AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - SOMETHING BLUE - Makenna Lee

 

AMAZON   B & N   KOBO

Good morning, everyone!

I know things have been a bit slow here but they'll pick up, I promise. Bob leaves next Tuesday so I can get back to a regular schedule. 

Today, I'm introducing you to Makenna lee and her story in the SOMETHING BLUE anthology. 

Makenna Lee is an award-winning romance author living in the Texas Hill Country with her real-life hero and their two children. Her oldest son has Down syndrome and taught her to appreciate the little things. He inspired her first Harlequin book A SHERIFF'S STAR. Her writing journey began when she mentioned all her story ideas and her husband asked why she wasn’t writing them down. The next day she bought a laptop, started her first book, and knew she’d found her passion. Makenna is often drinking coffee while writing, reading, or plotting a new story. She enjoys renaissance festivals, nature photography, studying herbal medicine, and usually listens to Celtic music while writing. Her wish is to write books that touch your heart, making you feel, think, and dream.

Here is her story from SOMETHING BLUE:

SOMETHING LOST – SOMETHING FOUND – Makenna Lee

When an injured dancer moves home to take over her grandmother’s wedding venue on the family’s estate, she discovers the Nashville musician who broke her heart has inherited the caretaker’s cottage, and his four-year-old son with Down syndrome is counting on him to be both dad and mom. A lost and found ring, a special child and wedding planning chaos just might lead to a new beginning.

Most of my readers know by now that if a story includes kids or pets, you have me from the beginning. But there is something about a special needs child that tugs at my heart strings. They are just like every other child but often portrayed as anything other than 'normal'. No one is 'normal' in my book. Everyone is special in their own right.  

Another aspect of this story pulled me in. I also promote classic country, blue grass, Texas, red-dirt music as part of my weekly schedule (though that's been lacking in the past few months). I'm not a fan of the 'new' country or what Nashville is doing to their historic musical past. If I ever wanted to write a controversial article or book, I'd write about how this generation wants to tear down the past that brought them to this point. 

You will find more about Makenna Lee by following any of the links below:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   BLOG   BOOKBUB   PINTEREST

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best

~Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - SOMETHING BLUE - Nicole Stockton

 

AMAZON   B & N   KOBO

Good morning, everyone!

Thank you to all the Something Blue authors who let me skip them a bit while I shared the very special Gregg McBride with you.  As I type this, I'm watching his Hallmark movie - A Heavenly Christmas. Have you seen it? 

This week, I'm shining the spotlight on Nicole Flockton and Makenna Lee. 

Today, I'm introducing you to Nicole Flockton.

USA Today Bestselling author Nicole Flockton writes sexy contemporary romance that sparkles and seduces you one kiss at a time. Nicole likes nothing better than taking characters and creating unique situations where they fight for their true love.

On her first school report her teacher noted “Nicole likes to tell her own stories”. It wasn’t until after the birth of her first child and after having fun on a romance community forum that she finally decided to take the plunge and write a book. She is a hybrid author and has published over forty books since 2012.

When she’s not busy writing she’s looking after her very own hero – her wonderfully supportive husband, as well as her two fabulous kids and various fur babies. Her kindle is never far from her reach. She’s a certified chocoholic, Cinderella lover, major BTS fan, sports lover and a glitter aficionado.

Her contribution to the Something Blue anthology -

THE WEDDING RIVALS – Nicole Flockton

When high school rivals find themselves as maid of honor and best man at their best friends’ wedding, it’s game on as to who has the best pre-wedding events planned. Old rivalries are renewed along with the spark of romance that has always simmered below the surface.

I love reunion stories. The Wedding Rivals rings all the bells for me!

You can catch up with Nicole by following any of the following links:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Tomorrow, we'll check in with Makenna Lee.

All my best

~Angela

 

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Time for Family

 Good morning, everyone!

I warned you last week would be a busy week. I got back from the BTP Conference on Sunday, finished flying through the house touch-up before Bob's Mom and her husband arrived on Monday afternoon. They left Wednesday after breakfast. With their departure, I just wanted to breathe. I've promised Bob most of this week belongs to him since he'll be leaving a week from tomorrow. 

He isn't always home for 4th of July. I'm not sure what we'll do since he'll be home but I would be happy sitting on the sofa watching Macy's and Capitol 4th. 

