T.L. Schaefer's Blog, page 4
February 12, 2015
Guest Blog Goodness–Rosanna Leo
This week I’m giving a great big shout out to a fab author who’s always been a fave of mine with her shifter series–and now she’s rolling out a new contemp story and it rocks! Huge welcome to Rosanna Leo!
Who or what inspired you to write?
I was young when I started to get reactions about my writing, specifically in school essays. Because of that, I developed an interest from an early age but didn’t act on it for quite some time. I can’t say one person inspired me but I was always the sort of kid to lose herself in a book. I loved exploring new and fantastic worlds. At some point, that interest became a need and my first book was penned.
What is the best way a reader can express their gratitude for the experience they had reading your work?
My readers have been wonderful to me and have expressed their appreciation in some inventive ways. However, I can honestly say the most helpful thing a reader can do is to leave a review. This is the most lasting “gift” you can give an author. Not only do we take tremendous pride in reading the kind words of others, it also encourages future readers to check out our work. When a fan takes time out of her busy day to pen a few words on my behalf, it validates my work and fills me with such joy.
What is the most unique way someone has shared their appreciation for your work?
One of my loyal readers, a lovely lady named Renate, once sent me an adorable selkie figurine…all the way from Germany! I was astounded and humbled. That sweet selkie now sits near my writing desk and has given me many smiles.
What advice would you give a new author?
By all means, study the craft. Whether you take a course, go to college for it, or read writing books, make sure you know the basics. I had to give some tough feedback to a new author not long ago, critiquing her grammar and sentence structure. No one wants to be panned for being unable to string the elements of a sentence together. Do your homework first so that little mistakes don’t come back to haunt you.
Have you done all the things in your book with your partner? That’s what I want to know 
LOL, great question! I can honestly say I have never shared any of my intimate moments in my books. My husband might inspire many of the emotions behind my characters but I am fairly private when it comes to my home life. So no, much to my husband’s relief, our “private times” remain private. 
The Stand-In Blurb/Excerpt
Tagline:
She’s the best bridesmaid money can buy.
Blurb:
Failed actress Winn Busby is at the end of her rope. With no money and no prospects, she accepts the one job she never thought she’d see on her résumé. Professional bridesmaid. It should be easy. If only the idea of weddings and vows didn’t give Winn a case of the hives. Her role becomes more challenging when she’s told a reporter will shadow her work for a men’s magazine article.
Working for Player Magazine is Patrick Lincoln’s worst nightmare. A former political journalist, he used to write thoughtful columns for one of Toronto’s most respected papers. That is, until he was blackballed for allegedly sleeping with the boss’s wife. Overnight, Patrick becomes the city’s most reviled bad boy. And now he’s forced to write a seedy expose on, of all things, a bridesmaid.
Patrick begrudgingly accompanies Winn to a series of strange weddings. As they are forced to work together, he learns there is more to the stand-in bridesmaid than puffy dresses and pretty speeches. She, in turn, begins to question whether or not Patrick actually deserves the derision of his peers. As much as they fight their attraction, it begins to threaten their work and their sanity.
For so long, Winn has felt second-best. A stand-in. She finally meets a man who believes in her value. But can she let go of the past and accept him?
Excerpt:
She glanced at her computer screen again. “Let’s see. Ah, yes. We’ll have you meet with Winn. And by the way, she’s lovely. She has the perfect look for this job. Accessible and fresh, but not intimidating. You’re in luck. She’s in the building right now.” She texted a command into her phone. “I’ll have my assistant send her right in.”
In the time it took Margie Kent to flash her very pearly whites, a knock sounded on the door. These stand-ins were prompt. He supposed that was good in any business.
“Come in, please,” Margie called.
Patrick lifted his gaze toward the door and watched as a pear-shaped blonde entered. Christ. Margie had called this woman unintimidating. He knew a few dozen men who’d be intimidated into next year by her girl-next-door sex appeal. Chin-length golden hair framed her pleasantly round face. Amazing cheekbones. Bright blue eyes and a body that looked made for squeezing. Just the thought of pressing that luscious flesh made him hard. If she was a high-class call girl, and if he had to pay for love, he might be tempted to pull out his wallet. He cleared his throat and thought of the day Jason Dietrich fired him, just to make his boner disappear.
Margie did the introductions in her singsong voice. “Winn Busby, this is Patrick Lincoln.”
She stuck her hand out. “A pleasure to meet you.”
As he shook her soft hand, Patrick waited for the old “that Patrick Lincoln?” but it never came. Thank God. Someone who didn’t know of his ruin.
The Stand-In is available Feb. 9 at Liquid Silver Books and other ebook retailers. You may preorder now at LSB, Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.
