What is in store & a Jenna Update!

Hello friends!

I apologize I didn’t put out a blog last week. I have been sick for about 2 and a half weeks now. Which is absolutely ridiculous, but anyway. I’m back on track.

I have been busying myself both getting ready for fall and trying to hash out details for my next book, which is due in April, I believe. I keep coming up with new ideas, and I’m trying to hash out what works, what doesn’t, and what is just absolutely too ridiculous to even attempt. My character for the next story is about a young girl–late teens, or very early adulthood, who is a selkie. Selkies, by nature, are very docile creatures, but we can’t have that or else the story would probably be very boring, so I’ve been trying to come up with ideas that give her abilities beyond what the typical selkie can do. Of course, I’m not giving that away just yet, but I’m hashing out the details right now, and I’m kind’ve excited about what I’m coming up with.

Now, As per my last blog, I had given an update about Jenna’s condition, and things had been looking quite grim. I heard from her mother, and she is doing better, but as far as I know, she is still expected to leave us in the upcoming weeks. But I still wanted to share what her mother wrote me. I think it goes to highlight what a powerful warrior she truly is. I am honestly not surprised at all that she is moving around and eating now, when just a week and a half ago she wasn’t conscious at all.

“Jen sleeps and wakes, eats some with help, us still drinking. She has gotten cantankerous in a funny sort of way. She wants to call the nurses every few minutes. She will get out of bed to wander around if no one is there. She says things that are really offbeat and funny. I don’t know whether it is dementia or whether her disease has spread to her brain. I’m just holding on by the seat of my pants. Trying to be in 2 places, taking care of her and the dogs. Please pray for us.”

On that note, please consider pre-ordering her final work, our final work together. She was so happy to get this last piece of work done, and I feel like it’s just one more wonderful way to keep her alive, through what she loved most.... books.

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Preorder for 99¢!

Ties of Friendship

A Collection of YA Fantasy

Limited Edition Box Set

BLURB:

How much magic can true friendship hold?

How far can you go with a little magic in your pocket and friends backing you up?

Find out as Talented authors from around the world join spin tales of mysterious adventures, missing companions, and forbidden friendships that will keep you turning pages long after the sun’s gone down.

Dive into these young adult stories that entwine magic and friendship together in a whole new way. Adventure is just a click away.

Featured Authors & Stories:

• Orcus Pursued by: Cassie Greutman

• How to raise the dead (and then put them back) by: R.C. Barnes

• Shadows of Willow’s Creek by: Joli Campbell

• The Return by: Jenna D. Morrison & Joli Campbell

• Bonds of Friendship & Forbidden Friendship by: International Bestselling Author K.M. Jenkins

Preorder your Copy Today!

A Final Goodbye is Near with a Book on the Horizon!

Hello dear reader friends.

I recently received some heavy news about my longtime best friend and fellow author, Jenna (Morrison) Campbell. As many of you know, Jenna has struggled with health issues for a very long time, Chiari malformation, and over the past few years, cancer. I had recently received a message from her, letting me know she had been missing me and loves me, and that she wants to talk. She told me she feared her time was coming soon, as her mother was now having to feed her. I told her I would call over the weekend, but then I had fallen ill, and had little in the way of a voice, so I messaged her and told her I’d talk to her this past Saturday, instead.

A day later, I receive a message that Jenna is no longer conscious, that they are looking to move her into a 24/7 care facility until she passes, which they expect to be within the next 30 days...

To say that I am devastated would be an understatement. Jenna has been my best friend since, I think around 2010. I remember, back in our hanging out with up-and-coming rock star days, I met her over Blue October’s bulletin board, of all places. I remember her approaching me at a concert with someone that I highly dislike, and I made her a bit scared because of the look I gave them. In fairness, it wasn’t about her; it was about the other girl who knew I disliked her, approaching me. This, of course, makes me sound mean and unapproachable. I’m actually not, but my face looks like I am! But, there have been a few people I’ve allowed into my life, who have done some things that are just not forgivable, that I do not want around me.

