Karilyn Bentley's Blog, page 14
December 15, 2015
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year @sloanebcollins #PlottingPrincesses #amwriting #fudge #traditions #MFRWorg
Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love the lights, the trees, the food, the traditions, and the spirit of the holiday. I made the decision the last couple of years to not decorate due to lack of time and four cats who know no boundaries, and I really miss it. The cats were restless last night, and I kept hearing things banging around in the kitchen so I finally investigated. One (or more) had gotten a side drawer open and found a small Christmas tree ornament and was batting it all over the tile floor. I hadn’t even realized it was in that drawer!
Even though there are trees up and the store is decorated at work (my office is at the Neiman Marcus flagship store in Dallas), there are lights up in the neighborhood, and Christmas music is on the radio, it just hadn’t been feeling like Christmas is next week. Until I got home last night and found that the annual Tin of Fudge and Cherry Mash had arrived. My sister-in-law makes THE best fudge. I ripped open the package, saw the gorgeous Christmas tin, took the lid off, and there it was. FUDGE. NOW it feels like the holidays have arrived.
I don’t remember a lot about the Christmases when I was really little, but I have pictures of the beautiful trees dripping with tinsel. I actually do remember one night coming home from midnight mass, and my parents told us to close our eyes as we passed the door to the den where the tree was. They didn’t know if Santa had been there yet, so we couldn’t peek. There was that anticipation, and hurrying off to bed so he wouldn’t pass over our house.
A few years, and a divorce later, and my mother, sister and I were living with my grandmother. She went all out on Christmas every year. I loved her trees and decorations. I’d spend hours in the living room with the tree all lit up, and the pretty white church glowing on the coffee table. Then Christmas day would finally arrive, and there would be all kinds of loot under the tree. My aunt, uncle, and cousin would be there. It was a tradition for us to each get a special Christmas dress, and a doll that had hair to match ours: blonde for me, red for my sister, and brunette for my cousin. I still remember one of those dresses: long, beige with tiny flowers, and a quilted skirt. I actually wore that for a play I was (forced to be) in at school – Babes in Toyland. I was Mother Goose, and I carried a blue stuffed goose and had to lead the parade to the stage. Anyone who knows me knows it was torture. I’m terribly shy, and it was even worse back in grade school!
The food on Christmas day was amazing. My great-grandparents were bakers – as in, they had owned a chain of bakeries in Detroit. So of course the food was excellent. My great-grandma was a phenomenal cook, and Grampa made the best cookies and pies. We’d all gather around the big dining room table and just stuff ourselves.
Fast forward to my adult years, and we would get together with my husband’s family on Christmas Eve, and my family on Christmas Day. My husband is one of seven siblings, so just the immediate family was a houseful. The noise, the wrapping paper strewn all over, the sideboards groaning with food, kids running amok…boy do I miss those nights now that we live in Texas.
Now it’s just my husband and me, and the cats, of course. I get my fill of Christmas with the decorations at work, the music on the radio, and Christmas movies on TV that I record and watch over and over again, even after the holidays are done.
I have a Christmas Romance that I’ve worked on the last few years, and I finally figured out what needs to happen, so I think that’s the next story I’ll write. I’m anxious to get Nick and Merry out in the world.
What about you? What’s your favorite part of the holiday? What traditions do you have?
Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!P.S. - I still believe.
Even though there are trees up and the store is decorated at work (my office is at the Neiman Marcus flagship store in Dallas), there are lights up in the neighborhood, and Christmas music is on the radio, it just hadn’t been feeling like Christmas is next week. Until I got home last night and found that the annual Tin of Fudge and Cherry Mash had arrived. My sister-in-law makes THE best fudge. I ripped open the package, saw the gorgeous Christmas tin, took the lid off, and there it was. FUDGE. NOW it feels like the holidays have arrived.
I don’t remember a lot about the Christmases when I was really little, but I have pictures of the beautiful trees dripping with tinsel. I actually do remember one night coming home from midnight mass, and my parents told us to close our eyes as we passed the door to the den where the tree was. They didn’t know if Santa had been there yet, so we couldn’t peek. There was that anticipation, and hurrying off to bed so he wouldn’t pass over our house. A few years, and a divorce later, and my mother, sister and I were living with my grandmother. She went all out on Christmas every year. I loved her trees and decorations. I’d spend hours in the living room with the tree all lit up, and the pretty white church glowing on the coffee table. Then Christmas day would finally arrive, and there would be all kinds of loot under the tree. My aunt, uncle, and cousin would be there. It was a tradition for us to each get a special Christmas dress, and a doll that had hair to match ours: blonde for me, red for my sister, and brunette for my cousin. I still remember one of those dresses: long, beige with tiny flowers, and a quilted skirt. I actually wore that for a play I was (forced to be) in at school – Babes in Toyland. I was Mother Goose, and I carried a blue stuffed goose and had to lead the parade to the stage. Anyone who knows me knows it was torture. I’m terribly shy, and it was even worse back in grade school!
The food on Christmas day was amazing. My great-grandparents were bakers – as in, they had owned a chain of bakeries in Detroit. So of course the food was excellent. My great-grandma was a phenomenal cook, and Grampa made the best cookies and pies. We’d all gather around the big dining room table and just stuff ourselves.
Fast forward to my adult years, and we would get together with my husband’s family on Christmas Eve, and my family on Christmas Day. My husband is one of seven siblings, so just the immediate family was a houseful. The noise, the wrapping paper strewn all over, the sideboards groaning with food, kids running amok…boy do I miss those nights now that we live in Texas.
Now it’s just my husband and me, and the cats, of course. I get my fill of Christmas with the decorations at work, the music on the radio, and Christmas movies on TV that I record and watch over and over again, even after the holidays are done.
I have a Christmas Romance that I’ve worked on the last few years, and I finally figured out what needs to happen, so I think that’s the next story I’ll write. I’m anxious to get Nick and Merry out in the world.
