Career Incarnations and Beyond

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have Sarah Hegger talking about launching her second act at age 40.

Here’s Sarah!

Briefly describe your first act.

I must have a real fondness for rejection, because I started out life as an actress. I did some stage work and a couple of really B grade TV bits and pieces (the names of which will go to the grave with me) before I drifted into doing market research and public relations to make ends meet. I then moved to London with the vague idea of trying to make it big on the West End stage. Instead, I had a seriously good time working in an advertising agency for a couple of years.

I came back home to South Africa and met my husband. We were engaged within weeks and married six months later. I have drifted after him as what is known as a trailing spouse for the last fourteen years. We have lived in over ten homes in that time. Other than a career in packing up and moving on, I was a stay at home mom until my 40th birthday.

What triggered the need for change?

Having dabbled here and there with various forms of writing in all my career incarnations, I was one of those people who always said I wanted to write a book. When my girls got that bit older, I found myself with more time on my hands. I also met my good friend, Kim, over lunch on my 40th birthday and found a mutual desire to write a romance novel. At that time, I was still mumbling what I wrote beneath my breath. People can get a peculiar look on their faces when you tell them you are a romance writer. Kim and I formed a pact to get on with it and actually get it done.

Since then, I have completed four manuscripts. One of which, should never see the light of day again, two contemporary romances and my debut published novel, a medieval romance, due for release in Spring 2014.

Where are you now?

I am a firm believer in taking the advice I was once given, which is to move on to the next project. I am wrestling my way through the England of King John as I tackle another medieval. Next, I have another contemporary begging to be let out of my brain.

Do you have advice for anyone planning to pursue a second act?

I don’t think it’s ever too late to do that thing you always wanted to do. Most of the most interesting people I know are second, third and even fourth acters. Our children do as we do and not as we say, and I realized that if I wanted my girls to be the sort of women who went after what they wanted and lived the sort of life that would fulfill them, the best thing I could do, is live that life for myself.

Any affirmations or quotations you wish to share?

My oldest daughter reminded me of this one.

“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” YODA, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Blurb from The Bride Gift (To be released in Spring 2014)

It’s 1153 in the period dubbed ‘The Anarchy’, King Stephen and Empress Maud are not the only ones embroiled in a fierce battle of the sexes.

Determined to control her own destiny, wilful Helena of Lystanwold has chosen just the husband to suit her purposes. But, when her banished guardian uncle attempts to secure her future and climbs through her bedroom window with a new husband by a proxy marriage, she understandably balks. Notorious warrior Guy of Helston is everything Helena swore she would never marry; a man who lives by the sword, like the man who murdered her sister.

This marriage finally brings Guy close to his lifetime dream of gaining lands and a title. He is not about to let his feisty bride stand in his way. A master strategist, Guy sets out to woo and conquer his lady.

Against a backdrop of vengeance, war and betrayal, Guy and Helena must learn to forge a united front or risk losing everything.

Where to find Sarah…

Website: http://sarah-hegger.squarespace.com

Blog: http://sarahhegger.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahheggerauthor?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahHegger

Joanne here!

Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey, Sarah. The Bride Gift sounds absolutely delicious. I’m putting it on my 2014 TBR list.

Second Chances

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have Becky Lower talking about “Do Overs” and her latest book, Blame It on the Brontes.

Here’s Becky!

When you were a kid and something didn’t go as planned, wasn’t it great to be able to yell “Do Over” and fix whatever the problem had been? If only the big flubs in life were so simple to fix.

That’s what second chance romances are all about. The heroes and heroines are usually a bit older than standard fare romances. This isn’t their first rodeo, and they have lived long enough to have some flubs and skeletons in their closets. If you made the wrong choice with a lover from long ago and have always regretted it, or if someone in your past did you wrong and put you off from trying a new relationship, second chance romances are tailor-made for you.

In my book, Blame It On The Brontes, there’s a lot of trouble in the Bronson household, and it’s not just between the women and their men. It’s also a tale about three sisters, whose childish behavior during a family crisis twenty years prior had serious ramifications on where their lives are today. Their mother, in her infinite wisdom, crafted her will so the sisters would have to confront their self-imposed demons in order to gain control of the family fortune. They have to come back to their childhood home and live together for one year.

