S.J. Pajonas's Blog, page 51
May 10, 2020
Sunday Update – May 10, 2020
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.
I’ve been so busy this past week that it flew right on by! Happy Mother’s Day for all those celebrating today. Hugs to all those who are not celebrating but instead are remembering loved ones or ignoring this holiday for good.
First, we got the notice from our governor that our kids won’t be returning to school. We expected it but it was still a blow to the kids. My youngest cried, and then I did too. This quarantine has been the hardest on the kids.
I went and did a major grocery shopping trip on Tuesday. It was stressful and my cart was absolutely packed because I hadn’t been proper shopping in weeks. We’re still missing stuff like toilet paper! I’m glad we haven’t run out yet but we’re close. I’m beginning to sweat and wish we had our new bathroom with the bidet.
I took Lulu to daycare Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. I plan to take her 2-3 days per week from now on. It’s good for her! She plays with other dogs, runs around in their big open space inside or outside if it’s nice, and then comes home exhausted. All good by me!
I’m ALMOST done with STOLEN FLYGHT. ALMOST. I have five more chapters to proof today and then it’s done. I will then send it off to my proofreader, and that will probably take about a week. I hope to get it to my advanced reader team by the 19th, a whole month before it publishes. I’m so grateful to be almost done! This was the perfect series at the right time for me. I had plenty to write about for six books, and I loved every minute of it, even when it was hard. Sigh. I’ve been working hard these last few weeks to get it done and out of the way so I can concentrate on other things — teaching during quarantine, freelance, and then a redesign of my brand and a launch of my pen name. I just got email from my designer that she can work on my logo packages! Yay! So that’s great timing.
I’ve been working on a low-carb flatbread/tortilla recipe of my own, and so far the results have been okay. I’m definitely making progress! But I’m not there yet. My goal is to have each tortilla be less than 100 calories and have 10g or less of net carbs. These ones are close. Just at 100 calories and around 7.5g net carbs. I’m going to try making a cauliflower tortilla next.
Lulu loves to cuddle in next to me each morning. She’s not really into mornings anymore. She wants a little play time, and then she wants to snooze. Which is fine with me. When she was a wee puppy, she wanted to play ALL THE TIME. This is much better. Lol.
Everything has been pretty and in bloom around here. Some of the trees are moving on from flowers to leaves now.
Any guess what this might have been? A cat? A fox? I saw this skeleton in the park exactly like this. My first thought as I walked by was EW! OH MY GOD! And then I went back and took photos and really looked at it. Lol.
I turned my last batch of bread into croutons. It was the right thing to do!
This card my oldest gave me cracked me up.
And I started my Mother’s Day with a full bagel, cream cheese, smoked salmon, and micro greens! Yum!
Have a safe and happy week everyone!
Viber
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May 8, 2020
May Bargain Sci-fi Sale – Promotion
It’s May! I know, I can’t believe it either. Time is elastic in quarantine. I’m finishing off the last edits of STOLEN FLYGHT and then I can be more present around here. Until then, come check out this sale! There are tons of bargain sci-fi books on sale in this promotion. You can fill up your e-reader and have plenty to get you through isolation ahead!
Check out these Bargain Sci-fi Books!
I hope you find something to read and enjoy!
Viber
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May 3, 2020
Sunday Update – May 3, 2020
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.
Things have been quiet around here, and I apologize for that! I have a lot of things going on right now, so I thought I would update here about it.
First, the days are going by fast. I often have no idea what day of the week it is. I never realized how much I needed the framework of school and after school activities to guide my everyday rhythms. So, this past week, I looked up from my computer and it was suddenly Thursday and I hadn’t posted all week!
Right now, I’m concentrating on finishing the copy edits to STOLEN FLYGHT, the last book of the Flyght Series. As of this morning, I have seven chapters left to do the 1st round of copy edits on. Then it goes into a lightning second round where I listen to everything and run my edits through an additional tool to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I expect to be done by the end of the week.
I’m also currently building a website for my new client. I try to work on it about 2 billable hours per day, though some days it’s less. Sometimes I’m also doing research on the best solution for the site, which is not billable but takes up time. That’s fine, though, because research benefits my whole business.
Plus, there’s SFR Station. This requires a little time every day to patrol social media, schedule social media posts, and then work on the weekend to prepare the posts for the week.
