June - a Month of Turning Points and Reassessing ........................ by Delsora Lowe

Hard to believe we are moving into the half-way point of the year. June is known as a month of celebrations; a month when a person celebrates milestones. What comes to mind as visible milestones are weddings and graduations.

I did get married in June, many, many, many years ago. My graduations from high school, and my college associate and bachelor’s degrees, however, were both in late May. So, for me, June is not only about celebrating milestones, but is more about reassessing where I am mid-way through another year. What do I look forward to for the rest of the year, and how do I plan where I want to go (as in both work goals and fun adventures) in the second half of the year.

Some of my June rituals are weekly or bi-weekly visits to the farmers’ market, filling my deck with colorful potted flowers, a tomato plant or two, and a variety of herbs, that grow from seedlings to full-grown plants that I can use throughout the summer in cooking. The grill gets use starting in June, unless we have a few magical, warm weather days in May…or December (HA!). The hum of lawnmowers permeates the air—and at times, the noise snaps me out of drafting an absolutely brilliant piece of writing.

Hey, I have to blame something on the reason why my brain tends to turn to mush as we ease into the summer months.

But, speaking of work, part of my June tasks is to reassess my productivity from January into June. And perhaps tweak my annual goals. Have I edited enough, written first drafts, released books, or kept up my monthly schedule (of which I have a month-by-month grid with story topics,) for producing and submitting 5-minute, sweet romances.

This year, sadly, I have lost a lot of my creative brain. But making a list for the 2^nd half of the year, helps me try harder to actually consult said list and…stick to the plan.

Is it time to reassess my annual goals? ALWAYS! And will I be able take a well-deserved bow at mid-point and celebrate my accomplishments of staying on track as dictated in my new year annual goal plan that kicked off in January? Yes, goal reexamination is part of my personal agenda in June. Is the plan I set out to accomplish this year, reasonable, doable? Or, for sanity’s sake, should I reboot?

But my plans aren’t all work and no play. They also include looking forward to the fun parts of the upcoming summer—my daughter’s family visiting from Colorado in July or August. Spending more time with my grandson here in-state, despite the fact his summer is usually as busy as the school year. And best of all, I'll rejoice in time spent with family and friends, revel in the season of warmth, and applaud the bursts of color that paint our world.

Despite the dreary day as thunderstorms move in, my little corner of the world is ablaze with the color of irises and azaleas and an assortment of flowering trees.

 

What is your favorite part

about

the month of June?

 

The Love Left Behind

A HARTFORD ESTATE (wedding venue) Book

Amazon
(also available in print)

Books2Read  

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/

Images:
Celebrating: celebration clipart images - Google Search
Graduation: Free Vector | Free vector graduation poster (freepik.com) 
TimeFlies: Free Vector | Time flies concept illustration (freepik.com)
FrownieFace: Download | FreeImages / Image by Freeimages.com
Flowers: photo by author

 

Marking May Milestones ..... by Delsora Lowe

May can be a busy month.

We are finally crawling out of April, which in Maine can be early spring or late winter. This year it was both, between two storms, one an ice storm that shut down power all over Maine. My house was out for 2 days. Luckily, we have a small generator that we can use periodically during the power outage to rev up the furnace, juice up the fridge, and power up our electronics.

The second storm less than two weeks later, dumped twelve inches of heavy, wet snow in my yard. Power outages again. But luckily my house was spared. Some were out for three days.

But that was early April.

May means celebrations—school gradations, beginning of wedding season, planning summer vacations and activities. And for me there are milestones to celebrate in May.

The first week in May, I celebrate 55 years out of high school. It seems like yesterday that many of us celebrated our 50^th reunion. This year, I’m not so sure I’ll be able to attend. It’s a long trip from Maine to Washington D.C. But I can’t stand the thought of not going. Afterall, fifty-five years ago, I was my class social committee rep. Each class was in charge of organizing a major school social event. Amazingly—or probably not—years later, many of my job positions required me to organize reunions, talks, fundraising events like auctions, regional alumni events, and one-on-one meetings with donors. So, attending a reunion that I don’t have to plan is like going on vacation. In a way it feels different and sad, since this is the first of my HS reunions I have not had a hand in organizing.

May (and June) is a month that many plan weddings. In another job I was a wedding planner and coordinator.

