Milly Taiden's Blog, page 41

Authors After Dark

Hello you wonderful readers!

I recently got back from AAD Atlanta 2015. It was AMAZING! I saw so many of you there! And a lot of my Street Team members (18 of them) showed up to have a wonderful time. First let me start off by saying it was a heck of a lot of work but OMG so worth it. You all don’t realize how much I appreciate you. I really do. It is because of each and everyone of you I can write full time.

One of the most coveted items at AAD were the “I Almost Gave A Fuck” Tees from me. Can you say awesome!? Everyone loved them!

With Eve Langlais (on the right) who shared a boardroom with me and a couple of others. It was so much fun!!!

Me and the always amazing Lia Davis! I love this lady!

With 18 of my street team members who are wearing their “Milly Claimed” or “Milly Owned” Tees! I can’t thank them enough for all they do every day!

Most surprisingly, I won a Bookie for Twice The Growl as Menage of the year!!! This is all thanks to you!

I got to hang out with amazing author and reader friends! Like all cons there was just a TON of silly stuff and lots of laughs!

With Robyn Peterman-Zahn

Costumes, Selfies and so much more!

I loved every second and cannot wait to go back next year. Be sure to come to The Novel Experience because I will be there along with so many authors who love readers!

Breathe…

For most of my life, I have been the kind of person who smiles at the world but deep inside there’s this big, gaping black hole controlling my emotions. Emptiness. Pain. The feeling of being so alone in the world that nothing ever makes you truly happy. Otherwise known as depression. Before I go into this subject, I want to state that this is my experience with depression.

National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC)

Depressive illnesses are anything but rare in modern society. We all know someone who has struggled with depression.
FACT: By conservative estimates, one in five Americans has firsthand experience with depression, bipolar illness or another mood disorder
FACT: In a given year, roughly 21 million Americans, or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 or older, are suffering from a mood disorder
FACT: About 11 in 100,000 people die yearly by suicide; mental illness is the number one predictive factor

I want to start by saying that depression is an illness.

For so many years, I was told to ‘get over it’ or ‘what do you have to be sad about?’ so I held it in. I held in the struggle of waking up every morning and wanting it all to end.

To all those people who are told daily that they need to ‘snap out of it’, you have every right to feel how you feel. We cannot control depression. We can’t stop it from destroying a happy moment and making you feel like you are invisible. Worthless.

“The facts about depression, bipolar illness and related mood disorders speak for themselves. With proper diagnosis and intervention, all are highly treatable or manageable conditions. Yet these illnesses remain largely defined by the many areas where the best efforts of healthcare providers, researchers, academics, politicians, community leaders, patients and families are falling short. Too often, public perceptions of mental illness are ill-informed and sufferers are misunderstood and stigmatized. Gaps exist in the delivery and utilization of care, and under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis are common. These trends are exacerbated by a significant shortage of providers trained in evidence-based treatment practices.”

Please stop treating depression like it’s someone’s way of getting attention.

Unless you’re the one with thoughts of ending it all because you can’t stand the pain, you can’t stop the tears, your life feels meaningless, you might have a hard time understanding what it’s like. Depression doesn’t come with a sad look and obvious check list.

People have a hard time understanding what the depressed person can barely understand herself.

Depression comes as a girl who couldn’t relate to anyone. A girl who could not understand why she couldn’t find pleasure or joy in anything she did.Depression comes as a teen who did amazing in school. A teen who was outgoing and fun and who liked to do things for others.

Depression comes as a woman who has a loving family but she can’t understand why there’s a void in her heart. A woman who is constantly surrounded by hugs, kisses and smiles but struggles to go on day by day.

It can hit you hardest when you are trying to do something with family or friends, leaving you feeling helpless. So you hide behind a smile and ask yourself why it keeps happening.

I used to sit by my bedroom window for hours. And just cry. I felt alone. I felt alienated. I had no one I could talk to and explain myself because most people didn’t get what I was feeling.

