tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78907028741686840852024-03-13T10:14:01.478-07:00TAMARA HUNTER, Romance AuthorGet to Know Men and Women who Love a Challenge...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-82904941057862694902019-01-01T17:46:00.001-08:002019-01-01T17:46:27.780-08:00Welcome 2019Wishing everyone a blessed and safe New Year! <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-82937787422383386002018-10-23T13:36:00.000-07:002018-10-23T13:36:09.570-07:00Post Season Wrap-UpYou blink and an entire season is gone. I barely recall the weekends and the vacation seems like it happened to someone else. I was blessed to get away so I won't complain. But seriously, next time, I'm going to need to buy sand in a bottle or at least embed sand in the sole of my sandals to remind me that I was actually at the beach.<br />
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This summer, I got closer to nature...and bugs. I don't besmirch certain multiple-legged beings their right to roam or jump in my garden but a little chipping in on the monthly expenses would be nice. If you're going to claim my home as yours...I'm just sayin'....<br />
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I wear gloves but yet, seeing something crawl along the back of my hand sends me into near-convulsions to the delight of Oscar (that's what I named my neighbor's Retriever + (plus, because he's mixed with something but nobody knows what). I don't know why "Oscar" popped into my head. That's not even the dog's real name but his bark sounds like an "Oscar." <br />
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On the writing front, I am nearing the end of several projects along with the reworking of a story previously published by a now-defunct publisher. I'm happy about my progress.<br />
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Fall is here and with it, the beginning of the holiday season and the never-ending quest to <b>not</b> eat too much. My decision to divulge to the family that I was not making two pans of mac and cheese was met with silence and disgust. Whatever. I'm the one cooking it so what I say goes unless someone else wants to take the reins in the kitchen. Any takers? Silence...to my eternal disgust. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-61079529152181419742018-05-16T14:33:00.002-07:002018-05-16T14:33:53.089-07:00A belated Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers and mothers-to-be. Frankly, all women. Doesn't matter if your children are fur babies, you mother someone or something. KUDOS TO YOU!!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-12294228577885839082018-04-07T14:19:00.000-07:002018-04-07T14:19:33.509-07:00What Season is This?Is it just me or is our weather going bonkers? I routinely keep coat and jacket in my vehicle. I have sweaters in my desk at the DJ because by the time the heat travels from the vent to the side of my face on which it constantly blows, it feels like cold air. I'm pretty sure the pores on that side of my face are perpetually tight and youthful. And yet, some days I don't apparently comprehend the weather forecast and end up removing a thermal layer because a bead of sweat created a path down my back -- when I'm not even exercising. It's enough to make you feel icky for the rest of the day.<br />
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Spring has supposedly arrived but it sure doesn't feel like it. Guess you really can't please all of the people all of the time.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-62157878438461011862018-02-03T20:28:00.000-08:002018-02-03T20:28:55.212-08:00Powering Thru ItI don't know where you live, but there are quite a few cases of nasty colds and flu around in my area. The hubby, who'll I'll refer to as Sarge, managed to fall victim to the flu. I was diligent about making sure I didn't catch anything from him. Turns out, I wasn't as diligent as I thought. Or, I may have sucked the virus from the air at the DJ. Who the heck knows where one picks up things from? The grocery store? Theatre? The mall? Ulta? Sephora? <br />
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I've never experienced issues with my sinuses before but let me tell you, my sinuses were clenched tighter than flesh stuffed in spandex. The pressure of my head was nothing like I'd ever felt before. Breathing was a major issue because I couldn't get a sliver of air in my nostrils. Thankfully, It wasn't raining since I was forced to breathe through my mouth.<br />
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I didn't have a fever but when I went to sleep, apparently a fever developed and then broke. My clothes were so wet they were literally sticking to my skin. I think even my socks were damp. What the heck kind of fever was that? <br />
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But I'm slowly getting better and Sarge is a huge help. Every now and then we all need a bit of babying. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-38189602988795699762018-01-31T08:00:00.000-08:002018-01-31T08:00:19.432-08:00Where did January go?Am I the only one wondering what the heck I've done for the first 31 days of the year? Seems like just yesterday it was New Year's Day. However, we are inching closer to Spring and I have to admit I'm more than ready. Nothing against Winter but dodging folks with colds and flu is a full-time job.<br />
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To show my respect for this necessary season (after all, it's hard to wear fabulous cashmere sweaters in summer), I composed a little something. Hope it brings a warm smile to your face. <br />
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My Ode to Winter (well, not really an ode, but a rambling)</h3>
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You are a cool customer whenever you're seen.<br />