May is also the month that celebrates mothers. I am a mother and a grandmother, so I take Mother’s Day seriously. I have been a mother for fifty-two years, and a grandmother for seventeen years.

May is also the month of the Maine Romance Writers’ retreat. I helped organize the first one in 2008, and a few after that. I also discovered the brand-new hotel when I attended a grand opening reception. We have now been meeting at that hotel for our retreat ever since 2009—many years.

And, last but not least, May is the 13^th Blog-O-Versary for Romancing the Genres. Happy Birthday to US! To all the bloggers past and present, on this continent and around the world, who have added their bits if wisdom or fun adventures or insight into such topics as writing, skill sets, family, friends, and life in general, thanks for making this a fun part of my monthly routine!

 Is there anything special 
that you like to celebrate in May?

 

The Love Left Behind
A HARTFORD ESTATE (wedding venue) Book

Amazon (also available in print)  

Books2Read 

 

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, coming soon.

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/

Images:
Celebrating = celebration clipart images - Google Search
#13 = red number 13 clipart - Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com)

Best of Times/Worst of Times?

 “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.”

Charles Dickens wrote those words in 1859 and as far as I’m concerned, he could have been talking about life as an author at any time in history.

The Best of Times. You write a book and discover how much you love the entire process.

The Worst of Times. Publishers won’t look at your masterpiece without an agent and agents won’t consider an unpublished author.

But you keep writing, because you can’t help yourself.

Fast forward to the twenty-first century.

The Best of Times. An author no longer needs a publisher. You can upload your formatted manuscript to any of several on-line retailers as an ebook for people to purchase and read on their computer or dedicated reader.

The Worst of Times. With no gatekeepers in the industry, the marketplace quickly grows with books that never should have been published in the first place. And scammers who game the system.

The Best of Times. Gurus of indie publishing flourish, promising fame and fortune to authors who plunk down bundles of cash to take their courses or purchase their reports on everything from ads and marketing to social media to cover design and writing blurbs. They’ll even teach you how to write the books themselves, and how to buy reviews for it.

The Worst of Times. Desperate authors throw good money after bad and the gurus reap the benefits.

The Best of Times. No subject is off-limits. Publishers are no longer telling authors what to write or deciding what choices readers will have. The book world is vast, with something for everyone.

The Worst of Times. A lot of the books for sale are really quite dreadful. Poorly crafted and executed.

The Best of Times for readers. Desperate authors start giving away their books for free.

The Worst of Times for authors. Readers expect the books to be free, and most authors soon can’t make any sort of living at their craft.

An even Worse Time for authors. Computers, or Artificial Intelligence now has the capacity to write a book. It might not be good, but hey, it’s a book! And if you’re savvy at the marketing end of things, you can make some coin without actually writing a book.

The Best of Times. I just released a new title, my 52 nd, and reviewers love it.

The Worst of Times. Readers either can’t find the book because the market is glutted, or decide to wait until I put it on sale. Or better yet free.

I don’t know how it happened, but somehow I’ve come full circle, spending all my time writing without seeing any return on my investment.

Or maybe not. What if an influencer likes my book and makes a reel for Instagram or chats it up to their followers on TikTok.

Or better yet, Netflix turns my Seven Book Series into a popular television movie or series.

Frannie (Always a Bridesmaid) celebrated her book birthday yesterday. She was written by a real person who embraces everything about the industry. And really appreciates her readers. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSP4MXXF

***

USA Today Bestselling Author Kathleen Lawless blames a misspent youth watching Rawhide, Maverick and Bonanza for her fascination with cowboys, which doesn’t stop her from creating a wide variety of interests and occupations for her many alpha male heroes.

With over 50 published novels to her credit, she enjoys pushing the boundaries of traditional romance into historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense and women’s fiction.

She makes her home in the Pacific Northwest and loves to hear from her readers. www.kathleenlawless.com

Sign up for Kathleen’s VIP Reader Newsletter to receive a free book, updates, special giveaways and fan-priced offers.    http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1

It Wasn't Exactly Murder At A Scottish Wedding!

About Traci Hall

From cozy mysteries to seaside romance, USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall writes stories that captivate her readers. As a hybrid author with over sixty published works, Ms. Hall has a favorite tale for everyone.

Mystery lovers, check out her Scottish Shire series, set in the seaside town of Nairn, or the Salem B&B Mystery series, co-written as Traci Wilton. Her latest project is an Irish Castle cozy as Ellie Brannigan. Whether it's her ever-popular By the Sea romances, an Appletree Cove sweet romance, or a fun who-done-it, Traci finds her inspiration in sunny South Florida, living right near the ocean.

Traci wants to hear from you!

Traci@TraciHall.com 

Married instead of murdered is how my own May nuptials played out in 2022. While planning in January, I was writing Murder at a Scottish Wedding…at the same time I was in edit mode for Murder at an Irish Castle (written as Ellie Brannigan) a mystery about a bridalwear designer on Rodeo Drive. It was fun and the many episodes I watched of Say Yes to the Dress were research. Really. 😉

I discovered that the average price in the US for a wedding dress was around the five grand mark, but that wasn’t my experience—I even bought four before deciding that the most casual boho style was The One. And less than a hundred bucks.

Because of Covid we had put the wedding off a year. We kept our beach wedding very low-key, with less than forty guests. Spring storms had been predicted, but that day dawned with blue skies. The airshow didn’t start until around one and we said our vows at noon. All good! We were vaccinated and boosted yet still ended up with Covid. We spent our honeymoon in different rooms of our apartment—not exactly romantic, lol, but the day of the wedding was lovely and all I could ever want.

You know someone really loves you, and you love them, when you are both sick at the same time and don’t kill each other lol. We will be together ten years this May and just might take that honeymoon.

So, tell me what's your favorite style of wedding gown?  

Comment and you just might win an autographed copy of one of my books,

Murder at a Scottish Wedding

Buy link to Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W8X5K6V

Buy link to Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-at-a-scottish-wedding-traci-hall/1141407207

Buy link to Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/murder-at-a-scottish-wedding

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.

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 new novella, The Love Left Behind, will release in late fall, 2020.

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

Building Character Partnerships Through Conflict and Resolution … Delsora Lowe

There are so many things that must happen to have a good relationship or partnership. And there are so many things that can derail that same relationship or partnership. Now I don’t begin to claim to know what all those things are or how to solve them in real life. But I do know that what I throw at my characters are the challenges that come from a new or growing or steady and reliable relationship, depending on the story line.

In real life we want to avoid struggles and solve each one as it pops up. As writers, we want to throw challenges and struggles in the path of our characters to force them to deal with conflict by resolving them each step of the way. By dealing with the not so pleasant aspects of life and relationships, our characters learn to work with each other, compromise, and grow. The journey is both full of stumbling blocks and emotional. And if we write romance, the goal is to make sure the heroes and heroines acquire the tools to navigate stumbling blocks, and learn and grow enough to end up HAPPIY-EVER-AFTER with each other.

As if it were that easy.

Truthfully, our goal as writers of romance is to make the characters struggle, learn, and resolve.

One way to make your characters squirm is through conversation. There is research that indicates men and women converse in different ways with different expectations on how the conversation will go.

In an article entitled “‘Manspeak’ and ‘Womanspeak’: Interpretation Needed” in the Philadelphia Inquirer on June 10, 2020, the author says:

“Our ponderous query:
Are men and women constitutionally incapable of speaking the same
language?
There is "manspeak," an abbreviated system of monosyllabic responses and an occasional sentence.
And then there is "womanspeak," which undulates and flows with meaning and nuance. Words come easily and are plentiful. Compound sentences and multiple paragraphs are common.
So what happens when you plunk down two different language speakers in one household?
Confusion. Irritation. Frustration. And, of course, communication gaps.” 

Having one character interpret the other’s intent, and not get it right, sets both up for conflict in
their relationship. Having the two learn to converse—talk things out, negotiate their different wants and needs—leads to growth for each and eventually a happy resolution.

What we want to see is the characters learning more about each other, struggling along the way, and then learning to compromise and understand. If a reader doesn’t experience the growth, and the conflict that should precipitate growth between the characters that lead to a happy resolution—the prerequisite happily-ever-after in a romance—then they will leave the story behind less satisfied.

As both writers and readers of romance, our goal is to root for the characters to find that happy resolution. But if authors don’t add roadblocks, whether internal angst of some sort, or external forces that cause strife that lead the reader to believe “oh, no, what if these two don’t make it?,” then we don’t give the reader an emotional ride.

