H.M. Shander's Blog, page 11
April 21, 2016
All About ... Cole
Cole MacIntrye is Aurora's father.
After the death of his wife - Angelica, and oldest daughter, Carmen, he too became as lost as Aurora, only they don't know how to find each other. He checks in on her constantly, but keeps an emotional distance, unsure of how to handle the outspoken woman his daughter's become.
Cole calls Fort McMurray homeBorn in December, he'll be fifty-one on his next birthdayIn his high school days, he was a #1 swimmer with dream to go to the Olympics. His dream was crushed when he separated his shoulder in an unfortunate farming accident, and lost full range of motionWorks in the oil patchHe's taken enough First-Aid courses to be certified at a HCP level - and assists around the job siteKaitlyn has a crush on him, which she blames on the whole widow thing Cole has going on (Cole does not reciprocate the crush)Is just as good at keeping secrets as Aurora. Nate's sister is the one who uncovers the secret towards the end of Duly Noted Pays rent and living expenses for Aurora, so she can focus on her studies
Pre-order price of $1.99 US SMASHWORDS - KOBO - iTunes - Amazon
The following is a copyrighted excerpt from Duly Noted. Please do not copy in any format without prior consent from the author. You may RT or link to this blog.
Turning to face her father she said, “I should’ve paid more attention, but we were laughing and having a good time. And then it was gone.” She snapped her fingers. “Just like that. Not looking cost them their lives, and I have to live with that daily. So forgive me, if today I didn’t want to feel that pain and hurt.” Huge tears fell down her cheeks. “That’s not how to deal with it.” He shook his head, his hair falling into his eyes.“How then, Daddy?”“You talk about it. Talk through it.”She scrunched her face, staring at him. “With who? The therapist? The one who only knows me only since the accident? Why can’t I talk about it with you?”“Because, you can’t talk to me about it.”“Don’t I know it?” Turning back to the window, she hunched her shoulders and braced herself against the glass door. “You always shut me out. Every fucking time.” She limped and paced around the room. “Don’t use that language with me.”Aurora faced him and pointed a stern finger in his direction. “Your wife and your daughter died that day.” Her hands flew into the air. “How can you not talk about that? How can you pretend like it didn’t happen, and they never existed. How do you make it through the day like that?” Her sleeve scratched across her nose.Cole looked her hard in the eyes. “Work.”“Bullshit, Daddy. I work all goddamn day, and it doesn’t do fuck all to help me.” More tears fell. “Even months later, when I was studying all day for the diploma exams, I thought about them. Then all through first year. How can you not think about them?”“Because I CAN’T, Aurora. It’s what works for me.”“Well it doesn’t work for me.” She poked the air in front of him, almost connecting with his chest. “I miss them so much, and I think about everything Momma’s going to miss in my life. My university grad, my wedding, my babies. Everything. You don’t think that doesn’t weigh on me?” Her voice fell to a volume barely above a whisper. “Drugs aren’t the answer.”
After the death of his wife - Angelica, and oldest daughter, Carmen, he too became as lost as Aurora, only they don't know how to find each other. He checks in on her constantly, but keeps an emotional distance, unsure of how to handle the outspoken woman his daughter's become.
