Constance Phillips's Blog, page 7
July 21, 2016
Thoughtful Thursday: Fashionably Fitbit
Faithful readers of this blog will remember that I lost my Fitbit last November.
It was one of those weird things that you can’t believe is happening to you. It disappeared — right off my wrist — inside the house, while my daughter and I were trying to plan out how to move some furniture so we could put up the Christmas tree.
For three days, I searched the house from top to bottom, looked under furniture. Looked inside the closets Where I grabbed table coverings. Even broke down and searched my garage and care–even though I knew for a fact I hadn’t left the house. I even downloaded apps to my phone that were supposed to lock in on the Bluetooth signal.
I was completely bummed. In the previous six months, I’d fallen in love with my Fitbit. It encouraged me to meet my goal by sitting there on my wrist and telling me I could do this. I could make those steps.
My husband bought me a smart watch with a fitness app for Christmas. It was nice. But not my Fitbit. Didn’t break things down. I couldn’t track my food with it. Slowly, I didn’t think about my steps. My commitment to the gym faded.
A few months ago, the hubby and I started working with a Health Coach. We made huge dietary changes. Still, my movement lagged.
I’m a writer — by definition, I’m only productive when my butt is firmly placed in a chair. I’ve also been staring down some huge deadlines. This required I spend more hours than normal at my desk.
My inactivity has been nagging at me, though. I knew I had to make a change–for the better. My thoughts went back to my Fitbit. That constant reminder on my wrist.
But that darn thing is somewhere in this house!
Seven months later. I went out and bought a new one. (Freind me there, if you want to do challenges!)
This morning, I took it off to wash up the juicer, and then ran downstairs to change the laundry.
Hit the bottom of the stairs, and wanted to hit myself in the forehead. You forgot to put the Fitbit back on. Those steps won’t count!
Already working!
Fact: I expect the old one to surface within the next twenty-four hours.
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July 19, 2016
Tuesday Teaser: All That’s Unclaimed
For today’s Tuesday Teaser, I’d like to share the second book in the Sunnydale Days series: All That’s Unclaimed.Amazon
All That’s Unclaimed Excerpt
Over recent years, he’d come home at intervals, only to leave after a few months for more schooling or job opportunities. Somehow, something always drew him back.
Last winter, it’d been a wedding. Anna served as a bridesmaid at her brother’s nuptials. It was the first and only time he’d seen her in a dress or her long, brown hair styled in a way other than neatly pulled off her face by a gray knit headband. In an instant, she went from schoolgirl barn help to a full-grown woman.
Now, every time she showed kindness to a child or paid focused attention to the animals, the act would bathe her in an angelic glow. He also noticed the jeans and ragged T-shirts accented her slight waist and full hips better than the bridesmaid’s gown that first grabbed his libido.
The sound of Anna humming as she entered the barn turned him in her direction. She paused in front of the stall that housed the new mare before continuing down the aisle and stopping in front of him. She wiped her hands on the small towel she’d connected to a belt loop of her jeans with a metal clip. “Do you think it’s a good idea for your mom to start training that mare already?”
“You know what Mom is like. She was up half the night outlining a schedule.”
Buy: Amazon | Kindle| Nook| Kobo | iBooks |Inktera | Oyster
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July 15, 2016
Friday’s Featured Author is Kirsten Osbourne
Before we get to the Kirsten Osbourne interview, let me share her bio.
USA Today bestselling author Kirsten Osbourne knows how to write romance. Each book is an experience that transplants the reader, indulging them in decadence, intense emotion and sweeping love.
Hailing from the state of Wisconsin, she has lived in Texas for over thirty years as a mother, writer, and wife. Married to the love of her life for more than fifteen years, she knows that true love exists and shares that vision with the world.
She writes contemporary and historical romance as well and also ventures into the realm of paranormal romance. She invites you to join her in her world of fantasy, love, and make believe, no matter the location, where there is always a happily ever after at the end.
AUTHOR LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Pinterest | Goodreads
The Interview
Tell us about your latest release?
My newest book is called Nursing in Northlake. It’s the ninth book in the At the Altar series, where I take two random people and have them introduced by a crazy matchmaker at the altar. So the first time they lay eyes on each other is when she’s walking down the aisle. They’ve already signed a contract to stay together for a full year. In this one, I’ve matched up a nurse who abhors doctors with an OB-Gyn. These books are always funny and filled with fun!