June is considered one of the big months for weddings—considered the ultimate in pursuing and eventually achieving a happily-ever-after. But we all know the angst and conflict that can arise in preparing a wedding and getting to the alter. And that emotional struggle continues in every step a couple takes throughout their relationship.

The ups and downs should make couples stronger together and individually, as they navigate the years. That is what romance writers strive for when writing about relationships—the emotional ups and downs that lead to that all important happily-ever-after or happily-for-now.

Here’s to effective communication and happy resolutions!

 The Love Left Behind 
a wedding novella

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 new novella, The Love Left Behind, will release in late fall, 2020.

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 Man And Woman Clipart, Download Free Man And Woman Clipart png images, Free ClipArts on Clipart Library (clipart-library.com) 
Free Conversation Cliparts, Download Free Conversation Cliparts png images, Free ClipArts on Clipart Library (clipart-library.com)

Article reference:
‘Manspeak’ and ‘womanspeak’: Interpreter needed (inquirer.com)

 

It's June and Love is in the air!

 

By: Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

With June busting out all over, and long overdue weddings happening, the question arises what is a relationship? Or rather what is a good relationship?

I have often pondered what gives when I see couples, walking several steps ahead of each other, or texting while dining, and not conversing,

Statistics show that 50% of marriages end in divorce. There’s speculation that number is even higher since the stats do not factor in those that are separated.  So why do partnerships crumble? In my humble opinion, it breaks down to three things.

Not viewing a partner as a friend

Entering the union for the wrong reasons

Having expectations that no mortal could possibly fulfill.

Let’s look at my thoughts in more detail.

A partner should be your best friend, someone you communicate with well, in and out of the bedroom. Lack of communication, or failure to communicate, is the number one reason, people get divorced.

Did you get pulled into a relationship for the wrong reasons? I always think of the adage, marry for money, spend the rest of your life earning it. So true, and in so many ways. As they say, nothing in life is free.  If you’re in it, because you think you need to have someone on your arm, anyone, that’s a sure recipe for disaster and possibly boredom.

It’s not the lack of finances that causes divorce/break ups, but lack of compatibility in the financial arena. If he’s a spender and you’re not, watch out for trouble.

Codependency? Yet another reason not to be in a relationship. Not to mention it’s unhealthy.  Having your own interests makes you a more fascinating person. As one article I read said, don’t become “couple dumb.”  Be your own individual. Show yourself.  Don’t lose yourself in the relationship.

Also, make sure you have some interests in common, and goals that align.  Opposites might attract, but will you be compatible long term?

What about expectations… are yours way over the top? Are they realistic? Many think partnerships mean being joined at the hip. Not so. Are you looking to be taken care of financially?  Are you expecting that knight/ princess to sweep you off your feet? Are you looking to be saved from yourself? Reality check.

What about traditional roles?  Are those expected of you. Is one expected to cook, while the other takes out the garbage? These are all things that need to be ironed out before taking the leap into coupledom, or you’re destined to be frustrated. Frustration can usually lead to disappointment.

Ok, so now that I’ve given you my thoughts, ask yourself why you’re thinking of getting married or moving in? What prompted you to accept the proposal or the invitation to cohabitate?  Did you say “yes” because this is your person AKA your best friend, or are you marrying because your biological clock is ticking, and your partner ticks a few boxes? Did you say “Yes,” because this person appears to be a good provider? Is this someone you’d never choose as a friend. If the answers to both are “yes,” then may I suggest you lose this person quickly before you lose yourself.

 I know, so many questions, so many ways to answer, so many ifs. So many reasons to be in a relationship or bow out.

Whatever you decide, choose wisely. The dew falls off the rose quickly, but the thorns tend to stay on. While love might have something to do with it, decisions should be made with both your head and heart.

 Happy June!

Coming in October 2021

About Marcia King-Gamble

Romance writer, Marcia King-Gamble originally hails from a sunny Caribbean Island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This former travel industry executive has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. She has contributed to Michael Fiore’s DigitalRomanceInc and served as a moderator on the now defunct eHarmony advice boards.  Having witnessed the bad, the ugly, and the not so good in relationships, she still prefers to write about happily ever after. Caring for her animal family keeps her grounded and sane.

Visit Marcia at www.lovemarcia.com or “friend” her on Facebook: http://bit.ly/1MlnrIS

Be sure to join her newsletter mailing list.

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