Some umphteen years ago when I started on this bumpy journey as a writer, I thought all I had to do was write a good book and then another and another and my career would be all rainbows and roses. I’m content to work at home and be by myself. In fact, I love being home and setting my own hours. But, HA HA! It didn’t take me long to realize that writing a good book was only half the job of being a published author, at least it is in today’s world.

An author not only has to write, edit and sometimes publish their own work, but they also have to market themselves, 24/7/365. (I had written almost but backed that little word out) GONE are the days where publishers backed every author they published with publicity team. GONE are the days where maybe a hundred books were published a month and your stories were easily found by libraries and book clubs. GONE are the book tours and huge book signings where the book store owners were all happy to have you in their store and told their customers weeks ahead that you were coming. We have websites and Facebook Author pages and newsletters and tweeter feeds and Pintrest boards and my space and...... (HOLDING MY HEAD)

I don’t know about other writers (And I hope writers reading this throw their two cents in) but I find the task of ‘putting myself out there’ every single day draining. Not just tiring, but muse sapping. When I'm working on a book, I'm working on that book 24/7-thinking and writing. To make my creative muse think of what to write for a blog, a tweet or a FB post is detrimental to my real purpose. But you must soft sell yourself every day, otherwise readers seem to forget you in their social circles. With a click of a key, your dropped from their watch-lists.

Working the social media is time consuming. Some writers I've heard only spend a twenty minutes on social media. I can't do that. I’m the type of person who if a reader takes the time to connect with me, I want to answer them. And when another author re-tweets or shares my posts, I try to remember to share their news with my circle. When you have thousands of people as friends and twenty or fifty connect with you, how can you do it all?

I can see why STARS need a whole staff whose job is to connect with their fans for them.

So tell me, if you’re a writer, how do you handle social networking?

And if you’re a reader, do expect the person your following to answer you ASAP, or at all?

********

AMAZON BESTSELLER PERFECT Now available also at B&N

Sex, Lies, and Beauty Aides has been released, March 3, 2014. I'm promoting it. It's selling. What's next?

I had planned this as a 3 book series, and luckily I have book 2 and 3 done...ONLY...my editor said, "What about Angel?"

I felt like I'd been hit over the head with a sledge hammer. I'd never given her a thought past her part in this story.

So I started asking myself questions. What's her story? Where did she come from? How did she end up running a bridal/intimate apparell/adult store? I thought it might be fun to do a novella between book 1 and 2. I suggested it to my editor. Her response, "Do you think you can say it all in a novella?" I should have listened good and hard to that question. I made a goal for myself and planned to do the novella for NaNo. Figured about 75 pages and I did it. But when I asked for some critiques, they said, it needs to be longer.

The hardest thing I've ever done was to turn a novella into a full book. Holy Moses...filling in gaps, fleshing out backstory, adding everything necessary is driving me insane...yeah, like I need any help.

I have 45K words, the rest is plotted and all my plot points have been added where I need to fill in. With any luck I'll be done in a week, ready to polish and get to my editor.

What's next: Book II - Antics, Antidotes, and Angel

Travis Wellington has everything a successful man could want. He's first in line for the Wellington empire, millions at his disposal, and he can have any woman he wants. That is...until he meets Angel Talbot, who wants nothing to do with him. What's a man to do?

Angeline Talbot, Angel to her friends. Angel is hiding from a past she can't let go of. Her focus is currently on her business and trying to re-open her bridal salon. Angel runs Angeline's an intimate apparel shop that also has a decadent supply of adult paraphernalia and the genius to know how to use it. When Travis' past comes back to haunt him the Blue-hair Brigade come to the rescue, but will Travis and Angel survive the Blue-hair Bridage?

I hope you'll be as excited as I am when you finally meet these two and go on their crazy journey while they fight for their "Happily Ever After."

Have a great day.

deb

         Scarlet loves a party and Mama Mary is right along with her! Bring your appetite! I have chocolate and cheese and homemade sweet potato chips!

A Romance Caper & you’re invited! There will be prizes! 

We're having a come as you are party, clothes optional!

We'd love for you to come by and talk about our books and about romance! 

Mary Marvella & M. J. Flournoy!

Guest authors include Carol Burnside, Anna Kurtz Steffl, Linda Nightingale, Jodi Vaughn, & more.

Sunday, 3/16/2014 from 2 PM - 10 PM Eastern https://www.facebook.com/ARomanceCaper

I know what I'll wear!

