Even in north Texas autumn is slowly rolling in. I welcome back my favorite season with delight—the cool air, changing leaves, and rich hearty meals. Mugs of hot chocolate replace coffee and hearty soups replace salads. My eyes stray to the leaf-bejeweled trees—ruby, amber, and gold glow in late afternoon sunlight as I drive the country roads near home.
This time of year is conducive to
introspection, when we can honor the seasons, reap the harvest of life’s
lessons, and be thankful for all the good things in our lives. It's a time to go within and
focus on hearth and home, preparing for the bitter cold winter that may lie
ahead. Meditative reflection alerts us to the gems we’ve gleaned, and our gratitude
increases for all the people and experiences that have crossed our paths. There is some sadness as well, as 2016 has
impacted many neighbors, friends and loved ones harshly.
Two years ago, I wrote a novella
called Autumn Masquerade as a tribute
to this rich season. Anna Spencer is a corporate executive with otherworldly gifts
she tries to hide because she thinks people won’t take her seriously if they
know she speaks with dead people. Richard Bentley, her boss, lost his
wife two years ago and has been a hermit since then. Anna’s feelings for
her lonely boss have been growing, but now she’s agreed to be the psychic at an
autumn masquerade to help her friend out. The only problem is that Richard will be there,
and the ghost of his deceased wife has matchmaking on her mind. This sweet
story is available only on Amazon and is $0.99 through the end of the year. http://a.co/iOiW5c0
I’m so thankful during this past
twelve months to have joined up with many wonderful authors in six anthologies
and series. My muse went on strike in mid-2014 and didn’t return until mid-2015. I
lured her back with novelettes for anthologies, and she jumped at the bait. Now
we are in the flow again.
So for writers who are going through a dry period, take heart and try something new. Maybe a short story, novelette, or group undertaking will jump start your creative flow.
So for writers who are going through a dry period, take heart and try something new. Maybe a short story, novelette, or group undertaking will jump start your creative flow.
Entice Me – RB4U 2015 Anthology – my
story is Riviera Rendezvous
Exquisite Christmas – Exquisite
Quills 2015 Holiday Anthology – my stories are Shooting
Star Holiday Express, Tropical Christmas, Midnight Sleigh Ride & Recipe
World Romance Writers – 2016
Letterbox Love Stories Volume I – my story is Abandoned Treasures Thanks to everyone who helped make Letterbox Love Stories Volume I an
Amazon bestseller!
A World of Gothic series – My stand
alone novella Raven of Blackthorn Manor:
Ireland 2016
Roping the Cowboy – RB4U 2016
Anthology – my story is Love, Texas Style
World Romance Writers 2016 Holiday Anthology – Holiday
Magic – my story is To Kiss A Prince (coming in November)
To all the delightful author friends and
readers in my life, thank you.
Do you dress up or do anything special for Halloween?
GEMMA JULIANA lives in Texas and
enjoys playing matchmaker to her characters… but not without putting their
backs against the wall and squeezing them first. She writes across many genres
of romance and mystery, and lately enjoys writing novelettes and novellas. She
enjoys hearing from readers.
Love Across The Ages ~ Intrigue Across The Pages
http://www.gemmajuliana.com
http://www.amazon.com/author/gemmajuliana
http://worldromancewriters.blogspot.com/
http://www.amazon.com/author/gemmajuliana
http://worldromancewriters.blogspot.com/
My muse loves novellas. She's too flighty to pay attention to things too long...Shh don't tell her she has ADHD but I suspect. :)
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best this coming fall season. I'm sad about the closing of the home. Not because I don't love my home but I dislike the upcoming winter. Snow is harsh here in Michigan and we often still have to go out in it!
Take care!
Gemma, what a beautiful and poetic post. Autumn is beautiful, but it makes me sad because it signals the end of summer, and I'm a summer person. I have Autumn Masquerade in my Kindle and can't wait to read it. I loved Raven of Blackthorn Manor. I'm honored to be included in several anthologies with you.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo, Gemma. We don't get autumn colors in Palm Springs.
ReplyDeleteHi, Gemma! So lovely to catch up with you today and my oh my you have been busy. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHi Gemma!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you available in so many sets. Loved the post!
Great post. Congratulations on your many sets....
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I suspect my muse has ADHD, too! She'll play along with me if it's short and sweet, literally. I've heard Michigan is bitterly cold in winter, so stay well bundled up. Maybe winter is a great time of year to write summer novellas, just to keep the dream of warmth alive and the blizzard blues away. :)
ReplyDeleteTina, I know what you mean. I lived most of my life in the tropics, where it was different shades of summer all year long. Maybe that's why I so value the autumn colors.
ReplyDeleteCara, I so enjoy my anthology adventures with you, and am proud to have my stories alongside yours. Thanks for the kind words about Raven of Blackthorn Manor, and I hope you enjoy Autumn Masquerade. Your friendship and encouragement mean the world to me. :)
ReplyDeleteVicki, Paris and Jean, Thanks for your enthusiasm, and for stopping by today. I'm truly delighted to have had such a creatively productive year. Joy has returned to my writing, and for that I'm filled with gratitude.
ReplyDelete