Thursday Update with a Twist

Hello friends!

Yesterday I received several private queries on one of my social media sites. One asked about my writing style and how I come up with my ideas. I thought about how often I am asked that question and it’s not something I’ve written much about. I’ve dropped small hints. There is an interview that exists where I explain it a bit, but that went away once the server changed, I think haha. So, I thought that today, I’d talk a little about how I do what I do.

Let me know if you have any thoughts or ideas of your own. I love learning how others come up with their wonderful ideas, and find it fascinating how so many of our brains work so different from one another! And when I say this, I in no way think I’m the best writer. I think I do alright but I think I’m onto something here, at least for me, so here we go!

Everyday life can often fuel fantastical storytelling; even the most mundane thing can create a thread in your mind and leave you with a string of magical ideas, if you allow yourself to be open to it. One thing I often do with my family is come up with the entire life story of a random person we may see on our commute. They get entire names, family life, job descriptions, what they do for fun, and so on and so forth.

Or maybe you come across an old, discarded, filthy doll with one missing eye and only a few tufts of hair, and while thinking about what its history may have been, you can come up with an entire storyline. Something scary, perhaps? Or maybe something sad and heartfelt. Maybe you’ll end up writing the next “Velveteen Rabbit”? Side note; I think the Velveteen Rabbit is one of the most important children’s books in existence.

Or maybe it’s just a phrase. I remember one time I was talking with a musician friend of mine, who writes beautifully I might add, and I don’t remember what it is I said, but right after I spoke my small sentence, he spun it into a beautiful start to a song on the spot. He did nothing with it, but I was really taken aback at how quickly he did that. When I do it, It’s usually a conversation I have with myself in my head and when I can I try to rush to write it down before I forget it too, maybe, be used in a future story.

If you’re not careful, these fleeting moments, these snapshots in your mind, can vanish as quickly as they had appeared. So, if you’re an aspiring writer, or any type of artist, carry something around where you can record what you’ve seen immediately. Whether it’s a notepad, a recorder, perhaps just the camera on your cell phone.... but do it. Because for me, it is personally the best way to come up with ideas. After all, magic often hides itself in plain sight, just waiting to be discovered.

Checking Back In after a Break of Unexpected Events!

Hello everyone!

I apologize for my absence last week. My computer was out of commission while we were basically trying to reorganize our entire house. At this time we are a family of 9 in a four-bedroom home. A lot, right?! Absolutely. I can explain.

I have four adult children. We live in one of the most expensive and top-rated towns in the country. The way we can afford to do this is by splitting rent with my oldest son and his wife, and my youngest son, who is still in college, pays the electric bill. Without this setup, there is no way that we could afford to live here, and we still barely can. Especially with everything going up right now, I think we’re all feeling the pain in our wallets.

Both my son and daughter-in-law work from home. My son is currently helping build a 2D/3D gaming engine called Godot (If anyone is interested–it’s FREE! And people are loving it so far.) My daughter-in-law is an executive for a well-established advertising company. I write and take care of their little baby boy. My husband works in PC repair and, as previously mentioned, my youngest son is a student at SNHU studying software engineering and works at a fast-food restaurant to help pay the bills. Our house has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, but it also has this lovely sunroom, which has been turned into my daughter-in-law’s office.

This past year, my youngest daughter and her 2 children came to stay with us because, to be blunt, she was in an abusive situation in another town about 4 hours away from home. My ex-husband, his girlfriend (Who I adore, btw) and I went up there about half a year ago and brought her here. It’s been a stressful situation on many fronts. And not because my daughter is doing anything wrong, or anyone else in our home for that matter, but it’s a combination of space and noise, as there is a little baby who needs a lot of sleep and a LOT of zoom meetings with clients and staff.

We created a makeshift bedroom in one corner of the living room for my oldest grand, who just turned 12. Weirdly, for the time being until I can get something else that works better, I turned a heavy table sideways, stapled some sheets to the table and a high part of the wall to make a high ceiling for him and surrounded it with small dressers to give him privacy. My youngest son has been moved from his room to the dining room, which we also closed off completely so that he, too, can have privacy. It isn’t perfect; we need to buy more soundproof curtains and stuff. And it’s not super beautiful, either lol. But we’re trying our best to make do in a tough situation.