Cole calls Fort McMurray homeBorn in December, he'll be fifty-one on his next birthdayIn his high school days, he was a #1 swimmer with dream to go to the Olympics. His dream was crushed when he separated his shoulder in an unfortunate farming accident, and lost full range of motionWorks in the oil patchHe's taken enough First-Aid courses to be certified at a HCP level - and assists around the job siteKaitlyn has a crush on him, which she blames on the whole widow thing Cole has going on (Cole does not reciprocate the crush)Is just as good at keeping secrets as Aurora. Nate's sister is the one who uncovers the secret towards the end of Duly Noted Pays rent and living expenses for Aurora, so she can focus on her studies
Pre-order price of $1.99 US SMASHWORDS - KOBO - iTunes - Amazon
The following is a copyrighted excerpt from Duly Noted. Please do not copy in any format without prior consent from the author. You may RT or link to this blog. Turning to face her father she said, “I should’ve paid more attention, but we were laughing and having a good time. And then it was gone.” She snapped her fingers. “Just like that. Not looking cost them their lives, and I have to live with that daily. So forgive me, if today I didn’t want to feel that pain and hurt.” Huge tears fell down her cheeks. “That’s not how to deal with it.” He shook his head, his hair falling into his eyes.“How then, Daddy?”“You talk about it. Talk through it.”She scrunched her face, staring at him. “With who? The therapist? The one who only knows me only since the accident? Why can’t I talk about it with you?”“Because, you can’t talk to me about it.”“Don’t I know it?” Turning back to the window, she hunched her shoulders and braced herself against the glass door. “You always shut me out. Every fucking time.” She limped and paced around the room. “Don’t use that language with me.”Aurora faced him and pointed a stern finger in his direction. “Your wife and your daughter died that day.” Her hands flew into the air. “How can you not talk about that? How can you pretend like it didn’t happen, and they never existed. How do you make it through the day like that?” Her sleeve scratched across her nose.Cole looked her hard in the eyes. “Work.”“Bullshit, Daddy. I work all goddamn day, and it doesn’t do fuck all to help me.” More tears fell. “Even months later, when I was studying all day for the diploma exams, I thought about them. Then all through first year. How can you not think about them?”“Because I CAN’T, Aurora. It’s what works for me.”“Well it doesn’t work for me.” She poked the air in front of him, almost connecting with his chest. “I miss them so much, and I think about everything Momma’s going to miss in my life. My university grad, my wedding, my babies. Everything. You don’t think that doesn’t weigh on me?” Her voice fell to a volume barely above a whisper. “Drugs aren’t the answer.”
April 18, 2016
All About ... Matthew James
Matthew James is a literary Rock Star, at least to most people. He's famous in the written world, having authored over thirty novels, from middle grade, young adult, new adult and adult fiction. His organization - The MJ Association - donates specific titles to under-privileged children in the inner cities, as well as millions of dollars to various literary organizations throughout Canada. Some would claim he is pretentious, while others are completely enchanted.
Fun Facts:He's a dead ringer for Bradley Cooper - from a distanceAs a child, Matthew had dyslexia, something he fought hard to overcome with the guidance of an amazing learning coach; her name is mentioned in every book he writes as a sympathetic character of some formWrote his first novel at fifteen - Whatever Happened to Mrs. Codwell? a middle grade novel that won the prestigious Golden Apple AwardBy time he was thirty, he'd published twenty-one best sellers, and was named one of Canada's Most Influential PeopleWas once married, no childrenResides primarily in Calgary, but does have a house on the rocky shores of Vancouver Island, and one in the light house district on the east coast. Remains true to his Canadian rootsNo matter what Nate says, he does live an unpretentious life
Pre-order price of $1.99 US SMASHWORDS - KOBO - iTunes - Amazon
The following is a copyrighted excerpt from Duly Noted. Please do not copy in any format without prior consent from the author. You may RT or link to this blog. “Boys and girls,” the manager said a few minutes later. “May I present… Matthew James!”The crowd applauded wildly when Matthew’s name was called, and Aurora found herself momentarily caught up in the excitement as well. Turning in his direction, she saw him. Clearly comfortable in his own skin and exuding the confidence of a dozen men, he sauntered onto the stage, waving to his fans below. With a crisp white dress shirt and black jeans, he looked, well, like a rock star. Exceedingly handsome, with his long wavy hair blown off his tan and sculpted face. A hint of stubble gave him an older, sexy refined appeal. She clapped and cheered with the fans. Her attention on him as he walked across the stage and shook hands with the manager, his megawatt smile unavoidable. She forgot about her job, and her reason for working. People were getting pushy and trying to see, and a violent shove against her aching back, made her stumble and lose her footing. Tumbling to the ground, she closed her eyes as pain blanketed her. A loud voice boomed over the PA system. “Hey,” the voice said, “is that how we treat people? Pushing others out of the way?” Although the volume on the PA remained the same, the voice who held it became louder. “Are you okay?” She opened her eyes and there he stood. Right in front of her. His gorgeous hand outstretched. Following the line of his arm, upwards until she focused on his green eyes edged with the longest lashes she’d ever seen. He was even more gorgeous up-close, breathtaking really. Being so close to a real celebrity, she trembled as she accepted his hand. His perfectly soft and manicured hand. “Yes, I’m okay.” With his help, she stood back on her feet. He turned to the crowd while holding her hand. “This,” he pointed to her, “is not how I want you treating your fellow brothers and sisters. We are all on this Earth together, and need to watch out and protect each other. Help, not hurt.” He scanned the crowds. “Is everyone else okay?” The crowd cheered, and Aurora wanted to join in, forgetting for a moment she was part of the reason the people applauded. She went to clap and stopped – he still held her hand. A stab of pain, and she pulled free of his hand. She rubbed her back, which had long sailed past aching. It throbbed. “Now, my lovely lady,” he bowed to her, “please come with me on stage.”“I can’t,” she whispered, heat flooding her cheeks. “I’m working.” She bent down to retrieve her fallen hat. “She’s working,” he announced into his headset with a laugh that sung through the walls. “Well, my lady, that is correct. Today you will be helping me directly. I insist.” When he smiled at her, his teeth actually seemed to reflect the overhead lights. “I’m sure your bosses won’t mind either.” He flashed her a knee-buckling wink.