Author bio:
Rosanna Leo is a multi-published, erotic romance author with Liquid Silver Books. Several of her books about Greek gods, selkies and shape shifters have been named Night Owl Romance, Two Lips Recommended Reads and Top Picks at The Romance Reviews. When not writing, she can be found haunting dusty library stacks or planning her next star-crossed love affair. Her next contemporary romance, Vice, will be published this summer by Samhain Publishing.
www.goodreads.com/author/show/5826852.Rosanna_Leo
February 5, 2015
Guest Blog Goodness–Denise A. Agnew
Please welcome Denise Agnew to Musings! Denise and I have known each other for a long time (I won’t put a number to it, it makes me feel old :)), and I’m thrilled to showcase her here!
Most writers I’ve known say that writing is invigorating, while some say that it’s their therapy. How does your writing serve you? Do you express your life through the story or does the theme come from your vision?
That’s a big question. I like it. My writing serves me because it’s a part of who I am. To NOT write on a fairly regular basis means I’m not as happy. I make meaning with my writing. Sure, I have wonderful family, friends and my great hubby. I have a spiritual base in my life. But happiness comes from the inside out and writing stories has been a part of me since I was fourteen years old. I think writers who MUST write find bits of themselves to put in their writing and sometimes it is definitely therapy. As for the themes, some from my vision and the sorts of topics I find interesting and compelling. Controversial statement: There are writers who really don’t have to write because they’re not in it for the creativity and it isn’t honestly a genuine part of who they are. They could take it or leave it and they often do leave it.
What is the best way a reader can express their gratitude for the experience they had reading your work?
Write a wonderful review on Amazon and other outlets!
What are your five “desert island” books?
Darkfall by Dean Koontz, Intensity by Dean Koontz, The Good Guy by Dean Koontz, Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard, Veil of Night by Linda Howard, Ice by Linda Howard. Okay, that’s more than five.
What advice would you give a new author?
Define early on why you’re writing. If you’re doing it for money that may last for a while but it won’t keep you going forever. If you don’t have something within you that wants to write no matter what, you’ll eventually run into a big wall of writer’s block and possibly depression.
Have you done all the things in your book with your partner? That’s what I want to know
No, I haven’t but there’s still time. Ha, ha!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Denise A. Agnew
www.deniseagnew.com
Available at Liquid Silver Books
http://www.lsbooks.com/ashfall-p981.php
A strong woman and a former Air Force pararescueman tangle with a new world forged by an apocalypse no one could stop.
Mally Andretti survived an apocalypse that has altered the world. Tucked away in a huge compound she should feel safe, but loneliness eats away at her. Until a deep, mysterious voice tantalizes her over the ham radio and invites her into soul deep conversation. Who is the man who claims to be her friend, who awakens mental and physical cravings?
Working for a private security company takes all of former Air Force pararescueman Adam Becker’s time, until a sexy voice on the ham radio tempts him to do and say things he’s never done before. Mally calls on every fiercely protective instinctive inside him, and when she’s in serious danger he’ll do anything to get to her in time.
****
Adam and the two other men shuffled Tanner out of the house and through the gate. After they’d released the idiot outside the gate, only Adam returned to the front door. The other two men stood outside the still open gate, weapons at the ready. A curious mixture of excitement and caution mingled in her psyche. Whoever Adam Becker really was, he scared the crap out of her in so many ways. Her gaze snagged on his body, and just from the way he moved, from the confidence he displayed, she imagined he was an interesting lover. But which type of lover was he? Uncouth and ruthless, or gentle and accommodating?
Really? She was thinking about this now? She’d officially lost her mind.
He stopped at the front door, a frown still in place, his weapon anchored over his body by a sling. He tucked the thumb on his left hand into his belt. His wide shoulders, muscled biceps and powerful forearms screamed intimidation.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Wonderful.” She knew her comment was laced with sarcasm.
“Can I come in a moment?” he asked quietly.
When she hesitated, he took off his sunglasses and hooked them in the front of his vest. She dared gaze into the darkest brown eyes she’d ever seen. But there was worry and warmth in those eyes, too. Now that his face was entirely revealed, she could see his heritage in his light cocoa skin. His features were craggy in that his nose was a bit sharp and long and his jaw too hard. His mouth was…well, it was just right. Kissable. Embarrassed by the ridiculous and out-of-place fantasizing, she felt her face heating. She jerked her gaze from his.
“Mally, I’m not going to hurt you.” He glanced down at the Glock in her hand. “Hey, you’ve got a weapon. If I pull anything, you can just shoot me.”
She couldn’t smile, the situation was too bizarre and her heart thudded too fast. She backed away to let him inside, and continued into the living room. Feeling a little ridiculous, she took a risk and set her Glock on the coffee table.
He crossed his arms. “Serious heat you’re packing there.”
“Do you blame me?”
“Hell no.”
