S.E. Smith's Blog
February 5, 2023
Girls from the Street: Why did I write this series?
Hi everyone,
Have you ever had dreams that were so clear and strong that you felt like you were there? I do... all the time. My hubby likes to tease me and say that I’m always talking to aliens. With the Girls from the Street series, I was there with Aimee. I could ‘see’ her as if we were in the same room. I didn’t know how her story-or the series-would go, but I never do. I just know the characters.
Once I began writing Aimee’s story, I realized that unlike most of my previous stories, which are science fiction or paranormal based, hers and the other girls would be contemporary. It didn’t matter because the stories still had all the exciting action, adventure, suspense, tantalizing romance, and my sense of humor in them. I love my romances with an edge of excitement in them. I want my romances to have strong women who aren’t afraid to be themselves, who aren’t too stupid to live, and who, on more than one occasion, may do the saving!
I also wanted to show relationships where the women weren’t ‘awed’ by how rich a guy was, but by WHO he was under all the trappings. These women can take care of themselves just fine... and their guys when the bad guys come.
Katie is a perfect example of what I mean. Katie and the Warrior King: Girls from the Street Book 4 will come out at the end of this month. Katie’s story is one of my favorites in this series, though I love them all. Katie is a regular girl finishing up a job when she overhears a plot to kill the new King of Simdan. Disguising herself as a mute boy, she will cross the desert to warn the Savior of Simdan... not because it is easy, but because it is the right thing to do. Using the skills she learned from her mom, her life back in L.A., and her brains, she proves that a girl from the street has the power to change a country, and the soft heart to capture the love of a warrior king.
If you haven’t checked out my new contemporary series because it doesn’t have aliens, magic, or shifters, you’ll discover that these stories still have it all: an alien country, the magic of love, and women who can transform by being themselves.
If you have questions or would like to chat about this series or any other, I’m here!
Hugs,
Susan
S.E. Smith
Have you ever had dreams that were so clear and strong that you felt like you were there? I do... all the time. My hubby likes to tease me and say that I’m always talking to aliens. With the Girls from the Street series, I was there with Aimee. I could ‘see’ her as if we were in the same room. I didn’t know how her story-or the series-would go, but I never do. I just know the characters.
Once I began writing Aimee’s story, I realized that unlike most of my previous stories, which are science fiction or paranormal based, hers and the other girls would be contemporary. It didn’t matter because the stories still had all the exciting action, adventure, suspense, tantalizing romance, and my sense of humor in them. I love my romances with an edge of excitement in them. I want my romances to have strong women who aren’t afraid to be themselves, who aren’t too stupid to live, and who, on more than one occasion, may do the saving!
I also wanted to show relationships where the women weren’t ‘awed’ by how rich a guy was, but by WHO he was under all the trappings. These women can take care of themselves just fine... and their guys when the bad guys come.
Katie is a perfect example of what I mean. Katie and the Warrior King: Girls from the Street Book 4 will come out at the end of this month. Katie’s story is one of my favorites in this series, though I love them all. Katie is a regular girl finishing up a job when she overhears a plot to kill the new King of Simdan. Disguising herself as a mute boy, she will cross the desert to warn the Savior of Simdan... not because it is easy, but because it is the right thing to do. Using the skills she learned from her mom, her life back in L.A., and her brains, she proves that a girl from the street has the power to change a country, and the soft heart to capture the love of a warrior king.
If you haven’t checked out my new contemporary series because it doesn’t have aliens, magic, or shifters, you’ll discover that these stories still have it all: an alien country, the magic of love, and women who can transform by being themselves.
If you have questions or would like to chat about this series or any other, I’m here!
Hugs,
Susan
S.E. Smith
September 1, 2022
Happy September
Happy September, everyone!
This year is flying by. I would like to thank everyone for the well-wishes as I’ve recovered this past month from Bell’s Palsy and Covid. Your wishes, and a lot of rest, have helped me recover. I’m almost back to my old self!
Sometimes pictures don’t do justice to the beauty around us. To many, this would look like a weed that you’d want to pull from your yard, but if you look closely, there are dozens of butterflies, bees, and even a bird on it!
