Erin Rhew's Blog, page 5

Anniversary Joy

Hey, y'all! This month is an exciting one because it's mine and Deek's anniversary month! Well, one of them at least. LOL! Yep, we got married twice (once on each coast since we're from opposite coasts).

Wedding #1 -- PNW
Wedding #2 -- Southern
I was thinking today about "new" love versus "older" love, and I think older love gets a bad rap. Everyone talks about the euphoria of new love and how the butterflies are everything. Fairytales end at the wedding or final get together moment, but no one shows the after. Probably because they think watching the Prince go to work while Cinderella takes care of the kids (or visa versa or watching them both go to work), watching them pay bills or attend a concert, or watching them participate in "regular life" isn't very exciting. But by not seeing the married Prince and Cinderella, you're missing out on the best part. On the love that comes with a long-term relationship.

Erin and Deek -- the early days
You see, there's something amazing that develops the longer you're with the right person. A deep, more profound love that blows new, euphoric love out of the water.

Erin and Deek now
While it's not nearly as flashy as that falling in love feeling, there's something special about hearing someone say a certain phrase, turning to your partner, and sharing that smile because it reminds you of a joke known only between the two of you. There's something about coming home with news--good or bad--and knowing you have someone to share it with. There's something about saying, "Remember when we..." and having someone to reminisce with. There's something about having another person know exactly what you want or need and being there to provide it and being able to do that for them.

Life is in those little moments. Everyone thinks life and love happen in the big moments, but they don't. They're found in the every day. Cooking dinner together. Dancing in the kitchen. Laughing about something silly while you're getting ready for work. Sitting in bed sipping coffee and talking about the day ahead. Holding hands during a walk. Lying in one another's arms after a long day. Knowing that you have a person--your person, the person--who'll ride the ups and the downs of life by your side, hand in hand.

Our greatest desire as humans is to be known--truly known--and loved. True love comes from understanding someone at their core, at their innermost being. It's knowing all the ugly things about them, in addition to all the beautiful things, and saying, "Given everything that I know, I still love you. I still want to be with you. You, above anyone else."


The longer you're together, the more you know about each other. You can't hide your bad side, your quirks, or your faults when you live with someone and do life with them. Everything comes out. But to have all your bad parts exposed and to have your partner still gaze upon you like you're the most wonderful thing they've ever seen...that's older love. That's precious, rare, genuine, and priceless.


Given what I know about Deek, I love him more now than I did then. Every single day, I love him just a little bit more. I'm not exactly sure how that happens, but it does. He is truly the very best person I know. He's genuine, loving, witty, brilliant, hardworking, tenacious, giving, and thoughtful. I could keep going, but then this blog would be lightyears long. ;) 
But I say all that to say I understand him at his core, at the innermost part of his being, and I'm deeply in love with him. I know him. I know his good and his bad (and he knows mine). And given that, I'd still choose him--every day, every moment, always and forever. 

Happy Anniversary, my beloved! Thank you for loving me when I'm at my best and when I'm at my worst. Thank you for taking the time to see deep into my soul and for loving what you see. Thank you for treating me like I'm the most precious thing you've ever encountered and making sure I always know how much you love me. Thank you for always making time for "us," no matter what else is happening in our lives. Thank you for this wonderful life--this precious, rare, priceless love that comes after the fairytale. Because this part is the real fairytale. 
I love you, Deek! Now and always. Here's to many more in this lifetime and in the beyond! 
Being with Deek still makes me feel like dancing
He's so romantic!
This is how we look at each other, and I love that!
#Always

It's Fall, Y'all!

<blinks and looks around, confused> Hello, everyone! I've emerged from the editing cave and am back for a brief stint between projects. It's nice to be here with you lovely folks, especially since the Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster have been my constant companions lately. Y'all are way more interesting. ;)

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So, you know I love summer. I'm a summer girl through and through (give me warm beaches any day). But I do enjoy the beautiful colors and the activities of fall, particularly in October. I have set down my trusty style guides a few times this month to participate in some of the festivities.