What Makes Me Smile
As I'm doing laundry, I take a good long look at the shirts I'm ironing for my boys. Seven days worth of shirts and each shirt I'm taking the wrinkles out of, is one we made together. There are no brand names tops, there are no shirts with snazzy sayings. However, there are a lot of shirts we made together. In fact, this week, every top was homemade.
This makes me smile.
A $4 shirt from Michael's ($3, if you catch a sale), some fabric paint and a few hours together making memories. When I look at the shirts, I can see the day clearly. The laughter and excitement on the boys faces as I bring out new shirts, and paints. We debate what they want (as I have to trace it out and my skills are not fantastic) and get to it.
Each shirt has a memory - whatever was important to them at that time in their life. Perhaps one day, instead of throwing away the shirts when they're outgrown, I can make them into a quilt or something.
But for now, I'm happy they don't want expensive brand name shirts. That they're happy (and proud) wearing something we've made together.
This makes me smile.
This makes me smile.
A $4 shirt from Michael's ($3, if you catch a sale), some fabric paint and a few hours together making memories. When I look at the shirts, I can see the day clearly. The laughter and excitement on the boys faces as I bring out new shirts, and paints. We debate what they want (as I have to trace it out and my skills are not fantastic) and get to it.
Each shirt has a memory - whatever was important to them at that time in their life. Perhaps one day, instead of throwing away the shirts when they're outgrown, I can make them into a quilt or something. But for now, I'm happy they don't want expensive brand name shirts. That they're happy (and proud) wearing something we've made together.
This makes me smile.
April 8, 2016
All about ... Kaitlyn
In DULY NOTED, Kaitlyn Kariyev is Aurora's best friend. A neat freak by nature, she loves to dance, and have a lot of fun. Plus she has a kick-ass personality. Deeply loyal, preferring quality over quantity, she's willing to put herself out on the line for her best friend.
Met Aurora at the UofA when they became dorm matesIs a year older than Aurora, but Kaitlyn just finished her third year in education. Wants to teach high school PE Not impressed to sharing her birthdate with PutinAlthough her parents are both of Russian descent, has always been an Albertan and lacks the accent her parents haveWanted siblings, but never had anyHer brutal honesty is a turn off to most people, except those who know her well enough to appreciate the honestyShe's looking for that special someone, but struggles with her sexuality. Has a harmless crush on Aurora's father, but dates females. She's still trying to figure that outAdrenaline junkie, who loves a good roller-coaster and has bungee-jumped a few timesIs a classically trained pianistHas a major scene with Aurora, that through the editing process got chopped. However, I may release it as a bonus chapter when I reach a certain amount of reviews. :)
Pre-order price of $1.99 US SMASHWORDS - KOBO - iTunes - Amazon
The following is a copyrighted excerpt from Duly Noted. Please do not copy in any format without prior consent from the author. You may RT or link to this blog.
