Shyla Colt's Blog, page 25

Friday Free for All! Refresh Restart Renew

I take my on Advice… really I do

As a matter of fact I’ve declared this weekend a work free zone. ( Barring an emergency situation of course. In the words of the gambler “you gotta know when to hold them, know when to fold them… “ you know the rest.

I’m going to enjoy the family, get as much sleep as possible, and fall back into deep love with writing and editing. Yes, just like when you love someone, absence does make the heart grow fonder. Why I’m up so late if this is a no work weekend you may ask? To tie up loose ends of course. Have you ever made the decision to step back for something from a while, only to come back to it better and ready to kick butt? I’d love to hear about it.

Enjoy the weekend my lovlies,

Shy

Ps. I have a new venture I’m excited to be telling you about very soon, so keep checking back

Free Today & Fabulous

FREE today! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0076Z6O52

Blurb:

In the summer of 1916 women do not have the right to vote, let alone be motorcycle dispatch riders. Two sisters, Angeline and Adelaide Hanson are determined to prove to the world that not only are women capable of riding motorbikes, but they can ride motorbikes across the United States. Alone.

From a dance hall in Chicago to a jail cell in Dodge City, love and trouble both follow Angeline and Adelaide on the dirt roads across the United States. The sisters shout their triumph from Pike’s Peak only to end up lost in the Salt Lake desert.

Will they make it to their goal of Los Angeles or will too many mishaps prevent them from reaching their destination and thus, hinder their desire to prove that women can do it?

Excerpt:

There was a twinkle in Francisco’s eyes as he looked the women up and down, taking in their dirty riding attire and the motorbikes behind them.

“We are just moving some of our caballos and mules to a more desirable location,” he said smoothly. “You must be the famous sisters riding to Los Angeles and getting into muchas problemas!” He laughed boisterously and, turning to the conversing men waiting on their horses and mules behind him, said something in Spanish to them all. The men began laughing and slapping their thighs with their large hats.

Angeline didn’t like this and stepped forward. “What are you saying?” she demanded.

Francisco gestured for his men to be quiet. “I read your American papers. You are quite famous. You brought trouble upon a man with many wives.” He shook his head and raised his hands in the air as though in supplication. “More than one espousa. Por que? Hombre loco!”

The men behind him roared their approval once again. Finished with his antics, Francisco turned a serious face to the women in front of him. “Crazy man, I say. One woman is enough.” He held up a single digit. “Any more woman than that, and I would be drowning in my José Cuervo!”

The men behind him began yelling amongst themselves, and Angeline had no idea what they were saying but decided it sounded rather bawdy and thus related to women and a man named José, and it seemed harmless enough. The men looked dirty and disheveled, and she noted they carried weapons, but the man called Francisco was smiling and did not seem to intend them harm, so she permitted herself to relax.

Adelaide was quite charmed by this foreign man in front of her. She liked his smooth movements and the way he spoke with a twinkle in his eye. She also liked the idea of being famous. She asked the man to tell her more about what he had heard.

“You are representing women, yes?” Francisco asked them. “You aretropas and rebels!”

“Well, I don’t know what a tropa is, but I suppose you could say that.” Adelaide blushed again. Angeline was watching from the corner of her eye.

“Tell me more.” Francisco placed her hand in the crook of his arm. “Maybe we can help you.” He gestured to his men to dismount, and they all rushed to obey, pulling saddlebags off their horses or mules. “We have food and water and José Cuervo.”

Angeline was looking around for this mysterious José they all seemed to worship so, but no man in particular seemed to respond. She shrugged and reluctantly followed Francisco and her sister as they walked. The men obviously under Francisco’s command were all resting on their colorful bedrolls and chatting, occasionally looking in their direction in curiosity.

She caught up to her sister and new companion and grabbed her sister’s free arm, forcing her to stop her chattering and turn around. “We really should be going. We must reach the next town before dark,” she said in a warning tone.

Adelaide’s eyes were bright with excitement, and her cheeks were flushed. “Francisco says we will not make the next town before dark. He says we may join him and his men when they set up camp.”

“Absolutely not!” Angeline hissed, glancing discreetly at Francisco who was now directing orders at his men. “What has gotten into you? We are two women alone surrounded by strange, foreign men! Do you have any idea what could happen?”

“Mujures, I assure you no harm shall come to you. Here…” Francisco came up to them and pressed a Colt dragoon into Angeline’s hands, “for your safety.”

The dragoon was heavy, and she struggled not to show surprise or dismay. She had never shot a weapon. She attempted to exhibit a confidence she did not feel as she looked Francisco in the eye. “Why?” she asked defiantly. “Why do you want us to stay with your camp?”

