FRIDAY STIR FRY - YEA!!!!!!!!

Today's the day I've been waiting for all my life. No I'm not getting married or getting my driver's license for the first time or taking my first drink at 21. I'm finally a published author. Wow.

I don't expect to make a lot of money. Publishing has changed so much in the last few years, that only the already established authors make big bucks. Us little guys, not so much. All I really want is for people to read my book and like it. That's it.

There are so many people I need to thank. Forgive me if I leave anybody out.

First and foremost, my son Zach. He believed in me and gave me encouragement every step of the way. Even when I was being a recluse at his house during Thanksgiving because I was behind on word count for NaNo.

My beta readers, Nancy Yeomans and Allison Merritt for steering me in the right direction.

Members of Ozarks Romance Authors critique group for their great advice.

Members of Sleuth's Ink who are the best cheerleaders anybody could have.

My editor Amanda Siemen and all the wonderful people at Breathless Press.

And all my friends, especially Rob Evans and Stacy Durst who gave me hugs and beer when I needed moral support.

I'm taking time to enjoy this moment, then back to work on my new novel. If you're in Springfield Saturday June 28th come by Trolley's on the square from 4 to 6 and celebrate with me.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Guest Author

Please welcome a fellow writer and friend to Friday Stir Fry, T. Sue Versteeg. We met through http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/ a local writer's group. I've come to enjoy not only her books but her sense of humor. Be sure and visit her links to learn more about this talented gal.

A huge THANK YOU to Wanda for hosting me today!

No problem. By hosting you I don't have to come up with a topic, so thank you!  
Can you tell us what you are up to?

I’m currently visiting blogs to promote my latest romantic comedy release, MY EX-BOYFRIEND’S WEDDING.

Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/prmtp2g

iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/nhrpbkn

Nook: http://tinyurl.com/nzvtrzw

Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/qz57hw9

Paperback print: http://tinyurl.com/nmp7rph

During my research for this book, I found some really odd things. (I have a bad habit of this.) The most interesting for me was when I researched crazy wedding pictures. The following photo was the first to come up.  (Copyright fun4pic.com)

Yeah. This makes almost any other wedding seem normal. Stop staring. Let’s move along.

My next research topic for this book was narcissistic behavior. I wanted the ex to be as true to form as possible. Instead of anything really constructive, I got sucked into the Savage Chickens world.
 http://www.savagechickens.com/

Hey, they had some strips on narcissism. It really is a wonder I ever finished writing this book. You have been given a tiny glimpse into the easily distracted mind of T. Sue VerSteeg.

Once I finally pulled myself away from the comics, I had to figure out some super expensive wines for my main character to trash while getting even for being locked in the ex’s wine cellar. I was led to a site similar to this. http://theweek.com/article/index/252312/5-of-the-most-expensive-bottles-of-wine-ever-sold

Can you imagine paying $37,500.00 for a GLASS of wine?!  I don’t think I paid that much for my first house. I mean, I’m all about a nice bottle of wine…erm, glass of wine on occasion, but unless you’re buying, I’ll stick with Stone Hill.

Okay, so what’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever researched on the Internet? These examples only scratched the surface for me, by the way. I need a medical alert bracelet that says, “Please delete my browser history.”  It would be in everyone’s best interest. ;)

 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Blurb

I'm going to be lazy today and just share the blurb for my book Beyond The Horizon. But, really, I haven't shared this yet, and since I'm heavy into promotion right now, I might as well share it with you, my wonderful blog readers. I hope you enjoy it. Please let me know what you think.

When Katie Sullivan makes the hasty decision to run away from an abusive relationship, she has no clue what is ahead of her. She only knows it has to be better than her life up to now. Her boyfriend is a powerful drug dealer who will stop at nothing to get her back. She knows too much. Car trouble leaves her stranded in the middle of Kansas, with little money, and a growing fear of failure. 

Widower Josh Warner works and lives on an elderly couples’ farm. He juggles the responsibilities of raising his young son and his passion for the rodeo. Unable to let go of his deceased wife’s memory and on the rebound from a misguided affair, he has no desire for another relationship. But, when Katie appears out of nowhere, everything changes.

Against all reason, Katie and Josh find themselves drawn to each other. If the past catches up to them, their newfound passion, and their lives could be in jeopardy. Can their love win against the evil headed their way?

Big Easy Blog Hop

                                         

I'm participating in the Big Easy Blog Hop today thanks to Shirley McCann. http://shirleymccann.blogspot.com/

I'll answer four questions. I was supposed to get three other authors to participate, but most of my writing friends had already done this. So instead, at the end, look for links to blogs I enjoy and don't forget to check out Shirley's blog. Here goes.

What am I working on?

I just finished edits on my debut novel Beyond The Horizon coming out June 27th from Breathless Press. So now I actually have time to get back to my new novel. The working title is Coming Home. It's about a woman returning to the small town she grew up in after her mother's death. She's been gone ten years, but she discovers some things never change including the heat between her and her ex high school sweetheart.

How does your writing differ from others?

That's a hard one. I don't think any two writers are alike. Everyone has their own voice. We all have our favorite authors.You can attempt to write in the genre and style of Janet Evanovich or Stephen King, but it will be different because it's your voice, not theirs.

Why do I write what I do?

I don't do paranormal or erotic which seem to be the hot sellers right now. I guess I'm more old school. Romance with some suspense and a happily ever after ending. That's what I enjoy reading. I believe if you try to write what's popular and it's not what you're into, people can tell, and you will fail. I just want to tell two people's love story.

What is your writing process?

I work full time at a stressful, demanding job that leaves me pretty tired at the end of the day. My writing happens mostly on weekends, unless I get a burst of energy and inspiration mid-week. I'm a pantser - in other words - no plot and no plan. I just write the first draft straight through letting the characters and setting speak to me. And then I revise and revise and revise. I enjoy the revision process. It's kind of like polishing a raw diamond. At the end, you hope you get a shiny piece that people will want to buy.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure and check out these other blogs:

http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com/

http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/books-and-more-blog/welcome-breathless-press-author-h-k-sterling

http://www.ptierneyjames.blogspot.com/

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Babysitting

Yep, you read that right. Me, the grumpy old woman, babysitting. Just once a week and only a few hours, but it's a mighty big step. Because I was an only child, I've never been comfortable around kids. That feeling worsened a few years ago.

http://www.stockfreeimages.com/14276285/

It's been at least ten years since I babysat my grandsons. They were two and four years old. I enjoyed playing cars, reading to them and rocking them to sleep. Then their dad kidnapped them and I haven't seen them since. I hardened my heart against getting hurt like that again. I avoided kids. But, a friend needed a hand and I agreed to help out. 

I'm glad I did. This little eleven month old girl is so cute and sweet. She can be a handful though. Surprisingly, we've both survived.

I'm not going to make this a regular thing. My energy level isn't what it used to be. But I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone for a little while. 

Is there something you avoid that maybe you should try?

PS - I'm participating in a blog hop that will post this coming Monday, so I hope you can come back and check that out.