What about you? What’s your favorite part of the holiday? What traditions do you have?
Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!P.S. - I still believe.
December 10, 2015
Linda Steinberg on What's Your Happiness Quotient? 4 Things #MFRWorg #goodhealth #moneycan'tbuyhappiness #love
In the movie City Slickers, when Billy Crystal’s character Mitch asks Curly for the secret of life, the old man replies that it’s just one thing and you have to figure it out for yourself. It’s true that we’re all different, and we each have something special and specific that drives us. But we also all have common needs. The secret to a happy life? I believe it’s just four things.
1. Health. This somewhat underappreciated gift is often taken for granted, until we lose it. If serious illness befalls you or a loved one, your happiness barometer will drop from full to empty in seconds. Even a minor ailment can make you miserable. When I was suffering from pinkeye and a persistent virus, I couldn’t see clearly, I didn’t feel like doing anything, and I felt like a useless human being. Now, besides the gratitude I feel for waking up each day, I tell myself how lucky I am to be able to see, to hear, and to walk without help.
2. Time. Most of us feel we never have enough time to accomplish the things on our To Do list, let alone our Want to Do list. We may juggle a day job, family obligations, and if we’re writers, struggle to eke out a little time for our craft. We’re expected to multi-task, always be available and responsive, and keep all the balls in the air, and that causes stress. And stress, in my opinion, is the single most powerful deterrent to happiness.
3. Money. Of course it’s essential. Money alone can’t buy happiness but it’s hard to be happy when you’re always worried about making ends meet. Worry causes stress. Stress makes us unhappy. But how much money do we need to be happy? As Curly might say, that depends. Some people can be happy living in a shack by the river and fishing for their daily food. Others can’t be happy, or think they can’t be, unless they drive a BMW and own a vacation home and a yacht. We’d all like to have more money, but to be happy, you may not need as much as you think. Here’s my formula: You need enough money to pay the bills to maintain your current lifestyle, with a little bit left over for an occasional night out, vacation, or that too-expensive hot pink sweater you’ve been dying to purchase.
4. Love. We all need someone with whom to share our hopes and disappointments, someone who has our back, someone who cares if we wake up in the morning. That person doesn’t necessarily have to be a spouse or a lover. It can be a close family member, or a best friend. Or a whole family circle and several good friends. Loving and being loved is what makes us human.
So what’s your happiness quotient? Give yourself one point for good health, and a point each if you feel you are managing well with your time and money. Add two points for love. Because without love in our lives, having health, time, even wealth doesn’t mean much.
And this awkward segue leads into a shameless plug for my new four-book romance series. The Unforgettable Nights books are about four friends who meet for lunch every Tuesday. Each has a one night stand that changes her life. And the first book in the series, One Night with a Stranger, is FREE.
They’re single. Twenty-something. Living in L.A. And not nearly as edgy as they’d like to think.
One Night with a Stranger (Free)
On the rebound from a bad breakup with Mr. Wrong, Lisa Randall does something she’s never done before: has a one night stand with a stranger she meets in a bar. As amazing as the night is, the last thing she expects is to hear from the guy again. But when one night turns into two, and then three, and then more, Lisa wonders whether her infatuation with Matt is keeping her from meeting Mr. Right, or whether a passionate one night stand can actually lead to true love.
Matt Owens has always considered himself the King of Jumping into Things Too Fast. He met his ex on a Tuesday, proposed on Saturday, and married her a month later. This time around he wants to take things slow, enjoy the moment. And the attractive woman he picked up in a bar seems to fit the bill. Lisa doesn’t even want to know his last name, let alone plan a future. But as he begins to develop feelings for her, he knows his one big secret could ruin any chance for something more.
One Night with a Stranger Download available for Free at:
Amazon Barnes and Noble Apple and other e-book vendors.
Also available now for purchase or pre-order:
One Night with a Fantasy One Night with an Obsession
One Night with the Best Man If you’re still with me after my sales pitch, I’ll reveal my own Happiness Quotient: 4.5. I’m in reasonably good health (.5). I’m retired and have enough time to do the things I want and enough money to do them. And I’m blessed with a loving mate, two wonderful daughters, a granddaughter who always makes me smile, and loyal, supportive friends.
I wish everyone a HAPPY holiday celebrating the love of family and friends.
December 7, 2015
#Sherlock's #Christmas Spirit @lsfabre #mfrworg
In “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle,” a Christmas goose leads Holmes and Watson on a merry chase from one vendor to another to apprehend the stone’s thief and determine how the Countess of Morcar’s blue carbuncle wound up in the bird’s crop in the first place. (1)
The American public might be surprised to know that while a goose served as the Christmas bird in this story, many Victorians chose to feast on turkey instead. The American bird joined the Christmas tree and crackers to become part of British holiday celebrations during the 1800s. Although the turkey was imported into the country beginning in the 1500s, the Victorians introduced it as a replacement for the traditional goose. (2)
As the turkey and goose battled it out to make it to the Christmas dinner table, many other Christmas traditions practiced today were first popularized during the Victorian period. Most prominent among these practices include the Christmas tree, cards, and crackers. The tree became fashionable after Prince Albert brought the custom from Germany and the Illustrated London News included an image of the royal family gathered around one in 1848. Within a few short years, most families had their own. Family members also picked up the practice of creating and sending cards to one another. The original Christmas card was commissioned in 1843 and cost a shilling a piece (a fortune in those times), but modern industrial printing and a drop in postage rates made the convention accessible to most of the population. By the 1880s, more than 11 million cards were sent each year. Also in 1848, a British confectioner introduced the Christmas cracker—a package of twisted paper that popped when opened. The original candy contents, however, were replaced with paper hats and small gifts as the century passed.
