I love asking all manner of questions. Does that make me nosy? I think I’m just eternally curious. People are so different. Some folks think that everyone despite culture, religion, etc., is the same inside, want the same things deep down. I’ve lived all over the world, and I disagree. We don’t think alike. We don’t value the same things. Many of us love our families, long for a sense of community, but what that means is very individual or very much affected by our upbringing. And how that manifests in behaviors? Whew. Very, very different. You only have to watch the news to know that.

So, I live on a hilltop, my house surrounded by forest. I’m physically isolated (something I love). Foxes, raccoons (some of whom I count as cautious friends), deer, share the pond in my back “yard” with my horses. My daughter lives across the highway. If we stockpiled food and weapons, we’d be typical preppers, because we keep to ourselves mostly, trust only our family, for the most part. But we aren’t gun fanatics, don’t hunt, think most people should have real licenses to own weapons or have children or animals… We have acquaintances, but who do you really know? I know my closest family—quirks and mental disorders (Yeah, I’m not excluding myself! Writers are closet schizophrenics—the voices, you know). If one falls ill, we rally. When one pisses us off, we work through it rather than cut them out—because you have to or you’ll wind up with no one.

I do have a question in all of this ramble. And I hope I didn’t come across as morose, because I am very far from either. Most who know me think I’m weirdly happy most of the time (I use the word weird a lot, only because I recognize that quality in myself and embrace it 🙂 ).  So the question(s)…

Do you think people are the same at their core? Do I have it all wrong? Who are you closest to? Who do you know you can count on? What weirdness do you claim?

“If you’re going to be a successful writer, you’ve got to find the time to write.”

If I’ve heard that once, I’ve heard it a million times. You know what? It’s true. Writers write. It’s what they do. They’re not on Facebook or Twitter fifty times a day, and they’re certainly not watching Real Housewives, or E!news.

They’re writing. Even when they have no words, even when they don’t feel like it, even long after their bodies are begging to go to bed.

Writers write.

Writing is one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had.  And it’s the only job I’ve loved.

It took me time, along with some trial and error, to find what worked and what didn’t.

Here’s what worked for me.

1. Get a planner. You know, one of those spiral bound, hold-in-your-hand, planners. I cannot use the one on my phone. I need something right in front of me that I can write my schedule in every single day. Makes me feel professional too.
2. Before I go to bed I look over my schedule for the next day and for the next week. It helps me know how much writing I’ve got to do and sometimes I even get ahead of my daily word count.
3. Write down your daily word goal. Whether it’s 5K words or 100 words, write it down! If you are seeing that you can’t make your goal, then lower it until you can consistently meet your word count. Once that happens, you’ll find that you can increase your word count goals.
4. I write out my writing schedule first. Then I schedule things around that. Writing takes center stage, and if I know I have an appointment at 11 a.m. then I know I have to get up early to meet my word count for the day. Sometimes I find that 5 p.m. has rolled around and I still haven’t finished, so I go back to writing after dinner time or after my son has gone to bed.
5. Have an accountability partner. I have a group of writers that I write with on-line. We check in every 30 minutes with how many words we’ve written. It helps to have someone there cheering you on. Plus there’s that whole competitive thing. 🙂
6. Make goals. 1 year/3 years/5 years. I’ve done this and at the end of the year I go back and do a review. This is how I’ve met many of my goals and make higher goals for the next year.
7. Cut out things that are not furthering your career. For example, turn off The Real Housewives and get your butt in the chair and write. The same goes for Twitter and Facebook.
8. Cut out toxic people. You know who I’m talking about. Those people who belittle your dreams and constantly tell you you’re just not going to make it. Those people are dangerous to your career and dangerous to your writing soul.
9. Get up early. I get up before dawn so I can enjoy my coffee in peace and quiet and center myself. Whether you pray or meditate, you need this time to look at your day, calm yourself and get ready for the day ahead.
10. Do it anyway. There will be days you sit at the computer, your fingertips poised on the keyboard and freeze. Write anyway. Start typing, even if it doesn’t make sense, until the you have something on the page. Remember, you can always go back and edit.
11. Do it again until it becomes habit. They say it takes 30 days to do something to make it a habit. Write for 30 days until it becomes second nature.
12. Be grateful. Writing is not a race. It’s a journey. Don’t forget to enjoy the little victories along the way and be grateful for the small things. Gratitude brings greatness.

