Heather Thurmeier's Blog, page 12

Twitter CLC 10/10/13 — NaNoWriMo

 

Let’s Go, NaNo, Let’s Go!

If you’re crazy and you know it, do NaNo!

If you’ve never heard of NaNoWriMo, you’re probably wondering what the heck I’m cheering about. This week’s Chick Lit Chat on twitter at 8pm EST on Thursday October 10th is all about NaNoWriMo! Use hashtag #ChickLitChat to join in the conversations! Readers and writers (published and still aspiring) are all welcome!

NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month and it runs for the entire month of November. The goal is to write 50,000 words and complete a novel. That might sound easy (haha!) until you try it. It’s tricky to write 1667 words a day for a full month. But every year, tons of writers sign up to do just that. I’ve signed up twice myself and I just might be crazy enough to attempt it again. The first time I succeeded, hitting my 50k around day 20 on a work in progress that became Bunny Hills and Bikinis. The second time, I failed gloriously, but still managed to pack away 20k+ on a new novel although I can’t remember which one… The greatest thing about all that writing craziness, is that you get a lot of motivation and camaraderie throughout the process.

Already to sign up? Go for it! What have you got to lose? So you’ll write 50k or you won’t, either way, you’ll get some new words on your current work in progress and you may even make some new friends along the way too!

And I have a few easy tips to keep you on track during NaNoWriMo:

1. Plan ahead. What are you going to write? Do you have an idea? An outline? Characters? The more planning you do, the more ready you’ll be to sit down and type, so use October to plan, plan plan!

2. Just keep writing. Don’t stop to worry about every little detail of the story. The little things can be worked out later in the next phase. If there’s a name or description that isn’t coming to you, just put a few *** in its place and go back to it later. Need to write a scene and it’s just not working that day? *** it and move on. November is for writing. December is for editing!

3. Have fun! Writing should be a pleasure, first and foremost. If you’re stressing out about your word count, take a step back and refocus. Sure you’re trying to make a word count goal, but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t hit that coveted 50K. Life happens and sometimes that means writing can’t. Enjoy the process every step of the way.

4. Raise your right hand and repeat: “I do solemnly swear that I will NOT submit my NaNoWriMo novel to any editor, publisher or agent until I have sufficiently edited and polished it.” Go on. Repeat it. Live it. Give your work time to rest before you deal with it further. You wrote it so quickly that you can’t see it for what it is just yet. Set it aside for a week or even a month while you work on something else. Then go back to it with fresh eyes and see where it needs work. After it’s been edited, rewritten, and polished, then it’s time to send it out into the world, and not a moment sooner.

Do you have more to add? Leave a comment, chat with me on twitter during #ChickLitChat, or visit the Chick Lit Chat HQ facebook page!

Sign up for NaNoWriMo by clicking Here!

And while you’re signing up for things, Why not sign up for my Newsletter?! You can do that by entering your email address into my sign up form over on the right hand side of this page. >>>> Signing up will help keep you up to date on contests, giveaways, and new releases! And it will make me feel all warm and fuzzy to see your email on my mailing list. Hugs!

Love and Lattes — An excerpt

Check out an excerpt from LOVE AND LATTES, the first book in my New Adult Meadow Ridge Romance series!

 

“When you started talking about Paris,” he said, “I couldn’t help but imagine being there with you. Riding to the top of the tower, looking out over the city as lights twinkle in the distance around us, holding you close so you’re not afraid. Kissing you with the whole world disappearing below us.”

He leaned down, his mouth hovering above hers, so close he could smell the chocolate chip cookie still lingering on her breath. “I know we haven’t known each other long, but there’s something indescribable between us. Do you feel it, too?”

“I—I do. Feel it, I mean.”

“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since the moment I first saw you standing at the bar that night in the club and I’d like nothing more than to kiss you right now, as if we were really in Paris instead of only standing next to a silly painting.”

He waited a moment after speaking to see if she would protest. When she licked her lips, he took the gesture as an invitation and brought his lips down onto hers, gentle at first, then more eagerly. Her lips parted, her tongue softly caressed his.