My youngest daughter, however, is being hit left and right with stress. Her ex has been threatening her and hiding from the police, so that they can’t arrest him for DV or serve him with the restraining order or even custody orders. She’s struggling to find a job. She’s had a lot of great interviews that she was sure about, and even a job offer, but they are giving her the runaround about when she can start. On top of that, she is stressed about the noise from her little baby, almost two, who has the vocal range of Maria Callas (famous opera singer), which, causes additional stress, as our house needs to be quiet almost the entire day because of work and sleeping infants.

So, we’re trying to navigate that issue. We have noise-canceling curtains hanging everywhere that are graded for welding, yet my little angel girl’s voice pierces through it like a siren. So, if anyone has any ideas on what we can do about any of that, please reach out, because we are at our wits end. We’re a tight-knit family, and I want to keep it that way! HAHA.

My other daughter and her soon to be husband are doing fantastic, albeit quite tired, as the newest little sleeps all day and likes to stay up partying all night. Her big sister is taking the role seriously and is doing a beautiful job keeping Momma busy as she tries to share all of her food with the new baby! But we have wonderful news, my soon to be son-in-law graduated school and landed a nice AC job right out of the gate. So we’re very excited for him.

Anyway, so there is the tale of why I went MIA for a week. I’ll try to do better, and maybe next time talk about books, characters, authors, writing ideas, or whatever else.

Oh! Before I go, I DID briefly hear from Jenna(best friend and co-author, including for the latest anthology we have out for Ties of Friendship) over a week ago. She is doing all right so far. She’s starting a respite care program; she seemed quite hopeful about it. But she’s still fighting! We don’t call her Stonewall for nothing!

Anyway, I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind everyone that we still have 2 anthologies available to order. Both cost only 99 cents if you get a digital copy, so there’s that! You just cannot beat 5 authors for 99 cents.

Order here!

Beyond the Realms, Ebook, which you can pre-order now and receive on August 12th or Paperback, which can be shipped to you right now: https://books2read.com/u/4XkyqN

Ties of Friendship, Ebook which you can pre-order now, will be delivered October 15th: https://books2read.com/tiesoffriendship

Author Life on Hold for a New Born Baby!

 Hello everyone and happy Thursday!

For many of us the week is almost over, and we’re at the home stretch. I’m hoping that all of you have something wonderful to look forward to in the coming days.

I do want to start by apologizing for skipping my blog this past Tuesday. As I had mentioned last week, we had a new little piece of the family joining us. Well, she’s here! I’m thrilled to announce that sweet little Fleur Bella joined us on July 15th, at precisely 3:09 PM, weighing in at 8 pounds and 7 ounces. She has a sweet little round face, big cheeks that the nurses have deemed “dangerous”, and more hair! She’s absolutely precious and I’m completely in love with this sweet baby. I can’t wait to spoil her. Her super-tiny big sister, Willow Grey, has been staying with us for the past 3 nights, and she has been a delight, as she always is. Just a tiny, little love.

Anyway, I am, however, exhausted and haven’t slept in days. So this will be a short blog/birth announcement. Haha. Next week, I’ll make it up to all of you. Perhaps with another teaser? A character write-up? Who knows!

Sneak Peek & Author Life Post for Thursday!

Hello friends!

I know my last blog was a downer, and I apologize. I am a very open person, so I have a tendency to share everything that is going on in my life. Well, most everything anyway. So, today I bring some happier news. By next Tuesday we will have a new little one in our family! My oldest daughter, Hayli, was informed if she doesn’t have her by this weekend, then they are inducing Tuesday morning at 5 AM! I’m hoping that they don’t have to actually induce labor, as I know from firsthand experience how rough and painful that can be, BUT, I am super excited for my daughter to be able to not be constantly suffering from heartburn and to roll out of bed without assistance again! (Oh, the joys of late term pregnancy!) BUT, to meet our sweet little Fleur Bella! <3 Which, like most names in our family, will probably make it’s way to a future story. Fun fact, folks, most of the names I use or the characters I create are based on real people, mostly ones I love dearly.

While Hayli is in the hospital, I’ll be spending a few days with my sweet little Willow Grey... or Willow Bee, as I affectionately call her. Which I always look forward to. So, I’m thrilled. 

