Last Conversation of 2013

Jack: Tis the end of another year.
Benjamin: And you're still here.
Lance: Harsh much?
Richard: What did he say?
Henry: Slang criticism for being overly critical.
Fitzgerald: More like rubbing salt in the wound.
Ian: Benji's still in a snit?
Fitzgerald: It's grown worse.
Jack: Indeed.
Benjamin: And would you not in my place?
Richard: Cheer up, Benji, it doesn't last.
Henry: You ARE a hero.
Benjamin: I fear the worst.
Fitzgerald: Is anyone else leery of the coming year?
Jack: Don't know why you'd be, old chap. Your story isn't scheduled for the coming year.
Fitzgerald: True, but I do make an appearance.
Benjamin: No! It's my story!
Lance: Benji, whining is unattractive. Just sayin'.
Benjamin: You sound like Jack!
Lance: Thank you.
Benjamin: You aren't sharing your story with a half dozen other heroes!
Lance: Actually, I am.
Benjamin: Oh.
Henry: And his is a novella.
Fitzgerald: What a lovely shade of red, Benji.
Jack: Stubble it, Fitz.
Benjamin: My humble apologies.
Lance: No problem.
Jack: As long as we stand together, we'll prevail.
Henry: It's what heroes do.
Ian: One for all and all for one?
Lance: This isn't "The Three Musketeers."
Benjamin: There are considerably more than three of us.
Ian: And more on the way.
Fitzgerald: How did you come by this information?
Ian: They keep peeking in the door.
Jack: Looking for room.
Richard: A proper London crush.
Lance: A what?
Jack: Regency slang for really crowded.
Benjamin: Shields up gentlemen.
Henry: It's going to be a year full of adventure.
Fitzgerald: Not a man will be lost.
Richard: Decidedly not.
Lance: Happy New Year!
Jack: Godspeed.

Links to posts worth sharing...

Writers In The Storm Blog shared Advanced Craft Tips - Writer Strong:
http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2013/12/20/advanced-craft-tips-writer-strong/

A much needed reminder and wonderful post over at A Woman Like Me:
http://awomanlikemeblog.com/2013/12/26/perfectly-placed-december-26/

God bless.

Boxing Day...

Since servants usually performed their duties on Christmas Day, the day after Christmas, the servants were given gifts from their employers. In the various Regency romances I've read, the gifts have ranged widely, depending on the charity of the estate owner.

The less gracious aristocracy would offer coins and handkerchiefs or other trinkets. The lady of the house would require the heroine or some other poor maid to stitch and create the gifts given, then take credit for bestowing said gift.

The hero and heroine in the aristocracy, of course, would provide a box of gifts and food stuffs for each family as well as the day off. They would ensure each box contained something specific for each family, demonstrating an awareness of those dependent on them, including a monetary bonus.

Most of my employers, over the years, have provided a Christmas bonus of some sort, but usually given before Christmas rather than on Boxing Day.

I'm grateful for the lovely Christmas I enjoyed with friends and family.

Happy Christmas Eve...

A few years ago, I discovered I enjoy opening presents on Christmas Eve. I stay up watching Christmas shows and open gifts at midnight. Then I sleep in, as much as I ever sleep in, and enjoy a leisurely day. This year, I'll take myself for a walk in the morning.

The reason for the season is the birth of the Christ child. Jesus came into the world to shine a light in the darkness, to provide a way Home.

Turning my life over to God has been the hardest thing I've ever done. I struggle with it daily. It's also filled my life with the most amazing miracles, but I miss them when I allow self-doubt and despair to hold sway. I never imagined I could do what I have, and I know without doubt I could not have accomplished what I have without God.

God bless.

Wordless

The Silver Locket Sisterhood series Book 3...

Saving Lisa is coming December 21st, available wherever ebooks are sold.

This is the first tag line I came up with: --God has His own ideas about adventure and relationships...

