January: My “go to” Activity When I Want to Relax and Take Time Out of My Real Life ............................. by Delsora Lowe

Hallmark movies and romance stories take me away from the bad world news. They give me a positive, albeit maybe an unrealistic spin on life, versus the craziness, that seems to get crazier every day in our “off-kilter” world. 

The movies are educational…as in from the perspective of an author, they help me with writing romance. They "show" versus "tell" me by providing visual examples of style, topics, relationship types (good and bad,) lifestyle, various scenery, and locations, etc. 

Watching romantic shows and movies, and reading romance in any form, whether a full novel or a 5-minute short story, are positive reinforcement that show our world has the potential to be able to learn to work together, live in harmony, and help us individually and collectively to see the positive side of life. 

They show us how to be polite and thoughtful toward our neighbors, friends, and those who are strangers to us. For example, holding the door for the person entering behind us. Or, letting the mom with the fussy kid go in front of you in the grocery store line. 

Simple acts of kindness. 

These types of stories and movies let me escape from personal, national, and international woes. It is like burying my head in the sand.

Or like the infamous three monkeys—see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. Of course, this scenario is for the pure romance stories. 

Suspenseful romance does have a dose of evil, but in the end, all is rosy. Love and positivity reign. All turns out well for the heroes of the story. And the reader is left satisfied that all is well in the world—or at least the world of romantic fiction. 

 

Unrealistic, sometimes? Oh Yeah! Escapism? Absolutely! A chance to feel safe and “normal?” Yes, for those hours you are immersed in a fantasy of the way life should be—ALL THE TIME! 

 Letting your imagination run with the good things in life, is like a palette cleanser. On a bad day is watching or reading romance like a reset? On a good day, does fictional romance, confirm positivity and your perspective of what life should be—hopeful and kind and full of love? 

 What more can one ask from a few hours of reading or watching a feel-good movie? 

What’s Your Palette Cleanser on a Bad Day? 

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

all about love!

Moonlighting

(e-reader only) 

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Come-Dance-Me-Serenity-Starlight-ebook/dp/B074N95RGK/

Books2Read

books2read.com/u/bMrQva

 

Moonlighting

(also e-reader or in paperback as a collection: Starlight Grille) 

Amazon

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Moonlighting-Serenity-Harbor-Novella-Starlight-ebook/dp/B075TK7KYS/ 

Books2Read

Books2Read books2read.com/u/mZ5eop 

 ~ 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. 

Social Media Links:
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 

Photo Credits: 

Cash Register: fee clip art - cash register - Search Images / https://www.vecteezy,com 

Ostrich: free clip art - burying head in sand - Search / clipartmax.com

What's new, pussy cat?

Ah, those lofty New Year’s resolutions. For many of us, if written down, they’d make great birdcage liners by February. Unfortunately, I no longer have a birdcage and the hens prefer wood shavings.

I’m pleased to say I’ve learned a thing or three in the nearly sixty years (gulp) I’ve been alive. One thing I’m finally accepting is life is a marathon, not a sprint. Another thing I hold to be true is that one tiny, inconsequential decision, good or bad, can change your life.

Case in point:  Many moons ago, I saw a notice in the local paper for a writing workshop. This was before I started writing in earnest and was just playing around and had less than a clue what I was doing. I almost talked myself out of attending due to a combination of introvert tendencies and fear of the unknown, i.e. real writers. Who’s to say how my life would have evolved if I’d hesitated? I did go, discovered a whole new world, and now have good friends and a strong support network. One two-hour meeting of an RWA chapter slowly and gradually (that marathon thing) changed my life. I believe my evolution as a writer hasn’t ended, but I feel stuck. I’ve set goals for this year, both writing and non-writing, but they’re similar to last year and the year before, and the year before that. I need another “two-hour meeting”, except it’s not safe to breathe the air of a bunch of strangers for that long!

Funny story. I was scrolling through my Kindle the other night/early morning when Mother Nature’s furnace woke me and I couldn’t get back to sleep. And what did I find? A whole bunch of unread or partially read writing craft books that I’d been excited to buy but never got around to reading. I’ve decided that this year’s writing “two-hour meeting” is the challenge of reading and absorbing one of those books per month. I even created a page in my planner to keep track. Perhaps I’ll learn something that will be life-altering, or at least settle once and for all where the blasted commas go.

