANS A NEW ADVENTURE by Susabelle Kelmer

FEARLESS FRIDAY

I’d like to thank Brenda for hosting me on her Fearless Friday blog this week.  My debut novel with The Wild Rose Press, Fairest of the Faire, came out this month (more about that later).  I’m feeling quite fearless these days!  Today I’d like to talk to you about my fearless moment, which happens to coincide with my reaching what I hope is the mid-point of my life.  Yes, I intend to reach 100!
Just before I turned 50 years old, I was laid off from the last job I thought I’d ever have.  I had been working in a community college in Missouri, realizing that I was going to get a really nice retirement out of it if I worked until 60 (I started when I was 39), and living a happy life.  That bombshell dropped the floor from beneath my feet, and I needed to consider very carefully how I was going to support myself and my family, and still get to retirement with some bank in the bank!  I was 50 years old, and worked in an incredibly niche field.  In addition, the economy in Missouri, which had somewhat weathered the 2008 recession, completely tanked in 2011.  Finding a job anywhere in my home state, where I was born and raised, was going to be extremely difficult.
An opportunity arose for me to move to Colorado for work in my field.  It was a really good opportunity, and while I would take a pay cut, and would have to endure a year or two of income that was not as secure as I would have liked, it was not an opportunity to pass up.  But it meant moving my family away from everything they knew, to something we didn’t know a whole lot about, 1000 miles from our well-developed safety net of friends and family.  I was comfortable and familiar with Colorado, as I’d spent time there over the years, but for my family, this was a serious change.  Everyone but me would have to find jobs – my grown daughter (she turned 18 on our way across Kansas) and my husband.  My grade-schooler would have to start all over making new friends and going to a new school.
We had a huge yard sale.  We gave some of our things away to family and friends.  We picked and chose what we wanted to take, and what was either too dangerous to move, or would not survive the move.  Every single one of my houseplants made the cut and got on the truck (I DO have my priorities!).  The gas grill did not (and I’ve regretted it ever since).  The lawnmower came, and the bicycles, but the dining room set was left behind.  The cats were packed in their carriers, much to their dismay, and away we went.  My oldest daughter had had her driver’s license barely a week when we left Missouri, and I put her behind the wheel of one of our cars, which was laden down with my antique mirrors in the trunk and the lawnmower strapped to the luggage rack.  My husband drove the moving truck with our youngest, and me, the cats, and the household linens pulled up the rear in my old Toyota sedanFour years later, I know we made the right choice.  Hubby and the daughter are gainfully employed (she is going to college, too).  We have a house with big trees and a yard and gardening space, and a view of the Rockies from our front porch.  My job continues to keep me busy and well-versed in my niche field.  And I finally pushed myself to finish that novel.  
What fearless thing have you done?  I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Fairest of the Faire by Susabelle Kelmer (Available now!)Schoolteacher Connie Meyers is suddenly a young widow, her husband killed in a horrific car accident. Heartbroken to find out he had gambled away everything they had, she moves to her sister-in-law's Midwest home to rebuild her life. A trip to the local Renaissance Faire with her nieces leads to a summer job as a costumed storyteller. Avowed bad boy and fair performer Gage Youngblood is infatuated with Connie at first sight. Despite his deliberately commitment-free life, and Connie's don't-touch-me attitude, he soon has her in his arms, realizing quickly she is also in his heart. When she is threatened by her late husband's bookie, he steps into the role of protector, his fate forever sealed with hers.Susabelle on the Web: http://www.susabelle.comSusabelle on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SusabelleKelmerSusabelle on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SusabelleKelmerSusabelle on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/susabelleLearn more and buy today from Amazon or Barnes and Noble: http://www.susabelle.com/fariestofthefaire.html

Plentiful Bugs and the Missing Sock

  Tortuga Thursday   In 2012, on the plains of Northern Arizona, two families joined forces and began the trials and tribulations of building a small family farm with nothing in the bank but love. Bugs in the greenhouse, little girl socks sucked into the washer drain, drip lines spring leaks, trimming off garlic scapes, brother-in-law having a heart procedure, final edit on Post-War Dreams, Mom is planning to move to Prescott, veggies in the ground.