My life as an author has put me outside of my home and in front of readers. It’s pushed me to interaction and real-time discussions with others. At first it was overwhelming. I am so grateful to readers for what they’d done for me. For my books. But I found myself withdrawing even more into the emptiness.

FACT: Up to 80% of those treated for depression show an improvement in their symptoms, usually within four to six weeks of beginning medication, psychotherapy, support groups or a combination of these approaches
FACT: Now that more and more primary care settings are acknowledging depression and discussing treatment options with patients, outcomes are beginning to improve

So I wrote. Books gave me an escape. They stopped the thoughts of ending the pain and instead allowed me to live in worlds I created. They allowed me to laugh. So you want to know why I chose romantic comedies? There you go. When you’ve lived with depression for most of your life, you need the laughter and the smiles of fun stories. Digging too deep into emotions you don’t understand can trigger things you might not be ready for.

There’s one reason why I chose to write this today.

I want to help.

To those who don’t suffer from depression but know someone who is:

Stop thinking this is just momentary.

Stop telling them to let it go.

Stop saying ‘you have nothing to be depressed about’.

Stop making them feel like they’re being selfish.

Nobody chooses to be depressed. Nobody chooses to live in the constant pain of feeling worthless. Nobody.

Listen.

Show some compassion.

Do something nice.

Remember that depression is an illness. A lot of people live with it and don’t share it with the world.

FACT: It is estimated that one third of those who seek help do not receive adequate treatment over the course of their lives

To those who live with this beast of dark emptiness:

Don’t quit. Don’t give up on life.

Find an outlet.

Talk to someone. Speaking your feelings helps reduce the focus on it. It can be a therapist or a friend. Get someone you trust and tell them how you feel.

Do something you absolutely love.

See a doctor.

Don’t put a period in your life. Nobody but you is in control of getting you help.

Go outside. Get a hobby.

Remember that you aren’t alone. That feeling telling you that you are, is wrong. Someone out there loves you. Needs you. Would be broken without you.

More than anything…

Just breathe.

Keep fighting.

One step at a time we can go real far.

Need help? Know someone who does?

1 (800) 273-8255

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Website: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

New York

This past weekend I went to Sexy in the City (here in NY)

It was great! I saw some amazing author friends like Kym Grosso, Deborah Bladon, Jill Prand, Laura Kaye and Carly Phillips!

From left to right: Laura Kaye, Carly Philipps and me

Deborah Bladon and me

Kym Grosso and me

Jill Prand and me

I even gaveaway a ‘DIRTY’ basket hehehe you know, you know. The photo is with me and the winner.

Below is my niece and how Milly-fied she was. 100% Promoting me. She’s too cute.

My lovely sister and niece went with me as assistants. Somehow had to put all that swag on the table LOL!

Next con is Ohio this week. Be sure to stay tuned for awesome photos of that one!

Ottawa

You want more info on what I’m up to? Awesome!

Also in April, because one con, full time writing and trying to have family isn’t enough work, I went to Romancing the Capital Ottawa. This was a great fun with friends and readers. We had a small convention and lots of laughs. We even celebrated my Birthday it was fun had by all.

We had a Find Alice in Wonderland Party.

A 50’s dress up Howling Ball.

And amazing authors and readers dress up with us.

I hope next year to see more of my Amazing Readers join us for Romancing the Capital Ottawa 2016.

Have you caught up on my latest series

Furocious Lust Shorts Book 1-5?

I am working on book 6 to finish as we speak.

​

Hope you all enjoyed them to this point.​

Vegas

Hey you lovely readers!!!

Sorry I have been so busy lately tons of conventions back to back. So thought we would look back at the last few conventions in hopes that some of you will be able to meet me at some in the future.

I started the book convention in Vegas Baby!!!

It was a amazing trip where I got to meet some of my great Sexy Bites street team members and some of you my wonderful readers. I hope next year to see more of you in attendance and would love you to let me know if your are going so I can keep it in mind to find you!!

Hope you are all caught up in my new releases.