“My men and I would love the company. We have been traveling for days with nothing but ourselves, our horses, our smelly mules, and José for company. We will not harm you, but I will not stop you from leaving if wish you wish to do so.” He gallantly bowed once again.

A camp was being set up near a formation of rocks, and the men were unpacking cooking utensils as Angeline looked at the setting sun. She sighed. They had wasted too much time. She did not want to get lost again.

She looked at the dragoon in her hand, and its weight reassured her. She looked at a hopeful Adelaide and nodded her consent at Francisco. They would camp one night, but if any of the men bothered her or her sister, she was putting this dragoon to use even if it meant shooting her own arm off.

Author Bio:

Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, former aviation mechanic, writer, and an editor. She is most passionate about planes, motorcycles, dogs, and above all, reading. That led to her love of writing. Between her writing and her editing, which allows her to be home with her little canine kids, she believes she has the greatest job in the world. She is very happily married.

Tara also writes as Sonia Hightower. Sonia writes the racy stuff and argues that she was here first. She just wasn’t allowed to be unleashed until the last year.

While Tara and Sonia continue to fight over the laptop and debate who writes the next book, you can find buy links, blurbs, and other fun bits on their website: http://tarachevrestt.weebly.com/index... or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-C....

Mid week inspiration- “It’s not having what you want It’s wanting what you’ve got”

“It’s not having what you want It’s wanting what you’ve got” – Sheryl Crow

Just a bit of behind the scenes info, when I write these posts, they’re for me just as much as they’re meant for you I generally pick the topic according to what’s relevant in my life.

Today I have “Soak up the Sun” by Ms. Crow on repeat. We often get so caught up in what we want or what should/could be, I think we forget to be grateful for what we have going on. In the words of my mom and very wise friend, Kass. “ All that glitters isn’t gold.” The grass looks greener on the other side, because we aren’t over there to experience the reality. We only “See” it. Now, I’m pointing the finger at myself today.

I’m all about giving goals to work toward, becoming a better person and making a better life for myself. But today I saw a case of the green eyed monster trying to lurk up. You know the guy who creeps in on your subconscious and makes you just a little nasty and snarky. He’s not cool, so I had to give him the boot.

Things happen in our life when they do for a reason. I fully believe that, and it’s been my experience that if God closes a door, he’s sure to open a widow. Yes I said window, not door because usually at the time you can’t see the other option right away. That’s where faith comes into play. ( If you’re not religious you can call it the universe or karma. Either way I think we’ve all experienced this phenomenon. ) Please keep in mind when I say this, I’m talking about those things we don’t’ have any control over. Normally I’m of the philosophy that if you don’t like something going on in your life, changes can be made. But I know as well as anyone it doesn’t always work like that.

So, today I’m taking stock of what I’ve accomplished, and where I am in life. I am embracing myself flaws and all and rejoicing. I am content, and as I dream and work toward more, I say thank you for my blessings. I know I’ll get where I need to be at the moment I need to be there.

Okay, case in point. As I’m writing I just received a knock on the door. I just got a package! My mom sent me a gift all the way from France! ( NO, she doesn’t live there, she just ordered from there You may say coincidence, I say, proof I’m on the right path.

So the next time you’re feeling that monster creep up on you. Stop, take inventory of your own life and known something better is coming for you, just around the corner. Take time to enjoy where you’re at because you’ll never be there in that exact spot again. I’m curious to know what you’re grateful for today.

Friday Free For all! Stop and Smell the Roses

I know we’re a society on the go. Especially, once you have kids. There’s always something to clean, straighten, or wash. Shopping to be done, dinners need to be cooked, and errands are waiting to be run. I know, I’m just as guilty of this “go” attitude as you. The thing is, life is short. Children grow up much too fast, friends come and go, and things are ever changing. So take the time to press the pause button. Enjoy what you have, relish the accomplishments tackled thus far, and make memories with the people you love. Because in the scheme of things that’s what we’ll have to hold on to as we grow older , memories. I know your mind instantly goes to things that cost money, but you know what? It doesn’t have to be expensive.

Now I’m not just preaching it and not doing it. I’ve made a conscious effort to set time aside to slow things down. Twice a week the kid and I take a trip to the local grocery store; we get a muffin a piece, my kids two, but she can eat, and our own drinks. Then we sit down at a table in front of the window ( yeah we’re people watches) and enjoy our treat. It makes her feel like a big girl, get’s us out of the house and creates a special moment. The grand total? Under six bucks, and let me tell you, it’s worth every penny.

