Bri Clark's Blog, page 14

Romancing the Valentine Giveaway Blog Hop

Welcome Hoppers, [image error]  
 The Romancing Valenties Giveaway Hop is being hosted by Reading Romances! Enter your text here What you can win here: eBook copy of 1 of 3 books mentioned belowNumber of winners:10 Open to: 18 and up How to enter: Follow blog, leave a comment with emailHop and enter the other giveaways!



If this isn't the time of year for romance I don't know when is. Often times as romance authors or readers we are considered to have fanciful, unrealistic ideas about romance and love in general. And sadly some people have those issues.
On the other hand some readers of romance simply enjoy it for what it is...a good book...a good story. A happily ever after for now or a guy gets his girl or vice versa.
I am of the latter.
However, I also have fanciful ideas that's my relatioship with my husband can be deeply intimate and very fanciful indeed. Nevertheless, that requires work and a willingness to try on both parts. Which brings me to the choice of my prizes.
The best book I could have ever read for my marriage was And They Were Not Ashamed:Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment. As a religious woman it can be hard to find books that are respectful yet useful and honest. Boy was this one my Godsent. I've included the cover art and blurb below.
Finally! a book about physical intimacy and marital ONEness that is comprehensive, in-depth and frank, yet respectfully reverent—written to address the unique perspective and concerns of women, while shining a light into the mysteries of the female heart and mind. And They Were Not Ashamed--Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment, by Laura M. Brotherson, is the ultimate how-to handbook—power-packed with hope and help for creating a mutually fulfilling intimate relationship.

As three books in one, this "marriage book," "sex book" and "parenting book":

* Shines light and truth on the intimate marital relationship, restoring sex to its proper position as ordained of God
* Effectively addresses, with self-help solutions, the emotional, spiritual and physical intimacy issues that plague so many marriages
* Provides principles and practices to help parents teach and better prepare their children for intimacy and lasting fulfillment in marriage.

And finally there is just that time where you want an escape. A way to engage your mind so that it is unable to think about the to do lists, the financial problems, the burdens of your job, the stress of family and friends, feelings of guilt and inadequately we as humans in general are prone to without provocation.

Which is why I love ready and writing as well. Below are a couple of my books that are part of the prizes.

Product DescriptionMaeve da Paer has lived her life free from the restrictions of the world of sorcery and the Board of Witchery hidden behind the combined protection of her grandparents powerful clan magic—and a lie. Although her life has not been worry free, it is when all that desperation and grief cause her to cast her most powerful spell ever…a spell that will end the pain before it begins on the powerful All Hallows Eve.
Fionn Hughes, an immortal tracker, former heir to a powerful clan of time warlocks is on a mission to restore his honor—instead he finds Maeve da Paer. Following the scent of Gardenias and Honey Suckle, he discovers the last Scent Witch. It's only after she almost takes off his ear that something more stirs, eventually changing his mission from one of duty to one of need.
What will Fionn do when he finds out Maeve plans to cancel out her own existence? Will he be strong enough to stop her?



Product DescriptionLucien Lemione the clan leader of the feared and revered Eternals is faced with the ultimate betrayal. His second in command for two centuries has not only created the most grievous of offenses but also commissioned the creation of liquid silver. When poisoned by this toxin, an immortal suffers a fate much worse than death, frozen in an internal prison. After being wounded when found spying, he hides deep within the eerie woods that encircle the Triad Mountains. Desperate and in pain, he prays to an offended mother goddess for help. Her answer: a woman, but not just any woman. A witch.
After losing her entire coven at the hands of the Eternals, Aisleen is the last of her kind. She retreats from the world to Trinity Forest where she is giving the opportunity of a lifetime, or perhaps a test of principles. It's there she discovers the man she heals is the Eternal that wiped out her people. Although she is bound as a healer, she could be creative in her revenge. Aisleen knows who and what Lucien his…but does not speak of it. There can be no future with Lucien for she can only be with a mortal man. Even if she wanted to be with him, can she forgive the man that caused the genocide of her people?
Lucien must act quickly for the survival of his clan is at stake. However, Aisleen's ethereal beauty and emerald eyes keep pushing those thoughts far from his mind. Determined to find out what secret she hides, he prolongs his time with her. When his people need him most what will he choose…duty, desire, or will he make his own fate?

To be perfectly clear...I will pick 10 winners who will receive an eBook copy of one of these three books. All they have to do is follow the blog and leave a comment with their email. That's it. 
Don't forget to keep hopping for my prizes and great blogs.

Sports Moms

Thisweekend my daughter who is 10 had her first basketball game.  And it was at this game I found out I'm oneof "those" moms.
You knowthe ones who are louder than the coach...that know more than the coach. Add my smarmy, sarcastic, witty and biting sense of humor if I don't get this under control I could end up in jail.
Itreally hit when I saw her pat the girl on the back ,she was supposed to beguarding, for sinking a goal.
I wasmortified! I want to scream at the top of my lungs. "You should have packed that ball right in her face!" Instead I smiled and waved at the girls parents across the gym. The girls are good friends.