Are you a plotter or pantser?
I’m a pantser. I always know what will happen at the end of the book, but it’s a vague idea. The characters are what drives the story for me, and they always know where they’re going.
What was the most difficult part of the publishing process for you?
Being disciplined enough to get the story out is always the hardest part for me. I get distracted easily, and it’s hard for me to just keep working.
How about the most fun?
The most fun is always sharing little pieces of the book I find especially funny with fans. I giggle at my own stuff, more than I probably should, and I like to share those little giggles.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I’ve been writing my whole life. I was ten when I announced to my family I was going to be an author someday, so that’s hard to answer. I’ve always had books that wanted to be written inside me, so I’ve just always done it.
Do you have any writing rituals? (Time of day to write, must have beverages? Etc?)
My time-clock is kind of upside down. I start writing at about ten pm and go til about four most mornings. Then I sleep until ten or so…sometimes later if I can. I do all my businessy stuff during the day. I drink water while I write. Lots and lots of water.
Who is your go-to author, the one you know you can always count on to deliver a great story?
Julia Quinn. I would read a cereal box if she’d written on it.
What projects are you working on at the present?
I will be starting the ninth book in the Culpepper Cowboy series on Wednesday. It’s a series I’m co-writing with Merry Farmer. It’s contemporary Western romantic comedy. We’re both having a lot of fun with that series! We wrote about six sisters, and I’m writing about their second cousin in this book. The fun never ends!
The Book: Nursing In Northlake
Nurse Heidi Hart feels life is passing her by. All her close friends from school have married and have children, and she wants what they have. Her job keeps her from dating because she works so many hours, and she’s not interested in the bar scene anyway. When her cousin emails her, excited about how wonderful her marriage is, she asks about the company that matched them. Heidi makes the decision to contact the matchmaker to find the right man for her.
Slade Henderson has spent his whole life with one goal in mind: Becoming a doctor and starting his own medical practice. Now that he’s accomplished that goal, he’s ready to move into the next phase of life, marriage and children. He goes on a series of bad dates with women he’s matched up with online and decides it’s time for him to do something radical. He calls the matchmaker his twin brother used, going through the testing involved. When he spots Heidi walking down the aisle toward him, he knows she’s the woman for him. Will he be able to break through her hatred of doctors? Or will they not be able to make their marriage work?
Buy: Amazon
The post Friday’s Featured Author is Kirsten Osbourne appeared first on Constance Phillips, Romance Author.
July 12, 2016
Tuesday Teaser: Married in Montana
Married in MontanaSavannah is tired of the dating scene, even though she wants to get married and have a family. She knows her mother will never move on with her own life as long as Savannah is single. Savannah goes to see a matchmaker, specializing in setting up couples who meet at the altar. At first, she thinks Scott is a dream come true, but his blundering soon makes her crazy.
Scott, a Montana bison rancher, doesn’t have time to find a wife. His work is all-encompassing. Besides, he tends to have a hard time getting women to go out with him more than once. When he runs into a matchmaker he’s known all his life, he tells her about the problems he’s had to see if she can help him. When he meets Savannah at the altar, his heart stops for a moment. She’s exactly what he’s looking for. Will their diverse backgrounds keep them apart? Or will they be able to work through their differences to make their marriage a loving relationship?
Buy: Amazon
Meet Kirsten OsbourneUSA Today bestselling author Kirsten Osbourne knows how to write romance. Each book is an experience that transplants the reader, indulging them in decadence, intense emotion and sweeping love.
Hailing from the state of Wisconsin, she has lived in Texas for over thirty years as a mother, writer, and wife. Married to the love of her life for more than fifteen years, she knows that true love exists and shares that vision with the world.
She writes contemporary and historical romance as well and also ventures into the realm of paranormal romance. She invites you to join her in her world of fantasy, love, and make believe, no matter the location, where there is always a happily ever after at the end.
AUTHOR LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Pinterest | Goodreads
The post Tuesday Teaser: Married in Montana appeared first on Constance Phillips, Romance Author.
July 8, 2016
Featured Author: Ray Wenck
I very excited to bring back this feature, highlighting Authors I think you should learn some more about. This week’s (second) inagural author is Ray Wenck.