And that’s just MY work! I also have two kids at home attending their schools online. My older child is pretty independent. But my younger kid needs a lot of help. I spend a few hours every day with her, going over American History, teaching her fractions, reminding her to do work or read.
Then there’s the cooking, the baking, the cleaning, the dog walking… It’s a lot. I’m sure most of you can sympathize, as I know I’m not the only one in this position.
So, this is all to say that I promise to get back to regularly posting on the blog when things get a little lighter around here. I’ll have a little more time once STOLEN FLYGHT is done.
There were only a few photos this week…
Lulu is living her best life. If the quarantine agrees with anyone, it’s her. I took her to doggy day care Mon, Wed, and Friday because we got so much rain this week.
Made a beautiful loaf of bread on Friday. I slashed this one differently to give it a rounder shape.
My youngest kid had to write a persuasive essay for writing class this week. She had to take a position on why being the oldest, middle, youngest, or only child was best, then write an essay to support that. We did it together and she did a great job. Then she was telling me about this app she wanted for her iPad, so I told her she had to write a persuasive essay on why I should get her the app. Lololololol. This is basically what she wrote, and I felt it was a good effort, and I let her have the app. Lol.
I tried a keto cauliflower crust from KBosh this week and I felt it was pretty good! There are some things I’d do differently next time like a cooler oven (425ºF was too hot. Maybe 400º next time.) but overall the taste was great and the pizza hit the spot.
I’ve started growing my own sprouts again. I got these seeds from Amazon and I already had the special sprout jar from ages ago (thank you, basement stash!). I also grow micro greens regularly, but I needed to add the sprouts in too for sandwiches and what not. They are good to have on hand!
Friday nights are now knit-nights with my Spider buddies! It’s so good to see them each week.
And now that the weather is nice, I can work outside! Yay!
Have a great week everyone! Stay home and stay safe.
Viber
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May 1, 2020
May 2020 Goals
What happened to April? I swear that March was an eon long, but April flew right on by. Posting has been light here on the blog because the days just slip away. I need to get better about posting more in May… Let’s make that a goal!
What Happened With April’s Goals?
Finish second draft Flyght Book 6. Done. And I’m halfway through copy edits now.
Setup the website for my pen name. Didn’t do that this month. Maybe when my freelance is complete.
Close out my Move Rings every day on my Apple Watch. This is the red ring on each day… My streak continues!
Keep my kids sane through this coronavirus isolation. We’re trying here. Lots of fun foods and activities are the only things holding us all together.
Make more masks and scrub caps. I made a few more of these and then I was just done. Sewing is such a pain.
Audiobooks, reading, and knitting. I’ve been listening to audiobooks and reading ebooks. I’ve also been knitting on Fridays.
Finish my Space Masterclass. Still haven’t done this. Watched a few more sessions, but my husband and I also started the Mexican Cooking Masterclass and finished it, so…
Goals For May
Finish copy edits Flyght Book 6 and send off to proofreader. I have some notes, not many, from my first readers to incorporate into the copy edits. I started copy edits ahead of their notes and I’m now over halfway through this task. I should be done by May 8th, if all goes well. Then I can send it off to my proofreader and get it to ARC readers before the 20th.
Continue with freelance work. I have decided to revitalize my web design and development business now that I’m writing for hobby. I’m currently working on a website for a fellow author that’s similar to SFR Station but for a different related genre. Once this website is done, hopefully in June (?), I will be redesigning my publisher website and developing a website for my freelance business on a domain I’ve used before for the same business. Then I’ll build a site for my pen name. Building all of these sites will be a large part of my portfolio so I can get a few clients every year.
Close out my Move Rings every day on my Apple Watch. Let’s keep the streak going!
More of keeping my kids sane through this coronavirus isolation.There was so much we were supposed to be doing right now! Band and vocal concerts. Art shows. Field Day. I hope we’ll be able to keep busy at home without all the fun stuff.
Update the blog more often. I feel like I’ve been pretty good about this, but I can be better!
Audiobooks, reading, and knitting. I’m starting a new knit! And I want to keep listening to audiobooks. I have a lot of them.
Finish my Space Masterclass. Maybe this is the month I finish.
Have a great May everyone! Stay home and stay safe!
Viber
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April 26, 2020
Sunday Update – April 26, 2020
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.
Like most people, I’m sure, I’ve lost track of time and what we’ve been up to. Every day is like the next with very little difference in my routines. I never thought I would miss the constant go-go-go of kids with after school activities, but I do.