Nature is the best entertainment to me. Having hiked and basically living in the woods, I’ve grown even more aware of how unique our world is. There is an incredible amount of history hidden away as well. This is Alice Adam Caudill’s gravestone. Alice was 15 years old and very pregnant with her first child when heavy rains from two tropical storms in 1916 dropped over 22.2 inches of rain on the mountains where she and other families lived in less than two days. Alice was unable to climb the mountain to escape the flooding and mudslides. She, her mother, and her 9-year-old brother-in-law were killed. We hiked up to the Caudill cabin, the only structure still remaining. Along the way, we crossed the creek 32 times and saw the chimneys from several of cabins that didn’t survive. The Caudill family still maintains Alice’s grave and the cabin.
I’ve discovered that hiking, while not always fun, gives me time to think and find a center of balance. I love sharing my discoveries with you. For me, this journey is about sharing—sharing my stories and those that would be lost like Alice’s if no one ever walked the same paths.
I can’t help but imagine what it must have been like to live along the creek with its icy cold, pristine water. The sound of the water was peaceful and the waterfalls along the way beautiful. I can imagine the sound of children’s laughter as they raced between the homesteads lining the winding path up the mountain. I can also imagine how difficult it must have been to carve a living out of such rugged terrain and surviving a blistering winter with nothing more than a single fireplace to keep you warm.
If nothing else, it reminds me to hug my hubby and tell my kids that I love them—but, be careful how you do it! When I woke up with the Bell’s Palsy and thought I had a stroke, I texted each kid and they were all ready to come find me! I’ve since been told I’m never allowed to be alone again. LOL. That scare and the high temperature I had with the Covid reminded me how much I’m loved and needed. The world is a colorful wonderland. If you can, please either send me a picture of something that caught your eye or post it to my Facebook page, so we can all enjoy the beauty together. That really, really helped me when I was feeling bad.
Hugs and loads of love,
Susan
This year is flying by. I would like to thank everyone for the well-wishes as I’ve recovered this past month from Bell’s Palsy and Covid. Your wishes, and a lot of rest, have helped me recover. I’m almost back to my old self!
Sometimes pictures don’t do justice to the beauty around us. To many, this would look like a weed that you’d want to pull from your yard, but if you look closely, there are dozens of butterflies, bees, and even a bird on it!
Nature is the best entertainment to me. Having hiked and basically living in the woods, I’ve grown even more aware of how unique our world is. There is an incredible amount of history hidden away as well. This is Alice Adam Caudill’s gravestone. Alice was 15 years old and very pregnant with her first child when heavy rains from two tropical storms in 1916 dropped over 22.2 inches of rain on the mountains where she and other families lived in less than two days. Alice was unable to climb the mountain to escape the flooding and mudslides. She, her mother, and her 9-year-old brother-in-law were killed. We hiked up to the Caudill cabin, the only structure still remaining. Along the way, we crossed the creek 32 times and saw the chimneys from several of cabins that didn’t survive. The Caudill family still maintains Alice’s grave and the cabin.
I’ve discovered that hiking, while not always fun, gives me time to think and find a center of balance. I love sharing my discoveries with you. For me, this journey is about sharing—sharing my stories and those that would be lost like Alice’s if no one ever walked the same paths.
I can’t help but imagine what it must have been like to live along the creek with its icy cold, pristine water. The sound of the water was peaceful and the waterfalls along the way beautiful. I can imagine the sound of children’s laughter as they raced between the homesteads lining the winding path up the mountain. I can also imagine how difficult it must have been to carve a living out of such rugged terrain and surviving a blistering winter with nothing more than a single fireplace to keep you warm.
If nothing else, it reminds me to hug my hubby and tell my kids that I love them—but, be careful how you do it! When I woke up with the Bell’s Palsy and thought I had a stroke, I texted each kid and they were all ready to come find me! I’ve since been told I’m never allowed to be alone again. LOL. That scare and the high temperature I had with the Covid reminded me how much I’m loved and needed. The world is a colorful wonderland. If you can, please either send me a picture of something that caught your eye or post it to my Facebook page, so we can all enjoy the beauty together. That really, really helped me when I was feeling bad.
Hugs and loads of love,
Susan
The series I knew I had to write
Hi everyone,
The Girls from the Street series captured my imagination late last year, early this year. The stories, starting with Something About Aimee, were like many of my other stories. They are filled with action, adventure, suspense, romance, and my signature humor. The women are spunky; the guys alpha, but compassionate with a hint of vulnerability that melts my heart.