For a few seconds he said nothing, but then he approached. Her insides trembled, uncertainty gripping her. He drew nearer, and she felt like a deer about to bolt. When he stood close beside her, his attention like a hot brand on her face, she tilted her head slightly back to examine him. He was easily over six feet, and at five foot seven she felt seriously at a disadvantage. In sheer muscle he outweighed her by a sizable amount. She could easily picture him saving other military personnel in his capacity of pararescueman. Right then her legs turned to gelatin. Either Tanner’s intrusion had disturbed her more than she thought, or this man’s mere presence set off a weird reaction.
Impulsively she put her hand on his vest, ready to push him away. “Think you’re standing close enough?”
His hand covered hers and held it in place, and he edged the tiniest bit closer. She drew in a sharp little breath.
“God,” he said softly as he looked down at her. “You’re trembling. It’s okay. No one’s going to hurt you. You’re safe with me.”
“What about your friends?”
He shook his head. “They’re solid guys. If one even considered touching you, I’d pound their faces.”
Heat danced through her, and she couldn’t help smiling just a little. She drew in a deep breath. He smelled like man…a mild mix of musk and maybe leather. It penetrated her senses and sent the warmth higher. Her fingers curled into his ballistic nylon vest. Recklessness beat in her veins, and she’d never felt anything quite like it before.
“You’re touching me,” she said, breathless. Heat filled her cheeks when it dawned on her how moronic the statement sounded.
A smile danced in his eyes and on his mouth. “Yeah.”
“That gives me the right to shoot you.”
His gaze drifted down to her lips. “Yeah?”
A wild tingle danced in her belly. Her lips parted. “Absolutely.”
Before she could do more than blink a couple of times, his mouth came down and brushed warmly over hers.
February 4, 2015
Wellness Wednesday–A Tale of 40 pounds (and 4 dress sizes)
Today was my weigh in, after being back at it for two weeks (I took six weeks off over the holiday for foot surgery). We cranked out two miles this morning in 35 minutes, so I’m pretty happy with how the foot is holding up. Hopped on the scale this morning (I weigh on Wednesdays) and I’m officially down 40 pounds (and 4 dress/pants sizes). Which was pretty damned exciting. I haven’t been this trim in over a decade (closer to 15 years), and I just feel stronger.
So here’s a look at what I eat in a typical day (about 1100-1200 calories): 2 cups coffee w/whipping cream, 3 oz meat and veg (either a salad or leftover roasted veggies) for lunch, 3-4 oz meat (usually roasted or pan fried), large helping of veg (salad or roasted root veggies), 3 pieces homemade dark chocolate, 2 glasses of wine (sometimes).
I could have never imagined living on 1100-1200 calories before we started doing this, but it’s purely amazing how many calories are in bread and pasta and such. Cutting them out automatically lowers your calorie count significantly (as well as carbs, sugars, etc).
Want something sweet? Here’s my recipe for dark chocolate. You can either put it in silicone molds or spread out on parchment and pop in the freezer, then break up.
1 cup organic cocoa (or any cocoa without soy or any other additives, I just choose organic)
1/2 cup coconut oil, liquified
3-4 tbsp honey (add more honey if you want this to be sweeter and “lighter” chocolate)
1 tsp vanilla (or to taste)
And that’s it! Mix it up in a bowl and partition out how you choose. Because this doesn’t have the binding agents and filler that the chocolate you buy on the shelf does, it’ll need to be frozen for about 15 minutes, and then you can put it in the fridge. Not sure how long it lasts, because ours is always gone in a week
January 29, 2015
Guest Blog Goodness–Wendi Zwaduk
Woooot! For our third installment of 2015 Guest Blog Goodness, I’m pleased as punch to introduce you to Wendi Zwaduk!
Most writers I’ve known say that writing is invigorating, while some say that it’s their therapy. How does your writing serve you? Do you express your life through the story or does the theme come from your vision? The theme usually dictates the story. For Blue Satin, the character of James, the dom, actually motivated the story. I had him first and ran with what he kept telling me. He had a particular idea of who he wanted for his sub. I let him run and tried to keep up. Was it therapy? No, but it was a fun ride. I got to learn more about BDSM and some of the fringe things I might not have known lots about, i.e. wax play.
What is the best way a reader can express their gratitude for the experience they had reading your work? Tell me they liked the book and write a review. IMHO an honest review, even if the reader didn’t love the book, is one of the best ways for a writer to learn. I’ve gotten lots out of my reviews—good and bad. A surprise review that’s 5 stars and explains why they liked the book is always good. Makes me feel good.
What is the most unique way someone has shared their appreciation for your work? A running hug. Yes, that would be the most unique way. Someone told this particular reader I was at a con—as a reader, not even as a writer—and the person barreled up to me, then arms flailing, hugged me. Honestly, I loved it. Why? She loved my work and HAD to tell me. Then she was so excited to see me. That was awesome. Made me feel good.
