Okay this is totally not about writing, but I came across this article. It makes sense to me and I’m going to try and meet the recommendations.

I thought I’d share it, especially for those of you over 50 years old, or maybe those who are younger who might be interested in it for their older relatives. The article is in the AARP August/September magazine, “What to Eat When You’re 70+” by Clint Carter. It says we’re not getting enough protein.

The last US government puts out a pamphlet called “Dietary Guidelines for Americans”.   The last one they released was in 2015. It’s 122 pages of specific nutrition information for men and women up to the age of 50. Then they lump everyone over 50 into one group. So the guidelines are the same for a 50 year old or an 80 year old.   They recommend 46 grams of protein a day for women and 56 grams a day for men.

Aging bodies lose muscle faster and digest protein different. After 40 you lose 1 percent of muscle mass per year.  A 10 week study of 70 year old men doubled their intake of the recommended amount of protein. Those who took only the recommended amount lost muscle mass. Those who took double the amount added muscle around their core and increased their length strength. So they’re recommending 100 grams of protein a day.   (He didn’t list the study) It sounds like a lot, but aim for 20-30 grams per meal. I’m working on it right now.

To get the daily amount he recommends cutting back on bagels and cookies and adding lean meats, fish, eggs, yogurt, milk and nuts. I tend to avoid dairy so I use almond milk and soy yogurt. And almonds are also a good snack. His example for getting your 100 grams of protein a day is this.   Breakfast – 2 packets instant oatmeal, 1 Tbsp of almond butter and 2/3 skim milk – 19 g Snack – 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt – 22g Lunch – Tuna salad on whole wheat 23g Snack ¼ cup cubed Swiss cheese 9g Dinner Spaghetti with meat sauce 26g

Any comments?

News from KOD the Romance Writers of America Romantic Suspense/Mystery Chapter

View this email in your browser Coffin Classes Killer Instinct – October 1 – 31, 2018 Killer Instincts

Starts: August 1, 2018

 

MAKING GOODREADS WORK FOR YOU  

 

Class Instructor: Diane K. Peterson

Instructor Bio:   Diane Peterson is a retired school library media specialist that promotes the romance novel industry as an analyst, speaker, reviewer and writer. She teaches a number of literature-related classes to older adults through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and does workshops and presentations to other groups. Diane is very active on Goodreads, tracking her own extensive library of romance books, writing reviews and following many authors and groups. A compulsive “fixer”, she uses her status as a Goodreads librarian to correct and improve book records as well as assisting authors with their records. Diane is a member of RWA and the Missouri RWA chapter. Website: www.dianekpeterson.com .

Read More

Register Now Coffin Classes

Murder One – October 1 – 31, 2018 Murder One –  Starts: October 1, 2018 ORDER IN THE COURT & IN YOUR WRITING

 

Class Instructor:   Leslie Budewitz

Instructor Bio:

Leslie Budewitz blends her passion for food, great mysteries, and the Northwest in the Seattle Spice Shop Mysteries and the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, set in Jewel Bay, Montana. Death al Dente (Berkley, 2013) won the 2013 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Her guide for writers, Books, Crooks & Counselors: How to Write Accurately About Criminal Law and Courtroom Procedure(Linden/Quill Driver) won the 2011 Agatha Award for Best Nonfiction. Leslie is a practicing lawyer, admitted to the bar in Washington and Montana. In her first job after graduating from the University of Notre Dame Law School, she clerked for the Washington State Court of Appeals. Her practice has included a wide variety of civil and criminal matters, including personal injury and business litigation, employment law, and criminal defense. Leslie has spoken to writers’ groups across the country on avoiding common mistakes in the law, including MWA and RWA chapters, the Writers’ Police Academy, the Flathead River Writers’ Conference, and Colorado Gold. The 2015-16 president of Sisters in Crime, Leslie lives in NW Montana.   Read More

Register Now News from KOD the Romance Writers of America Romantic Suspense/Mystery Chapter View this email in your browser Here’s the link to register https://www.rwa.org/e/in/eid=713

Regan Walker is an award-winning, bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval romances. Her stories often feature a demanding sovereign who taps his subjects for special assignments. Each of her novels includes real history and real historical figures as characters. And, of course, adventure and love, sometimes on the high seas!