Dressed in your sparkling white and dripping with ice.<br />
Forecasters try to guess your next appearance. <br />
Are you really misunderstood? Or inherently nice?<br />
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Some love you while others dread your approach.<br />
Frozen flowers you wear like a broach.<br />
Unapologetic for your divine time,<br />
Revered and record-breaking-- like a fine wine.<br />
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Countless snowmen and angels disappear with you,<br />
Entrusted to your care until the next year.<br />
When you return with much fanfare right after Fall,<br />
The dazzling belle of the frozen season's ball.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-10063851846508918682018-01-06T12:17:00.004-08:002018-01-06T13:13:23.835-08:00Playlist for Postponed PleasureSo when I was writing<b> <span style="color: magenta;">Postponed Pleasure</span></b>, the kernel that kicked the Laila and Matt's love story into gear were a couple of songs. Now, perhaps they weren't necessarily meant to be viewed as break-up music but that's what my ear interpreted them as. Isn't it funny when you're going through heartache, you hear exactly the music you need to hear?<br />
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Here are a few of the songs that comprised playlist I used while writing Postponed Pleasure:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Sade - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WcWHZc8s2I" target="_blank">No Ordinary Love</a> </li>
<li>Crowded House - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9gKyRmic20" target="_blank">Don't Dream It's Over</a></li>
<li>Lisa Fischer - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4ZyCPhVvvM" target="_blank">How can I Ease the Pain</a></li>
<li>Cyndi Lauper - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdQY7BusJNU" target="_blank">Time After Time</a></li>
<li>Peabo Bryson - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwIrX-YHKsA" target="_blank">Can You Stop the Rain </a></li>
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What are some of your favorite break-up songs?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-81309213234404134762017-11-30T22:33:00.000-08:002017-11-30T22:33:07.906-08:00POSTPONED PLEASURE - Live at Amazon<br />
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2A5YV3K" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Postponed Pleasure</b></span></a> is now live at AMAZON! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-28248675549916713932017-11-25T10:30:00.000-08:002017-11-25T10:30:02.008-08:00Postponed Pleasure<span style="background-color: blue;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span></span><span style="color: magenta;">Postponed Pleasure</span></span></b></span><span style="background-color: white;"> is availa</span>ble for pre-order by clicking<b> <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2A5YV3K" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>. <br />
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Enjoy an excerpt below...<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">Matthew’s laughter rumbled from his chest, mesmerizing her with its rich fullness. “I can’t believe we both ended up in California. So close and yet…” He rubbed a finger over her bare left hand.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">Laila clenched her thighs in response.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">“Did you marry that overgrown hulk you dated in college?”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">“No.” She grimaced. “I sent him packing after he cultivated the terrible habit of dating several women at the same time. What about you? Last I heard, you and a beauty queen were headed into domestic bliss.”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">He chuckled. “She wanted to get married but she wasn’t the woman for me.”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">Laila wanted to ask who was, but the idea of him finding the perfect woman rankled. Hadn’t he made it perfectly clear <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">she</i> didn’t hold his interest?</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">He trailed a finger from her wrist to her elbow, then circled her arm to tug her around the floater to his side. “Is there anyone who’d have a problem with us spending time together?”</span></div>
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<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">Come on, girl. He shouldn’t still affect you like this</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">. She shook her head. “What about on your end?”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">“Not at all.” His leg brushed against hers.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">A jolt of awareness traveled up her body, pooling in her center. Her pulse rocketed into overdrive, causing her brain to issue a red alert, but her body refused to listen. Images of them kissing and his hands stroking her willing body flooded her mind. Her entire being readied itself for pleasure.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">He grinned as if he knew her secret thoughts. “You know, I never found a woman who kisses as well as you.”</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">You’re over him, remember? Pull yourself together, Miss Independent. </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">Her heart throbbed against her chest and she allowed a small smile of pride at the idea of being irreplaceable.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">Matthew snaked an arm around her waist. “I know we didn’t part on the best of terms but I never stopped thinking about you.”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">His deep tones blew through her walls of protection like fire through dry pine needles.