First up, Deek and I bought tickets to Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's Soul 2 Soul tour over a year ago. We bought them before our 2nd anniversary to celebrate our 3rd anniversary (see how forward thinking we are? LOL!). For those who don't remember our wedding posts, Tim and Faith sing "our" song, and we couldn't pass up the chance to see them sing it in person!! Needless to say, we've held on to these tickets and anticipated the event for a looonnnngg time. And it *finally* came.

At the concert. We were *so* excited!!
Steve Moakler opened for Tim and Faith.He co-wrote the song "Riser," and he sang it that night. We loved it so much and thought it very much went with us and our personalities. 
He sold the song rights to Dierks Bentley. If you haven't heard it, I totally recommend the listen!
Steve asked everyone to light their phones during a ballad. The WHOLE stadium lit up in this amazing way. SO beautiful!Steve said it was the single best moment of his performance career so far.
They sang "our" song.I may have cried and cheered my little heart out.I am SO thankful to be married to this wonderful man, and I love celebrating our love!
Our "we saw Tim and Faith" faces...
Deek and I have been able to sneak away from our deadlines and have fun on a few dates too! 
We walked and talked, hand in hand, for about 6 miles.So nice to get out in nature, clear the mind, and recenter.
Gorgeous scenery.
Who needs a pint of beer when you can have a pint of bacon??
And we went to one of my most favorite events in the world...the State Fair! 
On the bus to the fair!I'm so freakin' excited!
Deek is Superman.Shhhhh....
Selfies at a local radio booth!
Clearly, we're not cut out for beekeeping!
Lately, I'm obsessed with the Day of the Dead stuff.How awesome is this cake?!?
Y'all, I can't tell you how thankful I am that I get to share this life with Deek. He's always excited to participate in all type of event, and we always have the very best time together. Dates and experiences don't have to cost a lot, or anything at all, to be fun. It's all about time spent with the person you love. I adore that Deek understands that and makes the most out of every moment we have together. I love you, my Deek! Now and #always! 


And the festivities keep continuing, so stay tuned!! Next time, I'll talk about parties and festivals! Until then, stay boo-tiful and creep it real! <3

Crystal Coast Con 2017

This year, we headed down to the Crystal Coast to participate in our second year of Crystal Coast Con!! We love everything about this con--the people who run it, the people who attend it, the unique venue, and the beach! Over the last year, we've been to a lot of cons, and we always compare them to Crystal Coast Con! ;)

Come see what we love so much...

On the way there, we stopped for a little beach time.Hubba hubba...that driver! ;) 
Deek and I were thrilled to put our toes in the sand!
Gorgeous sunset!
This is the face you make when you're supposed to be eating paleo, but the Dunkin Donuts next door touts Maple Bacon Sandwiches...
Deek got to set up his new banner! WOOT! Awesome job, Anita!
Let's talk about fantasy!!
Team Tenacious right here! Two Tenacious Books Publishing authors together again!Deek Rhew and Chrissy Lessey
Y'all, we met Denise Crosby. For those of you who are Trekkies, you'll recognize this beauty as Tasha Yar!! Let me tell you, she's classy, kind, and very personable. I'm so thankful to have met her!
I love how much Deek loves comic cons. He's like a kid in a candy store! LOL!
This guy's ready for a fight!
The force is strong in this one.
Babylon 5!
Storm Troopers in da house!
Can you get over this costume!??!
I have always loved trolls...
A female Maui workin' it! 
Aren't our book bundles purty?
Cons are FUN but tiring, so Deek and I were so grateful that MacDaddy's provided us with our very own carafe of coffee!! I think that's my third cup...
Getting close to the end of the day. We're tired, but we're having a blast!
The lady who keeps our pup while we're at cons texted a picture of him on his walk.<squeezey heart>
End of con Snapchat shenanigans...
Since the con is only one day, we got to enjoy the beach again before we headed home!
This is THE beach where Deek proposed, so we reenacted the "after proposal" kiss.Hey, I'll take any reason to smooch with my handsome hubby!!
A hurricane was a long way off shore, but it made the water do crazy things!
I love the beach! One day, Deek and I *will* live there...
This man, y'all. This man.I am stoked and blessed beyond belief to get to do life with this wonderful, funny, talented, loving, amazing man! 
We hope to see you at Crystal Coast Con 2018 next year!! Cool guests, the beach, and a fun venue...what more could you ask for?
Until then, geek on!