The stories called to me and I knew I had to write them. But, at the same time they were different because they were contemporary. As I wrote the series, I fell in love with the characters. In Aimee’s story, Yolanda, Aimee’s adoptive mom, captured my heart. As I hiked the trails, I could almost hear Yolanda and Aimee begging me to share their unique story.
This is a story of love between an unlikely mother and the daughter she finds and claims as her own. Yolanda’s love and nurturing helps Aimee become the beautiful, strong young woman that she is. Through Aimee, Yolanda continues to live and thrive. I hope you enjoy their story as much as I do.
Settle in with Yolanda's Ray of Sunshine
Start this gripping series with Something About Aimee ---> Something About Aimee
Hugs,
Susan
S.E. Smith
The Girls from the Street series captured my imagination late last year, early this year. The stories, starting with Something About Aimee, were like many of my other stories. They are filled with action, adventure, suspense, romance, and my signature humor. The women are spunky; the guys alpha, but compassionate with a hint of vulnerability that melts my heart.
The stories called to me and I knew I had to write them. But, at the same time they were different because they were contemporary. As I wrote the series, I fell in love with the characters. In Aimee’s story, Yolanda, Aimee’s adoptive mom, captured my heart. As I hiked the trails, I could almost hear Yolanda and Aimee begging me to share their unique story.
This is a story of love between an unlikely mother and the daughter she finds and claims as her own. Yolanda’s love and nurturing helps Aimee become the beautiful, strong young woman that she is. Through Aimee, Yolanda continues to live and thrive. I hope you enjoy their story as much as I do.
Settle in with Yolanda's Ray of Sunshine
Start this gripping series with Something About Aimee ---> Something About Aimee
Hugs,
Susan
S.E. Smith
October 4, 2021
The Mountain Before You
There are many kinds of mountains that we face in our lives. Some are physical, some are mental, but they all impact who we are, how we feel, and what we do. The last two years have been difficult for me, both mentally and physically. One thing I’ve learned is that I may cover up how I feel to others, but I can’t hide from myself—and that it is okay!
After months of ignoring how I was feeling, I had to take a step back and realize that I wasn’t invincible. I was human and human bodies, and their stubborn brains sometime needs some TLC. After years of pushing and pushing myself, they both went into rebellion. I won’t say it was pretty, or that I gave in gracefully. In fact, I slowed down so much I was watching turtles pass me—but; you guessed it! That’s okay!
I remember once when my husband and I were out hiking how guilty I felt holding him back. I knew he could reach our destination in a fraction of the time and told him to go on, that I would catch up. He stopped, held my hand, and told me it wasn’t about reaching the end of the trail that matter to him, it was being able to go on the journey with me. At that moment, I knew that I often forgot that part. Yes, reaching the top of the mountain, whatever that mountain may be, may seem exciting, but the genuine memories come from the winding path and the obstacles we overcome to reach it—and the people who walk beside us.
I’m taking time to explore the path, writing songs, writing stories, creating animated films, and sharing walks with my friends and family. I’m taking this mountain one step at a time and enjoying the journey. I’ll get there because I don’t know how to give up. It may take a while, but that’s okay—I’ll get there when I get there and have a lot more fun when I do.
So, the next time you face your mountain, or if you are facing it now, remember to pause, be kind to yourself, enjoy watching the turtles pass you by, and don’t worry—you’ll get there. You’ll just take a little longer… but that’s okay.
Hugs,
Susan
After months of ignoring how I was feeling, I had to take a step back and realize that I wasn’t invincible. I was human and human bodies, and their stubborn brains sometime needs some TLC. After years of pushing and pushing myself, they both went into rebellion. I won’t say it was pretty, or that I gave in gracefully. In fact, I slowed down so much I was watching turtles pass me—but; you guessed it! That’s okay!
I remember once when my husband and I were out hiking how guilty I felt holding him back. I knew he could reach our destination in a fraction of the time and told him to go on, that I would catch up. He stopped, held my hand, and told me it wasn’t about reaching the end of the trail that matter to him, it was being able to go on the journey with me. At that moment, I knew that I often forgot that part. Yes, reaching the top of the mountain, whatever that mountain may be, may seem exciting, but the genuine memories come from the winding path and the obstacles we overcome to reach it—and the people who walk beside us.
I’m taking time to explore the path, writing songs, writing stories, creating animated films, and sharing walks with my friends and family. I’m taking this mountain one step at a time and enjoying the journey. I’ll get there because I don’t know how to give up. It may take a while, but that’s okay—I’ll get there when I get there and have a lot more fun when I do.