A groan escaped his mouth as his lips opened to let her in. He slid his hands into her hair, tangling the silky strands around his fingers as he pulled her closer. Her breasts heaved against his chest as her breathing grew ragged. There was a longing deep inside to let his hands explore the rest of her body, but he resisted the urge. There would be time for exploration later when they were alone and uninhibited.

She ran her hands down his back to the waistband of his jeans and tugged on the belt loops, pulling him closer. His hips ground against hers in a way that made him want to wrap her legs around his waist and take her to bed.

A loud gasp from the doorway and the distinct sound of books falling to the floor pulled him out of the moment. Reluctantly he broke away from Julia’s mouth only to find Rebecca staring at him. Her mouth hung open as tears streaked down her cheeks.

 

Available Now at AMAZON! 

With an average of 4.6/5 star reviews, isn’t it time you checked out Meadow Ridge too?

5 stars! “This is a fast read! Cute, romantic story that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens. Love the ending!”

5 stars! “This is one of those books that catches you right from the start. The two characters have chemistry from the beginning that really sizzles right off your e-reader screen. I can’t wait until the next in the series.”

5 stars! “This is a must read for lovers of romance. Sweet and romantic, the characters have spark and the setting adds to the layers of the story. Cannot wait for the next in the Meadow Ridge series!”

 

Writer Yums! — Spiced Apple Butter

One of the things I love most about fall is apple picking with the family. And every year we say we won’t fill the bag. Then every year the bag of apples is overflowing by the time we get to the car. I usually have plans for what I’ll make and start right away. This year I didn’t know what I wanted to make, I just wanted the apples.

We ate a bunch of them, and they were de-lish! And I made apple butterscotch cookies… super de-lish!! But I still had a handful of apples to use before they were too old. So I decided to make apple butter!

The apples, sugar and spices in the crockpot about 2 hours in.

I found a few recipes online and sort of made my own recipe out of that. It turned out a little more “fall spice” than I wanted, but it is so good! It smelled like fall the in my house the whole day! I decided on a crock pot recipe so that I could still write while I cooked. The crock pot is my writing friend. It allows me to feed my family scrumptious meals while also allowing me to get my word count. Which I did yesterday… 2000+ words… on my new foodie romance, yet-to-be-titled.

My jars and lids drying after their 10 minute boil.

Then it was time to prep the jars I would eventually package my apple butter into. So I looked up how to sterilize jars online and got to work. It really wasn’t hard. Just boil them in water for 10 minutes, apparently. Or at least, that’s what I read, so that’s what I did. Let’s hope it’s right! LOL.

In their water bath after processing.

12 hours later, stirring every so often, where in I took the kids to ballet, fed them, went on date night with hubs to see Gravity (awesome BTW!), and grabbed dinner, it was finally ready!!! I blended it all with an immersion blender to make it nice and creamy, then filled the reheated, sterilized jars, put the lids on and back into the boil they went for another 15 minutes. Now I really wasn’t sure how long to process them for since I couldn’t seem to find that info. So I took a guess. The good thing about this recipe is that it didn’t have to be canned at all. I could have just put it in jars in the fridge or freezer and been done with it. But I figured I may as well try canning since if I did it wrong, the apple butter would still be totally edible.

Canned Apple Butter!

This morning, I came downstairs to find out if my jars had sealed properly or not, and they did! I did it! I actually canned something! I feel so accomplished! I’ll totally make this stuff again, only next time I’ll use more sweet stuff and less spices. Yum!

We just got rid of the last of the apples and now I’m tempted to go pick apples this weekend…

Spiced Apple Butter:

***Be warned, my recipes are usually by feel and NOT exact amounts. Your amounts and cooking times may vary. That’s just how I roll.

15 – ish Apples (Mixed variety and sizes. Some were pretty tiny. I used Jonamac and Spartans.)

2 cups white sugar

2 Tbsp -ish organic honey

2 tsp cinnamon

shake of allspice

shake of nutmeg

1. Peel, core and cut apples into chunks. Put in crockpot. Drizzle with honey.

2. Mix sugar and spices in bowl until combined, pour evenly over apples. Toss together until apples are coated.

3. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce to low and continue to cook about 9 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. Remove lid and cook on low another hour or until done. Test for doneness by putting apple butter on a spoon or saucer and wait to see if it separates and ends up with a puddle of water surrounding it. If not, it’s done.