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">She quivered in response. How could her body betray her like this? She said nothing, afraid of what she’d blurt out if she opened her mouth. Was he playing another game with her? </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">“Did you ever think about me?” His voice lowered, melting the years between them like butter in a hot skillet. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">His intense gaze ran over her, heating her exposed skin.</span><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";"> </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">Don’t give in. He left you for someone else.</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";"> “You cross my mind if someone mentions you,” she forced out in a breathy tone as if she’d run a mile. <i>Liar</i>. After all this time, why did he have such an effect on her? She was over him, had been ever since he obliterated her heart. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">He chuckled. “Sometimes I wish we hadn’t been so close.”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">Was that a look of regret crossing his face? Laila nodded in agreement with his words, not really knowing how else to respond.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">“We were young and—”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">“I know what you mean.” She forced a smile to her face, though she didn’t understand what he meant at all. Was his regret the reason he’d hurt her?</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">To pre-order <span style="color: magenta;">Postponed Pleasure</span>, click <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2A5YV3K" target="_blank">here</a></span>. </span></h4>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-74200331544130789832017-11-22T18:44:00.001-08:002017-11-22T18:44:59.621-08:00Happy ThanksgivingI'm not traveling this year so I can't give any advice as to travel. However, I can surely offer my empathy if, like myself, you found yourself needing to go to the grocery store the DAY before Thanksgiving.<br />
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Let me assure you, I had a list. Checked it not only twice but three times. I was ready. I had a strategy to "get in and get out."<br />
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When I came through the door, I noticed that almost every check-out lane had an actual cashier. PERFECT. Thirty minutes and I'd be back in my car.<br />
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So...what's that saying about best laid plans? <br />
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The first sign that there'd be a ripple in my timeframe was the fact that there was no celery where there was supposed to be celery. I kid you not. How...how I ask you, are you to make dressing (or stuffing depending on where you live) without celery? Can it even be done? If it can, this was not the year I wanted to find out such a fact. Anyhoo, I had to wait for the celery to be replenished. No real biggie. I just went on with my shopping.<br />
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The second sign that this would be an adventure in patience was the fact that there were only two boxes of unsalted butter where there should be piles of boxes. (Perhaps it's not called a box of butter, but you know, the thing with four separate sticks of butter inside? Yes, that's what I'm referring to). Out of the corner of my eye, I spot a woman and her husband at the top of the aisle. She was reading off her list and clearly said "butter."<br />
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I like to think that I'm a gracious person but to be perfectly clear, I needed that butter to bake my million dollar cake. Oh yes, I did. As casually as I could manage, I picked up the two boxes and deposited them in my cart. Then, smoothly executed a U-turn with my cart and left the scene.<br />
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The third sign that this would in no way resemble a typical trip to the grocery store? The flour I normally purchase to make said million dollar cake was NOT on the shelf. GASP! I need to bake that cake. I could almost taste the sweet blend of almond and vanilla extract. Was this payback for taking both boxes of butter?<br />
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One hour and forty minutes later, I was pushing my cart to the car complete with everything on my list...and a headache.<br />
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What wisdom can I impart if you find yourself in the unenviable position of having to stop at a grocery store the day before Thanksgiving?<br />
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<ul>
<li>Patience is most definitely a virtue and a necessary addition if your sanity is to be maintained.</li>
<li>The store hasn't run out of items. They're simply in the storeroom. Don't be afraid to paste a smile on your face and ask for assistance. </li>
<li>Wear comfortable shoes. I add this because if, like myself, you were coming from work you may have not anticipated being in the store for a length of time.</li>
</ul>
I hope you enjoy your day with loved ones. I'm off to bake my million dollar cake and I bet that's exactly what'll taste like.<br />
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<b>HAPPY THANKSGIVING</b>!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-55399018647360101372017-10-31T21:49:00.001-07:002017-10-31T21:49:31.356-07:00Cover Reveal<h3>
Blurb: Postponed Pleasure</h3>
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Who needs love when you have job security? Career is advertising
executive Laila Donovan’s sole focus. Faced with the opportunity to land
a high-profile account, she is determined to win. Retired pro
quarterback Matthew Parker is enjoying a life filled with hosting gigs.