Yep, it's been a real mixed bag of events since the last post two weeks ago.

The greenhouse spawned tons of grasshoppers and what we call roly-poly bugs when the weather turned warm. As fast as the carrots came up, the bugs ate them down. We had to invest in preying mantis and nematodes to engage in combat. The good guys won. Farming without insecticides is a challenge.

We pay $61 a month for insurance on appliances, air conditioner, and the well pump. We've considered each year whether or not to drop it, but it's been worth the expense. In fact, I'm surprised they haven't canceled us. They've replaced our hot water  heater after a dozen repairs, fixed outside faucets, fixed inside faucets, repaired the clothes dryer and stove, repaired the well pump, and the latest was replacing a part in the washer because one of Sadi's socks was sucked down a rinse drain.

The garlic field's drip lines keep springing leaks. Luckily the repair parts are cheap. Trimming off garlic scapes and another round of weeding will eat up time this next week.

Farmer Lance has been involved in a project outside of  town so we were a little late getting some veggies in the ground. He planted more tomatoes outside as well as sweet potatoes, golden potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, okra, butternut squash, and bush beans. It's a smaller field this year but enough for our personal needs.

We're now doing two farmers' markets a week - Prescott and Chino Valley.

Money saving tip for the week - unplug! If you're not using it, unplug it. We did and our electric bill went down $20. Health tip for the week - take a walk or a bike ride at least five days a week.

MEET PARANORMAL SUSPENSE AUTHOR SANDY WRIGHT

MUSE MONDAY I'm pleased to welcome Sandy Wright as guest blogger today. Take it away, Sandy. They say write what you know. The idea for my debut paranormal suspense novel, Song of the Ancients (released May 18), came from my own personal evolution. The spiritual paths in the Southwest are so diverse and some are so ancient they've become myths. I had always been interested in nature-based religions, so widening that study to encompass the Native American spirituality of the area seemed a natural progression. Then I blended in Wicca and witchcraft. It was interesting to introduce the concept of witchcraft, seen through the eyes of an ordinary, non-magical woman, and experience her reactions and disbelief. My main character moves to Sedona, AZ to start anew after her divorce. Instead, she becomes the prey in an ancient power struggle to control the magic hidden in those red rocks. To survive, she has to learn the rules of her new world, and readers get to learn earth magic, witchcraft and shamanism along with her.While I did a lot of research for this book, the magical stuff I drew from my own Wiccan background and practice.Sedona is but one earth "power point" in the world. The series will take Samantha and Nicholas, as well as a few secondary characters, to adventures at other sacred sites.  The second book in the Ancient Magick series, tentatively titled Fire of the Ancients, takes place in Hawaii and involves Pele, the Goddess of fire and volcanos. Every place of power is surrounded by its own history and myths, energies and sacred practices, but do we really know why these places are so venerated? There's a wealth of material here for a series.But before I start on Fire, I'm veering away from sacred sites and magic for a murder suspense, Full Moon Crossing. It involves a philandering husband who plots to murder his wife and use the Arizona border's human and drug smuggling conflict as a cover-up. The smuggling topic is so controversial right now, I want to get the book out while the headlines support it. And I'm pulling Rumor Vargas, a secondary character in my first book, and giving her a main character billing in this book. I just got home from a wonderful readers' convention, AZ Dreamin', last week. One of the most common questions readers asked authors is, "Coming up with an idea is one challenge, but how do you write a whole novel? How do you put it all together?"  I was a journalist before writing novels. I've also been a middle school English teacher. As a journalist, you research, then put your facts in order, and then you write your lead. To write an essay, you follow the same process: Research your information, put it in logical essay order. Then begin writing. So that makes me what fiction writers call a "plotter," as opposed to a "pantster," who sits down at the desk and start streaming thoughts together as they occur. I tend to do additional in-depth research as I go. Often that research changes the direction of the story, or the emotional motivation of a character. So I go back and tweak my plot outline, or my character's reactions, to make them more authentic. I love research!Sometimes the kernel of an idea for a character comes from unlikely sources. I have J.K. Rowling to thank for my primary male character, Nicholas Orenda. I read her whole series and was deeply disappointed at how easily she killed off Severus Snape. Such a fascinating, complex character, and then…poof! Done in by a snake without the hint of a fight. I started fiddling around with that type of personality, a man who is infinitely talented, but flawed. A character who will consider bending the moral codes to accomplish his goals. Is he a villain? Uhm, no. Can you depend on him unconditionally? Double uhm. Nicholas is the thorn in my protagonist's side. In her eyes—and maybe the reader's eyes also—he looks like that bad boy every mother dreads. He acts like the antagonist, ferreting out Samantha's inner weaknesses. As their relationship progresses, however, when he's satisfied she is worth saving, he will switch sides and root for her. Because really, is love ever straight-up easy?Thank you so much for visiting with me today!   What would you die for?  Samantha Danroe doesn’t believe in magic. Her ex-husband cured her of happily-ever-after when he cheated on her three days after saying I-do.She doesn’t believe in ghosts. Until her mother’s ghost rises from a Halloween bonfire with a warning of death from beyond the grave.And she certainly doesn’t believe in witchcraft. Until she becomes the prey in an ancient war waged between good and evil. A war whose rules she must scramble to learn to stay alive.
In need of protection, Samantha turns to the mysterious Nicholas Orenda, a sixth-generation witch on the trail of a creature who is systematically killing off his family. According to his family’s prophecy, three will be sacrificed to the dark. His mother and grandmother are already dead, and Nicholas doesn’t have time to play by the rules.   What would you die for? Samantha finds herself in the center of a deadly hunt for a mysterious foe. Can she find the strength to defeat a supernatural killer and prevent the third sacrifice? Or will she be the catalyst that opens the gates to the Underworld?Song of the Ancients is the debut book in the Ancient Magic series.Readers interested in witchcraft, shamanism—or just the dark side of the supernatural world around us—will enjoy this paranormal suspense, written by a real-life Wiccan High Priestess. Look for information on the next book in the Ancient Magic series in 2016.
Ms. Wright has been authentic to Witchcraft, blending in real spells and rituals throughout her tale. The landscape and its traditions are strong characters.” ~ Lady Caria Dawn, High Priestess, Circle of the Moon, Fairfax, VA
Print book: http://www.amazon.com/Ancients-Ancient-Magic-Sandy-Wright/dp/0986227854 ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Song-Ancients-Ancient-Magic-Book-ebook/dp/B00XZ8HL8I