Another funny story. Regular readers of this blog, or my personal blog when I had one, or my newsletter will know that I love to bake. I especially love trying new recipes. I also enjoy cooking, though baking is my first love because I have a serious sweet tooth. For years and decades, we’ve subscribed to Cook’s Illustrated magazine – yes, an honest-to-goodness bunch of pages that are delivered to the mailbox.

Any guesses as to the last time I tried a recipe from the massive collection of back issues? Exactly. So my non-writing “two-hour meeting”, and a great way to relax, is my second challenge – cooking or baking two recipes from each new issue, which will work out to be one per month since it’s a bi-monthly publication.

I’m not expecting life-changing consequences from a new cookie recipe, but I may discover a new food culture that will enrich my soul as well as my body. As for learning where the blasted commas go, I have a feeling that ship sailed long ago.

Luanna Stewart has been creating adventures for her imaginary friends since childhood. She spends her days writing spicy contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and historical romance. When not torturing her heroes and heroines, she’s in her kitchen baking something delicious. She lives in Nova Scotia with her patient husband, one spoiled cat, and five hens. 

Website ~ Bookbub ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads 

The Abundance in my Life by Paty Jager

As I sat thinking about abundance in my life, the first thing that came to me was friendships. Though up until I started writing and reached out to other writers, I’d had only a few close friends.

Growing up I had two to three good friends I’d confide in. College, I had one friend. As a young mother living in an area that was new to me, I slowly acquired friends as my kids started school. But again, I only had two or three who I truly felt were good friends.

When I finally put myself out into the world to learn more about writing, I discovered the romance writers and before long, I had more friends than I’d ever had before. It is a bit overwhelming at times for this introvert!

The reason I felt closer to these writers than most of my adult friends was the bond we shared over writing. Even though I talk about writing to one of my closest friends, she still doesn’t understand the characters in my head or the need for a certain word. It’s something that only other writers understand.

When I get excited about something that would make a great place to hide a body or a unique way to kill someone, only murder mystery writers understand. My family just rolls their eyes. Though my younger brother is starting to think like me and will call me and tell me about something he saw that might make a good murder scene or weapon. 😉

I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count how many writers I feel are true friends. I know I could email or message any of them with a problem and they would listen and help me figure it out. And I would do the same for them. We all know how hard writing and sustaining our family life is. We are there for one another.

We cheer each other on when someone finals or wins a writing award, or finishes a book, or puts out a new version of a book, or even just finds time to write. And we all rally around when a book isn’t selling, or a rejection letter comes, or the story isn’t working, or family life has sucked the creativity out of us. It’s what friends do.

I also have found new friends through the readers of my books. That has been an added bonus!

And that my friends is what I have in abundance--FRIENDS!  

Some of my friends and I have a Book Event happening starting today! 

Eight authors are giving away Christmas ebooks! You can go to this page to find out how you can get entered to win. https://maggielynch.com/holiday-books-contest/ 

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 50+ murder mystery and western romance novels which have Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters.

blog / website /  Facebook / Paty's Posse / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest

Born in the wrong decade...

I really struggled with this month’s topic because I feel incredibly ordinary. I haven’t discovered anything, or invented anything, or written an international best seller – yet. But then I realized my life hasn’t been ordinary compared to many of my peers who were born in the ‘60’s, grew up in the ‘70’s, and matured in the ‘80’s.

Midway through college, I took a year off to be a nanny in the UK. Not only did that cement my love of travel but it gave me a tiny glimpse of life as a mum and homemaker (in addition to the two children, my duties included preparing supper and some light housekeeping) and I loved it.

When I got married a couple years later, I kept getting asked, by friends and relatives, when would I get a job. I had no idea what I wanted to be “when I grew up”, plus I was busy developing my love of cooking and baking, and perfecting the folding of fitted sheets. I was inordinately proud of my well-organized linen closet. Needless to say I was in the minority amongst my friends, all of whom had careers outside the home. I was asked on numerous occasions, “don’t you get bored being home all day?”. To which I’d with respond with heck, no, I’m too busy painting walls, or tending the garden, or making jam.

A few years later I was busy being a mum, sewing baby clothes and playing with Legos, followed by soccer and lacrosse practice, and flute and guitar lessons.