Some things I remember about this week…
I visited our local little farmer’s market to get produce and it was a good thing! This place reminds me of the grocery bodegas back in Brooklyn in every way. The place is owned by an older Korean couple and they do such a great job of keeping it clean and orderly. I feel very safe shopping there. So I’m going to make it a weekly thing. I’ll be back there tomorrow for bananas and baby carrots, both of which have proven to be hot items in my household.
Lulu is still going to daycare a few times per week and loving it there. I’m grateful for this because it’s spring and the weather does not always cooperate for outdoor walks (like today). She’s been getting lots of exercise and socialization this way, and we all get a break from the constant “Where’s the dog? What do you have in your mouth? Lulu’s under the couch again!” Lol.
I started a freelance project! I’m helping out a friend and fellow author with a site similar to SFR Station for a comparable genre. We’re getting stuff done and I’ll be earning money I’m looking forward to spending on book covers and maybe (MAYBE) audiobooks for the Flyght Series. We shall see. We need to get out of this quarantine to see if audiobook sales increase again. Right now, sales are down because people used to buy them for commutes. Without commutes, audiobooks are not high on people’s priority lists. If sales bounce back after this, we’ll really know audiobooks are here to stay. I’ll make my decision then. Anyway, the freelance is going well and keeping me extra busy!
I also started my copy edits of STOLEN FLYGHT, the final book of the Flyght Series. Two of my three First Readers have already given me feedback on this book, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly good! I think I nailed the ending, folks. So I’m proceeding with their notes, and when the 3rd person is done, I’ll add anything she may have to the edits.
I went to see my cousin Kate for a chat outside on her front lawn. We kept more than 6ft apart and gabbed about anything and everything. It was so good to see her but I miss the hugs. A lot.
Let’s get to the photos…
Lulu loves to nap!!
Lulu also loves to go on walks…
We ordered up sushi lunch on Friday for a nice treat. It was sooooooo good.
I made another killer loaf of bread.
Trying to keep my youngest busy with some chalk drawing…
And yarn bombing the cherry tree for Earth Day.
I have started growing some herbs! And believe it or not, the Roman Chamomile is already growing!
I’ve started wearing reading glasses to do work more often. They really help me from getting eye strain and they block blue light too.
And finally, we started our Friday off with some gin martinis. Yum! (Never thought I would say that.)
Have a great week everyone! Stay home and stay safe.
Viber
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April 24, 2020
Steamy Sci-Fi Romance: Aliens, Love in Space,… – Promotion
And finally this week, a really huge promotion with lots of steamy sci-fi romances! This is one you don’t want to miss! With lots of promotions going on right now, you will definitely not run out of stuff to read during this pandemic.
Check out these Steamy Sci-fi Romances!
I hope you find something to read and enjoy!
Viber
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April 23, 2020
Sci-Fi Romances On All Storefronts – Promo
One of the things I love about sci-fi romance is that it has a strong presence outside of Amazon, on storefronts like Kobo and Apple, plus many more! This promotion has a ton of great books, available widely in many storefronts (including Amazon). If you’re looking for something new to try, check out these awesome sci-fi romance reads!
Check out this Sci-fi Romance promo!
I hope you find something to read and enjoy!
Viber
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April 21, 2020
Sci-fi Romance April Sale – Promotion
I have partnered with some other authors to bring you free and 99¢ sci-fi romances for a limited time, through Saturday, April 25th! Run on over and check these books out!
Check out these Free and 99¢ Sci-fi Romances!
I hope you find something to read and enjoy!
Viber
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April 19, 2020
Sunday Update – April 19, 2020
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.
So, how long have we been quarantine? Because I lost count. Let me go look at the calendar… Ah, we’re at Day 37 here, counting from March 14th. Yeah, all the time is blending together, and this Stay At Home business is starting to feel normal, like our lives will be like this for a long time coming.
Some things I miss about the outside world: my work time while the kids were in tennis, eating at Panera, running errands without all the precautions, dinners out with my family.
What I miss the most now is my park! The county had “closed” the park to gatherings and people using the gym equipment and playground, but they had kept it open for runners and walkers. But I guess that was still too many people out because this week they put up barriers on all the entrances and patrol the park with cop cars to ticket people. Yeah. I actually saw them harass a few walkers in there the other day. So, my long walks with Lulu in the park are not happening anymore. I’ve been sad about losing many freedoms during this quarantine (Not that I would protest or anything! THIS IS NECESSARY!) but the park is a big blow to my well being. I’m muddling through by walking Lulu on a different route that skirts past the park. Sigh.
