Denise K. Rago's Blog, page 2

Patio musings.

Most folks know I winter in southern Florida. My husband and I have been coming down here for over twenty years. At first, we came to visit my mother-in-law during our school vacations and then we decided that we loved it here so much we bought our own place. Once we both retired we decided to become snow birds. A phrase which aptly describes those who winter in a warmer climate.

I do most of my writing from my patio which over looks our community pool. Not far beyond the distant palm trees is the Atlantic Ocean and my true happy place, Red Reef Park. You may wonder why someone who writes about vampires and the dark world they inhabit would love warmer weather, the beach and the sun. I never claimed to be uncomplicated.

As I continue to work on the draft of book four in The Enchanted Blood Line Series I ponder the future of my vampires Christian and Michel, and of course, the mysterious Amanda whose mortal life is intertwined with their own. Will this be the end of the series? Am I done with writing about vampires, only to move into the direction of psychological thrillers and more broken love affairs? I am not sure right now but I thank you for always supporting my journey. I plan a sending out a newsletter in April with more updated content along with other news.

Looking in Both Directions

It is the last day of 2021 and once again I am baffled as to the rapid passage of time. This year I felt like a passenger in a fast moving car barely admiring the scenery as it flew by my window. As a child my wise father counseled me not to wish away time. "It will pass quickly enough." I did not understand it then but I do now and I appreciate my father for never sugar-coating the profound truth's of life.

He was right, of course, for now, even being retired my days pass way too quickly. There are never ending decisions to make on a daily basis and perhaps my biggest one was not to leave the northeast for my house in Florida. You know, it's the people in your life and the memories you make with them that keep you sane and feeling rich and fulfilled. It's laughter and good food and joys shared with our loved ones that makes life worth living.

I was lucky this year to reconnect with some family members while have lost ties with others. Relationships are the most important part of my life yet they are truly two-sided and the responsibility of both parties. As for the good ones; cherish them. I believe I really learned that this year, especially this year when feeling "normal" yet still isolating existed hand-in-hand.

Take no one for granted in life. Stay in the moment - a lesson brought home to me when I spend time with my two lovely granddaughters; Laugh a lot and love fiercely. Tell those you love that you do love them and be there in the tough times too.

May 2022 be kinder, happier and safer for each of us. Blessings to all.

Down the Road and back again.

Sometimes the best laid plans go awry. Here we were sorting, tossing and packing for our permanent move out of state. As the deadline grew closer, suddenly my husband and I found that we could not imagine leaving our children and grandchildren. Yes, our move made sense from a financial point of view but we were kidding ourselves. There are times in life when money is truly secondary to a happy heart; to the rewards of our personal relationships, to the feeling of home and security surrounded by our loved ones. This is what makes a house our home.

So now we prepare to head south but only for the winter months. We will return next spring ready to unbox and set up our apartment once again. It will have new carpets and have been painted so it will fell fresh and new and we'll finally settle back in. I feel like the kid who packs a suitcase filled with her favorite book and stuffed animal and plans to leave home only to make it as far as the end of the driveway before deciding that home isn't so bad after all.

Dog Days of Summer

I love the summer time.

I especially love the month of August, no, not just because I am born in August, but because August has always been a quieter time of year. More folks on vacation, less traffic, a sense of calm and relaxation, despite the sad realization that summer is drawing to a close.

I am in the process of sorting, tossing and donating many of my possessions as my husband and I head south to Florida. It has been very emotional reading through years of my journals, sifting through family photographs, letters I wrote to my folks when I was in school in Europe and their letters to me.

Many emotions have surfaced as I move ahead, making choices about what to physically take with me. The past is always with me regardless of what I leave behind. Whether it be thirty years or ten years ago, memories remain along with the all the emotions that swirl around me.

I know many folks who are moving for one reason or another. I am in good company for I know that we all must make decisions about what matters most to us, what defines us and what must remain with us until the end; no matter where we roam.

Other than writing... or more writing?

Yes, it finally has happened to me.

I am at an impasse with my latest novel in The Enchanted Blood Line Series.