Speaking of gifts, the practice of exchanging presents moved from the New Year at the beginning of the century to Christmas as Victorians more widely observed the holiday. The small traditional gifts of fruits, nuts, or homemade items, however, were replaced with larger, purchased articles over time. (3)
Perhaps more important than the outward trappings of the season was the shift in the overall view of Christmas that occurred in the mid-1840s, coinciding with the publication of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. At the beginning of the 1800s, the day was not even recognized as a holiday by many businesses. Dickens’ tale is credited with spearheading the change from the somber 18th century Puritan observance to earlier practices of merriment and joy during the Yuletide season. (4) The concept of the “Christmas spirit” popularized by Dickens is possibly behind Holmes’ own belief that the thief of the blue carbuncle had learned his lesson, and in the “season of forgiveness,” sends him on his way, a free man.
In the words of Dickens and in the spirit of Sherlock Holmes, “God bless us everyone,” and have a happy holiday!______________(1) Doyle, Arthur Conan (2012-12-13). The Complete Sherlock Holmes: with an introduction from Robert Ryan (Kindle Location 12637). Simon & Schuster UK. Kindle Edition.(2) http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/... http://www.bbc.co.uk/victorianchristmas/history.shtml(4) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Chris...
Liese Sherwood-Fabre is currently working on a series of books involving Sherlock Holmes at age 13. As part of this process, she has written penned a number of essays on The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes. You can check out the collection, available as a free download, on her Website. While there, also check out a free short story and her writing tips.
The American public might be surprised to know that while a goose served as the Christmas bird in this story, many Victorians chose to feast on turkey instead. The American bird joined the Christmas tree and crackers to become part of British holiday celebrations during the 1800s. Although the turkey was imported into the country beginning in the 1500s, the Victorians introduced it as a replacement for the traditional goose. (2) As the turkey and goose battled it out to make it to the Christmas dinner table, many other Christmas traditions practiced today were first popularized during the Victorian period. Most prominent among these practices include the Christmas tree, cards, and crackers. The tree became fashionable after Prince Albert brought the custom from Germany and the Illustrated London News included an image of the royal family gathered around one in 1848. Within a few short years, most families had their own. Family members also picked up the practice of creating and sending cards to one another. The original Christmas card was commissioned in 1843 and cost a shilling a piece (a fortune in those times), but modern industrial printing and a drop in postage rates made the convention accessible to most of the population. By the 1880s, more than 11 million cards were sent each year. Also in 1848, a British confectioner introduced the Christmas cracker—a package of twisted paper that popped when opened. The original candy contents, however, were replaced with paper hats and small gifts as the century passed.
Speaking of gifts, the practice of exchanging presents moved from the New Year at the beginning of the century to Christmas as Victorians more widely observed the holiday. The small traditional gifts of fruits, nuts, or homemade items, however, were replaced with larger, purchased articles over time. (3)
Perhaps more important than the outward trappings of the season was the shift in the overall view of Christmas that occurred in the mid-1840s, coinciding with the publication of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. At the beginning of the 1800s, the day was not even recognized as a holiday by many businesses. Dickens’ tale is credited with spearheading the change from the somber 18th century Puritan observance to earlier practices of merriment and joy during the Yuletide season. (4) The concept of the “Christmas spirit” popularized by Dickens is possibly behind Holmes’ own belief that the thief of the blue carbuncle had learned his lesson, and in the “season of forgiveness,” sends him on his way, a free man.In the words of Dickens and in the spirit of Sherlock Holmes, “God bless us everyone,” and have a happy holiday!______________(1) Doyle, Arthur Conan (2012-12-13). The Complete Sherlock Holmes: with an introduction from Robert Ryan (Kindle Location 12637). Simon & Schuster UK. Kindle Edition.(2) http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/... http://www.bbc.co.uk/victorianchristmas/history.shtml(4) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Chris...
Liese Sherwood-Fabre is currently working on a series of books involving Sherlock Holmes at age 13. As part of this process, she has written penned a number of essays on The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes. You can check out the collection, available as a free download, on her Website. While there, also check out a free short story and her writing tips.
December 1, 2015
Michelle Miles: Christmas Traditions
Every year, the day after Thanksgiving we head out to find our perfect Christmas tree. This year, we debated on whether or not to get a fake one. I was sort of leaning toward fake and flocked (because I love alliteration) but neither my husband nor I could bring ourselves to spend upwards of $300 on a fake tree.
I know, I know. We could save it for future years. But the biggest problem with that is we have storage issues and I don't think we really want to rearrange the entire garage to store a fake tree. Or even put it up in the attic storage space.
This year, Friday was rainy and cold and windy. It wasn’t exactly the best weather to get out and look for a tree. We decided to hit Lowe’s first and see what we could find. All the trees were wet because it had been raining for the last twelve hours or something crazy like that. We wandered around in the garden section looking at trees and freezing our bums off. We stopped to chat with one of the workers there who had been loading trees most of the morning. Granted, it was midday and there weren’t many people out there but there were a few here and there looking for trees. We knew we only had about an hour before it started raining again to get the tree home.
Not finding anything we couldn’t live without, we headed back inside and looked at the fake trees again. But again… we just couldn’t pull the trigger on that. Back outside, and shivering we were heading out when suddenly…there it was. The perfect tree. We snapped it up and got it home before another downpour.
Isn’t it pretty?
Afterward, we went for coffee and then we got really crazy and headed to the mall. Lordy, that was an experience. Side note: It amazes me how many rude people there are in the world. Made even ruder when it comes to walking through the mall or standing in line.
Our other tradition is we decorate for at least a week. We put out our holiday Carole Town. I bake about 20 dozen cookies. And then it will be Christmas and everything will wind down for the year and it will be January again.
What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Michelle Miles writes contemporary and fantasy romance. Find out more about her books at her website.
I know, I know. We could save it for future years. But the biggest problem with that is we have storage issues and I don't think we really want to rearrange the entire garage to store a fake tree. Or even put it up in the attic storage space.