About Ray WenckRay Wenck taught elementary school for 35 years. He was also the chef/owner of DeSimone’s Italian restaurant for more than 25 years. After retiring he became a lead cook for Hollywood casinos and the kitchen manager for the Toledo Mud Hens.
Ray is the author of nine novels including the highly acclaimed, Amazon Top 20 post-apocalyptic series, Random Survival, the paranormal thriller, Ghost of a Chance and the mystery/suspense Danny Roth series. A list of his other novels can be viewed at raywenck.com.
His hobbies include reading, hiking, cooking, baseball and playing the harmonica.
Ray lives in the Toledo area where most of his stories are based.
Ray’s Links: Website | Facebook
The Interview
Tell us about your latest release?
The latest release in my post-apocalyptic series, Random Survival 3: The Endless Struggle continues following the adventures of Mark and his two children Bobby and Becca as they try to rebuild civilization and survive in a new and dangerous world.
This volume introduces three new survivors, Mel, Tara and Caryn as they fight to evade capture by a warrior clan. It’s non-stop action.
Are you a plotter or pantser?
I am most definitely a pantser. I love seeing the story unfold before my eyes just as if I were the reader instead of the writer. Sometimes I have no idea where a story will go. It makes the writing process fun.
What was the most difficult part of the publishing process for you?
Understanding the process and the fact that I really wasn’t ready. It took a year the help of some awesome fellow writers to educate me enough to become a better writer.
How about the most fun?
The creation of the idea. The running with it and watching it grow. That first rough draft before I know the entire story is the best time for me. The second a third times through are work.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Wow! I’m not sure. I used to create stories in my head all the time, but never had the desire to sit down and write any of them. When I finally decided to sit and write it was so much fun I couldn’t stop. I fell into a routine and became obsessed. I finished four big novels before I ever stopped for a break.
Do you have any writing rituals?
I write almost every morning for 3 or 4 hours. I like writing away from home, usually the library or Panera. I can’t write at home. There are too many distractions. The dog wants attention, Facebook tries to entice me to look at my timeline, the refrigerator calls to me. Yet, in public, I can block out everything. Nothing bothers me.
Who is your go-to author, the one you know you can always count on to deliver a great story?
I wish I could say I only have one. Baldacci, Sandford, Coben, Coontz, Crais and several others.
What projects are you working on at the present?
I just finished editing a new paranormal thriller, Three’s A Crowd, I hope to have out soon. Live To Die Again should be out within a week. Rebel e Publishers is working on The Bottom of the Ninth, book four in the Danny Roth suspense series and I’m currently writing book 4 in The Random Survival series. Lots going on.
What do your plans for future projects include?
I’m looking into doing an audio book of Random Survival and a graphic novel of the soon the be released Zombie thriller, Tower of the Dead. I’m also doing a lot of traveling doing shows, book signings, and promotions. It’s been a busy year.
The Endless Struggle: Random Survival 3
With the mysterious event that wiped out the majority of mankind now five months past and winter fast approaching, Bobby, Becca and Myron hunt for game. Although life is not easy, it has at least settled into a somewhat normal routine. That is until they discover a band of hunters stalking human prey.
For Mel, Caryn and Tara, the end of the world has been a constant struggle to survive. The new world has become chaotic and dangerous. Those with the power make the rules. Life has little value except in the depths of depravity in the minds of those who own you. Now, pursued by armed men, the three women are forced to flee or be sold into slavery.
Bobby, Becca, and Myron rescue the women but are then hunted themselves. With time running out and the hunters closing in around them, the small band must find a place to make a stand, as much for themselves and humankind, as for humanity itself.
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July 7, 2016
My Passion on Throwback Thursday
Facebook is a great place to see a person’s passion and what makes them happy. I have to admit, I’ve grown addicted to that feature that shows you what you posted one, three, or five years ago. It’s a great little look back at what was going on in the not-so-distant past. Often there are great pictures from trips I’ve been on, inspirational quotes I shared, or pictures of my dogs. (Yeah, I’m a proud doggy parent.)
Today’s little snippet from five years ago was especially fun.
Five years ago I posted a status update about a threat I made on the office noticeboard.
“Return my purple pens or endure my wrath.”