Do you see this precious beautiful face. That's the face of my adorable, granddaughter, Kylie. I just love her and her brother to bits. She and Donivan are the light of my life. They keep me laughing with all their shennanigans.

Here's a couple of examples, picture this then you decide.

Just last week my 8 year granddaughter asks:

Kylie: Mama can I use one of your cake pans to make my Barbie a hot tub?

Me: Sure, use the round ones, the sides are higher.

Kylie gets the pan out then goes to the sink and proceeds to fill it with cold water. Carefully takes it to the dining table then puts my blue fuzzy scarf around it and looks back at me.

Me: raised eyebrows trying to hold back laughter.

Kylie: What? Barbie needs privacy.

Me: (laughing) I don't know why you're worried about her privacy when you filled her tub with cold water, she's going to freeze her butt off.

Kylie: (without missing a beat and with a straight face) She's plastic Mama, leave the comedy for your books.

This is also the kid who, less that two months after her baby brother was born and began stealing her attention, made me laugh so hard I cried.

Kylie's mom, Amber, was on the couch watching television with me. Donivan (2 months old) had been asleep but woke up crying with a dirty diaper and hungry, so his mom sat on the floor ready to change his diaper. Kylie tried to crawl into her lap, wanting attention.

Amber: Kylie move, Mommy has to change Donivan.

Kylie scootches closer.

Amber: Move honey, Mommy needs to change your brother, he stinks.

Kylie: Moves sits on the floor and starts to pout.

Kylie tries again to climb on her mommy's lap.

Amber: Kylie, come on, let me get done.

Kylie: Flings her head back against the couch, covers her eyes as only a 2-year-old can do and cries, "He's ruining my life!"

Amber and I looked at each other and started laughing...I ended up with tears running down my cheeks

I believe true happiness is the ability to laugh at anything. With these kids, I feel like life is about to get a whole lot funnier?

Thanks for letting me share the rantings of an amused Grandmother.

I hope y'all have a great day!

deb

We’ve all heard the old adage, ‘When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. ‘ The saying is an optimist’s advice to a pessimist on navigating the hard times of life. But how much lemonade can one person make? Or drink?




If you’re going to keep it for yourself, I guess you’d get tired of the drink real fast. The smell of lemons would sicken you. The acid would burn your skin. Sweetness would be lost on your taste buds. But, if you plan to share the lemonade with your family or friends, you could make a little more, right? Others might be able help you put things into perspective. Maybe help tweak your recipe.

And if you decided to look beyond those first thoughts and think outside of the box, you’d realize you could experiment, develop a really great, unique recipe for lemonade and share it with the world. Doing so, might lead you down a path you’d never thought of taking. One that might be the sweetest road you’d ever traveled.




Cheers!


I posted this blog four years ago when I was at a very different place in my life. I thought it preachy at the time but really it's not. It’s the thought that we always need to strive to learn from the bad and good things that happen to us and strive to be a better friend to our self and to share our gifts with others.


www.autumnjordon.com

In her post below, Autumn fondly remembers her grandmother. My new herbal is dedicated to my own dear Grandmother Mack who knew the names of every tree and wildflower, beyond what I can summon, and would be proud of my efforts. 

Finally, after abundant research, writing, and seemingly endless revising, Plants for a Medieval Herb Garden in the British Isles is available in kindle at Amazon. Daughter Elise did the gorgeous cover and is working on getting this into print, but with over 100 images in the herbal, that will take some doing.

I initially embarked on this undertaking last year for the workshop I gave focused on herbs and medicinal plants of the British Isles. Participants were so enthusiastic, as have been many who follow my blog, that I was inspired to go all out and turn this project into a much longer work. No small effort, but I enjoyed the process and learned a lot along the way. I’m always learning because this is such a vast trove of material to delve into. I’ve also had fun choosing images to illustrate this book. Some are photographs of our garden taken by Elise, many are royalty free images I purchased, and a few are in public domain. I hope you enjoy Plants for a Medieval Herb Garden in the British Isles. A lot of these plants were brought to America with the early colonists and are widespread here now. Others are well and truly British and Scottish.

.

Book Description:  An illustrated collection of plants that could have been grown in a Medieval Herb or Physic Garden in the British Isles. The major focus of this work is England and Scotland, but also touches on Ireland and Wales. Information is given as to the historic medicinal uses of these plants and the rich lore surrounding them. Journey back to the days when herbs figured into every facet of life, offering relief from the ills of this realm and protection from evil in all its guises.~

March 7. 2014

March 20 is the first day of spring. While a few signs of its arrival have been sighted NE PA, it's doesn't seem so close. Layers of ice cover most of the area. Sadly this year, Punxsutawney Phil was right on. However, we'll take hope in the small things.

