Tawdra Kandle's Blog, page 10
September 2, 2020
Book Lovers Unite for World Suicide Prevention Day 2020
September 1, 2020
A very personal blog post
I often begin my newsletters to you this way because, in my mind, you are my friends. I share my stories with you, I let you in on behind-the-scenes action, and I often fill you in on stuff going on in my family. You saw the first pictures of my granddaughter, and you encourage me when things are tough.
Of course, most of us have not met one another. Mostly, we know each other through this interchange of words and ideas. Some of you might follow me on social media, too, and then you'd know a little more about me and how I think.
What I'm sharing today is primarily for my fellow Americans. My beloved friends around the world . . . you're welcome to read along, too.
A few years ago, when things took a turn in my country, I was advised to keep everything in my professional world apolitical. I was cautioned not to let my opinions and beliefs bleed through in my social media, website, newsletter, and books. For the most part, I've heeded this advice. My author page remains non-political. My newsletters are always filled with bookish things. I don't go down political roads in my books.
If you are friends with me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, you probably know where I stand on some important topics. But I've done my best not to let that show in my author persona.
However, a few things have happened recently that have caused me to question this way of doing things.
First of all, when I released The Anti-Cinderella books, I received a small backlash from readers who accused me of 'shoving that climate crap' down readers' throats. Now, to my way of thinking, I wasn't shoving anything. Yes, Kyra went to school for sustainable agriculture--and I gave her that course of studies because my youngest daughter majored in that. Sustainable ag and sustainability as a whole are passions for my family. But nowhere did Kyra or Nicky proselytize about climate change to the reader--what happened between them and other characters was based on things that have really happened to us, and it was part of their story. This is fiction, but it is inspired by people and events in my own life. That's my process. I wasn't making a political statement. I was telling a story.
And then came this year. Oh, my friends, this has been a hard year for all of us. I've seen the suffering caused by the pandemic and by the escalation of racial tensions in my country. I've cried over George, Ahmaud, and Breonna. I've struggled with intense rage over the ignorance of some of my fellow Americans. I've seen division and anger and bullying and shameful behavior on the part of our nation's leadership.
This past weekend, three things happened.
Chadwick Boseman died.
Jim Gaffigan spoke out on Twitter.
I sent an email about football books.
Chadwick Boseman dying would have been a tragedy at any time, but in 2020, it takes on added meaning. I'm not going to delve into the whys and wherefores of that. You're just going to have to take my word for it. His loss struck deep for me, and judging by the overwhelming response around the world, I'm not alone.
Jim Gaffigan is one of my family's favorite comedians. We've listened to and laughed with him for years. At the end of last week, he began tweeting . . . and well, better to read the story in his own words.
Something Jim wrote as he unpacked his Twitter time struck a nerve for me. So if I believe I won’t sway any voters, why speak out like I did? Honestly, I feel I had no choice at this point. I think Trump is ruining and possibly has already ruined my country. For me this isn’t a debate about the size of government, taxes, health care or even abortion. I miss the days when those were the topics I would discuss with friends. I feel a responsibility to coming generations, my children but selfishly I didn’t want to explain to my grandchildren that I didn’t fight to stop Trump. Maybe they will see that I stood up for decency, rule of law, and equality. That’s way more important to me than selling out an arena.
Responsibility. The word resonated within me. What have I done to fulfill my responsibility to generations to come? How have I been a positive force in this dangerous world? How have I been a light in a world of hatred? I've shared posts. I've tweeted. I've worked for my party during elections.
But have I even begun to sacrifice? I think not.
And then there was the football email.
I think I write about topics that are pretty middle-of-the-road. You know romance is my gig. If you don't like kissing (AND MORE!!) and sweet nothings and happy endings (most of the time), then you shouldn't read my books. Some are paranormal; if that spooks you, don't worry, there are plenty of non-para books of mine out there, too. If you like small-town America, I've got a bunch of books you might enjoy.
At one time, I worried that my military romances might offend some people, but silly me--it's not those. It's the football books.