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

Regan: I write what I love to read: historical romance. I love getting lost in the past with a compelling story set deep in history. I’m a reviewer, too, so I read in many subgenres. Historical Romance Review is my blog: https://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/

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

Regan: I have been a writer since grade school. I don’t think anyone influenced me; it was just something I did. But I did not begin to write historical fiction and historical romance until my law career ended. It began as a hobby and became a passion.

Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?

Regan: Research into the past… especially when I discover some juicy historical fact that brings a character to life. In my research for A Fierce Wind , when I learned one of the generals of the Revolution was a man who did not feel constrained by the bounds of morality and, moreover, was viewed by his men as incompetent, well, that allowed me to paint a picture the readers would grasp instantly.

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

Regan: Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit appeals. He’s an adventuring sort and I like that. I also like that the animation is beautifully done.

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

Regan: I think it might be Queen Margaret of Scotland, the wife of Malcolm III. She’s a character in my novel Rebel Warrior (and The Refuge ). I did so much research on her I feel I know her. My research revealed a wise, gracious and beautiful woman who gave up her dream to embrace another for the benefit of Scotland and that sacrifice was to have positive effects for centuries.

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

Regan: I would spend it with a friend, beginning with breakfast out at a beachside restaurant. Then perhaps a bit of shopping, a movie and an elegant dinner. Being with someone you like and with whom you share common interests is a delight.

Beverley: What are you working on now?

Regan: I’m just beginning the research for Rogue’s Holiday , book 5 in the Agents of the Crown series. It’s a Regency set in 1820 that beginning with the Cato Street Conspiracy that could have wiped out the British cabinet but the plot was foiled before it reached fruition. And then the story will go to Brighton, the pleasure palace of the new King George IV, where Sir Robert Powell will meet his nemesis, Miss Chastity Reynolds.

Blurb for A Fierce Wind

A n exciting story of love in the time of revolution when loyalties are torn and love is tested and when the boy Zoé Donet knew as a child turns out to be the man of her dreams.

Love in the time of revolution

France 1794

Zoé Ariane Donet was in love with love until she met the commander of the royalist army f ighting the revolutionaries tearing apart France. When the dashing young general is killed, she joins the royalist cause, rescuing émigrés fleeing France.

One man watches over her: Frederick West, the brother of an English earl, who has known Zoé since she was a precocious ten-year-old child. At sixteen, she promised great beauty, the flower of French womanhood about to bloom. Now, four years later, as Robespierre’s Terror seizes France by the throat, Zoé has become a beautiful temptress Freddie vows to protect with his life.

But English spies don’t live long in revolutionary France.

Excerpt for A Fierce Wind – Freddie goes after Zoe in Granville

       Freddie paced the deck, glancing toward shore, wishing the fog would miraculously part to reveal the skiff he awaited. He had tried to convince Zoé of the foolhardy nature of her excursions into the ports to gather the refugees like a mother hen gathers her chicks. Stubborn as always and determined to save as many as she could, she would hear none of it. While he could admire her courage, he feared for her safety.

Standing amidships, Bequel nervously chewed on a bit of broom straw, bespeaking his unease at the vulnerable state of the ship idling in Granville’s harbor for so long.

The crew, silently going about their tasks, kept glancing toward shore.

Except for the occasional band of drunken men, loud in their goodbyes as they left the taverns, silence reigned on the quay some fifty yards away.

Freddie’s anxiety reached a crescendo. “She should have returned by now. Something must have gone wrong.” He faced Bequel. “Spare me a few of the crew. I’m going after her.”

That the quartermaster motioned two of the crew forward and ordered them to lower the boat and take Freddie ashore betrayed his worry for the capitaine ’s niece.

Moments later, the rowing boat moved silently through the fog-shrouded waters. Freddie’s stomach churned, his eyes fixed on the wharf emerging from the dense mist.

What could have happened to her?

 

Buy links for A Fierce Wind:

US: htt ps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYPFVRL

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FYPFVRL

Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07FYPFVRL

You can find Regan at:

Author website: http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regan.walker.104

Regan Walker’s Readers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReganWalkersReaders/

Pinterest (storyboards for my books): https://www.pinterest.com/reganwalker123/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RegansReview

Regan’s blog, Historical Romance Review: https://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/

Amazon link for the Donet Trilogy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B071JPXTT5/

 Regan is happy to offer a giveaway of the ebook of To Tame the Wind, book 1 in the Donet Trilogy (A Fierce Wind is book 3). It has won multiple awards. You can see To Tame the Wind here: http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com/to-tame-the-wind.html .