Spring brings many memories to my mind. One is my grandmother. As soon as the weather broke and the coal stove was dampened down and the windows open to let fresh air breeze through the house, it was time for spring cleaning. The furniture was moved back and the carpets rolled up and taken outside and hung over the wash line. It was the younger childrens' job to bat the heck out of them. The carpets wouldn’t be brought back into the house until the last a spec of dust fell from its fibers.

While the carpets were handled, drapes, furniture cushions, and pillows found their way to the wash line too. The venetian blinds were stripped from the windows and put into huge tubs of sudsy water. Grandpa was called if any repairs had to be made. This was the time, before the real work began.

Once he was done, and his tools put away, the furniture was brushed and wiped down. (They didn’t have vacuum extensions during this time period. Grandme’s vacuum was huge and roared like a T-Rex.) Dust Bunnies were rounded up. The furniture was move to the center of the room. The walls were stripped of all adornments and then, came the hot soapy water. The walls wiped sown. Hot soapy pine water was used on all the wood work. And, hot vinegar water was use to scrub the windows. Newspaper was used to dry them and make them shine. Finally the floor was scrubbed.

Only after the room passed Grandme’s inspection was everything put back into place. Then it was onto the next room.

While the women worked inside the men were busy outside. The house was taken care of before the spring planting could begin.

Spring cleaning usually took a good four days, but by Sunday all the chores were done and we could relax and enjoy a Sunday dinner in a sparkling home.

So a the next few weeks, like my grandmother and my mother, I’ll begin my spring cleaning. My job will be made easier by modern conveniences. I can’t wait to smell inside the freshness of SPRING.

Disclaimer: I’m not as old as this blog might make me seem, but this is my grandmother I’m blogging about. She had her ways and her tools and we helped doing the job her way.

For a great weekend read to warm your heart, try PERFECT

We have a visitor today from across the pond! Everyone please help me give a great big Pink Fuzzy welcome to author, Kizzie Darker. I met Kizzie (Kerry) on Facebook and we became friends. When she told me she had just published her first book I invited her to come visit and tell us all about it. So, without further delay, I give you an interview with British author, Kizzie Darker!

1.    Tell us about yourself.

~ My real name is Kerry Louise Ward. I was born in 1979 in a small beer brewing town called Burton Upon Trent UK. I grew up in a small village of Church Gresley but my life soon became complicated.

2.    Are you a full time writer or do you have a “day job”?

     ~ I am a full time writer but I take care of my husband. He suffers from muscular skeletal pain and needs my help throughout the day.

3.    What inspired your latest book?

     ~My love of reading inspired my latest book. I read the fifty shades trilogy and the bared to you series.

4.    Are you traditionally published, self-published or both?

~I decided to go down the self-publishing route. For me it was the easiest way into publishing but hope to have my series published traditionally.

5.    How far do you plan ahead?

~I usually plan quite far ahead. I write notes and add or change them as I go along. I plot storylines as the pop in my head and usually run them past my husband for his approval.

6.    Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do to combat it?

~All the time! When I do I step away from my workspace, take a walk or sometimes switch on my music and chill out and relax.

Excerpt….

I wake. The sun is yet to rise and shine in the Paris sky. I lay in his bed. The strange surroundings do not sit right in my mind for I feel extremely uncomfortable. I can hear noises coming from the lounge. Music from the juke box fills the apartment yet again whilst a cheesy song plays. Really? Do you really have to listen to that Nathan? It’s bad enough that you listen to do ya think I’m sexy let alone sing along to it.

http://smarturl.it/distractionanddesire 

www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Kizzie-Darker/234126980071940

Blurb….

She was his distraction, he her desire.

Joanna woods thought her broken heart would never heal again when Luke ripped her world apart.

Upon deciding to take a much needed vacation to Paris, the city of love, would a chance meeting change her life forever?

Nathan Jones moonlights as a successful business man but unbeknown to Joanna he secretly works as a C.I.A agent travelling the world, tackling crime.

He has already lost one love of his life; will he risk it all when he meets Joanna?

Joanna and Nathan have chemistry but will it be enough to make their relationship work?

Will Joanna be able to handle the truth when she finds out who Nathan really is or will it end in further heartache?