This year, Friday was rainy and cold and windy. It wasn’t exactly the best weather to get out and look for a tree. We decided to hit Lowe’s first and see what we could find. All the trees were wet because it had been raining for the last twelve hours or something crazy like that. We wandered around in the garden section looking at trees and freezing our bums off. We stopped to chat with one of the workers there who had been loading trees most of the morning. Granted, it was midday and there weren’t many people out there but there were a few here and there looking for trees. We knew we only had about an hour before it started raining again to get the tree home.
Not finding anything we couldn’t live without, we headed back inside and looked at the fake trees again. But again… we just couldn’t pull the trigger on that. Back outside, and shivering we were heading out when suddenly…there it was. The perfect tree. We snapped it up and got it home before another downpour.
Isn’t it pretty?
Afterward, we went for coffee and then we got really crazy and headed to the mall. Lordy, that was an experience. Side note: It amazes me how many rude people there are in the world. Made even ruder when it comes to walking through the mall or standing in line.
Our other tradition is we decorate for at least a week. We put out our holiday Carole Town. I bake about 20 dozen cookies. And then it will be Christmas and everything will wind down for the year and it will be January again.
What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Michelle Miles writes contemporary and fantasy romance. Find out more about her books at her website.
November 25, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving from The Princesses!
Happy Thanksgiving!
The Plotting Princesses are taking the day off to spend with our family and friends, but we didn't want to miss the opportunity to share some of the things that we are thankful for from this past year. We wish you all the blessings of the holiday and that you get to spend time gathering together with family and friends, sharing good food, good conversation and making memories to last a lifetime!
Princess Liese: Signing with my agent, Renee Fountain. And on a personal note, watching my grandchildren (2 and 3) grow into some very special little people who have taught me how to "Nae Nae."
Princess Alisha: I'm so thankful my dad is doing better and coming home from rehab on Nov. 11.
Princess Chris: For family - both those bred from blood and those formed from love. Life would not be as sweet if either was missing. I'm also thankful to have hit USA Today Bestseller list.
Princess Michelle: I am thankful for the ability to get up every day, go to work, help support my household, raise a witty and intelligent kid, and still be able to write and tell my stories at the end of the day.Princess Elizabeth: I am thankful for my writer friends, especially the Princesses. This has been a difficult year of transition for me in my writing career, with lots of rejection and reevaluation that I could not have navigated without the collective wisdom and enthusiastic encouragement of my fellow Princesses. I don’t even want to think of what I would have done without you all. I am not blessed with sisters, but I know that the Princesses are the sisters of my heart, because they have unfailingly ‘been there’ for me this past year. And that is a blessing indeed.
Princess Sylvia: I’m thankful that Zeus, our little dachshund is finally starting to settle down—tearing up toys and not the house. I’m thankful for the ten pounds I regained this year, because that means I’ll have a new goal to lose them next year. And finally I’m thankful I’ll get to spend another holiday with my father. Princess Pamela: I am thankful for my priceless family and friends and their unwavering love and support. The past year has been extremely difficult and I'm so very thankful that they have been there for me at every step. I only hope I can return the love.
Princess Kathleen: Aging is difficult, it presents it's own unique set of challenges, but this year I'm feeling thankful for one particular benefit of getting older. I'm thankful that I'm finally learning to accept myself for who I am instead of wishing I looked liked someone else or wishing I could speak as smoothly and articulately as someone else. I've finally come to a place where I'm grateful to just be me and alive and fairly healthy.
Princess Liz: On February 28th, Dallas was blanketed in ice from a storm that blew in overnight. We woke up to one of the most beautiful sights we’d ever seen—and little did we know then—one of the deadliest. It was truly a winter wonderland. Like every other morning, hubby went out to walk the dog while I fixed breakfast. When he came back in he said he’d slipped on the driveway and fell and hit his head pretty hard. Being a nurse, I checked him out and found a tiny drop of blood where he’d hit the ground. With the roads a solid sheet of ice, I knew there was no way I could get to a hospital nor could an ambulance get back to my house. He seemed okay and I decided to watch him for signs of concussion. He did have a mild headache and was slightly dizzy when he stood. A few days later, I called his neurologist, and since headache and dizziness were also the side effects of a medication he was on, the doc said it probably was a concussion and the symptoms would last a few more weeks. Long story short—six weeks later, he woke up with weakness in his right arm. I suspected he might have had a mild stroke and rushed him to the ER where he had an MRI. There was no one more surprised than both the ER doc and the neurologist when they walked into the room and told us that he had a HUGE blood clot in the subdural layer of the brain and needed a craniotomy to evacuate it. After a week in ICU I was able to bring him home. So this year I am thankful that he made it through that surgery and I still have him with me today. He still has some short term memory loss, but we can deal with that. Happy thanksgiving to all of you. This will be a special one for us.
Princess Linda: I am thankful for life and health. For the gifts of sight and hearing, and the ability to walk--I don't take these often under-appreciated blessings for granted.
Princess Sloane: I'm so thankful to have a solid group of author friends who have guided me this year in my first foray as a published author. And very thankful for my husband and four kitties.
Princess Phyllis: I have any things to be thankful for, so I will keep them down to one sentence each: I am thankful that medicines are keeping me alive. I am thankful through my husband's employment transitions. He was granted disability. I am thankful that we have a new place to call home. I am thankful that my first book was published this year. But most of all, I am thankful that I have family, friends, and the Lord Jesus in my life. Life couldn't get any better than that. Thank you.
Princess Kathy: If I listed all the things I'm grateful for it would take volumes, but I want to say thanks to my friends and family for their support of me this year. I quit the day job last December, to write full time, and while it has been a blessing and a curse, it has been worth it. On 11/25/15, one day before Thanksgiving, I heard I made the USA Today Bestseller's list. So I am officially a USA Today Bestselling Author, and I couldn't have done it without the support of the many readers who have followed my writing career and spend their hard earned dollars buying my books. Bless you! We hope you will share some of your blessings with us in the comments.