Thenthere was the first practice in Argyle socks no less. I promptly went out andbought all Nike sports clothing.

Here'sthe problem this daughter is the sweet one. One of those people who lives toplease others. She's so not competitive and that's OK.
I'lleither have to read during her games or super glue my lips shut.
And thereis always the young one who at 7 has a play ground rep as the"enforcer." She's expressing an interest in mom's fave sport.
So howbout it are you one if "those" moms?

Business and Pleasure

Today I will spend about 4-5 hours on the road. And for me someone who works from home, that is A LOT. While I'm gone I'll be at an all day meeting with a great client Kristi Fowler. I love my clients and do enjoy when I get to meet with them in person. Most live very far.




I'll also get to attend the temple. The Twin Fall's Idaho Temple to be exact. I have never attended and since the Boise Temple went under reconstruction I've not been in almost a year. While this is a religious thing I do I feel everyone should have a relaxing harbor. The best way I can describe it is it's like my own personal relaxing recharge multiplied by 100.

Whatever it is you do we all need relaxing and recharging. But I know that I would not be able to even attempt this without the wonderful support of an amazing husband. Who will tend to all the kids activites, wants, and needs while I'm away for the day.

I appreciate him so much and hope when I come back I will be a saner more emotionally stable wife.

Wait maybe that's why he's insisting I go. LOL


What do you do to recharge?

While I cant black out my blog like Wikipedia or Google. ...

While I cant black out my blog like Wikipedia or Google. I will support by not posting any new content on this day as I usually do. And I signed the petition. If you want to as well hit the Say no to SOPA below.


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SAY NO TO SOPA



My Blog The Belle Gets Local a vlog

Friday The 13th Blog Hop

Friday the 13th Blog Hop eBook and Kindle Giveaway starts here....





Welcome hoppers to the "National Blame Bad Stuff on the Date."

Technically that's not official but just listen to those around you as the day goes by. I'll throw out a few examples.


 If someone stubs a toe "It's Friday the 13th."

Forgot anything a purse, wallet, keys, you name it "It's Friday the 13th."

Car, watch, parking space, anything stolen will be "Friday the 13th." fault.

I say lets lighten up on Friday the 13th. She didn't start this stigma. In fact according to the research I've done nobody really knows who started it. If you want to continue it on your own check in out on Wikipedia here

So how about we check out the hop contest details.



To Enter to Win the Kindle

To qualify for the Kindle is actually quite easy. Just hop from one blog to the other. At the very last stop you will see an entry form to fill out for the Kindle. That's it. This is a special gift that hosts in the hop pitched in and paid for. We all love our readers and are very happy to host giveaways and hops to get to know new people as well as show our love for our already friends.






To Win ebooks from The Belle of Boise

The Prizes

[image error] GlazierMarie Kincaid is devastated after losing her family in a violent crash…so she runs. One morning, she awakes in an infirmary with total memory loss and a new power: Glazier. The cold frozen mists of Glazier's instincts enable Marie to embark on a new life free of pain but most importantly free of the past. Heightened senses, accelerated strength,speed, and learning abilities make Marie a perfect candidate to be a spy…also a perfect companion for Henry Tenison, the only other known Glazier.

Henry, a loner and proud rogue finds his world upended when his connection to Marie is forged. Unsure of how to progress, he endeavors to keep it strictly professional. As far away missions and romantic surroundings entice him into pursuing his deeper desires, he caves. However, Marie's love changes everything.

Determined to free them both of the spy world and the hold Glazier has over their lives, Henry implements a plot to disappear. However, when things become dangerous in their latest mission and memories of Marie's past surface suggesting another man…will Henry's efforts come too late? If Marie remembers her past, will she still want their future?


[image error]
Familial Witch Lucien Lemione the clan leader of the feared and revered Eternals is faced with the ultimate betrayal. His second in command for two centuries has not only created the most grievous of offenses but also commissioned the creation of liquid silver. When poisoned by this toxin, an immortal suffers a fate much worse than death, frozen in an internal prison. After being wounded when found spying, he hides deep within the eerie woods that encircle the Triad Mountains. Desperate and in pain, he prays to an offended mother goddess for help. Her answer: a woman, but not just any woman. A witch.

After losing her entire coven at the hands of the Eternals, Aisleen is the last of her kind. She retreats from the world to Trinity Forest where she is giving the opportunity of a lifetime, or perhaps a test of principles. It's there she discovers the man she heals is the Eternal that wiped out her people. Although she is bound as a healer, she could be creative in her revenge. Aisleen knows who and what Lucien his…but does not speak of it. There can be no future with Lucien for she can only be with a mortal man. Even if she wanted to be with him, can she forgive the man that caused the genocide of her people?