I hope to get the Something Blue authors back tomorrow and Wednesday but at this moment I can't promise.

For one, Tabby finished her antibiotics this morning. With the Feline Leukemia rearing it's ugly head more and more every day, she wants to snuggle with me more and more. I'm a strong believer in that the Earth Mother brings me these animals to make their journey to the Rainbow Bridge a one full of love. 

That said, here is my week:

* Blog what I'm able to fit in

* Finish HB90 course and set up Kanban Board

* Mixed Media art class (Tuesday night)

* Find work table so I can participate in said class

That's it for me this week. What's your adventure?

All my best

~Angela 

THE WRITER'S NEST - Gregg McBride

 Good morning, everyone!

We are winding up a very special week here with a peek inside the writer's nest of writer/ producer, Gregg McBride.

Thank you for joining us today, Gregg.

Describe your writing nest? 

A little messy. A little magical. A lot in flux. There are always various piles on my desk – depending on what’s going on that day (or week). I use a desktop computer and a laptop, so I can write where my whims (and/or inspiration) takes me. Sometimes I love to have a nearby candle lit. There’s usually silence (or very soft ambient music in the background). And there’s always one of my furry children nearby, supervising. I have posters of past work on the wall. And journals full of new ideas on the shelves. It’s a space that inspires creativity. And I feel very lucky to have it.

What is it about this space that inspires you? From nothing, comes something. Whether it’s an empty room or a blank page. Whatever I’m creating (new script, book, or article), it’s coming from inside of my head. So as long as I have a keyboard in front of me, I’m usually good to go. I spend a lot of time thinking and ruminating before the actual writing process begins. Although I’m always taking notes, 24/7 (usually on my phone – thank goodness for the Notes app… I just must remember to look at it sometimes).

Has finding your space been an evolving journey? How so? Always. I don’t really get writer’s block. But I do get writer’s procrastination all the time. I’d rather be editing a finished draft than facing blank pages. There are some toys in my nest, as well as lots of stationery supplies and cards. I’m a card and stationery addict. I love having ribbons and wrapping paper around, too. Anything to inspire whimsy. Even if I happen to be working on a horror script. So I try and keep an influx of new inspirations (no matter how large or small) coming into my writer’s nest at all times.

Anything you would change? I always have ideas about changing my workspace. Or spaces. Just as I would like to think my writing talents evolve, so would the space I choose to do it in. Mood has a lot to do with it. There are times I love to be writing at a coffee shop or public place. Other times I need to be secluded in a room to myself with total silence (except for the furry kids, who make it clear they can and will invade my space anytime they please).

Gregg and Latte

What advice would you give to someone looking to build their own nest? Start with a pad of paper. An email to yourself on your phone. A laptop. A leaf and a magic marker. Whatever you’re going to make the first word of your project. Start there. That’s your space. You’re the space. What you write is going to change the world. No matter on what size the scale is, you’re going to make your mark. So, I’d worry less about the space and more about what you want to say. The space will take shape around you. Whether it’s a back porch, a dark hallway, an immaculate home office – wherever. What you write matters most.

How did you break into Hallmark and what advice would you give to someone trying? I had dreams of writing a Hallmark movie for a long time. Although I had a few encounters with executives at the channel over the years, it wasn’t until I had a general meeting scheduled that got postponed repeatedly that my dream started to come true. When the meeting finally happened, I pitched a one sentence idea about someone who doesn’t like Christmas having to be a Christmas angel. Little did I know that the channel’s planned Hallmark Hall of Fame movie for that year had dropped out the day before my meeting. They needed something. And my idea was it. Suddenly I wasn’t writing just any Hallmark movie, but a highly regarded Hallmark Hall of Fame Christmas movie, which ended up starring Shirley MacLaine, Eric McCormack, and Kristin Davis. Timing is everything. But so is being prepared.

These days, selling a pitch (an idea for a movie, even if well-crafted and planned out) is nearly impossible. Never say never, of course. But if you want to write a Hallmark movie, then you’re better off writing an actual script. But when you do so, make sure you’ve studied other Hallmark movies (recent ones) and read current Hallmark scripts. Things are changing at lightning speed in this industry. The movies that Hallmark was making a few years ago aren’t the movies Hallmark is making today. This is true for other networks that make Christmas and romantic fare as well. You’ve got to stay up to date. And you’ve got to write your little heart out. That way, when that magic moment happens, you’ll be 100% prepared.