Anyway, so, a few weeks go by and Jenna thinks I hate her, but she mentions something on the board about how she was going through a terrible situation, so I private messaged her, called her and we spoke for hours. And the next thing you know, we’re besties going to all the cool shows together, having crazy adventures, her convincing me to do things I’d never be brave enough to do on my own, etc. She even convinced me to help her write, which is why I am an author today. Under a different name, I helped her write 4 books, some of which were part of best-selling anthologies, which I think is a pretty significant accomplishment. She didn’t think she would beat cancer the first time around, and brought me on board to ensure her books got completed and published. She was so happy when her books came out, something that had always been a dream of hers. I am grateful that she convinced me to write with her; it’s been a dream of mine as well. Jenna helped me become braver and bolder, got me out of my comfort zones, and because of her, my life was much more interesting.

So, here I am — sad as I can be, wishing I could travel up to Oklahoma to tell her goodbye and angry at myself for not calling when I had the chance, sick or not. I’ve missed out on enough goodbyes to know that we should never miss a chance to tell someone how much we love them.

Jenna’s last book will be “The Return”. It will be a part of the “Ties of Friendship” anthology. I co-wrote it with her, but the entire story is truly hers. Her idea, things that she wanted to happen in the book, everything. I just wrote a lot for her because she could no longer write/type. I have a story in there, too, called “Shadows of Willow’s Creek”. Us doing this last thing together, I hope, carries her onto the other side, knowing that I deeply cared about her and our friendship.

Pre-Order your copy of Ties of Friendship for 99¢! 

Releases October 15th

Weekly Update with a Pie Recipe!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

I am anxiously awaiting to hear from people what they thought about our anthology, “Beyond The Realms,” in particular, my story, “The Fae Chronicles; Battle for the Underworld”. I’m wondering if others can pick up the early mistake that I made as quickly as I did! HAH. I’ll share the mistake next week, after there has been more time. Hint: it involves Queen Esta!

That said, as anxious as I am about hearing from people who have read the book, I’m excited about the approaching fall! Even though it is still hot as blazes in Texas, and will continue to be, I’m cooking fall meals. Last night I made a nice lasagna with garlic bread and broccoli — not necessarily a fall meal, but a cozy one, and I made Dolly Parton’s (LOVE HER!) Butterscotch pie. I haven’t shared recipes in a while, so today, I’m sharing this one. It’s amazing. <3 If you’re a butterscotch lover like me, it’s fantastic. <3

AND, if you haven't picked up the anthology "Beyond the Realms," today is the last day to get it at 99¢. Click HERE to purchase. 

Anyway, Enjoy!

Check out Dolly Parton's Butterscotch Pie!

For the Crust:

• 1 pre-baked pie crust (9-inch)

For the Butterscotch Filling:

• 1 ½ cups brown sugar

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ cups whole milk

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 4 egg yolks, beaten

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Meringue:

• 4 egg whites

• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the butterscotch filling with care. In a saucepan over medium heat, carefully combine brown sugar, flour, and salt. The slow cooking process is crucial for developing rich butterscotch flavor.

2. Gradually stir in milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Cooking slowly helps develop a smooth, creamy texture that's essential to a perfect pie.

3. Add butter and continue stirring until it melts completely. The butter adds richness and depth to the butterscotch flavor.

4. Temper the egg yolks by slowly pouring a small amount of the hot mixture into them while stirring constantly. This technique prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a silky smooth filling.

5. Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring until the filling thickens to a pudding-like consistency.

6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a beautiful aromatic touch to the butterscotch flavor.

7. Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Allow it to cool slightly while preparing the meringue.

8. Make the meringue by beating egg whites and cream of tartar in a clean, dry bowl. Start at a low speed and gradually increase.

9. Once soft peaks form, slowly add sugar while continuing to beat. The goal is stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape.

10. Spread the meringue over the butterscotch filling, making sure it touches the crust edges to prevent shrinking.

11. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12-15 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color on the meringue.

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.