Mia London loves to write!      

She’s been reading fiction for years and finally decided that the images and scenes floating around in her head needed to make it to paper.

She’s a huge fan of romance, highly optimistic, and wildly faithful to the HEA (happily ever after). She’s inspired by most anything around her. And her biggest obstacle is not having enough time to get it all down on paper (or my computer, as the case may be).

Her goal is create a fantasy you will enjoy with characters you could love.

She lives in Texas with her attentive, loving, super-model husband, and her perfectly behaved, brilliant children. Her produce never wilts, there are no weeds in her flowerbeds, and chocolate is her favorite food group.

And then she wakes up. 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon |

Susan Sheehey writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense and women’s fiction. The  Knights of Texas  series (contemporary romance novellas) is available on Kindle. The  Royals of Solana  series (romantic suspense & adventure) is available on all e-retailers and in paperback, along with her contemporary romance standalone,  Audrey’s Promise .  Water plays a crucial element in all of her novels, and she’s a strong advocate for Autism Awareness. She tried to give up Diet Coke, and it didn’t take. When not writing, she’s chasing after her two children, and being pampered by her husband in Texas.  

Follow her at  www.SusanSheehey.com  or on  Facebook , Twitter  @SusieWriter ,  Amazon , and  BookBub . Join her monthly newsletter for goodies and sneak peaks.

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/p5b0i9

Website | Facebook | Twitter | BookBub | Newsletter

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

Susan: I prefer to write romantic suspense and contemporary romance, mainly because those are 2 of my favorite genres to read. J

Mia: Contemporary and erotic romance. And like Susan, that’s what I also enjoy reading, plus historical.

Beverley: What prompted you to write in the genre/s you do?

Mia: I finished Principal’s Office by Jasmine Haynes, and my love of erotic romance was reinvigorated. I absolutely fell in love with that book and couldn’t wait to read more. That in turn activated my creative gene, and I let my computer do the rest of the work.

Beverley: How long have you been writing?

Mia:   On and off for a few years, but most-seriously in 2013. My first award was in the fourth grade for a short story. Maybe I should revise that date. J

Beverley: What obstacles did you have to overcome to begin creating your work?

Susan: I am a full-time mother with two young boys on the autism spectrum. They require a lot of attention and supervision, so carving out time to write has been the biggest challenge. Because I’ve learned I can’t write when they’re in the house with me. My mind is always on my kids (and what trouble they are getting into). J I have to schedule my writing time when they are in school or their various therapies. Balancing that with the last-minute changes and issues that arise in their schedule and care is very challenging.

Mia: Time. Isn’t that what stands in the way for most of us in achieving our goals? I own another business, have one husband and two kids, and some days I feel stretched thin. Luckily the kids are getting older and more self-sufficient, and my husband is a great cook. 😉

Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?

Susan: Reading, and being around my critique partners. Seriously, the writing rhythm is contagious!

Beverley: What will stop your creative muse the quickest?

Susan: My kids. Or being stuck in traffic. Which is often!

Beverley: Where do you do most of your writing?

Susan: At home. But I frequent a local coffee shop by my house, and get a lot of work done there as well. Change of scenery always gets my creative juices flowing, too.

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

Susan: Toss-up between plotting out a new series, or reading my TBR pile on my night stand.

Beverley: What are you working on now?

Susan: A three-book contemporary romance series with Mia London, including a separate epilogue. This is by far the funniest series I’ve ever written. I love this romantic comedy genre!

Mia: As Susan mentioned, the Sweet Escape series. So let me tell you how it all started. J

Susan and I were traveling to a book signing 3 hours away. I was driving, and she’d just closed the lid to her laptop and said, “What a satisfying sound. Who would ever own a tablet when you couldn’t slam the lid shut?”

I agreed, and asked, “But is she slamming the lid because she’d mad or she’s happy? Like she just did something great and her boss was going to be proud.”

And there was the catalyst for the entire series.

As with any writer’s mind, once the creativity flows it’s hard to turn off. We talked, plotted, came up with characters, and plotted some more on the return trip. We met, texted, and called to chat and brainstorm. One person would write and the other would in turn edit that. We each had areas of expertise that definitely complimented each other, and created a well-rounded series—steamy, entertaining, funny. It was such a fun and rewarding experience!

Beverley: What books have you had published? And tell us a little bit about them, please.