What advice would you give a new author? Have a thick skin, but don’t be afraid to ask questions and put yourself out there. That said, NEVER be negative online. No matter how much you really want to rant about something, don’t. The negative always comes back to haunt you. Still, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. People want to discover your book.
Have you done all the things in your book with your partner? That’s what I want to know Muwhahahaha. No. In Blue Satin, the characters get into BDSM play. I’ve done that, but DH doesn’t own a pair of cufflinks that are nipple clamps.
Blue Satin by Wendi Zwaduk
Club Desire, book 7
Resplendence Publishing
Contemporary, M/F, BDSM, Spanking, Fetish, Wax Play, Toys, Anal Sex
Get your rocks off however you want at Club Desire. We’re not easy and we’re not free, but we are discreet. Find your fantasy in the Club.
Two souls can heal with the right amount of heat and kink…in or out of the club.
Can old wounds really be healed? Meghan Stone isn’t sure. She’s at Club Desire at the urging of her agent. As a writer, she needs to add grit to her stories—grit that can only be acquired at Desire. When Meghan spots the handsome man in the suit, she’s smitten. After a conversation with him, she’s taken by him. But will the sexy man want more than conversation when he learns about her motivations and past?
James Richards comes to Club Desire to forget his own past. He wants a sub and a lover, but as far as he’s concerned, that person doesn’t exist—until he meets Meghan. She awakens needs he thought had been long buried. Once he sees her, he wants to possess her. But a sub and a life-long love aren’t always easy to find, especially in the same person. Will she be the one he’s searched for or another face in the crowd?
Available 1/21 at http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/
EXCERPT:
©Wendi Zwaduk, 2015, All Rights Reserved
“What are you working on?” James asked, breaking the silence.
Meg froze, pen still on the page. Her gaze slowly lifted until she looked at him. Her mouth formed an O and her eyes widened.
“Something for your book? A daring exposé about the club?” He clasped his hands together. “Or a new idea for a story?”
Meg closed the notebook. “A—a character sketch.” She hesitated and watched him. “I was supposed to come here to meet my dom. Did they send you by mistake? You’re not here as a dom, are you?”
“I’m a dom—your dom.”
“No…” Her brow furrowed again. “But…we talked out there. You never said a word about your job. You told me to find you on the floor. You didn’t act like a dom and you certainly don’t look like one. I don’t understand.”
He needed to gain her trust. “I’m not going to be what you expect, love. I don’t know your agent, but this sounds to me like the reason she suggested you come to Desire. Everything you think you know isn’t exactly how it is. You need to open your mind and trust me.”
“Just because you say so?”
She had fire and he appreciated her spunk. He’d need to break her in order to set her free, but he was up to the challenge.
“Because I know what you need.”
January 26, 2015
Movie/Music Monday…Silver Linings Playbook
So just like Mona Lisa Smile (last week’s movie review), I watched this one because I didn’t think the hubster would be particularly interested. I’m pretty sure I’m still correct in that assessment, but I’m so glad I took the time to watch this movie!
The cast in this was just plain amazing. From Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence’s awesome performances to Robert DeNiro, Jacki Weaver and Julia Stiles (always a fave of mine), I was sucked in immediately. But even with a great supporting cast, if Cooper and Lawrence hadn’t played their parts with such manic perfection, this would have fallen apart in the first half hour. Their portrayals of people dealing with neuroses, loss, and not fitting in were fabulous, and so spot-on it was almost uncomfortable to watch.
If you haven’t had a chance to grab this one on Netflix, I’d highly recommend you take the time. It’s totally worth it!
January 22, 2015
Guest Blog Goodness–Allison Hanson
Please help me welcome Allison Hanson to the blog! Here are a few questions so you can get to know her a bit better!
Most writers I’ve known say that writing is invigorating, while some say that it’s their therapy. How does your writing serve you? Do you express your life through the story or does the theme come from your vision? Writing is definitely therapeutic for me. If I don’t get to write a little every day, I feel tense until I can get it out. I don’t think I express my life through my story. Generally the characters in my books come to me on their own free will and I just tell their story to the best of my ability.
Who or what inspired you to write? This is a funny question, because I would have to say I don’t know. I never had any intention of becoming a writer at all. I really wasn’t even much of a reader. But I’d just finished the last book from the True Blood series by Charlaine Harris, and I didn’t have anything else lined up to read. I guess my brain was afraid I wouldn’t find something. And at four that morning I woke up with my first story. I was compelled more than inspired to write it out. And it’s been like that ever since.
What is the best way a reader can express their gratitude for the experience they had reading your work? Definitely by telling a friend. Even with all the ways we have to market now, I believe word of mouth is still the most powerful. We trust our friends opinions.