Time For Some R&R

Lately, Deek and I have been going pretty hard with writing and regular life stuff. So, my amazing parents decided to give us a much needed break. They got tickets for all of us to see one of my most favorite country singers ever--Travis Tritt. It's so funny they'd pick Travis because Deek and I have often talked about how much we like his music and how much we'd love to do a little songwriting with him. And to put the icing right on that awesome cake, the concert was in my most favorite beach town! WINNING all around!



BUT before we went and had all that excitement, Deek and I checked out a local arts festival and had a lovely date night! Could this weekend have gotten *any* better?!?

Ready to celebrate art!
We got free Kind bars. #GiveKindATry
Lately I'm obsessed with skulls, particularly of the Dia de los Muertos variety.
Deek's favorite author was represented!
Could this dog be any cuter??
Then, Deek and I had a lovely date evening. Dinner, coffee, and a long walk. Sigh...he knows the way to this simple girl's heart! 
He *always* makes me laugh!

He paparazzied me!
So I paparrazied him right back!
The sky gave us a beautiful show for our walk!
The next day, we headed out for the beach and the concert. We met my parents early and did some adventuring before the main event!
I so love Jon Snow, but...KHAL DROGO!
<swoon>
I'm secretly a mermaid.
I can't adult today...
Almost time for the show! Here's Travis' equipment trailer!
Travis doing a Birth selfie!
Me and my Daddy! <3
Me and bee-utiful Mama!
At the gift store. Isn't she adorbs!?!?
We Tweeted, and Travis responded. SUCH a class act!

We love you, Travis Tritt!!
His gorgeous daughter, Tyler Reese Tritt, opened for him and sang a duet with him later. She's a natural talent and adorable to boot! Loved this sweet daddy/daughter moment!
Give us some ballads, Travis!
So excited my camera is shaking!
We had SUCH a blast!
Before we headed back home, Deek and I spent a little time on the beach. Even when it's cloudy and gray (which is normal for Pacific Northwest beaches, so Deek felt right at home), the beach is my favorite, favorite, favorite place to be. Deek proposed to me on a beach, and one day, we hope to live at the beach permanently (after our vagabond years, of course). 
There's nothing like the beach!
This man makes me RIDONK happy!
This is the face of joy--the pure, unadulterated joy of being with the one who makes your soul sing.No matter where we go, Deek is my home.

It's good to work hard and be focused. When you're an adult, you have to adult whether you want to or not. But it's always good to take breaks and carve out a little time for R&R. It's refreshing and rejuvenating, and it resets your mind so you can focus better when you get back to work and adulting. Never underestimate the power of R&R!
Until next time, grab some popcorn, your favorite soda, and lie in bed watching Netflix. Or catch a Travis Tritt concert when he heads your way! 

Self-Editing

Deek and I send our thoughts and well-wishes to everyone affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma and to all who are dealing with the fires, especially our friends and family out that way. It's been crazy watching the Pacific Northwest burn, Houston drown, and the East Coast brace for Irma. I'm ready for the weather to settle down a bit. Better yet, can we just have summer back??

I can't believe how cold it's gotten in the last few days. I'm freezing, and it's only September!! Ugh, hurry up and be Christmas and then go back to summer. ;)

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So, I finished the rough draft of my Molly and Ryder story!!! YAY! I worked and reworked the first chapter and then sent it to my hubby and critique partners to see if they thought I'd created a gripping enough opening. If you don't get the beginning right, the rest doesn't matter because no one will get that far.

