Romancing the Genres: Rhode Island

Showing posts with label Rhode Island. Show all posts

Monday, May 16, 2022

Missing My Peeps! .... Delsora Lowe

Hey, folks, did you know that on May 26 we celebrate “in case you missed it day.” It’s also national blueberry cheesecake day, cherry dessert day, and the list goes on and on. I happen to love dark cherries and blueberries, and I love New York-style cheesecake, sans any toppings. But I digress…

What I really wanted to talk about was one of the May events I have missed most in the last few years. As with most writers, I lead a relatively solitary work life. I hang out at my desk and type all day or scratch out book idea notes on random scraps of paper or sit on the couch and read romance novels by my (tons of) favorite authors. And let’s not forget the Hallmark movies that I can spout the correct dialogue before the actor says a word. I admit it, the last two years have been a long, long, drawn out marathon (read that as BINGE) of romance books and movies.

Okay, I do have a life outside of writing. But sometimes it doesn’t feel like it, since now I also spend at least four weekend days a month, and several evenings a week, on ZOOM with writing groups.

Interaction—YAY. The pros are I get to attend writing chapter meetings in New Jersey and Rhode Island and near Boston, plus meet with my Maine peeps without leaving my desk. I also get to attend interactive, virtual writing craft and / or business workshops by experts in Seattle or New York City, and anywhere in between. The cons are sometimes I feel maxed out—bleary-eyed from too much screen time on top of the writing time.

And that leads me to what I have missed most. Despite the millions of ZOOM meetings, what I crave most is in-person human interaction. AND Ta-Da…four days after this blog posts, I will be at my first non-ZOOM, writer’s retreat since 2019. TWO WHOLE DAYS.

To tell you I’m excited would be an understatement. To tell you how much I miss seeing “my peeps” in person…well, there are no words. I get to hug (masks on,) and catchup on everyone’s lives, and chat over meals, and learn from live workshop presenters, and have my annual tumbler of scotch at happy hour. AND…learn. Learn not from taped videos or on-line workshops or by reading. But learn by “talking shop,” live, in-person give-and-take. EXCITED!

Full disclosure, the most people I have been near all at once in the last two years, for any length of time, was (1) the grocery store, and (2) my daughter’s wedding. I have turned into an introvert. So, I am trying to summon up my usual extrovert personality, and hope I have the stamina to talk to forty-five people for two days straight without imploding. CAN’T WAIT!

What would you celebrate on “in case you missed it” day (month)?

A HUGE Happy 11^th Birthday to Romancing the Genres

The Love Left Behind

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, 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.

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/

ClipArt:
Cheesecake: cheesecakes clipart - Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com)
Romantic Couple: free clipart romantic couple - Google Search
ZOOM Meeting - Computer: Vector image of a desktop computer with word HELLO on its screen | Public domain vectors
Cheerleader: Cheerleader free cheerleading clipart clip art pictures graphics - Clipartix
Scotch: free clipart glass of scotch - Google Search
Happy Birthday: Free Birthday Bouquet Cliparts, Download Free Birthday Bouquet Cliparts png images, Free ClipArts on Clipart Library (clipart-library.com)

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Freedom of Mind ... by Delsora Lowe

Anything artistic takes a creative mind—obviously. But, creativity-inspired work takes so much more. It takes years of studying and honing a skill, whether it is writing, painting, weaving, pottery, cooking, or…

Sauteeing farmers' market swiss chard

Having said that, artistry also takes concentration. And to concentrate, the mind must be free to explore.

These last few years have been daunting, in that the problems of the world seem to overtake the creative part of the brain and shut it down. At least it has for me. Freeing my mind to create has been tough.

In order to attain freedom of mind, I’ve had to shut off the things that cause me anxiety. And those stressors can vary from day-to-day. Whether it is the news or dealing with family issues or catching up on the never-ending barrage of email or keeping up with social media, even if it is fun—all those things can put one in overload mode.

Add in your creativity priorities and deadlines, and the stress can become overwhelming. Finding other creative outlets that don’t have timelines or expectations, is a good way to jumpstart the creative parts that have shutdown. For me, it was the simple idea of grabbing a few sheets of computer paper and my ten different-colored sharpies and scribbling out a drawing of flowers in a vase. I am not an artist, even though everyone else in my family is. But I had fun creating what I call Kindergarten / Picasso-Inspired-Abstract. And even though it was the only creative thing I could think to do in my marathon, TV-induced haze of procrastination, IT WORKED!

Find something to distract you that will jump-start your creative mind. Cooking, which for me starts with a random set of ingredients to create a new recipe, has always been a relaxing and creative endeavor. But push yourself out of your comfort zone, whether it is buying an adult coloring book and a set of bright-colored pencils, picking up knitting needles after thirty years of not knitting, pot gardening on your deck, trying a ZOOM belly-dancing class (yes, I did that and what fun!,) trying something new and creative is a great way to free up, and jump start those stagnant brain cells.

So, my advice, as all of us try to get back into a more “normal” life pattern, whether it is resurrecting our creative mode, or jumping back into in-person work or meetings or social events, is to pinpoint potential stressors, and limit yourself. And not only do this for the things we must check off our lists. Do so as you ease back into the joys of life and discover a new, fun distraction.

And most of all, define your own freedom. I’m usually an outgoing, social being, but this last year of isolation has diminished that part of me. So, I’m easing back into interacting in-person, in order to save my brain from the overload shock of dealing with real people.

Having said that, there is nothing more that energizes me then running into a friend in the grocery store parking lot and just getting to yack, yack, yack for a few minutes. Or talking to a farmer at the farmers market about their wonderful offerings and getting ideas for recipes. Or hollering “over the fence” to a neighbor to find out how their chickens are doing or their garden grows or their kids or dog is faring.

Enjoy your new creative outlets. Have fun setting your new boundaries. Recognize your limitations that may have changed. And take back your freedom in whatever way works for you.

What tricks do you use to free up your brain?

The Love Left Behind

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.

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:
Exploding Brain - free clip art brain exploding - Google Search
Belly Dance- Free Belly Dance Silhouette, Download Free Belly Dance Silhouette png images, Free ClipArts on Clipart Library (clipart-library.com)
Crowd: free clip art crowds of people - Google Search

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Why I Love Fall …and the Change of Season ... by Delsora Lowe

Changes happen every day. Some we embrace and some we don’t. Those we don’t embrace take a lot of energy to deal with. So, finding and celebrating changes we love is good for the heart and soul.

Fall farmers market

To me and so many others, fall is the season that most represents change. In a way fall always seems like the New Year. Probably because it is the start of a new year in school.

My morning walk view of the school and it's playground through the fence

Yes, I’m old enough to have been out of school for MANY years. But as an adult I returned to college to finally finish my degree when I was thirty-six and my kids were still in school. I worked at a college as a fraternity chef, so my work schedule coordinated with the college schedule. It was the best of all worlds to have summer and school vacations off with my children.

An evening walk as the shadows from the setting sun play with the rising moon to the left and the glowing street lights

Another one of my careers was working in the development office as the alumni director for two independent, secondary schools and one college. So, for fifteen years, I again followed the schedule of schools, although I did have to work through the summer. But working summer had a different vibe and was more relaxed than during the school year.

Check out the bees on the center of the flower in this close-up

Another change associated with fall are the changing colors. I do love my spring and summer flowers. And winter white has a magical quality to it, but fall is my favorite. The bright colors of changing leaves and fall flowers and the invigorating air is a balm to me. The later we go into fall, the darker, vivid blue of the sky and the intensity of stars on a clear night are magical. Even the dying, stark stalks that once carried vivid flowers, have a certain beauty of their own.

Fall color overlooking the ocean

Of course, a very special day in my life is my birthday—I’m a September baby. My son was born in October and my daughter in November. So yes, fall once again is a special time for celebrations. To me, fall is my favorite time of year for weddings. No, I did not get married in the fall. But I love the idea of fall weddings and fall romance. So, I have written several books that take place in the fall—one with a fall wedding and two with fall proposals.

No, I'm not one - but it was a pretty cake - love purple!

What is your favorite kind of change?

A fall wedding is the catalyst for rekindling love for two who's love was lost

The Love Left Behind

Amazon

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

Books2Read books2read.com/u/mglVqK

Fall in New England and Love!

Legacy of Parkers Point

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Parkers-Point-Serenity-Starlight-ebook/dp/B0743NVCC6/

Books2Read

books2read.com/u/b6rQzx

~ 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.

Photo Credits: 1st Birthday Cake Clipart - Free Clipart Images - ClipArt Best - ClipArt Best

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Giving Thanks for All We Have ... by Delsora Lowe

It’s not Thanksgiving yet, but after the year and a half we’ve all endured, there is so much to be thankful for. I mourn those who got sick and passed away or have lingering issues from Covid. The grief will stay with all of us for a long, long time. But I am thankful that those who are close to me managed to stay healthy.

I am thankful for the vaccination that means I can now get out more. I still wear a mask because at this age I have underlying conditions that worsen when I am sick. So, I am also thankful that the mask kept me from developing the flu or colds last winter.

My assortment of masks, bought and made by friends.

I am thankful that I am finally able to visit with friends and family this summer. I can’t begin to tell you how much I missed hugs and in-person conversations and trips that were cancelled and my children and grandsons.

Hanging with friends one warm summer evening - note huge lobster float in the pool

I am thankful for the bounty of the farmers in the area, where I can fill up on wonderful fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, and seafood. And decorate my deck with herbs, lettuce, and tomato seedlings, that are now growing and producing.

I am thankful for the flowers that bloom in my now overgrown garden.

NOT my messy garden, but my son's neighbor's GORGEOUS garden

I am thankful for lobster rolls from one of the food trucks that social distanced on our town mall (the rectangular green that sports a beautiful gazebo where music is played all summer, a Christmas tree that is lit up November through early January, and the area that afforded social distancing for all our farmers to set up their markets.)

I am thankful for all the surprises nature bestows on us every day.

After the storms - mushrooms blossom in the yard

I am thankful for my writing community. All of you have kept me sane, motivated, informed, and sometimes productive. Although I will admit to a great deal of lack of motivation through this last year—you all encouraged me to stay on track. And always provided tons of laughs.

What are you thankful for this summer?

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.

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Peace and Love Out of Conflict – the Heart of a Romance Novel ...... by Delsora Lowe

In the United States, July is a symbol of freedom and peace, as it is when we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. But that freedom came at a cost, as does most everything we do in life.

Life isn’t filled with parades and marching bands and fireworks and speeches / proclamations about peace and freedom. It is filled with toil and dedication to a cause and brokering consensus and treating all fairly / equally…and conflict. It is all those things mentioned above that make this country stronger, and each individual in this country stronger.

Peace after conflict is vital. As is partnering or negotiating with those who might not agree with you, or be in the same space as you, an important step toward unity and peace.

As in our own lives, and in our hopes and dreams for a peaceful and functioning nation, as romance writers we also want our characters to find peace and joy and that all important and sometimes elusive happily-ever-after or happily-for-now.

But no person or character can find a satisfying end without some heavy-duty work toward achieving happiness along with the angst that is a natural part of any journey.

For me personally, the months of May and June have been filled with work and angst and conflict.

No, it’s not what you think 😊

In the last 6 weeks, I have taken three writing workshops on Conflict, each with a different approach. And each giving me more writer tools to effectively “torture” my characters before they finally conclude they cannot do without the partner I have aligned them with in my story. I put torture in parentheses because I write mainstream contemporary sweet and saucy romance. So, my torture of characters is only enough to make them work for the reward of finding that special person meant just for them.

How do we build enough conflict for our characters to learn, grow, and fall in love? In each workshop I learned many ways of making my stories more exciting for a reader.

In a month-long workshop, where the presenter “tortured” the writers with tons of wonderful information and assignments, I had many AHA moments on things I already knew I must do - things I had been doing - but with a makes-sense, step-by-step way of rooting out the core emotional wounds that make our characters who they are. Whether that internal wound comes from something that happened as a child or as an adult, it guides our character’s way of thinking and therefore reacting. They are the issues that both cause conflict for our characters and force them to overcome deep-seated stressors to find happiness. And in a good romance, the hero or heroine are our primary characters who will be paired up with the ones who will help the other overcome those burdens and move forward to embrace that happily-ever-after.

Internal wounds of a character fighting to resolve themselves and move on.

In another workshop, the presenter talks about the outside forces and / or the internal wounds each character brings to the story. Those are the pieces that generate conflict between the characters, as each individual may react differently to the same root cause. Facing and resolving those triggers individually and then together as the characters grow in the story, helps the characters overcome and open themselves to the happily-ever-after that is a prerequisite for the romance genre. Resolving the genesis of that internal conflict leads to peace and joy for the characters.

In the third workshop, we learned how to make peace with ourselves as a romance writer, while we “torture” our characters by throwing conflict in their paths, when all we really want to do is get to that wonderful, happy ending. The more conflict we throw at our characters, the more chances they have to work hard to overcome challenges. And having to struggle and fight all odds to find love makes it all the sweeter when our characters find love and peace in their lives.

So, celebrate peace while knowing that finding peace may, at times, include a lot of conflict and take a ton of work to overcome struggles.

Happy July and Peace and Love Be With You!

Book Two of The Cowboys of Mineral Springs

Amazon
Books2Read

~ 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.

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/

CLIP ART:
Free Peace Dove, Download Free Peace Dove png images, Free ClipArts on Clipart Library (clipart-library.com)
Free Peace Cliparts, Download Free Peace Cliparts png images,
Free ClipArts on Clipart Library (clipart-library.com)
Fireworks clip art stars free clipart images - WikiClipArt
free clip art love hearts - Google Search
free clip art conflict - Google Search
free clip art conflict - Google Search