Now, you know I love me some football. It's why fall is my season. I. Love. The. Game. In the past few years, I've struggled with this love for a few reasons: the safety and health of the players as we learn more about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and the way Black athletes have been treated by management and how management has so often dismissed the social justice calls of the players.
This weekend, I received a slew of response to my football-themed newsletter, telling me that they won't watch the game or read the books because football is catering to the 'criminal terrorists of the BLM'. Some of these emails were mean and nasty. Some called me names. Some were just filled with ignorance. These emails made me very sad.
So this was my click. It doesn't matter how apolitical I am. It doesn't matter how often and sweetly I smile and mind my own business, as one reader advised me to do, because no matter what, people are going to take offense at something. And I realized that the people who are working to erode the rights of others, who are standing for prejudice, sexism, racism, facism, and a bunch of other distasteful -isms . . . they're not worried about offending me.
I'm tired of worrying about it. And what's more, I realize that it's time for me to stop cowering behind 'what's good for my career' and own my convictions.
If you've read this far, you might ask yourself, does she really think her decision matters? No, probably not to most of the world. I'm one romance writer in a sea full of them, and the universe is hardly waiting with bated breath to see what I do.
Or maybe it is. Maybe the universe does depend on small decisions like this, on the tiny courage of insignificant people like me, in order to turn the tide of righteousness. I don't know. It's possible. Madeleine L'Engle would say it counts.
Will I lose readers? Most likely. That's okay. If you're offended by football players and farmers, you probably wouldn't stick around long anyway. Also, many of you won't even open this email, so . . . there's that! And in the end, to paraphrase Jim Gaffigan, owning my beliefs out loud is more important than selling a few books.
Now, here's the caveat, if you've hung around this long. I'm not planning to turn my books, my newsletters, or my author social media into an endless political debate. I'm not planning to change anything, as a matter of fact. My newsletters will still be about books and characters and fluff. That's what's fun. The characters in my books won't be leading marches or attending rallies or delivering long soliloquies on politics or religion.
I don't want to argue with you, and I'm not trying to change your mind. Please don't try to change mine.
But I'm not going to pretend that I don't care anymore. I do care. I care about my Black sisters and brothers. I don't claim to understand what they've lived with, what it's like to be Black in this nation, but I stand with them now, and I will do whatever I can to learn so I can be better and do better.
I care about the future of my country. I care about electing leaders who embody HOPE, not those who gain power by playing on fear. I want to work to unify my nation in truth and justice for ALL, not just for some. I want to make this world better for my grandchildren, so that they will have clean air and water and the freedom to be who they are, love who they want, and live lives of fulfillment and peace.
It is fitting for me to end this with the words of King T'Challa as played by the incomparable Chadwick Boseman:
Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.
Peace and love, my friends. If this is the end of our road together (the unsubscribe link is below my signature), go with God. If you're going to stick around . . . thank you. We'll keep having fun. <3
How many days until football?
As I write this email, it's just been announced that for the Philadelphia Eagles, the season will kick-off on September 13th . . . without any fans in the stadium.
And we know Philadelphia won't be the only city with empty bleachers. This year is going to be a very different season.
If you've followed me for any length of time, you know that I am a huge football fan. I'm passionate about it. Especially living in Florida, it's my way of ushering in autumn. I adore college games and the NFL, and I've been watching with increasing anxiety this year as we watch changes take place.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not in favor of anyone risking life and limb for a game. The pandemic can't be ignored, and the idea of trying to keep thousands of fans safe and distanced would be overwhelming.
The good news is that even though our games might look a little different this year, we can still enjoy our football romances. And that's why this newsletter is so special to me--we're going to talk FOOTBALL!!
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College football, pro football, or no football? Or a little of each?
Respond to this blog to answer.
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Down By Contact
The first book in the Making the Score series is FREE right now for a limited time!
Gia and Tate are one of my favorite fictional couples. Tate is the ultimate good guy. He's been half in love with Gia for years, and now that fate has given him another chance with her, he doesn't want to waste it.