The Start of Summer in Pictures

Tortuga Thursday   In 2012, on the plains of Northern Arizona, two families joined forces and began the trials and tribulations of building a small family farm with nothing in the bank but love.
Busy, busy, busy. We're doing two farmers' markets a week now. While I'm writing one book, waiting to get a release date on two others, and working in the garlic fields, everyone else has a full plate too. There have been a few off moments like Rusty getting sick and going to the vet (on the mend now) and the washer breaking down (that's now fixed). But mostly, things are growing including Sadi. I'm going to let the pictures tell the story of summer dawning on Tortuga Flats Farm.

Sweet potatoes in the ground Organic means some bug holes












A wheel barrow I can manage Sadi loves summer The curls are delicious garlic scapes

Garlic, Goats and Bee Invasion

Tortuga Thursday   In 2012, on the plains of Northern Arizona, two families joined forces and began the trials and tribulations of building a small family farm with nothing in the bank but love. Sadi feeding the neighbors baby goatThis is a different year on Tortuga Flats Farm. The amount of what's being planted is about the same except it's predominately garlic. We've gotten a better feel for how much of all the vegetables we need for personal use and a good part of that will be growing in the greenhouse. Next week, we'll plant sweet potatoes and squash outside.

It will also be time to pull the mulch back from the garlic. There are a
Garlic looks healthycouple of varieties that have reached the top of my thigh in height. I'm not sure that means it will be great or not but I'm anxious to see.

Bees invade the RVWe've had bees building a hive inside the wall of the RV. They got in through the gooseneck. We struggled with keeping them out for days. Tried everything and finally had to give up and kill them. Made me sad. Bees are needed for the very life of this planet. Now we have to have someone get into the wall and clean out the wax and honey. Have no idea what that will cost. Groan.

Sadi continues to grow into a fine little farmer girl. She loves all things
Sadi and a bug friendgreen and bugs. We point out "bad bugs" so hopefully she will know when to run.

DREAMTIME SENSUALITY by David Russell

MUSE MONDAY Dreams and sensuality from my guest, David Russell all the way from the UK!
Many a dream can be realised with a little forethought. The characters in this quartet of stories are intelligent, sensitive and literary. They are also supremely voyeuristic and open-minded. Their intelligence is counterbalanced by inhibitions, which they can only lose by premeditated seduction scenarios, which relate intimately to their professional, creative and cultural lives. The great effort each couple puts into arranging a scenario seems to enhance the quality of the experience. A great source of inspiration for this and other works has been the novel The Girl Beneath the Lion by André Pieyre de Mandiargues.
Seductive Semaphore: Fashion Designer Bethesda and journalist Hector live opposite each other, with windows facing. They make initial contact through visible, provocative gestures. Soon afterwards, they get direct contact when Hector assists Bethesda with her folio. She invites him round to model for some of her fashion creations, and proceeds to seduce him. The seduction continues with a ritual visit to a sports centre, and then to a beach. They leave it open as to whether their relationship could ever become long-term.The Heroine and the Author: Dreamer Hecate discovers she has a terminal illness. She wants to make the most of the time she has left by being celebrated in literature as a charismatic, legendary figure. She meets Ferdinand, a ghost writer, who is happy to undertake this massive project with her. In the process, She gets an idea of his physique through jogging and the fitness centre. Then there is a seduction scene inspired by the literary models of Sappho and Donne. Being ‘open-minded’, they make a pact for each one to go and have a sexual adventure – his hetero, hers lesbian. Their relationship is enhanced by this extra dimension.Dreamtime Sensuality: Romona, highly literary and highly inhibited, goes to an exotic island location. She deeply desires a passionate encounter. At the Pension where she stays, she meets Stefano, who fulfils her requirements exactly. The proprietress of the Pension picks up on Romona’s shyness, and gives her reassurance, including some practice in the art of kissing. Romona orchestrates an elaborate beach seduction scenario, and they are both fulfilled. They never meet again, but their exchange of emails and text messages goes on indefinitely. Dancing with Danger: Verona is a Scriptwriter and Gareth an archaeologist. They both have ‘retreats’ near the coast, and discover their common interests. Verona contrives a half-seduction on a deserted beach, wearing 18th century retro gear – related to their common interests. After some further encounters, they give each other a ‘dare’ to go and have a really risky encounter with someone really dodgy. Gareth finds a young woman on the run. Verona has a rapturous encounter with someone who gets hauled in by the police, suspected of terrorism. She uses her charm on the interrogating police officer to extricate herself. So Verona and Gareth both meet up again, to tell their respective tales.  