Susan: Royals of Solana romantic suspense series

Royal life isn’t all luxury, glamour, and celebrity status—it’s a target for relentless attacks from those who lust for power. The Royals of Solana face vicious threats from both criminals and diplomats, all coveting the exotic prize that is their island nation. When the king and crown prince are brutally murdered during a cartel coup, Princess Alanna and exiled Prince Andre are forced on the run, desperate to save their own lives while trying to take back their country. Enemies emerge from all corners of the world, scrambling in the power vacuum. The last things the royal siblings need are limelight camera flashes, or steamy dalliances with common strangers. Except these strangers are impossible to ignore, and turn into would-be saviors.

Prince of Solana (Book One)

Jewel of Solana (Book Two)

Crown of Solana (Book Three)

Royal Wedding (novella sequel)

(Books One and Two can be read in either order, Book Three and the sequel should be read after the first two.)

Knights of Texas contemporary romance series

A luxury male escort agency devoted to their clients’ every need. Super steamy, heart-warming, and equally gut-wrenching. These men will leave you sated and simultaneously thirsting for more.

Tell Me What You Want (Book One)

Tell Me What You Crave (Book Two)

Tell Me What You Need (Book Three)

Tell Me What You Feel (Book Four)

(These books can be read in any order.)

Audrey’s Promise contemporary small-town romance standalone

A Thanksgiving story of second-chances and country-life, worthy of a touching Hallmark movie.

Mia: My first book is called Life to the Max. It took me a year to write, and it’s a fan favorite. I wrote and published the Perfect Series when I was asked to join Chickswagger for an anthology, the Hard Men of the Rockies Series. I loved collaborating so much that in 2017 I brought 5 other authors together to do the Blame It On Fate anthology. That was the springboard for the Undeniable Series. I fell in love with Brandon & Lily—one book was not enough. As an aside, Undeniable Fate is a finalist in the Readers’ Choice Award sponsored by the OKRWA. After the Sweet Escape series is released, I have a stand-alone called Accidental Tryst that will release in November.

Beverley: Where do you find your inspiration?

Mia: Almost anything can give me an idea. For instance, Susan and I were texting, and at one point she mentioned something about finishing a trip the glass shop. I immediately picked up the phone to ask her when our characters go to a glass shop. She was confused. Clearly, predictive text had taken control, but instantly I could visualize it. Beautiful pieces of art made from glass that our heroine could ooh and aah over. The next day, I wrote that scene.

Beverley: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Mia: Write and read and write some more. Don’t expect it to be perfect right off the bat (that’s what editing’s for).

Beverley: What, if anything, is the one thing that has caused you the most heartache in accomplishing your dream?

Susan: The amount of scammers and fraudsters in this community has exploded in the last 5 years. Greed has overtaken so much of what used to be such incredible opportunity and healthy competition. It’s been overwhelming, and tends to make an introvert who hates confrontation like myself consider throwing in the towel. But, I’ve also seen the most incredible support and rallying in the wake of such vicious tactics. The Indie community is one of the strongest I’ve ever been a part of.

Beverley: In what direction would you like to see your work take you? (print, movies, audio, etc.)

Susan: Of course, I’d love to see my series turned into movies. What author wouldn’t? But I think the next logical step for me may be audio and foreign translations. However, I still don’t see myself going down that road anytime soon. Those are massive undertakings I just don’t have the time for right now. Maybe when my kids get older.

Beverley: What is your philosophy of writing? (dogged determination until the wee hours; take a break and have a cookie then get back to it; write when the mood hits)

Susan: I tried writing when the mood hits, and I was sidetracked for years. Other things always seemed to take priority. I have to make my writing a priority. So, I’ve now switched to ‘finish the scene, then get a cookie. Or two. Or ten. Then go finish the next scene.’

Mia: I try and give my rewards for completing my writing goal. It could be a daily goal, and I’ll reward myself for a movie or a fave show on TV. Maybe it’s a bigger goal, like completing a series, and that could mean a massage or a trip to the Coach store. J

Beverley: Finally, name the one thing in life you do not at this moment possess, but wish to have with all your heart. How would you go about making your wish come true?

Susan: This is a very important question. Because raising two boys on the autism spectrum has taught me many lessons, but this one I think is the most important.

It is imperative not to dwell on what you don’t have. Otherwise, you’ll never be happy with your life.

There is so much stress and hardship in life already. Find the joy in what you have, and your life will always be blessed.