The story is a three-act structure, with each sister getting her moment to shine. Charlotte and her long-time love, Gray, haven’t been able to mend the rift that happened long ago, when, in a moment of desperation after her father’s funeral, she called off her engagement to Gray unless he quit being a fisherman, since the sea had taken her father. Charlotte thinks Gray took the opportunity to sleep with Annie, her younger and vivacious sister. Annie has been encouraging that thinking for years.

Emily’s husband was killed while serving on the USS Cole. Her next relationship ended in failure, after she invested five years with the man. So, she’s come home to lick her wounds and act as referee between her sisters. What she doesn’t count on is her childhood friend being all grown up and studly.

Annie is a twice-married stage actress who never quite made it out of the chorus line. She knows Charlotte was responsible for getting rid of the love of Annie’s young life, and she has tormented Charlotte for years, letting her think the worst of Gray. And of Annie. What Annie really wants is the love of her sisters, which she used to have when they were younger. And a good man to be beside her.

So, if you’re in the mood for second chance romances, grab a book in this sub-genre and settle in for a good read. You might just be inspired to yell “Do Over.”

Bio

As is the case with most writers, Becky Lower began to write stories as soon as she could figure out how to put pen to paper. Her career got off to a rocky start, though, because she was a defiant teenager. A Journalism teacher in high school told her she should become a writer, so she went in a totally opposite direction, majoring in International Studies for her first two years of college, nearly flunking out in the process. It wasn’t until she switched over to an English/Journalism major that her grades improved. So, she owes a much-belated thank you to Mr. Tanner, who actually did know what he was talking about.

Today, Becky lives in an eclectic college town in Ohio with her puppy-mill rescue dog, Mary. She uses her love of history as an excuse to roam around old graveyards and Civil War battlefields, and to spend large chunks of time watching old westerns when she’s not writing romances.

Where to find Becky…

Website: http://www.beckylowerauthor.com

Amazon: http://is.gd/qhIkUY

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeckyLower1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckylowerauthor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authorbeckyl

Joanne here!

I love reinvention stories and the Brontes. This book is at the top of my TBR list. Thanks for dropping by, Becky.

Redefining Success

Posted on October 3, 2013 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have Kathy Bryson talking about letting go of expectations and heading off the beaten path.

Here’s Kathy!

When Joanne asked me to write about my second act, I was intrigued. I’m currently reading Between Land and Sea and laughing in recognition. I think that’s the first thing you learn if you make a change at mid-life. A lot of us realize somewhere in our forties or fifties that we really want to be doing something else and, whether through circumstances or conscious decision, head off the beaten path. You’ll be in good company.

When I left corporate America for teaching, I met bicyclists who were training for races on weekends, artists who worked craft fairs around temp jobs, and poets who taught night school. There was an amazing wealth of people and interests that had nothing to do with ad copy! My particular skill set was welcomed, however. I got to know people by working on their web promotions and learned I as I transitioned into part-time jobs and, ultimately, writing my own stories.

My background is 20+ years of advertising and marketing. I worked for Fortune 1000 companies and managed major campaigns. And like many, I bottle-necked somewhere in middle management, where positions start to disappear and everyone fights for the same budget and recognition. In my last job, my boss literally could not shut up from sheer stress. She talked non-stop from the moment she walked in the door until we finally escaped at the end of the day. It was infuriating, it was funny, and it was sad. I finally walked when she put me on notice, saying I couldn’t write headlines.

I had been working towards a change anyway. I’d gone back to school to get the credits I needed to teach and was moonlighting at my local community college. The timing wasn’t perfect. Since then, I’ve struggled with having hours cut and some of the weirdest state legislation regarding standardized testing you ever saw. And I don’t regret any of it. Instead of sitting in a cubicle waiting for retirement to enjoy my life, I’m sitting on a futon, drinking a second cup of coffee, and wondering how a toad managed to get in my front door peephole and how he’s going to get out. He’s a fat little guy.

The part that was hard was letting go of my expectations. I grew up in California during the first computer boom when everybody was going to be the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. I have no problem being an ‘entrepreneur,’ but it’s taken me awhile not to beat myself up because I wasn’t wildly successful. I don’t make big money, I don’t have guaranteed employment, I have a small house, and my car is fifteen years old. It took me a long time to realize that I was the only one making the comparison and to silly expectations. No one has a guaranteed income, there’s never enough money, and the house is just fine. I will probably replace the car since the door handles are falling off; my brother’s hunting a used one for me.