Happy Thanksgiving! The Plotting Princesses are taking t...
Happy Thanksgiving!
The Plotting Princesses are taking the day off to spend with our family and friends, but we didn't want to miss the opportunity to share some of the things that we are thankful for from this past year. We wish you all the blessings of the holiday and that you get to spend time gathering together with family and friends, sharing good food, good conversation and making memories to last a lifetime!
Princess Liese: Signing with my agent, Renee Fountain. And on a personal note, watching my grandchildren (2 and 3) grow into some very special little people who have taught me how to "Nae Nae."
Princess Alisha: I'm so thankful my dad is doing better and coming home from rehab on Nov. 11.
Princess Chris: For family - both those bred from blood and those formed from love. Life would not be as sweet if either was missing. I'm also thankful to have hit USA Today Bestseller list.
Princess Michelle: I am thankful for the ability to get up every day, go to work, help support my household, raise a witty and intelligent kid, and still be able to write and tell my stories at the end of the day.Princess Elizabeth: I am thankful for my writer friends, especially the Princesses. This has been a difficult year of transition for me in my writing career, with lots of rejection and reevaluation that I could not have navigated without the collective wisdom and enthusiastic encouragement of my fellow Princesses. I don’t even want to think of what I would have done without you all. I am not blessed with sisters, but I know that the Princesses are the sisters of my heart, because they have unfailingly ‘been there’ for me this past year. And that is a blessing indeed.
Princess Sylvia: I’m thankful that Zeus, our little dachshund is finally starting to settle down—tearing up toys and not the house. I’m thankful for the ten pounds I regained this year, because that means I’ll have a new goal to lose them next year. And finally I’m thankful I’ll get to spend another holiday with my father. Princess Pamela: I am thankful for my priceless family and friends and their unwavering love and support. The past year has been extremely difficult and I'm so very thankful that they have been there for me at every step. I only hope I can return the love.
Princess Kathleen: Aging is difficult, it presents it's own unique set of challenges, but this year I'm feeling thankful for one particular benefit of getting older. I'm thankful that I'm finally learning to accept myself for who I am instead of wishing I looked liked someone else or wishing I could speak as smoothly and articulately as someone else. I've finally come to a place where I'm grateful to just be me and alive and fairly healthy.
Princess Liz: On February 28th, Dallas was blanketed in ice from a storm that blew in overnight. We woke up to one of the most beautiful sights we’d ever seen—and little did we know then—one of the deadliest. It was truly a winter wonderland. Like every other morning, hubby went out to walk the dog while I fixed breakfast. When he came back in he said he’d slipped on the driveway and fell and hit his head pretty hard. Being a nurse, I checked him out and found a tiny drop of blood where he’d hit the ground. With the roads a solid sheet of ice, I knew there was no way I could get to a hospital nor could an ambulance get back to my house. He seemed okay and I decided to watch him for signs of concussion. He did have a mild headache and was slightly dizzy when he stood. A few days later, I called his neurologist, and since headache and dizziness were also the side effects of a medication he was on, the doc said it probably was a concussion and the symptoms would last a few more weeks. Long story short—six weeks later, he woke up with weakness in his right arm. I suspected he might have had a mild stroke and rushed him to the ER where he had an MRI. There was no one more surprised than both the ER doc and the neurologist when they walked into the room and told us that he had a HUGE blood clot in the subdural layer of the brain and needed a craniotomy to evacuate it. After a week in ICU I was able to bring him home. So this year I am thankful that he made it through that surgery and I still have him with me today. He still has some short term memory loss, but we can deal with that. Happy thanksgiving to all of you. This will be a special one for us.
Princess Linda: I am thankful for life and health. For the gifts of sight and hearing, and the ability to walk--I don't take these often under-appreciated blessings for granted.
Princess Sloane: I'm so thankful to have a solid group of author friends who have guided me this year in my first foray as a published author. And very thankful for my husband and four kitties.
Princess Phyllis: I have any things to be thankful for, so I will keep them down to one sentence each: I am thankful that medicines are keeping me alive. I am thankful through my husband's employment transitions. He was granted disability. I am thankful that we have a new place to call home. I am thankful that my first book was published this year. But most of all, I am thankful that I have family, friends, and the Lord Jesus in my life. Life couldn't get any better than that. Thank you.
Princess Kathy: If I listed all the things I'm grateful for it would take volumes, but I want to say thanks to my friends and family for their support of me this year. I quit the day job last December, to write full time, and while it has been a blessing and a curse, it has been worth it. On 11/25/15, one day before Thanksgiving, I heard I made the USA Today Bestseller's list. So I am officially a USA Today Bestselling Author, and I couldn't have done it without the support of the many readers who have followed my writing career and spend their hard earned dollars buying my books. Bless you! We hope you will share some of your blessings with us in the comments.
November 24, 2015
What am I thankful for this week? @sloanebcollins #PlottingPrincesses #Happythanksgiving #amwriting #MFRWorg
As I was deciding what to write about for today, I realized it’s Thanksgiving this week, and I have so much to be thankful for. (But honestly, where has the year gone?) This past year has been my first as a published author. It’s a dream I’ve had pretty much my whole life, since my parents gave me my first book. I’m thankful to Soul Mate Publishing for taking a chance on me and my book, Love Redesigned. There’s nothing in the world quite like holding your book baby in your hands for the first time, seeing your words brought to life.
The journey to publication isn’t always easy, and I’m very thankful to my critique partners. They are there to bounce ideas around, brainstorm, tell me if I’m on track, or make suggestions if something isn’t working, and celebrate joys and commiserate over challenges. Love you, Ladies!
