Thank you, Delilah, for inviting me to visit with your readers.
Writing is hard. There, I said it. I’m in the middle of, well, actually closer to finishing, a somewhat major revision of my work-in-progress. I say somewhat major but what I mean is a massive overhaul of all aspects of the book – character arcs, plot, inner conflicts, the whole kit and kaboodle. And that is hard, difficult, painful. By the end of the day my brain is mush and can just about function enough to get supper on the table. Ask me a difficult question and expect blood to flow from a cranial orifice.
Alas, I’m not one of those lucky people who can relax in front of the TV. I have to be doing something whilst streaming my latest obsession (Penny Dreadful) or enjoying an old black & white comedy (Arsenic and Old Lace).
That’s where crafts come into play. Even before I began this writing career I’ve done something whilst viewing TV. I’ve been stitching counted cross-stitch samplers and Christmas ornaments for more years than I can count. Every family member and most friends have received at least one cross-stitched item as a gift. Rug hooking is a newer craft to me, introduced to me by my mom. I’m now completely addicted. Knitting is a craft I’ve been pursuing for decades. Most members of my family have received at least one hand-knitted item as a gift as well. These crafts are not mindless activities. But they use a different area of my brain, and they use different muscles in my hands and arms. So after eight hours of tapping at the keyboard, devising obstacles for my characters and creating fictional worlds, I curl up on the chesterfield with my needle or hook and create something soft and tangible.
Do you have a craft or an activity you use to unwind at the end of the day?
One commenter will receive a hand-knitted (by me) washcloth
and a bar of handcrafted soap. (USA and Canada only.)
If Wishes Were Earls
A mysterious letter and an enchanted keepsake promise to lead Miranda to her heart’s desire. Or does her heart secretly yearn for more than a sexy earl?
When a mysterious note directs Miss Miranda Large to a tiny village in Cornwall to find her heart’s desire, she has no choice but to go. An enchanted keepsake heightens her curiosity. A snowstorm forces her to accept the hospitality of a sullen, albeit sexy and handsome, earl and Miranda’s wish doesn’t seem so out of reach.
Edward Penhallion, the 12th Earl of Claverlock, is not in the mood to start his search for a new wife. He wants to be left alone with his books and his dreams of revenge. But the arrival of a headstrong, sharp-tongued spinster forces him to play the charming host. Not a difficult task, given her intelligence and beauty. Suddenly, he’s not terribly eager for her to leave.
But as the snow falls and the winds blow, Edward discovers there’s more to Miranda than a lively wit and a lovely face. And Miranda wonders if the trappings of wealth are enough for true happiness.
Buy Links: Amazon | Nook | Kobo | iBooks
All other retailers: https://www.draft2digital.com/book/209375
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I also do counted cross stitch while watching TV. My hands are always busy. I also sew a lot. I taught sewing in Home Economics for high school students. 1 student out of the entire class, really loved sewing. I helped several girls, over the years, make their prom dresses. Everyone else just thought it was an easy credit.
I am so excited to read this book. I love the cover, and everything I have read so far. You are quite the talent.
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Good morning, Audrey, thanks for stopping by! I used to do a lot of sewing, making my own clothes and those for my boys. I’ve also done a bit of machine piecing for quilt making. Now I drag my sewing machine out of the closet only to mend or hem.
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Many years ago I was very crafty. In high school, I sewed all my own clothes, including my graduation dress and a long, sleeveless, red velvet formal for the Christmas dance. The “boys” in my class still remember that dress (mind you – I will be celebrating my 50th reunion in a few more years, and maybe it has to do with the fact I actually had a nice figure back then 🙂 ). I used to knit and crochet, tried pottery, weaving, reupholstering. Someday, I’ll go back to some of those things. My biggest “craft” these days is cooking – I love to invent recipes and actually made a living at this at one point in my life. Luanna- LOVED this book! I highly recommend it-since it kept me up to the wee hours two nights in a row.
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I wish I could knit, but alas, it requires too many skills for me to find it comfortable. I did knit a scarf once but then unraveled it because it was horrible. I crochet and this is much more my league with the only needle. I did cross stitch. I’ve sewn baby blankets and clothes, and I’ve done some painting (both walls and pictures). I need the craft to fall back on when the writing isn’t working. Best wishes on IF WISHES WERE EARLS! I can’t wait to read it!
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I used to do crewel work, made my kids clothes, painted, etc. The eyesight and arthritis have doomed me from continuing, so now I’m left with flower and furniture arranging. I don’t watch TV but would have no trouble sitting–or perhaps lying down–and doing absolutely nothing, LOL. I usually unwind by looking at pretty Pinterest pictures of English cottages and china. I keep saving recipes but am not apt to ever cook them!
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I love to crochet and like to do that while watching TV. It also keeps me from snacking. LOL
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Hi Deb N., boy you are a crafty person, hehe. I also love cooking, playing around with ingredients and flavours. Thank you so much for your kind words about my book. I’m thrilled that you liked it.
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Hi Teagan! I find crocheting more challenging than knitting – go figure, LOL. Thanks for stopping by!
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Hi Maggie, I hear you about the aches and pains whilst doing crafts. I developed “tennis elbow” while working on a large cross stitch project – all that repetitive bending caught up with me. Along the same lines as your Pinterest viewing of cottages, I like to explore vacation rental sites and dream about staying at in country cottages and Paris apartments, hehe. Thanks for visiting!
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Hi Debra G., Avoiding snacks is another reason why I like to keep my hands occupied whilst viewing TV! Many times I’ve thought about grabbing a handful of chips, but then I realize I’ll have to wash my hands afterward to rid them of grease before I pick up my knitting again, and I’m too lazy, so I skip the chips, hehe. Thanks for dropping by!
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I did a lot of counted cross stitch back in the 1980’s but gave it up when my neck and shoulders started bothering me. Now reading is what I do to relax.
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Hi ButtonsMom2003, It seems a lot of these “easy” crafts can be hard on the body. All that repetitive movement coupled with tense muscles leads to aches and pains. Reading is much easier on the body! Thanks for stopping by!!