What advice would you give a new author? I would say to get in the habit of writing or editing every day. Once you step away it’s sometimes hard to get back into it. Make it your time, and treat yourself to it as much as possible.
Have you done all the things in your book with your partner? That’s what I want to know Turning into a wolf together? No. We haven’t done that. Not that I would be opposed to such a thing if given the chance.
Blurb:
Camille Anthony was abandoned at an orphanage when she was only a year old. She knows nothing of the parents who left her with strangers, and has spent her whole life struggling to fit in, without success. But on the night of the full moon, she undergoes a change she’s never felt before—she becomes a wolf. She hopes the changes will finally give her a place to belong, as well as answering questions she never knew she had.
Will Holbrook knows he can’t have anything long-term with Camille. After all, he is a wolf, and he was raised knowing wolves only marry other wolves. When she reveals to him that she is changing in the same way he does every full moon, he thinks things will finally work out for him. Until a new fear arises. Wolves are usually pledged at birth, and Camille has no memory of anything that might have happened before she was left at the orphanage. Could she have a mate already? What will he do if one shows up?
Excerpt:
Maybe it was the flu.
People got aches and pains with the flu. She watched her muscles twitching under her skin and nodded.
Just in case it wasn’t the flu, she decided to get ready for Plan B.
If she did turn into a dog again she didn’t want to eat cardboard.
She checked under Gia’s bed for any stashed contraband. All clear.
She dumped the granola bars on her bed, and with throbbing, shaking fingers she pulled them from their wrappers. She made a box of mac and cheese in the microwave and set the bowl on the floor.
With the last of her energy used up, she took off her clothes and curled into a ball on her bed to convulse and moan. Her body began to twitch harder, throwing her arm out and then her foot. Her head pulled up, and she tensed against what was coming.
The increasing tide of pain washed over her, and she was left panting on the bed in confusion.
Not again.
She slid off the bed onto her four paws and went straight for the bowl of cheese-flavored pasta. She downed that in a few quick gulps and sniffed the air hoping for more.
On the table by the bed was some kind of bars. She swallowed them down without chewing.
With her hunger momentarily sated, she began with the pacing. When she passed the mirror, she stopped and looked at herself for a long moment.
A thin, lanky wolf with pure white fur looked back at her with curious blue-green eyes. Her reflex to shy away from the wolf in the reflection subsided as she realized it was her. She was safe.
She was a wolf, but she was safe.
Links:
www.allisonbhanson.com
http://www.lsbooks.com/search_results...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Twitter: @allisonbhanson
TSU: https://www.tsu.co/AllisonBHanson
January 19, 2015
Media Monday…Mona Lisa Smile
I’ve been rolling through a few movies on Netflix that I *know* the hubster won’t enjoy, and Mona Lisa Smile was one of them. All in all I’d probably give it a 6 or 7 on a scale of 1-10, but that’s more because of pieces of the plot, rather than the performances.
For starters, what a great cast! Seriously, Julia Roberts, Marcia Gay Harden, Julia Stiles, Kirstin Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ginnifer Goodwin?
While the premise of the movie was a bit simplistic, I loved the acting. Julia Roberts was great (altho seemed to almost too reserved, IMO), but the younger women in this ensemble cast really stole the limelight. I especially loved Julia Stiles’ character, and the fact she could back up the choice she made, even if it didn’t seem like the “right” one. Kirstin Dunst was great, so good, in fact, I wanted to smack her character through a huge percentage of the movie And Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ginnifer Goodwin were just fabulous. Marcia Gay Harden was also fantastic.
The “romance” in this? Not so much. This is definitely a movie about all of these women, so the romantic secondary story seemed almost gratuitous to me…it just didn’t need to be there, and seemed to be more of a way to make Julia Roberts’ character more sympathetic, when she was just fine as she was.
This is a great girls’ night in movie, so butter up some popcorn, grab a few tissues (because the end WILL make you sniffle) and chill with your best girlfriends.
January 14, 2015
Guest Blog Goodness–Vicky Burkholder
It’s my pleasure to welcome Vicky Burkholder to the blog. Here are a few questions to help you get to know this awesome writer!
Most writers I’ve known say that writing is invigorating, while some say that it’s their therapy. How does your writing serve you? Do you express your life through the story or does the theme come from your vision? For me, writing is an adventure. I get to experience issues and problems (real or imagined) through my characters. If I’m particularly angry with someone (like a nasty boss), I can make them the villain or victim and kill them off. I can be strong and independent and deal with all sorts of nasty stuff without actually having to do it. My characters are, in some ways, extensions of myself, but they have the nerve to do things I would never do.