I am working hard between conventions to get them out.

Cover Reveal for Red Hot Lovers Steamy Romance Boxed Set

Red Hot Lovers: 18 Novels of Love, Passion, and Thrilling Suspense.

RELEASE DATE: March 24, 2015

ON SALE FOR A LIMITED TIME! Over 3000 pages from your favorite NYT and USA Today bestselling authors!

Eighteen NYT, USA Today, and top-selling authors have banded together to bring you 18 beautifully romantic, heart-pounding stories of love, passion, and thrilling suspense.

These 18 sexy, sweet men will go to the ends of the Earth to win their ladies’ hearts, but will these lovers emerge unbroken?

From first kisses to dangerous encounters and second chances at love, we’ve gathered all 18 wonderful stories in one big box. This heart-pounding collection is filled with confident, sexy, and sweet men you’ll fall madly in love with.

EIGHTEEN NOVELS TO CAPTURE YOUR HEART

AND SET YOUR BLOOD ON FIRE!

“Their Second Chance” by Milly Taiden

Nick lost the woman he loved to the heartbreak of infertility. One locked door will either leave them broken forever or back together.

“Forever Sheltered” by Deanna Roy

A doctor with a secret falls for the unorthodox art therapist at the hospital where he works, sparking a love affair that could destroy both their careers.

“Kiss of Memory” by V. M. Black

Will has spent his adult life locked in a Victorian sanitarium because he suffers from seizures, but a mysterious baroness offers him a bargain he can’t refuse.

“The Cowgirl Ropes a Billionaire” by Cora Seton

Bella needs money fast, so she enters the reality show, Can You Beat a Billionaire. If she loses, she’ll have to marry him.

“What A Girl Wants” by Blair Babylon

Rhiannon, brand-new back-up singer in the rock band Killer Valentine, cannot fall in love with any of the band members. Really. She must not. Really.

“Beyond Love and Hate” by Zoe York

Tall, dark, handsome, and totally infuriating. Beth can’t stop thinking about her new colleague. But Finn isn’t the guy for her, and they both know it.

“Ripped” by Olivia Rigal

Lyv wants a life far from her dysfunctional family and their diner. What she gets is an absent rock-star baby daddy and one helluva choice to make.

“Ready to Fall” by Daisy Prescott

Falling in love is the last thing on John’s mind when Diane, a beautiful brunette with her own messy past, moves next door.

“My First, My Last” by Lacey Silks

Pierced, tattooed and hot as hell, Adrian steps back into Mia’s life after 20 years. Mature. More experienced. Intent on reclaiming his first love.

“Azure” by Chrystalla Thoma

On vacation in Greece, Olivia meets sexy and enigmatic Kai, but Kai belongs to the sea, and the sea won’t let him go, unless Olivia breaks the curse before it’s too late.

“Wicked Little Sins” by Holly Hood

The more wicked the sin, the deadlier it can be. Home for the funeral of their mother, four siblings unearth more than they bargained for.

“The Royal Elite: Ahsan” by Danielle Bourdon

Sheikh Ahsan Afshar, an arrogant, seductive rogue, falls for a woman whose deadly secrets could tear them apart.

“All for Hope” by Olivia Hardin

Brennan didn’t want to be the love of Hope’s life. He wasn’t the man she needed. But sometimes the safest distance between two hearts is none at all.

“High Risk Love” by S.J. Mayer

Risking it all for the one who could shatter her heart completely? Bad idea. Yet Jasmine can’t stay away from Jet any more than he can from her.

“Rush” by Violet Vaughn

Olympic hopeful Gretchen is all for a sex only relationship. But when it races out of control, love isn’t the only devastation that threatens her chance for gold.

“First Taste” by Mira Bailee

Cautious Olivia has no interest in the lives of celebrities until Devon Stone—sexy tabloid favorite—insists she cater a party at his mansion.

“The Perfect Someday” by Beverly Preston

Tracy lives by a strict moral code, but one masked night with a handsome Italian who entices her deepest desires changes everything.