Ultimately, that was the best lesson learned out of this whole transition and my one suggestion. There’s no point in living a supposedly successful life if your reality is just miserable. Ultimately I can live without success because I am living. As my leprechaun pointed out, “It’s never just about the money!”

Blurb

Megan O’Malley pinched a cute guy and accidentally captured a leprechaun. Who’d have thought a perfectly normal guy – okay a bit short – would have such a bad attitude about giving away his money?! Megan may be millions richer, but she’s also got an angry leprechaun camped out on her sofa, trying to keep her from becoming the business mogul of her dreams!

Fergus O’Reilly cannot figure out what he did to upset the Queen of the Fairies. He was playing a wedding when a drunken lady pinched his ass and the Queen declared him caught. Now he’s broke, homeless, and hustling to stop the lovely lady with the wandering fingers from spending his money! This would be so much easier if she wasn’t cute, caring, and determined to help with his so-called money addiction!

Where to find Kathy…

Website: kathybryson.wordpress.com
Twitter: twitter.com/kathybryson2
Facebook: facebook.com/kathybryson22
Google+: plus.google.com/118438646025517720984

Joanne here!

Thanks for sharing your inspiring journey, Kathy. Feeling Lucky sounds simply delightful. I’ve just picked up the e-book and look forward to reading it.

Reinvention and Baby Boomers

Posted on September 28, 2013 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, Beth Carpenter is talking about transitions and introducing her new book, Recalculating Route.

Here’s Beth!

“And they lived happily ever after.” But what if they didn’t? Maybe the marriage didn’t work out. Maybe their career paths led them to a dead end. Maybe everything went just as planned, but now they are retired and need to reinvent themselves. “Happily ever after” isn’t a destination, it’s a journey.

Often, life feels less like a bed of roses and more like a tree on a riverbank, growing from the rock. While the river keeps washing the ground from underneath it, the tree is putting out roots, desperately trying to hang on, to keep from toppling over. Over time, that tree develops a certain grace, a sense of purpose that the pretty roses will never achieve. The struggle creates the beauty.

Baby boomers everywhere are making transitions. Many, after years at one career, are making the decision to move to another, either to fulfill a lifelong dream or from necessity as their old job disappears. Sometimes, they’re starting their own business from scratch. Others are making that jump to retirement, structuring their days and their lives without the framework of a career to shape them.

Sometimes I think it’s absurd that we expect eighteen-year-olds to choose a college major that leads to a career path. What do they know about life, about the possibilities? On the other hand, a person has to start somewhere, and maybe where they begin is less important than taking that first step. Knowledge is seldom wasted. Many people move from one career to something completely different, and yet the lessons from that first career shape the person and help him or her succeed in the next. I recently read Confessions of an Instinctively Mutinous Baby Boomer and her Parable of the Tomato Plant. In that book, Marsha Roberts tells of the parables she has experienced in her life. She was a nurse, but later became a successful producer. The two careers seem to have little in common, but her compassion, organizational skills, and experience working with people in difficult situations undoubtedly contributed to her success in her second career.

All our experiences make us who we are, and sometimes life seems to circle around, bringing us back to our roots. A few years ago, my brother agreed to help organize his class reunion. One of the other members of the committee was a woman he’d known in high school, but hadn’t seen since, who lived in a completely different part of the state. They’re happily married now, and they’re not alone. I’ve known of several couples from the same hometown who reconnected after years of living in different parts of the country. It makes sense. They have that common ground, that rootstock from which their life took shape. This gives them something to build on as they make their transitions.

Transitions can be fairly smooth. My own path from stay-at-home mom and avid reader to writer felt like a natural progression as my children grew up. A combination of life experience and those thousands of books I’d devoured over the years gave me a base to build upon in writing that I wouldn’t have had at twenty-five.

Other times, it’s not so smooth. In my newest book, Recalculating Route, the main character, Marsha, was happily married and had retirement all mapped out when her beloved husband died. That left her without a clue on how to spend the rest of her life. She meets Ben, who is also rudderless after selling his company and retiring. The two of them have to figure out what happens next.

As we make our transitions, whether by choice or by necessity, we need to keep in mind that we are in charge of our own “happily ever afters,” and happiness involves growing and changing. Enjoy the journey.

Where you can find Beth…

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Goodreads

Joanne here!