Gia is a mess. She's been through so much trauma and angst, and now she's sleepwalking through life . . . until Tate wakes her up, in the best way possible.
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When I'm not writing sports romance, I love to read it! Here are some of my favorites . . . what are yours?
The Game On Series . . . oh, my freaking goodness. I love, love, love these books. My favorite is probably The Game Plan, but they're all soooooo excellent. Best football romances!
Rusk University Series When Cora Carmack stopped writing this series, I wanted to cry--there was one major thread never tied up. These books are six years old, but I still wish she'd finish it!
And then there's hockey romance--also quite a bit yum! Check out Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy and Helena Hunting. You'll have months of delectable reads!
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If you're newer to my books, let me clue you in . . . Down By Contact is only one of my football romances!
There are two other books in the Making The Score series:
Next Man Up
Game of Inches
And then there's the series that started them all: Keeping Score:
False Start
Three & Out
The Comeback Route
And next year . . . three more football/medical crossover romances.
You keep reading, I'll keep writing. <3
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My author pal Abigail Sharpe just released a medical romance, and you know those have been my jam this year!
Who Wants to Marry a Doctor?
She has four men to choose from
When her pediatric hospital faces a financial crisis, Dr. Sabrina Bankhead is willing to do anything to save it and the children it serves. Agreeing to be the bachelorette for a TV fundraiser seems like the best way to help, until the single mom discovers the host is far more appealing than any of the contestants. But falling for Quinn would ruin the competition and bankrupt the hospital. Plus, his restless nature sets off all of Sabrina's warning bells, which makes him one big walking Off Limits sign with flashing lights and blue eyes.
…so why does she want the one who’s completely off limits?
While back in the States recovering from a bomb blast in a combat zone, investigative journalist Quinn Donnelly lets his sister talk him into hosting a charity dating show against his better judgment. As a lifelong nomad with a driving need to uncover the injustices in the world, Quinn isn't looking to give up his work or settle down. Yet he's blindsided by the irresistible Dr. Bankhead, and suddenly wondering if he could exchange the biggest story of his career for a chance at love and life in a small town.
Who Wants to Marry a Doctor is a hot and sexy standalone romance and book two in the Love Match Series. It was previously published as volume two in the With This Ring Series by Forever Yours.
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Next Man Up
Game of Inches
False Start
Kristen Callihan
Helena Hunting[
author:Sarina Bowen|7737308]
Elle Kennedy
Cora Carmack
A very personal post
August 22, 2020
Surprise Sale!
Down By Contact by Tawdra Kandle🏈💜🏈💜🏈💜SURPRISE SALE!!🏈💜🏈💜🏈💜🏈💜
DOWN BY CONTACT is FREE right now for about ten days.
If you haven't read Tate and Gia's story . . . now is the time. Think angsty heart-broken young woman getting over the guy who destroyed her heart meets incredibly hot good-guy virgin football player who's been silently in love with her for years. Yeah, it's like that.
This is the first book in MAKING THE SCORE. These are stand-alone-but-related football romances. If you read the Keeping Score Trilogy, you'll know these characters.
https://books2read.com/downbycontact/
View all my reviews
August 21, 2020
Twilight Nostalgia: Love It or Hate It?
Okay. Time to come clean.
Were you a Twihard?
I was. Actually, I was also a TwiMOM! Seriously. I credit that group and the friends I made there with me becoming an author.
Here's the story. I was always a writer, but for years, I hadn't actually finished more than the occasional short story. I wrote non-fiction a lot, but nothing fun.
In mid-summer of 2008, I had come to the end of a very long and difficult rope. My parents had been gone for a year and two years, respectively. We'd moved to Florida. My husband had left his job and decided to go back to school to become a minister. I'd spent the last 14 months traveling, homeschooling and running back and forth to New Jersey to see the last bit of family left there.
I got sick, and the doctor sent me to bed for a week--strict orders. On the first day, I reached into my nightstand for something to read and found a book I'd picked up months before. It was called Twilight.