5. Blend with an immersion blender. Put into jars to store in your fridge or freezer or can to keep for longer or give as gifts.

Writer Yum! — Spiced Apple Butter

One of the things I love most about fall is apple picking with the family. And every year we say we won’t fill the bag. Then every year the bag of apples is overflowing by the time we get to the car. I usually have plans for what I’ll make and start right away. This year I didn’t know what I wanted to make, I just wanted the apples.

We ate a bunch of them, and they were de-lish! And I made apple butterscotch cookies… super de-lish!! But I still had a handful of apples to use before they were too old. So I decided to make apple butter!

The apples, sugar and spices in the crockpot about 2 hours in.

I found a few recipes online and sort of made my own recipe out of that. It turned out a little more “fall spice” than I wanted, but it is so good! It smelled like fall the in my house the whole day! I decided on a crock pot recipe so that I could still write while I cooked. The crock pot is my writing friend. It allows me to feed my family scrumptious meals while also allowing me to get my word count. Which I did yesterday… 2000+ words… on my new foodie romance, yet-to-be-titled.

My jars and lids drying after their 10 minute boil.

Then it was time to prep the jars I would eventually package my apple butter into. So I looked up how to sterilize jars online and got to work. It really wasn’t hard. Just boil them in water for 10 minutes, apparently. Or at least, that’s what I read, so that’s what I did. Let’s hope it’s right! LOL.

In their water bath after processing.

12 hours later, stirring every so often, where in I took the kids to ballet, fed them, went on date night with hubs to see Gravity (awesome BTW!), and grabbed dinner, it was finally ready!!! I blended it all with an immersion blender to make it nice and creamy, then filled the reheated, sterilized jars, put the lids on and back into the boil they went for another 15 minutes. Now I really wasn’t sure how long to process them for since I couldn’t seem to find that info. So I took a guess. The good thing about this recipe is that it didn’t have to be canned at all. I could have just put it in jars in the fridge or freezer and been done with it. But I figured I may as well try canning since if I did it wrong, the apple butter would still be totally edible.

Canned Apple Butter!

This morning, I came downstairs to find out if my jars had sealed properly or not, and they did! I did it! I actually canned something! I feel so accomplished! I’ll totally make this stuff again, only next time I’ll use more sweet stuff and less spices. Yum!

We just got rid of the last of the apples and now I’m tempted to go pick apples this weekend…

Spiced Apple Butter:

***Be warned, my recipes are usually by feel and NOT exact amounts. Your amounts and cooking times may vary. That’s just how I roll.

15 – ish Apples (Mixed variety and sizes. Some were pretty tiny. I used Jonamac and Spartans.)

2 cups white sugar

2 Tbsp -ish organic honey

2 tsp cinnamon

shake of allspice

shake of nutmeg

1. Peel, core and cut apples into chunks. Put in crockpot. Drizzle with honey.

2. Mix sugar and spices in bowl until combined, pour evenly over apples. Toss together until apples are coated.

3. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce to low and continue to cook about 9 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. Remove lid and cook on low another hour or until done. Test for doneness by putting apple butter on a spoon or saucer and wait to see if it separates and ends up with a puddle of water surrounding it. If not, it’s done.

5. Blend with an immersion blender. Put into jars to store in your fridge or freezer or can to keep for longer or give as gifts.

I Have a Newsletter!

Okay, so not really. But I do have a newsletter sign up form! And that’s a start at least. My next challenge will to be figuring out how to actually create and send the newsletter. AND I’m going to have to come up with some kind of contest or giveaway for those of you who are my first, loyal newsletter recipients! Check out my newsletter form on the right hand side of my webpage and you know, while you’re there admiring it, sign up!

It’s over there…. >>> … >>>

*Holds right hand up and left hand over heart*

I do solemnly swear to never share your email with anyone else, sell it to anyone, or spam you. Ever.

I vow to keep you up to date of all new releases, contests, and any other fun stuff that comes up!

I promise to respect your inbox.

So, will you go sign up?!

Friday Reads — Sept 27, 2013

Happy Friday!

What are you reading this week as you head into the weekend? I’m always on the lookout for great new books and especially new series! So what are you reading?

