Time Passes
July 6, 2017 by Linda O. Johnston in category Pets, Romance & Lots of Suspense by Linda O. Johnston tagged as Linda O. Johnston, reading, time, writing
I write posts for several blogs each month–and this month I’ve been tending to mention in most of them that it’s July already. The year 2017 is half gone already. Time certainly passes quickly! Do you feel the same way? What happened to the first six months of this year?
The two books of mine scheduled for publication this year have already come out. BAD TO THE BONE, my third Barkery & Biscuits Mystery, was published in May, and PROTECTOR WOLF, my eighth Alpha Force paranormal romance for Harlequin Nocturne was published in June. I’ve met deadlines for books scheduled to come out next year and am coming up with ideas for more.
Since I became a full-time writer, every year is somewhat the same, at least generally. I write a lot and spend time on the computer learning more and promoting what I write. I attend chapter meetings and conferences held by writing organizations and meet up with friends. I spend time with my husband, too. I play with my dogs. I travel now and then.
Every year is different, too. What I’m writing changes. I’m not currently writing Superstition Mysteries, but I have started a new miniseries for Harlequin Romantic Suspense called K-9 Ranch Rescue. The first book in that miniseries, SECOND CHANCE SOLDIER, will be a March 2018 release. And my fourth Barkery & Biscuits Mystery will be a May release. Will I have another Harlequin Nocturne published? Possibly, but it will be the last one since the series is ending.
Another thing that’s different about this year is that I haven’t been able to attend meetings of the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America as often as I usually do, thanks to a knee injury. But I’m improving and hope my ability to get to the meetings will improve, too.
So how has 2017 been going for you? If you’re a writer, what have you been writing? If you’re a reader, what have you been reading?
And does this year seem to be going especially fast for you, too? Think about it!
Linda first novel was the 1995 Love Spell time travel romance A Glimpse of Forever. Since then she has published over 40 novels—mysteries and romances, including paranormal romance and romantic suspense.
Linda has two new books out for 2017. May 8th will see the release of BAD TO THE BONE, the third book in the Barkery & Biscuits Mystery Series. On June 1st, her book PROTECTOR WOLF (Alpha Force) a part of the popular Harlequin Nocturne series of paranormal romances will be published.
Linda also blogs at Killer Hobbies, Killer Characters and Midnight Ink Author blog. You can also find her on Facebook.
World Book Day: So What do You #LovetoRead #amreading
April 23, 2017 by Linda McLaughlin in category Events, The Romance Journey by Linda Mclaughlin tagged as #amreading, Authors, book, Linda McLaughlin, reading, World Book DayIn 1995 UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) chose April 23rd as World Book Day and Copyright Day to celebrate books and authors. April 23, 1616 is the date when both William Shakespeare, Miguel Cervantes, and several other authors whose names are not household words all died.
As a lifelong, avid reader, I love the idea of a special day to celebrate love of reading. I recently saw a musical version of Little Women at a community theatre production and was reminded of how much I had loved the book when I was a child. I clearly remember one day when I was re-reading the book and sobbing over Beth’s death. My mother asked in an exasperated tone, “Why do you read that book if it makes you cry?” “It’s so good,” I sobbed. I lost count of how many times I read the book but it had to be at least ten.
Like a lot of authors, love of reading led me to decide I wanted to be a writer, something my parents actively discouraged. I remember coming home in 9th grade with the results of the Kuder Preference Test, which all students were required to take. My results said I had interests similar to teachers, librarians and writers. My folks very quickly made it clear to me that only two of those vocations were acceptable. None of us realized that many writers start out writing around their full-time job.
I decided to become a librarian. At least that way I could be surrounded by books all day. Little did I know my first job would be as a technical librarian, surrounded by books on electronics which I could not begin to understand! It was very odd to preside over a library of books where I could only understand the dictionary and encyclopedia! Later I switched to public libraries and enjoyed my job a lot more.
Anaheim Public Library where I used to work.
While I write romance and love to read more romance, my reading tastes are actually pretty eclectic. I belong to a readers group that chooses a topic rather a book every month. This month we’ve been reading books with a Psychology element. I found three good novels to read: Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler; Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick; and I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg. All were excellent. Next month: Historical Fiction, one of my favorite topics.
What have you been reading lately?
Linda
Linda McLaughlin grew up with a love of history fostered by her paternal grandmother and an incurable case of wanderlust inherited from her father. She has traveled extensively within the United States and has visited Mexico, Canada, Australia and Europe. She now lives near the ocean in Orange County, California.
Linda writes historical and Regency romance under her real name and spicier romance under the pseudonym Lyndi Lamont.
Connect with her at her website or on Twitter @LyndiLamont.
2 0 Read moreMy blue parasol, old hoop skirt and Civil War letters by Jina Bacarr
January 11, 2017 by Jina Bacarr in category Reading, Writing tagged as books, Civil War, Confessions of a Podcast Goddess, historical, Lady Jane's OC Salon, letters, reading, ripped bodice, romance, time travel
I have to ask a favor this month . . .
This is going to be a short post. If any of you heard my Christmas promotion video with Joan Reeves (who is the most organized promoter, a fabulous author, and nicest lady), you’ll remember I had a bad cold.
And it put me behind with my writing.
So . . . as I insanely go down the rabbit hole this month to finish my Kindle Worlds novella, Royal Kiss, I’m going to post just a picture from my reading of LOVE ME FOREVER at Lady Jane’s OC Salon at the Ripped Bodice Bookstore last Sunday.
Then as soon as possible, I’ll come back to this post and give you the full scoop on my reading!
Thank you, and yes, my cold is better.
Hugs,
Jina
www.facebook.com/JinaBacarr.author
0 0 Read moreI’m a Bookaholic
December 20, 2016 by Meriam Wilhelm in category A Bit of Magic by Meriam Wilhelm, Reading tagged as books, magic, Meriam Wilhelm, reading, writing
I am a confessed Bookaholic.
For as long as I can remember I’ve cherished every opportunity to get lost within the pages of a good book. Nothing is sexier to me than the sound of cracking open the spine of a crusty hardback and nothing more enjoyable than being introduced to a character I never knew existed.
I understand that the reason I so love to write is because I am enamored with and made whole through reading. Even if it’s only ten minutes a day spent looking for a clue, discovering a new land or getting lost in the emotions of another, I’ll find the time. I can always count on a book to bring me comfort, challenge my status quo or add magic to an otherwise drab day.
It may sound strange to some, but I enjoy reading two or three books at one time. Never bored, I’m constantly seeking out new words, phrases and ways of illustrating ideas through language. So you can be sure that I was a bit distressed when a friend shared with me that she thought I was being lazy by spending so much time engrossed in a particular story.
I was initially stunned, then a little baffled and then just plain fired up – motivated to take on a new quest.
Reading is not being lazy. What better way is there to develop vocabulary, validate life choices, challenge intellectual abilities, open new worlds, contemplate conflicting ideas or find unique topics to engage others in conversation?
Reading rocks my world and encourages me to pry open doors that have threatened to close due to years of aging. I’ll take an enticing mystery, a melancholy love story or an adventurous travel sequel to any evening mindlessly sitting in front of the television, and I like television!
I hope over the upcoming holidays you find a moment to dream a little, travel through time or expand your world through a good book. And if you happen to stumble upon a friend enamored with the pages of a hardback, paperback or manuscript – take a moment to ask them what they’re reading. You might like what they have to share. But whatever you do, please don’t presume that they’re just being lazy.
About Meriam Wilhelm:
The one thing I know, after all my years as an elementary school principal, is that there is magic everywhere and in everyone. When I retired after 35 years in education, I longed to share all that I had learned and created several parenting books on topics from bullying to homework strategies. While I miss those enchanting moments with children and their parents, I always wanted to let my imagination run wild as I sought out my own magic and wrote about it. In short, I was lured into the world of fiction writing where I soon created my first series, The Witches of New Moon Beach. The first book, Morning Magic is currently FREE on Amazon.
Inspiration isn’t hard to find as I have lived in Redondo Beach, California all my life and New Moon Beach might have more than a passing resemblance to my hometown. Every day I walk on the path that runs along the beach, sometimes with my sisters, but most often with my thoughts as I plot out my next book. I am long married and mom to three great grown kids. When I’m not writing or walking on the beach, you’ll find me sewing, reading or traveling and taking pictures.
Feel free to check out my website: www.meriamwilhelm.com or contact me by email: meriamwilhelm@hotmail.com
0 0 Read moreCivil War Letters: I’ll be reading letters from Love Me Forever at Lady Jane’s OC Salon by Jina Bacarr
December 11, 2016 by Jina Bacarr in category Jina’s Book Chat tagged as books, Civil War, Confessions of a Podcast Goddess, Lady Jaen's OC Salon, letters, love, reading, rebel, Ripped Bodice Bookstore, romance, South, war letters
When was the last time you wrote a letter?
Website: www.jinabacarr.com
Blog: www.jinabacarr.wordpress.com
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Love Me Forever is on sale for the month of December for 99 cents!
Women Soldiers in the Civil War from “Love Me Forever” from Jina Bacarr on Vimeo.
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