Who or what inspired you to write? My dad. When I was very young, I was considered a “slow reader”. Back then, we didn’t have enrichment classes so my dad took it upon himself to show me the wonders of the written word. Though not highly educated himself, he was an avid reader. He would take me on his lap and read to and with me. He’d do word games with me – for instance, if we were in the car and waiting somewhere, he’d find a billboard and point to a word in it and tell me to find as many words with those letters as I could. Or he’d do crossword puzzles with me. He found things I was interested in and books that would go along with those interests – like horses (what little girl doesn’t love horses?). He bought books about horses, both fiction and non-fiction. He did crossword puzzles with me. In short, through my love of him and my interests, he taught me to love the written word. And in a year, I moved up from the “slow” section to the top of the class.
What are your five “desert island” books? Probably a Boy Scout handbook (come on, I’m nothing, if not practical!), a science fiction book (like Anne McCaffrey’s Crystal series), a good mystery (like Laura Bradford’s Amish mystery series), a good romance (like Nora Roberts, especially her paranormal romances), and a good fantasy (like David Eddings). You will note that these are all paperback books. I’d choose differently if I could take my electronic reading device, but on a desert island, I’m not sure that would work well (though I suppose I could use the handbook to figure out how to create electricity to power up my devices!)
What is the best way a reader can express their gratitude for the experience they had reading your work? By giving good reviews and buying my other books. That’s always the best way to help an author. And by spreading the word to other readers!
What advice would you give a new author? Grow a thick skin. This is not a business for the weak of ego. You are going to get bad reviews. You’re going to get rejected – a lot. You’re not going to get rich quick (except in very very rare cases). You need to be able to bounce back. Yes, give yourself a day or two to rail at the fates on the bad stuff, then get right back in there. You can’t let the negativity that is part and parcel of this career get you down. If one bad review or rejection makes you quit, then you need to rethink being a writer. Because unless you’re just doing it for yourself, you’re going to get hurt. BUT, if you keep at it… if you keep trying… if you keep learning and improving, someday you may get that acceptance or that great review and the sales will start coming in, and it will all be worth it. Perseverance is the key.
And here’s some linkage for you to check out Vicky’s books!
http://www.vickyburkholder.com
FB: authorvictoria
Twitter: Vicky Burkholder
Blurb: (from The Ruby Key)
For centuries, four women have held the keys to Lemuria, a land where magic is real. They and their Protectors are all that stand against The Brotherhood, a group of exiles who want to return to Lemuria and take control of the gateway between realms.
Phoebe, Keeper of the ruby key, lost her lover and Protector, Ryan, to murder. The Powers That Be saddled her with a dorky salesman. That is, until Zack arrives on the scene. With his Scandinavian good looks, he is the essence of what a Protector should be, but he is a loner and wants nothing to do with magic. Magic is what got his brother killed. Phoebe wants nothing to do with him as a protector, but he draws her in ways Ryan never did.
Edward is the epitome of a British gentleman and shows Phoebe the genteel side of life, but Edward has a past, and an agenda. He is the leader of the Brotherhood and if he controls Phoebe, he will control everything—and destroy it all.
The past, present, and future all come crashing down to one moment. Only Phoebe can make the choice—and her choice will determine the fate of several worlds.
They lost the battle once before. This time, will love really conquer all?
Excerpt:
Zack Lindstrom took the only ramp off the highway he’d seen in thirty miles. At the bottom was a narrow, two-lane road bounded by forested mountains on both sides and a single sign pointing left—LITTLETON 5 mi.
Left he went. The town wasn’t on any map or GPS he could find, but he had a friend there, so there he was going. He’d just be glad to get off his bike for a while. Pennsylvania was a haul and a half from Maine, where his last job had been. Being a floating agent for a security and protection company sometimes had its disadvantages—like never staying in any one place more than a few weeks at a time. Technically, he had a room at headquarters in Chicago, but for the most part, he lived on the road and liked it that way. No ties. Nobody to answer to except himself—and his bosses when he was on a case. Right now, though, he was on extended leave and hoping to look up an old friend.
Bent over, he was racing around a blind curve when another bike came straight at him. He swerved to miss the other biker, barely controlling his skid. The other rider wasn’t so lucky as the bike hit a patch of loose gravel and went over, sparking and screeching. Zack killed his engine, jumped off, and approached the unmoving rider. The rise and fall of an obviously female chest told him she was alive. He didn’t see any blood or limbs at odd angles, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t injured.
He touched her shoulder. “Hey. Are you okay?”
Nothing.
Zack reached for his cell phone only to discover that his battery was dead. A quick check of her pockets turned one up. He hit “Emergency,” surprised when the phone dialed a number instead of 9-1-1.
“Phoebs? What’s up?”
“Um, hello? I’m sorry, I don’t know who I’m talking to, but there’s been an accident. I found this phone on the woman—”
“Don’t move. We’ll be right there.”
