Mary Smith's Blog, page 2

Where would you go?

As the states begin to open up and life returns to some sort of normalcy, I started to think about vacation. I need one! From the move from West Virginia to Texas, the stress of packing/unpacking/tossing/keeping/donating my items, and my insane book release schedule, I am maxed out on stress!

So, my husand and I sat down the other day and decided on a couple of places to go, later in the year. It's nowhere SUPER fancy, but just a get-a-way for us two.

It got me thinking about where I would like to go, that I haven't already been and/or have been and want to go back to.

1) Nashville, TN
I have been to Nashville several times in my life and I swear every time I go, it's better than the last time. From the bars, food, music, and everything in between, I love it. Now, I don't think I would like to live there, because ... OMG ... it can be expensive. However, if you know me, I find the deals! (Thank you Groupon!) So, I am hoping to get back there soon and enjoy the city all over again.

2) Austin, TX

Okay, this one might seem strange since I now live in Texas. However, I have never 'explored' Texas and Austin has always been a city I have wanted to spend more time in. Why, you ask? For the food! No, seriously. I've read many articles about places to eat there and I want to eat at them ALL. Oh, sure there are other places to see, but I'm going for the food! (Just keeping it real! HAHA!)

3) Bath, England
I know you're trying to figure out ... why? It's because of my favorite author. Jane Austen. This is where the Jane Austen Festival is held every year. I really, really, want to go!! My husband just rolls his eyes and shakes his head. So, I'm pretty sure he won't be going with me. Anyway else want to go with me?

4) Oslo, Norway

I had a trip planned here one time before, but real life happened and I had to back out. However, I still want to go! I don't know what the pull is to this beautiful city. Maybe because I have never been to Norway? Mayber because I know people who have been there and have raved about it? Either way, I want to go.

Well, that's my list! Now, tell me yours! 

New Release: The Selfish Marriage (New Hampshire Bears 15) and Why I Wrote It

Last night I did something impulsive. Well, not all that impulsive because I really have been hinting around about the fact, I had finished NH 15 and it was with my editor.
So, when she sent me the finished edited copy, I wanted to get it in your hands as soon as possible. 
And I did! 
Click the image to purchase The Selfish Marriage (New Hampshire Bears 15)


I wrote this book for my mom. Her strength is something I've always admired and wish I had. Time and time again real life tries to drag her down, but she fights back harder and harder. She became a widow at a young age, because of my father's passing. She had battled cancer not once, but twice. She lost her voice in the last battle but has shown the world she can still be powerful without a voice. 
This is where the story of Edgar and Greer comes in.
I don't want to give too much away because I'm so proud of this book (as all of my books). However, this one had to be one of the more difficult to write. Besides The Coach and the Secret 
I will apologize for making so many people cry. However, if you've read any of my books, you know I write about real topics. Yes, we all want books to take us away from the reality around us. I know I do. But, sometimes, hearing a REAL story puts the reality into perspective. 
As always, thank you for the support! 

What's coming next?

I know you all want to know what's going on with my books, so I'll tell you ... 
I have New Hampshire Bears 15 in my editor's pretty hands. She is working really hard on it and I'm hoping to have it back by June. *fingers crossed*
Also, right now (almost at this very moment) NH 16 has about 10k words done and NH 17 has about 6k words done. I am excited for these both! My goal for these two is to have them come out August and September. I have NOT discussed this with my editor, so those dates/months are just a MAYBE. 
Another project I am working on is a paranormal one. This has NO TIMELINE whatsoever. It's just a story I've been working on forever and can't seem to find the time to get it completed. I have about 40k words done and I can tell you right now, it'll be a trilogy. With those types of books, I like to have them all done and publish them fast because I don't like to wait, and I know other readers are the same as me!! HAHA! I'll keep you updated on it as well. 
Oh, in case you're wondering ... it's werewolves.
Let me know what you're excited about! 

Let me ask you a question...