Lucien must act quickly for the survival of his clan is at stake. However, Aisleen's ethereal beauty and emerald eyes keep pushing those thoughts far from his mind. Determined to find out what secret she hides, he prolongs his time with her. When his people need him most what will he choose…duty, desire, or will he make his own fate?

You can choose love but you can't choose destiny.

[image error] Scent of a Witch
Maeve da Paer has lived her life free from the restrictions of the world of sorcery and the Board of Witchery hidden behind the combined protection of her grandparents powerful clan magic—and a lie. Although her life has not been worry free, it is when all that desperation and grief cause her to cast her most powerful spell ever…a spell that will end the pain before it begins on the powerful All Hallows Eve.

Fionn Hughes, an immortal tracker, former heir to a powerful clan of time warlocks is on a mission to restore his honor—instead he finds Maeve da Paer. Following the scent of Gardenias and Honey Suckle, he discovers the last Scent Witch. It's only after she almost takes off his ear that something more stirs, eventually changing his mission from one of duty to one of need.

What will Fionn do when he finds out Maeve plans to cancel out her own existence? Will he be strong enough to stop her?


I'll give away one eBook copy of each of my novels listed above. Each entry on Raffelcoptor below will get you more chances. Good luck and don't forget in order to qualify for the Kindle you have to hop from each blog until the end. So hit the next hop but don't do it until after you enter to win my books. Thanks for coming and I hope your day is bad luck free.







My Blog Belle's Tips and Tricks: Dealing with the emotions of marketing, writing, and editors.a Rafflecopter giveaway<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&gt... need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.

Buttcrack of Dawn

Crap there are even t-shirts. Maybe there is a club too!The Buttcrack of DawnNow some of you may not know what the buttcrack of dawn is. It's that time just before dawn when it's still really dark and then you are in full view of the sun. I know...I know it's a bad metaphor since a full butt is a moon. But I'm southern do we ever make sense.

Anyways, I digress why am I up at this dark hour?

I'm working.

My friend who quotes his poppa oh so much,
I'm not up writing...well since I'm writing this post I guess I am. The point is I'm up before dawn because in the West the sun doesn't rise early enough for me to begin my day. And the reverse of that is in the summer it won't become dark until like 11:00 pm. Boy does my schedule get off in the summer.

The point is I'm an entrepreneur as an author and as a literary strategist. In the first five years of any start up you are going work your butt crack off if you are successful. Even then you might not succeed. It really depends on what your definition of success is. Initially I've had amazing success in both just in my first year. When I look back I'm going to be able to say that I gave it my all. Including making time for my family and friends. Because in that potential fail/win situation they were there before and they will be in the end.

Let the light in

I have to say that I have recently noticed a big difference in my productivity.
Unsure of how that actually came to pass. I've been thinking about it. And the main difference I can find is that I have switched from a very dark office to one with so much light I look like a shadow person on Skype.

It's a proven fact that sunlight produces a vitamin that gives you more energy and that entail produces a chemical in your mind that puts you in a better mood. I have no idea what the vitamin or chemical is called and frankly don't care.

I've tested it...it works.I've also read that's why people are more depressed in winter...less sunlight.

Anyhow...I'm thrilled with this new development. What about you...do you have any tricks on productivity or thoughts on sunlight?

The Expert Gift Giver

It's midnight on Christmas Eve and I'm wide awake. It's not because I have something left that has to be done. It's not because I am excited by some huge degree and therefore have just been up this late. Actually I've been asleep for a three or four hours. Either way I'm up and I've got something on my mind.

And that is the bane of being a writer.

When you have something on your mind you will either write down a note roll over and go back to blissful sleep. Then in the morning see the note remember and act upon the midnight genius. Or you'll get up and write letting it flow and act upon the genius then. Or you shall fall back asleep only to wake up remember it was something amazing...then never remember it again.

So let's talk about the expert gift giver.

I recently listened to a talk my Bishop gave to the women of our church. It was based upon how at this time of year women often tend to get overwhelmed. Where he got that idea I have no clue?! But to set the mood he started by having his wife read this poem.

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Mother is happy about Christmas.
Mother has many plans. Mother has many plans for Christmas.
Mother is organized. Mother smiles all the time.
Funny, funny Mother.

See Mother. See Mother smile. Mother is happy.
The shopping is all done. See the children watch TV.
Watch, children watch.
See the children change their minds.
See them ask for different toys.
Look, look, Mother is not smiling.
Funny, funny Mother.

See Mother. See Mother sew.
Mother will make dresses.
Mother will make robes.
Mother will make shirts.

