Top 10 Things a Cowboy Should Have

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m thrilled to welcome author Erin Bevan to the Power of 10 series. Today, Erin chats about ten cowboy essentials and her new release, Wedding Day.

Here’s Erin!

erinbevan In honor of my new release today, Wedding Day, I decided to list the top ten things (in my opinion) a cowboy should have. (I mean, besides a sexy body!) Here we go!

1. Hat- he isn’t a true cowboy if he doesn’t wear a hat, right? Right!

2. Jeans-Tight ones!

3. Boots- Preferably with a little mud on them. We need to know he isn’t just playing the part.

4. Belt- He’s got to have something to hold those pants up, right?

5. Pearl snap shirt-or flannel-or some kind of shirt with buttons. Or, maybe, shirtless would be even better!

6. Spurs

7. Chaps

8. Horse-These last three go together, don’t you think?

9. Lasso- I’ll be honest; being able to lasso something is hard work. I’ll give the cowboy some slack if he can’t lasso, but at least know how to tie one.

10. Great manners. No sense in having a big strapping cowboy if his behavior stinks.

Some things I didn’t list that could definitely help would be a good smile, which includes a nice set of teeth, great abs, strong legs, and the list could go on forever.

What do you think a cowboy should have?

weddingday

Blurb

Famous Bull Rider Dallas Day met Cassie Bailey briefly in high school, but her plain looks and quiet personality left no lasting impression on him. Cassie, however, couldn’t say the same about Dallas.

Their paths cross again ten years later when Dallas is home recovering from an injury, and Cassie is the only veterinarian who volunteers her services at the home-town rodeo. She’s jump-starting her new practice, and every eligible man within a ten-mile radius is trying to land a date with the attractive vet.

Dallas’ older brother bets him that, even with all his charm and fame, Dallas can’t land a date with the reserved lady vet. Not one to turn down a challenge, Dallas makes it his mission to win a date with Cassie. After seeing her, he realizes they’ve met before, but he doesn’t remember her being so pretty. His persistence pays off, but when Cassie finds out about the bet, their new love is put to the test.

Excerpt

“Is there anything I can help you with?” A deep voice asked from behind her.

“No, I think we have it.” She hopped down from the pen. Glacier blue eyes locked with hers. She would know his eyes anywhere. Her heart quickened just as it did the first time she’d ever laid her gaze upon him, and a tingling sensation shot through her.

Dallas looked older than she remembered, broader, gruffer, but still sexy.

Tucker, you have Tucker.

Where was he, anyway? In her haste to get ready, she’d forgotten to call him.

“Dallas? Yeah, we can use a hand.” Chevy still fumbled with the lock. “Can you come over here and help me with Knuckle Head? Dr. Bailey wants him to walk around so she can get a closer look.”

“I really don’t think that’s necessary–”

“I would love to help. That’s why I’m here.” Dallas jogged to the front of the bull and grabbed the lead rope with his left hand. A plastered cast circled his right wrist and rose halfway up his forearm.

She turned to Spencer and furrowed her brow.

Spencer stared back at her and displayed her pageant winning 2005 Miss Frisbee smile, her thumb up in the air. Some friend she was.

Dallas and Chevy led the bull out of the pen while she observed the bull’s gait.

“Let’s get him over by a water hose. I want to get a closer look at his foot.” She pointed toward a washing station and followed behind the men as they led the bull, sure to steer clear of Knuckle Head’s hind legs in the event he wanted to kick her.

From her position, she had a clear view of Dallas’s backside. Everything appeared to be as tight as she remembered, which did nothing to settle those distracting tingling sensations.

Focus.

Bio

Erin Bevan was born and raised in Southwest Arkansas. She spent her teenage years working for her aunt at the local gas station flipping burgers and making milkshakes, dreaming of the day when something better would come her way, and it did in the form of a five foot six, one hundred and fifty pound engineer.

