Mary Smith's Blog, page 5

UPDATES: Where is Book 4 of the New Hampshire Bears? and What's wrong with the other New Hampshire Books?

It's that time of month again ... all the updates for the Bears and upcoming projects...
Let's begin

I need to start with I'm sorry. I've recently been getting a lot of emails, messages, and reviews about the first three of the New Hampshire Bears books and their editing.
I need to apologize for this...

I know this isn't a joking matter and I feel horrible for this. Let me explain this out a bit more. I'm the worse person about grammar. Sure, I can speak eloquently, writing is a whole other story (see...there's a pun!). I want to say I'm getting better, but that would be a lie. 
I've hired another editor to re-do the first three New Hampshire Bears books. However, this takes time and I'm hoping to have them all done before the snow falls. I will keep everyone updated and then you can download the newer versions.
Again ... I am sorry. This won't happen again.
Now ... onto happier updates...

The Arrangement (which is Book 4 of the New Hampshire Bears) will be out Sept. 19, 2016! I know it was supposed to come in August; however, real life problems have come about and delay some much needed writing time. There are no preorder links at this time...
But there is a cover...



Ta-da!


Also, I have a new website and all the book updates will be there

Check it out:

www.authormarysmith.com

That's all the updates I have for now ... but you know me I'll have more ramblings soon!!

Hello Bears! (And Other Updates)

Where is 2016 going? It's July already! I can't believe it! Seems like a good time to update everyone and what has happened and what is to come!



Since January I've published 3 books and one novella all for my new series, New Hampshire Bears
Book 1: The Muse and the Fairy Tale
What are readers saying about it:
"This book, though, was down-right addicting, and just SO MUCH FUN! It consumed me and the only reason I didn't devour it in one sitting is because I had to sleep." -- Wren Marie (Amazon)


"I was a little put off by the cougar beginning and jokes/insecurities but soon grew to love both Meadow and Kyson. It was great to see the viewpoint of an author writing and how a muse is found (google AND Twitter!). My only disappointment was it was over too soon!" -- Elizabeth L (Amazon)



"The characters are well thought out and beautifully developed. The wit and banter between Meadow and Kyson is so much fun." -- Angie Michael Wells




Book 2: The Workaholic and the Realist

What are the readers saying about it:
 "There were some interesting themes in this story from abandonment to forgiveness, love, romance, friendship, loss and dealing with grief. I loved the support the main characters got from their friends however it was their easy going relationship from the start that I really got my attention. This novel had great character development and an interesting storyline." -- Kay (Amazon)


 "Being in my forties, I related to Harlow a lot. She has great taste in music. I love her sarcasm and dialogs. I love their pet names for each other. Their verbal banter was entertaining. Both characters have a lot of depth." --Diane Lynch



Book 3: The Hero and the Fat Girl
What are the readers saying about it:
"The progression from the sham love affair to the real marriage was wonderful, but the addition of one small major character, all of eight years old, really dhows just how on top things this author is." -- Patricia M


"The story is awesome." -- JZ







I know a lot of readers have commented about the title of this one. Yes, FAT GIRL is a derogatory name and as an overweight female, I wouldn't like being called a fat girl. However, it this title (and story) there's a purpose for it and it's important! I hope you all take a chance on it.
Now...what's to come...
Oh so much ... so much!



In August, Book 4: The Arrangement will come out and this will be about Vance and Dacey! If you want to read the prologue, I did a charity book (which is why it's $2.99) and it's a novella.

In October, the highly anticipated book 5: The Coach and the Secret will be out. I use the term highly anticipated loosely, because I think it's about ten people who've asked for it. (HAHA!)
Here is what I'm working on and they should be out early winter 2017 and spring 2017
Book 6 of New Hampshire Bears (not titled yet) (This will be Captain Hamilton Baer's book)Book 7 of New Hampshire Bears (not titled yet) (This is a surprise character book! *wink*)A paranormal book about wolves and fairiesA paranormal book about vampiresA general/contemporary romance book




I think I have it all laid out! 
I want to thank you all for the support! Thank you for supporting the best job I've ever had! 

Mary, are you still alive?

Yes, I'm still alive! Even though I've nor spent much time on here.
How about an update?
First, I'm writing like a mad women. I have a BIG surprise!


However, I'm not telling you yet.


I know, I'm cruel.
The second thing I need to tell you is: I'm now the proud owner of a publishing company!


I'm as shocked as you, but I did. Gone Writing Publishing is up and running. I love it. It's probably the greatest thing I've done. Then again, it's also the scariest.
Next, I'm still writing The Ninth Innings Series with Lindsay Paige. We are so excited about this series and the boys are beyond fun to write (and the girls too).