If you think this is all in fun, you don’t know how I feel about the color purple or pens. You haven’t watched me search the floor of our local Harley dealership admiring the purple bikes, and you certainly don’t know how I never have fewer than five pens in my purse at all times (Chances are three of them will be purple.)
Even with all that truth, the post on Facebook –and the one on the noticeboard were meant to be in fun. I wanted to make someone laugh. I needed a giggle myself. It was a difficult time, and one of the few things that brought me joy was my purple pens. (And someone continued to swipe them off my desk!)
Maybe I shouldn’t have been so reluctant to spread my passion around. I hope my pens brought others joy.
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July 6, 2016
Wisdom-Wednesday: Perspective
Perspective is an odd thing to think about, but as a writer I do all the time.
When you write about the interactions between two people, you have to focus on how each individual looks at a given situation (Plot point). Of course, to create conflict, the two will come to odds over an issue, because they see what’s happening in a very different way.
And a characters journey will include them coming to see an event or situation in a different light, because they’ve grown throughout the story.
But changing perspective isn’t only for writing. I live through instances of it almost everyday.
I absolutely love the image and quote below because it’s so true! It’s like the old “Hindsight is twenty-twenty.” Sometimes when you look back at something that happened yesterday, last week, last month, last year, it looks and feels different from when it happened in the moment.
But why does that happen? The incident didn’t change.
We did.
Is a changing perspective all bad, though?Like characters in a movie or a book, seeing past incidents in a new light means we’ve grown as a human.
Can you think of a particular instance when the way you felt about a certain event changed, because you grew as a person.
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June 7, 2016
Chasing Power, Released Today!
I couldn’t be more thrilled to announce the release of Chasing Power today. The book is the long-awaited, full-length sequel to Fairyproof featuring Keiran, the moody, over-protective daughter of Monique.
I wasn’t that deep into the writing of Fairyproof when I knew Kieran would have his own book. (I think it was about his third scene.) Even though he was an antagonist (of sorts) he was dynamic…and I knew wounded.
Chasing Power
For Keiran Saysin, protecting the fairy population from humans is more than a job. It is passion and his duty to the realm. Since Eero’s revolution failed—and the discovery of fairy power lying dormant in some of the human population, that job hasn’t been easy. Now that his sister and her husband are welcoming a set of twins, old enemies have come out of hiding, hoping the children will a serve as a key to reclaiming what has been stripped from them.
Enter Annie Valentine, the genetic researcher Daniel’s mother has employed. Keiran knows the smart thing to do is cast a spell and push the human away, but something about the way she stands toe to toe and eye to eye has him forgetting that getting involved with a human could cost him everything he values, including his power.
Buy Links:
Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/1TGy2T8
Createspace print: https://www.createspace.com/6305663
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Uc0coC
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1Uc1kbA
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1117952534
We’re celebrating the release today on Facebook. I hope you’ll come by and join in the fun!
We will have several guest authors helping us to celebrate, and we’re giving a Kindle away to one lucky winner!
https://www.facebook.com/events/58527...
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May 12, 2016
Chasing Power: The Realm’s Salvation, Book 3 Cover Reveal
The Realm’s Salvation Book 3
Chasing Power is the answer to the question I’ve been most asked since the release of my first book – Fairyproof — three years ago.
Since reading about Monique, many of you wondered when you would be able to hear more about Keiran. What makes him tick? What’s going on behind that moody exterior?
It’s taken awhile but here it is. Keiran’s book.
Don’t fret, favorite characters from Fairyproof and Council Courtship are here to help Keiran on his journey.
Chasing Power
For Keiran Saysin, protecting the fairy population from humans is more than a job. It is passion and his duty to the realm. Since Eero’s revolution failed—and the discovery of fairy power lying dormant in some of the human population, that job hasn’t been easy. Now that his sister and her husband are welcoming a set of twins, old enemies have come out of hiding, hoping the children will a serve as a key to reclaiming what has been stripped from them.
Enter Annie Valentine, the genetic researcher Daniel’s mother has employed. Keiran knows the smart thing to do is cast a spell and push the human away, but something about the way she stands toe to toe and eye to eye has him forgetting that getting involved with a human could cost him everything he values, including his power.