Fast forward ten years later, she found herself stuck inside an apartment in South Korea while her daughter went to preschool and her husband went to work. Alone and unable to speak the local language she turned to books for a friend. After reading a few hundred in such a short time, she decided to try her hand at writing one.

That first one sucked, but by the fifth and sixth book, Erin started to get the hang of this writing thing. Getting the first contract in the mail was a dream come true. Now, with three babies at home, she squeezes in stories one word at a time, one sentence at a time, one day at a time.

She’s a full time mom, a full time wife, with a little writer sprinkled in whenever she can get the chance. And the laundry? Well, it’s best not to open the washroom door!

Where to find Erin…

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Indulge Your Passion

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have Wild Rose Press author Ashantay Peters chatting about her multi-act life and her latest release, Déjà Vu All Over Again.

Here’s Ashantay!

ashantaypix

I’m one of those women who has reinvented herself over and over. For example, in high school I worked part-time in retail, after graduation I moved to office clerk and then to secretary. I didn’t begin college until I was in my early thirties, working full-time while taking a full class load. No, I wasn’t crazy, but I often felt like I was losing my mind!

After college, I entered the HR field, and I spent most of the rest of my professional life hiring, firing, and talking benefits and payroll. Well, except for a stint in risk management. And I did shift from corporate to government then back to corporate again. And ran a retail store in the middle there, somewhere. Oh, and managed a small transit system.

I didn’t plan to jump around so much, but as John Lennon said, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

Now that I’m retired, I wonder not how I got everything done, but why I pushed so hard. Retirement has meant a huge reduction in available income, but I find that many of the things I “needed” have fallen away. So too the activities that “had” to be done.

And, bonus – I get to use life experiences in my books. That boss no one likes? Killed him off in book four. The best friend who wasn’t – book two. And then there’s the woman who regrets that her first marriage failed – and wishes she could have a do over. Book six. We all have stories, right?

All that being said, I’d advise anyone planning to retire soon to examine your life now. If an event or activity doesn’t bring you joy, maybe it’s time to let that stuff go. Have you always wanted to travel somewhere? Don’t wait! Go now! But most important, indulge your passion. Live your dreams.

As Lewis Carroll wrote in Alice in Wonderland, “I knew who I was this morning, but I’ve changed a few times since then.” Embrace change. Accept life.

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Blurb

Rock star Jack Reed has secrets. He’s kept his first marriage to a girl he met at Woodstock, and their son, under wraps for decades. Now his child has tracked him down wanting answers. Former hippie Sally Ford never fully recovered from Jack’s betrayal of their family. She believes he put his career first then and will again, leading to another shattered ending. Jack and Sally’s first meeting is combustible. Can they confront their past and overcome a history of deceit and manipulation to find peace and love?

Bio

Ashantay Peters loves escaping into a well-written book. Her reading addiction also has her perusing magazines, newspapers, Internet articles and even food labels. The last is often feebly excused as an attempt to maintain health, but her friends know the truth.

She lives in the mountains of western North Carolina, a happy transplant from the much colder (and flatter) Midwest. She loves to hear from readers! Give her a holler via her blog and she’ll get back with you as soon as she comes in from gardening or takes a break from writing her next book. You have her solemn promise that she will not stalk you.

Where to find Ashantay…

Website | Blog | Amazon | Twitter

Joanne here!

Ashantay, thanks for sharing your varied experiences and excellent advice. Best of luck with all your literary endeavors.

From My Bookshelves

Posted on April 10, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

For over two decades, I have been collecting books that inspire and motivate my creativity. While many of my early choices were craft books, I have also gravitated toward self-help literature dealing with writing blocks.

Here are ten of my Go-To books.

bookshelf2

Continue reading on the Soul Mate Authors blog.

Guelph Partners in Crime

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

At podium: Deb Quaile
L-R: Donna Warner, Gloria Ferris, Joanne Guidoccio, Alison Bruce

Yesterday evening, I participated in a lively panel discussion with three other mystery writers at the main branch of the Guelph Public Library. We are all published authors and members of Crime Writers of Canada.