So, to celebrate, I thought I’d release a small tidbit from Chapter Three of “The Fae Chronicles; Battle for the Underworld.” To set it up, this is the part where Roux, who was loosely based on my dear friend and fellow author, Jenna Morrison, enters the story where she is to play the role of protector and a sort of midwife. Atlas and Nessa were about to bring their son, Cion, into the world and the surrounding circumstances were worrisome given that a dark fairy had cast a curse on their family for daring to marry outside of their race. I do not feel this is the most compelling part of the story, but it’s important AND it’s fitting, given our growing family. I hope you enjoy! And remember, this is a limited-edition anthology that won’t be around much longer! You can pre-order your copy for only 99 cents! OR, if you’re like me and appreciate having tangible copies and that beautiful, warm smell of paper that only a book can give, that is available, too! Order here!  https://books2read.com/u/4XkyqN

****

The dryads of Scaoilte Glas had heard rumblings from the trees and earth surrounding them, warning them of the birth of a child that could either bring the Underworld great peace or eternal demise. They chose to send Roux because she represented both the light and the dark, and because of this, she carried great strength within her that no other healer could match. It was through Roux that they could feel the hope of salvation. It was on her shoulders that she would carry the protection of the child to come, as well as the world that they would all soon share. Rouxelle grasped the heavy weight of the burden with great pride and responsibility.

 Roux greeted the couple, bearing urgent tidings wrapped in mirthful tones.“The winds, trees, and earth carry whispers,” she warned lightly despite gravity cloaking her words like mist rolling through meadows at dawn. “And that darkness threatens your child.”

Atlas listened intently while concern etched lines upon his brow—the ground feeling like it was being yanked from underneath, but reminded himself of the King's promise of safety. He studied Roux carefully, she did not look anything like the dryads he had met before her, save the moss and flowers in her hair, but despite his wariness, there was something about her that made him put great trust in her words.

“There will be no shadows coming near my child," growled Atlas, while Nessa clasped Roux’s hands firmly between her own—when suddenly she felt a forming bond between her and Roux. She almost felt like a silent promise between their souls was happening. Somehow, she knew that Roux was here for more than just a warning, and this knowledge brought Nessa great comfort.

Keeping on in the Whims of Heart Ache...

Hello Dear Friends,

I have been mulling over what to write in today’s blog for days. I wanted to share something fun and exciting, make something to entice people to order one of our limited edition anthologies... but my heart is quite heavy at the moment.

It’s been a tough weekend in Texas. First off, my former sister-in-law lost her sweet little grandbaby, who wasn’t even 2 years old. I’ve never met this child, but this family has been part of my life since I was 14 years old. When they hurt, I hurt. So, I’m going to share this link if anyone would like to donate, or perhaps even share the link, so that they can give little Iris a proper send-off. https://www.gofundme.com/f/give-iris-the-best-goodbye

On top of that horrible news, I’m sure many of you have seen the devastating floods in central Texas. There have been a lot of heartbreaking stories, a lot of heroic stories that turned to heartbreak, and there have been many people at their best, warming the cockles of my heart when I could use it most. Locals, people across the state, across the country and even our friends in Mexico and Canada have come to help. It means so much in a country that finds itself so divided that so many of us can put the ugliness to the side and come together to show love and compassion for one another, and help when it’s needed the most. Over 100 have been found deceased so far, so many of them children, and I expect the numbers will rise. 

The hill country is such a beautiful, magical place..as are the people. Please keep them in your heart and prayers.

Anyway, I apologize for the heavy blog I’ve shared today. The next one will focus on something much more upbeat, I’m sure.

Weekly Update with a Spice of a Chapter Reveal!

 Hello friends!!

I hope everyone is doing well. I am absolutely exhausted! No proper sleep to be had over the past week and a half, but it’s not unusual. I have a loud brain. I’m sure many of you can relate!

We are awaiting a new little member of our family. Her name is Fleur and I cannot wait to meet her. Her poor mamma is ready to get on with it, too! And of course, dad and the cutest little big sister that will have ever graced this planet, Willow, are very excited, as well. So that is pretty exciting for us.

Anyway, I thought that today I’d share a little of the first chapter of one story I’m working on. Right now it’s just called Ghost Story, but that is only because I do not have a title in mind. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter One

Tick... tick... tick... tick... the ticking of the clock beats like a steady drum, permeating through my brain. The ghost of the blood that once ran through me and a beat where my now shriveled heart once pumped, plump and full of life. Tick... tick... tick... the sounds grows louder in my ears. But all the while it sits.