Every writer approaches writers block differently. I am no exception. Generally I take a break when my story stops coming to me as to not frustrate myself further. It's like having insomnia. Rather than lying in bed staring at my ceiling in the dark I get up and grab a book or I write in my journal. Stay creative and stimulated.

I am catching up on some much needed summer reading. During the pandemic I lost my desire to read. I never imaged this could happen to me but it did. As I dared confess this to my friends who are also avid readers I found that they too had a similar experience. Whether it was anxiety over life in general or the inability to focus on more than survival, whatever the case I could not read. So now I feel more safe and secure in my daily life and to no surprise, my reading has picked up once again.

All is right with the world.

Dare I share here that I have started another novel, nothing like my vampire series but more of a thriller....

This is the first time I am putting this out there and though I have the title and all of the characters, the story needs to flush out in my head before I commit these characters to paper. All I can tell you right now is it is a thriller. I have been digging through my old personal journals, reliving the past and all that brings to the surface. I found myself asking the question "'What if....." and I imagined a myriad of answers. One which may turn into this novel.

Stay tuned, stay safe and love one another.

Summer Fun!

It's summertime!

Delicious fruits, flowers and herbs, longer days, bright sun, swimming pools, beautiful beaches, long hikes and endless possibilities. A time to relax and regroup, read, rest and enjoy the benefits of quieter days. When I worked in a private school I would so look forward to the summertime complete with less work hours, more vacation time and a chance to unwind and recharge my battery. Now that I am retired, summertime is spent with my grand kids and my wonderful husband and working on my latest novel.

Though the title keeps changing, it is book four in The Enchanted Blood Line series. Many questions have been raised throughout the course of this series and I hope to answer at least some of them. When asked if this is it for Christian, Amanda and Michel, I shrug my shoulders and say 'I don't know' because honestly I don't. The Prologue has changed considerably as well as the order of each part of this book. Each of my characters has a story to tell and needs to be heard. Since I am still unsure of the ending I would suggest signing up for my newsletter because in it I post free chapters of my current work or check back here.

No events on the horizon right now. If you wish to order signed copies of any of my books let me know. I ship anywhere in the United States and I am happy to sign a copy or two or as many as you need.

Books read. I generally read page turners so I would recommend The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave, Red Widow by Alma Katsu or if you like really eerie books The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon. Well written and guaranteed to keep you up way past your bed time.

A cute, well written romance title The Road Trip by Beth O' Leary was recommended to me. I tend to stay away from romance novels but this one held my attention and made me laugh and cry too.

What are your plans this summer? More folks are getting out on the road and traveling. I have visited my beloved Cape Cod and I have booked my return for the fall.

For those of you who are new to my website please drop by again soon.

Stay safe and thank you.

Shedding my skin

As a seasoned workaholic, dedicated to the private school I have worked in for decades, I knew I needed to retire yet I was unsure as to what this meant for me. I'm older than I look but young enough to have an entirely new career if I so desire. Most of you know me as a paranormal romance writer, something I did "on the side," fitting it into my busy day.

I am happily married, step parent and a grand parent. All of these roles require commitment, constant attention and dedication. After living through the pandemic I knew it was time to live a more honest, meaningful life which meant "shedding my skin." That which is familiar to me yet not necessarily in a good way. I had to take the risk and so I took the leap and retired from my "day job" and got into my car the next day and headed to my other residence in southern Florida where I planned to relax for two months and contemplate some serious decisions.

I am now back in my home state of New Jersey and still loving retirement. I have been able to focus more on my fourth novel; tentatively titled 'All That Remains' as well as plan my move next fall. Yes I will be heading to Florida to bask in the sun, walk the beach, write, read and enjoy my friends and family. Retirement was not a decision I came to quickly, but once I realized that I was done with work I embraced my new found freedom.

In posting photographs from Florida the feedback has been positive. "You look great." " I never saw you look so relaxed." I "Retirement agrees with you." I did not see it but I guess I wore my stress on my face and boy was I stressed out. Now, I wake up each morning with a general sense of how I want the day to go. Some days are busier than others but the most important aspect of my day is that I have time. A commodity of which there is no price tag.

