Last week I discussed Breast Cancer. This week I thought I’d talk about the diagnosis and treatment.

The two things women should be doing is a monthly self breast check for any lumps or changes. Always remember to go under the arm and check the lymph nodes in the armpit.

Diagnosti c mammography is an x-ray that uses small doses of radiation to make an image of the breast. It is used to follow up on abnormal results of a screening mammography or a clinical breast exam. Mammography can also be used to find an abnormal area during a biopsy.

If there are abnormalities in a mammogram, they may do an ultrasound. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of parts of the body. It is used to find out if a breast lump is a solid tumor or a cyst. Doctors may also use ultrasound to guide them to the area to be tested during a biopsy.

If the diagnosis is possible cancer a biopsy will be done. During a biopsy, the doctor removes tissues or cells from the body so they can be tested in a lab and  confirm whether or not cancer cells are found in the sample. Most biopsies are done in a hospital, and you can go home when the biopsy is finished. There are a variety of biopsies.                                                                                                           Fine needle aspiration(FNA)  uses a very thin needle and syringe to remove a small amount of tissue from a lump.                                                                                                                                                          Mammito biopsy – similar to a fine needle but does several at once.                                                                                                                                                            Core biopsy  uses a special hollow needle to remove tissue from the body.                                                   Streotactic core biopsy  uses 3-D, or stereotactic, images to find the exact location of a tumor or suspicious area in the breast. Doctors use these images to guide them during a core biopsy. Stereotactic core biopsy is used to take samples from lumps that can be seen on an imaging test but that can’t be felt in the breast.                                  Wire localization biopsy  uses mammography to place a fine wire into a suspicious area in the breast that can’t be felt. The wire is left in place to guide the surgeon to the area during a surgical biopsy.                                         Surgical, or open, biopsy  removes all or part of a lump or a suspicious area.                                                                                  Lymph node biopsy is a surgical procedure that removes lymph nodes under the arm (called the axillary lymph nodes).

Treatment varies but usually it’s surgery. Either a lumpectomy or mastectomy. And may also include radiation, chemotherapy or hormone therapy.  

A Visit with Rothgar from The Viking’s Witch

By Kelli A. Wilkins

www.KelliWilkins.com

Today we’re chatting with Rothgar, the hero from The Viking’s Witch , a historical/paranormal romance from Kelli A. Wilkins. Before we hear from Rothgar, let’s learn more about the book.

The Viking’s Witch

Scotland, 803 A.D.

About to be burned at the stake by her fellow villagers, Odaria does what any betrayed witch facing certain death would do. She calls down a curse. Within seconds, rampaging Norsemen raid the village, capturing everyone except her.

But her reprieve is short-lived, and Odaria lands in the clutches of the Norse leader Rothgar. Can she remain true to herself and fight her growing attraction to this domineering man, or will she fall under his influence and be used for his ambitions?

After Rothgar witnesses Odaria’s powers firsthand, he strikes a bargain with her. The raven-haired beauty will use her magical abilities to help him with his quest in exchange for safe passage off the isle. But can this cunning woman be trusted, or is she using him to exact vengeance on her village?

Together they must fight bloodthirsty villagers, battle a mutinous band of Norsemen, find a missing Norse ship, and learn to trust each other… before time runs out.

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/%20ebook/dp/B07T15MHSW

Link to all other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4EQe0o

Beverley: Welcome Rothgar. Can you tell us how you came to the Orkney Islands and met Odaria, the heroine in The Viking’s Witch ?