When his teenage love re-enters his life, Matt intends to keep her in
his life this time.<br />
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Will Matt succeed or will Laila decide winning at all costs is the most important play to make?<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-26691805650443916122017-10-08T12:00:00.000-07:002017-10-08T12:00:04.074-07:00Second chance for a first love?Who hasn't wished for a do-over of a relationship, an argument, or to spend more time with someone who exited our lives before we were ready? <span style="color: magenta;"><b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Postponed Pleasure</b></span> is the story of Matthew and Laila. Remember your first love? The overwhelming feelings that you just knew would last forever? Well, sometimes life has other plans. Sometimes, we are forced to pick up the pieces and move on. But in the back of your mind, always lurks a small "what if". I was looking through high school photos which provided the kernal for this story.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>PostPoned Pleasure</b></span> Blurb</h3>
Who needs love when you have job security? Career is advertising executive Laila Donovan’s sole focus. Faced with the opportunity to land a high-profile account, she is determined to win. Retired pro quarterback Matthew Parker is enjoying a life filled with hosting gigs. When his teenage love re-enters his life, Matt intends to keep her in his life this time.<br />
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Will Matt succeed or will Laila decide winning at all costs is the most important play to make?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-14974828755539839972017-06-26T07:00:00.000-07:002017-06-26T07:00:33.037-07:00Coming Soon: POSTPONED PLEASURE<h3>
</h3>
<h2>
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Postponed Pleasure</b></span> </h2>
Postponed Pleasure is close to wrapping up. Edits completed. Cover finalized. <br />
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Here's a WIP blurb for <span style="color: magenta;"><b>Postponed</b></span>:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A retired quarterback suits up to make the most important
play of his life–winning the heart of the woman he has loved since third grade.</div>
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More details to come... </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-44666129065128269352017-05-27T13:16:00.001-07:002017-05-27T13:16:39.158-07:00Happy Memorial Day WeekendWherever you are this weekend, please take a moment to remember those who died while serving in our country's armed forces.<br />
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We are truly grateful!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-28746332834383871042017-04-01T12:43:00.000-07:002017-04-01T12:43:22.456-07:00Edit ModeEditing makes me happy. Well, sort of. I'm in the middle of edits of a story that is frustrating me. Why? Because I can so clearly see the finish line and yet...not quite there.<br />
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To make matters worse, my brain is hopping with energy to return to one of my current WIPs. I'm in a battle with myself--needing to focus on edits and yet the creativity of writing is literally making me salivate.<br />
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The hardest thing I deal with when editing is controlling the voice that questions whether a scene is finished. Can I make it better? What if it's too much description? Not enough? AARGGH! It's enough to drive me crazy(ier). Editing generally is one of those processes for me which creates the answer when I least expect it. Sometimes I know when a scene isn't working but just can't put my finger on why it's not. I mull it over when going about my day and then BAM! the answer hits.<br />
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I'll keep plugging along because editing is a necessary process, I just hope the WIP stays in a holding pattern.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-40185181338059121612017-02-01T19:20:00.001-08:002017-02-01T19:23:44.786-08:00Draft 2 Digital<b>Home, Hearth & Heaven</b> is now available at the following sites:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://bit.ly/2kjjoru" target="_blank">Kobo</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://apple.co/2kj6EBh" target="_blank">Itunes</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bit.ly/2iXNwuj" target="_blank">Nook Press</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://bit.ly/2ksvqkY" target="_blank">24symbols</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bit.ly/2jyl57z" target="_blank">Scribd.</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://bit.ly/2jyh1nJ" target="_blank">Inktera</a></li>
</ul>
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I used Draft 2 Digital to upload to these sites and I'm pleasantly pleased with the ease in using D2D. I'll definitely use them again. I believe creating my account used the longest amount of time and even then it wasn't terribly.<br />
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I uploaded my files and that was it. I received emails each time my book was uploaded to a site. Easy Peasy. Can't ask for more than that. Especially when I need to use as much time writing as I can. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-59380486334622131492017-01-14T13:40:00.002-08:002017-01-14T13:40:48.717-08:00Home, Hearth & HeavenI had a lot of fun creating the following teaser for <b><a href="http://amzn.to/2ioMqbK" target="_blank">Home, Hearth & Heaven</a></b>. Let me know how you like it.<br />