I’m very thankful to be a member of Romance Writers of America. It’s an incredible organization and advocate for authors. My local chapter, Dallas Area Romance Authors, has been a joy to belong to. I’ve made some lifelong friends here, and I am so happy to be a part of such a well-respected and vital chapter. The members are supportive, encouraging, and willing to share knowledge, the ups and downs every author faces, and share in joys and successes. In fact, two of my BFF’s I met in DARA!
I have wonderful friends and family who bought and read my book. MY book! Thank you all for your love, support, and encouraging words!
The Plotting Princesses are another group I am so thankful to be a part of. Since I first heard about this dynamic group of authors, I wanted to be a part of it. From brainstorming to plotting, supporting, encouraging, and sharing, these are exceptional women, and I love all of you!
Candace Havens, author/editorial director/entertainment reporter (yes, she does all those jobs!), took me under her wing to train as an editor for Entangled Publishing. It’s been a fantastic journey, and I have learned so much from her. Learning how to edit books also turned my own writing around, and I’m ever thankful to her for being such a great teacher, editor, and friend. You’re awesomesauce and amazeballs!
Thank you to the fans who have read my book and keep asking for more in my little French world. I promise I’m making writing more or a priority!
I’m so thankful to my author friends who have answered all my questions, even the silly ones, about booksignings, tracking sales, and release day parties, even right down to “what size ‘Autographed by the Author’ stickers should I get?” Your help and guidance is very much appreciated!
Most of all, I’m thankful for my husband and children…er, kitties. Joe keeps me fed, encourages me, listens when I gripe about a plot point not working out, and doesn’t mind when the dust bunnies get to be as big as one of the cats. You’re the best, and I’m so glad we met at the Nut House!What are you thankful for this year? Anything special you do to celebrate Turkey Day?
November 19, 2015
Why write about Christmas? Five reasons I do!! #holidaystories #anthology #MFRWorg #RssosSisters
'tis the season...
Thanksgiving is almost under wraps and Christmas is fast approaching. I love to write holiday stories and so far, I've had six published.
Why write holiday stories?
1. The time of year is filled with excitement. We're rushing around to find the perfect gift. There are so many fun events to attend. How will we get everything done?
2. Bringing two people together romantically at Christmas is magical. What could be more romantic than bringing people into a relationship during the holidays? Don't we want all the best for everyone? I do!
3. The decorations are gorgeous!! I love setting out my vintage treasures, the smell of a Fraser Fir, the colorfully wrapped gifts. All add an ambiance that is unmatched and adds to the setting in the stories.
4. The food (see fruitcake. LOL) is awesome. Some of us double dip with a second turkey. Some of us bake goodies galore. And some of us love fruitcake. We eat, we cook, we give and so do our characters.
5. The F's: Family and friends. Nothing is more special than being with the ones we love. We laugh and share, hug and care. And each time we do, a glorious memory is created which sustains our soul. Our stories want this too.
Here's a sampling from four special stories:
“Holiday Handbag Extravaganza” -
Christmas Countdown is on!Hunk-a-licious customer, Jack Treadaway, pesters boutique owner, Callie Woods, to locate a vintage handbag for his mother. Too bad the wedge between them is his sister, the meanest girl in town.
Available: Amazon and others
“Holiday Disaster” - The week before Christmas and all is in disarray when
a librarian experiences horrible plumbing issues and a Mr. Maintenance Man who isn’t nearly as jolly as Santa Claus. This Christmas is a disaster.
Available: Amazon and others
"The Great Fruitcake Bake-off" - When a five-time champ teams up with her new neighbor for The Great Fruitcake Bake-off, they discover baking a prize-winning entry is complicated, bad guys are plotting to take the crown, and first prize isn't just about a ribbon.
Available: Amazon and others
"Twinkle Lights" - A do-gooder and a reformed high school delinquent-turned-lawyer embrace the holiday spirit by running a Christmas tree stand; however, when the revenue goes missing, fingers are pointed.
Available: Amazon and others
Do you have a particular holiday story or show you adore? My movie list is enormous!
Thanksgiving is almost under wraps and Christmas is fast approaching. I love to write holiday stories and so far, I've had six published. Why write holiday stories?
1. The time of year is filled with excitement. We're rushing around to find the perfect gift. There are so many fun events to attend. How will we get everything done?
2. Bringing two people together romantically at Christmas is magical. What could be more romantic than bringing people into a relationship during the holidays? Don't we want all the best for everyone? I do!
3. The decorations are gorgeous!! I love setting out my vintage treasures, the smell of a Fraser Fir, the colorfully wrapped gifts. All add an ambiance that is unmatched and adds to the setting in the stories.
4. The food (see fruitcake. LOL) is awesome. Some of us double dip with a second turkey. Some of us bake goodies galore. And some of us love fruitcake. We eat, we cook, we give and so do our characters.
5. The F's: Family and friends. Nothing is more special than being with the ones we love. We laugh and share, hug and care. And each time we do, a glorious memory is created which sustains our soul. Our stories want this too.
Here's a sampling from four special stories:
“Holiday Handbag Extravaganza” -
Christmas Countdown is on!Hunk-a-licious customer, Jack Treadaway, pesters boutique owner, Callie Woods, to locate a vintage handbag for his mother. Too bad the wedge between them is his sister, the meanest girl in town.Available: Amazon and others
“Holiday Disaster” - The week before Christmas and all is in disarray when
a librarian experiences horrible plumbing issues and a Mr. Maintenance Man who isn’t nearly as jolly as Santa Claus. This Christmas is a disaster.Available: Amazon and others
"The Great Fruitcake Bake-off" - When a five-time champ teams up with her new neighbor for The Great Fruitcake Bake-off, they discover baking a prize-winning entry is complicated, bad guys are plotting to take the crown, and first prize isn't just about a ribbon.Available: Amazon and others
"Twinkle Lights" - A do-gooder and a reformed high school delinquent-turned-lawyer embrace the holiday spirit by running a Christmas tree stand; however, when the revenue goes missing, fingers are pointed. Available: Amazon and others
Do you have a particular holiday story or show you adore? My movie list is enormous!