My countdown checklist:

My website has been launched. www.debjulienne.com (check)

I'm blogging with the Fuzzy's. (check)

Sharing on Facebook and Twitter: (check)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deb.julienne
Twitter: #debjulienne

Pinterest story boards up and running. www.pinterest.com/debjulienne/ (check)

The last thing on my todo list was to create a trailer for Sex, Lies, and Beauty Aides as a visual for my upcoming release.

Starring: Paul Walker as Trent and Travis Wellington and Autumn Reeser as Sabrina Thompson.



Hope you enjoyed the trailer.

deb

Hi everyone, Time for more great deals today. First, Maidenform has a $10.00 bra sale. (regular $38.00.) Use code RETAILMENOT15 to receive an additional 15% off the $10.00 price! We love our romance books, but there are a couple of FREE deals on Amazon's kindle worth snagging: If you enjoy vegetable gardening, pick up 4 books in one: Essential Vegetables Box Set, by RJ Ruppenthal and for a look at what really goes on behind closed doors: Life on Two Legs, an autobiography by Norman Sheffield, founding manager of Queen. Enjoy!

Hi Everyone, There is a great deal at Staples, a store I love for all my writing supplies. Text "JOIN" to 555-444 and receive $5.00 off $25.00 coupon, expiring March 7th. There are also reports of coupons for $40.00 off an Ipad, and $10.00 off $30.00. Amazon, free for your Kindle today: "My Life on Craigslist: Finalist of the USA Best Books Award" by Alexandra Ares "The Great Space Race" by Don Dennis. At Cents of Style (sorry, I can't seem to post links today) you can snag a metallic dot infinity scarf in an assortment of colors for $7.95 shipped using coupon code GOLD at checkout. (I love the black metallic polka dot). Above info taken from numerous money-saving websites. Enjoy! Favorite quote: "I can't afford to save any more money."

 

 

 

 Makes you think!!!

 

 

 

NEW RELEASE: HER UNEXPECTED FAMILY by Carol Burnside

Contemporary Romance, Sensual
Released: 2.19.2014
Novel length, e-book
Format: e-book
Editor: Emily Sewell
Cover Design by Kim Killion of Hot Damn Designs
Price: $3.99

This book is the second in the Sweetwater Springs series of stand-alone books by this author.

Former bad boy, Travis Baxter, has a reputation to live down, a job to do fast, and one woman he can’t seem to avoid. He’s starting a 24/7 renovation flip on Claire’s beauty salon when a surprise appears at his door . . . a three-year-old son. Immediate custody brings Travis a major problem. He needs a nanny.

Claire Larkin glimpsed a rare and appealing side of Travis during one ill-fated date, but her personal policy is no involvement, no strings. Not even a pet until she’s pronounced cancer free. With free time until her salon is done, Claire pitches in to help the grieving little boy and stunned father. Despite her best efforts to resist, she and Travis succumb to their attraction.

When it appears Claire’s cancer has returned, she pulls away and Travis is faced with a seemingly impossible decision. Protect his son from another loss or support the woman he’s come to love?

Fans of Marie Ferrarella, Tanya Michaels, Leanne Banks and Susan Mallery will enjoy this series, which contains sensual romance against a backdrop of family and community. 

Book 1: A Suitable Wife (Rosie and Sam), January, 2014

Book 3: His Small Town Princess (J.T. and Cass), March 2014

Other titles are planned for this series.

Read the first chapter here:

Read a scene with delicious banter between Claire and Travis here.

Buy links

Book 1: A Suitable Wife (Rosie and Sam) Excerpt / Buy links
Book 3: His Small Town Princess (J.T. and Cass), coming in March 2014
Other titles are planned for this series.

- - - - -

Carol Burnside is an award-winning author traditionally published in short stories. Five of her novel length, contemporary romance manuscripts have placed in numerous RWA chapter contests and won five, including the prestigious Maggie Award for Excellence. Her personal second-chance-at-love story resulted in a marriage to her high school sweetheart of thirty-plus years. They reside in northern Arkansas, where Carol enjoys the Ozark foothills from her office windows and drinks sweet iced tea year round.

Also writing as Annie Rayburn, Carol produces speculative, erotic romance with a humanoid race living openly among us in present day. No matter what she’s writing, Carol/Annie loves hearing from her readers.

Connect with the author via Website / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter / Goodreads

It's getting down to the wire. Am I scared? I'm petrified that the only book sold will be the one I purchase.

Am I ready? Yes and no.

There's so much to do, from interviews, promotion, blog tours, to any kind of promotion and hype I can create, hoping to entice readers.