So, the next time you face your mountain, or if you are facing it now, remember to pause, be kind to yourself, enjoy watching the turtles pass you by, and don’t worry—you’ll get there. You’ll just take a little longer… but that’s okay.
Hugs,
Susan
August 9, 2021
Young Adult Week: Why I write YA!
This week is Young Adult Week at Goodreads, which is fabulous. As a writer and a reader, I love many types of genres and YA is one of them. Some of my all-time favorite stories are YA books (Maniac Magee, The Black Stallion, The Secret Garden, The Forgotten Door....).
Several years ago, my grandson asked me if I would write a story that he could read. How could I say no to such a request? I began writing a coming-of-age story about a young girl living in Tampa with her mom. The story is character driven with my usual mixture of humor, action, and adventure and follows the story of Makayla as she comes to terms with her mother's addiction to prescription medication, learning about the grandfather she barely remembers, and discovering more about herself and what true friendship means. Life is not always what is handed to us, but how we handle it.
I'm very proud of Voyage of the Defiance and couldn't wait to share it with my grandson. He looked at the cover and promptly informed me 'It has a girl on the front!' LOL. Yes, that deflated me for a moment. But, being the good Nana that I am, I wrote another YA series-this one with a boy protagonist-called Dust. The idea for Dust came to me while sitting in a workshop. By the end of the workshop, I had three chapters written and had fallen in love with the quiet, introspective hero of the story. This action/adventure/fantasy/superhero story captured my heart and imagination. Fortunately for me, my grandson loves the series.
Dust won the Gold Medal in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, with Voyage of the Defiance coming in first place behind it in the Teen Category. The Wishing Shelf Book Awards is a true privilege to win because the stories are chosen by students/readers across the United Kingdom who read the stories and rate different elements. It is like the People's Choice Award for Books.
My journey into writing Young Adult books began with a simple request, but my love for the stories came from the first story my dad read to me. Giving the gift of a great story can ignite the imagination and turn non-readers into lifetime readers. I wanted to give the same gift to my grandsons that my father gave to me. Thanks, Dad, for all the wonderful evenings when you read yourself hoarse so I could have one more chapter! I love and miss you.
Hugs,
Susan
S.E. Smith
Several years ago, my grandson asked me if I would write a story that he could read. How could I say no to such a request? I began writing a coming-of-age story about a young girl living in Tampa with her mom. The story is character driven with my usual mixture of humor, action, and adventure and follows the story of Makayla as she comes to terms with her mother's addiction to prescription medication, learning about the grandfather she barely remembers, and discovering more about herself and what true friendship means. Life is not always what is handed to us, but how we handle it.
I'm very proud of Voyage of the Defiance and couldn't wait to share it with my grandson. He looked at the cover and promptly informed me 'It has a girl on the front!' LOL. Yes, that deflated me for a moment. But, being the good Nana that I am, I wrote another YA series-this one with a boy protagonist-called Dust. The idea for Dust came to me while sitting in a workshop. By the end of the workshop, I had three chapters written and had fallen in love with the quiet, introspective hero of the story. This action/adventure/fantasy/superhero story captured my heart and imagination. Fortunately for me, my grandson loves the series.
Dust won the Gold Medal in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, with Voyage of the Defiance coming in first place behind it in the Teen Category. The Wishing Shelf Book Awards is a true privilege to win because the stories are chosen by students/readers across the United Kingdom who read the stories and rate different elements. It is like the People's Choice Award for Books.
My journey into writing Young Adult books began with a simple request, but my love for the stories came from the first story my dad read to me. Giving the gift of a great story can ignite the imagination and turn non-readers into lifetime readers. I wanted to give the same gift to my grandsons that my father gave to me. Thanks, Dad, for all the wonderful evenings when you read yourself hoarse so I could have one more chapter! I love and miss you.
Hugs,
Susan
S.E. Smith
October 7, 2020
Pets in Space 5: Anthologies with a Purpose
Hi everyone,Anthologies that make a difference. I know. I know.... I, like many readers, are one of those that either love an anthology or hate them. Anthologies are one of best ways to learn more about an author, but they can also be a bit overwhelming if they are too large. If you are typically looking for a lot of shorter stories that you can read pretty fast, they are fantastic.
I’ve been in a number of anthologies over the years for different reasons. The biggest one is for charities. I love being able to give back to my community and this is the perfect win-win for both the charity and for readers.