Still in the corner of my room. At first, maybe a shadow? But as my eyes adjust to the darkness, I see it. What the hell is it? A shadow is a dark black void. But this? This is the opposite. It’s a solid white mass. A structural being. Watching me. But how? It has no eyes, but somehow I know it sees me.

With each tick of the clock, a slight turn of its head. But otherwise it never seems to move. Except for one other thing. Every day, it seems like it gets a little closer. Always in the same spot, but somehow, closer. Nothing has terrified me more. But every night it’s here.

I feel like I haven’t slept in years, not properly anyway. A few minutes here and there. My head is always hurting, and I feel like I’m constantly on edge. Every little noise makes me jump. I know this thing is out to get me, but my friends, my husband. They insist it isn’t real.

Two weeks ago, I had enough and scheduled an appointment with a psychologist, Dr. Joyce Lemon. I chose her because her named sounded happy. A feeling I can hardly remember, but enough so that I know that I’d like to experience it again.

I sat on the floral sofa, across from a tall brunette woman with a vacant smile and a notepad in her hands. She looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to explain myself. Wanting me to explain to her why I was here. In her particular office, on this particular Tuesday morning. I fidgeted with the hem of my dress, shifting uncomfortably, wondering where to start. I am going to sound crazy, I just know it.

But then, maybe I am crazy, right? The things I’ve seen and experienced that aren’t real. Is it? The woman leans forward in her chair. This time she makes actual eye contact. My thoughts race. I’m just so worried about telling anyone these things. But this is something I’ve been dealing with for forty-two years of my life. Since I was a child. It’s something generational and horrific. It’s something that I fear can get me taken away from my husband, my children, and I fear I’d be locked away in a state psychiatric center.

“Rose, You know I’m here to listen only. You have nothing to fear. Nothing you say will leave this room.” Dr. Lemon smiles gently.

The Daily Life of a Birthday Girl/Author

Hi everyone,

Happy Juneteenth! It was today that the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, marking the end of slavery! So, today is a beautiful day that deserves our reverence. In this political climate we’re in, I feel that it’s more important than ever to reflect on what it truly means to be free, and to remember the pain of our past as we move forward. That is about as political as I will get in a newsletter, but today is too important not to mention.

I was going to put together something special to share with all of you today, in honor of getting another year older, but it didn’t pan out, so boo. Maybe it will be something I continue to work on and share with all of you at a later time. This week, life kept me extra busy and sleep-deprived. Hopefully next time. ;)

Tomorrow is my birthday! I love having my birthday on the solstice. It’s led to some pretty amazing parties. From fun summer pool parties to what I was little, too much wilder concert after parties with my friends’ bands when I was in my late 20s and earlier 30s. These days, I prefer a much more quiet celebration. We usually order a small cake from the bakery, like my mom used to do for me. Unfortunately, my childhood bakery closed years ago, and I have found no other like it, so we just go with whatever is close by. It’s still nice, and it makes me feel closer to her. My husband either takes me out, or cooks me something I love, and he’s a wonderful cook and I spend some time with my kids. I asked for something small. This year I’ve asked for camping supplies because I miss camping and want to go again this fall. Side note: Do NOT camp in Texas in the summer. It’s the worst!

But from all of you lovelies, I ask, if you haven’t already, consider ordering one, or two, of my E-books? Again, it’s part of an anthology so you’re getting 5 stories for only 99 cents, which is fantastic. I hate sounding like a commercial, but it’s my first and second release on my own, though I did co-write one story in the "Ties of Friendship" boxed set, with my best friend, Jenna Morrison, so in that set I technically have 2. =) OR, if you’re like me and prefer books you can hold in your hands, and smell of the pages wafting through the air as you turn them, we have paperbacks available for the, "Beyond the Realms" box set, which you can have delivered through Amazon. To clarify, the E-books are both pre-orders, but the paperback is available now.

You can order them here:

1. Beyond the Realms Box set:  https://books2read.com/u/4XkyqN

2.Ties of Friendship Box set: https://books2read.com/tiesoffriendship

Happy Belated Father's Day with A Happy Birthday Wish!

Happy late Father’s day to all my papa followers! I hope you all had a wonderful day that truly honors you and the sacrifices to the littlest loves in your lives. Thank you for all that you do.