Like always, my brilliant hubs and Dream Team offered valuable feedback. I've worked in their suggestions, and now I'm trickling that down to the rest of the story. As I do that, I'm making notes to myself along the way. Some of them are very brilliant like "Do better" and "Be more clever here." LOL!
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*Don't worry. If you hire me to edit your work, I'll be much more specific in my instructions. Haha! But I know what I mean when I say that to myself. ;) 
Self-editing is very important. I've heard this crazy notion of people finishing their rough drafts and sending those directly to critique partners and editors, or worse...to publishers and agents. Whenever anyone asks me for my biggest piece of advice to writers, I always say edit, edit, edit, and when you think you're done, edit some more. NEVER turn your rough draft over to anyone. You should edit that thing until you've exhausted yourself. And when you've completed that, let your beta readers and critique partners have a look. Then, edit it again. And when you're like, "Yes, it's as good as it can get," edit it one more time. I'm not even kidding.

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At BookFish and Tenacious, we can always tell when someone hasn't put in the editing effort. You don't want an agent or publisher to think you don't value your work enough to put in the time to make it great. Don't shoot yourself in the foot right out of the starting gate.

Even though Deek and I are both knee-deep in editing (he's working on a sci-fi called The eXtractor), we've taken some time out for a little fun and exploration to keep our minds fresh. Take your own little mental break and join us...

I love this man so hard, I might cheesy grin my lips right off my face!
Editing in the coffee shop all author like
Taking a walk/hike through some beautiful woods!
Amazing corridor!
I feel like this is some weird rock-paper-scissors thing...
Post-run in the pre-Irma wind and rain.
Gawd, I love him!Every day, I think I have reached the pinnacle of love for this man because it's at an epic high, but every single day, I love him more. It's like the universe, ever-expanding.
This is representative of my life--full of happiness, laughter, and love.
Enjoying a little culture.
Oh yeah! Summer/beach girl in heaven!
The future becomes the present!
Until next time, Trinna has a PSA...
Edit, edit, edit.

Uncommon Writing Tips

A while back, I wrote about the common writing mistakes we see at BookFish Books and Tenacious Books Publishing. Today, I'm going to offer some uncommon writing tips that apply to your craft and regular life in general. 
I've heard many times how important it is for authors to have experiences in life to make their writing richer. That's not to say that people without experience or certain experiences can't write quality novels, not at all. But I think the point is to get out there and live life. Find things that interest you and do them. Don't stay locked behind your computer. Go out, observe people, and experience the world. Your writing might thank you. ;) Shakespeare was one of the best people watchers around. He observed and understood human nature on a deep level.

Before you get all discouraged because you don't have a lot of money or a lot of places to go, you can explore right where you are, often times for free. There are many resources for finding out about local events--friends, FaceBook, local advertisements.

Recently, Deek and I had the rare opportunity for a middle-of-the-week date. I picked him up at lunch time (one car life), and we tried a new place. Then, I picked him up a little early from work that evening, and we went to a free, local concert.

A little lunch date smooching
Kissing continued at the free concert. Do you see a theme? LOL!
There was a huge crowd at the concert, so there were plenty of people to observe. The interplay between young lovers. The behavior of a group a friends. The uninhibited dancing their hearts out. Those who scowled despite the laughter and joy going on around them. Each person becomes a potential character, or traits of characters, for future books.
This past weekend, we went to an art museum and walked their art trails (a free activity). We had a total blast, got some artistic inspiration, observed a lot of people, and got a little exercise to go with it. Winning all around!
Talking heads. It's a no-no in the writing world but a yes-yes in the art world!
I like big butts and I cannot lie.
Very cool perspective!
Pause for a little reflective time.
Find your inner peace.
I adore this man SO much!!
Where fairground gates go to die...
It's a flesh wound...
I love weeping willows. They're so romantic!Just being near this tree stirred up some creative ideas!
Remember, in writing and in life, coffee is a must! 
A writer's elixir.This special bean helps turn sleepy gibberish into magical words.
The Deek and Erin summer special
Word. An oldie but goodie!
Don't forget a special treat for your pals as well.Here's Gus enjoying a puppyaccino!
Remember to exercise! It's just as important to keep the body as fit as the mind! Deek and I lift, run, hike, box, and walk a lot. Walking is a great way to work in fitness and creative musing. We often hash out a lot of our plots this way.