The call disconnected and Zack stared at it. He hadn’t even had time to tell the woman on the other end where they were. He shrugged. Maybe they had phone GPS or a “find friends” app. He went back to his bike and pulled out an emergency kit and set flares at both ends of the curve, then went back to the woman, still lying in the middle of the road. Should he move her? Probably not, he decided.
He knelt next to her and pulled off her gloves. When he touched her hand, a red spark jumped from her to him, sending a shiver through him. Shocked, he sank down to sit in the road. He hadn’t felt the stirrings of his “other” self since Trevor died. He’d buried that side of himself after his brother’s accident several months ago. So who was this woman that she brought it out in him? He shook his head. He didn’t believe anymore. Not after…another shake and he brought his attention back to the woman.
He didn’t know her, had never met her. Though from what he could see from the tight leathers she wore, he wouldn’t mind getting to know her a little better. She had legs that went on forever, a narrow waist, and breasts the size made for cupping and loving. He’d love to see what her face looked like, but didn’t want to risk removing the dark helmet in case she had a neck injury.
She moaned. He picked up her hand. “It’s all right. Relax and try not to move. You’ve been in an accident.”
She struggled to sit up and he helped her. “You really shouldn’t move. You could be hurt.”
“I’m fine.” She pulled her helmet off and Zack looked into the most amazing sky blue eyes in the most mind-blowing, beautiful face he’d ever seen. She had short, spiky hair the color of sunshine. His fingers itched to sketch her, a habit he had. The funny thing was, though he would swear on a stack of Bibles that they’d never met, she looked familiar to him. As if he’d met her before. She stared at him with a frown.
“Do I know you?” she asked.
“I don’t think so. Name’s Zack. Are you all right?”
“Yeah. Just pissed that I spilled.” Her eyes opened wide. “My bike—is it all right?”
Zack went over to the bike, righted it and checked it over, then he started it. It easily roared to life. He cut the motor and walked it over to where the woman sat. “A few scratches and dings, but nothing serious.”
Just then, he heard a car—several actually—coming and hoped his flares warned them to slow down. The cars slowed to a stop and doors slammed and he looked up to see a petite, very pregnant, gorgeous woman in a long, flowing skirt and loose top running toward him and the woman. Two other cars also spewed people who headed for the rider. The women congregated around the rider while the men stood back, but looked as if they were on alert.
“Phoebe! What happened? Is she hurt?”
The skirted woman knelt on the road next to Zack and stared at him. He felt as though she looked through him, peeling away all the layers and checking each one out. When she nodded, he felt ridiculously relieved.
Then she pulled a triangular pendant from her neck, as did the other two. The first one connected them all somehow and ran the pyramid shape over the other woman.
“What the…? What is this? Some kind of Star Trek episode?”
“I’m okay, Cass. Just fuzzy.”
“Zack? Zack Lindstrom?”
Zack looked up to see the last person he’d expected to see standing in the middle of the road in the middle of nowhere. “Nic? What the hell? What are you doing here?”
Zack rose to his feet to face the man he’d come here looking for.
“You called Cass, my wife.” He pointed at the pregnant woman.
Zack nearly choked on his tongue. “Your…wife? You?” He glanced at the petite beauty. He and Nic had been in the same unit in the Middle East and Nic had been a true loner. Zack would never have looked at him as the marrying kind. Especially not one as tiny as she appeared. He’d have pegged Nic for the one on the road—long, leggy, and built for sex.
Nic laughed and ran his hand over his head, a gesture Zack remembered well. But there was something else Zack remembered as he checked Nic over. The last time he’d seen Nic, he’d been covered in blood, barely alive, the victim of an IED. He’d heard Nic had shipped stateside and would probably never walk well again. This man was definitely walking well.
“Nic?” Both men turned as Cass called out to him. “Phoebe’s okay, but we should get out of the road.”
“I told her the folly of riding that death trap.”
Zack looked around Nic to see a suit-wearing, short, balding man standing next to an older-model sedan. The man glared at Zack, then shifted his gaze back to Phoebe. “If she will not listen and adhere to my advice, I will be hard pressed to protect her.” He sniffed.
Zack stared at him. The man had actually sniffed and raised his snoot into the air as if he were some high and mighty snob. Zack caught an eye roll from Nic and the other man with him.
“Zack, this is Greg. And the…man…back there is Wynton.”
Zack nodded at both men, but understood immediately that Wynton was not one of the “group”—whatever it was. The guy’s name was as snooty as he was, but they were definitely a group. He could tell that much.
“Nic, I’m going to drive Phoebe to the…to her place. Can you bring her bike?”
“Sure. Meet you there.” Nic turned to Zack. “Come with us? We’re heading to town, to Phoebe’s place.”