As for anything else...I have nothing. 
I know I should update you on the #FatGirlsStory , but it'll have to wait until another day!!
Have a great week!!

#FatGirlsStory -- Where did I leave off?

So, I haven't been updating y'all on my story because 1) I've been busy 2) I've been sucking at diet and exercising 3) I don't like to keep telling everyone I'm failing.


Here's what been happening. Last weigh in I was 283. Last week when I weighed in I'm now 292. Let me tell you the tears I've cried seeing that number on the scale.


I hate it thinking I'm so close to 300 lbs. I know it's my own fault and I can't seem to  shoving food into my mouth. I eat when happy, sad, glad, mad, and every single moment in between.
I know that I need to do something about and sitting around belly-aching about it a HUGE drag.

Today, I took some type to get some recipes from Pinterest and I have some small bowls to keep back my portions in control. I have NO...I mean NO Junk Food in this house.
I'm done being fat. I'm done with looking in the mirror and not liking what I'm seeing. I don't like it one single bit!
Time for a final change.


I have made a small goal and I'm going to keep it. I have a BIG convention in November in Huntington, WV called Rebels and Readers.
I weighed myself this morning and I'm still 292 so in 109 days I want to be 250 lbs. That's 42 lbs in 109 days.
I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it.

The Secret Is Out!!

For the past several months Lindsay Paige and I have been hinting around to a secret project. Now, we told you what it was at the end of Tainted (Oh Captain, My Captain Book 7); however, for those who haven't read it yet we're going to let you all in on the secret.
First, it's not HOCKEY! (I know it shocked us too when the stories hit us)
Second, you will be getting 9 books. (Yes, 9 whole books). They will be broken up into Seasons, and they are full length, not novella
Three, the first three books will be on your Kindles and Nooks this fall.
Have you figured out the sport yet? Yes? No? Well, here it is...
The Ninth Inning Series
The Memphis Angels Baseball TeamFelixBlakeHectorTrentJordanColbyRomanSpencerTanner

We will keep you updated on all the release dates!!

Giveaway!

WELCOME TO THE INDIE BOX MEMORIAL WEEKEND AUTHOR HOP!
Starting today and running through Monday there are 36 authors participating in an awesome author hop! All you have to do is follow the links from page to page and enter each authors giveaway! Everyone have a safe and HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! 
Once you enter my giveaway make sure to hop on over to Skye Turner  and enter her giveaway!
Comment to enter to win! I'll choose five people to win an ebook of your choice!

*I am solely responsible for this giveaway on my own page*

#FatGirlsStory -- #Epic #Fail Week 3

Week 3....
Where do I start?
Bad news first? Or Good news?
Let's go with the Good News.....
Week 3 of my journey of O-V-E-R!!!!!!!!!!!!

This past week has been the worst I've had in a long time. Not only personally, financially, but even my author life has taken a hit.
I truly have nothing good to say about this week, but that it's over.
Now, I'm sure you're wondering What could be the bad news?

Last week I was so proud of myself that I lost a few pound, but this week I gained it back.

I'm back to 285!




I know it was because I was so stressed I ate everything and anything in sight.
However, I'm going to take this setback and think of it as a learning  experience. Instead of eating, I should have went to the gym and worked off some of my stress.

Lesson learned!


I'm going to get back on track! I promised myself I would and I'm not one to break promises. Especially, if they are this important.
I can do it! 

#FatGirlsStory Week 2 -- You weigh how much? and Author Updates

Y'all I've had a long week! No joking! It's been the type of week you want to crawl into bed and never leave, with a bottle of wine next to you.


Yep, just like that.
However, there have been high points! So, let's start there,
I exercised everyday last week. This is what I did:
8 miles on stationary bike3 miles on the elliptical5 miles on treadmill50 sit ups250 stairs on stair master (not in a row! but the whole week)100 squats (I really did 100 I didn't count the ones I only half squatted)
All in all it was a good week!

Now, onto the BIG QUESTION......
How much weight have I lost?
So, last week I weigh 285. I know...I'm big...I got it! I don't need anyone to comment and remind me. I own a mirror!
I weighed myself this morning and I am ........

wait for it............
wait.............

280!!!


I'm so proud of me! I know 5 lbs isn't a ton, but you have to start somewhere and I have to go slow. I don't want to drop a real fast and put it back on.
Now ... onto the Author front ....
Wow, where do I start on this topic?
Lindsay Paige and I released the sixth book of the Oh Captain, My Captain Series, You and Me Forever.




It seems strange to say it was our sixth book! Let's not forget the three Penalty Kill books, either.
It's almost two years since LP and I started writing together and look were we are! Crazy, but wonderful!
We are still working on our super-top-secret project! I'm hoping to announce something soon, but nothing yet...,you have to wait...


