Cheryl Harper's Blog, page 9

#RWA14, stress dreams, and a giveaway

I can always tell when I’m about two weeks away from a trip because the crazy dreams start. Sometimes I’m in college and failing a history class because I never knew how to find the classroom. Sometimes there’s a maniac clown after me and all the doorways are tilted. Listen, don’t ask. I have a long list of dreams that just…I can’t even explain. I’ve gotten pretty used to those. Last night I had a new one:

I’m fully clothed but in the shower. With me, although I don’t know it at the time, is a an author whom I’ve never met. Because of our last names, we are usually near each other at book signings. In real life, I know what she writes and that she has an impressive sense of style and fashion. More than once I have admired her shoes. In my dream, she’s a zombie. And in this world, zombies hate water. So I’m in the shower, but she’s hidden behind her own black shower curtains inside the shower and I’m dumping buckets of water over her shower. In my dreams and in my real world, bucket = old Country Crock container. Just so you get the full visual. So I’m dumping. And dumping. And dumping. Every now and then there’s a mumbly growl from behind the black curtains. Finally I get smart and pull down the handheld shower thingy and aim it over her shower curtains.

Then the water pressure dies.

So I’m in the shower with an angry zombie.

Somehow I grab her by scruff of the neck, but she’s doing that cartoon glance where she’s looking obviously at my hand and back at my face and back at my hand and back at my face. When I look down, there’s a fang sticking out of my hand. Everyone knows that zombieism is contagious through the bite, right? I don’t know why she had fangs. Also, she must have introduced herself by saying “I’m a zombie” because she looked pretty undead to me. Except for the fang sticking out of my hand.

I did not notice her shoes in the dream. Also, this is why I do no prepping for doomsday. Instead of smashing her with the handheld shower thingy, I reach inside. When doomsday comes, I’ll be the first to go. It’s okay.

When I woke up, I had my dog in a wrestling hold that’s probably called the double chicken wing or something creative and he was all “What the what?”.

No animals or zombies were harmed in this dream episode. But now you will understand why I’m a zombie in San Antonio.

STILL, IF YOU’RE NEAR SAN ANTONIO ON JULY 23, COME AND SEE ME! This is the video from Atlanta’s literacy event. It’s cool.

At the literacy signing, I’ll have my two latest books (Santa, Bring My Baby Back and A Minute on the Lips, I think) and some freebies (and I know where at least one zombie is sitting. I’ll protect you. You trust me, right?).

I’ll also have some of these bracelets to give away! If you want to win one before that or you aren’t in the San Antonio area, here’s a chance to win your own: Heartwarming Authors Blog.

 

Tagged: bracelet, dreams, giveaway, Harlequin Heartwarming, literacy, RWA, San Antonio, stress

May News: 3 new books coming, RT Booklovers Convention, and MORE

First things first: Happy Memorial Day. Please remember the service and sacrifice military men and women and their families make and say thank you if you can.

I didn’t look at the date of my last post because I had to really think, think, think to remember how to log on so that’s way too long. Thus, long post ahead!

1. I’m working on THREE more books for Harlequin Heartwarming and I AM ALL EXCITE about this. We’ll be going back to Tall Pines to visit a beautiful bed and breakfast on lovely Spring Lake, and then we’re changing scenery, going a little international, and then going to the dogs and cats and…well, we’ll have to see! I love all three concepts, so let’s see how well I can pull them off. While I’ve been away, the 2-in-1 version of A Minute on the Lips for sale in Australia arrived. SHINY! Also, “G’day, mate. Throw another shrimp on the barbie.” That’s all the Australian I know.

Here’s the whole international family: A Minute on the Lips, its British cousin, and the Australian branch.

2. I drove down to the RT Booklovers’ Convention in New Orleans at some point this month. All my days are blurred together, you know? It was my first visit to New Orleans and my first RT. Highlights: hanging with my friend Codi Gary, meeting Sara from Harlequin Junkie, peeking at Lisa Kleypas at the Avon party at Acme Oyster House, and shaking Charlaine Harris’s hand, and…there are many! After all the convention excitement and actually meeting FANS (I mean, of MY books, not just people who like to read because I love those but people who talk about my characters and are not actually named my best friend…that’s like whoa), I went to Cafe du Monde, had beignets, and this view.

3. I drove to Florida, camped out under an umbrella, and listened to the waves with the person named my best friend. It was awesome. We watched the beach attendant. We shopped. And did I mention it was awesome? Because it was. When we decided to exert ourselves, we visited the Gulfarium and I learned that I need a 13-stroke handicap to play minigolf on the pink course at the Big Kahuna. That was a sobering realization. Obviously I need to work on my putt-putt golf stroke.