An evening walk with my love
Training
Ropes are a tough one!
Excuse my cheesy grin--I'd just completed a half marathon in the pouring rain!
Even better, coffee AND fitness combined! ;) 
Find people who share your creative passions and will exchange ideas with you. Friends are a must--they encourage and support. Other authors provide crucial insight into the industry. Beta readers and critique partners help sharpen and shape your work. 
My Dream Team (plus two amazing bloggers)
Hanging out with some author palsChrissy Lessey, Dave Atwell, and Papa Stro Maestro
And some of my critique partners over the years....
Jessica Calla
Michelle Pickett
Meradeth Houston
Mary Waibel
T.C. Mckee
Heather Van Fleet
Deek Rhew! Yep, my husband!He started out as my critique partner, and we fell in love!!
Have pets. I'm not kidding. If you have the financial ability and the heart capacity, they're wonderful little writing assistants! 
Bring me Solo...Our snuggly, gorgeous Trinity!
He trips me out. He looks like a meerkat here, but he knows I caught him doing something he shouldn't.Gus could not be a better dog!! He's quiet, loving, cuddly, and he has the best possible personality.
Wondering how Mommy got puppy ears too. Thanks for the laugh, Snapchat!
Remember to have fun. Life is short, and writing is hard. So, take a break, laugh, and enjoy time with those you love. I lost my beloved PaPa unexpectedly in July, so I'm acutely aware of just how finite our time here really is.






Until next time...create wonderful things, love hard, and...

Writerly Rhews

In the crazy hubbub of life, sometimes writing time gets wonky. Deek and I have been going, going, going of late, and our writing has suffered. I've been working on Molly and Ryder...well...for a long time. But for this iteration of their story, I started a year ago. WUT? Apparently. Eep!

And I'd only gotten to about 25,000 words. To be fair, I opened my freelance editing and design business, started working for another small press, and maintained all my BookFish duties. So, as much as my characters have been clawing to get out of my brain, they've been rather stuck.
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But I got a little free time this week after I wrapped up a bunch of big projects, and guess what? 
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I DOUBLED by word count in just a few days. The ideas, which had been start/stop and piecemeal, just started flowing. And flowing. And flowing. I'm almost done with the rough draft of this story that's dogged me for a long time. AND, it's *finally* right. I've written and rewritten it, and it's never been quite there. But now it is. How did that happen?!?
Anyway, this is how I feel about all that...
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Meanwhile, Deek is working through the first round of I-finished-my-rough-draft edits on The Extractor. We pitched the idea to some folks at Cape Fear Comic Con, and he got a *huge* amount of interest. So, he's pushing hard to get his first round of self-editing done quickly so he can do his second round of self-edits, get it me, then send it to Anya, and then start submitting to agents!!

I am SO proud of my hubby! This story is unique, and his writer voice is unlike any I've ever read. That's a pretty stellar combination!
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For those waiting to hear news on Restore To Me, my historical fiction, you can wait impatiently with me. LOL! Nothing moves quickly in the writing world, but I've got some agent and publisher interest. So...we wait.via GIPHY
In non-writer related news, please keep my MeMa in your thoughts and prayers. Today would have been her 63rd wedding anniversary with PaPa. It's also the first PaPa-less first, one of many we'll experience as we navigate the first year of this strange world without him.
As much as I miss him, I know she misses him exponentially more. Smile down bright on your lovely bride today, PaPa. We miss you and love you always!
Their 50th Wedding Anniversary
In world news, Deek and I got to witness the eclipse. I know I've seen one before in my lifetime (I've had to, right?). I even remember making one of the pinhole boxes in school, but I can't remember actually seeing the eclipse. So, this time Deek and I made sure we did!