Other things that happened this week include the publication of SILENT FLYGHT (yay!), I dyed my youngest child’s hair with Overtone, Lulu was sick on Thursday and we’re not sure why, and lots of cooking and drinking.
Easter Sunday meant a decadent meal. I made our Roasted “Turkey” Breast which is a wheat gluten based “meat.” It makes a very good, toothy meal with gravy too! We added mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, and green beans to the plate, and then had a delicious bottle of wine.
Lulu continues to live her best life with us at home and at doggy day care play time!
Lulu was sick on Thursday and we’re not sure why. I think it was probably something she picked up and ate on our walk. She puked 4 times in the morning and then was unhappy all day. She stuck right by me and then napped a lot. She was fine by the evening, though, and has been fine ever since.
On Tuesday, I waited in a line 40 people long to get into Whole Foods to shop. It took me an hour JUST TO GET INSIDE. Then another hour to shop and disinfect the groceries. Ugh.
The county totally blocked off the park. Super bummer.
I tried to get a photo of Lulu and me together but once I put on the coat, she starts pacing, ready to go out for her walk!
My view of the park from the road. Sad face.
I have been eating more fruit for dessert when I want something sweet. These mangoes are so good!
Once again, I had my Friday zoom meeting with my knitting buddies! I look forward to these every week.
I took a screenshot of Manhattan traffic on Easter Sunday. It was GREEN across the board which NEVER happens. Like NEVER. On Easter Sunday, we usually sit in traffic on our way out to Long Island and on the way back. This just goes to show you that people ARE staying home.
We were bored so I got out this Overtone deep conditioner in Rose Gold that never worked on me because I have so much gray. Looks nice on my daughter though!
Where’s Lulu?
I finished my first round of revisions on STOLEN FLYGHT, the last book of the Flyght Series! This is off with my first readers now.
And finally, I celebrated the release of SILENT FLYGHT with a nice breakfast at home on Friday.
Have a great week everyone! Stay home and stay safe.
Viber
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April 17, 2020
SILENT FLYGHT, Book 5 Of The Flyght Series, Is Now Available!
I have a new release today! SILENT FLYGHT, the fifth book of the Flyght Series, is now available for purchase! If you pre-ordered it, it should be on your ebook readers already. There will not be a paperback available for this book.
When I scheduled this release, I had no idea I’d be sitting at home in the middle of a pandemic. Usually, I go out and treat myself to a nice breakfast on my release days. But, as usual, I’m home today, helping my kids with schoolwork and making sure everyone is fed. I’m not sure what I’ll do to celebrate, but I’ll figure something out! I’ll be sure to post about it on Instagram for everyone.
This is the second to last book of the series… and, as such, it was the hardest book of the series to write. Vivian has a rough time in SILENT FLYGHT. She’s met with her biggest mistake to date, and she’s only a week or two away from the auction of her home and property. So, of course, everything goes wrong! You know that saying, “It’s always darkest before the dawn?” Yeah. Vivian does not get a break in this book. At all.
But I promise an exciting ending is but a book away! Book 6 is with readers right now, and I think you’re going to love it.
I really hope you enjoy SILENT FLYGHT. Have a great weekend reading, everyone!
In need of cash. Running out of time. A desperate play to protect what’s hers…
Vivian Kawabata has finally reached her breaking point. The plucky starship captain is doing everything she can to ensure her treasured family land isn’t stolen. But she’s shocked to learn they will auction the property in only two weeks, and she doesn’t have enough credits to compete.
Scrambling to forge a revised plan to save her inheritance, Vivian’s convinced the only solution is to add a new benefactor to her sexy stable of suitors. But with a rival sabotaging her business at every turn, she fears even a wealthy man’s help will come too late.
Can Vivian preserve her birthright before it’s snatched away for good?
SILENT FLYGHT is the fifth book in the sultry Flyght Series of sci-fi reverse harem romance. If you like epic space sagas, smoking-hot men, and one shocking twist after another, then you’ll love S. J. Pajonas’s galactic adventure.
Note: This is a slow-burn romance series!
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Enjoy SILENT FLYGHT! I’ll see you around here next week!
Viber
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