Vacations, Beach Books, and a Summertime Contest

I love having a new book out in time for summer! My readers and friends have been sending me pictures of themselves reading my books on the beach, and nothing could make me happier. I write for many reasons (I don't think I could stop, for one), but my primary reason is to entertain, so I love knowing that I'm part of my readers' down time.

Yesterday, I signed books for three hours at Quarter Moon Books on Topsail Island, the setting for Before the Storm and Secrets She Left Behind. Here I am with Quarter Moon Books owner Lori Fisher, who did a fantastic job of getting many of my titles for her customers. I met wonderful, new-to-me readers as well as people who've been reading me for years (including a gentleman who's read all my books. A guy! Gotta love him). They all had one thing in common: they were on vacation! They swept into the store on the delicious scent of sunscreen, wearing sandals and rosy tans. It made me realize how long it's been since I had a beach vacation. Oh, I go to the beach often to write, but to relax? I think it's been at least twenty years, since that's how long I've been published. It's both the writer's joy and curse to be able to carry her work with her everywhere she goes in her imagination.

So, how about you? I hope all of you are getting some time to relax this summer. Where are you going? What do you plan to do? Do you find it hard to relax? And most importantly, will you be reading?

Speaking of relaxing, I have a new contest on my website to help you enjoy your leisure time. Pop over and see what you can win!