This is what I ended up sending in: 

Thailand offers new opportunities. Eric believes he's lost everything. Lisa believes she's nothing to lose. They're both wrong. God has other plans.

A New Job

Photographer Eric Hudson's home burns to the ground, along with all he owns. He accepts the only offer to salvage his career. No room exists in his life, or his heart, for anything beyond work.

A New Start

Lisa Montgomery is determined to leave the past behind and create a new life. In her effort to obtain refuge from emotional bondage, she lands in slavery of another sort.

A New Location

In 1985, Thailand offers exotic opportunities, but dangers lurk for the unaware.

A New Adventure

A complicated relationship with a woman who believes God solves everything isn't in Eric's plans. Lisa is challenged to live the truths of her faith. Despite bumbling attempts to hide from hurts and fears, guidance in the ultimate adventure awaits the imperfect souls who place their trust in God.

Happy New Year? is here...

My plan for the series is to publish three novellas in eformat and then print those three in paperback. So, if you prefer paperback, not to worry, it's coming. You'll only need to wait a little longer. 

Welcome to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and maybe a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Officer Tim Black moved to Holiday for a change of scene. He never anticipated wanting to change his single status at the same time, but the lady refuses to even date him.

Sandy Foster moved to Holiday to escape her dysfunctional family, changing everything about her life. Finding someone who wanted to share her life holds a never-ending spot on her uninspiring list of New Year's resolutions.

The tiniest misunderstanding and the willingness to set pride aside might make the difference between spending the New Year alone and a Happily Ever After...

http://www.amazon.com/Happy-New-Year-Holiday-USA-ebook/dp/B00HCQKGF4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1387238665&sr=1-1

Surprises...

I'd planned to publish Happy New Year? today. I don't think it's going to happen, but the day is still young. I added something new, yesterday, so I need to do one more read through. All the weird things I don't usually think about, title, copyright, etc, are done. The book WILL be published within the next week. Now, it's simply a matter of the final formatting details. I know enough about formatting to land me in trouble but not necessarily help me escape.

The metadata, otherwise known as the Hook and Blurb, is complete.

Welcome to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and maybe a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Officer Tim Black moved to Holiday for a change of scene. He never anticipated wanting to change his single status at the same time, but the lady refuses to even date him.

Sandy Foster moved to Holiday to escape her dysfunctional family, changing everything about her life. Finding someone who wanted to share her life held a never-ending spot on her uninspiring list of New Year's resolutions.

The tiniest misunderstanding and the willingness to set pride aside might make the difference between spending the New Year alone and a Happily Ever After...

The Silver Locket Sisterhood series Book 2...

Mark's Grace is now more affordable at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-Sisterhood-Book-ebook/dp/B00CWR1EUY/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2

1983, California

Grace Williams loves her new job as the manager of Blink in Time, the art gallery Angelinos are raving about. Burying herself in work means she doesn't need to face the past.

Mark Callaghan, the gallery's curator, fell for Grace the first time he met her. Pursuing her is his other full-time job, but so far the relationship produces friendship, not love.
An old flame hunts Grace down. Mark fears his own affection for her may be too little too late.

Will Mark's patience and life-changes win Grace at last, or will her past destroy whatever future they might have shared?

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Self-publishing adventure...

Misadventure?

My novels are published through Desert Breeze Publishing. I'm grateful and proud to be a writer in their stable. My sixth ebook, Saving Lisa, will be published on December 21st.

This past summer, an idea for a series of novellas bloomed in my brain. I love holidays, and I love stories involving the holidays. The next thing I knew, I had a half a dozen partially written stories and ideas for almost a dozen more. They're too short to offer to DBP, so I decided to publish them myself through Amazon.

It's reaching my personal deadline, and I'm endeavoring not to panic. The first book is almost ready.

The account isn't ready at all.

Last night, I read through the agreement notice, all the legalese I find baffling and incomprehensible no matter how many times I read it. Amazon is asking for all kinds of information I prefer to share as little as possible.