Rothgar: Ja . I was sent there to look for my cousin, Orvind. His ship had vanished and my uncle wanted me to find him. After we came ashore, I found Odaria hiding in a gathering hall and I rescued her from an attack. To repay my kindness, she hit me! It was a very unusual first meeting.                                                                         Beverley:   What’s your story/back story? What was your life like before your author started pulling your strings?  Rothgar:  Before Kelli brought me and my fellow Norsemen to Stronsay, I was living a very different life. Once upon a time, I was known as “Rothgar the Ruthless” and I was a fierce and respected warrior. However, after my wife and son died, I gave up raiding and traveling and was considered “soft” by many of my fellow warriors. I was content to live on my farm and tend to my animals. I’ll admit, when Kelli gave me this mission, I was reluctant to take it. But I resurrected my stronger side and became a warrior once again. I’m glad I did, because sailing to Scotland and meeting Odaria renewed my strength and self-confidence, and gave me a second chance at a happy life.                B everley:   You sound very noble. How would you describe yourself?                                                          Rothgar:   A strong warrior who does not tolerate disloyalty or fools. I’ll fight for a cause I believe in, but I cannot stomach excess violence or abuse toward women. I’m a disciplined man who stands by my word, and I expect the same from others.                                                                                                                                        Beverley:  What’s your goal in this story?                                                                                      Rothgar:  When the story begins, my primary goal is to rescue Orvind. After I met Odaria, I had another goal: to protect her from her fellow Picts. Along the way, Odaria and I decided on a common goal: to bring her home with me.                                                                                                                                            Beverley:  What conflicts are you facing?                                                                                          Rothgar:   I have conflicts everywhere! My fellow Norsemen are reluctant to obey my orders; they want to raid the nearby islands instead of searching for Orvind. The Picts refuse to cooperate and won’t tell me where Orvind has been hidden, and they all want to kill Odaria. Odaria is also a bit of a problem at times. She’s very headstrong and refuses to listen to me for her own good.                                                                                          Beverley:  What was your first impression of Odaria?                                                                          Rothgar:  I had never known a woman like her before—soft and tender one minute, then feisty and fighting the next. I was impressed by her inner strength (she had just been tied to a stake and nearly burned to death), and her ability to cope with tragic situations. Later, when she wept like a frightened girl, I saw how vulnerable she was deep down, and my heart melted.                                                                                                      Beverley:   What is it about Odaria that makes you crazy in a good way?                                                            Rothgar:  She’s very strong-willed and opinionated and likes to do things her own way, no matter what. When I first met her, this was very frustrating and d rove me crazy, because I knew what was best for her, and yet, she fought me at every turn. Only later did I come to realize that all these traits made me love her even more.    Beverley:  Who is the one person you respect and trust the most?                                                                  Rothgar:  Odaria has proven that she’s unlike any other woman, and I trust her with my life. I have the utmost respect for her and know that she will fight with me, and for me, if necessary. I also have great respect for my berserkr friend, Nordskog. His great courage and loyalty saved Odaria and me from certain death.                        Beverley:  Do you sometimes want to strangle your writer? Thrash her to within an inch of her life for what she put you through in the book?                                                                                                            Rothgar:   Yes! Over the course of the book, Kelli put me through several very emotional trials. I had to discipline (and battle) fellow Norsemen, contend with the local villagers, protect Odaria, and still look for my cousin. It was a very exhausting few days, but I know that Kelli did it all for a good reason. She brought Odaria and I together and changed our lives forever. We’re both very happy now and quite indebted to Kelli for all she’s done for us. (Although she could have made things a little easier!)                                                                                    Beverley: Thank you for your time, Rothgar. Before you go, tell us a little something about your author. Where can readers find her website/blog?                                                                                                        Rothgar:  Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 19 romance novels, 5 non-fiction books, and 2 online writing courses. Her romances span many genres and heat levels, and she’s also been known to scare readers with her horror stories.

The Viking’s Witch was released in June 2019. This full-length novel takes place in Celtic Scotland and blends a sensual romance with paranormal elements. She released Extraterrestrial Encounters, a collection of 18 sci-fi stories, in August 2019. If you like horror fiction, don’t miss her disturbing novella, Nightmare in the North .

On Kelli’s behalf, I’d like to invite everyone to visit her website: http://www.KelliWilkins.com blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/ and Amazon Author page: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins to see all her writings. She has written several other great romances in all genres (historical, paranormal, gay, erotica, and contemporary) that readers will enjoy.

Thank you for letting me share my thoughts today. I hope everyone who reads The Viking’s Witch will check out Kelli’s other romances. She’s a talented writer and creates interesting stories that are hard to put down. (And her heroes are all very handsome, too!)

Kind Regards,

Rothgar

October is Breast Cancer Month. Almost everyone knows someone who has, or has had, cancer. Or maybe it’s you, and you’re a survivor. Do you “Run for the Cure?” Do you donate to Breast Cancer this month? No, I’m not hustling for donations, but I like to call attention to this month. And through research, more and more people survive. I’ve known several people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Many years ago, they didn’t survive. Now the prognosis has improved.

To me, breast cancer is personal. I am a survivor. It’s been many, many years since I was diagnosed and treated. Despite, or maybe because of mammograms, women are being diagnosed younger every year.

Again, many years ago, (and no I’m not going to say how many) there was a Cross-Canada Breast Cancer study for women between forty and sixty-five years of age. I volunteered and managed to sneak in by a few months. You were assigned a number when you volunteered. One set of numbers checked in once a year and filled out a nutritional survey. The other set of numbers did a nutritional survey and had a mammogram once a year. I drew the side that received mammograms. My second year I flunked out. If you’re diagnosed with cancer you’re dropped from the survey. In my mammogram the second year they found a small area about the size of a dime with maybe ten pin pricks inside it. That was the cancer. They did a fine wire biopsy to confirm it was cancer. I had a lumpectomy the next day.