I realize that the person I need to be truest to is me. Honestly, I have never minded spending time alone and I do enjoy my company. I find myself writing so much more and I have ideas for other types of novels as well. The thing is - I had to let go of my fear; I had to leap empty handed into the void and leave myself open to whatever comes my way.

So far it has been thrilling.

New Horizons

The pandemic has taught me many lessons over this past year. Two jump out at me: Don't wait to make your future your present and have no regrets. The little voice inside my head that keeps whispering "if only, why didn't I?" will now be silenced.

I have wanted to spend more time with my husband in Florida where we have a place close to the beach. I want to delve back into the world of my vampires and work on my fourth novel. I grew tired of waiting and wondering when I could make all of this happen for me. Life is short, don't you agree? So, I have taken a leap and decided to retire. Not from work or from toil or from life; but from the position I have held on and off for many years at an incredible school for children with special needs. This school is my home, a place I have lived most of my adult life and have made life-long friends.

Thomas Wolfe wrote a famous novel titled 'You Can't Go Home Again' but I don't believe that. I feel that 'home' feels different for each of us. Home is my work place, my apartment, my family. What does home mean to you?

So, now I take that step off of the proverbial cliff but in taking this risk I feel secure and free and hopefully I will continue to grow and become and make my future dreams a present reality. Wish me luck!

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Kirkus Reviews on "Immortal Obsession"

A huge thank you to Kirkus Reviews for the new review of Immortal Obsession! Click the link or read below!

Alove story unfolds amid a war between vampire clans in this first book in Rago’s Enchanted Bloodline series.

The story opens with French Revolution–era vampire Christian Du Mauré getting the shock of a long lifetime: His doomed human lover, Josette Delacore, has left him a note informing him that her daughter, Solange, is not the child of her human husband—she’s Christian’s daughter, an almost unprecedented successful union of vampire and human. Centuries pass, and Christian and his friend Michel are part of an ongoing international clash between warring vampire factions, opposed by Gaétan and Gabrielle.An encounter between vampire Lucien and young drug addict Ryan Perretti (in which Lucien partially drains Ryan's blood to sustain himself) gives Lucien a vision of his victim’s beautiful green-eyed sister Amanda, who works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “The French Revolution was her passion,” readers are told, and she learned a lot while working on a recent exhibition of French Revolution–era jewelry. Unbeknownst to her, she has a deeper connection to the period that fascinates her so much—indeed, a deep blood relationship. After she witnesses her brother’s murder in Central Park, she investigates his strange claims of associating with vampires, and her world and Christian’s collide. Throughout this book, Rago hues fairly closely to the Anne Rice pattern of modern vampire fiction, with vamps that are sexy and alluring rather than outwardly monstrous as well as factional infighting, moments of homoeroticism, and bodice-ripping romance. The characters are dramatic, if sometimes underdeveloped, and the dialogue is often arch. The author also indulges in Rice-style purple prose at times: “She relished drinking their blood, just as the new Regime gorged themselves on the aged champagne of the French aristocrats.” That said, the story’s fast pace will keep fans of the genre intrigued to the last page.

A familiar but nevertheless engaging tale of love and war in the vampire world.

--Kirkus Reviews

Fall is my favorite

Despite being a beach bum, fall is truly my favorite season; beginning with crisp, cooler days and heavier blankets on my bed; mums and pumpkins on the front walk as well as the aroma of pumpkin candles. Deep blue skies with no clouds. The days grow shorter which means more reading and writing and Netflix. I dig out sweaters, boots, candles and heavier pajamas.

I transition from being an outdoor person to looking inward and throughout my apartment. Projects take front and center such as sorting through decades of journals which bring a myriad of memories to the surface, some of happy times and some of such sadness, but it must be done. As I grow a bit older, I wonder, who would sort through all of this when I am gone; maudlin I know, but these realities stare me in the face these days. Life like chapters in a book pass.

Fall is the season when many profound events have taken place in my life; publishing books, book signings, moving... then there are the deaths of loved ones.... fall stirs up so much for me, yet I embrace the cool breeze like a long lost lover and marvel at the multi-colored leaves that fall all around me. Fall is the change that is to come over which I have no control. A new cycle once again.

I am reminded of such a great saying "Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go."

So true.