Excerpt: Hecate read some verses of Sappho, which she felt totally appropriate to his slender grace, so nearly androgynous.
Ferdinand responded to the prompt; he knew what he had to do—gradually, at intervals, he removed his garments one by one as she breathily read the hypnotic, seductive phrases.
His garments came off with ease and grace, he obviously had some long-repressed desire to do this. At last, he stood before her, beautiful, naked, and slender. Somehow, his spirit prevailed over his earlier reticence, he shed his shyness with his clothing. Since she saw him in trunks, Hecate anticipated this moment with such relish. If the pool had been empty when they were there, she would have taken them off there, or in the shower. Perhaps something could happen, or even be premeditated in the future, on a deserted beach, secluded amid the dunes.
She handed him a volume of the collected poems of John Donne. “Now, I think you know which one I want you to read me. Hmm…while we’ve been working together, I bet you’ve had some reveries of me undressing, you undressing me.”
“I have to admit that is so and I know which poem you mean, it’s Elegy Nineteen—To His Mistress Going to Bed.
“We really are on the same wavelength darling. I had learned of that poem as a young girl, with a desperate desire one day to enact it. Every word of it struck home as I disrobed alone, for years I yearned for that lovely partner to give me those instructions live.”
Ferdinand beamed, then quoted from near the end of the poem referring to the poet’s nakedness at the beginning of the action. Then he proceeded to read, with his lovely, hypnotic voice.
He really made Hecate’s girdle feel like Saturn’s rings As she undid her sash and cast it down, she felt her abdomen was bathed in heavenly light, visible only to spiritual eyes.
The request to remove her ‘breastplate’ gave her an etheric shudder. Taking off the brooch at the top of her dress felt like casting away a shield, affirming that strife and combat had been replaced by love.
In response to the exhortation to unlace, she felt deliciously nervous as her fingers twitched on her zips and buttons.
As the gown went off following the next command, Hecate felt she had emerged from a perennial cocoon, that she was the sun liberated from the constricting veils of night.
As for a ‘coronet’, Hecate was only wearing a slide, but removing it certainly helped her locks flow freely.
It was great to feel liberated from footwear; earlier on her high heels had felt so sexy. But now her stockinged feet tingled with electric desire.
With her underwear, admittedly she found nylon, calico and silk sexier than linen, but the word, so sensually uttered, really relevant. (from The Heroine and the Author – Story 2)Book Links: Dreamtime Sensuality Antho - Devine Destinieswww.devinedestinies.com/Dreamtime-Sensuality-Antho/
Manic Readers - Dreamtime Sensuality by David S Russell ...www.manicreaders.com/index.cfm?disp=b...                   Dreamtime Sensuality eBook: David Russell: Amazon.co.uk ...www.amazon.co.uk › Books › Romance › Contemporary
edmunds r david russell david, Romance, NOOK Books ...www.barnesandnoble.com/s/edmunds-r-david-russell-david
Dreamtime Sensuality – a book by David Russellwww.smashwords.com › Fiction › Romance › Contemporary
Author Bio: b. 1940. Resident in the UK. Writer of poetry, literary criticism, speculative fiction and romance. Main poetry collection Prickling Counterpoints (1998); poems published in online International Times. Main speculative works High Wired On (2002); Rock Bottom (2005). Translation of Spanish epic La Araucana, Amazon 2013. Romances: Self’s Blossom; Explorations; Further Explorations; Therapy Rapture; Darlene, An Ecstatic Rendezvous (all pub Extasy (Devine Destinies). Singer-songwriter/guitarist. Main CD albums Bacteria Shrapnel and Kaleidoscope Concentrate. Many tracks on You Tube, under ‘Dave Russell’ Author Links: www.davidrussell-author.blogspot.co.uk

Bloom Where You’re Planted by C. Marie Bowen

FEARLESS FRIDAY

Thank you, Brenda, for having me as a guest for “Fearless Friday”. I signed up to be a guest on your blog thinking, ‛I’ve done some pretty brave things’, and I have. I’ve bungee jumped and lived to tell about it. I stood in front of my graduating class and gave the valedictorian speech. I’ve even performed in front of crowds playing an accordion. Those were all scary at the time, but I didn’t wonder later how I managed to accomplish them. Looking back, I had been nervous, yes—but not fearful.


After searching in all the dark corners for the bravest thing I’ve done, I would have to choose the point where I took up the reins of my life and said, “This isn’t working—things need to change.” Walking away from a broken marriage with two kids in tow wasn’t brave, it was self preservation. The fearless part came later. It came when I realized I couldn’t raise my kids on minimum wage and minimum child support. That the only chance I had to become independent would be to move away from family and friends and begin a new life in Texas.


After the move, I cleaned house and cooked to pay room and board while I went to school. But there were other expenses, so I worked part time drafting to make ends meet. Eventually, I graduated with an Associates Degree in Computerized Architectural Drafting and Design (CADD). I found a good job, saved my money, and after four years of sleeping on a friend’s couch, my children and I moved into a home of our own.


I bought a magnet when I first came to Texas that said, “Bloom Where You’re Planted.” I put it on the refrigerator as a reminder that I couldn’t go back. Moving forward was my only option. I’ve been in Texas for twenty years now, and I realize those first four years away from friends and family were the most terrifying and lonely years of my life. Somehow, I moved through them as though I was fearless. One foot in front of another. One day at a time.