A part of me can't wait, hoping someone will like the book, maybe even snicker. The other part feels as if I still have so much left to do. But how prepared can you actually be for your debut novel. I have no cotton-picking idea. It's like thinking you're prepared for a new baby. You have the room painted and decorated, the crib is set up with clean new linen, the closet is filled to the brim with freshly laundered clothes, you have plenty of diapers and wipes as well as all the accessories you can think of, and a toy box full of toys to boot. You have it all...but the baby. That's how I feel...and the waiting is killing me.

Thirty years ago, I was 2 weeks from delivering my first born. I was tired of pacing the apartment so while my husband was at work I went to visit my folks. Mom was in the midst of making "Friendship Cakes" and asked if I wanted to help. If you know me, you know I've never turned down a chance to play in the kitchen...EVER!

I pushed up my sleeves and dug in, criso and floured pans, helped measure ingredients, and helped with prep of dicing the fermented fruits.

Mom poured in the cake mixes and we added the ingredients one at a time. Now mind you, up to this point it was, pardon the pun, it was a piece of cake. Out of nowhere, my mom turns on the mixer BEFORE she put it into the bowl of ingredients. The second the flying beaters hit the ingredients stuff starting flying. She switched off the mixer, looked at me like I'd done it. We both started laughing, covered in powdered ingredients, fruity liquid, and gooey egg on our faces. We clean ourselves up and continue.

Low and behold she did it again...only this time, for some reason she couldn't stop the mixer, her fingers kept slipping, until finally she lifted the mixer again slinging batter everywhere, she couldn't see what she was doing any more than I could and somehow I managed to accidently tip the bowl, dumping a huge glob on the floor.

In itself this was bad enough, only with our faces are covered in batter, I can't see, she can't see, and simultaneously we both step into the puddle on the floor, and proceed to start slip, feet zig zagging on the floor, sliding as we lost our balance. Leaning on each other we both went down. Luckily for me it was a slow slide, so no injury. Once on the floor we floundered, slipped, slid, rolled, and laughed unable to get up. You can guess how hard I laughed...and you'd be right!

This is where my dad walked in. All it took was one look on his face and we lost it completely. He stood in the kitchen entry way, staring down at us, open mouthed, and neither of us could say a word, we were laughing too hard.

He managed to get mom up. Then it took both of them carefully and cautiously to get my lard butt up. We carefully cleaned up the floor, counters, cupboards, canisters, anything in a fifteen foot spray radius. Only when we were done, was dad able to get a ladder and clean off the ceiling.

How I dearly wish I had a picture of the carnage we managed that day. At the same time I'd give anything to have mom here, one more time, make her laugh, reminding her of that day. Just like my book, I wish I could share it with her. Although, I guarantee, the title alone would earn me an eye-roll.

At this time, I'd like to ask that you join me in celebrating what I hope will be a successful launch where: 'Even “the girl next door” can get revenge with the right tools in Sex, Lies, and Beauty Aids.'

Title: Sex, Lies and Beauty Aids

Tag line: "Sex, lies, and beauty aids" finally earn the girl next door a little respect.

Official Blurb: Sabrina Thompson, editor of Skin Deep Magazine’s successful Natural Beauty Secrets column, is handed the challenge of her life. Take over the Love and Sex column or lose her job. What does a twenty-four year old virgin know about love or sex when she's never been on a third date? To complicate matters, there’s a new guy at the helm. Her only crush’s clone is issuing orders. While his pompous and ambitious twin dries out, playboy and ne’er-do-well Trent Wellington must assume his identity and save his family’s flailing magazine. The bright spot amid staff cuts and content restructuring is the plucky editor he once made a fool of himself in front of at a family gathering. Fooling everyone isn’t easy, especially when Sabrina inspires his true self to be more than he ever has.

Years of hearing she’s too nice to date have left Sabrina’s frustration simmering. It boils over when she discovers Trent’s deceit and she vows to make him pay. Getting even has never been so much fun.

CONTENT WARNING: mature language, sexual situations

A Lyrical Press/Kensington Book Contemporary Romance
ISBN-13: 978-1-61650-516-5

Join me at:
http://www.debjulienne.com
https://www.facebook.com/deb.julienne
http://www.pinterest.com/debjulienne/
Twitter: #debjulienne
Deb

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 13th MARKS THE RELEASE OF

Braedric's Bane, Book IV in The Golden Key Chronicles!

Find out more about the final installment in this epic fantasy romance!