Thank you, Beth for sharing your wonderful advice and insights about transitions. I just finished reading Recalculating Route and highly recommend it. Leave a comment for Beth and you could win a giveaway package valued at $50. Check out the link to the Prize Description.

A Leap of Faith

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

While reading the summer issue of Halifax magazine, I was intrigued by an article about an entrepreneur who used marshmallows to launch an amazing second act. When I invited Kelly Blenus to participate in this series, I learned that she had just sold the thriving business to another Second Act Phenomenon, Nikki Roach.

Here’s Nikki!

Originally from Calgary and a single parent, I moved to Halifax six years ago with my sister and her family. We trekked across Canada with nothing mapped out for us, and no certainties. I managed a spa in Calgary and was formally trained by the best in the industry, but the experience there did not translate inter provincial, and I needed to either retrain or change career paths. I opted to change career paths. This led to trying out a 3rd party call centre. I adapted quickly and began moving up the corporate ladder. By the time I started with Maritime Marshmallows, I had been in the industry for 5.5 years and was a technical analyst, working for a leading technology company.

What triggered the need for change?

After six years in Halifax, I am now married and we have two children. Working in an ever changing, fast paced, 24-hour environment, means that I constantly have to juggle a work life balance. I just finished six months of graveyard shifts and saw my family for as little as one hour a day. It left me mentally exhausted with no time for my family, which is what I was working so hard for. During this time I started working with Maritime Marshmallows as an interested party. It was one of my best friends who built the foundation for this amazing business, and she wanted me to build it with her.

Where are you now?

I now own Maritime Marshmallows. I took a leap of faith in a local fresh product that I can stand by and believe in and helped to create many of the gourmet flavours. Our product is now in three stores locally and growing. This is still a work in progress.

Do you have advice for anyone planning to pursue a second act?

Go for it. Everyone will give advice, but listen to your instincts. Not all of us are meant to be what is expected of us, and that often makes us look to be different.

Any affirmations or quotations you wish to share?

“You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough.” Mae West

History of Maritime Marshmallows…

After climbing the corporate ladder for ten years, Kelly Blenus decided to go back to school and obtain a degree in psychology. When she encountered financial challenges, she turned to a talent she had acquired during her teenage years: making marshmallows. Kelly received an immediate response on social media with satisfied customers talking about her marshmallows and sharing photos.

Working together since the spring of 2013, Kelly and Nikki have introduced a new twist on an old standard, producing such unique flavors as Lemon Coconut, Chipper Mint, S’Mores, and Beer-Mallow. Gluten-free flavors are also available. If you wish to see Nikki in action, watch this edition of Foodie Tuesday.

Website: http://maritimemarshmallows.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaritimeMarshmallows

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarshmallowsHfx

Joanne here!

Thank you for sharing your journey, Nikki. Haligonians–you can buy these delectable marshmallows at the Alderney Landing Farmers’ Market, Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market and Sugar Shok Candy Boutique in Dartmouth. I would encourage everyone else to visit Maritime Marshmallows online–Nikki will ship orders anywhere in Canada and the United States.

Open Mind | Open Heart

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts series!

Today, we have award-winning and Amazon best-selling author B.J. Scott talking about her books and her life experiences.

Briefly describe your first act.

On a literary level, this comes in two parts. On a personal level there are several facets to my first act.

The series I am currently writing is set in medieval Scotland, early 1300s, during the time of the first Scottish war of independence. While I include some actual historical facts to enhance the book and to share some interesting bits of history with my readers, they are romance novels and works of fiction. It follows the lives of three brothers– all very different from each other– and the women who impact upon and change their lives forever.

The first book in my series, Highland Legacy, deals with the middle brother, Connor, the dashing, sensible, responsible brother who is often too serious and extremely dedicated to the cause. After the murder of his parents and siblings, he vows to avenge their deaths and to rid Scotland of the English invaders. He does not count on meeting Cailin MacMillan, a feisty lass who runs away after finding out she is betrothed to a man she detests and is accosted by English soldiers. When Connor happens upon them, he rescues her and kills one of the men, a crime for which Cailin is later accused of and subsequently sentenced to be executed.