November 16, 2015
Release Day!!!!!!
RELEASE DAY!!!
I AM SO EXCITED!!! Today is a special day for me, as it's release day for my holiday boxed set, Mischief Under The Mistletoe! I was honored to be asked to take part in this set with so many talented authors and said yes immediately.
The set includes 19 authors with 19 brand new stories filled with holiday cheer and stories of love and hope and romance. Because we are romance authors and there's nothing we love more than helping people find their happily ever after.
v>MISCHIEF UNDER THE MISTLETOE:
Kristin Miller - The Bad Boy Meets his Match
When lingerie-store owner Cora Brennan plans a getaway at a quaint mountain retreat, she never expects to reunite with the playboy she spent a memorable night with in college. Can they finally admit their true feelings for each other before love is lost to them again?
Claudy Conn - Collide & Burn
Charlie knows when she first sees Wade Devon that he is
trouble. Wade likes to win. It is what he does and he wants her...no strings attached. She has to ask herself, should she, or shouldn't she.
Melanie James - Snowflakes, Exes, and Ohs
With two men vying for her affection, Abbie's heart is torn between the two. One has always been there for her, no matter what. The other left when she needed him the most.
Mindy Klasky - Fly Me to the Moon
Lexi thinks she's recovered from the fire that burned her years ago. But when she falls for PTSD-ridden army veteran Finn, she learns how deep some scars can be.
Holly S. Roberts - Ruck
Van, one of the best players in rugby and the hottest player between the sheets is looking for a holiday miracle. His brother won the girl and Van's heart is broken. Could the gift of a lifetime be his for the taking or will this bad boy ruck it up again?
Stephanie Rowe - Wrapped Up In You
Can the Christmas magic of a coastal Maine island heal two broken souls when a winter storm strands them together?
Diane Rinella - It's A Marshmallow World
One Christmas, Darla was given a mystical gift, along with an ominous message. Years later, meeting Chris puts her head in a spin. Could it be that gift from long ago holds the key to their happiness?
Kate Angell - Snow One Like You
A Vermont Christmas Eve blizzard forces Allie to close Hartley's General Store. Her best friend Rhys arrives by snowmobile, not wanting her to endure the snowstorm alone. A playful kiss under the mistletoe warms more than their hearts.
Kimberly Kincaid - Play Me
Sophie Drayton has seen enough of the wild life to know that Emilio Barrett is bad news. But the sexy stripper has secrets of his own. Will Sophie's past come back to haunt her, or will Emilio prove that a bad boy can be also be a good man?
J.D.Tyler - One Last Miracle
After a case gone horribly wrong, FBI Agent Mark McClendon retreats to his late grandfather's isolated cabin, determined to escape his pain. He's completely unprepared to find himself falling for his pretty new neighbor--but when the past comes gunning for him, Mark's newfound love may mean the difference between a second tragedy and a holiday miracle.
Robin Covington - When You Open Your Eyes
War tore Gabe and Ellie apart and three years later, he's almost given up any hope that she'll come back to him. When she returns just before the holidays, he wants nothing more for the damaged, stubborn woman he loves to stay forever but she's ready to run as soon as the gifts are opened. Chased by her nightmares, Gabe's only hope of keeping Ellie is to convince her that he'll be there when she opens her eyes.
Suzanne Ferrell- Close To The Mistletoe
When teacher Holly Murphy walks into Westen's only bar to help her friend celebrate a divorce, she doesn't expect hot carpenter Nick Fisher to save her from an embarrassing situation. His heated kisses awakens something deep inside her, but when someone sets his sights on Holly, will Nick be the one to protect her close to the mistletoe?
Kathy Ivan - Yours For The Holidays
At her hospital's annual Bachelor Auction, event organizer Dr. Alanna Reeves is blindsided when the tables are turned and Blake Donovan offers a huge donation--for her! Can a trip to Florida for the holidays help them discover their true feelings or drive them apart forever?
Selena Laurence - Prince of the Press
Marcus Ambrose, the newest face in political media, is one hot ticket. But when he meets his brother's down-to-earth secretary Renee, his own heart takes a knock. Can Marcus's famous 'full-court press' convince the woman of his dreams to take a shot at love?
Jennie Marts - Worth the Shot
Addison Cavanaugh had one rule: Do not date hockey players. So kissing the newest trade to her dad's team should have been off-limits--even if he is hot enough to melt the ice. Is the new player worth the shot or is she is risking her heart in a game she can't possibly win?
Teri Riggs - Finding True's Love
Six months after True's last boss viciously attacked her, she's ready to take her therapist's advice and go back into the work force. She wants her life to be normal again and working for another man will be a giant step towards that goal. Nick has been betrayed by a pretty face for the last time and has sworn off relationships. Or so he thought until the day his new assistant, True Kelly, walked into his office.
Jennifer Theriot - Unwrapping Noel
Noel Calabrese hates Christmas as much as she hates her life. While in the Napa Valley on a business trip, she meets Leon Hallas. Could this sexy, silver fox be her ticket to happiness?
MJ Fredrick - Bluestone Christmas
Come back to Bluestone, Minnesota for Christmas, where single mom Willow Branson has moved from Texas to make a home with her daughter. But moving from a Texas winter to a Minnesota one is more challenging than she expected, and handsome handyman Chase Granzer is more than happy to help her adapt...and keep her warm.
Deb Julienne - All I Want For Christmas
Rafe Donnelly hates everything to do with the holidays. Ali Sanders is a single mother, juggling two jobs and missing most of her son's childhood. Who knew a little boy's Santa wish could change so many lives?
I hope you'll pick up a copy of Mischief Under The Mistletoe and share in the holiday fun. I can't wait to hear what you think of my story, Yours For The Holidays (part of the Lovin' Las Vegas series).