See Mother put the zipper in wrong.
See Mother sew the dress on the wrong side.
See Mother cut the skirt too short.
See Mother put the material away until January.
Look. Look. See Mother take a tranquilizer.
Funny, funny Mother.

See Mother. See Mother buy raisins and nuts.
See Mother buy candied pineapple and powdered sugar.
See Mother buy flour, and dates, and pecans, and brown sugar, and bananas, and spices, and vanilla.
Look. Look. Mother is mixing everything together.
See the children press out cookies.
See the flour on their elbows.
See the cookies burn. See the cake fall.
See the children pull taffy. See mother pull her hair.
See mother clean the kitchen with the garden hose. (I've done this.)
Funny, funny Mother.

See Mother. See Mother wrap presents. See Mother look for the end on the scotch tape roll. See Mother bite her finger nails.See Mother go.
See Mother go to the store 12 times in one hour.
Go Mother go. See Mother go faster. Run Mother run.
See Mother trim the tree.
See Mother have a party.
See Mother make popcorn.
See Mother wash the walls.
See Mother scrub the rug.
See Mother tear up the organized plan.
See Mother forget gift for Uncle Harold.
See Mother get hives.
Go Mother go. See the far away look in Mother's eyes.
Mother has become disorganized. Mother has become disoriented.
Funny, funny Mother.

It is finally Christmas morning. See the happy family.
See Father smile. Father is happy.
Smile Father smile.
Father loves fruit cake.
Father loves Christmas pudding.
Father loves all the new neckties.
Look, look. See the happy children. See the children's toys.
Santa was very good to the children.
The children will remember this Christmas.

See Mother. Mother is slumped in a chair.
Mother is crying uncontrollably.
Mother does not look well.
Mother has ugly dark circles under her blood shot eyes.
Everyone helps mother to her bed.
See Mother sleep quietly under heavy sedation.
See Mother smile.
Funny, funny Mother.


Hmmmm....Perhaps that's isn't too wrong of an idea about women and the holidays. Nonetheless on to the attributes of an expert gift giver.

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1. When evaluating what to give the recipient the expert gift giver looks at not just the temporal but the spiritual needs.

2. The gift is given freely...without expectation of reaction, expectation of use, or even acknowledgement of receipt. The expert gift giver's joy comes in simply giving and walking away.

3. Even if the gift is given as a sacrifice to the expert gift giver they know that the return is greater as it has been investigated, prayed about, and freely given. The joy or ease of burdens the expert gift giver knows is the greater than the sacrifice made.

So how about fair reader? Are you an expert gift giver...do you try at least? Where have you hit it on the head? When have you fell short? And finally Merry Christmas.

The road to....

Today I learned the road to hell is not paved with good intentions.

Good intentions are a characteristic of the heart and only Jesus Christ and God can know your heart besides yourself.

Everyday of my life is a battle against negativity, the world's influence, and the adversary. In no particular order but each in equal and constant attack on my home, my marriage, my kids and my family.

Today I was wounded.

But most days I win.

So I'll lick my wounds...say my prayers...cry my tears and draft my battle plan for the coming week.

I will never stop serving or be weary in well doing. I will endure to the end and the end is not here.

Dear Glamour Magazine...Is that it?

Dear Glamour Magazine,

First I want to introduce myself. I'm Bri Clark the Belle of Boise. That is what my whole online presence/author platform is based around. I'm a successful romance author and I am the CEO and owner of Belle Consulting. As a literary strategist and consultant I advise authors on how to present themselves and build a platform or a plan to sell themselves and their product.

In addition to that I am a woman, mother, wife, sister. Active in the community and church I'm very popular and well liked. However, I am 5'10, very busty and a size 12/14. I'm distinctly southern in mannerism and accent.In fact I'm a smidge cocky.

In 2004 with the birth of my second daughter I canceled your magazine as well as several others. In addition I disconnected all cable and satellite TV. I control what is brought in my home before my children. I have done everything in my power to cultivate daughters that are 10 and 7 who have amazing self esteem and correct body image expectations.

Guess what. I did it. I did a damn good job.

While I loved your articles I couldn't get past the airbrushed, immodest and Photo shopped photos. As a woman I am more than capable of creating enough guilt by myself. It's a talent that comes along with the double X chromosome.

As a writer I don't even want to submit an article to your magazine or any other for that matter that has the same standards. If I won't let my kids see your articles why would I share it with my peers?

I do want to say good job. Lizzie Miller is a beautiful woman. And you did a great job really capturing a healthy realistic image of her.

Nonetheless, you can do better.

You posted one picture of a woman on your website. Now, you are getting all the PR. You've been on the Today show and over 700 people have commented. But really what is that?

I'm still not going to buy your magazine. Nor will I support it.

But I'll tell you what. Give Lizzie a full page spread and the cover and another model of similar proportions as well in the following month. I'll pay for a one year issue and I'll support you for that year as well.


Regards