“Aurora!” The female voice yelled after she said hello. “What the hell? You just leave without saying goodbye?”“Kaitlyn, I’m–” What? Sorry, because I’m not. Well? “I’m sorry for leaving without saying goodbye. I hurt my lower back and needed to hightail it out of there.”“I looked all over for you.”She buried her face into her hands, cradling the phone against her ear. “I’m sorry for that, but I hurt so bad, I couldn’t look for you. I knew eventually you’d get your phone.”“Are you okay now?”“Better, yes. But not a hundred percent.” Kaitlyn huffed. “Good. I’m sorry you got hurt. I was having a really good time with you.”Aurora smiled, recalling the closeness. “I was too. It was almost–” Erotic? Is it weird to think that? “Yeah?”“Yeah.” Sometimes your bestie understood what you wanted to say, even if you never said it.“Cool. So you want to hang tonight?”Slumping against the back of the kitchen chair, she said, “Yeah, it beats researching a major jerk.” Aurora launched into discussion about her day with Matthew James. “I should swing by the restaurant and see if he’s there waiting.”Aurora glanced at the clock above her TV. “You wouldn’t make it in time to check.”“Actually, I’m not far away. I should. Text me a pic of the rat-faced bastard.”Aurora laughed and finding a quick pic, sent it. “There you go.”“Great, thanks. Oh, here it is. Wow, he’s handsome,” Kaitlyn said. “A jerk still, but a handsome one.”“Yes, he is.”“Okay, I’m going to have some fun. I’ll come over when I’m done.”
Met Aurora at the UofA when they became dorm matesIs a year older than Aurora, but Kaitlyn just finished her third year in education. Wants to teach high school PE Not impressed to sharing her birthdate with PutinAlthough her parents are both of Russian descent, has always been an Albertan and lacks the accent her parents haveWanted siblings, but never had anyHer brutal honesty is a turn off to most people, except those who know her well enough to appreciate the honestyShe's looking for that special someone, but struggles with her sexuality. Has a harmless crush on Aurora's father, but dates females. She's still trying to figure that outAdrenaline junkie, who loves a good roller-coaster and has bungee-jumped a few timesIs a classically trained pianistHas a major scene with Aurora, that through the editing process got chopped. However, I may release it as a bonus chapter when I reach a certain amount of reviews. :) Pre-order price of $1.99 US SMASHWORDS - KOBO - iTunes - Amazon
The following is a copyrighted excerpt from Duly Noted. Please do not copy in any format without prior consent from the author. You may RT or link to this blog. “Aurora!” The female voice yelled after she said hello. “What the hell? You just leave without saying goodbye?”“Kaitlyn, I’m–” What? Sorry, because I’m not. Well? “I’m sorry for leaving without saying goodbye. I hurt my lower back and needed to hightail it out of there.”“I looked all over for you.”She buried her face into her hands, cradling the phone against her ear. “I’m sorry for that, but I hurt so bad, I couldn’t look for you. I knew eventually you’d get your phone.”“Are you okay now?”“Better, yes. But not a hundred percent.” Kaitlyn huffed. “Good. I’m sorry you got hurt. I was having a really good time with you.”Aurora smiled, recalling the closeness. “I was too. It was almost–” Erotic? Is it weird to think that? “Yeah?”“Yeah.” Sometimes your bestie understood what you wanted to say, even if you never said it.“Cool. So you want to hang tonight?”Slumping against the back of the kitchen chair, she said, “Yeah, it beats researching a major jerk.” Aurora launched into discussion about her day with Matthew James. “I should swing by the restaurant and see if he’s there waiting.”Aurora glanced at the clock above her TV. “You wouldn’t make it in time to check.”“Actually, I’m not far away. I should. Text me a pic of the rat-faced bastard.”Aurora laughed and finding a quick pic, sent it. “There you go.”“Great, thanks. Oh, here it is. Wow, he’s handsome,” Kaitlyn said. “A jerk still, but a handsome one.”“Yes, he is.”“Okay, I’m going to have some fun. I’ll come over when I’m done.”
April 4, 2016
COMING SOON - Duly Noted
COMING JUNE 21 - 2016
Available for pre-order for $1.99 US SMASHWORDS - KOBO - iTunes
PTSD sucks.
Just ask nineteen year-old Aurora.