Yes, have goals and work to achieve them. But never let a missed goal define your happiness. Or steal it from you.

You have all you need within, to create a happy life.

Mia: I refuse to answer this because it would never be as good as Susan’s, and really the only thing that pops in my head right now is an endless supply of dark chocolate.

Beverley: How do you like your fans to contact you?

Susan: Either on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/SusanSheehey , email susan@susansheehey.com , or join my newsletter https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/p5b0i9 .

I would greatly appreciate—with chocolate and peanut butter topping–also following me on Amazon and BookBub.

Mia:   I’m on social media, and I love it.

www.facebook.com/MiaLondonAuthor

Tweets by MiaLondonAuthor

Instagram: @MiaLondonAuthor

Also, my website: www . MiaLondon.com or mia@mialondon.com , as well as Goodreads and Amazon.

Blurb for the series :

Three best friends find love, laughter, and lots of trouble during their annual girls’ trips. On these getaways, all-inclusive takes on a new, steamy meaning.

Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2tzUSrZ 

 

 

Blurb for Hot Spell (released 9/5) and Final week at 99¢:

(Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy)

She never trusted love. He never believed he’d be worthy.

An emergency vacation at a luxury Mexican resort is a foolproof pick-me-up for Jordan Beck’s broken-hearted bestie. Former Olympic-hopeful, Jordan has planned a getaway worthy of a perfect score: nightly parties, exotic drinks, and sandy beaches. She never expected to find perfection in the resort’s emerald-eyed bartender.

Life’s a gift to Zac Durant, and he’s determined to live it to the fullest. Tending bar at a resort is a small price to pay if it means he can scuba and surf every day in paradise.  He’s content—until a Latina beauty struts across his pool patio and orders his best drink.  Although Zac isn’t the kind to hook up with guests, he can’t resist the petite sexy woman who makes his world flip cartwheels.

This sensual interlude in paradise should be just a vacation fling, but sparks explode into fireworks, and they are tempted to believe it’s something real. When the illusion of perfection fades, Jordan must decide if love is worth a shot at the gold.

Amazon: US | UK | DE | FR | ES | IT | NL | JP | BR | IN | MEX | AUS | CAN

iTunes | B&N | Kobo  

Last week I talked about Writing Changes, focusing mostly on the publishing changes and the effect on writing. Many of the publishers were reluctant to accept the ebook.  Back about 2000, the readers were on small devices like the Rocket and the Palm reader.  They were small and difficult to use. People didn’t understand the concept and the early ebooks were more of a novelty. There weren’t that many available and they were expensive. The marketing wasn’t that good.

Then Amazon brought out the Kindle in 2007, marketed it, and ebooks went wild, which was good for Amazon. Everyone wanted one. Kindles were a big seller and Amazon had a large selection of ebooks, easy to find and purchase. Other book sellers developed and brought out their own e-readers.   Kobo in Canada developed one and bought and sold ebooks. Barnes and Noble developed the Nook but it was originally not available in outside the US.

Since Kindle the ebook market has opened up and continued to grow.   Writers sold to small publishers and moved away from some of the larger publishers.   And then realized they could publish their own books.

Today we have the hybrid author. They publish in both regular publishing and e-publishing.   The options for writers have changed over the years and now writers have multiple options and the freedom to write in mixed and multiple genres. It’s an exciting market. Who knows what’s next?

Where do you think the writing and publishing market is going?

Stacy Juba got engaged at Epcot Theme Park and spent part of her honeymoon at Disneyland Paris, where she ate a burger, went on fast rides, and threw up on the train ride to the hotel. In addition to working on her Storybook Valley chick lit/sweet romance series, Stacy has written books about ice hockey, teen psychics, U.S. flag etiquette for kids, and determined women sleuths. She has had a novel ranked as #5 in the Nook Store and #30 on the Amazon Kindle Paid List. When she’s not visiting theme parks with her family, (avoiding rides that   spin and exotic hamburgers) or writing about them, Stacy helps authors to strengthen their manuscripts through her Crossroads Editing Service.                 

Character Interview

Beverley: What’s your name?

Aurora: Aurora Rose Callahan, but I prefer to be called Rory. My parents named me after Sleeping Beauty, so you can understand why I prefer Rory. . .

Beverley: Where did you grow up?

