Maggie Adams's Blog, page 2

December 18, 2014

It Only Takes A Bit of Time

To make someone happy, it only takes a smile.
To make someone’s day, a little bit of time.
To make someone happy, it only takes a moment.
But the memory can last a lifetime.

That is how I feel every time I start my computer. Because that is how every person who purchased my first endeavor, or sent me a word of encouragement, or gave me a review, or became my friend on social media has made me feel.

I honestly didn’t think about how my novel would impact my life. I simply wanted to write it – to see if I was good enough for someone to like it. Wow! I am overwhelmed at the outpouring of support and encouragement I have received from all over the world. I never imagined in all my romantic daydreams that I would be able to make someone smile halfway across the world.

So again, I thank you, ALL of you, from the bottom to the top of my most humble heart, and I pray the New Year brings each of you the happiness that you have given to me.

God Bless You and Keep You Safe!

Maggie Adams
Author, Whistlin’ Dixie
Whistlin' Dixie - A Tempered Steel Novel by Maggie Adams
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Published on December 18, 2014 12:39

November 29, 2014

It's Release Day!!!

So much is happening! I can't hardly believe my dream is finally coming true. And I've gotten some really wonderful surprises from Amazon and Deb and Lisa's Romance Showcase.

First, Whistlin' Dixie will be released tonight at 12:01 am CST for Kindle. Don't have a Kindle? Get a FREE app on my order page to use with other tablets. Want a paperback? Excellent! I'm taking 10% off PLUS Amazon is taking 30% ONE paperback AND FREE shipping on orders over $35.

Need more info? Check out Deb and Lisa's Romance Showcase on Facebook. It features me and Whistlin' Dixie excerpts and fun facts.
https://www.facebook.com/debandlisasr...

Want to learn more about me and what's next for the series? Check out my website at http://www.maggieadamsbooks.com

What are you waiting for? Get clicking!
Whistlin' Dixie - A Tempered Steel Novel by Maggie Adams
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Published on November 29, 2014 18:46

November 26, 2014

Counting My Blessings!

It’s so hard to make sure everyone that has supported me is acknowledged. I could be writing personal thanks for days! So I’ll just say that I love you! I appreciate you! And if you’re ever in trouble (and I’m not sitting in jail with you), I’ve got bail money and a great alibi!

A special acknowledgement to my talented daughter. It was my job as a parent to teach you, but you have taught me so much; not only about daughters and friends, but about who I can aspire to be. I hope you will always be as proud of me as I am of you. I love you!

Another special thanks to my tech savvy son. Without you, I would still be floundering in cyberspace, trying to tweet on Facebook (yes, I know the difference now). Your calm acceptance of my quirkiness and loving support of everything I do lets me know that even if nothing else in my life is good, I still have my greatest accomplishment – my children. I love you!

And, of course, to my husband, Ned, who told me to “just write the damn book already!” So I did.

This series is dedicated to the people in my life who believed in me; Tammy Bugger – my shoulder to cry on and cheerleader; Jenn, and all the wonderful people at the Killion Group, Inc.; My friends and family; thank you for your love and support. You made this book possible with your encouragement, your smiles, and your honest critiques



This is just a small amount of the many things I am thankful for this holiday season. Just like Mac Coalson told Dixie, "We have so much to be thankful for."


Happy Thanksgiving from my house to yours!

Whistlin' Dixie - A Tempered Steel Novel
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Published on November 26, 2014 14:34

November 20, 2014

The Process in Review

It was around this time last year that I decided to give my writing another chance. I had heard so much about self-publishing, but I was hesitant. What if all those rejection letters were right? Maybe I wasn't good enough. Maybe my love of writing was simply a way for me to connect to the books I love to read.





I was at a bit of a crossroads in my life, so I prayed about it. (I'm not an 'only when it's truly important, will I ask God for help' type of person. He hears from me, A LOT) His answer literally hit me in the head. As I stated, I had written the series a few years back and kept a hard copy in my closet. Now, I'm not saying the pages fluttered down around me like snowflakes on a winter's day. It was encased in a VERY LARGE three ring binder on the top shelf of my closet. And it fell squarely on top of my head (OUCH!) when I tried to reach for my winter gloves. (I've often thought that God was a wee bit perturbed that I kept asking the same question when I knew the answer. I was just scared.)




So, given the Almighty's approval, I girded my loins, which is a fancy term, for puttin' on my big girl panties, and decided to give it one more try.







Rewriting Whistlin' Dixie, was the easy part. I had to update it for technology, but the story was still fresh. It's about ordinary people and their problems so I tried to write it that way. There's no billionaire CEO, or dinners in Paris; just romance, and humor, and sex! Oh, and a little suspense.




And I had the cover design in mind - it's actually my daughter and son-in-law's engagement pic. So yep, that's them. He's tall, dark and handsome. She's short, sassy and sweet. Just like Mac and Dixie. It was more than that, though. The symbolism was perfect - the box she stands on represents the ways to overcome their issues. Think outside the box? Preach on a soapbox? A height difference solution? The old barn in the background, weathered but still standing. The "00" represents a tie, or stalemate, where no one wins. And the entire cover like a yellowed photo - Tempered in loss, sorrow and pain yet still precious, cherished, timeless. Now, I just had to find someone to make it real.




It's funny how destiny plays it's role. A friend of a friend, who grew up in the Grafton area, was not only a graphic designer, she was also an editor. Talk about a wonderful collaborative effort! The Killion Group led me, step by step, through the process of editing, marketing and publishing. Sometimes it was like trying to teach a monkey, I'm sure; but, through it all they were gracious and fun. I can't thank them enough.




So here it is, my book's ready for pre-order and will be released on November 30th, paperback to follow soon after. I hope you enjoy it. There's a bit of my blood, sweat, and tears on every page. But there's also something else - pride, accomplishment, and love.







Oh, and the polish sausage garbanzo bean casserole really is a recipe; and it really is awful!
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Published on November 20, 2014 15:27