I’ve written a story for the last 5 years in a very special anthology called Pets in Space. All of the stories deal with—well, pets and well, again—space! LOL. These are scifi-romances filled with a wide variety of steaminess and some out-of-this-world adventures. Some stories are more serious than others, but they are all filled with heart and a desire to give readers a wonderful escape from the world and their daily lives and help our First Responders and Veterans. Over the last four years, PiSA has contributed more than $15,000 to Hero-Dogs.org.
My stories each year have tied to one of my series though I write them as a stand-alone. I write from the heart, giving back to my readers as much as I can while knowing the story is helping make not only their lives more enjoyable, but also helping someone in need.
If you haven’t picked up your limited time offered copy of PiSA 5, do it before it disappears! These are 12, never-before-released stories filled with love, laughter, adventure, and amazing pets with big hearts. They aren’t the only ones, because you are also helping make a difference for someone who needs help. Giving never felt so good!
Hugs,
Susan
aka S.E. Smith
October 4, 2020
Questions, Answers, and Where am I now
Hi everyone,
I would like to thank those who have posted questions. Sometimes I get an alert from Goodreads and sometimes I don’t. It is strange. I always try to answer them the moment I do, so if it seems like I’ve ignored you, I haven’t! If you have a question, please post and I’ll try to make sure I come on an check more regularly. Thank goodness I can add an alert in my phone to do that. Time seems to be flashing by!
Speaking of time! It is hard to believe I have only been writing for 8 years! Sometimes it seems like I just started and other times it feels like I’ve been writing my entire life. I still have so many stories flowing through my mind that I sometimes get overwhelmed and have to remind myself that everything will be okay. Fortunately, the characters are patient with me even when I’m not with myself!
I’m currently working on The Dark Prince’s Prize: Curizan Warrior Book 2. I’ll be writing Jarmen’s Jane Doe: Lords of Kassis Book 6, then Rorrak’s Revenge: Zion Warriors Book 3. This will take me into 2021 where I have a long list of stories I hope to complete in a wide variety of my series including the Alliance, Dragon Lords, Sarafin, Cosmos, Gliese, Dust, and more.
If you have any questions that I haven’t answered please visit me at sesmithfl.com! Now, I’m back to writing.
Hugs,
Susan
I would like to thank those who have posted questions. Sometimes I get an alert from Goodreads and sometimes I don’t. It is strange. I always try to answer them the moment I do, so if it seems like I’ve ignored you, I haven’t! If you have a question, please post and I’ll try to make sure I come on an check more regularly. Thank goodness I can add an alert in my phone to do that. Time seems to be flashing by!
Speaking of time! It is hard to believe I have only been writing for 8 years! Sometimes it seems like I just started and other times it feels like I’ve been writing my entire life. I still have so many stories flowing through my mind that I sometimes get overwhelmed and have to remind myself that everything will be okay. Fortunately, the characters are patient with me even when I’m not with myself!
I’m currently working on The Dark Prince’s Prize: Curizan Warrior Book 2. I’ll be writing Jarmen’s Jane Doe: Lords of Kassis Book 6, then Rorrak’s Revenge: Zion Warriors Book 3. This will take me into 2021 where I have a long list of stories I hope to complete in a wide variety of my series including the Alliance, Dragon Lords, Sarafin, Cosmos, Gliese, Dust, and more.
If you have any questions that I haven’t answered please visit me at sesmithfl.com! Now, I’m back to writing.
Hugs,
Susan
October 5, 2019
Pets in Space® 4: What's All the Talk About?
What's all the talk about with Pets in Space® 4? Let's see – it has to be the 13 original, never-before-released-stories specifically written for Pets in Space®. New York Times, USA TODAY, and Award-winning authors who are determined to make a difference to the lives of our veterans and First Responders through the charity Hero-Dogs.org. A love for Science Fiction Romance and unusual animals with quirky personalities make this anthology a must-have for readers who enjoy finding new authors, reading great stories, love animals, and want to help make a difference while doing what they love – reading action-filled romances.
These are just a few of the wonderful things that make PiSA® the talk among readers who love fantastic stories by today's leading SFR authors that include Anna Hackett, Tiffany Roberts, Pauline Baird Jones, Veronica Scott, JC Hay, E.D. Walker, Kyndra Hatch, Cassandra Chandler, Laurie A. Green, Donna McDonald, Regine Able, Alexis Glynn Latner, and me!