Aurora: I grew up at the Storybook Valley fairy tale theme park in the Catskills of NY. My family owns the theme park and it was a daily part of my existence. Although I love it, I wanted my own identity and spent a lot of hours in dance studios.

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Aurora: It takes place in present day right around my twenty-fifth birthday.

Beverley: What’s your story/back story?

Aurora: I’m a dance instructor for one of the most competitive dance schools in the region, and come from a quirky family obsessed with fairy tales. I’ve been dancing most of my life.

Beverley: Why would someone come up with a story about you?

Aurora: Let’s see…my grandmother dresses up as Fairy Godmother, my grandfather is obsessed with liberating garden gnomes, and my parents name their kids after fairy tale characters.  I’m one of the only normal Callahans , so maybe that’s why there’s a story about me as I bring some normalcy to the chaos.

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Aurora: I suppose that I have a couple of goals. The first is to figure out my mess of a love life. I’ve been seeing this medical resident who seems perfect for me, but then I met this guy, Kyle, who works for the local zoo. Our grandfathers are arch rivals. Kyle is everything I’m not – confident, easygoing, and spontaneous. My other goal is to figure out my mess of a career. I hate my job as it’s constant pressure and takes the fun out of dance. My boss only cares about winning.

Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?

Aurora: If I go out with Kyle, my family will be upset with me due to the longstanding feud. I don’t even know if a relationship with him could work as we are so different. I also have been thinking about opening my own dance studio, but the idea scares me. What if it fails? I don’t like my current job, but I’m doing well there and it’s safe. Well, maybe not safe for my sanity.

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?

Aurora: Eventually, but it takes a while! That’s why I’m Sleeping Beauty. I need to wake up and come to my senses.

Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Aurora: If you could use some laughs and are in the mood for a funny and sweet beach read, then I hope you’ll check out Prancing Around With Sleeping Beauty . I think you’ll also enjoy reading about my brother Dylan in Fooling Around With Cinderella , though I still have trouble picturing him as a Prince Charming…

Blurb: Prancing Around With Sleeping Beauty (Storybook Valley #2):

Dance instructor Rory Callahan, named after Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, likes to play it safe. When she meets Kyle, he’s impulsive, persistent, and her exact opposite. He’s pushing her to tango way past her comfort zone and keeping Rory on her toes more than twenty years of dance teachers ever had.  Kyle wants to change her whole life, but Rory doesn’t like the stakes. After all, perfect princesses are the ones who get the happy endings. . .aren’t they?

Buy Links for Prancing Around With Sleeping Beauty

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0781955XK/ref

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prancing-around-with-sleeping-beauty-stacy-juba/1127619052?ean=2940154966884

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1323282771

Kobo:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ ebook /prancing-around-with-sleeping-beauty

You ca find Stacy at:                                                                                     Website: http://stacyjuba.com/blog/  

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Stacy-Juba-1                                          

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stacyjuba

I did a blog on what started me to write.  (And that was a long time ago). Over the years many things about writing have changed. There used to be maybe seven or eight big New York publishers. Many of those are gone and others have been bought out. Now, we have many small publishers. Most of them are e-publishers or do both.   It’s opened up the market to self-published authors. Is this a good thing?

I think it is. It gives writers a chance to get the book of their heart published. It may not fit in a particular genre, or it covers three of four genres. The large publishers aren’t open to many of these books and some of them are great books. It also gives an author a chance to bring back their backlist, which has been sitting there dormant for years. And it opens up opportunities for editors, copy editors, cover designers and formatters.

The negative is that not everyone who self-publishes puts out a polished book. They write it in a couple of weeks, read it through or have their friend read it through, maybe design their own cover and put it up for sale. Often the readers feel cheated because of poorly developed plot and characters, multiple spelling and grammar mistakes and even poor formatting.

Writers who want to publish a well-written polished book spend the mony on editors, cover designers, formatters and maybe also pay to get a hard copy.   These provide the reader with a good read and meet the promise the writer puts on the back cover.

   

There have been other changes too – new genres, new book size and new e-readers. What about changes in the basics of writing itself? That’s another blog. Check back for that one.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about the changes in writing and publishing.

I hope everyone is having a good summer. Rhobin has come up with another interesting topic for this month’s group blog. What started you to write?

I look forward to seeing what the other authors have to say and if any of us are similar.

 

I hope everyone is having a good summer. Rhobin has come up with another interesting topic for this month’s group blog. What started you to write?

I look forward to seeing what the other authors have to say and if any of us are similar. 

What started me to write? I honestly don’t remember. I think maybe I was born with a writing gene in my makeup. When I was four or five I used to make up stories about anything. In my teens I started to write plots. I loved the locked room murders and I would plot how someone could die in a locked room. It was great fun figuring it out. I had a folder filled with story ideas, chapters and plots.

Then I became a nurse, got married, had a family and kept thinking about stories. I’d see something or see a person and start thinking about what their story might be, but I didn’t write that book. No time.

Then I was diagnosed with breast cancer and thought maybe someone was trying to give me a wake-up call. I bought my first computer and learned how to use it. I looked at the books I read and decided I’d write a romance. I started to write this lovely romance set in Vancouver, BC and then moved to San Francisco wine country. Somehow I found myself adding details on accidents and murder and mayhem. It turned into a romantic suspense. That book is hidden under the bed, but I kept writing romantic suspense books. Once I got my wake up call to start writing, I can’t stop.

Now I’m going to check out the other members of our group and see what started them to write. 

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

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

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

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

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

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

Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/

Margaret Fieland http://margaretfieland.wordpress.com

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

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 19 romance novels, and 5 non-fiction books.

Her romances span many genres and heat levels, and she’s also been known to scare readers with her horror stories.

Kelli’s writing book, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction is a fun and informative guide filled with writing exercises and helpful tips all authors can use.

Her historical romance, Redemption from a Dark Past , was published in June of 2018. This full-length Gothic novel is set in the kingdom of Hungary in 1723 and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense.

Look for more romances, horror stories, and an online writing class coming later in 2018.

An Inside Look at… Redemption from a Dark Past

Hi everyone,

Today I’m sharing a look at the making of my latest historical romance, Redemption from a Dark Past.

When I sit down to write an historical romance, I never know where (or when) my story will take me. I’ve written romances set in the Old West, the Minnesota wilderness, Colonial Pennsylvania, and Celtic Scotland. Redemption from a Dark Past takes place in another unique locale, the Kingdom of Hungary.

For me, the setting conjures up images of brooding castles perched on treacherous mountaintops, tiny villages, medieval stone cities, vampires, and Prince Vlad. Although the book does not take place in Transylvania specifically, this atypical location appealed to me. It seemed like the perfect place for a Gothic novel filled with secrets, danger, deception, and superstition.

I enjoyed creating the cast of unusual characters and setting the stage for the drama that’s about to unfold. Right from the start, we meet Lord Sebestyen Adrik and learn that he’s a troubled hero who has hidden himself away in his isolated castle. He’s depressed, guilt-ridden, has an unsavory reputation, and is the subject of nasty rumors spread by superstitious villagers.

The heroine, Katarina, is feisty, clever, and anything but superstitious. She dismisses tales of evil spirits and ghosts, and doesn’t have time for old wives’ tales. She’s ambitious and wants to leave her pathetic job on the goat farm for better things. When she learns that she’s about to be forced into marriage to a much older man, she jumps at the chance to be Lord Adrik’s companion—despite all the terrifying stories she has been told. Katarina’s boldness and intelligence make her the perfect person to free Sebestyen from his dark past.

When I set about creating the mysterious Lord Adrik, I wanted to make him a flawed and sympathetic hero. He has two physical ailments (one most romance heroes never have) as well as several psychological scars. And as if they weren’t enough problems, he also has a reputation as a murderer (among other things). At the start of the book, he has just about given up on life and any hope of being happy. By giving Sebestyen all this “baggage” I made him vulnerable and provided him with lofty goals to reach.

As I wrote, I added layers of secrets, built suspense, and created numerous plot twists and turns. Readers follow Katarina’s adventures and are not sure what—or who—to believe. Can Magda the surly, gossiping cook be trusted? How did Lady Adrik die? Is the castle really haunted? What happened to Lord Adrik’s previous companions? Are the rumors about him true? Katarina is left alone with Sebestyen every night, should she fear for her safety? Everyone says she should!

Over the course of the book, Katarina draws Sebestyen out of his shell, and just when she thought she knew him, she uncovers a disturbing secret he’s been hiding from her. Katarina tries to make sense of it all, while following her heart.

Not everyone in this story is exactly what (or who) they seem to be, and this adds another level of mystery and intrigue to the book. Combining all these elements into a sensual, Gothic romance was a lot of fun, and I hope readers will enjoy this trip into “the Dark Lord’s lair.”