I’m sure my risk of survival would be much less if I hadn’t been on the study. I probably wouldn’t have been diagnosed for at least another five years. It might not have gotten any larger. Apparently, some small cancers don’t grow, so maybe mine wouldn’t have, but honestly, I’m glad they found it and removed it.   And who knows if I would have survived if it did continue to grow for five more years. It did come back, in the same breast, ten years later.

I know there are pros and cons about mammograms. Pros- They do save lives. Mammograms are estimated to reduce cancer rates by 15%. Cons – They can cause significant harm. Some people will undergo treatment for no reason – because of a cancer that never would have grown. Women may experience psychological distress including anxiety and uncertainty for years because of an inaccurate result. This comes from a report at https://medshadow.org/medshadow_bblog/mammogram-pros-cons/ if you’d like to read the whole article.

And some breast cancers are too aggressive and virulent to control, no matter how early it is caught.

According to a Cancer.Net link the average 5-year survival rate for people wit breast cancer is 90%. The average 10-year survival rate is 83%. If the cancer is located only in the breast (not spread to lymph nodes) the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Here’s the link to that report https://www.cancer.net/camcer-types/breast-cancer/statistics/2015

If you’d like to share your experience, or a friends, with cancer, I’d love to hear it.

Here are some Online classes, presented by the Kiss Of Death Writing Chapter. We call the online classes the College of Felony and Intrigue (COFFIN ). There are two types. KillerInstincts is more the craft of writing and MurderOne is the police, Military, PI’s etc. Check them out.

October 1-31

Killer Instincts:  Writing a Romantic Novella

Instructor:  Catherine Chant

In this workshop you will learn what a novella is, how it’s more than word count that separates it from a novel, and how to successfully craft one of your own.

Lesson topics include: Scope and Pacing, Character Development, Conflict, Plot and Format. At the end of the workshop, you will have a brief outline of a novella you can start working on this year, a list of prospective publishers to submit your work to, and some tips for self-publishing your novella at Amazon, if you prefer to go the indie route.

The workshop includes exercises with every lesson designed to strengthen the concepts discussed.

Instructor Bio:  Catherine Chant is an active member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and a Golden Heart® finalist. She writes rock ‘n’ roll romantic fiction and stories with paranormal twists for young adults. You can connect with Catherine on her website  http://www.CatherineChant.com , on Twitter  @Catherine_Chant , or on Facebook  Catherine ChantNovels .

Murder One:  Writing the Private Investigator

Instructor:  Steve Pease

Television and movies do not reflect real life. Surprised? The Private Eye’s image in the mind of most Americans (and elsewhere) was formed on the screen and in pulpy mystery novels, and it’s mostly wrong. We don’t pull guns, beat up thugs, drink whiskey with a straw or take dirty photos thru motel Venetian blinds. We’re in a tough business, and we need insurance, permits, equipment and coffee. Oh, and good shoes and a comfy chair. This 12-lesson course will present a very practical view of the single-person PI business based on my experience as a licensed PI2 in Colorado. I’ll cover the main duties of the investigator, the effort needed to run a sustaining business and a few anecdotes to illustrate points. I’ll recommend resources, steer you away from a few, and suggest a couple things you can do to experience the PI life, AND, get some real-life details into your stories.

Outline – subject to refinement

The Private Eye cliché What a PI does – tasks, specialties PI Qualifications and training, licensing, guns, badges, clothes The PI business, bond/insurance, office, phone, internet, marketing Taking the Case – how’s this work? Tasks: Background – who are you?  Tasks: Surveillance – wha’cha doin’? Tasks: Criminal – bad boy, bad girl! Tasks: Corporate – wha’cha stealin’? Tasks: Infidelity – tsk, tsk! Ethics – kill the stereotype and save your license Recommended references Instructor Bio:  Steve Pease is a licensed Private Investigator in Colorado. He is retired from a career in Intelligence and space engineering. He teaches a KoD course in writing against the intelligence cliché. He has published military history, and SF/mystery/horror fiction as Michael Chandos. He is working on a romantic-suspense novel featuring an elegant lady who runs a lacey tea shop – and who knocked off her abusive husband with some lethal tea and put him in the rose bed

November 1-29

Killer Instincts:  Graphics for Social Media

Instructor:  Brandy Ayers

Murder One:  What is Criminal Profiling?