She’s dealt with it for the past two years. Effing car crash.
Resigned to live a mediocre life with her friends Percocet and Xanax, she's coped on her own. Terrified of stepping beyond her backyard, and broken and damaged, she doesn’t need anyone, anyways. Until she meets him.
Shy but smoking hot, Nate Johnson has a mouth as smart as hers, and can handle every ounce of sass she dishes out. Immediately, he’s hooked by Aurora’s sarcastic wit. A man on a mission, he wants to help her over her fear of cars. He needs to, if he’s ever going to have her as part of his world – a passion he’s kept hidden from her. As he succeeds with the impossible goal, he finds he’s curing more than just her PTSD, he’s healing her heart.
But when her fears collide with his passion, it drives Aurora away.
From him.
From them.
From the best thing to ever happen to her.
Because sometimes love just isn’t enough.
However, Nate wants her back and he’s willing to give up everything he loves for her. Aurora refuses to have him sacrifice his passion because of her, and dreams up a risky plan to stop him. It’s dangerous. It’s foolish. And if it doesn’t kill her first, it could just save them both.
(PS this image is NOT the cover, just something I fiddled around with.)
Meet the Cast of Characters
Kaitlyn
The Johnson Family
Cole
Lucas
Matthew James
** NATE **
** AURORA **
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER Via SMASHWORDS for $1.99
Available for pre-order for $1.99 US SMASHWORDS - KOBO - iTunes
PTSD sucks.
Just ask nineteen year-old Aurora.
She’s dealt with it for the past two years. Effing car crash.
Resigned to live a mediocre life with her friends Percocet and Xanax, she's coped on her own. Terrified of stepping beyond her backyard, and broken and damaged, she doesn’t need anyone, anyways. Until she meets him.
Shy but smoking hot, Nate Johnson has a mouth as smart as hers, and can handle every ounce of sass she dishes out. Immediately, he’s hooked by Aurora’s sarcastic wit. A man on a mission, he wants to help her over her fear of cars. He needs to, if he’s ever going to have her as part of his world – a passion he’s kept hidden from her. As he succeeds with the impossible goal, he finds he’s curing more than just her PTSD, he’s healing her heart.
But when her fears collide with his passion, it drives Aurora away.
From him.
From them.
From the best thing to ever happen to her.
Because sometimes love just isn’t enough.
However, Nate wants her back and he’s willing to give up everything he loves for her. Aurora refuses to have him sacrifice his passion because of her, and dreams up a risky plan to stop him. It’s dangerous. It’s foolish. And if it doesn’t kill her first, it could just save them both.
(PS this image is NOT the cover, just something I fiddled around with.)
Meet the Cast of Characters
Kaitlyn
The Johnson Family
Cole
Lucas
Matthew James
** NATE **
** AURORA **
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER Via SMASHWORDS for $1.99
Duly Noted - the Blurb
PTSD sucks.
Just ask Aurora.
She’s dealt with it for the past two years. Effing car crash.
Resigned to live a mediocre life, she’s coped all on her own with only her friends Percocet and Xanax along for the ride. Broken and damaged, she doesn’t need anyone, thank you very much. Until she meets him.
Shy but smoking hot, Nate Johnson has a mouth as smart as hers, and can handle every ounce of sass she dishes out. Immediately, he’s hooked by Aurora’s sarcastic wit. A man on a mission, he wants to help her over her fear of cars. He needs to, if he’s ever going to have her as part of his world – a passion he’s kept hidden from her. As he succeeds with the impossible goal, he finds he’s curing more than just her PTSD, he’s healing her heart.
But when the unthinkable happens, it drives Aurora away.
From him.
From them.
From the best thing to ever happen to her.
Because sometimes love just isn’t enough.
However, Nate wants her back and he’s willing to give up everything he loves for her. Aurora refuses to have him sacrifice his passion because of her, and dreams up a risky plan to stop him. It’s dangerous. It’s foolish. And if it doesn’t kill her first, it could just save them both.
Just ask Aurora.
She’s dealt with it for the past two years. Effing car crash.
Resigned to live a mediocre life, she’s coped all on her own with only her friends Percocet and Xanax along for the ride. Broken and damaged, she doesn’t need anyone, thank you very much. Until she meets him.