I’ve never felt stuck or trapped or like I was missing out. I should have been born a few decades earlier when women were expected to stay at home after marriage, and indeed were looked at askance if they wanted to continue working. Instead I was looked at askance for wanting to be a full-time homemaker – how could I possibly feel fulfilled by reupholstering the furniture or mowing the lawn or baking cookies? By the way, I make really good cookies. <grin>

I daresay I’m one of the few women my age who irons pillowcases, tea towels, and napkins. I get a thrill seeing them stacked neatly on the shelf in my well-organized linen closet. Now I’m off to fight with my hubby (recently retired) over who gets to use the vacuum cleaner.

Masks by Lynn Lovegreen

RTG Sept.: Masks by Lynn Lovegreen

This month’s theme is masks. I was stumped by this at first—I couldn’t think of any masks in my books, thought I might write about Alaska Native masks but it’s not something I’m an expert on….Then I thought of the kind of metaphorical masks we wear everyday. That is something I do know about.

We all have certain facades or masks we wear in public. For example, at work you might wear the “I’m confident” mask even when you are nervous about giving a presentation. Or you might wear your “I’m strong” mask with your child even though you’d rather go take a nap instead of lay down the law for the fortieth time that day. My point is, we all have to play certain roles or do things out of our comfort zone. That’s just being a grownup. But some masks aren't meant to be worn all the time.

In my case, and many others’, I wear the “I got this” mask when I want to do something myself. Sometimes that turns out fine, and I master the situation on my own. But other times, I should set down the mask and allow people to help me, or even ask people to help. 

An obvious case: when I broke my shoulder and had to spend long days propped up on the couch with my right arm strapped to my side. My husband had to be my chief cook and bottle washer, and did a wonderful job. But while I accepted his help, I hated asking friends to drive me around and do things for me. 

A less obvious case: when I get swamped with too many tasks, I usually say, “It’s okay, I’m just busy,” instead of asking for help and taking things off my plate. I run the danger of ruining my physical or mental health if I keep piling things on, just to save face, as they say, and keep my mask on.

Ladies and gentlemen, please take off your masks when you need to. Ask for help. It’s okay to be human, really. Let’s hold hands as we go through this journey of life and make it easier on ourselves and each other.   

Lynn Lovegreen grew up in Alaska, and still lives there. Her young adult/new adult historical romances are set in the Alaska Gold Rush, a great time for drama, romance, and independent characters. See her website at www.lynnlovegreen.com.

Wrongful Death

By Diana McCollum

I’ve spent a great deal of time pondering what I should write about this month.  The subjects that were suggested by our Blog Queens were Death and taxes.

I realize death is a sad subject to discuss.  It’s going to happen to all of us at some point in time.  The hope is we live long, healthy, happy and productive lives.  The sad truth is that many lives are cut short by accident, illness or war.

War brings me to the subject of this post on death.

Not all casualties of warfare come home in a flag draped coffin.

While watching “60 Minutes” last weekend I was stunned to hear the Veterans Association state that the average number of suicides per day for vets is twenty-two.  Every 65 mins a vet commits suicide. That is eight thousand and thirty lives per year.

Most of these are young veterans, men and women who survived Iraq and Afghanistan--but who saw such atrocities that their Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was more than they could live with or who were injured so severely, death seemed better than life.

The young vet, Clay Hunt, who was the featured story, survived the war.  He won a Purple Heart, watched his buddies die in front of him and was wounded, sent home, recovered and went back to war.  When he finally was discharged from the Marines, he told his mother the events of his buddies’ deaths (and there were many deaths) kept playing over and over in his head like a horror movie.  He had PTSD.  Clay told his mother and father, “Marines are at war, and America is at the mall.”

He was disillusioned with America and the nonchalance and lack of concern about the men and women fighting the war.

Clay tried to make a difference in the world.  After the Marines he joined humanitarian efforts traveling to Haiti after the earthquake to help the people there.  He traveled to Chili after another earthquake to help.  Clay had a purpose and seemed to be adjusting to life after war.

But he wasn’t healed or adjusted.

Even with therapy and the support of a loving family and friends the war took Clay Hunt’s life.  He committed suicide at the age of twenty-eight.  Clay was unable to overcome survivor’s guilt and the never ending playback of death in his mind.  This is an American tragedy played out twenty-two times a day.

This young man won a Purple Heart.  He fought heroically for America.  He was brave.  He came home and the war took his life on American soil.

My heart goes out to Clay Hunt’s family.

To all the veterans I say thank you for your service, and God bless.  May you find peace of mind in this life. 

“Live in the moment.  Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be. Because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.” unknown