Sorry!

Now for my solo projects this is what is coming in the next few months:
A New Adult College Football book (this is with the editor and the cover is finished)A Contemporary Romance (this is finished and about to go to the editor. The cover was a custom shoot with model, William Scott, and the photographer James of Sasserfraz Pictures. I'm so thankful for them to helping me out and I can't wait for y'all to see these pics! This will be out June/July)
I have several others, but nothing concrete for release dates.
That's it ... Those are my current updates!
As always, thank you for everyone who is supporting me and helping me! You all mean the world to me.
Also, to all the fans/readers of my book and the ones I do with LP...y'all are amazing ... THANK YOU!

Fat Girl's Story: Week 1 - Ripping off the Band-Aid

Last week I started a blog-journey called Fat Girl's Story and I put a line in there about 'ripping off the band-aid'. 
Well, I received a message stating I should be truly honest with everyone. I asked the person what did she mean. She stated if I was going to be honest with everyone I should divulge all the information about myself. 
I did say I wouldn't do that, but she made a point.
But I want to yell....... I DONT WAN TO TELL YOU EVERYTHING!!


Then again....


I said I would tell the truth ... so here it is
Hello, My name is Mary Smith and I'm 35 years old and I'm 285 pounds. I went 26/28 jeans and 5x shirts.

Yep, it's the truth. I'm THAT big.
FYI: this is probably the craziest thing I've ever done. Sure you can look at me and you know I'm overweight. There's no mirage here.
However, telling people my actually weight (besides my doctor) is something I've never EVER EVER done.
But here it is. Well, here I am and I'm putting it all out there. It's only fair if I'm truly going to do this the right way.
I'm well aware I'm never going to be a model. (I know you're shocked by this). I know I'm never going to be in a skinny-miny bikini and I'm okay with all of that.
I want to be healthy. I don't want to go to the doctor every month and see that look in her eyes when she says I've still not lost any weight and it's only getting worse. I don't want to go into a store and the attendant says "Sorry we don't carry those sizes."
I want to be a person who is healthy and I've started doing that!


So here is what I did this week in fitness....
2 1/2 miles on the treadmill1 mile on the stationary bike1 mile on the elliptical65 steps on the stair master50 sit-ups30 squats


It's not a lot, but it's more than I've done in the past .... twenty years ... so it's a big accomplishment!!


Now next Sunday I will weigh myself and YES I will post it on here for all the WORLD to see.
So, be easy on the comments please when I don't lose anything....Rome wasn't built in a day! (or so they say!!)

Fat Girl's Story: The Beginning

I have been overweight my whole life. I've always been that girl. However, it's never bothered me.

Until now...

I'm 35!




I Know RIGHT! It's scary!

However, it's time for a change




I have stopped eating the four main meats (beef, chicken, pork, and turkey). I do occasionally eat seafood and I still eat dairy. So, please don't call me a vegetarian or vegan, because I'm not either of those.




Nonetheless, I'm now eating healthy, And an occasional cheat day. 



So on Monday I took a huge leap off a cliff. Okay not literally; however, I did something I'd never thought I would do.

I joined a gym, And  ... and .... and hired a trainer......

Are you shocked? Trust me I am! Because if you know anything about me is that I hate to sweat and I hate to exercise.



Nonetheless, I have exercised for two days now and I'm still breathing.

Barely....



So, I'm telling you this because I'm going to be documenting everything I do. Yep, I'm exposing myself via the internet. Now, I WILL NOT be taking any pictures, Well, nothing that I'm going to show yet. But with this story needs to come some band-aid-ripping-pain.

I'm not a 'stress eater' or anything like that. I'm a EATER! I love food and if it's bad for me...I love it more.



and .........



Now since I've changed my eating habits I'm still struggling with portion control. I'm working on it, but it's a high mountain to climb.

So, this is the beginning of the journey. It's going to be embarrassing for me telling you all my ups and downs, but I think (in the end) it will be good. I'm going to get healthy and I starting it today.

My first day at the gym was tough, but I walked one full mile. (Trust me I've never done that before unless I was heading to the corner store for a Little Debbie Zebra cake!) Then I went onto the stationary bike. I went (almost) two full miles there. Apparently, if the zombies attack I need to get my butt onto a bike.



Of course, my legs were burning when I finished. BUT I DID IT!

Now, today I worked on my arms, back, chest, and abs.

Oh the FEELS!




But, I'm still breathing and I'm going back tomorrow.

I'm going to keep everyone updated about this crazy trip that I'm embarking on ...

Until next time!