Shy but smoking hot, Nate Johnson has a mouth as smart as hers, and can handle every ounce of sass she dishes out. Immediately, he’s hooked by Aurora’s sarcastic wit. A man on a mission, he wants to help her over her fear of cars. He needs to, if he’s ever going to have her as part of his world – a passion he’s kept hidden from her. As he succeeds with the impossible goal, he finds he’s curing more than just her PTSD, he’s healing her heart.
But when the unthinkable happens, it drives Aurora away.
From him.
From them.
From the best thing to ever happen to her.
Because sometimes love just isn’t enough.
However, Nate wants her back and he’s willing to give up everything he loves for her. Aurora refuses to have him sacrifice his passion because of her, and dreams up a risky plan to stop him. It’s dangerous. It’s foolish. And if it doesn’t kill her first, it could just save them both.
March 16, 2016
Introducing... Aurora & Nate
I'd like to introduce you to two people, and their friends, I've been spending A LOT of time with.
.
Aurora MacIntyre & Nate Johnson
Fun Facts About Aurora
Has PTSD from a car crash which killed her mother and sisterRefuses to touch a vehicle, let alone get into oneIs sassy, and sarcasticLives alone in a 3 bedroom apartment on the 19th floorHer best friends are Kaitlyn, Xanax and Percocet
Fun Facts About Nate
Other characters include:
Kaitlyn Alexander - a no-nonsense bi-sexual BFF for Aurora
Matthew James - a literary Rock Star with a deep connection to Aurora
Cole MacIntyre - Aurora's father, a man with many problems
Lucas Johnson - Nate's adorable younger brother
Brenda Johnson - Nate's mother, who only wants the best for her son
Interested? Follow along as I release snippets, teasers, and pre-release prizes
. Aurora MacIntyre & Nate Johnson
Fun Facts About AuroraHas PTSD from a car crash which killed her mother and sisterRefuses to touch a vehicle, let alone get into oneIs sassy, and sarcasticLives alone in a 3 bedroom apartment on the 19th floorHer best friends are Kaitlyn, Xanax and Percocet
Fun Facts About NateLoves cars almost as much as life itselfCan take on Aurora's sass, and dish it backIs sex-on-a-stick Is working on his engineering degree, but passes the time as a construction workerHas a plan to help Aurora with her PTSD
Other characters include:
Kaitlyn Alexander - a no-nonsense bi-sexual BFF for Aurora
Matthew James - a literary Rock Star with a deep connection to Aurora
Cole MacIntyre - Aurora's father, a man with many problems
Lucas Johnson - Nate's adorable younger brother
Brenda Johnson - Nate's mother, who only wants the best for her son
Interested? Follow along as I release snippets, teasers, and pre-release prizes
February 24, 2016
Success vs Failure
Today has been one of those days where I wonder if I am succeeding or failing at life; at writing; at doing the housework, whatever you want to throw at me today.
For writing, for me, I feel successful (mostly). People (strangers even) buy my books, read them and for the most part, rave about them. It makes me feel good to know something I wrote touched them in some way. Then I get into the many pitch contests, enter, hold my breath, and wait. In the end, nothing comes out of it. No agents knocking on my door, no offers of contracts, BUT I have usually made a new "friend" or two, and have some great solid writing advice to learn from. So is that a failure? Maybe, since I'm still holding out for a contract... lol, or would you say it's a success? Overall, I like to think of it as a success. It's getting my name out there, it's persevering to make each little 140 character pitch the best it can be, it's trying over and over again.
Then I look at my housework. Total failure. The ironing is staring at me RIGHT NOW begging for a warm iron. The floors are in desperate need of a vacuuming and wash but I can't be bothered. Overall though, I keep my house pretty neat and tidy and clean. But the jury's still out on success or failure with that one. However, come back on a Sunday when I spend all day cleaning it... ;)
And parenting - ugg, the Olympic Gold Medal of success and failure.
I see all these posts on FB - proud parents showing off their happy little "perfect" children doing all these amazing feats, and if you're like me, you wonder how you measure up. Staring at their rah-rah-watch-me-parent-awesomely posts and pictures, I feel like a total failure. Really? Your child's played the tuba since he was one? Skipped two grades in school. Mine walked at 14 months, talked at three. So it would seem like I'm a failure.