Instructor:  Pete Klismet

To register for October and November workshops go to:

https://rwakissofdeath.org/coffin

Rhobin’s topic for this month is another interesting one.

In designing your plots what do you rely on most: personal experience, imagination, or research?

For me, it’s mostly a combination of all three. A Cruise to Remember I wrote after I had taken my second cruise. The setting was the cruise ship, the various islands we stopped at and even some of the stores. I researched amnesia and Interpol. The actual plot was my imagination.

Hunted , the first book in my Hawkins’ Ranch series started with a personal experience. I was staying at the Empress Hotel, a historic and very expensive hotel for a conference i n Victoria, BC. I could see the lobby being a setting in a book and it had to be a cowboy in spurs walking across the granite floors. I researched Witsec, the Witness Protection Program. I researched Montana and decided where to set the small town of Duster. I did research on ranching, particularly the business end. The rest of the story was my imagination.

By Design came more from my imagination. I read articles on cloning and then stem cell research and wondered what would happen as it continued to be more accepted. So maybe a little personal experience and thinking. I came up with a plot developed on what might happen. I researched cloning and groups who might use it. I researched Northern California to set an isolated hospital and travel distances. I researched being in good physical condition and time frames for running distances. The rest -my imagination of course.  

On my way to check out the other a uthors below and read what they have to say.

Margaret Fieland  http://margaretfieland.wordpress.com Victoria Chatham  http://www.victoriachatham.com Skye Taylor  http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea Dr. Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1IK

Diane Bator  http://dbator.blogspot.ca/ Connie Vines  http://mizging.blogspot.com/ Anne Stenhouse   http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/ Rhobright: in Court  http://www.rh obincourtright.com

As a writer I’m sure when someone introduces you as a writer you’ve heard people say, “I could write a write book.”

But do they ever follow through? Maybe a first paragraph, but it’s a lot harder than people think.

Non-writers make excuses. Writers write.

When did you decide to write? How badly do you want it? What will you give up for it?

I always wrote starting in elementary school. I wrote paragraphs, descriptions, plots, you name it.

But while I’d jot down a scene I went into nursing, worked in nursing, married and started a family. I was still jotting down notes about characters, scenes, whatever. I went back to university, moved divorced and remarried. I still wasn’t a writer. I didn’t even know what I wanted to write.

When I finally made the decision, I loved the romantic suspense genre and I read writing romance was easy, so I decided to give it a try. I went to a Road to Romance conference in Calgary, attended work shops, learned about RWA and decided to be a writer. My first step was to buy a computer and learn to use it. (That’s another story)

I don’t plot a whole book, but I went through and sketched out the scenes in a few sentences. I read books on character development, goal motivation, conflict and scene and structure. Just to name a few. While I read, I wrote. I found a few other people in the area who were writing, and we would get together once a month and talk about our projects. I was a writer. I wrote every day and on weekends. I cut back on TV and read books. I cut back on gardening because I worked full-time and couldn’t fit it in with writing. I stayed focus, set goals and wrote. I finished that first book. (And it’s still hidden in a closet)

I started the next book. I found I had to write. Even if I didn’t sell, I had to write down all those thoughts and people in my head. I continued to write daily, (even if we went camping), reading, attending workshops and taking classes online. I really wanted to be a writer.

What about you? How badly do you want it?

Pablo Picasso said,  “Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working.”

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 19 romance novels, 5 non-fiction books, and 2 online writing courses. Her romances span many genres and heat levels, and she’s also been known to scare readers with her horror stories.

She released Extraterrestrial Encounters , a collection of 18 sci-fi stories, in August 2019. If you like horror fiction, don’t miss her disturbing novella, Nightmare in the North .

Her latest historical romance, The Viking’s Witch , was released in June 2019. This full-length novel takes place in Celtic Scotland and blends a sensual romance with paranormal elements. 

In March 2019, Kelli published Dangerous Indenture , a historical mystery romance set in Colonial Pennsylvania. She released the second half of her flash fiction series, Cupid’s Schemes , in early 2019. These two volumes of lighthearted mini-romances are perfect reads for a quick lunchtime escape or an after-work indulgence.

Kelli released her latest Teachable mini-course, Fiction Basics: Finding Ideas in February 2019. She authored Fiction Writing for Beginners through Teachable in 2018. These courses are perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to write. Visit:  https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/ for more details.

Not just an author, Kelli is also an amateur photographer. Visit her pages on Shutterstock https://www.shutterstock.com/g/kelli+wilkins and iStock https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/kelliwilkins to view her photos.

Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitte r.com/KWilkinsauthor .

Visit her website www.KelliWilkins.com or blog http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/ to learn more about all of her writings.

Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write? And why?

Kelli: I write novels and short stories in a vari ety of genres. I mainly consider myself a romance and horror author. I know that’s an unusual blend, but I like  to say that one half of my brain writes the romance and the other half writes the horror. (I’ve also branched out from horror into science fiction.)

I like writing in multiple genres because I get to explore different characters,  plots   and styles of writing in a romance that I couldn’t do in a horror story – and vice versa. However, I did blend the romance and horror genres into a few paranormal romances.

After writing a few romances I like to switch up and focus on horror or sci-fi for a while. My horror stories tend to be more psychological and creepy than bloody, and my sci-fi stories are about strange things that happen to ordinary people. I write in almost every romance genre: historical, fantasy, paranormal, gay, and contemporary. So I’m pretty comfortable switching genres as the characters and plots dictate.

I’ve also written several non-fiction pet guides and authored two online writing courses, so I pretty much write anything and everything.

Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?

Kelli: I read everything, so in a sense every book I’ve read has influenced me in some way. My bookshelves include mysteries, thrillers, suspense novels, romance, non-fiction, and horror.

My imagination combined with my love of horror inspired me to write my own stories. I credit Stephen King and Rod Serling as my two biggest influences – they know how to tell a good story. Without a doubt, Stephen King is my favorite author. He has been the main influence in my writing. My mother bought all of his books, and I read Night Shift when I was about nine years old. (I think it was the first “grown up” book I read.) The stories showed me how to plot, use details and descriptions, and give the story a voice. I think King’s On Writing book is a great way for anyone to get inside the mind of a writer and see how the process unfolds.

I also have to give credit to Rod Serling, because I learned about the mechanics of great storytelling, world-building, and character development from watching The Twilight Zone . After being exposed to these types of stories I was motivated to write my own.

Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?

Kelli: A great idea will always inspire me to grab a pen and paper and start writing! Sometimes I’ll see or hear something that sparks an idea and that will give me the basis for an entire book. Of course, once I’m writing a book, the characters and the story keep my creative juices flowing. Even though I plot out my books and have a good idea of what’s going to happen next, every once in a while my characters will surprise me and take things in a different direction.

Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?

Kelli: I like to watch cartoons because they help me laugh and relax. They’re a great stress-reducer. I mostly watch cartoons for children, like Octonauts, Peppa Pig , and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles . But my all-time favorite character is Felix the Cat. Felix is my favorite because I love cats (especially black cats) and he was a wiseass troublemaker who always found a clever way out of his jams.

Beverley: Who would you love most to meet ‘in person’ and why?

Kelli: It would be interesting to sit down with a panel of my favorite authors (Stephen King, John Sandford, Preston & Child) and talk about their books, characters, and their writing processes. I’d also like to meet several musicians and enjoy free concerts!

Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?

Kelli: I’d spend the day doing something fun with my husband or friends. Maybe take a day trip somewhere or walk on the beach.

Beverley: You’re a busy person! You had two books published this summer. Tell us about your latest releases.

Kelli: In August I released Extraterrestrial Encounters: A Collection of Sci-fi Stories . Here’s the blurb:

Extraterrestrial Encounters: A Collection of Sci-Fi Stories

       

Are you ready to step into the unknown?

In these 18 sci-fi stories, you’ll encounter aliens of all shapes and sizes, curious (and sometimes unlucky) space explorers, and ordinary Earthlings having otherworldly experiences.

Some of the out-of-this-world tales in this short fiction anthology include:

“The Hoax” – A reporter learns that a creature from another planet is a dangerous thing to fool with.

“It Grows on You” – A strange kind of mold has invaded an office, and it’s the perfect tool for revenge

 “What Lurks Below” – Everyone knows there’s no life on Mars, but nobody thought about what might be lurking under the surface…

“The Con” – An alien becomes an unlikely ally to a down-on-his-luck petty crook

“Space Cowboy” – When a second-rate rodeo star is abducted by aliens, he makes the most of the situation

 “They Just Keep Eating” – A Nebraska farmer encounters a menace from space… and it’s hungry

This collection of speculative fiction will stimulate your imagination, unnerve you just a little, and make you wonder… “What if we’re not alone?”

Order it here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W5JG1DC

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/3JVJ9e

Back in June, I released my historical romance, The Viking’s Witch . This full-length novel is set in Celtic Scotland and blends a sensual love story with adventure and paranormal elements.