Thanks so much for sharing sage advice. I look forward to seeing more projects from you. 

You'll find Gregg by clicking on any of the links below:

WEBSITE   BLOG   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   YouTube   IMDB

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Today Show Appearance on Joy Fit Club

All my best

~Angela

WRITER'S TIP THURSDAY - Gregg McBride

 Good morning, everyone!

I hope you've been enjoying our visit with Gregg McBride. Today, he is sharing a writing tip with us.

Write your heart out. It’s a craft. And a skill. And you get better with every word you put onto paper. And also? Read? Whatever medium you want to write, take a deep dive into other examples. You’ll read stuff that inspires you. And stuff you want to edit. And stuff you won’t want to finish reading. But it’s all valuable. It all informs you voice. Find what works. Find what doesn’t. Then set out to make your mark with your own worlds that audiences don’t even know they’re hungry for – yet.

Love this tip! 

Thanks Gregg!

You'll find links to all Gregg's social media connections below:

WEBSITE   BLOG   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   YouTube   IMDB

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Today Show Appearance on Joy Fit Club

All my best

~Angela

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Biron The Bee Who Couldn't

 Good morning, everyone!

I haven't done an actual review in awhile and this book is not a romance. It's so much more! 

BIRON THE BEE Webpage

Before I get into the review, I want you to notice the beautiful cover done by artist Anaïs Chartschenko . Anais will be a guest on my KellysCreativeDream blog soon.

So what incredible story inspired her artwork?

Biron the bee isn’t sure he wants to be like the rest of the bees in his hive. But he doesn’t know what he would be good at besides making honey. Thus begins the delightful adventures of a sprightly little bee with a big imagination. When all of Biron’s exciting ideas are discouraged, he wonders if any of his dreams “as big as the sky” can come true. His amusing exploits take him from honey homes to spaceships with wings, until he’s finally reminded of the importance of believing in himself – “there’s no one but you who can get in your way.”

Artist AnaisChartschenko has done a beautiful job of bring Biron, his exploits and friends he meets along the way, to life. 

I love the fact that while this book is written for children, any age can identify with the premise. Even adults struggle with being able to attain their dreams or what they want to be 'when they grow up'. The rest of the blurb for this book says:

Written in an easy -to-understand, rhythmic and whimsical style that’s accompanied by bright, colorful illustrations, this collectible children’s book’s gentle reminder to never set limits on yourself makes it a wonderful gift for children of all ages (including adults who might also need a little reminding that they’re never too old to dream big and reach for the stars).

That's why Sarra Cannon's HB90 course as well as her Publish & Thrive are great tools. Her process in each course, whether you want to be an author or boost your productivity, she helps guide you to finding out who you are and how to get where you want to be.

You met the author, Gregg McBride yesterday, but if you missed that introduction, you can see it HERE.

Known for his Hallmark Movie, A Heavenly Christmas as well as columns in Psychology Today and The Huffington Post, Gregg shows his diversity as a writer... a path we can all walk if we want to and set out on the adventure to achieve our dreams.

Here is a short video from Anais' YouTube Channel

You can pick up your copy in either Hardcover, Paperback or eBook by clicking on the following links:

AMAZON   B & N   APPLE   WALMART

All my best

~Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Gregg McBride

 Good morning, everyone!

My head is buzzing with all I have to share with you this week. My posts are all about my friend, Gregg McBride.

While we've not met in person, Gregg and I formed a quick friendship on twitter when he began sharing video clips of the six kittens he was fostering. I looked forward to those morning bursts of love on my twitter feed. Over the past year, Gregg and I have found a sync that is just magical. I hope to meet him in person some day, but for now Twitter, Instagram and emails are our lines of communication.

Here's a bit about Gregg McBride:

Gregg is a film and television writer/ producer and speaker/ motivator whose Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, A Heavenly Christmas, premiered to the highest ratings in Hallmark Channel history. Other recent credits include the drama series Sister Code for BET and the dance movie Brand New Moves for Nickelodeon. Having once weighed over 450 pounds, Gregg has made multiple appearances on the Today Show and is the author of the books Weightless and Just Stop Eating So Much. His public speaking engagements include appearances for McCann Health Worldwide and Frontier Airlines. He is also a featured blogger for Psychology Today and The HuffingtonPost as well as a meditation teacher for Insight Timer. Gregg lives with his husband on the west coast, where they are both very involved in animal rescue.  Gregg just released his first children’s book – Biron the Bee Who Couldn’t.