Now this stop and smell the roses thing, also goes for you, and your spouse, or significant other. My hubby and I have our nights when we watch our tv shows. The kiddos go to bed and we relax and enjoy. It’s a small thing, but I cherish it. The same way I adore the thirty minutes I carve out of each day to exercise, and the down time during the day I spend doing anything, but work.

These small steps really make a difference, and in my opinion make you more patient, more appreciative, and better at your job. We’re humans and we need renewal, not just for our body but our souls. I challenge you to come up with your own ritual to help you slow things. Stick to it for a week, and see what happens.

I’d love to hear about how you stop and smell the roses, or your experiences when you start next week



Ps.

Don’t forget about the live author kindlegraph signing tonight!

Live Kindlegraph book signing this friday!

Howdy All!

It’s late and I should be asleep, but instead I’m on here talking to all you wonderful people. Today is hubby’s birthday so I know I won’t be on the comp much. I have lots planned! I decorated the house while he was asleep, and made chocolate covered strawberries. ( Yummy! I may have sampled a few… to test the quality, of course ;D ) I have an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins and Ballons to pick up. As well as last minute trip to the mall…. I see a busy day ahead of me . But it’s all worth it. I live for those times when I can make the ones I loved feel special.

But enough about the Mr. and more about what’s happening tomorrow! I have an authors chat and book signing , arranged by the lovely and ingenuous , Ashlynn Monroe! It’s all done on line so everyone who wants to participate can. The details are listed below, and I hope to see some of you there. I’ll be giving away swag, and ready to chat up a storm. You’ll also have the opportunity to discover new authors, and talk to some you may all ready know.

Do you want to meet authors, but you don’t have money to travel or a babysitter? Come to the live online Kindlegraph ebook signing and book giveaway event! All you need is a Twitter or Facebook account to log in and you can request a personal autograph and meet some of today’s rising stars in the world of ebooks! This event will happen live—worldwide—August 3rd 2012 at 7pm CST. Here are the links. I hope to meet you there! Chatroom: http://tinychat.com/ashlynnmonroe Kindlegraph: http://www.kindlegraph.com/

check out http://ashlynnmonroe.com home page for a list of participating authors.

Mid week Inspiration- Music & Contest Winner Announcement!

Sorry this is coming sooo late today was a ridiculous crazy one! Baby was up at four this morning and Hubby’s birthday is tomorrow. Lots of running around on little sleep is always interesting, lol. Thanks to all of you who participated in the giveaway. I’ll be contacting you to get an address to send your grab bags to! I’m so excited for you to get the swag.

The winner of the Kindle touch is Allie!!!! Congrats to her.

Now I haven’t forgotten today is your Mid-week Inspiration day. I don’t want to double post so I’ll place it in here.

Today I want to talk about music and writing. I love music, and often write to a soundtrack I make up this soundtrack as I learn the characters or as the plot speaks to me. As I was writing my YA , Mark of the Dragon the couple was a sweet, first love. This is the song that helped inspire me and captured them in my head. It’s such a perfect song for first love ! Especially since, Kellen is an orphaned whose spent the majority of his life been shipped from family to family until he took a stand and got himself emancipated. ( Can you tell I adore him? Lol)

Here’s a sample of the lyrics to

I’ve been trying to live it right

I’ve been living a lonely life

I’ve been sleeping here instead

I’ve been sleeping in my bed.

Want to take a listen? Head on over to Itunes and check out the sample

Hey Ho by the Lumineers

Tuesday Chat with yours Truly!

Hello All

Tomorrow is my first author chat via Twolips Reviews.com. It’ll be taking place from 8-10 pm Eastern Standard. To be invited into the yahoo chat all you have to do is head over to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TalkingTwoLips/?yguid=59463414 to get signed up. You send them an email tomorrow and they’ll send you an invite to the chat. If you have the time Id’ love it if you showed up!

Thanks again for all the support you’ve shown me. It’s very much appreciated. 

You Can Go Your Own Pace

You know the Fleetwood Mac song, “ You can go your own way”? ( if you haven’t take a listen) I think that applies to writers as well. As a matter of fact, I think it would work better with these lyrics I’ve re- worked. You can go your own pace. The romance world is crowded and competitive. Things are always changing, new names are always appearing, and fades come and go. There’s a lot of pressure to keep up. It’s like driving in the slow lane, and watching everyone else whizz by. So you get into the left lane, but then it slows and the right one becomes the fast lane. Come on we’ve all been there before. My answer to this, go your own pace, and bugger what others are doing. (Yeah I said bugger, haven’t you heard about me and my BBC obsession? ) We all have different life situations, some have children, some don’t, others have older more self sufficient children . Maybe you have one job, or even two, while others focus all their time on writing. Maybe your ideals come in spurts while others can’t keep the voices in their head quiet. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. I can see you all shaking your heads and saying, what is this woman talking about it does matter. I have to put my name out there more, that means, more promotions, more books, more, more more.