The second book in the series, Highland Quest, deals with Bryce, the handsome, charismatic youngest brother and known for his way with the ladies. Tired of living in the shadow of his brothers and with no land or title to call his own, Bryce continues his involvement in the fight for Scotland’s independence. When he fist meets Fallon, a beguiling woman with the gift of second sight in Book 1 of the series, the instant attraction and chemistry between them is undeniable. But Bryce harbors a secret from his past, a devastating incident that has haunted him since he was a lad and caused him to close his heart to love. Fallon, unlike most women of the day learned at a young age to fend for herself and is not afraid to stand up to a man or go it on her own if necessary. When reunited in Highland Quest, the spark rekindles, but duty, pride and stubbornness keep them from admitting their true feelings. But when Fallon learns of a planned attack on Robert the Bruce’s camp and her uncle is executed for offering aid to Bryce when he was wounded in a scuffle with a rival clan, supporters of the English, she risks all to warn him. Putting them both in the path of disaster and danger.

My latest release and the final book in the trilogy is Highland Homecoming. This is Alasdair’s story. The oldest of the three brothers and least likely to fall in love or to take a wife. Born fighting for his life, Alasdair has battled some form of challenge his entire life and always confronted them head on. A larger than average man, no nonsense kind of man, he feels unworthy of love and while he secretly yearns for the happiness his brothers have found in their wives and children, he refuses to admit it. Instead he puts on a gruff demeanor and does his best to convince everyone, including himself that he doesn’t need anyone or anything but his sword to meet his destiny. When on a furlough from the war, he finds an beautiful, unconscious woman on the beach, he delays his journey to assist her, a decision that changes his life forever. But Lauren harbors secrets of her own, ones that once discovered can reaffirm Alasdair’s mistrust for women and keep them apart forever.

What triggered the need for change?

After spending fifteen years as a Registered nurse and then five years as a Child and Youth Worker, caring for challenged children, I decided to pursue my life-long passion for writing. I took some college courses in creative writing to hone my skills and joined some online writing groups. While I was no longer actively nursing, I was still working in the Child and Youth Work field. When I met my husband, Steve, and we decided to get married, things changed. There were no jobs in my immediate area in Child and Youth Work so I took a position with Community Living, working with challenged adults. I did this for three years, but old sports injuries caused me to retire from the field. I started a small business selling pet supplies and doing pet oriented gifts. This allowed me the time to pursue my writing as well as earn enough to help pay the bills.

Where are you now?

While I write and continue to do the small business on the side, I missed working with kids, so re-entered the child care field as a private nanny, specializing in special needs children. I have been with the same family for six years.

Advice for anyone planning to pursue a second act?

I guess the only advice would be to follow your dreams. Nothing is impossible if you want it badly enough and are willing to work for it

Any affirmations or quotations you wish to share?

Keep your mind and heart open because the learning never ends. While this is not an actual quote, it is something I try to keep in mind.

Blurb

The last thing Alasdair Fraser expects to find on an isolated beach in Northern Scotland is a beautiful, unconscious lass. Unable to turn his back on someone in need, he delays his journey and tends to her injuries-an act that has him questioning his destiny and his plans to rejoin the fight for Scotland’s independence.
Will he drop the shield that guards his heart or will the secrets she fails to reveal and his own stubbornness keep them apart forever?

Where to find B.J.

http://www.authorbjscott.com

http://authorbjscott.wordpress.com

Joanne here!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Highland Homecoming and look forward to reading Books I and II. Thank you for sharing your journey and insights, B.J.

Beyond All Expectations

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have Anna Markland talking about lifelong dreams and constant reinvention.

Here’s Anna!

I spent most of my professional life as an educator. It was a rewarding career, both financially and emotionally, but after 25 years I burned out.

About 20 years ago, my cousin wrote a historical romance and became an overnight success—NY times bestseller among her accomplishments. She has since authored many wonderful books.

The thought always niggled at the back of my mind—I could write a book, too. Many people have that ambition and do nothing about it, put off in part, I believe, by the prospect of trying to sell their idea to a large publisher.

Anyway, keyboard in hand, I embarked upon writing a romance, essentially for my own satisfaction. I chose the medieval period because, as an amateur genealogist, I cherished a dream of tracing my own English roots back to the Norman Conquest—an impossibility since I am not descended from nobility! So I made up a family.

I based the plot on an incident that actually happened to a Norman noblewoman, and before I knew it I had written over 200,000 words.

In the meanwhile I gradually became aware of the revolution taking place in the publishing world, thanks to the Amazon kindle device.