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Although, several times I had to make myself stop studying images and get back to writing! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-43467289288304424922017-01-04T20:48:00.001-08:002017-01-04T20:48:51.502-08:00Home, Hearth & Heaven<b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2iKraMV" target="_blank">Home, Hearth & Heaven</a></span></b> is now live at Amazon. It will be uploaded to other retailers soon.<br />
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<h3>
Blurb</h3>
Cancelled flight? Alexa Jordan hadn’t expected to hear those two words
during a layover. When her Caribbean vacation is put on ice due to a
snowstorm, her coworker Lucas Massino offers to help. But will his
assistance cost more than she can afford?<br />
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Alexa is no fan of the
holiday season—Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa—doesn’t matter. She has no
use for the celebrations because they stress family and that’s the one
thing she doesn’t have. When her brilliant plan to travel on Christmas
Day backfires due to a snowstorm in Atlanta, Alexa is in no mood for any
more mess. The absolute last person she wants to see is the one man who
makes her feel out of control.<br />
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When Lucas Massino spies his
pretty coworker acting like the last kid selected for a team, he jumps
at the opportunity fate provides and offers her a place to stay. He’s
had a man-size crush on Alexa since they first met, but no matter how he
turns on the charm she keeps him at arms’ length.<br />
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Alexa is no
fool and spending time with someone she knows is preferable to being in a
hotel with strangers. But alone, the two cannot fight their mutual
attraction. Alexa chalks their behavior up to one of convenience, but
Lucas knows better. He just has to make Alexa realize she’s his heaven
and he’s her home.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-81355595269872943672016-12-18T10:00:00.000-08:002016-12-18T10:00:25.069-08:00If It's Not Clean, Is It Dirty?<h4>
Sweet romance vs. Dirty romance? </h4>
I've noticed a disturbing trend. Well, disturbing to me anyway. Why are we categorizing or labeling sweet romances as "clean?" I'm not talking inspirational romances either. No, the "clean" romances I've read were not tagged as inspirational. What resulted in the "clean" designation was that there were no described loves scenes.<br />
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By calling sweet romances "clean," aren't we somehow implying that sensual or erotic romances (the hotter, steamier counterparts of sweet) are somehow dirty? Yes, I'm well aware what is meant when people say they like to read "books with the dirty parts." We're calling sex dirty. I get that. I don't totally understand it but I get it (Got it?). <br />
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<h4>
What's Clean about Sweet? </h4>
Sweet romances are considered "clean" because the hero and heroine only kiss and the author: <br />
<ol>
<li>doesn't describe any further intimacies between the H/H; or, </li>
<li>the H/H do NOT engage in further intimacy </li>
</ol>
Isn't this still misleading? To be honest, what's clean about kissing? It's an exchange of bodily fluids (And sometimes germs--mono, anyone?). <br />
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Even if the author divulges that the H/H made love, the author still leaves the reader facing a closed bedroom door, impatiently waiting while the deed is done. What's clean about the act of lovemaking? Are there not say...towels or other items to clean up certain stickiness? Even if you engage in a little lovemaking in the shower, there is still a certain amount of cleaning up one has to do. You know what I mean.<br />
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<h4>
Hotter Romances Deserve a Break</h4>
Sensual and/or erotic romances invite the reader to keep right on reading and enjoying the H/H relationship without ever closing the door. Heck, maybe there isn't even a door to close!<br />
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Seriously though, who hasn't read a few love scenes and wondered, "Hmm. I'll have to try that." Does that automatically make the story "dirty?"<br />
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<h4>
My Ending Thought</h4>
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I enjoy plenty of sweet romances and steamy ones too. I just wish we didn't promote one as clean while subconsciously implying all other romances are...well, dirty.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-30534542802763118192016-11-26T11:30:00.000-08:002016-12-17T23:40:49.211-08:00Life after ECBy now I'm sure you're aware my publisher, Ellora's Cave (or EC as it was rebranded) is closing. So <b><i>Painted Passion</i></b> will remain available for sale until the end of the year. At that time, I will republish it as an indie author. I'm happy to have my rights back as well as rights to unpublished work.<br />
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So what have I learned by working with a publisher? It is always beneficial to have someone versed in contracts to review yours before signing. Also, weigh the ultimate advantages and disadvantages of going it alone versus having a publisher. Obviously, there is more freedom in being an indie author and frankly, you can't put a price on being given carte blanche for your own creativity.<br />