But I can't measure myself against them, and I refuse to anymore. They have different goals than I do (obviously). What's considered a real measure of success? I don't know, but for me at the end of the day, I'm the last face my kids want to see, the last person they want to talk to, the last person to hug goodnight. When something good in their world happens, they burst at the seams telling me. When their world collapses, they know I'll be there to catch them and get them back on their feet. How can that be a failure?
So today, don't put someone else's definition of success on you. Do what makes YOU feel successful.
And PS - I need to hear some good news, so please tell me something wonderful that happened to you today!
For writing, for me, I feel successful (mostly). People (strangers even) buy my books, read them and for the most part, rave about them. It makes me feel good to know something I wrote touched them in some way. Then I get into the many pitch contests, enter, hold my breath, and wait. In the end, nothing comes out of it. No agents knocking on my door, no offers of contracts, BUT I have usually made a new "friend" or two, and have some great solid writing advice to learn from. So is that a failure? Maybe, since I'm still holding out for a contract... lol, or would you say it's a success? Overall, I like to think of it as a success. It's getting my name out there, it's persevering to make each little 140 character pitch the best it can be, it's trying over and over again.
Then I look at my housework. Total failure. The ironing is staring at me RIGHT NOW begging for a warm iron. The floors are in desperate need of a vacuuming and wash but I can't be bothered. Overall though, I keep my house pretty neat and tidy and clean. But the jury's still out on success or failure with that one. However, come back on a Sunday when I spend all day cleaning it... ;)
And parenting - ugg, the Olympic Gold Medal of success and failure.
I see all these posts on FB - proud parents showing off their happy little "perfect" children doing all these amazing feats, and if you're like me, you wonder how you measure up. Staring at their rah-rah-watch-me-parent-awesomely posts and pictures, I feel like a total failure. Really? Your child's played the tuba since he was one? Skipped two grades in school. Mine walked at 14 months, talked at three. So it would seem like I'm a failure.
But I can't measure myself against them, and I refuse to anymore. They have different goals than I do (obviously). What's considered a real measure of success? I don't know, but for me at the end of the day, I'm the last face my kids want to see, the last person they want to talk to, the last person to hug goodnight. When something good in their world happens, they burst at the seams telling me. When their world collapses, they know I'll be there to catch them and get them back on their feet. How can that be a failure?
So today, don't put someone else's definition of success on you. Do what makes YOU feel successful.
And PS - I need to hear some good news, so please tell me something wonderful that happened to you today!
February 10, 2016
Free Read - Until Valentine's Day
To celebrate the season of love, I'm giving away free e-copies of Run Away Charlotte via Smashwords only.
One 5Star review:
it was amazing ·I started out giving this book 4 stars - but I was just lying to myself. It's been more than 36 hours since I finished the book, and I can't get it out of my head. The story, the characters, the emotions...I'm not even sure 5 stars is truly enough.
I love books that send me on an emotional roller-coaster. It helps me get lost in the story, in the experience of the book, and take the break from reality I look for when I read. And H.M. Shander's "Run Away Charlotte" is one of those books!
I laughed with them both. I cried with them both. I fell in love with them both. I hoped and wished and begged for a happy ending for them both. And, now I'll go read book two, Ask Me Again, with them both - because, like any true love...I'm just not ready to let them go yet!
To read more reviews, see my Goodreads page. To read it for free, use the code EC39G at Smashword's checkout. Enjoy the read.
One 5Star review:
it was amazing ·I started out giving this book 4 stars - but I was just lying to myself. It's been more than 36 hours since I finished the book, and I can't get it out of my head. The story, the characters, the emotions...I'm not even sure 5 stars is truly enough.
I love books that send me on an emotional roller-coaster. It helps me get lost in the story, in the experience of the book, and take the break from reality I look for when I read. And H.M. Shander's "Run Away Charlotte" is one of those books!
I laughed with them both. I cried with them both. I fell in love with them both. I hoped and wished and begged for a happy ending for them both. And, now I'll go read book two, Ask Me Again, with them both - because, like any true love...I'm just not ready to let them go yet!