We read excerpts from our recent novels and shared our experiences in researching, writing, editing, and marketing our books. We delved into a variety of topics, among them mystery genres, humour in writing, query letters, dealing with rejection, self publishing vs traditional publishing, and social media.

Thanks to librarians Andrea Curtis and Deb Quaile for organizing and facilitating this event.

To learn more about Guelph Partners in Crime, visit our websites:

Spotlight on Claire Gem

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m thrilled to feature Claire Gem’s writing journey and her books: Phantom Traces and Hearts Uncloched.

Here’s Claire!

clairegem Writing isn’t a hobby for me, nor merely a career dream. Crafting stories, and all that go with them, is a passion. And the reason why I don’t need to be on an anti-depressant medication.

When I was in the seventh grade, my English teacher, Nancy Prather, gave the class a creative writing assignment. I don’t even remember now what I wrote about. But I can tell you this: when Ms. Prather handed out the papers and I discovered I’d scored an A+, a tiny spark ignited in my chest. When she stopped me on my way out of class to say, “You have real talent. I hope you’ll pursue your writing,” that spark burst into flames.

Flames that simmered low and slow throughout the next forty years. There simply wasn’t time in my life to seriously pursue a writing career until about eight years ago, when I turned fifty. The kids were grown, my “day-job” (which has nothing to do with writing) was firmly established, and I finally had the time to make up stuff.

And so I did.

The process of sending out those first queries was as painful, and as frightening, as childbirth—maybe more. Yet not as excruciating as the rejection letters. The first fifty of them.

But I am not a quitter. I can do this, I thought. If not talented, then persistent, and stubborn as hell. I’d finished my third, unsold manuscript when I let a friend who loves romance novels take my draft of PHANTOM TRACES with her on vacation. She came back raving about how much she loved the story, and wondering why I hadn’t been offered a contract on it. Three days later, I was.

Soul Mate Publishing signed me for Phantom Traces three years ago, and I’ve never looked back. Since then, I’ve secured another contract for a contemporary romance with a different publisher. But I have one tiny, little flaw as an author: I’m a control freak. Which is why I chose to go Indie on my latest release, HEARTS UNLOCHED.

I was lucky enough to find an awesome copy editor/proofreader, Joyce Mochrie. I had my same beta reader take the manuscript on vacation (she loved this one even more than the first!). My sister is a graphic artist, as well as a published author in her own right, and she designed my unbelievable cover. All the pieces are in place. I feel like a 747 jet sitting on the end of a runway, one whose pilot just got the go-ahead for take-off.

So buckle your seat belts, readers. Here we go!

heartsunlcohed

Blurb

A psychic interior designer reluctantly agrees to renovate a sexy investor’s abandoned hotel on a lake rumored to have once been the mob’s body dumping ground.

Interior designer Kate Bardach loves her single girl’s lifestyle—living in Manhattan and spending weekends at her lake house. She’s passionate about her career, reinventing old buildings. But there are some projects she can’t take on because of the spirits trapped there. Kate is psychic—she sees dead people.

Marco Lareci is one of Wall Street’s most successful investment brokers who’s achieved all of his life’s goals—except for finding his soulmate.

His latest project, an abandoned resort on Loch Sheldrake, needs a savvy designer to transform the crumbling complex into a boutique hotel. When Marco meets Kate, he can’t believe his luck. She’s the perfect match for his business and his heart.

Marco’s body excites Kate even more than does his renovation project. But the haunting there, a bonafide poltergeist, affects her on an intensely personal level. Kate’s aunt disappeared from the place fifty years ago.

Will the spirit doom Kate and Marco’s love, or drive them closer together?