I decided my novel was too long, had too many heroes and heroines, and too much you know what. (Did I mention it was a romance?) I reworked it into four books, and published them as a series in quick succession on Amazon. What was there to lose?

My dream was to sell 100 books in a year. As of today I have written 15 novels, all revolving around or branching off from the original family in the first series. I’ve sold over 33,000 copies. It’s a thrill to receive emails from readers telling me how much they enjoy following my families.

It used to be that people had one lifelong career, retiring with a gold watch, or something similar. I think those days are long gone. Technology has made it possible for people to reinvent themselves over and over if they wish.

By taking a chance, I discovered a talent I did not really know I had! I can tell a good story! Sometimes when I re-read my own work I am wonder-struck at where the ideas came from!

If you’re thinking of writing and publishing a book—go for it. Just make sure you get it edited and critiqued by a few people whose opinion you trust before you take the plunge.

I often joke that if only my heroes and heroines had revealed their stories to me in chronological order, it would have made life easier for my readers.

Here’s a handy list…

Conquering Passion

If Love Dares Enough

Defiant Passion

A Man of Value

Dark Irish Knight

Haunted Knights

Passion in the Blood

Dark and Bright

The Winds of the Heavens

Dance of Love

Carried Away

Sweet Taste of Love

Wild Viking Princess

Hearts and Crowns

Blurb for Hearts and Crown

(Kindle Version is ON SALE until September 23rd for 99 cents)

Hearts and Crowns is the story of Gallien, grandson of the hero of the original Montbryce Legacy series. Gallien is a widower who has sworn never to wed again after a catastrophic marriage to a shrew who betrayed him with another man. You know the old saying, Once bitten…twice shy.

Peridotte de Pontrouge, an Angevin, has long dreamed of marrying Geoffrey of Anjou, the son of her Count, but her hopes are dashed when he is betrothed to the daughter of King Henry of England. This diplomatic revolution forces Gallien and Peri to marry against their will, despite the long standing hatred between Normans and Angevins.

Can love overcome bitterness and hatred?

Where to find Anna…

Website: http://annamarkland.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaMarkland

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anna-Markland-Novels/343342275682430

LinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/anna-markland/33/761/b41

Joanne here!

Over 33,000 books–An amazing accomplishment! Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey and excellent advice, Anna.

Reinventing Myself

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have Jana Richards talking about high school dreams and coming full circle.

Here’s Jana!

I thought I wanted to be an accountant when I grew up. Turns out I was wrong. I wanted to be a writer.

Actually, that’s not completely true either.

Let’s go back. Way, way back to high school in the 70s. I grew up on a farm and went to school in a small town in Saskatchewan. I was a voracious reader, and through work on the school newspaper and yearbook, I discovered an ability and a love for writing. I dreamed of a career as a journalist.

But I was shy, and not very brave. I was easily discouraged when told journalism was a career beyond my capabilities. Aside from that, the only journalism school I was aware at that time was in Ottawa. It might as well have been on the moon. There was no way my parents would allow me to go that far from home, and they certainly wouldn’t pay for it.

So I went to university close by in Regina and got a degree in English. I once took a creative writing class with disastrous results. Other writers in the class produced wonderful works of literary fiction. I floundered, my attempts at literary fiction feeble at best. I felt that writing fiction was an exclusive club to which I could never belong. Whatever such membership required, I didn’t have. I put all my dreams of writing up on a shelf along with other childhood fantasies.

Fast forward a few years. I married, and when my husband’s job transfer meant we moved to another city and I had to look for a new job, I discovered my English degree wasn’t exactly opening doors for me. So I decided to make a change. I started taking classes in accounting with the intention of getting an accounting designation. I worked at my full-time job by day and slaved away at my homework at night.

By the time I had my first daughter, I was burned out. I took one more class while on maternity leave and then stopped, just a few classes short of my designation. But I’d discovered something important. I really didn’t like accounting very much. I was never going to make a stellar accountant.

Several more moves and the birth of another daughter followed. Through all these changes, I worked at various part-time admin assistant/bookkeeper type jobs. By the time my youngest daughter was in elementary school, the old writing bug had resurfaced. I wrote some articles for regional magazines, as well as a small column in the local weekly newspaper. My urge to write also emerged in another form. I discovered romance novels and felt an affinity for them. There was something about the hopefulness and the values of love conquering all that spoke to me. I felt I could truly write one.