It took me about a day to finish the first book and another day to finish the second, which I already had on hand. I remember that I cried so hard during New Moon, and I couldn't figure out why. Later I realized that the book had been cathartic for me. It had allowed me to access feelings I'd been pushing down.
I knew there was a third book--and a fourth coming--and I disobeyed doctor's orders to run to the bookstore and get Eclipse. I loved it the most. But then there was an entire month before Breaking Dawn was due to come out. How was I supposed to live?
The answer was . . . write my own book.
Four months later, Fearless was finished. Three years later, it was published. I was an author, and I never looked back.
{
I wrote about this more extensively back in 2012. You can read about it here.}
But trust me, I'm not the only author who can attribute her career to Stephenie Meyer. I have many friends who read her books and took the plunge!
I've done re-read of the books over the years. Do I still love them? Well . . . yes. And no. I still smile at parts, and I also cringe a little sometimes.
Midnight Sun is something I've wanted to read for a long time, and I have to admit--I'm not disappointed. I've loved it!
Have you read it? What did you think?
Let's talk Twilight!
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This week's question: you knew it was coming. Team Edward or Team Jacob? Or team you abhor Twilight and don't care a bit?
Comment on this blog post with your answer or share on the Inside Squad!
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Reading Midnight Sun, I remembered something important.
I always liked Edward more than Bella. Especially after Breaking Dawn. For me, the charm of Bella was her humanity. Edward loved her despite the fact that she was human. When she wasn't one anymore, it felt . . . off to me.
But I always loved Edward. And hearing his story was sweet. I'm so glad we can read it now!
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Do you know that Beach Boys' Song, All Summer Long? For me, it's about the end of an amazing, fun-filled summer. When I hear it, I feel a little sad.
And yes, we're coming to the end of another summer. But the good news is . . . you can squeeze in some amazing reads!
Melanie Harlow's brand-new series launches on August 24th. You can get Drive Me Wild here. I can't wait!
Are you looking for a cozy mystery set in the 1930's in Texas? My dear friend C.H. Sessums has a series of these that will keep you guessing and smiling. Find them all here!
My friend Megan Ryder's new book The Wrong Cowboy looks soooo good. I love a good cowboy romance!
And speaking of cowboys--how about Dylann Crush's hot new romance The Cowboy Says I Do? It's yummy--and this one is already out!
If you don't hear from me next week, don't worry. I might still be in the sand with my books!
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Last week, I shared the cover reveal and links for the holiday anthology I'm part of--JINGLE BALLS!
Today, I want you to see the cover for my story. It's ummm . . . a little steamy!! And I love it! (Thanks, Meg Murrey!! <3)
All of the profits from sales of the set go to the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation. My contribution to the anthology is set in my Diagnosis: Love world. It’s the story of Darcy Ryan, a nurse practitioner at St. Agnes Memorial Hospital, and her choice between the man who rocked her bod one summer years ago and the guy who’s romancing her soul these days. Everything comes down to what happens at the Jingle Balls Gala . . .
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Nurse practitioner Darcy Ryan and football hottie Jackson Carmichael spent one magical, sexy summer together seven years ago. Everything between them was perfect until he abruptly broke Darcy’s heart and left her bitter.
These days, Darcy’s finding romance with a man who seems perfect for her, even if she hasn’t met him in person. She’s finally banishing memories of Jackson . . . until they both end up on a committee to plan the Jingle Balls Gala. Now she can’t get away from Jackson’s smoldering eyes and sizzling smirk.
When it comes down to a choice between the man who rocked her body and the guy who knows her heart, who will Darcy kiss under the mistletoe at the Jingle Balls Gala?
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Guess what? DOWN BY CONTACT, the first book in the Making the Score series, is going to be FREE to celebrate the new football season!! We'll celebrate next week!
{It's already free everywhere by Amazon, of course.}
August 15, 2020
And now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
Hey! Look at this. A Friday newsletter that doesn't involve me telling more about Emma, Deacon, Noah, Jenny, Nico . . .
But it was sure fun while it lasted. And I'm happy to share that I'm already hard at work on Noah's books, coming out in April. The preorders are up everywhere.