Please check back tomorrow when I will be highlighting his children's book.

NOTE: 

My computer seems to have eaten the email from Gregg containing everything I need for this week. I'm hoping he still has his copy.  This puts Thursday and Friday posts on hold. Please stay tuned!

Remember, I said we bonded through our love of cats. Here is a short video of just some of the precious kitties Gregg has fostered. Feel the love.

You will find Gregg through any of the links below as well as in his BIO above.

WEBSITE   BLOG   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   YouTube   IMDB

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Today Show Appearance on Joy Fit Club

All my best

~Angela

 

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Busy Week!

 Good morning, everyone!

Have you been checking out the Something Blue authors? These gals are super talented. 

Speaking of talented folks, I have a fabulous surprise for you this week. How many of you have seen A HEAVENLY CHRISTMAS on the Hallmark Channel during Christmas?

That movie is one of my favorite and 'must-see' holiday movies. The movie has also brought me a dear friend, Gregg McBride.  Gregg wrote the story. You can find out more about him on his YOUTUBE Channel

Gregg just released his first children's book - Biron the Bee Who Couldn't, released last Friday. In his honor, I'm stepping away from the Something Blue authors to shine the spotlight on Gregg all week long! You won't want to miss all Gregg has to share.

This week and next are super-busy for me. Bob comes home Wednesday, I leave for the Between The Pages writing conference on Friday. I'll get home on Sunday night and my in-laws arrive the following Tuesday. The house is my main focus this week. They've not visited in six years.

Beyond that, I really want to spend quality time with Bob. We've not just enjoyed each other's company in his past two trips home. With that in mind, I will do my best to schedule blog posts ahead between cleaning jags and conference time. 

We had the live kick-off for the Q3 of HB90 boot camp. If you recall, I had cracked my ribs two days before the Q2 kick off so the whole thing kind of tanked. I'm healthy and ready to make Q3 a productive quarter. By the weather forecast, the temps are going to be unbearably hot for the remaining of the summer so a good time to stay in and stay focused.

I'm also hoping to participate in Camp Nano and get serious about writing/ finishing Book 2. I am hoping to meet with the combat training officer on Wednesday to get a couple of questions answered. Bob will leave on the 5th so I will have the rest of the month to pound out words! I should have a word count bar up on my blog soon, courtesy of Sarra Cannon's husband, George. 

My Top 3 for this week:

1 - Put studio back together.

      I'm after Progress, not Perfection.  My in-laws haven't seen the studio since they helped lay the floor six years ago. All we had was walls and windows at the time.

2 - Straighten up the rest of the house. Presentable not Perfect

3 - Pack and be ready to enjoy three days of being with writer folks and being away from the house!

I'll be back tomorrow to shine the spotlight on Gregg McBride. I hope you'll join me!

All my best

~AngelaBTP

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - SOMETHING BLUE - Marianne Evans

AMAZON   B & N   KOBO

Good morning!

We are back with our second author of the week. Today, we're shining the spotlight on author, Marianne Evans.

Here's a bit about Marianne:

Happily married and the mother of two, Marianne is a devotee of all things royal, catering to her family (especially her grand joy!) and she is shamelessly bossed around by her cats. She’s a lifelong resident of Michigan who is active in American Christian Fiction Writers. She also served two terms as President of the Greater Detroit chapter of Romance Writers of America.

You can read the official complete bio on her website HERE.

LOVE BY ACCIDENT – Marianne Evans

Mix a rescue puppy and unguarded frittata, and wedding reception chaos is sure to ensue. While Emily Carpenter and Raylen Preston deal with frittata-ghedon, sparks fly. But can a magical second-chance wedding celebration lead these two wounded hearts to their own happy ending?

I don't know about you but I can't pass up a story with children or pets. Get ready to laugh!

You'll find Marianne Evans by clicking on the following links:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK    INSTAGRAM   TWITTER   PINTEREST

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

 

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - SOMETHING BLUE - Melinda Curtis

 

AMAZON   B & N   KOBO

Good morning, everyone!

This week we continue our series with the SOMETHING BLUE anthology authors. Today, we're shining the spotlight on Melinda Curtis.