That was nearly twenty years and ten published books ago. I certainly haven’t been an overnight success; it took years and many rejections before I was published. If success is judged by dollars, I would have been far better off concentrating on a career in accounting. But I know I wouldn’t be as happy or as fulfilled.

These days I consider myself a full-time writer, though I still work a part-time casual job in accounting. I’m still honing my craft, pushing myself to write a better book with each new project.

I’ve come full circle. That high school kid truly knew what she needed. But it was the adult who made those dreams come true.

Bio

When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.

In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg with their Pug/Terrier cross Lou and several unnamed goldfish.

Blurb for First and Again

First and Again final Bridget Grant is back in Paradise. Paradise, North Dakota, that is.

She’s swallowed her pride and moved back to her hometown with her daughter after her divorce and the loss of her catering company. Now she’s trying to navigate the strained relationships she’d left behind – including her first love, Jack Davison.

Jack never forgot Bridget, or the day she left town – and him. When Bridget caters a lunch at Jack’s tourist ranch, old flames reignite. They have more in common than ever – Jack’s also a single parent. Though they both try to keep things casual, Bridget, Jack and their girls are starting to look a lot like a family.

But Bridget’s only planning to stay in Paradise until she’s saved enough to relaunch her business. Jack’s invested too much in his ranch to leave. And with their daughters involved both have a lot more at stake than heartbreak. How can they risk falling in love?

Where to find Jana…

Website: http://www.janarichards.com

Blog: http://janarichards.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards

Newsletter signup page: http://www.eepurl.com/m3UnT

Joanne here!

Thank you Jana for sharing your remarkable journey. I am impressed by your work ethic–12 published books since 2007. You are a poster child for perseverance! Best of luck with First and Again.

Welcome Back JoAnne Myers

Posted on September 10, 2013 by Joanne Guidoccio

I am pleased to welcome back JoAnne Myers. In July, she shared her remarkable journey in the inspiring post Never Never Never Give Up!

Today, she is sharing an excerpt from her latest release, Murder Most Foul.

Excerpt

Undaunted and short on patience, the agent stared at the fat jerk sitting before him gleefully puffing on a cigar, most likely homegrown in Detroit, Michigan, not Cuba. “I attend the Kingdom Hall on occasion,” he said.

“Well most of us like Malloy. He’s helped rid this town of criminals. He was a volunteer firefighter, and his wife cooks for the annual policeman’s ball. Hell, Malloy even coached volleyball for the kids when he wuz younger. Now a person who does that ain’t all bad,” the chief declared.

Barstow’s sudden burst of energy to safeguard his fishy friend, picqued Harmon’s interest. What had Malloy done? He decided he wasn’t leaving until he had the full, sordid story.

“So you and Malloy are pals, and he did something he couldn’t get out of, and you tried to salvage his job, but the big shots said, ‘No!’ Is that how it went?” Harmon asked.

“Yeah, Malloy did somethin’ real stupid.”

“I’m listening,” Harmon replied.

“The rumors of Malloy allowin’ his friends and family members to snoop through the cornfield, and photograph the area after the victims were removed, was true. Everyone is curious about this crime. Nothin’ this big ever happened in this town before, and the pictures were for souvenirs, you know. Then after the limbs were removed, he brought in a back hoe, and tore up the whole damned crime scene, involving Thomas.” The chief growled in disgust.

“Yeah, that was stupid,” Harmon said. “So Malloy’s unethical conduct was the reason the disciplinary board was in session?”

“Yep, they made their decision this mornin’,” the chief said. “He’s out. There was nothin’ I could do for him.”

“You’d think a cop with over twenty years’ experience would demonstrate better reasoning then destroy evidence. Unless he’s covering his own tracks,” Harmon said realizing what he was implying. “Do you believe Malloy committed the murders?”

“Now, I didn’t say that. A lot of officers were on this case, so a lot of mistakes happened. We never dealt with this type crime before. Many might have made the same mistakes Malloy did.”

Dismissing the chief’s excuses for Malloy’s incompetence, Harmon demanded an answer. He was tired of being duped by the local cops and wanted the truth, and wanted it now. Standing and placing both palms on the chief’s shiny desk, the agent looked the chief square in his squinty brown eyes and said, “Cough it up, Chief! There’s more to it then that. If there were numerous mistakes made by officers other then Malloy, why was he the only one kicked off the force? Now spit it out! What the hell did Malloy do?”