PHANTOM TRACES_505x825 (2) A history professor in a tweed jacket, a cheeky Goth chick, and a pipe-smoking, book-hurling ghost. Put them all together in an antiquated library and, well…

Professor Jack Wood’s silver-streaked hair definitely ages him, and he can thank Killer Dawn for that. He won’t be falling into the love trap again anytime real soon. But this new librarian has him curious, with her head-to-toe black Goth garb, piercings, and a defiant attitude to match. Definitely not his type of girl, but still…

Abigail Stryker’s got her work cut out for her. The last two librarians didn’t last a month before airborne books chased them off. But Abby’s determined to make her new life a go-and to stay as far away from older men as possible. Once was enough. Might be tough to do when the library’s best patron is none other than dreamy-eyed Jack Wood. And it seems the eccentric ghost may have taken a shine to her as well.

Available in eBook, Paperback, & Audiobook

Bio

Claire Gem turns the paranormal genre on its ear by combining the elements of gothic horror, mystery/thriller, and contemporary romance into a genre she calls New Gothic.

Claire loves ghost stories, and has done her homework when it comes to exploring the world of paranormal phenomena. She holds her certificate in Parapsychology from Duke University’s Rhine Institute of Paranormal Studies. Her obsession with cemeteries, a severe case of taphophilia, has served her well—some of her best stories were born while exploring an old graveyard. She also loves abandoned places—asylums, crumbling hotels, places far out in the woods where only the fairies dare to venture.

Although she most definitely believes in ghosts, she doesn’t suffer from nightmares. They are simply midnight musings for her next gothic novel.

Happy Release Day!

A Storyteller’s Journey

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have author Becky Lower sharing excellent advice on launching second acts and her upcoming release, The Forgotten Debutante.

Here’s Becky!

Briefly describe your first act.

My first act was a series of missteps. Although I graduated college with a degree in English and Journalism, I didn’t follow the writing path. I’d always been a storyteller, mostly spilling family secrets, but never translated that talent into a writing career. Instead, I worked in advertising, trade show management and other boring jobs, fulfilling my creative needs with a variety of hobbies. I learned to quilt, knit, refinish furniture, cross-stitch, needlepoint, you name it. But none of these outlets quite fit either. I floundered a lot during my adult life.

What triggered the need for change?

As I was approaching retirement, I thought about what to do next. Because of all my floundering, I hadn’t amassed a nice nest egg, so I needed to plan on something else for income. I found an adult education course on writing the romance novel, and thought, why not? I’d been reading romances my entire adult life. It was now time to put my storytelling and creativity together. I’d like to say the six week long class propelled me to instant fame, but I’d be lying. I spent the next few years learning my craft.

Where are you now?

Still learning. I now have 13 books published, and am still waiting for the breakthrough book. I liken my career to a snowball rolling down a hill. It starts out small and gains size and momentum as it goes.

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

Start your second act the moment you think of it. Don’t wait until you have the time. If your life doesn’t feel right to you, make a change.

Any affirmations or quotations you wish to share?

My favorite quote is from one of my heroes–Jedediah Smith, an early American fur trapper and explorer. While he was trying to find a way across the mountains, he said sometimes in order to get ahead, we must be turned back. So, if what you’re doing isn’t working for you, turn back to your roots and figure out what’s missing, then forge ahead.

theforgottendebutante

Blurb

Don’t miss the touching conclusion to the Cotillion Ball Saga!

In 1863, America is war-weary. Fifteen-year-old Saffron Fitzpatrick, whose teenage years have been spent mourning the dead rather than dancing at her debutante ball, just wants to visit her beloved horse after being housebound due to the draft riots. A chance meeting with soldier Ezekiel Boone changes everything.

Three years ago, Ezekiel ran away with his older brothers to join the war effort, welcoming the chance for adventure. But when all four of his brothers die at Chancellorsville, he retreats home, despondent and depending on the kindness of strangers, like Saffron, who help him on the journey. They share a wild ride and a breathless kiss, parting with fond memories.