I just finished AFTERTIME by Sophie Littlefield. I mostly enjoyed the book. There were a few parts that could have had a little faster pacing, IMO, but overall, I really enjoyed the characters, concept of the world and the plot. I’m considering picking up the next in the series, since I do love a good series. And what’s better than post-apocalyptic zombies??

I’ve started reading OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon since I feel like the only person in the world who hasn’t read it yet. So far I’m only in a few pages and it’s okay. I’m not sure it’s really my thing since I don’t read historicals but I’m giving it a shot.

We just started reading THE FAMILIARS as a family. I’m hoping it’s as great as it sounds! I love having a book to read together with the whole family. Then we can all talk about it and everyone looks forward to story time before bed each night!

And I’m itching to start something new on my kindle. I have a ton of samples downloaded to check out so I may just dabble in those for a bit until I find something great to really sink into.

Unless of course, you tell me there’s a book I just have to read right this second.

Twitter Chick Lit Chat 9/26/13 — Beta Readers

Tonight at 8-9 pm EST I’m hosting Chick Lit Chat on twitter. To join in the conversation and fun, chat by using #ChickLitChat. It’s open to both readers and writers (published and aspiring). I hope to see you there!

Tonight, we’re chatting about Beta Readers!

So what is a Beta Reader?

A Beta Readers is the person who reads your work before anyone else. Or well, almost anyone else. I’m sure you probably have a loved one or close friend  or mom who likes to read your very first, bordering on ugly, draft. But after that, you need a fresh set of eyes on your work—preferably a critical set of eyes. Someone who reads your work and then tells you it’s marvelous isn’t really doing you any favors.

I’ll admit it. My mum is one of my first readers. I have a select group of family members who read my books before anyone else does. And I’ll also admit that she wasn’t the best beta reader when we started out. It’s not her fault at all. I didn’t tell her what I needed a beta reader to do. The first book or two of mine she read, she didn’t have many things to say about it, good or bad. *Red Flag!* But after a little persistent questioning, I eventually learned the things she loved and also the things she didn’t like. For example:

Me: So how was the book?

Mum: Awesome, honey. I loved it. Wonderful characters. Great plot. Totally kept me interested.

…. 15 minutes of chatting about the book and things I was still feeling unsure about…

Me: So what did you think about that part where X happens?

Mum: What part was that?

Me: You know, the part where he did this and she did that?

Mum: Oh… I skimmed that part.

Me: WWWWHHHHHAAAAATTTT????????

And then the truth comes out. YOU SKIMMED THAT PART! Um, well, that would be good feedback. Ding, ding, ding. We have a scene that needs to be fixed, axed, or completely reformed. This is the kind of feedback you want from your beta readers! Turns out my mum didn’t want to hurt my feelings saying anything bad about my books. *Head meet desk* … but totally… *Aww! My mum loves me!* Then I told her that she wouldn’t hurt my feelings and that I wasn’t going to sell my books to publishers if they suck, so I needed to know where exactly they sucked.

Let me assure you, after careful review of the last set of notes I got from her, we’re definitely over the hurt feelings thing. LOL! I love my mum.

There’s so much that goes into a good beta reader relationship. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the subject tonight!

Today’s Project

One of the most enjoyable parts of my job as an author is sending out giveaways to my readers! Today I have 5 autographed copies that I’m signing and sending out along with a pen and other little things! If you’re one of my 5 Goodreads contest giveaway winners, your book will be in the mail by the end of the week!

If you have a digital book you’d like autographed by me, check out my books on AUTHORGRAPH.COM and send me a request!

And as always, thank you to my awesome readers for making me love my job even more!

Meadow Ridge is Back!

Yay!! I’m so excited to tell you that the entire Meadow Ridge Romance series is back online!!! Well, it’s on Amazon at least. I’m working to get it on other sites as well, but that will take another few days. Until then, head on over to Amazon and check out the books! And while you’re there, grab your copy!

Please Note: These books are a rerelease. The stories have had minor edits done but they are 99.9% the same as the originals. If you purchased the originals, please be warned these are the same in almost every way except covers.