Here's an interesting bio from her Amazon author page:

Prior to writing romance, Melinda was a junior manager for a Fortune 500 company, which meant she flew on the private jet she was relegated to the jump seat – otherwise known as the potty. After grabbing her pen (and a parachute) she made the jump to full-time writer. She recently came to grips with the fact that she’s an empty nester and a (very young) grandma, concepts easier to grasp than jet-setting on a potty. 

Melinda's story is - ALWAYS YOU

Cassie Andrews and Jude Turner were inseparable in high school. But Cassie went away to college to become a doctor and Jude stayed in Beacon Bay to buy and run the family bait shop. Somewhere along the line they decided to go their separate ways. Now Cassie’s back for a friend’s wedding and sparks are rekindled. But is she home to stay?

I found the story line interesting in that the Heroine is the one that went away to medical school. Even in today's world we still think of the Hero going that direction. I hear the waves of Beacon Bay beckoning Cassie. What do you think?

AMAZON

Aside from being in the Something Blue anthology, Melinda Curtis recently released this digital box set (May 24, 2022)

You'll find Melinda Curtis by clicking any of the following links:

    WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM

PINTEREST   GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Official News!

 Good morning, everyone!

Before I give the details, let me say that I am OFFICIALLY back to work. 

I was talking with my sister this morning and she is concerned about my health. I don't seem to have a lot of the usual energy these days. 

Let's start with - I'm 60! Not sure how the hell that happened but it is what it is.

Next - As of January I have been diabetic for three years. My whole dietary thing has had to change

More importantly - Because of the first two, bouncing back from things is taking longer. I went from a 7-day stomach flu, to cracking two ribs, to trying to have the energy to have a semi-clean house for company from England, to dealing with a head cold/ spring sinus stuff. Dreary, rainy weather hasn't helped my mood.  

To top it off, my sweet Tabby had several teeth removed last week as a result of a recent diagnosis of Feline Leukemia. This means her life span will be shorter than most cats. As a result, we snuggle a lot. She is a mommy's girl and wants to sleep wherever I am so we've taken to napping every day. 

I'm also starting a book I'm hoping will help me over this. 

AMAZON

The book by Reader's Digest is about creating an overall lifestyle that will not only reverse diabetes but make life 'livable' again. Not just about lowering blood sugar but better health in general. I'll keep you posted.

As I said, I'm back to work this week - a full seven days of productivity. I'm not going to be working on my book for a couple more weeks, but I have a plan I'll share with you later. Aside from work, this week is all about getting the house in order before my mother-in-law's arrival on the 21st. She hasn't visited since my office was nothing more than walls and her husband helped Bob lay the floor. 

My Top 3 for this week:

1 - Blog/ video posts for creative business up and running as far into the month as I can

2 - FINALLY getting stuff in my etsy shop!

3 - Get the basics of the office organized

That's certainly enough to keep me out of trouble with the low energy level I have. 

What's on your agenda for the week?

Whatever you have going on, know that you can't do everything at once. Pick something and run with it!

All my best

~Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - SOMETHING BLUE - Cassidy Carter

 

AMAZON   KOBO   B & N

Good morning, everyone! 

By the time you read this, my dear Tabby cat will be minus several teeth. I feel so bad for her. She isn't even 5 years old! There is lots of napping with momma time. That's her favorite thing to do - curl up in my lap and either watch TV or go to sleep.

Today, we're meeting Cassidy Carter. Here's a little bit about this talented lady:

With strong, relatable heroines and heroes too loveable not to fall for, Cassidy Carter crafts sweet, fun, family-centered romances that will win readers’ hearts. When not writing, Cassidy can be found digging in the garden or lost in a good book. Originally from the South, she now lives in the desert Southwest with her husband, two daughters, and a cattle dog that has never seen a lick of work.

Cassidy's story in the anthology is SOMETHING BORROWED 

When bridesmaid Catherine Katz tries on the bride’s ring before her best friend’s wedding, she doesn’t count on Lennox Miller, her former fiancée, catching her in the act—or not being able to get the ring off. She doesn’t want Len’s help, but now she needs it. During their race together to try and free her before the ceremony begins, Catherine begins to see that her own old love story might potentially have a new ring to it.

You'll find Cassidy Carter via the following links:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

 All my best

~Angela