Blurb from Redemption From a Dark Past

Lord Sebestyen Adrik has an unsavory reputation as a madman, murderer… and worse. Lonely and searching for love, he seeks the companionship of local young women, hoping one of them will ease his torment and bring him the happiness he longs for. Katarina is his last chance—but will she fear him like all the others? Or is she the one who can lift his curse?

Desperate to avoid a forced marriage, Katarina agrees to become Lord Adrik’s latest companion, despite the rumors she has heard about him. She discovers the “Dark Lord’s” secret past and realizes he’s not the monster everyone thinks he is.

As their love blossoms, she renews his passion for life—yet they cannot escape the ghosts of the past.

When a meeting of the nobility goes horribly wrong, Sebestyen’s world unravels, and his enemies plot to destroy him. As all seems lost, a mysterious stranger arrives at the castle. Sebestyen must decide if he is a friend or a foe…and if he can find redemption in his love for Katarina, or lose her and everything else that he holds dear.

Excerpt from Redemption From a Dark Past

     Sebestyen winced as he propped his right leg on the padded footstool. He had a crackling fire before him, his belly was full, he’d drunk almost an entire bottle of wine, and yet he was not content.

Another girl had arrived. He had another chance to find happiness, but he didn’t dare get his hopes up. She would probably be another sour disappointment like all the others. Each failure drove a dagger deeper into his heart, and yet, he persisted.

But why? Why did he put himself through the pain, the hurt, and the humiliation of buying another companion? Perhaps it would be best if he accepted the fact that he was cursed. He’d never be happy, never know love again.

He watched the flames and sipped his red wine. The rumors about him had spread throughout the countryside. Lukacs was right when he’d told him that the villagers would not allow their daughters to come here, no matter what enticements he offered. He’d almost given up, but then Lukacs had written with the news that Katarina had volunteered to be his companion. Why? Surely she knew the stories about him.

Despite the tales circulating in the villages, he had never harmed any of the young ladies who came to the castle. If anything, he was generous. He bought them new clothes, fed them, and paid them well. He certainly wasn’t a rapist or a drinker of virgin blood as he was portrayed in the stories.

“But am I the monster they say I am?” he wondered aloud.

He stared at a painting on the far wall. Two boys in formal dress, one with light blond wavy hair, the other with black hair, posed with a black and white dog. He raised his glass in a silent toast to Tristan. The portrait was commissioned when he’d been, what? Ten? And Tristan was nearly fifteen. Those were good times, when life was easy.

Now he was all alone, trapped in this miserable castle and forced to suffer with the boring duties he had inherited from his despicable father. It wasn’t fair. He’d had different plans for his life, plans that included travelling, marrying a woman he loved, and being happy. Instead, he sat here every night drinking himself into a stupor, hating his life, hating his very existence.

He closed his eyes and leaned back in the leather chair. Perhaps Katarina could redeem him and lift his curse. If she did, she would earn riches beyond her wildest dreams. If not, he would suffer bitter disappointment yet again. “Why do I even try?” he whispered. “I’m doomed.”

Buy Links for Redemption From a Dark Past

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DL1FXYW/

Link to all other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/3R1aYD  

You can contact Kelli at:

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor .

Website: www.KelliWilkins.com

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

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

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

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

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I am editing my latest book, which is a little complex. So how should I list it? It could fall into more than one genre. I decided to check out what are the top selling genres.

The top selling adult genres in order are General Fiction, Romance, and Suspense Thrillers.

According to query Tracker the top ten requested genres by agents are:

1 Young Adult

2 Fantasy

3 Literary Fiction

4 Children’s

5 Science Fiction

6 Thrillers/Suspense

7 Middle Grade

8 Romance

9 Historical

10 Women’s Fiction

Which Genres Make the Most Money? 

Romance and Erotica are #1 in sales. That figure includes self-published romance as well. According to Bookstr , Crime and Mystery novels come in second, Inspirational and Religious books are third. Fantasy and Science Fiction come in at fourth and Horror fifth.

I gathered this information at https://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/2017/11/what-are-most-popular-literary-genres.html  Check out the whole article.

So romance is #8 requested by agents, suspense #6 and women’s fiction number 10. But romance sells best followed by crime and mystery (maybe that includes suspense). So I guess I’m eliminating women’s fiction and sticking with romantic suspense.

Any comments on where you place your books and how you decide?