Memorial Day - A Day to Remember

This is a day for Americans to attend one of the thousands of parades held in large and small cities alike all over the country. We watch as marching bands march by, the overall military theme, the National Guard and other servicemen participating along with veterans and military vehicles from various wars, helping us remember the cost of our freedom.

Flags are flown at half-staff to honor the more than one million men and women who gave their lives serving this great country. It's mind boggling when you think about it. Their courage and sacrafice for others.  For us. Strangers they've never met.

So as we enjoy our day and the traditions listed below, let us remember why we are able to do so.


Indianapolis 500 - an auto race held on the Sunday preceding Memorial Day since 1911.

Coca-Cola 600 - stock car race held later the same day since 1961.

Memorial Tournament - golf event on or close to the Memorial Day weekend since 1976.

End of School Year and Beginning of Summer - usually resulting in lots of barbecue, deserts and family fun for us.

A Very Happy Memorial Day to you and yours. Don't forget to pray for our brave men and women, past and present, and thank them for giving us this opportunity to live free and proud.

Scrivener for Windows

I'm patiently waiting, if that's even possible for me, on this one! I've heard so many wonderful things from a friend who uses this Scrivener program on his Mac. So when they came out with the Windows version, I jumped on it. This program is designed to help you organize your writing. Something I've been trying to do for years. LOL So many cool options.  Check out the tutorials or even download a trial version here: 
http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php

I've been playing with the program and love what I see so far, but I'm so happy that even more help is on the way. Gwen Hernandez is a fellow blogging buddy over at www.everybodyneedsalittleromance.com and an expert in my opinion on this program. I can't wait to grab a copy of her book when it comes out in September. :)

 Check it out here: Amazon

• Walks you through customizing project templates for your project needs
• Offers useful advice on compiling your project for print and e-book formats
• Helps you set up project and document targets and minimize distractions to keep you on track and on deadline
• Explains how to storyboard with the corkboard, create collections, and understand their value
• Shows you how to use automated backups to protect your hard work along the way

Let's face it.  I need all the guidance I can get in all of these areas. LOL I've been using a program called Liquid Storybinder and it has some really nice features too. I guess it all boils down to what works best for you.

Do you use one of these programs or how about another you'd like to recommend? :)

The Lone Star Writing Contest - Don't Miss It!

Looking for a great contest for feedback on your next novel. Well look no more! :)

Lone Star Contest

The 20th Annual Lone Star Writing Competition

Entry fee: $20 NWH members; $25 non-NWH members,

Early bird entry: $5 discount on all entries submitted by midnight May 26, 2012


Deadline: Electronic entries must arrive by midnight June 9, 2012. Any entries received after the deadline will be deleted unopened.

Finalists will be announced on August 19, 2012. Non-finalists will have entries returned by August 28, 2012.

NEW !!! Special Prize !!! All entrants will be entered into a drawing for a 50 page edit by one of NWHRWA’s published authors. There will be 7 winners, one for each category.


Winners will be announced at the Lone Star Conference on October 13, 2012.

Eligibility: Unpublished may enter any category. Published may enter any category in which they’re not published, or in which they’ve not been contracted for five years. Open to RWA and non-RWA members.



Rules and Formatting: (see Rules and Entry form for more specific information.)


1) First 25 pages, including prologue, if desired.

2) All entries must be in the standard submission form: 1” margins all around, 12 pt. font, double space, 25 lines per page.

3) Save as .RTF

4) Manuscripts can be entered in only one category, however multiple manuscripts are allowed.

5) Entry form must be complete and payment made by PayPal.

Scoring: All entries will be sent to three first round judges: two published authors and one unpublished author. The lowest score will be tossed and final round contestants will be chosen by the average of the final two scores. In the event of a tie, the dropped score will be considered.

Finalists will be given one week to edit manuscript using the comments and score sheets from the first round judges before sending to final judges. Top three high scorers in each category will be category finalists. Those entries will be sent to both an agent and an editor for placement.


For more information please vist:  http://www.nwhrwa.com/

The Wicked Secrets Beneath Goes Live!

Finally! I've finished the short story prequel and it's live on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. ;)

**Short Story Prequel to Betrayals of the Heart

Robert Shaw lost his precious wife, unborn child and almost his own life protecting the innocent. Now he fights to make sense out of the chaos that is his life. A new identity means cutting all ties to his past and focusing on the future. As Ryan Carter, he can move on, start living again. A task that seems impossible--until Makayla Prichard enters the picture.

The FBI is set on bringing her down. They believe she is working alongside her husband, committing the most horrendous crimes imaginable. But Ryan Carter realizes Makayla is not the monster the FBI profiler has made her out to be. She's a victim. A prisoner in her own home with a young son she is determined to protect. Ryan Carter has found his new purpose--to help them escape or die trying.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble


Now I can finally focus on the this third novel. If all goes as planned, Betrayals of the Heart should be due out this summer. yeah!

Great Read and a Great Cause

Just have to share.

Teri Thackston, an amazing writer and chaptermate, is raising money for the Star of Hope. She is extending her double-nickels promo for the entire month of April. Please SHARE with your friends who might be interested in helping this great homeless shelter—and reading a suspense novel that features terrifying storms, kidnapped children and, of course, a bit of romance. For every copy of Onslaught that sells during April 2012, she will donate fifty-five cents to the Star of Hope Mission.

The Star of Hope Mission is a Christ-centered organization that provides food, shelter and counseling to homeless men, women and children. It is truly one of America's stars. To help out, simply order a copy of "Onslaught" by Teri Thackston from Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Smashwords during April and .55 cents will go to the Star of Hope Mission. It's that easy. :)

Here are the direct links:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/7duylmk
Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/756mopp
Smashwords (for PDF or other formats): http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/140723
Star of Hope Mission (http://www.sohmission.org )

Teri
www.terithackston.com

Thanks for your support!

Dangerous Suspicions Wins!

I wrote a short story a few years back and decided instead of letting it sit and collect computer dust I'd enter it into a contest. Very excited to see it won 2nd place!

The Book Breeze Short Story Contest

http://www.thebookbreeze.com/About.php

There is so much more to this story. I hope to sit down and start to discover just what it is real soon. LOL This is my favorite part of writing. The surprises that pop up along the way as I go.

Kids are back in school so I have no excuses!

Thought I'd share my latest find. I finished reading "Wicked Appetite" by Janet Evanovich over spring break. Wonderful book to just sit back and laugh with. I think I'm in love with this Diesel character, although I still have no idea exactly what he is yet. Too funny!

Wishing everyone a Wonderful Spring!

(LOVE Springtime, hate the time change!)

A Blast From the Past - Inspiration is All Around Us

Now you might think I have been slacking off due to the lack of posts here on the blog. Never fear. I'm working away on edits for my next book as well as a short story. Life is still giving me fits, but I'm finding creative ways to work around it. Choosing to be happy in the middle of chaos is not easy, but it is possible. :)

This past summer, my good friend William Simon and I entered a contest hosted by Writer's Police Academy called the Golden Donut. Yep, catchy name right? LOL  Although we didn't come away with the prize, we did find the experience challenging and rewarding. Writing a short story with "exactly" 200 words, including the title, is more nerve wracking than I ever imagined! LOL But it was great practice for writing tight and making certain every word counts.

Below is what we were to use for inspiration.

Just looking at it still gives me chills!

We worked hard on these stories and felt it a shame not to share. So below you will find our entries. :)

**Warning: This material may give you chills as well and make you want to sleep with the lights on! Read at your own risk. :)

Evil Begets Evil

by Melissa Ohnoutka

     The annoying pecking is back.

     I know what that means, and shiver.

     They have friends this time.

     The old rickety roof bulges from their weight.

     Will I be lucky enough to outsmart them again?

     Crouching in the shadows, I wrap my trembling fingers around the knife's handle. Not that this single knife will do any damage.

     Demons, or whatever the hell these creatures are, do not bleed like the others. Believe me. I have tried. From guns to explosives, to even prayers of mercy. All I accomplish is pissing them off.
     The damn house looked like the ideal refuge from the storm I created. Far from civilization. Bars on all the windows, locks on the doors. Perfect to keep my pursuers preoccupied.

     But these security devices were meant to keep those like me in.
     You see, the storm is not at all happy I made the others bleed. Hurting an innocent in this world is frowned upon. Deeply.
     I wish the storm had caught me on the outside. Saved me. Thrown me in prison. Hell, incarceration would be a vacation.
     One minor mistake and I am left to fight the devil.
     On his turf.

     For my soul.

CHAINSAW

by William Simon/Will Graham

     Something happened here, a long time ago.

     Something bad.

     According to some, the legends are true.

     Others say it never happened, it was all made up.

     Me? I came here once to see for myself.

     Looks can be deceiving.

     You'd never guess what lies within.

     Most people think it's in Texas. Or Illinois. Even Minnesota. That's an accomplishment for a house that actually exists in Vermont.

     People drive by. They think they know the truth.

     I'll tell you the truth.

     I'll tell you everything.

     You see, the time has come to tell everyone the truth. Not to be maudlin, but I don't have a lot of time left. No, no, don't cry, it's okay. I've lived a good life. I did what I chose to do with it. Who knew it would be a cottage industry?

     If you'll pardon the pun.

     No mask, I don't like them.

     Yes, that is a chainsaw. And a big knife.

     But I'm very good at what I do, and I promise it won't hurt.

     You'll be immortal, you know.

     You'll be the last one.

     They'll probably make a movie about us.

     And they'll use this house to show everyone where it all happened.....

Be sure to check out William's story in the upcoming release "Love is Murder"  due out May 29, 2012.

  Blurb: 

Prepare for heart-racing suspense in this original collection by thirty of the hottest bestselling authors and new voices writing romantic suspense today.

Go on vacation with Allison Brennan's Lucy Kincaid, where she saves a man from drowning, only to discover he is in far greater danger on land. Meet Roxanne St. Claire's "bullet catcher"-bodyguard Donovan Rush-who may have met his match in the sexually charged "Diamond Drop." Debut author William Simon shows us what happens when the granddaughter of the president of the United States is kidnapped. And Lee Child's pitch-perfect "I Heard a Romantic Story" puts a whole new spin on Love Is Murder.

Beneath the Water's Edge by Jennifer Bray-Weber

Looking for a GREAT Read? I highly recommend this one! :)

Product Description

Elyssa Calhoun Montgomery had been willing to do anything to keep her father from debt, including following her new husband to the Caribbean-–dressed as a lad. But she never dreamed she’d become widowed so quickly, or that she’d come face to face with a fearsome pirate who expects her to fight like a man. Captured and her identity exposed, she doesn’t know what’s worse, being locked alone in a pirate captain’s quarters or experiencing an unsettling attraction toward him.

Captain Bran Blackthorn has grown weary of the pirating trade and seeks a King’s Pardon for his crew. Unfortunately, the man who could sign a reprieve, his half-brother Governor Flynn, would rather see him dead. When the gods—or the devil—bestows an angel to his spoils, he sees an opportunity to force a pardon with her ransom. Never mind his beautiful pawn has bewitched him, filling him with a desire to press his body against hers, capture her mouth in a searing kiss, and brand her as his own.

But when Bran’s enemies seek vengeance, Elyssa becomes entangled in their deadly game and Bran faces the gallows. Can they cheat death and save each other? Or will they be dragged...

Beneath The Water’s Edge

 

Never Give Up! Never Surrender!



My First Book Signing

New Year, new promises. I've made my fair share and broke more than I've kept over the years. At some point on this journey to meet our goals, there will be moments of discouragement and maybe even despair. Maybe a pesky set back or two has derailed our excitement and enthusiasm and we're left wondering why? Why am I doing this? Is this even worth continuing?

Trust me when I tell you, it is. If the journey was easy, always filled with laughter, encouraging people and void of failure, there would be no growth and the reward wouldn't be so special. Think about it. If everyone breezed through everything they did or wanted to, the accomplishments would hold little weight and be...well. Dull and ordinary. Where would the "Wow!" be?

On days we start to question our dreams, we need to do something different. Give ourself permission to take a break, try something new, have an adventure. Anything. :)

Don't be too hard on yourself. Tweaking or changing those goals or promises, is perfectly okay. Adjustments are part of life. Giving up on a dream is what is not an option.

I took the last two months off from my writing. After releasing Target of Betrayal, I was pretty burned out. And my body was quick to let me know I'd stepped over the line and pushed a little too hard. The short break has done wonders. I started editing my next book the second week of January and I'm already up to chapter five. Yeah! But this time the editing isn't going to get the best of me. I'm scheduling those much needed breaks whether I want to or not and listening when my eyes tell me I've had enough. It's really hard to function with those migraines. And life in general becomes no fun at all.

Looking back over the past five years, there were several times I wanted to throw in the towel. To forget how much I enjoyed my writing. But I'm so glad I pushed on. It was hard work. If I'm totally honest with myself, it's probably the hardest thing I've ever done, short of childbirth. Shoot. It's still hard work. But the rewards are so worth it.

A few fun things that helped me boost my creative spark and relieve the stress:

Painting
Photography
Watching a favorite movie, again
Coffee or lunch with a friend
Playing games with the kids
Sneaking off to read a great book
Window shopping
Taking walks and enjoying the great outdoors

Ahhhh....just thinking about these things makes me feel refreshed. :)

Onward and upward! Never surrender!

I shared these quotes on Everybody Needs a Little Romance. Thought they were worth mentioning again.

“There is no success without failure.” Wish I could remember where I read this one.
“Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely.” My eyes are wide open now! ~ Henry Ford
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Boy have I ever!
~ Thomas Alva Edison
“There is no failure. Only feedback. ” Now this one fits perfect!
~ Robert Allen