My husband, unfortunately, had to work. His Father’s day comprising getting to stuff himself silly with pizza, beer and wings! And today I’ll be watching any movie of his choosing with him.... so say a little prayer for me! Haha!

My dad is no longer with us. It’s been nearly 7 years since I got to do anything with him. He was the best. We butted heads a bit, especially in high school, but it was always a misunderstanding. He really thought I was some sort of wild child, but I wasn’t. I think he took the old saying, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” to heart! Because I was definitely nothing close to being wild haha... but boy he was! My poor Papa John lol.

Anyway, as I got older I became more aware that my dad was just trying to protect me. He was always there for me, no matter what time of day or night, if he was needed. Flat tire? He was on his way. At 3 AM? He was on his way. 300 miles away? He was on his way.

Dads, the real dads, the ones who step up and get involved and who are truly there, are a wonderful gift to the world. And I miss mine very much.

The pictures I’ll be sharing today are of the two best dads I know… art from my children’s dad, or rather step-dad, who has donated a lot of beautiful pieces of art to me and my writing.

In other updates, my birthday is in 3 days! So, I’m not wishing for anything extravagant, but what I would LOVE from you guys is to pre-order my e-books! OR buy the paperback that is available right now. ;) And then let me know if you enjoyed it! Maybe even leave a little review.

Ties of Friendship box set: https://books2read.com/tiesoffriendship

Beyond the Realms box set: https://books2read.com/u/4XkyqN

Here's to getting older!

And finally, Be safe out there everyone. Everything is getting pretty wild.

Author Life with a Duck Parade

 Hello friends!

Well, birthday month has begun! I gave it a solid kick off by visiting my doctor, where I got some super fun blood work done, and medication renewal. Whee! And to those who don’t know me, that was sarcasm. I am weird, but not so weird that I enjoy blood work. Hah! Unfortunately, it was scary as the nurse made a bit of a mess, and they described me as “juicy” after. Which is absolutely demented sounding, but they were very sweet about everything, so I let that slide.

I had also been planning a camping trip for this summer, but then I remembered I live in Texas, and summer camping was absolutely miserable here. I might have to wait until Autumn, but that is kind of a crap shoot since our Fall is pretty hot most of the time. Of course, at this rate, if I wish to camp in a tent, and not get a cabin somewhere instead, I’ll probably need to camp in February lol. Sigh.

Anyway, Oh! I did have something really cute happen the other day. My dog, Maple, who rarely barks, though she argues because she is part husky and that is what they do best, started barking early the other morning. I didn’t want her to wake the baby, so I ran across the house and into my room to find her looking out the window. When I looked, there was an entire family of ducks waddling across my front yard! Their “momma and daddy” ducks weren’t very large and had bright orange beaks, and their between them were maybe ten tiny little ducklings, their heads barely popping up over the grass, trucking it across my front yard. I ran to get my phone and take a little video. My 1-year-old granddaughter, Ellie, loves ducks, but alas, they were gone by the time I got outside. Those little things were so fast! They weren’t in any of my neighbor’s yards either. All I found was confused looking little outdoor cat looking like he did not know what just happened. (Thankfully, no signs of kitty involvement in the missing ducks were detected)

Oh, another nice thing from this weekend. The food has been excellent! The other night I made a creamy tomato, basil and garlic chicken which I served over pasta that was delectable. I’ll add the recipe. It’s a crock pot meal, so super easy on busy days. And the other was done by my wonderful husband. He grilled chicken, sausage, onions, red bell peppers. Made some bacon, cut up green onion, roasted garlic, and made two different sauces, and basically set up a fantastic pasta bar for us to enjoy. It was really nice, however, that much pasta has probably added another 10 pounds on me lol.

Anyway, other than that, I’ve had a fairly quiet weekend. Lots of shopping and day dreaming about camping. I think this Savannah dust that has hit us has me under the weather but obviously that isn’t anything serious. Just annoying lol.

Anyway, to all of my lovely readers, the best way to take part in my birthday month would be to order one of our books! If you get a physical copy, leave a review. <3 and E-book pre-orders for both are only 99 cents! That would be amazing! ;)

“Beyond the Realms” box set: https://books2read.com/u/4XkyqN

“Ties of Friendship” box set: https://books2read.com/tiesoffriendship