Eventually, life took another turn and I found I had the opportunity to chase an old dream – to publish the stories I kept locked in my heart. This latest adventure has just begun, and I hope I can face this challenge as fearlessly as I faced my struggle to bloom in Texas.
Passage - blurb:
After a car accident, Courtney Veau has a “near death” experience, and returns to her past-life in the post-Civil War west. When she wakes in a present-day hospital, Courtney realizes she’s returned to her own hollow existence. Heartbroken, she knows she left behind not only a family she loves, but life with the man who shares her soul, a man she’ll love forever, Merril Shilo.
A carriage accident nearly takes beautiful Nichole Harris’s life, stealing her memories completely. Plagued by amnesia, she is confused by flashes of memory that are out of time with the world around her, and seem to belong to someone else. Only Nichole's own strong emotions remain to guide her—and as others try to take control of her life, she fights a desperate battle to survive. Merril Shilo is someone she should know, and though her memories fail her, she is stunned by her passion for him—and the remembered agony of a broken heart.
Merril Shilo is the love of Courtney’s life—no matter whenthat life might be. The memories and emotions of her life as ranch heiress Nichole Harris consume Courtney’s mind—and her heart. Courtney soon finds her desire for Merril threatens her sanity, as he beckons from a past she can no longer reach. She would give her life to return to her soul-mate, if she could only find the passage back to him.

Excerpt from Passage: The long shadows faded into twilight. She'd found what she came for—proof this house existed. There was no longer a reason to stay; and yet, just the possibility she might hear his voice again kept her waiting one more day. Outside the window, night took final possession of the day. A few porch lights came on down the block. Headlights swung around the corner as a car turned onto the street and illuminated the pavement. The headlights winked off and a car door slammed. Behind her, the room took on a familiar chill. She turned from the window and pressed her back against the heavy drapes as the echo of boots pounded up the back stairs. She gasped when he raced into the room, vaguely luminescent in the darkness. He was dressed in denim trousers and cotton shirt, with a silk scarf tied loosely around his neck. Where's his hat? Had he lost it in the dash up the stairs? That wide-brimmed cowboy hat was such a part of him he seemed naked without it. His hair had come loose from its binding, and he shoved it out of his face with a familiar motion. She stood close enough to read the emotion play across his face, a mixture of fear and bewilderment. His breath was labored, and his anxiety tangible as he stopped and looked right at her. Her mouth fell open in surprise and her heart tightened in her chest. Does he see me? He took a hesitant step toward her. “Nichole?” His voice filled with horror, he whispered her name from another life. “Yes! Merril, it's me.” Courtney stepped toward the specter. His head turned. His attention called away from her open arms. “Oh, sweet Jesus.” Merril fell to his knees and reached for something no longer there. “Nicki, please don't go. Stay with me.” “Merril, I'm here.” Her heart ached for him and for herself, but her plea went unheard. Sobs shook his wide shoulders. Her heart clenched to witness his despair. She longed to comfort him, to assure him she was there, but could not. In defeat, she sank to her knees beside the grieving apparition. “Nicki, don't leave me. Look at me—” His hushed voice, choked and broken. “I'm right here, my love,” she whispered, but the room grew warm and Merril Shilo faded back into the past. Courtney hung her head in the darkness and fought back tears. One question was answered, at least for now.
LINKS:
Amazon: Kindle Buy Link Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CMarieBowen Connect with C. Marie here: Website: www.cmariebowen.com
 

Writing a Book Is Like a Roadtrip

MUSE MONDAY
Starting a new book is like getting ready for a road trip. In the beginning, I'm excited about the destination and don't do much except THINK about where I'm headed and what I'll need along the way. Then I go into my helter-skelter mode. I might pull some clothes out of the closet. Get the oil changed in the car. Print off a few pages of sites to see. Discard some of the clothes and pull out some more. Wash the car. Run to the store for car snacks. Put some of the clothes in the suitcase. But in the end, I get it together and head out the door. The real fun begins.

