Living the Dream

Hello again! Time is flying past us faster than ever it seems. It’s hard to believe that we’re less than two months away from the end of another year.

In terms of my writing, 2020 and 2021 have given me a lot of at home writing time, but I’m not sure that I’ve been as productive as I can be. I’ve become even more critical of my own work, constantly editing and re-editing material, including some previously published stuff, hoping that the revised books will find greater success out there. I’ve recently completed an Amazon ad class that taught me how to target my book market, but it is a long, slow process, and I’m at the very bottom of my learning curve. For that reason, I’ve recently given a lot of thought to the books out there on my shelf that aren’t selling.

This month’s optional question:
What’s harder to do, coming up with your book title or writing the blurb?

Titles used to come to me fairly easily. They were always part of the story, found inside the book someplace. For example, In The White Carnation, a romance thriller in the Harvester Files Series, the title comes from the clues the killer leaves with the heroine. The White Lily, the second book in the series, refers not only to the heroine but also to the killer’s method of gaining entry into the homes of his victims, delivering bouquets which contain white lilies. The same holds true for the other two books in the series, The White Iris and The White Dahlia.

The books in my Cocktails for You Series, romantic comedies, are all named after cocktails, some more well-known than others. I started this series shortly after the pandemic hit, and we were told to stay home. It was the last days of winter and needing to write something lighter, I tried a complete new style–first person POV. It’s no secret that beer and alcohol sales went up dramatically during the lockdowns. We started a daily Happy Hour at home, me becoming a substutite for the social time my hubby usually enjoyed at our local pub, then shut down. And so I wrote: Tequila Sunrise, Champagne Cocktail, Buck’s Fizz, The Tipsy Pig, Make Mine a Manhattan, and my WIP, Emerald Glow. I suppose like everyone else, I look for ways to make my titles interesting and appealing, and maybe just a little bit different. Since I use a professional cover artist, it’s her job to create the perfect cover not only for the book but for today’s market.

But when it comes to blurbs, that’s where I have trouble. Blurbs and synopses are my Achilles’ heel. I try to give them an intriguing hook, something I’ve learned a bit more about in my ad course. Then I try to follow a who’s who, what’s what, what’s at stake, and what’s the ulimate prize, danger, risk format. Does it always work? No. According to my ad school teacher, the ultimate prize in fiction is love, death, or enlightenment. So over the next few months, I plan to carefully examine the blubs on all of my published books and tweak them with his advice in mind. Will it work? I don’t know, but it can’t hurt to try.

What about you? What is it that draws you to a particular book? The cover? The title? The blurb? And if you’re writing a book, which is harder for you?

Happy reading and writing! I’ll see you next month. Check out other posts here. https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html

Welcome to November and this week’s Tuesday Tales, the blog hop that features the work in progress of a small group of bestselling authors. Each week, we write to a word or picture prompt. This week, our word prompt for a 400 word scene is ARM. I’m continuing with my upcoming holiday romance Forever in my Heart, the fourth book in my Winter Wedddings collection. I’m hoping to have it finished and ready to release by the end of 2021.

Enjoy!

“I may never understand why it happened, Becca, but now I can never tell her I’m sorry I reacted the way I did—not giving them a chance to explain anything. You said that I have to forgive them to move on, so how can I ever fall in love and get by this if I can’t tell her I forgive her? It’s as if part of me is dead, too.” She rubbed her cold arms.

“Cassie, I’m sure God knows how you feel, and He’ll make sure she knows.”

“I wish I had your faith, but what if she doesn’t? What if I pushed her away once too often? When I woke up this morning, I was in pain. I thought it was just the hangover, but what if it was her, trying to reach me, trying to say goodbye?”

“Now you’re creeping me out. You’ve never been able to feel her before, right?”

“I’m not so sure of that. When I was ten, I had these massive stomach pains. The doctor thought it was appendicitis, but then the tests were all negative. The same thing happened back in April. I was in agony. It lasted for about seven hours, and then I was fine. I never put it together until now. Cassie had her appendix out when she was ten. I learned a few weeks ago that she had twin girls. My guess would be that they were born in April. Maybe I could feel her pain. We all know that there’s a lot of weird folktales about twins and ESP. I remember Luke telling me he knew when Mike was unhappy or sick.”

“Anything is possible, and if she was reaching out to you the way you think she was, well, maybe she did manage to get a message to you. Listen, eat your ice cream, take another shower, and then I’ll help you pack. I’ll even take you to the airport. Vancouver or Abbotsford?”

“Abbotsford. It’s a direct flight. Can you look after my mail and my plants, too?”

“Sure. Now, eat up and then we’ll get to work.”

Callie nodded, spooned the melting ice cream into her mouth and savored the sweet taste. Cassie had been the one to introduce her to maple syrup on ice cream. It was one of the few things they’d both loved—well, other than Luke.

That’s it. Stay safe and don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales

Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales. It’s hard to believe it’s the end of October. Another month has come and gone. The leaves are turning red, the night’s are getting cooler, and like it or not, fall is well underway. This week’s word prompt is SWEET. I used a variation of the word in this week’s scene from Forever in my Heart.

Callie’s hand trembled when she put down the phone. The sound of Mike Branscomb’s voice had brought her to her knees. Luke had mentioned his twin was identical—but the same voice? She’d expected to meet him, but if he even sounded like Luke, how would she manage it? Six years ago, the man had worn a beard—she remembered Luke telling her that—something about hating to shave, but that was then. Of course a lot of guys had grown COVID beards, great big bushy ones that reminded her of Tom Hanks in Castaway. If he had that kind of beard, it might make things easier.

The girls. At least they were safe—orphaned, like her, like Mike, but safe. The only reason she knew about them was the ad she’d seen on television last month for the Timberton Ranch Resort. Despite the years, she’d recognized her sister, but the two babies in her arms had been a surprise. She’d almost broken down and sent her a note right then and there, but Luke had walked into the scene, and the pain had poisoned her resolve. She’d turned off the TV and had gone for a long solitary run, the memories filling her, adding to the pain of her overworked muscles until the rain had started, forcing her home again.

How old were they? They were quite small—a lot of twins were preemies. No doubt Mike and his wife were now the children’s legal guardians. Maybe he would allow her to be part of their lives. After all, they were the only family she had left. Of course, given her callous disregard for her sister and his brother, he might not deem her worthy of even that.

Someone knocked at the door. She swiped at the tears still dribbling down her face and went to answer it.

Becca stood on the doorstep, a pint of ice cream in her hands. “Oh God, sweetie. I knew you would be upset about Brett, but honestly, if you say yes, I’m sure he’ll jump at the idea of marrying you. He was devastated when I told him—”

“Stop, Becca,” she cried. “I don’t want to date Brett let alone marry him.”

The tall brunette with purple hair tips frowned, came inside, and shut the door. She went straight to the kitchen, opened the ice cream container, and filled two bowls with salted caramel ice cream, pouring maple syrup over the top.

That’s it. Stay safe and don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales

Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales. Each week I join a few select authors and post a snippet from mt work in progress based on a particular word or picture prompt. This week’s word is BARE. I’m continuing with my Holiday Romance, Forever in my Heart.

Calvin picked up the receiver. “ Cathy, I told you I wasn’t to be disturbed …  Oh, I see, put her through.” He pushed the button to put the phone on speaker. Mike heard the call connect.

“Ms. Hayworth. Thank you for getting back to me so promptly.”

“I don’t have time for small talk, Mr. Ross,” the woman’s voice came across the line clearly, the pain and concern in it touching his heart. “You said there’d been a fatal accident. How is my sister? Is she … is she dead?”

The agony she suffered was clear in her voice.

“I’m afraid so. She died instantly. Her husband passed away a couple of hours later.”

“Oh God!” The sound of heavy crying came across the line.

“Their babies?” She managed to get out the words.

Mike frowned. If there had been no contact between them, how had she known about the twins?

“The girls were not with their parents at the time of the accident,” Calvin said, not acknowledging the faux pas.

“I’ve booked a flight to Calgary for 6:30 tonight. I can be in Timberton tomorrow morning.”

Mike shook his head. “Ms. Hayworth, this is Mike Branscomb, Luke’s brother. There are several things that have to be done in Calgary, including the formal identification of the bodies,” he said. “Stay in Calgary, and we’ll come to you. After we take care of things, you can come back to Timberton with us, and we can take it from there.” He hoped he didn’t sound as desperate as he felt. The silence at the end of the line seemed heavy and ominous. “Ms. Hayworth, are you there?”

“Yes … I … I’m here.” Her voice trembled, her words so softly spoken he could barely hear them. “Where … where will I meet you?”

“My secretary will book a room for you in Calgary and I’ll arrange for the Ambassador Limousine Service to meet your plane and take you to the hotel,” Calvin said. “My firm will see to all the details. Just give me your flight number.”

Through her tears, she mumbled out the airline and flight number.”

“Very well. The driver will take you to the hotel, and Mr. Branscomb and I will see you in the morning. Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.”

“Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She ended the call.

That’s it. Stay safe and don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, and welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales. Our prompt this week is a picture, and our scenes ate limited to 300 words. I’m continuing with Forever in my Heart. This scene is a flashback Callie has after the shock of learning about the accident.

Callie put two slices of bread into the toaster. From the refrigerator, she removed a tomato and the jar of mayonnaise. Nothing calmed her nerves and settled her stomach better than a toasted tomato sandwich. Mom had considered toasted tomato sandwiches more therapeutic and beneficial to the soul than chicken soup, and so did she.

The toaster popped. Callie reached for the slices of warm bread, her memory flashing to a scene from six years ago when she and Luke just started dating, and life had been good.

Since Luke had driven Grandma to her bocce ball game, Callie had offered to make lunch. They’d only been dating a few weeks, and the shine was still bright on their relationship.

He stood at the stove, turning over the slices of bacon for the BLTs they were having. She reached for the toast.

“Good God, woman. I know you said cooking wasn’t your thing, but is the toaster broken? Those slices aren’t ready—they’re barely warm.”

She chuckled. “Says you. I happen to like them this way, and don’t burn the bacon. It’s best just slightly crisp.”

“Well, put mine in for at least three times as long. I like them dark, not quite as brown as your hair but close.”

Callie laughed. “You mean burnt. Cassie and Grandma like them that way, too.”

“Cassie? Who’s Cassie?”

He turned off the ring and came to stand beside her, nuzzling her neck as she slathered butter on her toast, turning the bread a golden yellow.

“She’s my sister—my twin actually. We don’t look alike. I’m dark like my father, not that I ever knew him; she’s blonde like Mom was. Our parents divorced when we were just a year old. I didn’t even know she existed until just before Mom passed.”

That’s it. Stay safe and don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales

Well, another month has come and gone. Around here, there are still many new cases of COVID 19 and we have a vaccine passport rule for restaurants, gyms, and sporting events. There may be more cases, even among the vaccinated, but other than the unvaccinated, most cases are mild.

This month’s question seems easy, but it’s actually quite complex.

October 6 question – In your writing, where do you draw the line, with either topics or language?

For me, it’s a question of values. I will not write porn or erotica in any of its incarnations, rape, incest, or slasher-style horror. There are some vivid murder scenes visited by police in some of my suspense novels, but you don’t see the deed done. I have love scenes, some descriptive but definitely miles away from erotica.

In terms of language, I do use some mild swearing where it seems to be needed, but I do not use the F word–ever. The best way to describe me as a writer would be prudish. Since I am straight as they say, married 50 years to the same man, I also don’t write LGBQT literature. I’m not knowledgeable enough to do it properly, and rather than insult members of that community, I will stay away from it. I have no problem including them as minor characters, but that’s the best I can do.

What about you?

Read other comments here. https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html

Hope you have a lovely fall!

Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales, the weekly blog where a select group of authors share their work in progress with you, writing either to a word or picture prompt. This week our word is PAINT and our scenes are limited to 400 words.I’m continuing with my holiday romance, Forever in my Heart. Enjoy!

It certainly explained Luke’s preoccupation with what he’d done and his final request.

“Sadly, the heart wants what it wants. They did try to stay away from one another. Cassie went back to Banff, and Luke poured himself into the resort. Cassie sent several letters to her sister, as did I. She didn’t answer, and about a month later they were returned , stamped undeliverable. I sent a certified letter to her through the lawyer who’d handled her mother’s estate, informing her of her inheritance. She replied through the Vancouver lawyer that she wasn’t interested in anything the Knowles family offered her. Cassie tried again, called the lawyer and asked for her sister’s information, but the firm claimed they were under strict instructions not to release it. That was six years ago. They’ve had no contact since. I realize this doesn’t paint Luke and Cassie in a good light, but they did try to reach her. Cassie refused to believe she wouldn’t eventually come around, maybe fall in love and get married, finally understanding what had motivated them. Her share of Tilda’s estate is still in the bank in the account Cassie had me open for her.”

Mike ran his hand through his hair. “Okay. I don’t understand how such a mess could’ve happened, but if you say so, I believe you. So, where do I find her? She might’ve been pissed at them both but she needs to know what happened.”

He sighed heavily. “I contacted the legal firm in Vancouver and explained the situation. Reluctantly, they gave me a contact number. I called earlier this morning, but she hasn’t returned my call. I’ll keep calling until I get her.” He shook his head. “I tried to talk them out of this, but Cassie was adamant, and Luke would’ve given her the world. This is why I think everyone should have a clear and open discussion with those they’re entrusting with their children.”

Mike frowned. “What’s there to talk about? As their legal guardian, I’ll do everything I can for the girls.”

“That’s just it, Mike. You aren’t their legal guardian.”

Mike doubled over as if he’d been sucker punched. After catching his breath, he jumped out of the chair. He couldn’t lose the girls. They were all the family he had left.

That’s it. Stay safe and don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales

Every now and then, it’s good to go back over older material and look at it with critical eyes. If a book is listed as a contemporary romance, then it should be just that. So what have I been doing? I’ve been editing and improving my Winter Weddings series, while working on Book Four, hoping to get it finished by January 2022 at the latest.

Every series has an opening book, and Winter Weddings is no different. Book one, Holiday Magic, is Georgia’s story.

Seeing is believing, or is it?

Georgia Baxter loved everything about Christmas until she walked in on her fiancé in bed with another woman. Wounded and heart sore, she canceled her Christmas Eve fantasy wedding and fled to New York City, leaving everything and everyone, including her twin sister, Eleni, behind.

Three years later, still hurting but knowing it’s time to move on, she agrees to come home to help her sister, despite the fact she’ll be doing so at a time of year she now associates only with pain and betrayal. Discovering she’ll have to work closely with the man who shattered her dreams only makes things harder, especially when her body craves his touch.

Mark Anderson has no memory of his bachelor party other than waking up naked in the wrong woman’s bed. He clings to the hope someday he can convince Georgia to give him a second chance, but until she’s ready to listen, it won’t happen. Discovering she’s coming home to manage Holiday Magic for three months may be his lucky break.

Is there enough magic left in Christmas to help them overcome the past?

The second book in the series, currently being revised, is The Perfect Choice. Book one and two are written within the same time frame, but whereas Book One’s heroine is Georgia, book two is Eleni’s story. Some scenes found in book one are repeated but from the new heroine’s point of view.

All’s fair in love and war…or is it?

Eleni Baxter has always been the impulsive twin requiring rescue from one scheme or another. Avoiding relationships because of trust issues, Eleni throws herself into her wedding and party fantasy firm, Holiday Magic. When her designs for a Halloween decorating scheme win her a shot at being the exclusive special events coordinator for the Ocean Front Casino Resort, she jumps at it, without reading the fine print. As always, twin sister Georgia comes to the rescue.

Reclusive millionaire casino owner Garth Joseph Smits Simmons has shunned publicity and gold-diggers for as long as he can remember, hiding behind a series of disguises to protect his identity. When beautiful, talented special events coordinator Eleni Baxter walks into his life, he’s determined to find a way to make her fall in love with him without revealing his true identity. Designing a contract to hire her and keep her in close proximity for three months seems like a stroke of genius, but having a double life becomes more complicated than ever.

With the holiday season in full swing, Joe decides it’s time to come clean, but will the magic of the holiday season be enough for Eleni to forgive him his deception, or will he lose it all on one throw of the dice?

Book Three, Come Home for Christmas has also been revised. In this book, we leave the Baxter Twins behind and return to Canada.

This past year has been a miserable one for Krista Jacobs, and what’s going to make it even worse is having to spend Christmas at Seven Oaks, the Alberta ranch that was her home until her uncle tossed her out on her ear before her nineteenth birthday. But Uncle Charles is gone and has left her something in his will—something she can only have if she spends Christmas at the ranch with Ethan Terrance, her step-cousin, and the man she’d hoped to marry ten years ago.

When Charles Terrance died, the last thing Ethan expected to discover was that not only had his dad sabotaged his relationship with Krista, he’d cheated her out of the inheritance that should’ve been hers ten years ago. Since Ethan’s never been able to forget the woman he loved, he’ll do whatever he has to in order to make things right—including having his lawyer send her a request she can’t ignore. Krista has to come home for Christmas.

Book Four, Forever in my Heart , also set in Canada, is currently under construction as it were, but you can fo9llow the story’s development on my weekly Tuesday Tales posts.

Love is immortal, but it will take a miracle to heal these bruised and broken hearts.

Michael Branscomb swore off women years ago, after getting jilted by the woman he loved and trusted. The last thing the confirmed bachelor wants or needs is a wife and children, but you don’t always get what you want. A deathbed promise to his twin brother has to be honored. The problem is, the lady involved may not agree, and with good reason.

Six years ago, Callie walked in on her fiancé and her sister and walked right back out again—out of the house, their lives, and the town—and did her best to forget it all, including the magical Christmas wedding she’d planned. She’s made a new present and future for herself, intent on cutting all ties to the past. If she’s lonely at times, well that’s the price she pays protecting herself from more heartbreak.But sometimes, things are easier said than done, especially when the past shows up on her doorstep, carrying twin girls, and proposing marriage—on the very date she should’ve wed his brother.

Can Callie and Mike overcome the pain of the past to give love a chance and provide their orphan nieces with the family they deserve?

You can get the first three Winter Weddings books on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09B7YRN35 and enjoy an early Winter Wedding.

Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales. Our word prompt this week is CARELESS and I pick up where I left off last week in Forever in my Heart.

“Tilda Knowles recognized Callie the minute she saw her and contacted Cassie. The reunion was an emotional affair, and while the girls kept in touch and visited fairly often, neither of them lived here. Luke was away in Europe then, getting that bachelor’s degree in international hospitality management.”

“Yeah. Since he’d decided to turn the ranch into a resort, he wanted to do it the right way.”

And he had. The Timberton Resort had been thriving—until COVID 19 made its appearance. Since part of the land had remained a working cattle ranch, they’d managed to keep their heads above water. Now that some of the tourists were returning, it was slowly getting back on its feet.

The lawyer nodded and shifted in his chair.

“Just before he got back to Timberton, Callie gave up her job in Vancouver and came back to look after her grandmother. Tilda wasn’t sick, but she was getting up there and needed help. That was when Callie and Luke hooked up—literally. He rear-ended her car and got his grill stuck on her bumper hitch. Everyone thought they made the perfect couple. Six months later, he proposed. Tilda was thrilled, knowing that Callie would stay here and be closer to Cassie. They made plans for a Christmas wedding at the Banff Springs Hotel. Cassie came home to visit … when she and Luke met … Tilda saw it, saw the sparks. Sadly, she was careless and tripped going out to feed the birds. She broke a few ribs, her pelvis, and her arm. She tried to talk to the girl. Cassie did her best to fight her feelings as did Luke, but it was like a runaway train. Within a matter of days, Tilda developed pneumonia, and it was all over. Callie walked in on Luke consoling Cassie after the funeral. That was a month before the wedding. The poor girl was crushed—said some cruel things and then packed up and left that very night. Not that anyone blamed her.”

“I remember Luke talking about the girl he was going to marry—about how lively and vivacious she was. He always just referred to her as C. He asked me to be his Best Man. I thought he’d mentioned a Christmas wedding, but then it didn’t take place until September. I assumed they’d put it off because of all the excitement around the opening of the resort.”

That’s it. Stay safe and don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales

Back from an incredible vacation and celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. Now, I’m ready to tackle all of my fall reading, writing, and editing challenges. Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales. Our word prompt is SOUND. I’m continuing with my holiday romance, Forever in my Heart. My trip allowed me to have a closer look at the area where I’ve set the story. Below are a few of the places I’ll be mentioning in the book

Images from top left: Icefield Skywalk, Lake Maligne, Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Lake, Jasper Lodge, Various Glaciers en route, Victoria Glacier, Lake Louise, John and I atop Sulfur Mountain in Banff.

Here’s this week’s scene, Enjoy.

Calvin sat in his chair across a desk that could probably serve as a dining room table for a family of ten.

“I always caution my clients to discuss their wills with the executors when there are custody issues. Did Luke and Cassie talk to you about theirs?”

Custody issues? Mike shook his head. What was there to talk about? He was Luke’s only living relative, other than the twins. Everything went to them in trust, and he would see to it that the resort prospered. He would look after those two little ladies as if they were his own.

“No, but Luke was talking crazy talk before he died. He said something about Cassie having a twin sister, one he was supposed to marry.”

The lawyer nodded. “Tilda was on her deathbed, but she saw it coming. She tried to warn Callie, soften the blow, but that girl was so blinded by love and those Christmas wedding plans, she couldn’t see the nose on her face. But you just had to see Cassie and Luke together to know there was something magical there. They were meant for each other.”

“Are you telling me he jilted one sister practically at the altar and then married the other one?” He shook his head in disbelief. “That doesn’t sound like the brother I know—knew. Why would he have kept something like that from me? The last thing he asked me was to look after the girls and make things right with the aunt. He even had me promise to marry her.”

“Did you?”

“Damn straight. I would’ve promised him the moon if it had helped. So what really happened? He claimed you knew all about it.” Mike swallowed the lump in his throat. It didn’t seem right to talk about his brother this way, but he had to know. “How could he have done such a thing … and Cassie, to do that to her twin … I don’t get it.”

Calvin rubbed his chin. “Love does strange things to people. Cassie and Callie were separated as infants, one parent each taking one child. It wasn’t until Callie’s mother died that the girls learned they were sisters. That was about ten years ago. Callie was a nurse in Vancouver, and Cassie was a school teacher in Banff.”

That’s it. Stay safe and don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales