Head in the Clouds - Where do you get your inspiration? ............................ by Delsora Lowe

 Being a writer can be tough sometimes.

Not because of the work that goes into every piece we write, whether it is a short blog, a poem, or an entire novel. But because our imagination NEVER stops.

Too many ideas. Not enough time in the universe to make all those words sing and deliver a message.

Not long ago, I drove by a sign that indicated a consignment shop. I immediately wrote a 5-minute short story in my head, as I drove. I have since drafted out one I will eventually send to Woman’s World, after I edit it a zillion times.

Recently, I visited my son who lives about forty-five minutes away. He lives just outside a small village. I emerged from the car to a greeting from a black cow mooing. Moooo. Moooo.

And then the other cows answered back. Moooo. Next door is a big white barn, and my son’s house is surrounded by farmland. We often see wild turkeys or deer, and once a bear. Another time, while eating dinner, a fox strolled through the back yard, right past the window by the dining room table. Today, as we drove back to his house, a red-tailed hawk flew right over the car. And as I left about ten minutes later, that same (I assume) hawk flew back over my car in the opposite direction.

I know there is a story in there somewhere with all this wildlife­ and domestic animal neighbors, including my grand-dog Yaz who loves to greet his human grammy—even if it is a short piece for my weekly local writers’ group or an idea for a children’s book.

Snuggling in - my disguise - so no one knows I'm sitting on the couch,

As I cruised past the tiny nearby village, there are many rural roads that arrow off the two-lane main road. Some leading to one house and some to a small complex of houses. I love the names of the roads. They always trigger ideas. One is Turkey Trot Lane, and another little lane is named Pumpkin Way. Story ideas immediately swam through the creative side of my brain, as I repeated over and over Turkey Trot Lane and Pumpkin Way on my drive home. I didn’t want to forget any story ideas swimming through my head, since I couldn’t stop and make notes.

For a split second I envisioned a trilogy—each book title and theme based around these two street names, plus other fun names of streets that arrow off along that same stretch of road. My brain didn't have enough bandwidth to memorize more than two street names.

Now I’ve jotted notes and hopped on the computer to record thoughts before they disappear. Conjuring up story ideas that happen around Halloween and Thanksgiving, and even into the month of December.

Will Turkey Trot Lane and Pumpkin Way be locations in one story? Or will each be the title of a stand-alone story? It is hard to say. Until my fingers do the walking across the keyboard, who knows where the musings living in my mind will take me.

But let me remind you that a book I wrote several years ago (The Inn on Gooseneck Lane) and,  published by The Wild Rose Press in 2022, is titled and based around a street sign (Gooseneck Lane.) I passed the tiny lane in the middle of nowhere, while cruising a back road in Vermont.

I played with story ideas in my head for the next few hours, driving back to Maine.

So, who knows what stories the next two street signs will lead to as I write.

The creative murmurings that leave my brain as story ideas, are usually channeled through my fingers. Many times, as I reread what I wrote, I am as surprised at what ends up on the page as a potential reader will be.

So, if you are looking for signs or inspiration, don’t forget those street names that may be inspiration and turn into one more story—whether it is a short story, a novella, a novel, an essay, or a poem.

And if you are in the car and can’t write down your idea, repeat the inspirational phrase (or street sign) over and over until you can pull to the side of the road and write down your idea. Yes, it works!

 

Whether you are a writer or enjoy artistic hobbies, 

where do you get your ideas?

 

Holiday Hitchhiker

Amazon (also in print)

Books2Read

The Inn on Gooseneck Lane

Amazon (also in print)

                    Barnes & Noble (also in print)

                     Apple Books (also in print)

 ~ cottages to cabins ~ keep the home fires burning ~

Delsora Lowe writes small town sweet and spicy romances and contemporary westerns, from the mountains of Colorado to the shores of Maine.

Author of the Starlight Grille series, Serenity Harbor Maine novellas, and the Cowboys of Mineral Springs series, Lowe has also authored short romances for Woman’s World magazine (most recently, an Easter romance in the April 1, 2024 edition.) The Love Left Behind is a Hartford Estates, R.I. wedding novella with Book 2 on the way. A Christmas novel (The Inn at Gooseneck Lane) and novella (Holiday Hitchhiker – the youngest brother of the Mineral Spring’s ranching family) were the most recent releases. Look for book 3 of the cowboy’s series, as well as book 2 of the Hartford Estates series, to be released in 2025.

Photo Attributions:
Imagination: https://clipart-library.com/imagination-cliparts.html
Thinking: thinking face icon yellow PNG file 9687643 PNG
Dog on Couch, Neighborhood, Cows, Road Sign: Photos taken by author

Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Delsora-Lowe/e/B01M61OM39/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Books2Read Author page: https://www.books2read.com/ap/8GWm98/Delsora-Lowe
BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/delsora-lowe-93c6987f-129d-483d-9f5a-abe603876518
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16045986.Delsora_Lowe

The Weird Things That Make Us Laugh ..... ..... by Delsora Lowe

Commercials— There are some that attract our attention, others that speak to us, and still others that just mystify us.

One that always makes me laugh AND mystifies me, is the Kayak commercial – with a woman farmer who says if you need something done, you have to do it yourself. It’s funny and unexpected. I love her feistiness as she stuffs her clothes with straw, marches out to the wheat field, stands up and put her arms out over the wooden stake that usually would have a hanging scarecrow, and hollers. All the blackbirds rise and leave her crop alone. 

As an author, I would love to create such a visual that would spark my reader's imagination.

I wasn't sure what the company who sponsored the ad does, but… I do laugh every time.

Of course, I immediately conducted a search on what Kayak is. It is a search engine for travel. Now I get the gist of the commercial. You don’t have to do everything yourself. We’re here to help you plan your trip. Unlike the woman who insists on doing, by herself, the shooing off of unwanted birds who feed on her crop, Kayak will save you from having to search every area in the country, every transportation and lodging source, etc. *

Want a laugh? KAYAK: Don’t do it yourself (Scarecrow) - YouTube

·        Disclaimer: this is not an endorsement, since I have never used Kayak and only figured out what they do as a company when I researched them for this piece.

Those commercials that call to you, might be because they remind you of times when you were young. Or remind you of the products you used as a kid and are no longer the “in” thing that this next new and shiny product could be used to replace the older version.

Then there are commercials that, for me, defy explanation. It most likely is that I am in the older generation that grew up in the sixties. And products that might be used by younger generations baffle me. Or, in the case of the above, I don’t know what they do. Or, I don’t see the need for them, when I already have an older product that is useful in the same way as the newer, more sparkly version.

Of course, learning about and eventually embracing new “things” can be a good thing. A time saver or a product that does what you never knew you needed. Such as speaking to someone without a telephone wire attached. Full disclosure: I haven’t had a land-line in years.

Remember those days—before cell phones? 

I do. Driving round and round on one-way streets that went the opposite direction I needed to go, when I was on a work trip to Boston. My goal? Looking for a pay phone that actually had a parking spot nearby, to call a friend and get the right directions, since the policeman directing traffic didn’t have time to help a stranger to the city. His only goal—keep traffic moving—as he waved me along. I ended up in tears. I was confused and needed one kind word or the point of the finger to direct me in the right direction. I soon had no recourse to turn around, as I was now on the on-ramp headed toward 95 through the city and over a bridge headed north…in rush hour.

But I digress.

These days, we need the newer and shinier version of products. If we don’t adapt and upgrade, we are left in the dust. Especially when it comes to machines that use technology. If we don’t keep up, we may find ourselves in a void where we, and our machines, can no longer communicate with others.

In this world where more and more folks are working from home, or need to use the latest versions to keep up in an on-site workplace, we can be shoved out of jobs.

And for those of us who work independently and from home, keeping apprised of the newest technologies that can make our jobs easier, and help us produce work faster and with more efficiency, it is important to keep up.

So, whether you see advertisements on your computers or on the TV, or hear about them on the radio, or word of mouth from those who share the same profession, it is imperative to be aware of what’s new out there. If only to stay competitive.

So, peruse those ads. Find the humor or joy in them. And ignore (as in the prolific use of the mute OR delete buttons,) those commercials that don’t call to you.

 

Do you have a favorite commercial? And what is it
that draws you to that particular ad?

Welcome to Serenity Harbor, Maine, a small coastal town where the Starlight Grille is a favorite meeting place. A three novella and bonus short story, sweet with a bit of heat, collection. 

Amazon

e-book and print

&

Books2Read

e-book 

Delsora Lowe writes small town sweet and spicy romances and contemporary westerns, from the mountains of Colorado to the shores of Maine.

Author of the Starlight Grille series, Serenity Harbor Maine novellas, and the Cowboys of Mineral Springs series, Lowe has also authored short romances for Woman’s World magazine (most recently, an Easter romance in the April 1, 2024 edition.) The Love Left Behind is a Hartford Estates, R.I. wedding novella with Book 2 on the way. A Christmas novel (The Inn at Gooseneck Lane) and novella (Holiday Hitchhiker – the youngest brother of the Mineral Spring’s ranching family) were the most recent releases. Look for book 3 of the cowboy’s series, as well as book 2 of the Hartford Estates series, to be released in late 2024 or early 2025.

 

Social Media Links:
Author website: www.delsoralowe.com
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/delsoraloweauthor/community/
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Delsora-Lowe/e/B01M61OM39/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Books2Read Author page: https://www.books2read.com/ap/8GWm98/Delsora-Lowe
BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/delsora-lowe-93c6987f-129d-483d-9f5a-abe603876518
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16045986.Delsora_Lowe
Instagram: #delsoralowe / https://www.instagram.com/delsoralowe/

Photo and Clip Art Credits:
Typewriter: typewriter-vector-5.jpg (650×650) (getdrawings.com)
Phone: free clip art images of rotary telephone - Search Images (bing.com)
Smile: Smile Clipart Images | Free Download | PNG Transparent Background - Pngtree

Who Knew BOOKSIGNINGS Could be So Much Fun … Delsora Lowe

Being an author is not for the feint of heart, especially when you consider yourself an introvert. I have always considered myself an extrovert. Over the years, I worked in outward facing occupations, in food service, hospitality, event planning, and non-profits. In all those positions I had to be the friendly, outgoing person ALL THE TIME. And truthfully, I love interacting with people. But it takes energy to always be “ON” and outgoing.

But between getting older, no longer in the workforce per se, if you don’t count the desk I am glued to more hours than not, writing the next bestseller (OK – exaggeration alert,) and Covid isolation, I seemed to have moved closer to being an introvert. In other words, it seems to take a lot more energy for me to gear up to be in social, out-facing situations. But once I am in the midst – watch out.

Case in point. Recently my state romance writers’ group had a book signing at a library about forty miles away. Now another thing I don’t do much of anymore is travel. After commuting one-hundred and fifty miles daily for six years, the thought of getting on the highway is…UGH! But who can resist getting together with other authors to talk about our books, with an audience,

Of course, I signed up. And once I commit, I feel terrible if I don’t complete my obligation. Plus, now that I am bordering on introvert status, doing a book signing by myself seemed overwhelming. With this adventure, I knew I would be in good company.

So, as usual, I had everything packed days ahead of time, and trucked out to the car the day prior (a habit from my event planning days,) since I had to leave early. I set off the next morning—early. All the way up the lightly traveled highway, I wondered why I was putting myself through this. But when I arrived and finally found the right building and adjacent parking, I was joined by the three authors who would be signing with me.

The morning was frigid as we lugged boxes and bags into the library. We had a jolly time unpacking and setting up our space, and yacking with the librarians.

Then we sat and waited. Soon, people started wandering in. With a sigh of relief we knew we would have interested romance readers in the audience. A friend, who lived a few towns away showed up. YAY! A friendly face. Then her daughter, who lived in town, and her friend showed. YAY! More friendly faces. Strangers arrived and they had smiles on their faces. YAY! You know where I’m going with this. More friendly faces, and an audience that was there of their own free will because they love reading romance.

The librarian, along with our romance writers chapter program director had put together great questions. And soon we were off and running.

The audience, from their body language, laughter, and questions, were engaged. Phew! Wiping my brow. I had a blast. And I think the three authors signing with me, did as well. We ended our Q & A session, and we all waited with baited breath, hoping, praying to the goddess of romance writers, that at least one person would buy a book.

Well, lo and behold, they all bought books, not only from me, but from all the other authors. The librarian bought one of each of our books for the library—WOW! We chatted and laughed and answered more questions. And as they used to say when I was growing up (yes, in the 60s) – we were all on a high from the interaction and the adventure.

A week later, as I write this, I am still excited. 

I’ve only done one other book signing. And again, I did it with another author in a local bookstore. We had fun then too. And when our designated hour and a half was finished, as we packed up, the bookstore clerks commented on how much fun it was to have a double author signing. With two of us, we were able to banter with people walking into the store, without making any customer feel as though they had to stop. The clerk said the vibe was fun for the entire shopping and working experience.

When I lived in Washington, D.C. where they had so many bookstores, both big box and indie, I went to tons of book signings. Many of them for my position as the school alumni director, so I could pick up signed books written by alumni for our alumni lounge bookcase.

Will I be nervous for the next book signing? You bet! Will I have a blast? I am sure I will. Especially when my extrovert personality decides to break free. It was an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to do it again. Plus…I sold books! What fun!

Do you enjoy going to book signings?
Do you enjoy hearing authors talk about their books, writing process, and how they got their book topic ideas?

The Love Left Behind: Hartford Estate

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Left-Behind-Hartford-Estate-ebook/dp/B08L5N5DS9/

Books2Read

books2read.com/u/mglVqK

~ cottages to cabins ~ keep the home fires burning ~

Delsora Lowe writes small town sweet and spicy romances and contemporary westerns from the mountains of Colorado to the shores of Maine.

Author of the Starlight Grille series, Serenity Harbor Maine novellas, the Cowboys of Mineral Springs series, and the novella The Love Left Behind, Lowe has also authored short romances for Woman’s World magazine. Recently released were two Christmas stories: The Inn on Gooseneck Lane and Holiday Hitchhiker.

Social Media Links:
Author website: www.delsoralowe.com
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/delsoraloweauthor/community/
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Delsora-Lowe/e/B01M61OM39/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Books2Read Author page: https://www.books2read.com/ap/8GWm98/Delsora-Lowe
BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/delsora-lowe-93c6987f-129d-483d-9f5a-abe603876518
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16045986.Delsora_Lowe
Instagram: #delsoralowe / https://www.instagram.com/delsoralowe/

Photo Credits:
Outgoing Person:  clip art - Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com) 437049
Party: Free Free Party Cliparts, Download Free Free Party Cliparts png images, Free ClipArts on Clipart Library (clipart-library.com)
Pile of Books with Kid: animated image of books - Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com) BiaKxL7rT.png (566×800) (clipart-library.com)
Shermans: and Gardiner Library: Photos taken by Deb Noone and Danielle Bannister

 

Reading, Reading, Reading ... Holiday Stories ... by Delsora Lowe

‘Tis the Season—

Time to read holiday stories, watch holiday movies, and get in the mood for holiday cooking, present wrapping, cutting down the perfect tree, hanging lights, colorful bulbs, and nostalgic ornaments, decorating the front door with a wreath, delivering fresh baked cookies to neighbors and co-workers, or whatever holidays and holiday traditions your family practices.

For those who know me well, you know it ‘tis also the season to marathon watch holiday movies and read seasonal books.

Exciting for me is to introduce my two holiday books released this season. But I also want to share the holiday books that are either read, with some on preorder or waiting to be read on my e-reader. This is not geared as a recommendation blog, but to share with you the titles and covers that drew me in enough to purchase and read. I, of course, looked up my favorite authors and grabbed their holiday books, but I also found many new-to-me authors.

So here goes, in no special order—my reads for 2022.

 2022 Holiday Reads

Christmas Reunion (Christmas in Angels Glen) by Sue Ward Drake (Oct 2022)

A sweet reunion, second chance at love, enemies to lovers, holiday romance. Stranded in a blizzard together, as adults the two get to know each other again. A stand alone novella that is part of a 3-book series.

The Fireman's Christmas Wish (The Lange Brothers, Book 3) by Nan Reinhardt (Oct 2022)

Setting out to help an old friend get over his dislike of the holidays, she has her work cut out for her. The two end up on an adventure that includes getting to know each other better and finally recognizing what they had each missed over the years.

The Baker’s Heart (A Balsam Grove Christmas Book 1) by Marianne Rice (Oct 2022)

Professional enemies become partners and more in a sweet tale of finding what was missing in life and finding each other during the holidays.

Holiday Heart Wishes by Lucinda Rice (2021)

Caught in a storm, the two meet when one rescues the other. A surprise brings them together to spend Christmas week together.

Christmas Town Bake-off: A 7-book Connected Holiday Romance Collection (Oct 2022) by Melinda Curtis, Anna J. Stewart, Cari Lynn Webb, Beth Carpenter, Cheryl Harper, LeAnne Bristow, Tanya Agler

Another annual Christmas town anthology with the familiar setting and some repeat town characters, plus a magical gazebo. Love these collections that I have read over the years.

 

Charming a Fairytale Cowboy by Katie Lane (Aug 2022)

A fairytale, fake romance with a delicious cowboy. He doesn’t know what he has gotten into when he makes a trip from the big city to a small town and meets his Cinderella. A fun book about two trying to pass off a fake relationship to the heroine’s family. Not easy with all her big brothers watching over her.

If You Believe in Love by Luanna Stewart (Nov 2022)

Sparks fly immediately when two are caught in a blizzard, alone in an inn with only the chef who shows up for meals. But peace and quiet of enjoying the snow, and pitching in to run the deserted inn during the week before Christmas doesn’t last long, when a cast of disruptive characters descend to share holiday cheer!

The Bells of St. Dickens: A Dicken’s Holiday Romance (A Dicken’s Holiday Romance, Book 10) by Judy Kentrus (Oct 2022)

A second chance at love, as two join together to repair the town’s old church bells in an historic landmark. Throw in Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, adorable children, and lots of holiday fudge, and you can’t help but have a sweet holiday romance.

Snow Place Like Holly Pointe by Cindy Kirk (Dec 2022)

Two friends from childhood meet up after many years. Some things have changed. Some things have not. But overcoming adversity with someone in your court is foreign to both. Finding a true partner is an unexpected and cherished holiday gift for old friends. And experiencing the true meaning of an involved and caring small town whose residents, after being tested, still know how to open their hearts for common good lead to happy endings all around.

Rocking the Cowboy’s Christmas (Rowdy Ranch Book 4) by Vicki Lewis Thompson (Nov 2022)

Love at first sight. Add in a cute baby who meets Santa for the first time, a romantic sleigh ride, loving, but meddling families, and two people finding themselves as they work through basing a relationship on barely knowing each other, and you have a fun ride of a holiday love story.

Seabreeze Christmas (Summer Beach Book 4) by Jan Moran

A lovely second-chance at building a new life, resurrecting a business, reconnecting with family, and finding new love. Add in an involved and sometimes interfering town of wonderful characters, a hint of a magical, Christmas fantasy, and this book will warm your heart and vault you into the holiday spirit.

Have you read holiday books yet? If so, let us know which ones you enjoyed!

 

VISIT RTG AGAIN: Tuesday, December 20 for the rest of my holiday reading list! I have an even longer list. Now I better get back to my reading!

 

MY 2022 HOLIDAY BOOKS

 

The Inn on Gooseneck Lane

 Amazon

The Inn on Gooseneck Lane - Kindle edition by Lowe, Delsora. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

 Barnes & Noble

                         The Inn on Gooseneck Lane by Delsora Lowe | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

                    Apple Books

                 The Inn on Gooseneck Lane on Apple Books

 

Holiday Hitchhiker

Here's The Link

~ cottages to cabins ~ keep the home fires burning ~

Delsora Lowe writes small town sweet and spicy romances and contemporary westerns from the mountains of Colorado to the shores of Maine.

Author of the Starlight Grille series, Serenity Harbor Maine novellas, and the Cowboys of Mineral Springs series, Lowe has also authored short romances for Woman’s World magazine. Her newest novella is The Love Left Behind. Look for both a Christmas novel (The Inn at Gooseneck Lane) and novella (Holiday Hitchhiker) later this fall.

 

Social Media Links:
Author website: www.delsoralowe.com
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/delsoraloweauthor/community/
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Delsora-Lowe/e/B01M61OM39/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Books2Read Author page: https://www.books2read.com/ap/8GWm98/Delsora-Lowe
BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/delsora-lowe-93c6987f-129d-483d-9f5a-abe603876518
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16045986.Delsora_Lowe
Instagram: #delsoralowe / https://www.instagram.com/delsoralowe/

 

Book Covers: Attributed to each author.