I have a question and I really would love to hear your answers ...
My question is ... What do you hate about my books?
For example, many reviews say my books need to be edited better. Now, I have been going through my back list and my editor has been going through them again. Hopefully, that will satisfy everyone. 
Another example, my books covers. Now, personally, I love my covers. All of them. However, I understand where the reviews are coming from and I listened. I have a new designer and I think they're getting better. Hopefully, this year, all the New Hampshire Bears books will have new covers. *fingers crossed*
Now, tell me what you dislike/hate/need to change about my books. Trust me, I will not be offended. 
And go ... 

10 Things That Make Me Happy!

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With so much happening in the world right now, I'm happy to say the state I live in is (slowly) opening back up. 
I managed to get my nails, hair, and eyebrows all done! I had been looking ROUGH! 
However, I know many of you are still on lock down and it sucks! Yes, we are all still trying to be safe and healthy, but it still sucks! 
So, I thought about what makes me happy? It helps me keep my mental health straight! And who doesn't need THAT right now!
I want to hear from all of you about what makes you happy, too! Please sound off in the comments and let me know! 
My list:
1) Obviously, my family!
2) My friends. Even though I don't have many, the few I have all have special places in my heart.
3) Chicago Blackhawks. What? Did you think I would not add my favorite team?
4) Books! All of my books. It doesn't matter if they're hardback, paperback, or on my kindle. Books make me happy!
5) Podcasts. Many of you know I'm a true crime junkie! Legit! I listen to numerous podcasts and they all make me happy. My favorites are: Crime Junkie, True Crime All the Time, True Crime All the Time Unsolved, Cold Case Files, and the list goes on and on!





6) Cooking. I love to cook! I'm not the greatest baker, but I can cook, and I love too!




7) Makeup. O...M...G! I love makeup and have WAY too much of it. I have been watching Tati Westbrook for YEARS and she really taught me on how to put on makeup correctly. I adore her and if you haven't watched any of her YouTube videos, check them out. Click HERE!




8) Office supplies, especially PENS! Oh, you can't even understand my love of pens. I have more pens than anyone person should own and - I may have -purchased more! I can't help it. Don't even get me started on Post-its. 






9) My Planner. When a new year rolls around, I get excited when all the new calendars/planners come out. Oh, there are no words I can express about how much I love to shop for a new planner. Sure, I could move into the 21st century and get a digital one, but NOPE ... I want a big, fat, full of stickers/notes/markings planner! 

10) My readers. I love hearing from you all and (it doesn't matter if it's good or bad) what you think about my books. The mere fact you take time out of your busy life to read my books, mean more to me than I can every tell you.
Now, tell me yours! 

Monday Recommendations!

I love free books! Come on, who doesn't love free stuff? Especially, books! No one I know!
So, I thought I would let you know some books I've recently came across and/or read that are free on KU!

First up, the awesomeness of Lila Felix:
 
Next, Jess Bryant. This author is new to me and I'm going to make sure I don't miss another book of hers! She's an outstanding author!



Here's another one I just finished. I read the entire series in one weekend! I couldn't stop reading this incredible story! Check it out!


I know these books are paranormal/shifter books. However, it's the mood I've been in lately!
I hope everyone stays safe and stay tuned for more Monday KU Recommendations! 

It's Monday!

Long post … because I like interrupting your Monday evening!

My current read ... I had been reading a self-help/self-improvement book about once a week all summer long. Then I just stopped. For no reason, I just stopped. Then, my real life (sort-of) spiraled out of control from Aug till … well, it's still happening, but less chaotic. I know everyone has issues and problems and I'm not trying to sit here and be 'poor me, look at me, be sorry for me'. Actually, I'm the opposite. Yes, my life sucks right now, but I'm trying to find the light. There's always light, you just have to search for it. I don't have many friends. In fact, I have no close personal friends and haven't for several years now. Sure, I have people I can call and be like, 'let's hang out', but I've stopped doing that. One, I work too much to keep a social life and two, I enjoy just coming home and doing .. NOTHING! Especially, after a long day at the day job. However, doing nothing, is becoming a problem for me. I've gained 20 lbs back. I was down almost 60 lbs, but up 20 more. It brings me down. I won't say depressed, because depression is a serious mental health issue. I just get down on myself. I know you shouldn't compare yourself to others and I tell everyone to STOP IT! However, it's easy to tell others to do it, and you not follow your own advice. It's me! I'm the one who doesn't follow my own advice. This is where self-improvement books help me. Sometimes reading the words of another helps me put it all in perspective. This is also why I share so much with you all. Sure, I can come on here and be like OMG MY LIFE IS GREAT! LOOK AT THIS! LOOK AT THAT! IT'S PERFECT! All the while, I'm crying in the corner. I'm not that girl. My life sucks. Stress is piling on my shoulders and I'm trying to be stronger than I was the day before, which is becoming harder and harder. I just need to step back, evaluate how I need to approach it and do it. Again, it's easier to say than do, but I have faith in me and I have faith in you. FYI: my current read is .... CLICK HERE And I'm trying to make today a great day!

Mary, where have you been?

Time and time again it seems I'm making these post on this site. I'm sorry. I truly am, because I used to blog all the time. My real life is a constant pain in my foot! 
However, let me give you an update on what is going on with my books. 
I am writing... every. single. day! Promise! If you saw my wreck of a house and the mountain of laundry, you would see my eyes have been glued to the laptop screen and fingers on the keyboard. 
I am writing four stories at this current time. 
1) The first is NH 14! Yes, this book is due to my editor the first week of December and I'm looking toward a Jan/Feb release date. I do have the cover (which can be the hardest part at times!) and a (sort-of) blurb done. If you want to know who this book will focus on … you should read The Opposite Attractions NH 13 (click here) because this will lead into NH 14.

Mary, Your Book Sucks!

Let's talk about reviews! I've never been one to get up on a platform and shout from the rooftops, "MY BOOKS HAVE NO MISTAKES!"

I know other authors who do that, but not me. I'm human.

For this newsletter, I thought I would touch on a few reviews and address them. I WILL NOT be posting who wrote the review. That's mean. I'm just addressing the overall issue.

Let's start from the beginning …

A couple weeks ago, I made a massive mistake. I read my Goodreads' reviews. Ugh! If you're an author, take this piece of advice: Don't do it! Ever!

Anyway, I read them and the majority were great. They even gave me some confidence about my writing, then … there were others. So, let me begin by addressing them... one-by-one.

1)  Typos/Grammar.

The review said: This author sucks. She doesn't know how to spell or put a comma.

This is a big one and I know it. This review came up on The Muse and the Fairytale (New Hampshire Bears #1). This is a fair review, because I have a backstory regarding edits of the first three books of the Bears' series. I had an editor from the start of my writing career and she was amazing! However, things happened and so forth and we parted ways.

Then I went with another editor. She did good and I was pleased. Soon, things weren't good. She had a lot of other issues and it came across in her edits. Now, I'm not blaming her or anything. This was on me, because I kept going back for her to do my edits. As my fourth book of the Bears was finished, I couldn't handle seeing the reviews anymore and went back to my original editor.

With this begin laid out, I will state that the first three books have been edited again. If you don't have an updated version, please go an update them.

I can't promise there won't be mistakes. I'm human, my editor is human and my proofreaders are human. All I can say, I'm sorry and I hope you give me another chance.

2)  PHL v NHL

The review said: She calls herself a hockey fan, but she doesn't know how to spell N-H-L.

Let's have a lesson... NHL is the National Hockey League and is copyrighted and trademarked! I DO NOT have permission to use NHL. Plus, I don't feel like getting sued by them for using it.

Therefore, when I created the Bears, I used PHL which stands for Professional Hockey League. Copyright pending! I did this so I wouldn't get sued!

Yes, I know how to spell NHL and what it stands for and I'm glad we all got it straightened out.

3)  Reading Order.

The review said: I read book 6 and it spoiled all the previous ones. Mary should say to read in order.

Okay, maybe this one's on me. I figured when readers saw it said Book 2 or 6 or whatever, they would know it was part of a series. I apologize. I will do better.

4)  The other Mary Smith

The review said: I thought this was a children's book.

This has happened before because there is children's author, Mary Smith. She's on iTunes and Amazon. Again, I'm sorry the half-naked man on the cover was not enough.

Sorry!

5)  Heavy drinking in college

The review said: Mary Smith obviously never went to college, because there isn't this much partying going on.

Let's clarify, I have been to three different colleges/universities and received five degrees. I was drunk the majority of my college/university career. No, joke! I drank a lot, as well as my friends. Football games, weekends, basketball games, hockey games, any event that there was … I drank at it.

Again, sorry … I think.

So, there you have it. Just a few issues I'm putting to bed.

A quick note: Keep an eye for more newsletters because there will be  A LOT of updates. There are more NH Bears coming and much more!

Love,

Mary S. 

I am about to confess something weighing on my mind...

There are times when a human just has to tell the world the truth. The whole truth and nothing but the truth! But, it's hard to do. Especially, for me!
I know this blog is meant to talk about books and giveaway amazing gifts, but lately I've been using to give you an insight of my life. Some have enjoyed it. Some of unsubscribed. I get it and I understand. 

However, opening up myself to you all has really helped me personally and I'm going to continue. I hope you enjoy them as well and - possibly - helping you as well.

Let the confession begin...

I am human. Shocking, I know. Nonetheless, I am and - to top it off - I have feelings. A lot of them! At times, I can keep bottled inside. (Well, I usually do that). I pretend my world is perfect via social media (as most people in the world do) and most of all - I keep the smile on my face. 

Now, I'm a naturally bubbly person. I love waking up in the morning, thankful for food in my fridge (and in my belly), clean water and a roof over my head. I'm not lying. Ask anyone I know... they'll tell you the same. It's not a game or a act. I am happy. 

Then there are times, the smile is fake. Like I said, not always, but there are times. 

Recently, I told you about my current reads of self-help/self-improvement books and how they're helping me, how I never thought I would be driving off to my local bookstore, strolling through the section, trying to find the next best read to open my mind and change my life. 

In 2018, I published one book and one novella (part of an anthology). It had been the least amount of books I published since starting my writing career. The reason: I gave it up. Not because of the money. (A lot of Indie-Authors aren't millionaires). Not because of the crappy reviews or lack of reviews. (I get it! I don't love every book I read and bad reviews can be helpful!). Not because of all the bullying going on social media because I'm a KU author and (most) traditional authors hate us. (You can't please everyone!).

I wanted to quit, because the mojo - the love - was gone.

It disappeared.

I had a lot going on in my personal life. I had a day job and wasn't happy in. (I used my fake smile A LOT THERE!) My husband and I were going through a  rocky patch. (My fault - not his.) My mother was having health issues. (And it scared me!)

Hence, mojo left me. 

The big reason... and here is part of the confession... I wasn't good enough to be an author. 

See, I'm human. I'm that person who compares herself to other authors. I couldn't figure out my books weren't selling, when someone else (who just started) sold so many they hit the NYT/USA list on their first try.  I couldn't figure out why I had more bad reviews than good, but readers praised me on Facebook. 

I compared myself hard enough to quit. 

And it sucked!!!!!!!!

I've been writing since I could write my name. My first 'story' was about Rainbow Brite, She-Ra, and I as we went off to safe the world from the evil Transformers! (Ask my mother! I put on a whole production in the living room!) It has given me an escape from the real world. Just like reading. I spent every possible minute  in the library, reading all the forbidden books a young child should never read. (Jackie Collins, Danielle Steele, you get the point.) You can still find me in the library trying to hunt out the best reads! 

I spiraled into a dark hole. 

I don't want to say depression, because I don't think that's what it was. Could I be wrong? Sure! However, I've seen (and know) people with depression and it's scary how my friends get up everyday. Depression is no joke. Seriously! It's NOT A JOKE! Which is why I don't think I was depressed. 