Fate reunites the couple three years later, and their former attraction rekindles as they discover unexpected common ground and begin to build a relationship. But though the war is over, a future together may still elude them . . . especially if Saffron’s older, protective brother and the U.S. Army have anything to say about it.

Where to find Becky…

Joanne here!

Becky, I’ve been following your journey for several years and am impressed by the body of work you have produced. Best of luck in the future.

A Multi-Act Life

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have author Charmaine Gordon chatting about her multi-act life and her latest release, Together, Again.

Here’s Charmaine!

charmainegordon “The time has come,” the walrus said.

And here I am so happy to be visiting with you again.

This is a wonderful day. Why you may ask? The answer is I woke up. A simple task like rising, gazing out the window, and a sniff of fresh air. YIPPEE! This woman is raring to go. I tiptoe out not to wake the sleeping honey and what do I see? Five cats waiting to be fed. They tumble and mew toward the kitchen. This is not a bad way to begin a full day. All my 85 years have been filled with the care of someone or something. As a small child, the only girl among many boys, I learned to cook and to sew. My intention was to dance,sing and act but back in the dinosaur days, girls were secondary.

As an Air Force Wife of a pilot during the Korean war, women were forever pregnant including me-count ‘em-six. The men returned from Temporary Duty in far places with the military band playing, flags flying. The joke was, “What’s the second thing you’ll do when you get home?” The answer was, “Take off my parachute.”

Moving along, we moved to NY as civilians and I gathered my dusty talents and began an acting career in daytime drama, on stage, and movies having the best time of my life because it was mine alone. Sure I came home and made dinner for the family and loved up the dear husband but those hours were mine. Picture lunch with Anthony Hopkins “Call me Tony”, dancing with Harrison Ford during a break in Working Girl, Chatting with Michael Douglas in Fatal Attraction. Yes, it all was for real until twelve years passed and my voice stopped working. A catastrophe. No more acting.

How many acts have I been through? Many, I do believe. This act started with an idea and I wrote a book without knowing how. To Be Continued is the title. Vanilla Heart Publishing offered a contract and six years later, I write every day with a pile of books to my credit.

Together, Again is my latest.

togetheragain

Blurb

A wealthy couple, no children in sight, answer the door one day to find a replica of the woman living there, titian hair and all. Charlie is her name and so begins the story. Years later Charlie’s young twin sisters , now seventeen, are rescued by the same couple with a big heart. It’s a tale of love and hearts that keep on giving.

Excerpt

“The portly lawyer presented his case to the most important critical judge and jury. In an attempt to bribe his lovely wife, he removed the elegant strap heels from her slender feet. The massage he’d perfected over their many years of marital bliss brought a skeptical frown between her perfect eyebrows.

““Stuart, speak now or forever hold your piece. Save the tricks for the bedroom.”

“Dimples appeared in his cherubic cheeks. “Guilty as charged, Eleanor.”

“Puzzled, she unwrapped a truffle, dark chocolate with a coconut filling and let the sweetness melt in her mouth before a quick chew and swallow. She pulled her husband’s head down kissing his parted lips to share the chocolate taste.

““Don’t distract me too much. I have to cover more ground before I cover you.”

““Move on, Stuart.”
“As you know, the twins have been texting me for a while. They wanted to call but the school doesn’t allow phone calls and they didn’t know if you are, what they refer to as, ‘into texting.’ I text back right away and always say whenever they want to leave there and live with us, they are welcome. So just before I left the office, I received a text saying Help. They are so ready to leave like now. Their words, my love. We leave very soon.”

“She jumped to her bare feet and paced the study. “I’m excited but worried at the same time. What about Elizabeth? Maybe she won’t let them go.”