This year the pets are spunkier than ever! L'eon, my Lightning Chameleon, is cute, cuddly, and packs a powerful punch. In Madas's Falling Star, even an incredibly skillful warrior Princess needs help sometimes. Can Madas trust the strange warrior who fell from the sky with her life… and with her heart? Well, she might not have much of a choice when L'eon decides to play matchmaker!
What makes this story even better is it is a full novel so there are no shortcuts! Pets in Space® 4 has over 1400 pages of fast-pace, exciting stories that you don't want to miss! Be sure to grab the Pets in Space® 4 Sampler before October 7th before it disappears for good. PiSA® 4 releases October 8, 2019 for a limited time only!!
Available for a limited time only! Order your copy today!
https://www.petsinspaceantho.com/
Grab the Sampler before it disappears for good on October 7th!!
https://www.petsinspaceantho.com/sampler
These are just a few of the wonderful things that make PiSA® the talk among readers who love fantastic stories by today's leading SFR authors that include Anna Hackett, Tiffany Roberts, Pauline Baird Jones, Veronica Scott, JC Hay, E.D. Walker, Kyndra Hatch, Cassandra Chandler, Laurie A. Green, Donna McDonald, Regine Able, Alexis Glynn Latner, and me!
This year the pets are spunkier than ever! L'eon, my Lightning Chameleon, is cute, cuddly, and packs a powerful punch. In Madas's Falling Star, even an incredibly skillful warrior Princess needs help sometimes. Can Madas trust the strange warrior who fell from the sky with her life… and with her heart? Well, she might not have much of a choice when L'eon decides to play matchmaker!
What makes this story even better is it is a full novel so there are no shortcuts! Pets in Space® 4 has over 1400 pages of fast-pace, exciting stories that you don't want to miss! Be sure to grab the Pets in Space® 4 Sampler before October 7th before it disappears for good. PiSA® 4 releases October 8, 2019 for a limited time only!!
Available for a limited time only! Order your copy today!
https://www.petsinspaceantho.com/
Grab the Sampler before it disappears for good on October 7th!!
https://www.petsinspaceantho.com/sampler
August 3, 2019
Saving Runt and the Challenges of a Writer
Saving RuntMy newest release, Saving Runt: Cosmos’ Gateway Book 7, comes with a mixture of feelings—the biggest one a sense is of relief that I’m finally feeling almost normal again. Writing is a true passion, but like many creative people, it comes with a few characteristics written in very fine print that should be read with care. The Biggest is to ‘Be Kind to Yourself’.
Being kind to yourself is something that we should all recognize as a critical component to remaining both physically and mentally healthy. I didn’t realize how important it was until this past year. You see, I was mom, wife, professional career woman—everything, but Susan. I forgot that if I don’t take care of Susan, it is hard to be everything else.
Writing is a very sedentary career. Research is saying that sitting is the new smoking. I don’t know about that, but I do know that it is easy to lose track of time and look up to see that midnight is fast approaching. There is always something that needs to be done: writing, emails, paperwork, Social Media interaction, bills, marketing—all the things that being in business require (don’t get me started on the bookkeeping! I still have nightmares about balancing the checkbook!) It is a guarantee that the stress of all that needs to be done, combined with sitting for hours, will cause fatigue. I’ve been working on finding balance, but it is hard to pull yourself away from what needs to be done. I always put my husband, my kids, and my job before me—until I crashed and realized that without rearranging the order, I was in trouble. I’ve learned that being a little selfish is good and that saying ‘No!’ Isn’t the end of the world! Talk about an empowering feeling.
When Runt missed her original deadline that I had set for myself, it was a devastating feeling. How could I not fulfill a commitment? How could I let readers down and myself? I was a machine, after all. I should be able to do anything and everything! I always had before. But like a snowball rolling downhill, life decided to give me a severe wake up call.
Exhaustion hit me hard. It was like plowing into a brick wall at 60 mph. That was when my husband, friends, and my readers came in and not only told me to be kind to myself—but showed me how. They were supportive as I struggled. They were patient and there for me, chatting, encouraging, and telling me to take my time—no one is going to beat me up because they had my back.
Then, I cried. I cried because I was tired. I cried because I didn’t understand what was going on with me—the woman who never stopped, who never let anyone down, who was always there. But, most of all I cried because I realized that I wasn’t alone, that I—Susan—the one everyone always leaned on—had shoulders that I could lean on. They were strong. They were warm. They helped me—and I began to write again. Sometimes a sentence before I had to lay down. Sometimes a paragraph. But the support I received braced me and each day I felt stronger and the stories began to flow stronger than ever.