I played Juliet in high school and performed her again in college--AND I voluntarily took a ridonk amount of Shakespeare classes in college--so naturally some lines from the great bard's Romeo and Juliet popped into my head...
"Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, 
Who is already sick and pale with grief, That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she. Be not her maid, since she is envious; Her vestal livery is but sick and green And none but fools do wear it; cast it off."

There is a Shakespeare line for almost any moment. ;) 
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Until next time, read, write, and live out loud!!

Cape Fear Comic Con

Since moving back to the South, Deek and I have been getting involved in the comiccon circuits, and we're having a total blast. We've met some really amazing people and had a blast interacting with fellow sci-fi/fantasy nerds!

To round out this year's series, you can find us at:

Crystal Coast ConSeptember 23, 2017 (Tasha Yar from Star Trek will be there--SQUEAL!)

Jacksonville Comic ConNovember 4, 2017


**We may be in one more in October, but we're still working out the details.**

For 2018, we're already signed up to participate in IllogiCon again! Can't wait!

January 12-14, 2018


But this past weekend, we had the pleasure of attending Cape Fear Comic Con! We met two of the coordinators-- Papa Stro and Dave Atwell -- at last year's Crystal Coast Con, and we were stoked when they invited us to Cape Fear Comic Con!



We had a long drive, but we arrived early and got all set up.Note Deek's new banner! Awesome, huh? (#AnitaisAmazing)
Lawd, my hubby is a hottie!

We were a little tired but ready to have fun!
Nothing a little coffee couldn't help! ;)Thanks to Java Dog Coffee House for the great coffee and adorbs sticker!
Some pre-festivities Snapchatting
Eastern Exotics Wildlife Foundation had the booth behind us.Have I mentioned I'm terrified of snakes?Gus, who came with us, watched the huge snake with fear and trembling (as did his Mama).
We saw some awesome cosplay costumes!
This lovely lady was "the final frontier." She had lights and the Enterprise in her hair! TOO COOL!
Riddle me this / Riddle me that / Who's afraid / Of the big, black bat?Obviously, Batman Forever is my favorite because...lifelong crush on Val Kilmer. ;)
George Farmer sat beside us, and he kindly drew Deek and me as Khal Drogo and Khalessi from Game of Thrones. I could *not* have been more pleased with the result!!
If you're in the area, we'd love to see you at the next comiccon! We love going to them and meeting so many fun, wonderful people!!
 Until next time, geek on!

I leave you with...more Snapchat pics. ;) 
PS. If you're a writer and need some help with your first chapter (or first couple of chapters), contact me! I'm a professional editor, and I'm on the acquisitions team at two presses. The first five people to sign up get a special deal! ;) http://www.erinrhewbooks.com/editing-and-design.html

Raleigh SuperCon Recap

Deek and I had the distinct pleasure of being guests at the Raleigh's first SuperCon, and boy did we have a BLAST!! Join me in this pictorial review of our time there!

My banner. Eeeee!!
Day 1
I watched them drive the Ghostbuster car into the event hall!
We gots our badges, all official like!
Deek and I are set up and ready to meet people and talk books!
Drivers, start your engines!
Thumbs up, PaPa! We were missing you, but you were there with us in spirit!
Right away, Deek spotted an amazing IronMan!
Captain Hobbes!!!Check out the series features this adorable cat here!
Erh-ma-gawd! JON SNOW! King of the North!!!(Yes, Deek and I wore matching shirts. We're adorkable!)
Storm Trooper.
These folks had an interesting pairing of Star Wars and Disney.Princess Vadar and Price Eric Boba Fett
Day 2
I took my very own "Where's Waldo" photo!!
Be. Still. My. Heart.Could she be any more adorable?!?
Deek's hanging with the Ghostbusters!
This lovely lady *brought* my books in for me to sign. I was so flattered!!!
Got to see a *real* Ghostbuster!!
OMG! OMG! <flails>This Trekkie girl laid eyes on DATA!
That night, we attended a cosplay contest.Is the the cutest thing ever or what?!?
This guy took home the grand prize.Optimus Prime!He was as tall as the stage!!
Day 3
Note the amount of coffee on our table for Day 3. LOL!