The Viking’s Witch

About to be burned at the stake by her fellow villagers, Odaria does what any betrayed witch facing certain death would do. She calls down a curse. Within seconds, rampaging Norsemen raid the village, capturing everyone except her.

But her reprieve is short-lived, and Odaria lands in the clutches of the Norse leader Rothgar. Can she remain true to herself and fight her growing attraction to this domineering man, or will she fall under his influence and be used for his ambitions?

After Rothgar witnesses Odaria’s powers firsthand, he strikes a bargain with her. The raven-haired beauty will use her magical abilities to help him with his quest in exchange for safe passage off the isle. But can this cunning woman be trusted, or is she using him to exact vengeance on her village?

Together they must fight bloodthirsty villagers, battle a mutinous band of Norsemen, find a missing Norse ship, and learn to trust each other…before time runs out.

Order it here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/%20ebook/dp/B07T15MHSW

Link to all other platforms:  https://books2read.com/u/4EQe0o

What are your current projects?

I’m working on a re-release of my historical western romance, Lies, Love & Redemption . I’m also outlining two new romances (a contemporary gay novella and another historical romance) and revising a paranormal contemporary. Readers can learn more about all of my books on my site, sign up for my newsletter, or follow my blog and social media posts for updates on new releases.

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts today. I welcome questions and comments from readers and other authors.

CATCH UP WITH KELLI

Here’s a full list of where you can find Kelli on the web.

Website: http://www.KelliWilkins.com

Blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins

Facebook Historical Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Historical-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1703805359922371/

Facebook Contemporary Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Contemporary-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1965702023664339/

Facebook Gay Romances: https://www.facebook.com/GayRomancesbyKelliAWilkins/

Free Reads: http://www.manicreaders.com/KelliAWilkins/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelliwilkins2/  

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelli-a-wilkins

Books2Read: https://www.books2read. com/ap/nkvddR/Kelli-A-Wilkins

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KWilkinsAuthor/

Shutterstock: https://www.shu tterstock.com/g/kelli+wilkins

iStock: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/kelliwilkins

Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb

Teachable Online Writing Courses: https://kell iwilkins.teachable.com/

Barbara White Daille lives with her husband in the sunny Southwest. Though they love the warm winters and the lizards in their front yard, they haven’t gotten used to the scorpions in the bathroom. Barbara also loves writing, reading, and chocolate. Come to think of it, she enjoys writing about those subjects, too!

Barbara wrote her first short story at the age of nine, then typed “The End” to her first novel many years later…in the eighth grade. Now she’s writing contemporary romance on a daily basis. Sign up for her newsletter to keep up with the latest in her writing life:  https://barbarawhitedaille.com/newsletter .

Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write? And why?

Barbara: Currently, I’m writing romance, one of my favorite genres to write and read.  Why?  Romance novels give us hope, show us how real and fictional people can deal with adversity, and come with a guaranteed happy ending.  More specifically, I write short contemporary romance on the sweeter or lower-sensuality side.

Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?

Barbara: I made that decision very early on, thanks to input from many people:

My mom, who gave me my love of reading.

Grade school, teachers who encouraged my attempts at writing.

And all the authors I read in those early days who wrote books starring characters I loved.  To name a few of my book best friends:  The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Trixie Belden, Encyclopedia Brown, Hercule Poirot, and Miss Marple.

Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?

Barbara: So many random things, including incidents like seeing an interesting-looking stranger; overhearing a line of a conversation; getting bored watching a TV episode and creating new plot twists of my own.

Usually a character “speaks” to me first.  His or her situation or predicament or problem soon crops up, and from there character and plot go hand-in-hand.

Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?

Barbara: Hmm. . . this is tough.  We learn to love— and can learn a lot from—cartoon characters.  I’ll go with Walt Disney’s Goofy because he’s one of the earliest characters I remember watching and because he’s always good for a laugh.

Beverley: Who would you love most to meet ‘in person’ and why?

Barbara: If this includes anyone from any time period, I’d choose Agatha Christie.  I’ve been reading her books since grade school and would love to pick her brain to see how she comes up with her plots!

Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?

Barbara: Stock up on pizza, tea, brownies, and chocolate chip cookies.  Put my TBR pile next to the couch.  Get into my comfiest pajamas.  And read from morning and well into the night.

Beverley: What are you working on now?

Barbara: I’m writing my next Harlequin Heartwarming, another book in the Hitching Post Hotel series.  This features Wes’s brother and a bride jilted at the Hitching Post’s altar.  I’m also working on the third Snowflake Valley story from Entangled Books.  The series is set in a small town that caters to tourists, and the heroine of this book is one of the “bad-luck Barnett” sisters.