Advance praise for Braedric's Bane:

5 STARS from Comet Babes Books! Amazing 4th book. What more can you ask from a fantasy series--time travelling, costumes and even a fight. Add the sexy hero and it has everything you could want in a book!

5 STARS from ! An epic fantasy, adventure and romance with a dash of comedy rolled into one fabulous book. I literally read it in one sitting.

To escape the clutches of the evil Wizard Gaelleod, Rowena and Caedmon flee to the future. With her memories in tact and the help of her dear friends, Rowena is confident they can uncover the clues behind her connection to the key.

Yet Violet's dire prophecy does more than detail their history. Caedmon's worst fears are confirmed. Though they must return to his realm, everything he loves stands to be ripped from his grasp.

Join Caedmon and Rowena as they embark on an epic battle to protect the Austiere Kingdom and fight to safeguard their love in Braedric's Bane, Book IV of The Golden Key Chronicles.  

Available February 13th on AMAZON and AMAZONUK!

 

Praise for The Golden Key Chronicles:

57 FIVE STAR REVIEWS on Goodreads

42 FIVE STAR REVIEWS on Amazon US/UK

Like the best fairy tales, Rowena’s Key captures the imagination and the heart with a bonus undercurrent of spicy romance. 5 Stars on Amazon

AJ, why do you have to write the most wonderful heroes? Aaaahhhh!!! Now I'm hooked and begrudgingly wait for Book 2. I can't believe this is happening! 5 Stars on Amazon

Crazy good! A total fan of the first book, the second did not disappoint at all. I swear I could smell leather while reading this book I was sooooo into it. 5 Stars on Amazon

I liked Rowena in Rowena's Key. Candra's Freedom just made me fall in love with her! Fierce and headstrong, she is everything a heroine should be. 5 Stars on Goodreads

I absolutely adored the first two in this series, with Rowena’s Key being one of my favorite romance reads of 2013, so I had high hopes (read: desperate cravings) for Caedmon’s Curse – it did not disappoint! 5 Stars on Goodreads

Honestly, if there were more than 5 stars, I would give them to Caedmon's Curse and the whole Golden Key Chronicles. So well written, the story flows seamlessly from one danger to the next. The romance between Caedmon and Rowena is sexy, honest, and fresh. 5 Stars on Goodreads

AJ is a multi-published, award-winning author who lives in the middle of a cornfield in NW Indiana. Her loving husband, two beautiful children and a bevy of spoiled pets have agreed to stay and, in exchange for three rations per day and laundry service, tolerate her lunacy. While she spend most days happily ensconced in crafting romance across a multitude of genres, an underground coup has been percolating. The dogs just informed her the cat is secretly vying for dictatorship.

/ / 

AJ Nuest WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ GOODREADS ~ AMAZON ~ PINTEREST THE GOLDEN KEY CHRONICLES OUT NOW! Rowena's Key, Candra's Freedom, Caedmon's Curse, Braedric's Bane Click here to purchase: She's Got Dibs, Jezebel's Wish

February 12, 2014

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and most guys are probably rolling their eyes and moaning, “I just got through Christmas” or “Man, I screwed up with my last gift. I really need to give her something great. It’s too cold to sleep in the doghouse.”

Relax guys. I’ll tell you want woman. Romance.

Romance is not something you can buy in a store. It doesn’t cost a cent. The expensive flowers are great, and so are the chocolate and jewelry. They’re appreciated, but they’re not romance. And if they’re presented in a less than a romantic way, you’re dog meat.

Romance is when a guy shows the woman in his life how much he cares for her. Like, placing his hand on the small of her back as they walk side by side, brushing her hair back from her face, or leaving for work and rushing back in the door, again, for another kiss. Make her a cup of tea or rub her shoulders. Or surprise her with a candle lit bath.

I think the most romantic thing my DH has ever done for me is send me a postcard telling me he really loves me for no reason of all—not my birthday, not Valentine’s Day, not an any anniversary . It really doesn’t take much to make her heart swell.

Love isn't one-sided by any means. My DH loved to have his back rubbed too. He loved his favorite fresh baked pie. He loved that I sat beside him and watched a game--any sport. He loved that I would let the romantic in me shine not only on Valentine's Day but also every day.

So, for the ladies reading this blog, help the guys out and share what you’d consider romantic? And what plans do you have for your love?

****

Autumn Jordon is a quiet nut who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Her most recent story, PERFECT, remained in the top ten on Amazon in contemporary romance, romantic comedy and holiday romance for six weeks. Join her newsletter for the ltest news at www.autumnjordon.com

Have you ever heard the saying "That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger?" Whoever said it obviously has been following me hoping for a laugh or two.

Do I feel strong? Heck no...but I am a survivor. Sure, I occasionally have a fit, scream and yell. And yes, I do know how to throw a heck if a pity party but at the end of the day you have to find a way to crawl into bed and hope the heaven you'll find a silver lining in the morning.

I will make no bones about it, reality bites, but I like to think I bite back as well.

If you have a perfect life you'll hate my books. Just sayin'. But if you're anything like me, even doing a good deed can get you into trouble. Don't believe be? How about this for evidence:

My neighbor and I would go for a walk every day after my kids finished their homework and before I'd start dinner. NOTE: Judy and I love our plants and when we see a plant, shrub, or tree go to seed we've been known to take a collection and use said seeds and try to grow a seedlings.

On this particular fall day we were walking round the track at Houge Park in San Jose. Judy happened to notice her favorite tree had gone to seed and that the pods had started to dry and split open. Judy is 4'11". I'm barely 5'3". As the taller of the two I jumped up grabbed the bottom branch and pulled myself up in to the tree. Made sure I had a good perch and proceed to collect some good pods, dropping them to Judy.

I then lean forward to swing out of the tree...only to discover I have a major problem...I'm stuck...as in I have a freaking hole in the butt if my jeans and the broken limb of the branch I'm sitting on is holding me hostage by the hiney.

Judy looks up and says, "You like that tree or something come on down."

"I'd love to but I'm stuck," I said.

Laughter commences and yes, I too, am laughing, but still I'm stuck.

I reach behind me trying to gauge just how stuck I am, Judy just starts laughing harder and says, "Get your hand out of your butt before you embarrass us."

"Us?" I said, sarcastically.

Next thing I know I see her suddenly squat and tie her shoes and she starts whispering, "Pull your legs up"...only I can't hear her.

When I don't do as she asks, she says a bit louder, "Pull your legs ups." I can see enough of her face to see something is up, and yet I can see her shoulders shaking, she's laughing her fool head off.

I'm am so not amused.

Now as trees go, this is a big tree and it's full, so I can't see clearly around me.

I ask Judy, "What's so important down there?" I mean how long does it take to tie a shoe?

She stands up and practically shouts, "Pull your legs up."

About this time I notice two additional sets of shoes, one on either side of her.

Did I forget or mention that the fire department does their exercising at the park several says a week...yeah you guessed it. The guys part the branches of the tree and ask, "Need some help?"

Judy has lost it by then, collapsed on the grass holding her stomach. Me, I'm stuck in freaking tree with two gorgeous fireman asking if I need help. What's a girl to do?

I lied of course I told them I had just put a baby bird back in its nest. There were no nests in that tree. Yes, I looked.

Finally, I managed to get my feet under me then yanked with all my might pulling myself into a squat and my britches free from the broken branch...but not without tearing my jeans more. Yes you could hear the rip, noticeably so.

How do I know this? Judy's laughter has grown, escalating into hysteria. The guys, eye crinkling, lips twitching, trying their best to force a straight face and politely help me swing down to safety. Bless their hearts, they made it all of three feet before they exploded into fits of laughter.

Judy got her seeds. Me, just a nice case of humiliation.

Again I say...life is just one big walk in the park...NOT!

Deb
PS. Stay away from trees, they bite!

FanTasTic February Giveaways!

Posted on February 1, 2014 by Mary Marvella for Linda Joyce

Sharing it with permission.
The first month of 2014 is behind us.
Some of us have already fallen down on our resolutions.
Tax season is staring us in the face.
Old Man Winter has blanketed much of the world with record setting weather: subzero temperatures, ice storms, and unprecedented heat waves.

Biloxi, Mississippi

However, it’s always nice and warm on the bayou, which is where I am for a few days. Join me. Go Bayou Bound!
Bayou Bound is book two in my Fleur de Lis series. It opens with Biloxi Dutrey missing Twelfth Night festivities because of…weather. Twelfth Night is exactly twelve nights after Christmas on January 6th and heralds in the start of the Carnival Season, which ramps up until Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. Twelfth Night is a static date, though the day of the week might change, while the date of Mardi Gras changes each year. We look to the stars to determine when we will “Les le bon temps rouler!”
Here are the calculations:
Determine Easter in any given year. It’s always the first Sunday after the full moon that follows the spring equinox.
Ash Wednesday is 46 days before Easter.
Fat Tuesday is always the day before Ash Wednesday. Thus Carnival Season in some years lasts longer than in other years, but again, it always begins on Twelfth Night.
Here’s peek into what’s going on in Bayou Bound:

Bayou Bound

Biloxi Dutrey grounds her jet-setting photography career and returns to Mississippi when she learns her family home, Fleur De Lis, is headed for financial ruin. She plans to save it by scooping up the job of Keeper. But that means breaking tradition, and her family isn’t cooperating. Veterinarian Nick Trahan is new in town and wants folks to stop matchmaking. He won’t settle for just a pretty face. He wants the perfect woman, one who believes in family and commitment—the exact opposite of his parents.
Nick rescues Biloxi during a raging storm, but the squall is tame compared to the tempest between them. Soon they experience the backlash from the long-standing feud between their families. If Biloxi surrenders her dreams for Fleur de Lis and toes the line with tradition, will she also be forced to give up on “forever love” due to the hate their families still harbor?
If you can’t wait for the giveaway, you can find Bayou Bound at Amazon.
This GIVEAWAY is simple. It begins today, February 1st and runs until February 14th.

Leave a comment (and you email address—this is very important if you’re a Giveaway Winner, it’s how I will contact you) between now and Valentine’s Day, and you’ll be entered to win an eBook of Bayou Bound from Amazon. There will be 10 Winners!
Contained within your PG-rated comment, feel free to ask a question about Twelfth Night, Mardi Gras, or other curiosity you may have about the south. Or share a southern experience you’ve had.
Now for lagniappe (a little some extra for free) which is a custom in Louisiana, during the two week period, I will be popping in and leaving comments and giving away SWAG. What sorts of things? Check out my author page, Linda Joyce, Author on Facebook to see the item of the day. There will be jewelry, Mardi Gras beads, and other cool things!
Happy Reading!
Les le bon temps rouler!”
Linda Joyce
2/4/14 – Lagniappe has been awarded spontaneously! Angela left a message about this post and she is the winner of a Tab Benoit CD titled Legacy: The Best of Tab Benoit. More lagniappe coming up all through the month of February!
Tell your friends so they won’t miss out. And check https://www.facebook.com/LindaJoyceAuthor for a peek at the next item that will be spontaneously awarded!
Linda

Share this:

• Share

About Linda Joyce

Award-winning writer and author Linda Joyce has deep southern roots intertwined with her Japanese heritage. She was born in Mississippi, though she considers New Orleans home. She has lived coast to coast in the United States and spent four years in Japan. She married her college sweetheart and now lives in Atlanta with her husband and three dogs: General Beauregard, Gentleman Jack, and Masterpiece Renoir. (Beau, Jack, and Reni.) She’s still trying to convince “the boys” that they are her pets, and not the other way around. Beau in particular is not buying it. She loves boiled peanuts, sushi, and grits. She and her husband share a passion for college football. Linda is a member of Romance Writers of America, Georgia Romance Writers, Atlanta Writer’s Club, and several other writing groups.

I am the queen of "Shi'f't happens". It's not a matter of if, but when it will go wrong. It just happens!

My husband is a great guy. But it drives me nuts when I tell him something is wrong with the car and try to explain it then show it to him. He thinks I'm imagining it or pilot error...because the car behaves PERFECTLY for him...wouldn't dare consider acting up in front of him.

Now, that said, I will say he is not the least bit fond of computers or modern technology. When it comes to motors he's the King, master-tech and all. Technology, not so much. He's fighting it, kicking and screaming all the way.

For Christmas I got him a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3. A motorhead to the core, he loves reading and staying up on all things motor related. Seriously, there is nothing the man can't fix. In 33 years, we've never had to take a vehicle in for a repair.

Saturday we had to go get our taxes done...it wasn't purty. Then went to the local Home Depot to get some lumber so we can extend a wall in the kitchen. We got home only to find he'd needed to rip the 2 x 6 x 12's. Note to non-wood working folks, "ripping" is what you do to shave the length of the stud if it's too wide. He decided to look online for the best blade to do said ripping.

Only when he put "How to properly rip a stud" in the search engine it came up with nothing but porn sites.

I'm still laughing. I won't soon forget his wide-eye shocked expression, mouth hanging open, or the WTF moment when he realized his perfectly innocent question took him to a multitude of internet porn sites.

It's fun when something that would normally happen to me happens to him...I just love Karma. How about you?

Deb