“Um, sure.” Zack settled onto his bike as the cars turned around and headed down the hill. He watched as Nic easily strode over to Phoebe’s bike and climbed on. A minute later, Zack followed him down the winding hill and into a nice-looking small town. Huge maple and oak trees with new spring growth lined the main street that was fronted by a mixture of small stores, eateries, churches and bars. It was late Monday morning and, while not bustling, it was busy enough for a small town early morning.
He followed Nic and the cars to a side street that led to a small, enclosed parking lot off an alley. Two sides were lined with what looked like the back doors to several shops and the far end was closed off by a building with a large garage door. The cars and bikes took up the few remaining spaces in the lot. Zack watched as everyone piled out of their vehicles and headed for one of the doors.
“Join us?” Nic said as he pulled off Phoebe’s helmet. “I’d love to know what you’re doing here.”
Zack nodded. “Got any food in there? I’m a tad on the hungry side.”
Nic smiled. “I think we can scare up something. Come on.” He wrapped his arm around Zack and guided him toward the door. “So what the hell are you doing in Littleton?”
“Believe it or not, looking for you.”
Nic cocked his head at him. “Well, it looks like you found me. Come on in and let’s see what we can find to eat.”
January 7, 2015
Wellness Wednesday–Primal Lifestyle, An Intro
The hubster and I started following the Primal Lifestyle back in June, and since we’ve stuck with it, I thought I’d start to document our successes, and maybe even a few recipe links, or stuff that I’ve morphed to our tastes.
When we started we were both pretty overweight. In the 250+ range. Now both of us are tall… August is 6’3″ and I’m 6’0″, so while we looked heavy, people never believed we weighed that much.
It started out simply enough… I started cutting back on carbs by skipping the bread in places where I could (eating a turkey burger without the bun, that kind of thing). And I lost 5 pounds in about a week. August mentioned this to one of the physician’s assistants at the base, and he turned us on to the Primal Lifestyle (www.marksdailyapple.com). From there, there was no stopping us. We basically cut all grains, rice, potatoes, pastas, legumes, standard sugars, etc out. Now this was actually kinda easier for us than you’d think, since I already cooked 3-5 nights a week, usually “whole” foods.
As for exercise, all we did was walk (usually about 2 miles/day at a pretty decent clip) and do body weight training ( planking, pushups, etc).
The weight started to drop off. In six months (as of this week), August is down 50 pounds, and I’m down 40. He’s done, and in better shape than when he was active duty. I still have at least 20 to go, and maybe more, depending on when my body feels the “right” weight. I totally anticipate being there by June of this year, and will be sharing our before and after pics
So that’s the intro. In the coming weeks I’ll talk about labs, my disappearing immunodeficiency problems, and August’s complete jettison of his OTC and prescribed drugs.
If you have any questions, drop them in the comments or e-mail me at author@tlschaefer.com and I’ll answer what I can!
January 6, 2015
TABT…The Ivy House, by Drea Stein
Yes, it’s been FOREVER since I’ve posted a book review, but I’ve decided I’m gonna give it the old New Year’s try.
I have a SERIOUS weak spot for well-written contemporaries. I got The Ivy House when it was free on Kindle, and it took me forever to get to because my TBR pile is ridiculous (another 2015 ‘thing to do’…I refuse to call them resolutions–LOL). So here’s the disclaimer that I’ll post with every review…I only post 4 or 5 star/heart/whatever reviews. Why? Because more than once I’ve seen glowing reviews on books that were complete and utter wallbangers for me. Different people like different stuff Not only that, as an author myself, I tend to be hypercritical, and that’s not fair to other readers OR the author if I’m being fussy. Sooooo, only 4 and 5 star reviews from me.
Without further ado…
The Ivy House is actually the third book in the series (I didn’t know that when I downloaded it), but I had absolutely NO problem in following the storyline, or even the integration of other characters/couples (who were in previous books). In fact, this has to be one of the smoothest series books I’ve read, when it comes to “getting it” without undue brain pain.
Phoebe (the heroine) is the kind of lead I love to read about. Strong, but not overly stubborn (to merely advance the plot), vulnerable, and not afraid to admit that she thinks the guy driving her absolutely nuts is hot as hell. Chase (the hero) was interesting to me, because he was almost too perfect, too charming–until he realizes that he’s almost blown it all. The funny part was, because his build-up was so consistent throughout the book, it was that much more heartwarming when he realized what he would be missing. Both Phoebe and Chase had to make sacrifices to be with the other, but none of them felt contrary to their characters. The setting was gorgeous and Ivy House a character in its own right. Add in some hot celebrity gossip/juicy past loves and you’ve got a winning combination that’s hard to put down. Can’t wait to dive into the first book in the series to see what I missed.