School has started. That means football season is in full swing at my house. Not only do both of my boys play, but we follow a local college team and I follow the Dallas Cowboys (yeah, I know… don’t judge). Our love of the sport creates an unbelievably crazy schedule for the next two months. By November, I’m always left exhausted and wondering WHY we do this every year.

Thankfully my oldest son started “school ball” last year so it took a little pressure off of us. This year he’s a freshman in high school (OMG!! *gnashing of teeth* *pulling of hair*) so his last period is used for athletics and he stays later to finish practice. Easier on mom and dad since it eliminates the pick up and running across town to get him to practice.

Now, my younger son is the only one that has to be chased down and taken to practice.

Honestly – I don’t know how parents with four (or more??!) kids do it. These two run me in circles.

And I’ve never been one of those moms who could drop her kid off at practice and come back two hours later. It’s that “what if” voice in my head that runs through all possible scenarios. When I’m writing, that’s helpful but when it comes to my kiddos, not so much. I see blood and guts and broken bones and a dead cell phone on my end. Makes me nauseous to even think of it.

So… either I, or their dad, spend a lot of time on the sidelines. Not only does it quell my just-in-case paranoia but It allows us an opportunity to be involved in their lives and lets the kids know what they do matters to us.

On the upside… all those practices make for great writing or reading time!

For those of you with equally hectic schedules, how do you make time for those things that you are passionate about (reading, building model trains, making jewelry, puzzles, etc.)? Inquiring minds want to know! Leave me a comment and I’ll enter your name in a drawing for a copy of one of my ebooks (either Down to Business or Risky Business). And if the winner is friends with me on Facebook, I’ll toss in a swag pack also. The drawing will be held on Sunday, Sept. 21 – I’ll post the winner’s name in the comments.

Now… here’s a quick blurb about Mystic’s Touch, my sensual fantasy that came out earlier this year.

When Prince Ceros returns home to take his place on the throne, he falls prey to a mysterious malady that leaves him unable to speak or move, though his thoughts and awareness remain intact. Danet, a talented healer, realizes the prince is alert inside his body. The two are able to share thoughts telepathically. Unfortunately her connection with Ceros may bring unwanted attention to her abilities and result in her banishment from the city.

Their unique bond grows as Danet races to find a remedy for the prince’s condition. Desire turns to love, which makes Danet fear for their future when he awakens. They seek out the villain attempting to take the throne and endeavor to find a way to stay together.

An excerpt:

Danet turned to look at the prince. He was a handsome man. It was a shame to see him trapped in his body this way.

Don’t try to distract me, the prince said.

How was I distracting you?

You were thinking of touching my hair.

I was not.

Yes, you were.

Danet harrumphed. What was your second reason?

My second reason?

You said you had two reasons for asking about my family but only mentioned one.

Ah, yes. I was trying to figure out how your family could be so intertwined with mine, but I don’t remember meeting you before now.

We were introduced once, long ago. As I have already explained, it would have been improper for me to have served you or spent any time in your company. Besides, you have been away from home for many turns of the suns.

Why is it acceptable for you to be in my service now?

I am no longer an innocent maid. I was married for a short time. Besides, completing my apprenticeship allows me a great deal of freedom even though I am not mated. I believe your mother is more concerned with your well-being than any sense of impropriety. Besides, there is little danger of your ravishing me while in this state.

How does she know that you won’t ravish me while overseeing my care?

She shot him a look that would have spoken volumes had he been able to see it. Because your mother knows me better than that.

Does she?

Yes. With one word, she made sure there was nothing to argue.

How unfortunate.

An image flashed through her mind of her straddling his very naked body, both of them sweaty and flushed. Danet tripped over her own feet. She quickly stamped the image down, not knowing if she had conjured it or if he had.

*~*~*

Check out the book trailer for Mystic’s Touch on YouTube:  http://youtu.be/4rcPumYSe5w

You can find Mystic’s Touch at these ebook stores:
EC:  http://www.ellorascave.com/mystic-s-touch.html
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G6MYL8S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00G6MYL8S&linkCode=as2&tag=denagarcom-20&linkId=NY4TL5EL6IX3WJM2
B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mystics-touch-dena-garson/1117433039?ean=9781419938023
ARE:  https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-mystic039stouch-1422106-143.html
Kobo:  http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/mystic-s-touch

Author bio and social media links:
Dena Garson loves to read romance – the hotter the better. When one of her BFF’s said “one of us should be writing this stuff” she took up the challenge. If she isn’t writing, she’s making beaded jewelry and somehow still manages to make it into the office on a regular basis.

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog | Ellora’s Cave Author Page | Amazon Author Page

Website: http://www.denagarson.com/
Blog: http://denagarson.wordpress.com/
YouTube Channel:http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS1a-DzYifYaR4vLcauTmJQ
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/dgarson

Lauren Jameson sent me a present. It’s a brand-spanking new, SIGNED copy of her novel, Linger! Would you like to win it? Read on!

On her last night in Nevada before embarking on a yearlong veterinary internship, Scarlett Malone is celebrating–and looking for one night of incredible pleasure. But the man who draws her eye is not her usual type: He’s a cowboy whose alpha-male tendencies tempt her beyond belief. Scarlett can’t understand why she wants this man and no one else, but she’s determined to entice him to submit….

Dr. Logan Brody lives an isolated life in rural Montana, running a ranch and suppressing his submissive tendencies. Only on his occasional trips does he give into his hidden urges. He can’t deny his scorching attraction to Scarlett or that she makes him want more, but he never lets anyone break him down fully. He’s hers for one night and one night only.

But when Scarlett shows up at Logan’s door as his intern for the year, he realizes that the walls around his heart are about to crumble–and that this sexy dominant woman has no intention of letting him keep control….

Praise for Linger:

“Jameson’s third In Vino Veritas book is the kind of searing, emotionally wrenching story that fans have come to crave. She fearlessly explores every type of desire, as well as the deep scars and fears that drive her characters. Her honesty makes this story compelling on a number of levels. Not for the faint of heart, the journey of this submissive alpha and his wonderfully strong, devoted dominant- and their incredibly complex, redemptive bond- is one that readers will not soon forget.
-RT Book Reviews

“I absolutely loved this contemporary romance book. The author is amazing and Linger is a must read book. Get hooked into a Lauren Jameson book and you will be coming back for more.”
-Night Owl Reviews makes Linger a Top Pick!

“Steamy and daring with a sexy alpha hero to swoon over.”
-New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Roni Loren

“Lauren Jameson’s Linger teases and sizzles… [a] deeply satisfying read!”
-New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Eden Bradley

“I love the heroes of Vito Veritas. Each one is sexier than the last! The chemistry between Logan and Scarlett sizzles and kept me reading late into the night.”
-New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Suzanne Rock”

“A hot Alpha-submissive, and a strong heroine who knows just what he needs, LINGER is a provocative, powerful BDSM love story that will stay with you long after turning the last page.  This story ensnared me from the start. With flawed, likeable characters full of intense vulnerability, and smoking hot, yet emotionally driven love scenes, Ms. Jameson weaves a unique tale unlike anything I’ve ever read before.”
-New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Cathryn Fox

Want to know how you can win this signed copy?

Tell me what you’re reading now!

NOTE: THIS CONTEST CLOSES MONDAY NIGHT!

I’m deep in stories—yes, working on two at the moment. I have to divide my day between the Fireman and Dream projects. In a month or so, you’ll understand. But keeping the stories straight and the tones unique is fun. On top of juggling those two projects, I’m reading through Viking stories and trying to dream up one of my own. All I need is something super short. Any suggestions?

That’s not the question I have for you today. Someone did something today that I realized grated on every last nerve. She cleared her throat. Not that polite, short sound most folks make, but one that sounded like something a creature from the deep might make before it opened its big mouth and swallowed a man whole.

So it got me thinking…

Think about annoying tics. You must have a friend or family member who has one. You try to be polite and ignore it, but don’t you imagine someday snapping and reaching out to twist a scrawny neck? What is that tic that drives you crazy?

Aww…September. As a child, I dreaded the weeks leading up to the first day of school. My mother started planning at the beginning of August. We had scheduled shopping trips to get clothes and school supplies. My mom was a bargain shopper back then (she still is) so we’d hit all the sales and even the thrift shops until I had enough mix and match outfits.

The daily reminders came next. Did you read? Practice your math and spelling? I remember complaining that it wasn’t fair, none of my friends had to practice. Of course, now I know why she insisted I get my mind back into learning mode and I’m glad she made me brush up on my skills. Along with the homework sessions came reinforced bedtimes. Each day it got a little earlier.

I’m convinced she had a schedule to countdown the days until school started. Now that I’m a mother, I know why—routines are a blessing. And if you’re a stay-at-home mom, those blessedly quiet hours when the kids are in school are a godsend. I work but have a few weekdays off so I reap the benefits of both.

Everyone feels the effects of the new school year with increased traffic and longer commutes to work. Those first few weeks are an adjustment period. Maybe it’s just me, but I love the routine. Although I must admit, I don’t like the traffic. What about you? Do you enjoy routines or have any memories about getting ready for school?

Also, here’s a little peak at my latest release, Hunter Betrayed. Enjoy!

Excerpt

“Wh-who are y-you? What…” She focused on where his chest should be. He glanced down and saw the ground, not his body or even a ghostly apparition. “What are you? A g-ghost?”

“Not a ghost. I’m alive. I’m just not here.”

He stretched an invisible hand out… and touched her cheek. The surprise in connecting with her in a tangible manner nearly pulled him away from her. With mental fingers, he tugged her closer. He wouldn’t lose her.

Not now, not ever.

He slid a hand to her bottom and pressed her body flush to his. The cushion of her breasts stirred his lusts. His erection thickened in response to her nearness. Impossible, so he would’ve thought.

The half-breed fairy in his arms would one day become his enemy. A child of Dahm, she carried the chaotic taint he’d willingly invited into his body. It should’ve begun to corrupt her, turning her into a monster too. Yet…it hadn’t. Why?

Calan tipped her head back. Her dark blue eyes captivated him. Fear shown in them. After a moment, a desire to match his flared. He skimmed his fingertips over the contours of her angelic face. Possessiveness rose within him and mixed with an intense need to protect her. She was special. He sensed it, but didn’t have time to explore it.

“You need to run. You cannot allow them to steal the goodness you’ve managed to retain.” Because it belonged to him. So too did the female. He would claim both and she would be the one to free him. The rightness of his vow took hold.

A millennium had passed without him finding the one half breed who would have the courage to free a Huntsman. Nine years ago, when he’d spied her in the midst of flowers, he had. Today, he would ensure she did, no matter the cost.

Purchase Links:
Amazon
B&N
Ellora’s Cave
Amazon-ca
Amazon-uk
Amazon-au

Add to your Goodreads TBR list! Hunter Betrayed

Author Bio

Nancy Corrigan believes in unending love and epic tales with a paranormal flare. She enjoys transcending the boundaries of reality to take her readers on an erotic, emotional and romantic journey.

She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and three children. When she’s not weaving sizzling fantasies, she works as a chemist in a pharmaceutical lab.

Social Media links:
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Youtube trailer

Enjoy a short interview with author Cindy Nord! 

1.  Have you always had a passion for writing?

My passion for writing began many years ago.  As a young divorcee completely disillusioned by romance, I sought enjoyment in reading. Then, finally, on a lonely New Year’s Eve, I tucked my two young son’s into bed, poured myself a glass of wine, then pulled out my old Tower typewriter. With a strong belief in a ‘happily-ever-after’ I began to craft a love story which would contain all the elements I felt a true hero should possess. THAT was the night I gave birth to a Civil War love story, NO GREATER GLORY, which ultimately became a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist, which landed me my fabulous agent. Lo and behold, my journey toward publication began.

2. Does what you read influence what you write and what are some of your favorite authors/books?

I love historical romance.  The elements I look for in a novel that I read for pleasure are a captivating love story, characters who I can fall in love with, and detailing that sweeps me right straight back into the time period.  I have many romance novels on my keeper shelf, but as I glance at them several stand out to me, and are as timely & moving as they were when I first them:  THE OUTSIDER by Penelope Williamson.  GONE WITH THE WIND by Margaret Mitchell.  LOVE & WAR by Patricia Hagan. Good heavens, the list goes on and on.

3. What are your biggest inspirations?

People.  So many people inspire me to do better, strive harder, and reach farther.  Their successes are what inspires me to continue in my quest every day.

4. Do you have a technique in how you choose characters and/or locational settings?

Some of my characters have been born in my mind before I even start writing a book.  And others only after I’m in the process of creating.  They literally ‘talk to me’…lol. For example, Dillon [the hero of my third novel & sidekick of Jackson Neale] just would not take a back seat in my second novel [With Open Arms…the love story of Callie Cutteridge and Jackson Neale] until I promised him he could have his own dang book!! And I always place my characters in settings that I love myself. ♥

5. Do you listen to music while you are creating your masterpieces?

Absolutely…especially when I crafting a love scene or writing involved conflict. And my music choices vary so greatly from Enya to Garth Brooks to The Eagles to Beethoven.  See? I’m a writer, so my mood changes with the wind.  

6. What do you do to stay motivated and avoid writer’s block?

I always run things past my husband and we’ll sit down & discuss upcoming scenes and potential plot twists.  Oh, and bottles of wine….lots and lots of organic Pinot Noir…lol. ♥

7. How has becoming a published author changed your perspective on life and is it everything you expected it to be?

I didn’t realize how extremely busy my life would become upon being published.  I find myself with less time to actually write, so I must be even more focused than ever before and follow guidelines that I have set for myself.  I love the opportunities and ‘opened doors’ that being a historical romance writer has presented to me. From interacting with so many amazingly wonderful authors that I have admired for years, to meeting incredibly supportive bloggers, readers, and leaders in the publishing industry, I cannot ask for a better ‘career’ than this one.  

8. What are your biggest challenges as an author?

Balancing my time and attention between writing, social media, my family and my friends…and, of course, finding just that perfect word to use in a sentence…after all, it’s all about the emotions.  

9. Do you have any pets?

Two spoiled-rotten Shetland Sheepdogs….Shelties, of course.  Our oldest boy’s AKC name is Charleston’s Own Captain Rhett Butler Nord, but we just call him Buddy.  And our little girl is Atlanta’s Own Katy Scarlett O’Hara Nord, otherwise affectionately called Katy. 

What hobbies do you have outside of reading and writing?

Gardening. RV camping and traveling. Hiking. Bicycling. And going on luxurious cruises with the hubster. ♥

11. Where is the most exciting/memorable place you have been in the world?

Too numerous to pick just one…from the Mayan Ruins deep in Mexico’s core to the beauty and splendor of the Grand Canyon to the hauntingly poignant monuments of the bloodstained Civil War battlefields across this nation, each and every place has burned a spot inside our heart. ♥

12. Tell us about your latest work in progress or most recent published work…

I am currently writing AN UNLIKELY HERO, Book Three of my Four-book THE CUTTERIDGE SERIES for Samhain Publishing. Book One, NO GREATER GLORY, was the #1 Civil War Romance at Amazon for nearly a year.  And Book Two, WITH OPEN ARMS, just debuted on August 5^t and zoomed straight up to become a #1 Bestselling Historical Western at Samhain. I have the best readers on the whole dang planet! ♥

And now here’s MY QUESTION for my visitors:
WHAT BOOKS ARE ON YOUR KEEPER SHELVES…AND WHY ARE THEY THERE?

 As a thanks to readers, Cindy would also like to give away FREE to one lucky commenter a digital copy [Kindle/Nook/eReader, etc.] of BOTH of her bestselling historical romances.

About Cindy

Say hello to Bestselling Historical Romance writer, CINDY NORD…the USA Today Lifeblog ‘Recommended Read’ author of NO GREATER GLORY, a #1 Civil War Romance at Amazon for nearly a year, and book one in her four-book ‘The Cutteridge Series’. WITH OPEN ARMS, book two, debuts in August, 2014. Also, Cindy is pleased to be a contributing author in the delightful SCRIBBLING WOMEN & THE REAL-LIFE ROMANCE HEROES WHO LOVE THEM. She is a member of numerous writers groups, and her work has finaled or won countless times in competitions — including the prestigious Romance Writers of America National Golden Heart Contest. A luscious blend of history and romance, her stories meld both genres around fast-paced action and emotionally driven characters.

Please join Cindy at her Facebook page for her Monday-thru-Friday morning “Coffee Klatch” — as well as on Twitter at @cnord2.  Indeed, true love awaits you in the writings of Cindy Nord.

Cindy’s SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

My webpage: www.cindynord.com
Amazon link (With Open Arms): http://amzn.com/B00KT23WO0
Amazon link (No Greater Glory):   http://amzn.com/B008GWOI9S
Barnes & Noble NOOK link (With Open Arms):
Barnes & Noble NOOK link (No Greater Glory): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-greater-glory-cindy-nord/1112120177?ean=9781619212435
Cindy’s Facebook ‘Coffee Klatch’: https://www.facebook.com/cindy.nord.9
Cindy’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/cnord2
Goodreads (With Open Arms): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22441708-with-open-arms