Taking this one step, a baby step for sure, at a time, and praying for God to help my unbelief in my ability to carry this through or to provide a way I've not yet seen.

Sharing helpful links...

Jennifer M. Eaton is "...dissecting the article Hunting Down the Pleonasm, by Allen Guthrie..." I'm finding it helpful. This links to the rule about pronouns.
http://jennifermeaton.com/2013/11/26/pronouns-tricky-little-suckers-rule-30-of-32-simple-rules-to-the-writing-the-best-novel-ever/

Writers In The Storm's Vicki Lewis Thompson shares her tips for writing fast:
https://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2013/12/04/write-like-the-wind-in-ten-easy-steps/

The Writer's Refuge shared his third most popular post. It certainly captured me as I read "A Christmas Carol" on the 1st to start my celebration of Christmas all month.
http://thewritersrefuge.wordpress.com/2013/12/05/what-makes-a-writers-blog-post-popular/

Tina Pinson shares her Pumpkin Cookie recipe and a story, along with her latest book:
http://shannonvannatter.com/tina-pinson-real-life-romance-recipe-for-romance-part-1-of-1/

God bless.

The Silver Locket Sisterhood series Book 1...

Luck in Love is now more affordable at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-Sisterhood-Book-ebook/dp/B00AAQHCEQ/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2

In 1983, housekeeping in the century-old Lake Yellowstone Hotel beckons to Sara Budge's desire to escape her abusive family. The summer break from college offers the time to determine her plans for the rest of her life.

Peace eludes Luck Williams, and the opportunity handed to him to photograph his favorite place on earth is irresistible. Even caught up in the pristine beauty he is unable to escape the haunting nightmares of one horrific day.

A fresh start doesn't guarantee the past stays in the past. The fragility and capriciousness of life guarantees pain and disappointment.

Choosing perfect serenity and safety over love and trust may spare dips into the valleys, but the awe-inspiring views from the peaks are also forfeit. God provides gentle inspiration and the precious gift of choice, for those willing to risk the leap of faith.

Holiday Mail for Heroes deadline December 6...

I copied my sister's post from a couple months ago. I wrote mine the weekend before Thanksgiving. I had some Christmas postcards. I found an envelope big enough, dropped it on a scale, and added postcards until it reached just under 1 oz. Four postcards. I wrote them, popped them all in the single envelope, and mailed them. I hope they brighten someone's day.

Holiday Mail for Heroes:

http://www.redcross.org/support/get-involved/holiday-mail-for-heroes

Copied from the web page.

Card Guidelines:

Every card received will be screened for hazardous materials and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working around the country.
Please observe the following guidelines to ensure a quick reviewing process:

*Ensure that all cards are signed.
*Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program.
*Only cards are being accepted. Do not send or include letters.
*Do not include email or home addresses on the cards: the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
*Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos: these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
*Please refrain from choosing cards with glitter or using loose glitter as it can aggravate health issues of ill and injured warriors.
*If you are mailing a large quantity of cards, please bundle them and place them in large mailing envelopes or flat rate postal shipping boxes. Each card does not need its own envelope, as envelopes will be removed from all cards before distribution.

All holiday greetings should be addressed and sent to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

The deadline for having cards to the P.O. Box is December 6th.
Holiday cards received after this date cannot be guaranteed delivery.

A free read from me!

George Budge is a military man. He's survived the army for over seven years. The night before the battle at Waterloo, he endeavors to impart to his protégé what matters most.

Taken under George's wing when he joins the army, fifteen-year-old drummer Leo stands on the brink, more man than boy, facing the fight of his young life.

Life's unexpected twists demand uncommon fortitude, dogged determination, and unfailing courage. From time to time, God sends a pair of unlikely angels.

Will Leo accept the vagaries of war and choose death or allow God to reveal another way and step through the door with the boldness for which his mentor nicknamed him?

http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/endless-possibilities-prelude-impossibilities-pdf/

Didn't Jenifer Ranieri create a beautiful cover?

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