I took this week off--kinda sorta. I've still been writing, and I'm still working on stuff for the NINC conference (yes, it's still going on . . . in person, in St. Pete Beach next month. Pray for my sanity.)
But as two dear friends recently pointed out . . . my time 'off' is not like other people's. I wasn't sleeping in, lounging on a beach or being spoiled. I spent it writing, planning, and doing a few other necessary parts of the author life.
I did take off an afternoon to spend it with my youngest daughter in the town upon which Harper Springs is based. That was so much fun!
This week, I have some cool reads from my friends, a surprise announcement, and a BOGO. Read on!
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Question of the Week
I hope you've read the Diagnosis: Love Trilogy by now! Which character is your favorite??
All responders are entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Winner chosen at random and announced on August 21st.
You can respond to this email to answer OR on The Inside Squad!
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My friends write great books!
I've been giving you lots of luscious books in the past month--but since I'm taking a breather until the end of September, be sure to check out this lovely list of books my friends have released!
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Surprise!
Did you love my new series Diagnosis: Love? Then I have some super good news for you!
I wrote a holiday novella in this world. It's the story of Darcy, the nurse practitioner, and Jackson, her teenage crush and the guy who broke her heart. The guy who just so happens to be a hot and hunky football star. And guess what? He's back in town.
Of course, your favorites Emma and Jenny will have cameos in this book, too.
This story is part of a fun and sexy holiday anthology called JINGLE BALLS. I worked with some wonderful author friends on this, and all proceeds go to the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation.
This set goes live on September 29th, but you can preorder it now!
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Nurse practitioner Darcy Ryan and football hottie Jackson Carmichael spent one magical, sexy summer together seven years ago. Everything between them was perfect until he abruptly broke Darcy’s heart and left her bitter.
These days, Darcy’s finding romance with a man who seems perfect for her, even if she hasn’t met him in person. She’s finally banishing memories of Jackson . . . until they both end up on a committee to plan the Jingle Balls Gala. Now she can’t get away from Jackson’s smoldering eyes and sizzling smirk.
When it comes down to a choice between the man who rocked her body and the guy who knows her heart, who will Darcy kiss under the mistletoe at the Jingle Balls Gala?
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Kobo Bogo!
Is there anything better for a book lover than a Kobo BOGO? I don't think so!
For my friends in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK--check it out!
My included books are:
The Anti-Cinderella Royal Romance Box Set
The Keeping Score Box Set 
The Crystal Cove Romances
Career Soldier: The Total Package
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Here's what to look forward to in next week's Insiders Blog!
Twilight Nostalgia
I'm reading the new book Midnight Sun in my downtime. Let's chat about all things sparkly vamp!
Team Edward or Team Jacob?
We'll talk about the pros and cons.
The legacy of Twilight
These books were more than just stories. They changed how we read.
The last gasp of summer reading!
Getting in some awesome reads before Labor Day!
August 10, 2020
Today is the last day!
Happy Monday. Is that a contradiction in terms? Hmmmm . . .
I hope y'all had a lovely weekend. Mine was very low-key, recovering from over a month of hard work leading into the Diagnosis: Love releases. I also had the pleasure of visiting my youngest daughter at our favorite halfway meeting point--which just happens to be the town on which Harper Springs, the setting for the Diagnosis: Love books, is based.
But let's get down to business. Today is the last day to get the first book of the new series for only 99 cents. The price is scheduled to go back to $5.99 in the US (and the commensurate price point internationally) at midnight tonight.
I hope that if you haven't one-clicked this series by now, you'll do it today before the price goes back up! A
After today, these books will not be discounted at all for at least a year. My pricing strategy often lowers the price of a first-in-series book at some point, but not before the book is a year old--so you want to grab the whole shebang today.
It will make your Monday SO much happier!
INFORMED CONSENT
Amazon
Apple Books
Kobo
Nook
Add it to your TBR!!
Informed Consent: A Diagnosis: Love Medical Romance