I was excited about Saving Runt. I felt my writing was stronger and it felt good. Through the struggles, I felt hope and saw a shining light. That light shone down and I loved what I saw—a brilliant sign that said it’s okay to ‘Be Kind to Me’ everyday. For that I would like to thank my husband, my friends, and especially my readers. You’ve taught me a very, very beautiful lesson about life. Thank you, Susan
Being kind to yourself is something that we should all recognize as a critical component to remaining both physically and mentally healthy. I didn’t realize how important it was until this past year. You see, I was mom, wife, professional career woman—everything, but Susan. I forgot that if I don’t take care of Susan, it is hard to be everything else.
Writing is a very sedentary career. Research is saying that sitting is the new smoking. I don’t know about that, but I do know that it is easy to lose track of time and look up to see that midnight is fast approaching. There is always something that needs to be done: writing, emails, paperwork, Social Media interaction, bills, marketing—all the things that being in business require (don’t get me started on the bookkeeping! I still have nightmares about balancing the checkbook!) It is a guarantee that the stress of all that needs to be done, combined with sitting for hours, will cause fatigue. I’ve been working on finding balance, but it is hard to pull yourself away from what needs to be done. I always put my husband, my kids, and my job before me—until I crashed and realized that without rearranging the order, I was in trouble. I’ve learned that being a little selfish is good and that saying ‘No!’ Isn’t the end of the world! Talk about an empowering feeling.
When Runt missed her original deadline that I had set for myself, it was a devastating feeling. How could I not fulfill a commitment? How could I let readers down and myself? I was a machine, after all. I should be able to do anything and everything! I always had before. But like a snowball rolling downhill, life decided to give me a severe wake up call.
Exhaustion hit me hard. It was like plowing into a brick wall at 60 mph. That was when my husband, friends, and my readers came in and not only told me to be kind to myself—but showed me how. They were supportive as I struggled. They were patient and there for me, chatting, encouraging, and telling me to take my time—no one is going to beat me up because they had my back.
Then, I cried. I cried because I was tired. I cried because I didn’t understand what was going on with me—the woman who never stopped, who never let anyone down, who was always there. But, most of all I cried because I realized that I wasn’t alone, that I—Susan—the one everyone always leaned on—had shoulders that I could lean on. They were strong. They were warm. They helped me—and I began to write again. Sometimes a sentence before I had to lay down. Sometimes a paragraph. But the support I received braced me and each day I felt stronger and the stories began to flow stronger than ever.
I was excited about Saving Runt. I felt my writing was stronger and it felt good. Through the struggles, I felt hope and saw a shining light. That light shone down and I loved what I saw—a brilliant sign that said it’s okay to ‘Be Kind to Me’ everyday. For that I would like to thank my husband, my friends, and especially my readers. You’ve taught me a very, very beautiful lesson about life. Thank you, Susan
October 12, 2018
Embrace the Passion: Pets in Space 3
I’m thrilled that Embrace the Passion: Pets in Space 3 is now out. This is the third year that I’ve participated in this amazing anthology which helps benefit HeroDogs.org, a non-profit charity that helps our veterans. This year, I wrote a full length novel based in my Sarafin Warrior series. Heart of the Cat follows Vox and Viper’s brother, Walkyr, as he searches for the Heart of the Cat, a mythical gem said to hold the powers to their species. What he finds is Trescina.
Trescina Bukov recognizes that Walkyr is more than he appears to be. She has always been different, she just never knew why. In the mix is a group of alien traitors searching for the Heart as well. Action, adventure, suspense, and romance fill this story with non-stop, heart-pounding, page-turning fun.
Embrace the Romance has 11 original, never-before-released stories from today’s top SFR authors. Don’t miss out on grabbing your copy today. It is only available for a limited time!!
Trescina Bukov recognizes that Walkyr is more than he appears to be. She has always been different, she just never knew why. In the mix is a group of alien traitors searching for the Heart as well. Action, adventure, suspense, and romance fill this story with non-stop, heart-pounding, page-turning fun.
Embrace the Romance has 11 original, never-before-released stories from today’s top SFR authors. Don’t miss out on grabbing your copy today. It is only available for a limited time!!