“St. Charles at Dusk” by Sarah M. Cradit

Set amidst the lush and vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, Oz and Adrienne must survive forbidden love and startling heartbreak.

* * * * *

Sign up to know when it’s out: http://eepurl.com/TW7HP

Like the Red Hot Facebook page

to keep updated on this and future boxsets!

31 Days of Christmas – WINNERS Announced!

Welcome to 2015! Sorry it took longer to than expected to announce winners, but  I got home exhausted and with a cold. Rafflecopter winners were announced and emailed. Most have already claimed their prizes.

As for my daily blog winners, here they are and will be getting individual emails sent out today.

Winners At The Blog Giveaways

12/1 Giveaway

Danielle A.

12/3

Barb Kiser

12/5

Theresa Esterline

12/7

Marie Woods

12/9

Jennifer Wedmore

12/11

Patty

12/13

Debbie

12/15

Miki

12/17

Michelle Willms

12/19

Tammy Ramey

12/21

Danisha

12/23

Lisa K

12/25

Judy Stone

12/27

Dora Zeno

12/29

Sue G

12/31

Christal

 

Winners At the Rafflecopter

 

Lori N.

Jenni L.

Eskimo Princess A.

Amber H.

Sara C.

Tina M.

Michelle W.

Kymberli P.

Veronica D.

Tammy R.

JoAnna H.

Gena R.

Janie P.

Sue G.

Janet H.

 

THANK YOU for entering and making the end of 2014 so fun! Make sure to stop by Mina Carter‘s website and find out if you won over there too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Are you partying like it’s 1999? 31 Days of Christmas

2014 has been an awesome year. THANK YOU to all you fabulous reader’s. Without you, I couldn’t do all that I do.  Have a very Happy, and safe, New Years.  What plans do you have?  No matter what, please remember to be responsible and if you’re drinking, have a DD.  I want to see all your lovely faces in 2015. *hugs*

All who comment will be entered to #win the final daily contest–and we’re going out with a bang. Today’s prize is a copy of Scent of a Mate.  And it’s also the last day to enter to win the grand prize…a Kindle Voyager or $199 gift card.  Make sure to stop by all mine & Mina Carter‘s post to enter! All winners announced on January 4.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Favorite holiday food (31 Days of Christmas)

As the holidays start coming to an end, a lot of us begin to think about New Year’s resolutions…which usually include losing weight.  Over the holidays, I know I eat a lot more than normal.  Some of the foods my family traditionally fixes are coquito (Puerto Rican eggnog) you can find the recipe online.As well as pernil (roast pork) and other Hispanic dishes like potato salad.  And cookies…cannot forget the cookies! I love the holiday food and spending time with family.

What are some of YOUR favorites? Did you moderate or gorge out this year? Let me know and 1 lucky person will #win a signed sports pack.  

Have you entered for the grand prize–a Kindle Voyager or $199 gift card? Make sure you also stop over and say hi to Mina Carter.  All winners announced January 4.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giving back–do you volunteer or donate to charity? 31 Days of Christmas

The holidays are a great time, and provide many opportunities to give back to your community: The Salvation Army always has people out with the cans & bells, Toys for Tots, Angel Trees, helping out at local shelters (volunteering to help serve meals, etc), donations to food banks.  You name something, and there’s a good bet you can either volunteer to help or give a donation.

I like to take my son shopping and pick out a toy…or several…to donate to Toys for Tots (and bonus for me…hot fireman for eye candy lol!). We talk about the organization and what they do, so he knows that the toys go to a child who may not have many toys or get much for Christmas. I find it very important to teach him the importance of giving back and this is a way for us to have fun doing it.

How do you give back? Comment below for a chance to #win a fun swag pack.  And don’t forget to enter for the grand prize—a Kindle Voyager or $199 gift card.  Make sure to stop by & give Mina Carter some love, too.  All winners announced on January 4.

a Rafflecopter giveaway