I was lost.

I stared at my laptop screen, or my notebook paper, and no words would come out. Nothing. Not a single word. And it pissed me off. Being mad at myself had been an unfamiliar emotion. Sure, I'm super over-weight, but I love myself. Sure, I don't have supermodel good looks, but I love myself.

So, being mad at me... made me confused at what to do next.

I know what I'm going to do everyday, because I have it planned. I make a list for everything and I consider myself "A Fixer." Now, I'm not like Olivia Pope or anything, but I fix problems. When my friends come to me, it's because they have a problem and it needs fixed. Ta-da! I fix it!

But I didn't know how to fix myself.

Hence, the self-help/self-improvement books.

Sometimes, it's takes a outsider to kick you in the ass and get you back on track. Truly! Because there's a lot of people that have been through the same problem and came out on top.

This is what happened to me.

Books saved me. Again!

Since having this epiphany, I woke up. I started taking creative writing classes to find my mojo. I started taking marketing classes (from high-end authors) to find out what I had been doing wrong with reaching readers. I listened to my core readers more. (I reached out to them and asked what they hated about my books and what would they fix). 

Soon, the mojo was back. Words were flowing out onto the pages. 

Then I hit the USA Today list with a group of amazing authors in a charity anthology. Readers began asking me for my books again and I rushed to finish the words.

Then my world hit another wall.

My mother's cancer came back and with a vengeance. Something I couldn't fix and I became lost again.

Besides my husband (and yes, our personal problems are longs since forgotten and we've moved on), my mother is the only immediate family I have left. My dad past when I was a teenager and I'm an only child. My mother has been my rock since the day she found out she was having me. She worked hard (2-3 jobs at a time), to ensure I had it all, but showed me how hard work is what pays-off in the end. We were never rich! I can remember the summer of 1991, when we had no electricity because Mom was laid off and she paid the rent and purchased food, before paying the light bill. I can remember in 1987 we slept in the back of a  1977 Ford Thunderbird, because she didn't have a job. But she smiled everyday to me and told me it would be okay. 

She would fix me and when I got older - after her body broke down and she couldn't work anymore - I fixed her. 

But I can't fix cancer. My powers don't go that far. And I started hating myself because I couldn't fix her.

As she was wheeled to surgery, she still had a smile on her face, even though she was about to lose her voice box (never speaking again) and having her entire throat reconstructed. 

FYI: she's still in the hospital but doing great! Still smiling. 

Last week, I read a book. Yes, another self-help/self-improvement book. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Mason opened - yet another - door of my life. See, I do care what people think of me. A lot. I'm okay with bad reviews, but it still stings. I'm okay with people staring at my overweight body, but it still stings. I'm okay with people annoyed with my smile, but it still stings.

I want everyone to love my books. I want people not to judge me because I wear a size 20 jeans. I want people to enjoy my personality. But, hey, you can't please everyone. I should know this after my 39 years on this Earth.

However, Mark Mason's words hit me hard. People are going to have their opinions, but it shouldn't stop you from living your life. He's right. I want to be a great author. I took all these classes to improve my talent (or what I think is talent) to have readers say, "Hey, great book, Mary!". I want people to see that I've - recently - began losing weight and say, "Hey, great job, Mary!". I want people to see my smile and say, "Hey, thanks for the pick-me-up, Mary!". 

Okay, okay, I know that won't happen all the time and people have said those things to me, and I'm thankful for each one of them. 

The point of all this rambling, is to confess … I care about me and I love me. I'm an author with the greatest readers in the world. I'm an overweight female, who is slowly losing weight and getting healthy. Not because of society's standards, but for me. I'm a happy person and it's not to be fake or annoying, but because this life is short and there should be more smiles/laughter, instead of pain. 

Thank you for all the support and I promise more books coming. They will be the best that I can do and I hope you all love them as much I do.!

XOXO,
Mary!