That’s an easy way to burn yourself out my friends, and we’re in this for the love, right? It’s hard to love what you do and really create your best work when you feel like you’re constantly running a marathon with no down time to recover. Relax, breath, focus. Set your goals and yell it from the top of the rooftop when you accomplish them. No matter how many books we publish a year we’re all writers, and every book accepted is a reason for celebration and pride. In the words of some very wise people “ Don’t let the man get you down” , and “Rage against the machine.” Go your own pace, do you, and do it well. The beautiful thing about the changes that have occurred in the publishing industry are, they allow us more freedom. Take advantage of that. The readers will wait if what you’ve given them is good enough. If your pace is faster than the speed of light and it works for you; I take my hat off to you, and congrats. I’m not saying that’s bad, I’m just talking to those, like myself who need that extra boost from time to time. I’m preaching now, but that’s because I come from a place of knowledge. Trust me. I have to tell myself , “ Go your own pace” all the time.

With a toddler and an infant at home I do not get to put in the writing time that I’d like to. But I do what I can and I try like hell to make sure every piece I publish better than the last, and really isn’t that what it’s all about? Improving, and being the best writer you can possibly be? To all those out there who feel like their contributions may not be enough ( myself included at times) I’m proud of you! You’re doing great, keep it up and look back to the time when you wondered if you’d ever be published. See how far you’ve come? It’s only the start of your journey! To all the elitists looking down their noses, and making their fellow writers feel like less, I’m looking you dead in the eye and in the words of Jay Z “ Getting that dirt off my shoulders.” There’s room here for everyone, so leave your negativity at the door.

My philosophy is we’re all in this writing world together, why not expend energy lifting each other up, and lending a helping hand? Food for thought.

Mid Week Inspiration & Goals~ Work it Out

I’ve wanted to do a regular blog post for a long time, but I had to really think about what I wanted to do. I decided on inspiration. There are so many things in life that can get you down and make you question what you’re doing, I think a midweek inspiration is the perfect little pick me up. My ramblings on Weds, won’t just be writing related, they’ll be life related, maybe even both. It’s funny how things overlap. Now without further jibber jabber ( Thank you Sheldon & Penny) Here’s my first post.

Most of you know I had a little one two months ago. Since I got the okay from the Doc to work out, it’s been my goal to not just return to pre birth weight, but to get into better shape. I was discouraged at first, wondering how in the world I was going to make that happen with a toddler and an infant. But then I thought back to all the things I’d managed to do over the past year. If I can be a writer, editor and office mgr with a little person in the house, survive a labor with no pain medicine, and go through my 2nd pregnancy solo while my husband was deployed, I could find a way to do this.

When people ask me how I manage to do everything, I tell them I stopped asking if, I could do and started asking how I could do it. The how came to me in the form of, Jillian Michel’s Body revolution. I’m currently on the third day of my third week. She kicks me arse every day for thirty minutes, and deprives me of fattening foods with her diet plan. Now I’ll admit I don’t’ follow the plan exactly, I’m breast feeding, exclusively so I need more calories and I take a cheat day on the weekend to keep me from hitting a wall. The results so far… well I can almost fit back into my size 10 skirt , but I have about 2 inches to go until I can zip it up and be comfy. As my girls get older I want them to see it’s important to take time out for themselves, and we all know, its not what you say, its what you do. It also helps that once I reach my target weight I get to purchase a new wardrobe.

Do I feel like giving up sometimes? Yes! How do I keep going? Well my husband is a wonderful source of support. He encourages me to keep going, and praises my progress. He helps me be accountable because I send him a text after every work out. It feels good to say “ Week 3 day 2 of JM down!.” This man even went through the jump start diet with me. (Love ya honey!) I also look toward people I see as fit and inspirational. Gwen Stefani, Sanaa Lathan, and Pink are just a few on my list. To me these woman are not only fit, they’re strong and unique. All traits I aspire to embody. I’ll be sure to keep you all posted on my progress! I’d love to hear your tales of inspiration and goals as well.

Contest Winners!

Wohooo! Today is release day for, What the Heart knows! I can’t wait to get responses back for this one, its very near and dear to my heart.

Congrats to Savannah Chase who won a copy of, What the Heart Knows~

Also, congrats to Melissa, Betty, Pam & Electorateedu who won the Cupa tea gift sets! Please contact me at sassy3134@gmail.com so I can get those shipped out to you!

Shyla