Thanks to Beverley for inviting me here to celebrate the book birthday of The Rancher’s Family !  The story is part of The Hitching Post Hotel series and debuts on September 1st.

Book Blurb from The Rancher’s Family:

“Are you my new mommy?”

She certainly hopes so…

After a devastating loss, Cara Leonetti’s dreams of a husband and children are on hold. But Cowboy Creek’s local matchmaker thinks otherwise! And Cara finds

herself unexpectedly entangled in the day-to-day family chaos of widower Wes Daniels and his two small children. She’s falling hard, but the strong, silent rancher doesn’t trust in love. Can Cara put her own fears aside and show Wes that they’re stronger together?

Excerpt from The Rancher’s Family:

Cara looked at her car only a few yards away. Maybe she should get in it again and leave. Maybe Wes Daniels had decided he didn’t want help.

And after all, who was she to come here and disturb a stranger still so wrapped up in grief that he might wind up a hermit , as Jed had put it?

The door swung open. Her jaw almost dropped.

  man stood in the opening, silhouetted by the light from a lamp in the room behind him. Not Jed’s “old friend.” A much younger man, twenty something, with broad shoulders and sturdy arms and dark brown eyes beneath dark brows. A man she already…sort of…knew.

The unfriendly cowboy she had met that afternoon at the Big Dipper.

He looked just as surprised to see her. “Did you make a wrong turn on your way to somewhere else?”

“That might be impossible in Cowboy Creek.”

“Yeah. We’re not like the big city.”

A point in his favor—he’d remembered her telling him where she was from. He seemed more relaxed than he had earlier. Maybe he’d just been in a bad mood. Or—be honest—maybe her own stress had led her to misread the situation, and the awkwardness was all on her.

Then and now.

Buy Links for The Rancher’s Family:

Amazon  https://www.amazon.com/Ranchers-Family-Hitching-Post-Hotel-ebook/dp/B07MW7JZZ1/  

Barnes & Noble  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ranchers-family- barbara-white-daille/1130314948?ean=9781488039881   

Books-A-Million  https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Ranchers-Family/Barbara-White-Daille/Q30646677?id=7571848599780   

Harlequin  https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781488039881_the-ranchers-family.html

Kobo  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-rancher-s-family

Find Barbara and her books:

Website  https://www.barbarawhitedaille.com  

Newsletter  https://www.barbarawhitedaille.com/newsletter

Facebook  http://ww w.facebook.com/barbarawhitedaille

Twitter  https://twit ter.com/BarbaraWDaille

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/barbara-white-daille

Goodreads  http://www.goodreads.com /author/show/529361.Barbara_White_Daille

Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/B arbara-White-Daille/e/B002J6B0QQ

Harlequin   https://www.harlequin.com/shop/authors/23759_barbara-white-daille.html  

Entangled  http://entangledpublishing.com/category/barbara-white-daille/

What a fun topic this month. We’re asked to post an excerpt from one of our books dealing with travel and or vacation. Thanks, Rhobin.

I’ve chosen one of my back-list books, A Cruise to Remember. and it’s still available on Amazon and Kobo. Since I write romantic suspense, I usually have murder and mystery in my books. So, even though my excerpt is based on a cruise through the Caribbean, it has t include mystery and suspense. It was a fun book to write and I wrote it just after we had taken a cruise through the Caribbean.

Short Blurb for A Cruise to Remember

Amnesia, a cruise ship, a jewel theft ring and attempted murder combine to make it a cruise to remember. Hallie Donald has been in an accident and has amnesia. She’s traveling on the cruise as a companion. And someone is trying to kill her.

She doesn’t remember anything but someone   Interpol agent Eric Norby searches for jewel thieves on a Caribbean cruise, but his main suspect is the woman he loves.

Excerpt from A Cruise to Remember

“Did we have a date, Dr. Peterson?” Hallie asked.

“No and call me Eric. I saw what he was doing. You didn’t appear to be enjoying it. My God, woman, don’t you have any idea how to handle a situation like that? And how the hell did you get yourself into that position in the first place? I didn’t take you for a stupid person.”

“I’m not stupid,” Hallie sniffed. “But you’re right. I feel pretty dumb right now. I don’t know how I got myself into that situation. Jack out maneuvered me. It didn’t matter what I did, he wouldn’t give up.”

Hallie trembled as they walked away. She couldn’t forget how Jack had treated her.

“I suggest you stay away from him in the future. I might not be around to save you next time. Are you sure you’re all right?” Eric stopped and looked down at her.

“Yes, I think so. Don’t worry. I don’t plan to let him anywhere near me again.”