Also, the Meadow Ridge series is now categorized as NEW ADULT ROMANCE. That genre fits the story, characters and plot better than a standard contemporary romance listing. If New Adult had been a thing back when these books were originally contracted, then I would have categorized them as that off the start. Now I feel the stories will be better understood in the category that reflects them the most accurately. So if you or someone you know enjoys NEW ADULT ROMANCE, please pass along these links and help spread the word about Meadow Ridge Romances!! But remember, New Adult romance is intended for readers aged 18+.

So here they are:

Love and Lattes: buy it at AMAZON

Julia’s just a normal girl trying—and failing—to fit in. In Meadow Ridge, an upper-crust society where designer labels rule, the only thing that matters more than money, is status. Julia’s got neither.

Chase has it all—born and bred in The Meadow, he’s the most eligible bachelor and the object of every woman’s attention. And he wants nothing to do with any of them… until he meets Julia.

Struggling just to make ends meet long enough to finish her degree, Julia needs her new job as a stock girl at Bloom’s Books. When her new boss turns out to be her steamy fling from the bar a few nights before, Julia’s not sure she’ll be able to stick around to collect her first check. Now Julia’s stuck in a tough spot—stay and resist her feelings for Chase so she can get the paycheck she desperately needs, or give into desire and risk her job, future and probably her heart.

 

 

Love on Landing: buy it at AMAZON

Tali’s always had everything a girl from The Meadow could want: fancy cars, designer labels, and a last name that carries some serious clout. Too bad it’s not enough to keep her boyfriend—ex-boyfriend!—from cheating on her. Now Tali’s on a mission to make herself feel better, starting with a spontaneous trip to Paris for some much needed retail therapy.

Gavin could think of a million things he’d rather do than fly a rich girl from The Meadow to Paris. Now he’s stuck with her for a week, acting like her personal assistant, and it just might be the most frustrating time of his life… and strangely the most enjoyable too. There’s just something about Tali he can’t ignore.

When Tali’s forced to choose between her family’s expectations and Gavin’s belief that she should stand up for herself and what she really wants, she’s not sure she’s strong enough for either option. If she chooses wrong, does she risk losing the other forever?

 

 

Love or Luxury: buy it at AMAZON

Rebecca’s never been a “normal” Meadow Ridge girl. The daughter of a chauffeur and transplant into the gated community, she’s always felt like an outsider. Now her father’s retired, she’s been forced into an over-priced apartment she can’t afford, and she’s running out of things to sell to pay her rent. If something doesn’t change soon, Rebecca stands to lose everything.

Finn can’t stand the girls from The Meadow. Materialistic, lazy and self-centered, he wants nothing to do with them. Until he almost hits Rebecca with his motorcycle. Now he can’t stop thinking about her or how different she seems to be from everyone else.

Rebecca’s last hope to save the life she’s always known is Reid, her high school sweetheart and the man she hoped to marry one day, but that was before she met Finn. Now she must choose between the life of luxury she’s always wanted in The Meadow and the man she fears she can’t live without—Finn.

Love or Luxury Rerelease — Cover Reveal!!

And finally, the cover for the third Meadow Ridge Romance, Love or Luxury. I love this one too! Mostly, I love how all three covers go together so well.

And a little update: The files are almost finished as well, which means I’ll be able to upload them to Amazon and Nook and elsewhere very soon. Hopefully, I’ll have them back on the virtual book shelves within a week! I’ll keep you posted!

Rebecca’s never been a “normal” Meadow Ridge girl. The daughter of a chauffeur and transplant into the gated community, she’s always felt like an outsider. Now her father’s retired, she’s been forced into an over-priced apartment she can’t afford, and she’s running out of things to sell to pay her rent. If something doesn’t change soon, Rebecca stands to lose everything.
 
Finn can’t stand the girls from The Meadow. Materialistic, lazy and self-centered, he wants nothing to do with them. Until he almost hits Rebecca with his motorcycle. Now he can’t stop thinking about her or how different she seems to be from everyone else.
 
Rebecca’s last hope to save the life she’s always known is Reid, her high school sweetheart and the man she hopes to marry one day, but that was before she met Finn. Now she must choose between the life of luxury she’s always wanted in The Meadow and the man she fears she can’t live without—Finn.

Available… SOON!!