4. I drove home. The ginormous yard had returned to its natural, jungle-like state, the mail was out of control, and the dog was mad. If they didn’t keep the beach so far away, I would have just jumped right back in the car. Eleven days, 1500 miles, 27 hours in the car. After I fought my way out of the paper bag that is streets I’ve driven my whole life and still managed to miss my turns, I did it flawlessly. There was some circling of the hotel in New Orleans, but I blame traffic, construction, and one-way streets for that.

5. Now I must write like the wind. Yesterday was a solid day of 5,000 words. I’m looking at my deadline and doing the math on my fingers and thinking there’s totally a chance I could still possibly make it. Maybe. Everyone keep your fingers crossed for me, ‘mkay? While I write, this song is playing in my head. The Bandit is my driving inspiration, after all. I’m just going to get in the rocking chair and put the pedal to the metal.

Tagged: A Minute on the Lips, Australia, beach, beignets, Cafe du Monde, fans, Florida, harlequin, Harlequin Heartwarming, New Orleans, RT, RT Booklovers Convention, writing

SALE! BIG SALE! A Minute on the Lips is on SALE!

Ahem. What I meant to say is that if you’ve been waiting for the best time to give A Minute on the Lips a try, you might want to head on over to http://www.Harlequin.com this month. As a part of the very cool “She’s on the Job!” promo, Sheriff Andi’s book is 40% off (code STJ414). Want to know more about the book: CLICK HERE. Want to read an excerpt? I have that too RIGHT HERE. How about a review? Fresh Fiction says:

This story is a wholesome read with heartfelt emotions and family values important to every individual. Andi has to weigh her home, family and entire community in her decision to turn loose of the past and seek her own happiness. I loved this cute story full of humor, emotion and true caring for the entire community and family. This author never fails to deliver! I am an avid follower of this very talented author and read everything she writes. Kay at FreshFiction.com

Sale ends April 30 so…go ahead and pick up the book. I’ll wait here with Andi and Mark, just raking up leaves…

Tagged: books, harlequin, Harlequin Heartwarming, minute on the lips, romance, sale, Sweet Romance

A Minute on the Lips’ UK version and me

 

On Saturday, the postman slogged through the mud to bring me copies of the UK version of A Minute on the Lips. Yes. Let’s let that marinate for a moment. The UK version. Here’s the link: A Minute on the Lips, Mills and Boon UK. This is different than the Australian version, which I have not seen yet and which will send into full-on meltdown most likely. Here’s a link just so you’ll believe me: Australian 2-in-1 Version. Don’t worry…there will be new pictures of this one too.

This, combined with the Goodreads group’s discussions on dream travel destinations, the unending snow…it’s all turned the flame up under my desire to go to London. I yearn. Like the way I yearn for whatever chocolate dessert’s on the menu that I never order but bigger. Over the past year, I’ve had a trip planned at least 3 different times but never pushed the “BOOK IT!” button. This is probably because I remember my panic on landing in the Newark airport and facing navigating New York by myself. Also, I might never want to come back. I managed New York. London could be tackled too. Right?

Tagged: A Minute on the Lips, Australian version, books, Harlequin Heartwarming, London, Mills and Boon, Sweet Romance, travel, UK version, writing

Goals or Here We Go Again

Last week I was very ambitious. I read a few sentences somewhere about how writers need a business plan. I know some business. Make a plan for income and expenditures with action steps to meet the goals set. Easy. It is not. But I set out a solid work plan through June with measurable goals. I like goals. I like lists. I like seeing progress. And while I’m waiting and stalking my inbox for answers, it’s a good thing for me to KEEP WRITING. JUST KEEP WRITING.

My goals for this week:

1. Taxes. Ugh.

2. Polish up a finished story, write a synopsis, and start querying.

Turns out, that story wasn’t quite finished and now I remember why, so the work’s been a little more intense than I thought. And the taxes? *unintelligible mutters*

Neither is really all that difficult (although, seriously, taxes…why so complicated? Also: Cheryl, plot better please.), so what is the deal? I’ve heard someone else call it the imposter syndrome when referring to writing. The idea that any success you’ve had has been pure luck and you can never repeat it again because you don’t know what you’re doing. And for me, it’s the biggest challenge.