““I have my ways, sweetheart. I’ve been investigating her past for a long time and now I have enough information to send her away. But that’s not my intention. She’s evil to have instigated Charlie into doing what a young girl had to do to protect her mother. No more will Elizabeth get away with it.” He rose and gathered her in his arms. “And now please allow me one more truffle before you chase me to the bedroom to have your way with me. Ring for Edgar to hold all calls. Sean should walk Lord and Lady before going home. We are not to be disturbed.” Heading toward their private section of the expansive home on Lake Shore Drive, Stuart paused. “Our Labradoodles are aging, Eleanor. It’s time to order two more from the breeder. What color would you prefer?” He closed and locked the bedroom suite.

Eleanor Alfred eyed her husband while she dropped the silk dress to the floor. “Is that what you’ll say when I’ve no longer aged to perfection? What color should I order?” She smacked him across his shoulder.

Where to find Charmaine…

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Joanne here!

Charmaine, your posts and comments inspire and motivate me. Best of luck with Together, Again.

Happy Easter!

Posted on March 27, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

A Woman Finding Her Voice – The Vancouver Blue Series

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m thrilled to welcome Canadian author Jo-Ann Carson. Today, Jo-Ann shares Books 1 and 2 in the Vancouver Blue Series. I enjoyed reading and highly recommend Black Cat Blues.

Here’s Jo-Ann!

Thank you for inviting me to your beautiful blog Joanne. It is an honour to work with you. Your friendship and support is a blessing.

My latest release:

Black Cat Blues

blackcatblues A nightmare waits in the alley . . .

Stabbed in an alley behind the Black Cat Blues bar, private investigator Jimmy Daniels clings to life just long enough to tell Maggy Malone a secret.

Maggy, a curvy blues singer with a sultry voice and a razor sharp mind is starting her life over after a lousy marriage. Reluctant at first to get involved with a murder, she tells no one the secret. But when the murderer stalks her, she changes her mind.

Maggy teams up with Jimmy’s brother, Logan, a handsome suit with a tidy view of life. They figure out the killer is looking for gold buried on Gabriola Island by the notorious, cult-leader Brother XII.

The body count rises. Will Maggy catch him? Or will she be his next victim?

Black Cat Blues is the first story in the Vancouver Blues series. If you like Indiana Jones and urban noir, you’ll love this story, which combines all of their best traits in a fast-paced, captivating and sensual, romantic suspense.

If you want adventure and romance in your life, buy Black Cat Blues today.

About the Vancouver Blues Series

Vancouver is a multi-ethnic, international city that still has a wild-west flavor. Nestled between the rugged, coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean it is stunningly beautiful. It used to be one of Canada’s secret jewels, but Expo 86 and the 2011 Olympics thrust it onto the international scene. It’s growing at an exponential rate and like a gangly teenager who wants to stay a child, but can’t, it’s experiencing growing pains.

I wanted to write stories that captured Vancouver’s urban vibe and unique culture. What I came up with is the story of a blues singer who’s had a rough life and is finding her voice.
The sequel launches April 18th:

Ain’t Misbehavin’

AintMishehavin_CVR_MED (2) A naked alderman, a haunted trattoria and a love that can not be denied.

When the manager of the Black Cat Blues Bar, singer Maggy Malone, witnesses a murder in her favorite trattoria, her life is upended. Known as the Naked Alderman, the victim is a controversial politician who wants Vancouver to be known as the greenest city in the world. He’s also the lover of Maggy’s best friend. Despite his noble ideals, his head ends up in the pasta.

The last thing Maggy wants to do is chase another murderer. She’s worked hard to keep the Black Cat afloat and sort out her life, which is complicated by two, hot men, and acts of sabotage at her dock community on Granville Island.

But when the body count rises, Maggy decides to catch the killer.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ is the second story in the Vancouver Blues series. If you like ghost stories and urban noir, you’ll love this book, which combines all of their best traits in a fast-paced, captivating and sensual, romantic suspense.

Bio

joanncarson Jo-Ann Carson has lived most of her life on islands off the west coast of Canada, surrounded by snow covered mountains, lush rain forests and pristine beaches.