I'm in the helter-skelter mode for book four of my Love and Murder Series. I made some random notes about plot. The main characters have a file and their back story and character traits are partially filled in. The basic outline formed up one day. Then I jumped back to character files. Chapter one is roughed out. Then the outline got beefed up a little. Research is underway for the setting. And now it's time to actually get on the writing road. It's like an adventure and yes, the real fun begins.

But just like that road trip when I'll buy more snacks along the way, maybe change the route a time or two, the story will require extra research or acquire new twists as I reach the destination: the end.


Book One: The Art of Love and Murder
available everywhere in print or eBook






Book Two: Southwest of Love and Murder/available everywhere in print or eBook


Book Three: A Legacy of Love and Murder
On my editors desk

Book Four: helter-skelter mode

Book Five: in THINK mode

TIPS FOR THE NON-PLOTTER by Mary Gillgannon

MUSE MONDAY Please join me in welcoming Mary Gillgannon to Discover Yourself. It's always fun to read how an author works!   I am what I call an “into the mist” writer. I don’t really plot, but come up with an opening, characters or story idea and start writing. I do it this way not by choice, but because if I try to plot out my story, the creative part of my brain refuses to cooperate. My theory is that in order to write, the two sides of my brain have to work together. The creative side comes up with story, but the rational/organized side then has to find the words and structure to describe it. It’s as if my consciousness has to jump back and forth between the two sides in order to write. Over time, I’ve learned some things that facilitate this process. The first one is that basic physical activity increases this connection between the two sides of my brain. If I’m totally stuck and get up from the computer and do something—make tea, use the bathroom, walk downstairs—any one of those very mundane activities seems to unlock something and make the words flow. Along with walking comes driving, another activity where part of my brain is engaged. While the rational part of my brain is calculating distance and speed and helping me make the decisions of when to pass and when to slow down, another part of my brain is making creative connections and furthering my story. I’ve also discovered that dreaming and daydreaming both represent a state where the creative part of my brain works best. I’m not a morning person. I’m basically dysfunctional until about 10 a.m. And yet, I can get up in the wee hours and write. It works because the dream state you experience while sleeping is related to the state where the creative part of the brain is most accessible. I’ve learned that if I get stuck in a story, if I think about the story while I’m trying to fall asleep and when I first awake, my unconscious will often tell me where to take it. The third thing that seems to help me is simply telling someone about my plot. It has to be live and in the moment. And it has to be an oral description/explanation. But something about the physical act of verbalizing my story seems to free the creative half of my brain. Again, the physical process apparently fires the neurons I use to create the story. For me, the process of writing is mysterious and magical. And incredibly messy and wasteful. For my few books, I probably wrote an extra 30,000 words for every 100,000 that ended up in the finished book. I’ve gotten better over the years. I don’t get quite as off track as I used to. I’ve learned to recognize when I’m headed down a blind alley and stop and figure out where my plot needs to go. My muse is stubborn and independent, but she will listen to reason occasionally. But the true test of my getting better at this is whether I can manage a mystery plot. My current work in progress has a murder, and there may be more deaths. (I don’t know yet. Which probably seems odd, but it’s true. I won’t know until my characters find another dead body.) When writing a mystery, everything has to make sense and tie together at the end, and yet keep the reader guessing throughout the book. You have to set up the clues and also throw in some red herrings to misdirect and confuse. This is real plotting and it takes more logic than instinct and intuition, which is how my romances evolve. But I’m determined to master this. Because someday I’d like to write a real mystery. And that’s a bit daunting when you don’t plot.
Blurb and buy links for Wicked Wager: When hardened gamester Marcus Revington wins Horngate Manor in a card game, he is delighted to finally own property. Even discovering he must marry the heiress of the estate doesn’t deter him. The heiress, Penny Montgomery, is happy with her life raising horses at Horngate and has no desire to wed anyone. When she learns about her guardian’s Wicked Wager, she schemes to convince Marcus she’s unsuitable as a wife so he’ll forget his plan to marry her. Who will win this battle of wits and wills? Or will they both discover the name of the game is love? Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VU8L64KBarnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wicked-wager-mary-gillgannon/1121799505?ean=2940151266314The Wild Rose Press:  http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6209