Buy links coming soon. As always, you can find more information at my website, Facebook page, and twitter feed.
The post Chasing Power: The Realm’s Salvation, Book 3 Cover Reveal appeared first on Constance Phillips, Romance Author.
April 25, 2016
Council Courtship: New Cover for Book 2 In The Realm’s Salvation Series
Council Courtship: Tristan Ipsly knows firsthand how Eero’s ideas have ripped houses apart. More than half of his family was prosecuted for supporting the revolution, the remaining fled to the otherworld, leaving him the lone member of his house, and one of two candidates for the recently vacated Council seat. As a healer who is seated on the repopulation project, he has real solutions to the problems that face them all but fears he’s been branded a traitor, not worthy of the seat nor to court Quinn.
Quinn Vettore knows that Fairykind is dying. Eero and his revolution have left them a people divided, but she believes tradition and the Canon’s writing are equal to blame. She wants to see the Council fill the vacancy with someone who will be the voice of change. The prime candidate in her mind is the same choice of her heart: Tristan.
Too bad her Grandfather is the one man who stands in the way of both.
Buy: Smashwords | Amazon | B & N | iBooks | Kobo
This Novella, gives readers a peek of life on the realm, as well as telling Quinn and Tristan’s story. I hope you enjoy it
Reviews:
Ms. Phillips does a wonderful job of creating characters you really want to root for, and storylines that suck you right in and don’t let go until you reach the end. — Katie O’Sullivan
The writing is fun and so easy to get captured by. You will cry, and cheer, and scream right along with the characters, and you won’t have any trouble being sucked right into the story. — Happy Tails and Tales
Excerpt
Most would find serenity in the quiet of the lab, but not Tristan Ipsly. He still battled the consequences of his house’s actions, even though the moon had risen and set for several seasons since Eero’s attempted revolution and downfall.
Tristan might have been judged innocent, but wasn’t too different from the rest of his clan. He too believed that if fairykind had even a chance to survive, change needed to sweep through Council Hall.
Just not at the hands of evil.
A knock on the door called Tristan back from his idle thoughts. When he opened it, his breath hitched. Council member Gyan stood on the other side, no doubt to deliver bad news.
According to the Canon, when a Council seat was vacated by death, it was filled by the next eldest member of the eldest house. In this case, two houses could be traced back to the same season of the same iana. Because the answer was not clear cut, the remaining Council members were charged with deciding who would fill the seat: Tristan or Edwin Vettore.
Not that Tristan thought he had even a chance. He might have been found innocent of his relative’s sins and allowed to stay on the realm, but he was still an outcast.
And a young fairy.
Edwin was the elder of a well-respected blemish-free house.
Even though he was sure Gyan brought bad news, Tristan stood straighter and then bent at the waist, giving the elder the respect he deserved. “What can I do for you?”
Gyan’s face was stoic as he approached the long table and the fancy otherworld equipment Tristan had been working with. “So…this is the contribution to the Repopulation Project from my nephew.”
“Yes.” Daniel had brought the equipment to the realm a full season ago. It couldn’t be the reason Gyan chose today to visit.
“Is it helpful?”
Tristan leaned back against the stool he’d been sitting on. Comparing the blood of those with no connection to the fairyworld with those who had both fairy and human lineage, only gave Tristan and his colleagues half the answers. “Yes. It would be more so if we could convince additional fairies to let us run the same tests on them that we are running on the parshas in the otherworld. Without base comparisons, we’re still dealing with hypotheses.”
Gyan shook his head as he walked around the end of the table, eyeing the machine. “What can this show you that you can’t feel with your healing power?”
“Cell structure.”
A sly smile unlike any he’d seen on a Council member tipped Gyan’s lips. “I see that you understand the things my nephew says. You and Daniel have become friends?”
“I am learning the otherworld ways through him. I find it all very fascinating. Besides, Monique and I have been friends since our skhol days, and I’ve come to know Daniel through her.” They were two of a very small group of fairies who didn’t treat him like an outcast, and one thing he learned from his fall from grace was that friendship was something to be valued.
In the elder’s eyes, Tristan saw an emotion he couldn’t put his finger on. It was unlike Gyan to make polite conversation or skirt around an issue, but that seemed to be exactly what he was doing today. “I think Daniel could use some advice from a friend.”
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