It happened to be the premier night of Game of Thrones Season 7, and Snapchat had an *awesome* whitewalkers filter!!
I accidentally Snapchatted myself, but it ended up looking pretty awesome. LOL!
Khal Drogo, Khal Drogo! <flails>
Deek *really* found Waldo! LOL!
Deek is a huge Stephen King fan, so he *had* to get his picture taken with Carrie!
Ba-haha! I love clever nerds!!
This guy was amazing! He said his goal was to make people smile. Mission accomplished!
We loved this father/son duo!
I SOLD OUT OF THE PROPHECY!!!!
We had the pleasure of sitting beside Leah Ward.Check her out! She's super nice!

We also sat beside Susan and Clay Griffin (another husband and wife writing team), whom we'd met at Illogicon. Great to see them again! :)
If you didn't make it out to Raleigh SuperCon this year, I totally encourage you to come next year. It was a class act event!!

Catch Us At Other Cons
Deek and I are beyond stoked to be guest at other cons this year. We always have fun, and we always meet the best people!
You can find us at:
Cape Fear Comic Con -- August 12, 2017Crystal Coast Con -- September 23, 2017IllogiCon -- January 12-14, 2018

Guardian's Touch Release, Guest Post, and Giveaway by LA Dragoni

I'm stoked to have LA Dragoni on the blog again. She's a Pacific Northwesterner, and though I'm only adopted by the side of the country, I still hold a special place in my heart for it and the people there.

Pacific Ocean
Guest Post by LA Dragoni

And they lived happily ever after.
Fairy tales such as Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella lead you to believe that once the evil queen is banished the rest of life is a breeze.
Have you ever had one of those weeks where you go out to your car on Monday morning only to find the battery dead, the washing machine breaks the night before a big presentation, you stop at Walmart to pick up insulin for your diabetic dog and when you come back out to the car you have a flat tire…
You get my point. Hard to be happy during a week like that.
Perhaps you’ve read of those couples that die natural deaths within 24 hours of each other after 60 years of marriage. Or the couple that renews their wedding vows on their 50th wedding anniversary. Or maybe you follow Erin and Deek!
Happily ever after is real, but with unexpected medical bills, or late nights at the office, or a failed business that sucks your savings dry…is it possible? How do you last that fifty plus years when life keeps throwing challenges at you?
Try adding cruel ghosts to the agenda. Ghosts who want freedom from the void they’re bound to. And the only way they can gain that freedom is through the one you love. Could you, your partner, and your happily ever after withstand that?
But this is a celebration! A celebration of a book release. Yay! So let’s talk about happier things. In Guardian’s Touch, Tamara surprises Dex with a weekend getaway to show him how much he means to her. 

In your comment, share a getaway you’ve particularly loved – or one that’s on your bucket list. Then be sure to claim all the entries you qualify for in the rafflecopter for your chance to win swag. 
GUARDIAN’S TOUCH by LA Dragoni
Life has returned to normal for Tamara and Dex after helping a horde of ghosts cross over. Their brush with the afterlife affirmed one thing: happily ever after is real.
When odd pranks around the farm escalate to destruction, Tamara fears mischievous teenagers are vandalizing the neighborhood. Then Dex starts to act out of character. Meanness slips into his usually playful disposition. One day he even ridicules a co-worker publicly. Tamara watches helplessly as he seems to lose the ability to control his own actions. When Dex’s abnormal anger turns violent—toward Tamara—their happily ever after is threatened. Desperate to help Dex and herself, she sends out a silent prayer for help.
She didn’t expect Cal to come to her aid.
Available now on Amazon in print and for Kindle.
Final week!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
LA Dragoni isn’t too particular about who falls in love or where they fall in love. Whether it’s paranormal, mythical, or time travel, LA simply considers it her job to divine their story and share it with you. She lives in Central Oregon with her husband and children, but haunts ghost towns and cemeteries throughout the west, in search of the next adventure to sift through her storytelling brain. Learn more about LA and her work at ladragoni.com
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