Growing up, she dreamed of traveling the world like James Bond, searching for relics like Indiana Jones, and finding true love, so it’s no surprise that in her Mata Hari Series she combines elements of adventure, danger and steamy romance.

In her Vancouver Blues Series she slides into the realm of Urban Noir and explores the dark side of the city. These books are mainstream suspense with strong romantic elements and are very-Vancouver.

Wanna Connect (and get a free book)?

Thank you for reading about my Vancouver stories. If you would like to know more about me, check out my website which has all my social media links and/or sign up for my newsletter. All new subscribers are sent a free e-copy of my first book, Covert Danger, the story of a single woman living a double life.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to spotlight author Tema Merback/Belle Ami and her books.

Here’s Tema/Belle Ami!

First off, thank you Joanne for giving me this opportunity to air my dirty laundry, well not all of it. I have to save something for those titillating sex scenes.

Every writer’s journey is fraught with humorous anecdotes, stumbles, pitfalls, and miracles. Yes, it is a journey that perfectly mirrors this adventure we call life, and just like life, you better hold on tight, because as the country western lyric says it’s going to be “one Hell of a ride”.

I have always been a writer, or at least dabbled in it, whether it be speeches, short stories, poetry, screen treatments, it was my sideline not my profession. However, my serious journey began in 2010, when I published In the Face of Evil an historical novel based on my mother’s survival of the Holocaust; I should say self-published, as no one showed any interest in doing it for me. Much of that was due to the lack of editing, and not knowing the publishing business. It took me three years to write, and a stack of rejection notices wasn’t going to stop me from publishing it. Call it beginners luck, but that book became a Finalist in the National Jewish Book Awards. Not bad. Imagine if I would have had it professionally edited? To this day it is one of the highest rated books on Amazon and Goodreads, not easy to maintain with those angry trolls that cruise the virtual world and live and breathe to contribute those abusive one and two star reviews. Anyway, after toiling, suffering, through one of the darkest times in human history I definitely needed to write something lighter, less taxing on my psyche.

Just around that time I read this little book entitled Fifty Shades of Grey. Well, it doesn’t get lighter than that. Not a particularly well written book, but it definitely held my interest. I began to study the romance genre, reading voraciously, everything from paranormal to BDSM. Oh, my goodness those sweaty nights of reading, who wouldn’t be hooked. I was literally infected with the romance germ and the only cure was for me to pass it on through my writing. In February 2014 I self-published (at this point I was fairly turned off by the publishing industry) my first book in the Romance/Sexy/Suspense genre The One, which became the first in my The Only One series. In June, I published The One & More, bringing me to my upcoming release with Soul Mate Publishing One More Time is Not Enough coming March 2016, keep your fingers crossed on that not written in stone date.

ONE MORE TIME IS NOT ENOUGH (2)-1

What I’ve learned along the way could fill a book, however, I have no interest in writing that one. Suffice it to say, I’ve spent a lot of money on poor editing, PR, advertising, the list goes on-and-on. I’ve tried the self-publishing route and it has not worked for me. Yes, I’ve sold books in a vacuum, despite myself. What I wanted was a home, a place to hang my hat. Fellow authors to communicate with, share ideas, brainstorm, all of which had been lacking in my creative world.

My goodness, what an inspiration it is to finally develop a writing family. I have a notebook filled with review site possibilities, book tour companies, rafflecopter events, marketing tips, and a whole slew of new Facebook and Twitter friends. I’m learning what works and what doesn’t work, from writers who’ve walked barefoot over the burning coals and are kind enough to share, preventing me from burning my Tootsies. My thanks you to all who have come before and who continue to be an inspiration. It just keeps getting better, and the future looks ever so bright. I’ve just finished another book, working title No Way Out, tweaked my genre from Romantic/Sexy/Suspense to Romantic/Sexy/Thriller and can’t wait to see where the road will lead.

Where to find Tema…

Amazon | Twitter | Facebook

Where to find Belle Ami…

Website | Amazon | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest