MONDAY MOTIVATION - A Final Push

 Good morning, everyone!

Well, first off, I apologize for no review of Something Blue last week. For some reason I can't get it to open on either of my Kindles and I just have not had time to sit and call customer service about the issue. 

I hope to have a review post for Wednesday on a totally different book. For now... 

The date has changed for Dean and Rhonda's visit. They will be here on the 9th! Yikers! That really cuts my time but I'm on a mission.

First off, I need spending money for Wednesday. So I'm paying myself an hourly wage (mind you - below the minimum wage but still...) so I can hit the Hobby Lobby clearance sale. 75% off paper crafting supplies is something I can't afford to miss since I use them in my 'day job'. I spoke with a manager at the store this morning and she told me they are behind but that everything should be in place later this week. When you're on a budget, you can't afford to miss big-ticket items like dies when there's a price reduction that large!

There's still time to Register!

https://www.ozarkcreativewriters.com/

I did not get any entries for OCW. I really had something in the back of my mind, but like Book 2, if I can't produce a quality product, I'm not going to just put something out there.

I did make progress on Publish & Thrive. I'm really enjoying the course though I know I'm still a couple weeks behind. I've been making time almost daily to sit and watch while taking lots of notes. I found out I may not need the LLC so postponed that appointment with Chrys. 

For this week, I fixating on three things:

1 - The studio. Since I lost a week with the visit date being moved up, I don't have a choice. 

2 - The Graphic 45 project is due on Friday. I'd love to post no later than Thursday

3 - Continue with Publish & Thrive

Hopefully, I'll see you back here on Wednesday.

All my best

~Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Deadlines!!

 Good morning, everyone!

The last couple weeks were completely crazy! I'm still trying to get the studio/ office redo done and now I have a deadline of September 14th. My brother-in-law and his wife will be here for a long weekend visit, arriving on the 16th. Of course, Bob comes home the week prior so I really only have two weeks to get the studio finished. Progress is being made but not as fast I'd like as I'm also working with creative deadlines.

Bee Journals

I'm on the final push to finish these three bee-themed journals. The prototype is for me but the other two are for two very special 'bee' friends. My plan is to finish these up by the weekend and get them mailed. That will let me put the remaining bee-themed items in my Etsy shop then clear the deck for the next creative project.

Graphic 45 Papers

I LOVE  working with Graphic 45 papers. The quality is amazing and the vintage images fit my style. Of course, throw in anything Halloween in the mix and I'm all over it like whipped cream on pumpkin pie!  They currently have a challenge going on to create something using their product. Winner will receive $150 credit to their store. Yes please!  Deadline is September 2nd but I'm shooting for the end of this month.

OZARK CREATIVE WRITERS

I've been attending the Ozark Creative Writers conference for the past twenty-six years. I've missed two conferences. one - when my youngest granddaughter was born then the one that was canceled due to Covid.  Each year they offer a long list of contests (with prize money) 'free' to enter for the cost of your conference registration. Unless I get something done and submitted by August 25th, this will be the first year I've not entered. I could really use the prize money to pad the author bank account for covers, business expenses, and funding research trips.  I can usually write short stories pretty quickly so I'll be really pushing on a couple of those this week. Technically, the deadline to enter is August 28th, but while I do work better in a time crunch, I hate the thought of actually entering last minute. 

I heard something from Sarra Cannon yesterday that I'd been thinking all along. An Ozarks Homecoming story isn't ready to be written. All I'm doing by forcing the story to come out, is burying everything deeper. Trust me, I really did not mean for this book to take me three years - and I have no intention of letting the other stories I have rattling around in my head (or starts in the file drawer) to take as long either - if I can help it. 

For those who don't understand, writing is a process and I'm a stickler for getting things right the first time. That was drummed into me in second grade. If you're going to do something, do it right the first time. Don't waste your time having to go back and do something over.

In the case of An Ozarks Homecoming it's imperative I get things right the first time. There is no 'do-overs' or opportunity to correct mistakes you will catch. I fear you'll call me on something then never pick up another one of my books. I can't risk that!

While I do these other things, the story is percolating in my brain. I've not turned loose of the story, I promise.

So my goals for this week:

* Catch up on Publish & Thrive course (meeting with attorney on Wednesday about LLC)

* Entries for Ozark Creative Writers aka OCW

* Finish bee journals

* At least 1 entry for G45

* Finish the cube storage unit organization.

Those should keep me out of trouble. 

I'll be back tomorrow for the wrap-up of Something Blue with my review of the anthology.

All my best

~Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, everyone. 

I thought we'd find our own hide away to work on our novels.

courtesy of pixabay - Felix Mittermeier

All my best

~Angela

WRITER TIP THURSDAY - Read!

 Good morning, everyone!

My writing tip today is to READ in your genre. I'm typing this post on Monday so I apologize if the following books are not free at the time of this posting. 

I scrolled Amazon and found the following FREE reads. These are NOT Kindle unlimited reads but actual free for Kindle.  That may have changed by the time you see this but the important thing to remember is ...

READ IN YOUR GENRE

Here are a few of the books I've pulled for your consideration:

SUMMER IN SWEET BRIAR COVE

A SUMMER OF SURPRISES

NEWPORT HARBOR HOUSE

If you like a little mystery with your romance, then check out:

THE SEA BREEZE COTTAGE

All My Best

~ Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATIONS - Where Did July Go?!

 Good morning, everyone!

Wow! We are headed into fall. I am so ready. We've finally gotten some rain, hopefully enough to get tomatoes ripening. I know we're finally going to mow the lawn for the first time since May.

After being gone an entire month, Bob came home last week. He was home for a couple of days before heading out last Saturday to spend some time with his youngest brother. He'll be home Wednesday evening. From there I only have him home for six days so we're going to be doing lots of things together.

I have been taking part in the PowerhouseAuthorSummit and finally broke down last night and bought the life-time access. I'll be talking more about that on Wednesday.

In the mean time, here is my Top 3 for this week:

* Register for Ozark Creative Writers

* Look over potential contest entries

* Finalize 3rd quarter project plans

I've registered for the conference first thing this morning before I forgot - again. There's plenty of time to still register. I've been attending the conference for 28 years - only missing one the year my youngest granddaughter was born (not counting the one canceled due to the you know what). Click on the Ozark Creative Writers logo in the side bar. 

I'll spend some time today looking over the contest entries. Mostly seeing if there's anything in my file I can breathe life in to or that I could come up with quick. I only have about two weeks left. We shall see. 

With Bob gone two more days, I'm off to see what I can accomplish.

All my best

~ Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO

 To follow up on those cozy beach cottage stories yesterday, 

Photo courtesy of pixabay - PrebenGammelmark

All my best

~Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - SOMETHING BLUE - Shirley Jump

 Good morning, everyone!

We come to the last author spotlight in this anthology. Shirley Jump may be the last on our list but she is one of the best. She has written great stories as well as been published in magazines and continues to share her writing experiences and knowledge with the rest of us. 

Having known Shirley for almost fifteen years, I was thrilled to see her name on the list for the SOMETHING BLUE anthology.

AMAZON   B & N   KOBO

Let me introduce you to Shirley Jump:

When she isn't writing books, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shirley Jump competes in triathlons, mostly because all that training lets her justify mid-day naps and a second slice of chocolate cake. She's published more than 75 books in 24 languages, although she's too geographically challenged to find any of those countries on a map. 

SECOND CHANCE SWEETHEART – Shirley Jump  

When Harlan Winslow sorta-definitely kidnaps Jessie Midler before she can say I do to a senator’s son, he sets off a media frenzy. Harlan is desperate to save his former best friend from making a major mistake. He convinces the spitfire bride-to-be to hide out at Canyon Creek, a place that holds all their best and worst memories. Jessie has always been a little in love with Harlan, even if she won’t admit it. Could a couple weeks of togetherness turn two friends into…forever?

Who hasn't had a brief vision of being kidnapped by someone from their past... or at the very least get a do-over? 

Speaking of 'do-over', Shirley is a new bride (May 7th). Congratulations and Blessings on this new page in your love story.

You'll find Shirley Jump by following any of the following links:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best

~Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - SOMETHING BLUE - Roe Valentine

Good morning, everyone!

First off, I have to apologize for not getting promos out last week (or the week before). I just get busy with other stuff around the house and hardly ever pick up my phone during the day.

I began yesterday, posting the ones I've missed to my social media accounts and working my way forward to this week's talented ladies.

AMAZON   B & N   KOBO

Today's author is Roe Valentine. 

Here's a bit about her:

Roe Valentine was born into the right family. Not only does the name Valentine suit her, but her grandmother, unknowingly, introduced the young Ms. Valentine to her first romance novel. She calls herself a romantic at heart and believes that love conquers all.

The Texas native attempted to write her first contemporary romance novel when she was nineteen years old. That attempt didn't take, but her story has a happy ending. She kept pursuing the dream until she landed her first publishing contract in 2013.

When not busy writing love stories Roe can often be found reading in a variety of genres, streaming all the true crime documentaries, popping a bottle of champagne, and pretending to work out. Enjoying margaritas with some girl-talk isn't unusual either. Also, she is obsessed with her hairless sphinx cat, Meow! For a night in, she and her partner are known to grill in the backyard or veg with days worth of snacks. 

She writes spicy Contemporary, Historical and Erotic romance novels. 

THE PERFECT FIT – Roe Valentine

When seamstress Gitana Solis goes back home to make groomsmen suits for her big brother’s wedding, she is forced to share a room with best man Kaleo Miller, the Hawaiian stud who unknowingly broke her heart in high school.

'forced to share' Now there's a teaser if ever there was one! I won't how that comes about. If you've not read the SOMETHING BLUE anthology for yourself, what are you waiting for?!

You will find all of Roe Valentine's releases by visiting her Amazon Author Page. The link is listed below:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   TWITTER   GOODREADS   

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best

~Angela

 

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Slip and Slide

Good morning, everyone!

I've had a busy week. Still laying out the studio re-do. I spent most of last week painting two ladder shelf units and the new foot stool crate. I like to sit on the sofa in my office, away from the loving animal assistants, but I need my feet up. On the up-side, the sofa is cleared, cleaned and put back into place so I can use it. 

Another big project was rearranging my Little Golden Book collection (all 272) to make room for my Doctor Dan Medical Kit. I'm still researching that item but as you'll see from one of the pictures below, the toy doesn't appear to have ever been played with. all the components are still within the rubber bands holding them in place. The only deterioration is in the plastic wrapping.

However, once I had the LGB shelf in order and put the sofa back in place, I wound up laying components for another project I need finished by the end of the week on the sofa.  LOL It's a process, I tell you.

The meeting with the retired Combat Training Officer was an amazing experience. Listening to him talk was an emotional experience. He answered all of my probability questions and I finally feel as if I have everything I need to finish An Ozarks Homecoming.  Now to just make the time. 

My problem is I can not work in chaos - I think I've mentioned this a time or two. With the studio remodel in progress and needing my 'office' off the dining room table by this Wednesday, my real focus has been on the studio project and things I can move out of my way once the one creative project is finished. I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I need to locate a couple of organization items tomorrow and the rest should be here Wednesday. I'm so ready for this to be done and be able to write with a clear head.

I will only get three work days this week. Bob will be home on Wednesday after being gone a full month! The weekend belongs to him. 

*  Make the house presentable

*  Get blog posts for the next two weeks set up

*  Continue to get studio/ office in order. 

Keep in mind, while the studio and office are in the same room I do have specific areas for each. Right now I'm focusing on the studio part. With that, the 'office' work station will be on the large island in the middle of the room. Phase 2 - the 'office' is going to take a bit longer - probably during my holiday break. 

I have been using my HB90 planner. Right now my kanban plan is in the planner. I don't have space to put the physical board up in the office just yet.  Part of my board tickets are for the blog posts for the month of August as well as continuing progress on the studio. 

We have the final two Something Blue authors this week then we'll be moving on to new books and authors. Holiday stories should be coming out beginning this month. I'm ready for holiday reads! Who's with me?

All my best

~Angela

 

 

FRIDAY PHOTO - Returns!

 Good morning, everyone!

To help us all get back to writing - anything, something, warm-up exercises... what every you need. I hope you'll sign up for the emails to get notified when these post or just plan to pop back in every Friday for a bit of writing.

Whether you need to warm up a bit before working on your main project, need a little inspiration for a scene.... Friday's are all about the joy of writing. 

From now on, Friday's will be a short greeting and a photo. That's it. 

Here we go!

Since we talked about Journey yesterday, let's use a travel photo:

Photo courtesy of dreamypixel

All my best

~Angela

WRITER TIP THURSDAY - Reality Check!

 Good morning, everyone!

Courtesy of Pixabay photographer

Before I go any farther I have to point out the significance of this photo. While my tip today is about the journey of an author, I had a serendipity moment in choosing a 'journey' related photo. See the key fob? My new car is a Toyota 4-Runner. I've applied for a personalized plate - IWRITE

Okay, back to today's tip.

Becoming an author, especially one who wants to be a writer as a business, is a journey.

For years, I've dabbled in lots of things - most writing related or could be translated back to writing in some way. As I learn more about what is involved in making this a business (mind you this realization comes at the ripe old age of 60!), I'm realizing as the business part grows, some of those other things will have to go. The reality check can be painful... but from pain comes new growth.

So here my writing tip for this week:

Make the journey a part of you. Journal about the changes you're experiencing, how you feel, how you've come to this point in your life.

I found this blog post from writepads.com  In the mean time, I wish you success on your journey, wherever it takes you.

All my best

~Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - SOMETHING BLUE - Lizzie Shane

 Good morning!

I want to jump right in to today's author. We are almost through! While I've enjoyed the stories in this anthology, I'm ready to pick up new reads and new authors. Look for today's author to make a re-appearance in November.

AMAZON   B & N   KOBO

Today's author is Lizzie Shane. Not only does she craft sweet romances suitable for Harlequin but she also showcases books AND their heat level on her BOOKSHELF. I love how she shows all of her contemporary romances on her sight. Proving we can always learn something new in this business!

Today, we're getting to know Lizzie Shane and her contribution to the anthology.

Here's a bit about Lizzie:

After graduating from Northwestern University, Lizzie began trying to make it as a fiction writer while exploring the world. She has written her way through all fifty states and over fifty countries!

She began writing paranormal romance in 2009 under the pen name Vivi Andrews.

Several more years would pass before she published her first contemporary romance, 'Marrying Mister Perfect'. Lizzie Shane was a RWA Rita finalist several times but her favorite claim to fame is losing on Jeopardy. 

Lizzie now writes the Pine-Hollow rom-com series with Grand Central/ Forever publishing where every happily-ever-after begins with adopting an adorable rescue dog. She also writes sweet romance for Hallmark Publishing.

WEDDING VEILS AND PUPPY TALES – Lizzie Shane

When a mischievous puppy shreds his sister’s wedding gown only days before the ceremony, Kellan will need the help of small-town seamstress Lily to save his sister’s big day—but the real challenge might be hanging on to his heart.

Awww... a hero with a love for his sister and a mischievous puppy? One of the sweetest stories I've read in this anthology.

Releases November 22, 2022

Pre-Order

BLURB:

Best friend? Yes. Boyfriend? Absolutely not!

A Jane Austen fan gets more than she bargained for when she swears off men and adopts and adorable puppy.

Make sure to check out her Vivi Andrews page for Award-winning Paranormal Romance!

You'll find Lizzie Shayne by clicking on the following links:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best

~Angela

 

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - SOMETHING BLUE - Victoria Schade

Good morning, everyone!

I've been battling horrid headaches the last few days so I'm slower than usual - if that's possible. I'm in the process of redoing my art studio/ writing office and have been painting furniture. While I'm painting outside, I bring the pieces in at night and put them in the office. Since opening windows in this heat is not an option, I think the fumes are causing the headaches. That and the AC from the office blowing straight at the back of my head at the dining room table where I usually work when Bob is gone.

AMAZON   B & N   KOBO

We're coming to the end of our SOMETHING BLUE author spotlights. 

Here's a bit of background on Victoria Schade:

Victoria Schade has been a dog trainer and writer for over twenty years. During that time, her dog duties have included working behind the scenes on Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl as the lead animal wrangler, appearing on two seasons of the Animal Planet show, Faithful Friends and creating dog training content and appearing in educational videos for a variety of pet-centric websites. Victoria's favorite way to share her dog knowledge is through her books, whether in a how-to manual like "Bonding With Your Dog" or woven into her novels like "Who Rescued Who" or "Lost Found & Forever".

Victoria shares her 1850's always-in-need-of-renovations home with Millie the Smooth Brussels Griffon (who wants you to know that she is not a skinny pug), Olive the mixed breed  dog, the occasional foster pup, and her incredibly tolerant husband, Tom.

ALWAYS AND FUREVER – Victoria Schade

As the official wedding dog attendant for the biggest society event of the season, Sarah Gardner knows she can’t afford to slip up, but “Best Dog” Clarence might be her toughest client yet. Seems the canine ring bearer managed to lose one of the rings right before the ceremony, and it’s up to Sarah and handsome venue owner Sam Parsons to track it down before the vows.

Aside from kids in my romance, reads, I'm a gonner for animals of all types. All of our animals except 1 beat of a black cat have all been rescues. Most wild animals that pass through our yard are not afraid of me. Bob calls me Mrs. Doolittle. So, yeah, you have me at woof or meow... whichever the case may be.

AMAZON

Her most recent book, DOG FRIENDLY, released in late June of this year. 

You can find out more about Victoria Schade and purchase her books by following the links below:

FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

BOOKBUB   AUDIO   SIMONSCHUSTER   THRIFTBOOKS

I'll be back tomorrow with Lizzie Shane.

All my best

~Angela

 

WRITER'S TIP THURSDAY - Research

 Good morning, everyone!

I wanted to stop in quick this morning and talk about research. 

Can you do too much? How much should you include in your story? 

If you've been following this blog then you know I've really been hung up on the research for An Ozarks Homecoming. Will I include everything I've learned? Not even close. However, when it comes to the military, there are things you just can't screw up!

Courtesy of Pixabay photographer

I thought I had everything I needed until I realized my hero's internal struggle. I think, aside from the military stuff I had to get right, not knowing Marc's issues was the real dam holding everything back. I knew things weren't flowing but I hadn't located the dam.

Once I connected dots in my head and realized Marc was suffering from survivor's guilt I knew I needed to actually talk to a combat training officer. I was blessed to have made a connection with one guy from our local farmer's market. While he hadn't served in that capacity, he was able to put me in touch with someone who had. Jason is a retired combat training offer AND had mustered out from Fort Polk - right where Marc had the experience! 

While Jason doesn't talk about his military service, he did spend almost an hour with me on Tuesday answering my questions, filling in gaps and sharing a couple of stories about his own experiences. WOW!

I wish I hadn't been too tired to work when I got home but was after 9 p.m. by the time I got  home. For someone who gets up at 5:30 a.m., it was way past my bedtime. 

Will I include everything I learned from our talk? Not even close. Just having that background information is enough to help me tell Marc's story. 

Thank you, Jason, for your time and your service

All my best

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - SOMETHING BLUE - Annie Raines

 Good morning!

Going to be a triple-digit scorcher today and the rest of the week. I'm glad I'm working in the studio for the duration.

AMAZON   B & N   KOBO

Today, we have a very prolific author with some big news I'll be sharing later in this post.

Here's a bit about Annie Raines:

Annie Raines is a USA Today best selling author of small-town contemporary romances full of hope and heart. After years of dreaming about being an author, Annie published her first book in 2015. She's been chasing deadlines and happy-ever-afters for her characters ever since.

When she isn't writing, Annie is usually spending time with her husband and three children, binging Netflix, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

A WEDDING TO REMEMBER – Annie Raines

After a fall and bump on the head, Reese Whittaker seems to have forgotten the last six months and falling for the man she’s about to marry in T-minus two days. The last thing she remembers is hating Patrick Jamison because he’s just swiped her dream job for himself. Reese’s only hope is getting her memory back because otherwise, the wedding of her dreams will feel more like a nightmare.

AMAZON

Her most recent book, The Match Breaker Summer, released April 5th. 

That news I promised you?  Well, I'll let Annie tell you about it. CLICK HERE for the details!

You can catch up with Annie Raines all across the internet by following any of the links below:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   TWITTER   PINTEREST

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

I'll be back tomorrow to share my own writing tip. 

All my best

~Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - SOMETHING BLUE - Robyn Neeley

Good morning, everyone!

I have two more authors to share this week. While the temps sore back into the triple digits this week, we're going to keep things sweet and cool here in the studio. Grab your favorite cold drink and let's get started!!

 

AMAZON   B & N   KOBO

Today, I'm shining the spotlight on Robyn Neeley and her story in the anthology, Her Purrfect Plus. One.

Here's a bit about Robyn Neeley:

She writes sweet and sassy contemporary romance with heart and humor. She loves nothing more than exploring super cute small towns, is fueled by Dunkin Donuts mocha iced coffee and spends her evenings curled up with a glass of wine and a Hallmark movie. She also loves everything about  honeybees and am obsessed with honey. 

Maybe I should link her to Biron the Bee Who Couldn't. 

HER PURRFECT PLUS ONE – Robyn Neeley

When Buttermilk Falls bookshop manager Chelsea Lowndes finds a stray kitten left outside her shop’s door, her curiosity turns to shock when around its neck is a note stating that the owner of the purring feline is the purrfect one for her.

Robyn has several books set in Buttermilk Falls. She also has two audio books in the Purrfect series. You'll need search Amazon for the PURRFECT SERIES - ROBYN NEELEY or go to the BOOKS tab on her website and click on AUDIBLE

Her most recent book, Jingle Jammies, came out in October of 2021.

You can find out more about Robyn Neeley and her books by clicking on the following links:

WEBSTIE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   TWITTER   

BOOK BUB   GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

I'll be back tomorrow with Annie Raines.

All my best

~ Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Back On Track!!

Good morning, everyone!

Wow, after last week I'm ready for a fresh start.

I didn't get any writing done last week because I crunched to get things out of the way in preparation for a FREE on-line writer's conference I heard about from Sarra Cannon earlier in the week.

WEBSITE

I encourage everyone to check out the website and watch the videos. Just go to SCHEDULE 2022 then click on the YouTube icon next to the sessions that interest you.

This was an intense three days of great information on both Writing and Publishing. My brain is kind of on over-load as I took copious notes and screenshots from most of the sessions. I still have a few to go back and watch thanks to a migraine that hit on Friday. I made connections with some really great people and found some new sprinting groups I hope to take part in. 

One thing that was a REAL eye-opener is how much time this whole writing business thing is going to take. I mean, I KNEW but I just didn't absorb the enormity of the process. I know the over-all journey is an evolution and I'll get there. That's what Sarra Cannon's HB90 course is all about - avoiding the overwhelm while still moving the needle forward.   

The coordinators realized they probably could have timed this better, since this is Camp Nano month so they've scheduled the 2023 YouTube conference for June 23-25, 2023.  Mark your calendar for an amazing conference from the comfort of your own home!

Speaking of Sarra Cannon, She did an awesome presentation on Saturday talking about Planning To Thrive. She is a planner girl and pretty much everything she does involves a planner. She also just opened registration for the Publish & Thrive course that starts in a few weeks. Here's her video with all the details:

PUBLISH & THRIVE INFORMATION VIDEO

Note that she does offer payment options as well as a bundle savings when you purchase Publish and Thrive PLUS the HB90

I do have a busy week but one I'm SUPER excited about.

I have an interview later today with a retired combat training officer from Ft. Polk Army training grounds. This interview should clinch the research I need to finish An Ozarks Homecoming. I don't recall if I mentioned but a few months back I finally realized what my hero's internal struggle is - all stemming from an incident when he was stationed at Ft. Polk. However, I'm determined to not misrepresent the military in any way so I needed to find someone who could tell me if the incident that led to his struggle is plausible. Jason should be able to answer those questions. 

For this week:

1 - Continue work on studio

2 - Kanban board

3 - Write 500 words per day minimum - beginning today!

The 500 word per day challenge came as a result of meeting  Joe from SixCats Press during the AuthorTube Conference. I'll link his video down below. I'm a few days behind to be in sync with him but as Amber McCue would say - I'm right on time!

That pretty much brings you up to speed. I'll be back tomorrow and Wednesday with the next two Something Blue anthology authors - Robyn Neeley and Annie Rains.

All my best

~ Angela

 

THE WRITER'S NEST - Denise N. Wheatley

 Good morning, everyone!

It's time to peek into another author's creative space. I love these posts!

Here's a quick reminder Bio:

I am a lover of romance, happy endings and the art of storytelling. My first novel, I WISH I NEVER MET YOU, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2004. I've since traditionally published several novels and novellas, including contemporary suspense and paranormal romance. I am currently working with Harelquin Intrique and Tule Publishing. I strive to create characters who are strong, colorful and relatable, and tell entertaining stories that embody matters of the heart.

If you missed other posts from this week, check out Tuesday and Thursday's posts this week.

Let's go inside!

Describe your writing nest?

While I do have a desk, I love sitting on my purple leather couch and writing in front of the television. It’s so cozy and doesn’t feel too formal.  I also like sitting on my gray suede stools and writing at my kitchen island. Again, this feels less formal than a desk, and the open space helps me keep a clear head. But that area can be dangerous considering I’m so close to the snacks!

What is it about this space that inspires you?

When I’m writing from the couch, the tv is on but the volume is very low. This space inspires me because the sofa is so comfy, and I usually have a true crime program playing in the background. That’s very motivating when I’m writing my thrillers. As for my Christmas novels, I love playing holiday movies while I write, no matter the time of year. Seeing all the snow and holiday decorations on screen, while snuggling underneath a blanket and working on a laptop, really helps get the creative juices flowing. 

Has finding your space been an evolving journey? How so?

Finding the right space has definitely been an evolving journey. If I’m not comfortable in my surroundings, then my writing will suffer. I’ve actually moved homes in order to find the perfect space, where I feel inspired to churn out my best work. Meeting deadlines is important as well. If you’re not content with your writing space, not only can your writing suffer, but it may be difficult to get your manuscript handed in on time.

Anything you would change?

I should probably try getting behind my desk every now and then since the comfy couch is a welcome space for napping! But for now, it’s working for me. Danelle Steele has a handcrafted desk designed to look like a stack of her books. It is absolutely gorgeous. I’d love to add my own bookstack desk to my writing nook one of these days.

Be sure to check out Denise's latest book:

AMAZON

THE HEART-SHAPED MURDERS is Book 1 in the West Coast Crime series.

Catching serial killers is her specialty
Until one follows her home

Attacked and left with a partial heart-shaped symbol carved into her chest, forensic investigator Lena Love finds her latest hunt has become personal. But leaving LA to return to her hometown comes with its own danger—like detective David Hudson, the love she left behind. And soon sparks fly, even as Lena is targeted and stalked, and bodies—all marked with the killer’s signature heart—are discovered in David’s jurisdiction…

I've not read this book (just purchased on Kindle to read this afternoon) to post a review as of yet. Please check back later in the week.

In the mean time, you can find out more about Denise N. Wheatley by following any of the links below.

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM    TIKTOK   

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

You can purchase any of Denise N. Wheatley books by clicking the following links:

AMAZON   B & N   KOBO   Books2Read

I'll see you back here tomorrow when I'll pop in the Something Blue author I missed last week - Tif Marcelo

All my best

~Angela