“Good.”

“I kicked and scratched and even yelled at him to leave me alone. Nothing worked and no one paid any attention when I yelled. I-I think he was going to try and make love to me right here on the deck. Thank you for rescuing me.”

Out of the corner of her eye Hallie caught a glimpse of a tall attractive redhead watching them. The woman shot Hallie an angry look before she turned and stomped toward the bar.

“You looked terrified. I couldn’t believe you’d let him grope you like that.” Eric snapped.

“I couldn’t stop him. I did punch him. I even managed to draw blood at one point,” she said.

“You need to learn to throw a better punch than that if you want to do any damage.”

“Maybe you could teach me?”

Eric shook his head, “I don’t get it. I could see you had no idea how to handle him–so Eric to the rescue. By the way, he wanted sex, he didn’t want to make love to you, trust me. There is definitely a difference. Don’t you remember anything about relationships? Or appropriate behavior between men and women?”

“Nope.”

“You can’t remember anything about how you reacted in the past?”

“How could I? I don’t remember my past. How would I know how I reacted? And maybe no one has ever tried to rape me before. I don’t know. Give me a break. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

“Good. I hope so. You have no knowledge at all about what happens on a date?”

“No, not really; conversation, eating, doing some kind of activity I guess. I’m going to have to learn that process all over again, except, it’s going to be harder because when you’re an adult you’re supposed to know what it’s all about. People expect that you know the games and the rules. Jack certainly thought I did. I feel like a child trying to play grown up games.”

“I guess I am going to have to give you lessons.” Eric warmed her with his smile. “Can I buy you a drink?”

“You don’t have to. I’m fine now. Were you with someone when you noticed my difficulty?”

“Why?”

“Because I saw a lady standing a few feet from you when we walked away from Jack. She looked really mad, and I think those were daggers she shot in my direction.”

“The redhead?”

“That’s the one.”

“I was sort of with her. She cornered me on deck. I offered to buy her a drink. That’s all. I think she read more into it than I meant. So, in a way, maybe you saved me, too.”

“Somehow, I doubt that. She had a great figure.”

“I’d hardly noticed.”

“Right.”

   “You’re still shaking. Come on over here where it’s quiet.” Eric found a sheltered corner, away from most of the passengers. “Sit down, doctors’ orders. I’ll be right back with two drinks. You could use something to relax you. They have special sail-away drinks. You okay with that you?”

   He slipped his uniform jacket off and draped it around her shoulders, over her shawl.

   “Sounds great, but it’s not necessary.” She felt warmer in the jacket and his musky male scent enveloped her. It was pleasant and sexual. She knew didn’t react to all men’s scent this way. She looked up and noticed his lip curled slightly as he smiled.

   “Yeah, it is. Keep the jacket on to help warm you up. I’ll be right back.”

   Hallie sat on the edge of the chair. She forced herself to take deep, calming breaths. She relaxed slightly and leaned back. Eric’s jacket slipped from her shoulders to the deck. She bent to pick it up when she felt rather than heard a buzzing sound, something like a mosquito, past her left ear.

   Strange.

   She sat back up and twisted around to adjust Eric’s jacket. There was a hole in the back of the deck chair.

   Funny, I don’t remember it being there before I picked up the jacket.

   She ran her finger over the hole.

   “Here we go.” Eric carried a couple of tall, red, orange and yellowed colored drinks topped off with parasols.

   “What were you doing?” he asked.

   “I’m not sure. There was a funny sound, like a mosquito, and I think this hole just appeared.”

   “What the hell…?” Eric placed the drinks onto a nearby table. He ran his finger over the hole.

   “It’s a bloody bullet hole.”

   “A what? You’re kidding?”

   “No, I’m not. Where were you when it happened?” Eric looked at the hole. He squinted back in the direction it would have come from.

   “I guess that’s when I bent down to pick up your jacket.”

   “My God, you could have been killed.” Eric pulled Hallie into his arms and squeezed her against his chest. “You’re sure you’re all right?”

   “I think so. I mean, I wasn’t hit or anything. I can’t figure out what’s happening. This has to be one of the worst nights of my life.”

I’m off to read where my fellow authors have traveled.

Diane Bator  http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Marie Laval  http://marielaval.blogspot.co.uk/

Skye Taylor  http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Victoria Chatham  http://www.victoriachatham.com

Judith Copek   http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/

Anne Stenhouse    http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/

Helena Fairfax  http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

A.J. Maguire   http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/

Dr. Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1GK

Connie Vines   http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Rhobin L Courtright   http://www.rhobincourtright.com