Goals are good things. I’m going to hit this week’s, I think, so we’ll see how it goes from there. Writers, how do you keep going? Got a business plan model you’d like to share?

Tagged: writing

Adventures in Fiction THIS WEEKEND

If you’re in Dallas/North Texas/driving distance, come see me at Adventures in Fiction this Saturday, February 15. Here’s a link to the site: Adventures in Fiction.

Where: InterContinental Hotel, Addison, TX

When: Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.

Why: BOOKS! AUTHORS including Rachel Caine, Jill Shalvis,, Lorraine Heath, so…so many! And me. Click the link to see the list. Seriously. Do it. I can wait right here.

I’ll have Stuck on You, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and Santa, Bring My Baby back as well as my newest book, A Minute on the Lips. PLUS THERE’S MORE! IT SLICES, IT DICES, IT JULIENNES…wait, that’s a different commercial. MORE FREEBIES!! What? YES! BOOKS*. And candy*. I know what works.

*while supplies last and all.

Come see me.

Tagged: A Minute on the Lips, Adventures in Fiction, Avon, books, Can't Help Falling in Love, Dallas, free, Fresh Fiction, harlequin, Harlequin Heartwarming, romance, Santa Bring My Baby Back, Stuck On You, Sweet Romance

New #Giveaway: A Minute on the Lips signed copy, cookbook, Gram’s dishcloths

Now I want to celebrate my NEW BOOK! I don’t actually have the printed copies in my hand but they’re on the way. Enter to win by February 17! Here’s the Rafflecopter link: a Rafflecopter giveaway

CLICK TO ENTER!

Tagged: A Minute on the Lips, chili recipes, clean romance, crochet, dishcloths, Harlequin Heartwarming, Sweet Romance

Celebrating my Bookiversary! #Giveaway (Elvis and @Incoco nail strips)

Last year, Kiss Me released on February 5, leading me down the merry rocking and rolling Elvisy path to Stuck on You, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and Santa, Bring My Baby Back. What a great year it’s been! To celebrate, I’ve got this neat giveaway. The contest runs until February 17 (and is just the first one…I have more…mwa-ha-ha!) The Rafflecopter link is HERE: a Rafflecopter giveaway

CLICK TO ENTER!

WHAT YOU COULD WIN:

Signed copy of Santa, Bring My Baby Back, Elvis bag, Manicure set, 3 bottles of nail polish, Nail decals, Two sets of Incoco nail strips (Pink Polka Dots Sweetie Pie and First Crush)

Tagged: Can't Help Falling in Love, Elvis, giveaway, Incoco, Santa Bring My Baby Back, Stuck On You

Celebrating my Bookiversary! #Giveaway (Elvis, bright colors, and @Incoco nail strips)

Last year, Kiss Me released on February 5, leading me down the merry rocking and rolling Elvisy path to Stuck on You, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and Santa, Bring My Baby Back. What a great year it’s been! To celebrate, I’ve got this neat giveaway. The contest runs until February 17 (and is just the first one…I have more…mwa-ha-ha!) The Rafflecopter link is HERE: CLICK TO ENTER!

WHAT YOU COULD WIN:

Signed copy of Santa, Bring My Baby Back, Elvis bag, Manicure set, 3 bottles of nail polish, Nail decals, Two sets of Incoco nail strips (Pink Polka Dots Sweetie Pie and First Crush)

Tagged: Can't Help Falling in Love, Elvis, giveaway, Incoco, Santa Bring My Baby Back, Stuck On You

FREE READ for February: sweet novella Miss Chance

To celebrate a great year, I’ve worked on a free novella called Miss Chance. It’s pretty special to me because it was the first thing I wrote after I decided to get serious about becoming a writer. It’s been through many different forms and I’ve learned a lot since I started. It continues to teach me (about the challenges of self-publishing this time), but I hope you’ll enjoy it! It’s available at Barnes and Noble, Apple (and at Amazon but not for free), but Smashwords has all the formats you might need so here’s the link: MISS CHANCE. 

If you could take a minute to write up a review wherever you like to buy or read books, I’d really appreciate it!

Here’s the info:

MISS CHANCE

After fumbling a paint can on the way to address the high school mascot’s leer, Mischance Missy meets Joe Summerville, her high school crush. The last time he came home, there was a parade. After ending his career with a nearly fatal crash, he’s not welcome in his hometown. Coaching winning football games is his only hope for a second chance.

Sweet romance, 30,000 words

Tagged: Cheryl Harper, clean romance, feature, free, Free read, Miss Chance, novella, romance, small town, Sweet Romance