“All right, all right!” the chief whined, “Malloy screwed the dead girl three weeks before she was killed–and got caught!”

The Agent was speechless. Walking to the window overlooking Main Street, he stared vacantly. Hadn’t one of our witnesses suggested something like that? But–with the crisp wind howling, the citizens dining in the local cafés, others window shopping for Christmas or starting their shift at the town’s businesses–this seems unreal. How can such a seemingly sweet country town be so full of bad apples, savage murders, police misconduct and corruption, evidence tampering? This town is certainly no Mayberry, thought Harmon.

Buy Link: www.melange-books.com/authors/joannemyers/MMF.html

Bio

I hail from the famous Hocking Hills region of southeastern Ohio. I have worked in the blue-collar industry most of my life. Besides having several novels under my belt, I also canvass paint.

When not busy with hobbies or working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dogs Jasmine and Scooter, and volunteer my time within the community. I am a member of the Hocking Hill’s Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. I believe in family values and following your dreams.

Where to find JoAnne…

Website: http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com

Blog: http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com/page2

Twitter: https://twitter.com/scooterismine

Poems: http://www.amazon.com/dp/147837022x

A New Invention

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have Professional Certified Coach Penny Gundry talking about trapezes and transitions.

Here’s Penny!

Ever thought of doing something a bit different? I was talking to a woman the other day who was telling me she felt quite trapped. She wanted to do something completely new with her life, to reinvent herself, but she couldn’t because it would be letting her family down. Also she couldn’t see how she could leave such a well-paid job. As I listened to her story I felt quite sad.

I started thinking about how important transitions are in our lives. It reminded me of the story by an anonymous writer about trapezes and transitions. As we hang on to our current trapeze bar we feel safe, it is familiar, and we know what is expected of us. But sometimes in the distance we spot another trapeze bar coming towards us. What do we do? This new bar may offer us a whole new world of many possibilities. It starts to swing closer and closer. There comes a time when we have to make a choice. Do we jump or do we stay? The decision is difficult enough but if we do let go, for a few terrifying moments we are in the void between bars with nothing to hang on to. The writer tells us:

“What this also means, of course, is that for some moment in time I must leave behind this bar and hurtle through space in order to reach the new one. Each time I am filled with terror. It makes no difference that in all my previous hurdles across the void of unknowing I have always made it. Each time I am afraid I will miss, that the new bar won’t hold me, that I will abandon the safety of what I have, only to plummet into the bottomless chasm of the unknown. But somehow, I have to take the chance. No guarantees, no safety net, no affordable blanket insurance policy – but there you are, soaring across the dark void of ‘the past is gone, the future is not yet here’, It is called transition.”

Bio

My life has evolved and changed over the years just like many of us. I started my career as a youth worker in Dublin Ireland working with teenage girls who lived on the streets and were often drug users. I was later involved in a number of conflict resolution programmes as part of the Peace Process In Northern Ireland before the Good Friday Agreement was signed. I wanted to be useful, to make a difference in the world but all too soon found out that change comes from deep within us not through trying hard to save others. It was my brief time living in Venezuela, South America which had the biggest impact on me. At one point I took a trip to the Angel Falls in the centre of the country. As we were slowly drifting down through the Rain Forest in a dugout canoe watching the toucans fly overhead and the monkeys leap from branch to branch I realised I was in paradise but I was not at peace. The contrast was so defined I made a decision that day to start on a spiritual quest and it has led me on an extraordinary journey.

About four years ago during times of meditation I started to see pictures almost like visions and noticed full sentences were coming into my mind. They seemed different from my thoughts; I didn’t recognise them as mine. I started to take notes and realised that a story was emerging. And this is how the book Glimmers of Light Dancing: A Fable for Our Times came into being. It was the easiest thing I have ever done.

Glimmers of Light Dancing follows Idan on a journey across a world that reveals the true meaning of life. Idan crosses an ocean full of storms, vast plains that reveal our true nature, a snowy wilderness, the Great White Mountain of truth and life beyond. It fills the senses, capturing the imagination, telling us secrets of a journey well travelled. It is a tale of hope and success in the face of self-doubt, fear and adversity. The purpose behind it is to tell a narrative that captures the essence of who we truly are and give the reader pointers for their own self-discovery.

Where to find Penny…

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Joanne here!

Thank you, Penny, for sharing your extraordinary journey and providing us with unique insights into transitions.