To read more reviews, see my Goodreads page. To read it for free, use the code EC39G at Smashword's checkout. Enjoy the read.
February 2, 2016
Excited for the upcoming Twitter contests
I can't wait for the contests to start.
I'm sitting on top of a polished manuscript Duly Noted and I absolutely love it - today at least. ;) It was born from an idea I had over the summer. The words started pouring out in September, and it was finished it near the end of November. Edited it, re-worked it and sent it off to my CP's. Then edited, re-worked it some more and now I'm happy with it. My CP's are happy. My beta's are thrilled. My BFF loves it (and yes her opinion counts most of all... wink wink). Plus, she's brutally honest too. No sugar coating from her.
Anyways. So my baby is ready to venture out in the world. My pitches are ready.
I will update which (if any) get "likes" and from whom.
Wish me luck.
And if you see one you like on Twitter, RT it freely, but under no circumstances "like" it. Save that for the publishers.
My pitches will be updated as the day goes on.
Good luck to my fellow writers.
These were my pitches, and my success. It was a fun day and hopefully these likes will turn into fulls and maybe a contract??
#1 Aurora has PTSD from a car crash & a Percocet addiction. But she's met her match in Nate - a man racing to help her. #Pit2Pub #na #con #R - Two Faves - Limitless & BlueMoon
#2 She has PTSD from a car crash & loves Percocet. She must overcome her fear of cars if she's to be a part of HIS world #Pit2Pub #NA #R #CON - One Fav - RRPI
#3 Falling in love is hard enough. Throw in Aurora's drug addiction & Nate's PTSD-inducing hobby & you have #DulyNoted. #Pit2Pub #NA #CON #R
#4 With his unusual method, can Nate help Aurora overcome her PTSD so she can be a part of HIS adrenaline fuelled world? #Pit2Pub #NA #R #CON - two faves (Limitless & RRPI)
#5 When an event goes horribly wrong, it threatens to undo what Nate helped Aurora overcome. He survived, will she? #Pit2Pub #NA #CON #R
#6 How can Aurora stay with Nate when his hobby threatens to undo all her progress in overcoming her PTSD? #Pit2Pub #NA #CON #R
I'm sitting on top of a polished manuscript Duly Noted and I absolutely love it - today at least. ;) It was born from an idea I had over the summer. The words started pouring out in September, and it was finished it near the end of November. Edited it, re-worked it and sent it off to my CP's. Then edited, re-worked it some more and now I'm happy with it. My CP's are happy. My beta's are thrilled. My BFF loves it (and yes her opinion counts most of all... wink wink). Plus, she's brutally honest too. No sugar coating from her.
Anyways. So my baby is ready to venture out in the world. My pitches are ready.
I will update which (if any) get "likes" and from whom.
Wish me luck.
And if you see one you like on Twitter, RT it freely, but under no circumstances "like" it. Save that for the publishers.
My pitches will be updated as the day goes on.
Good luck to my fellow writers.
These were my pitches, and my success. It was a fun day and hopefully these likes will turn into fulls and maybe a contract??
#1 Aurora has PTSD from a car crash & a Percocet addiction. But she's met her match in Nate - a man racing to help her. #Pit2Pub #na #con #R - Two Faves - Limitless & BlueMoon
#2 She has PTSD from a car crash & loves Percocet. She must overcome her fear of cars if she's to be a part of HIS world #Pit2Pub #NA #R #CON - One Fav - RRPI
#3 Falling in love is hard enough. Throw in Aurora's drug addiction & Nate's PTSD-inducing hobby & you have #DulyNoted. #Pit2Pub #NA #CON #R
#4 With his unusual method, can Nate help Aurora overcome her PTSD so she can be a part of HIS adrenaline fuelled world? #Pit2Pub #NA #R #CON - two faves (Limitless & RRPI)
#5 When an event goes horribly wrong, it threatens to undo what Nate helped Aurora overcome. He survived, will she? #Pit2Pub #NA #CON #R
#6 How can Aurora stay with Nate when his hobby threatens to undo all her progress in overcoming her PTSD? #Pit2Pub #NA #CON #R