AMAZON:
IBOOKS:
B&N:
KOBO:
RELEASE DAY!!!I AM SO EXCITED!!! Today is a special day ...
RELEASE DAY!!!
I AM SO EXCITED!!! Today is a special day for me, as it's release day for my holiday boxed set, Mischief Under The Mistletoe! I was honored to be asked to take part in this set with so many talented authors and said yes immediately.
The set includes 19 authors with 19 brand new stories filled with holiday cheer and stories of love and hope and romance. Because we are romance authors and there's nothing we love more than helping people find their happily ever after.
v>MISCHIEF UNDER THE MISTLETOE:
Kristin Miller - The Bad Boy Meets his Match
When lingerie-store owner Cora Brennan plans a getaway at a quaint mountain retreat, she never expects to reunite with the playboy she spent a memorable night with in college. Can they finally admit their true feelings for each other before love is lost to them again?
Claudy Conn - Collide & Burn
Charlie knows when she first sees Wade Devon that he is
trouble. Wade likes to win. It is what he does and he wants her...no strings attached. She has to ask herself, should she, or shouldn't she.
Melanie James - Snowflakes, Exes, and Ohs
With two men vying for her affection, Abbie's heart is torn between the two. One has always been there for her, no matter what. The other left when she needed him the most.
Mindy Klasky - Fly Me to the Moon
Lexi thinks she's recovered from the fire that burned her years ago. But when she falls for PTSD-ridden army veteran Finn, she learns how deep some scars can be.
Holly S. Roberts - Ruck
Van, one of the best players in rugby and the hottest player between the sheets is looking for a holiday miracle. His brother won the girl and Van's heart is broken. Could the gift of a lifetime be his for the taking or will this bad boy ruck it up again?
Stephanie Rowe - Wrapped Up In You
Can the Christmas magic of a coastal Maine island heal two broken souls when a winter storm strands them together?
Diane Rinella - It's A Marshmallow World
One Christmas, Darla was given a mystical gift, along with an ominous message. Years later, meeting Chris puts her head in a spin. Could it be that gift from long ago holds the key to their happiness?
Kate Angell - Snow One Like You
A Vermont Christmas Eve blizzard forces Allie to close Hartley's General Store. Her best friend Rhys arrives by snowmobile, not wanting her to endure the snowstorm alone. A playful kiss under the mistletoe warms more than their hearts.
Kimberly Kincaid - Play Me
Sophie Drayton has seen enough of the wild life to know that Emilio Barrett is bad news. But the sexy stripper has secrets of his own. Will Sophie's past come back to haunt her, or will Emilio prove that a bad boy can be also be a good man?
J.D.Tyler - One Last Miracle
After a case gone horribly wrong, FBI Agent Mark McClendon retreats to his late grandfather's isolated cabin, determined to escape his pain. He's completely unprepared to find himself falling for his pretty new neighbor--but when the past comes gunning for him, Mark's newfound love may mean the difference between a second tragedy and a holiday miracle.
Robin Covington - When You Open Your Eyes
War tore Gabe and Ellie apart and three years later, he's almost given up any hope that she'll come back to him. When she returns just before the holidays, he wants nothing more for the damaged, stubborn woman he loves to stay forever but she's ready to run as soon as the gifts are opened. Chased by her nightmares, Gabe's only hope of keeping Ellie is to convince her that he'll be there when she opens her eyes.
Suzanne Ferrell- Close To The Mistletoe
When teacher Holly Murphy walks into Westen's only bar to help her friend celebrate a divorce, she doesn't expect hot carpenter Nick Fisher to save her from an embarrassing situation. His heated kisses awakens something deep inside her, but when someone sets his sights on Holly, will Nick be the one to protect her close to the mistletoe?
Kathy Ivan - Yours For The Holidays
At her hospital's annual Bachelor Auction, event organizer Dr. Alanna Reeves is blindsided when the tables are turned and Blake Donovan offers a huge donation--for her! Can a trip to Florida for the holidays help them discover their true feelings or drive them apart forever?
Selena Laurence - Prince of the Press
Marcus Ambrose, the newest face in political media, is one hot ticket. But when he meets his brother's down-to-earth secretary Renee, his own heart takes a knock. Can Marcus's famous 'full-court press' convince the woman of his dreams to take a shot at love?
Jennie Marts - Worth the Shot
Addison Cavanaugh had one rule: Do not date hockey players. So kissing the newest trade to her dad's team should have been off-limits--even if he is hot enough to melt the ice. Is the new player worth the shot or is she is risking her heart in a game she can't possibly win?
Teri Riggs - Finding True's Love
Six months after True's last boss viciously attacked her, she's ready to take her therapist's advice and go back into the work force. She wants her life to be normal again and working for another man will be a giant step towards that goal. Nick has been betrayed by a pretty face for the last time and has sworn off relationships. Or so he thought until the day his new assistant, True Kelly, walked into his office.
Jennifer Theriot - Unwrapping Noel
Noel Calabrese hates Christmas as much as she hates her life. While in the Napa Valley on a business trip, she meets Leon Hallas. Could this sexy, silver fox be her ticket to happiness?
MJ Fredrick - Bluestone Christmas
Come back to Bluestone, Minnesota for Christmas, where single mom Willow Branson has moved from Texas to make a home with her daughter. But moving from a Texas winter to a Minnesota one is more challenging than she expected, and handsome handyman Chase Granzer is more than happy to help her adapt...and keep her warm.
Deb Julienne - All I Want For Christmas
Rafe Donnelly hates everything to do with the holidays. Ali Sanders is a single mother, juggling two jobs and missing most of her son's childhood. Who knew a little boy's Santa wish could change so many lives?
I hope you'll pick up a copy of Mischief Under The Mistletoe and share in the holiday fun. I can't wait to hear what you think of my story, Yours For The Holidays (part of the Lovin' Las Vegas series).
AMAZON:
IBOOKS:
B&N:
KOBO:
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