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On the other hand, there is something to be said for an established network on which to have your work promoted. But the best barometer is to do your research and talk with authors who are already published at the publishing house. Certainly, not every author will be a satisfied one but again, forewarned is forearmed. Then, there are wonderful sites such as <a href="http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forum.php?" target="_blank">Absolute Write</a> or <a href="http://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/" target="_blank">Writers Beware</a>. <br />
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Since I was an indie author before signing with Ellora's Cave, I feel like I'm coming home again. That being said, there is quite a lot of work on my plate to accomplish...time to roll up my sleeves and hop to it.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-25448166786718726492016-09-17T22:35:00.002-07:002016-09-17T22:37:24.471-07:00It's Still Fun in the SummertimeThis has definitely been a summer for the record book. Not that I'm complaining about the heat because I'm a summer baby and I have an affinity for the warmer months.<br />
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Obviously, the neighborhood youngsters believe summer ended much too quickly. They line up to catch the bus in their pressed clothes and freshly scrubbed faces. About seven hours later, they exit the bus with wrinkled clothes, sometimes dirty, and untucked shirts. Nevertheless, they manage to squeeze in an hour or so of playtime before it gets dark. Gotta love their determination and the priority they place on having fun.<br />
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I've been invited to run beside them as they cycle the streets. They didn't quite understand that my running was not for fun and I suppose the scowl on my face and sweat running down my face didn't clue them in. However, I find it enjoyable to watch them laugh their way through life.<br />
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People watching while sipping a glass of sweet tea - now that's my idea of fun. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-55397691447461413532016-04-09T21:36:00.000-07:002016-04-09T21:36:02.577-07:00Teaser - Painted Passion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UKqbOXso0n0/VwnWvyXOXqI/AAAAAAAAAJs/A3r-NPZf3xgargyxGsfcgwIaBXHb_YGwA/s1600/PaintedPassion_Teaser2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UKqbOXso0n0/VwnWvyXOXqI/AAAAAAAAAJs/A3r-NPZf3xgargyxGsfcgwIaBXHb_YGwA/s640/PaintedPassion_Teaser2.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-23213934864744392642016-03-31T22:32:00.000-07:002016-03-31T22:32:03.343-07:00Motivation<br />I recently watched <a href="http://www.bet.com/video/bethonors/2016/acceptance-speeches/mellody-hobson-corporate-citizen-award.html" target="_blank">Mellody Hobson's acceptance speech</a> for the Corporate Citizens Award at BET's Honor Awards which aired March 14th.<br />
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There are plenty of ways to motivate oneself but the words she shared which were given by her husband, George Lucas, make things crystal clear.<br />
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<b>Do or do not, there is no try.</b><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-69403897566146927292015-10-24T10:15:00.002-07:002015-10-24T10:15:52.534-07:00Goodbye, Sweet SummerNow that summer's over, what the heck did I do with my time? Well, besides the DJ, I spent time on my never-ending quest for the perfect glass of sweet tea. If you're wondering what "sweet" tea is, it's tea with a lot of "real" sugar in it--no artificial sweeteners allowed. I'm talking old-fashioned cane sugar, stuff that you know is going to turn your insides to sludge as soon as the caramel-colored liquid crawls down your throat. LOL.<br />
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And besides the DJ, I've been writing...and editing...and, from time to time, being besieged by that internal voice of doubt (IVD). Oh yeah, it springs up. But when it does, I wrangle it down to a muted roar. But, you may ask, what helps that IVD move from the forefront to the background?<br />
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For me, it helps to read what I've been working on before, to read
scenes that I adore, to go back and read the synopsis, or at least a draft of
the synopsis. This pulls me back into the story and kicks my creative spirit into overdrive and before long, I'm
back at the grind...at least until the need for sleep makes my forehead
hit the keyboard.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890702874168684085.post-63398984146773762622015-05-25T10:15:00.001-07:002015-05-25T10:15:32.746-07:00Editing SoftwareIn my quest to give my editor the cleanest manuscript possible, I stumbled upon the following blog post by Wendy Van Camp. She lists the pros and cons of various available programs from $0.00 to a cost of $6.99.<br />
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<a href="http://nowastedink.com/2015/05/22/editing-software-tools-for-writers/" target="_blank">No Wasted Ink</a><br />
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I never heard of two of them (namely <a href="http://unsuck-it.com/" target="_blank">Unsuck-It</a> and <a href="http://www.hemingwayapp.com/" target="_blank">Heminway</a>) and am anxious to try them out.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0