Needless Words by Janice Seagraves

I did a video on Needless Words on YouTube and how much better your writing is without them.

Please like, share, and leave a comment.

Thank you.

 

When going through my first edits, I overused 'and'. I hadn't realized that I'd used 'and' so much until my editor sent back my manuscript with 'and' highlighted and it was all over the place. I know now how to eliminate most of those, but not then.

Sometimes shorter punchier sentences work best.

Later, on another edit, I was given a list of overused words.

That
Very
Like
Then
Suddenly
Now
Really
Was
As

And then I learned about filter words and I had more words to avoid using:

Realized
Decided
Felt
Touched
Wondered
Noticed
Sounded
Knew
Seemed

 

Removing these words and letting the sentences stand as is, works remarkably well.

 

Example: I felt her hand gripped mine.

Correct: her hand gripped mine. 

 

And now, about my books.

I'm running a sale during the pandemic. Most of my books are only .99 cents. 

Please check out my books on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barns and Noble.

#New Release Kate Allenton's Sour Layer (Bennett Dynasty Book 5)

Happy Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday to those that celebrate. I know I ate enough that I needed to go shopping and fight crowds just so I didn't fall into a turkey coma.

Sour Layer, my latest release in the Bennett Family Dynasty is now live! 

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it. 

Mercy Bennett

Death isn’t a mystery to me.

Thanks to my ability it only takes a single touch to know when people are going to die.

That’s how I know a member of my missing family tree is alive. Touching her picture brought me to this freezing little town in the middle of nowhere Colorado and I’m not leaving without the answers.

When those answers are held hostage until I prove what I can do, I’m not above using my ability in questionable ways to achieve the answers I seek.

Determining the fate of residents who have disappeared should be a piece of cake.

Until my ability goes haywire and I need to rely on more than just my touch.

I’ll have to embrace something much more deadly that I keep locked away deep inside.

Clark Weller

I’ve spent my entire life protecting this town’s secrets from strangers who could do more harm than good.

That’s why I wear the badge.

So, when a sexy woman shows up threatening to bust the town secrets wide open, I’m determined to stop her before she exposes the people I care for most.

Trusting her isn’t an option and neither is ignoring our explosive attraction.

The only question left is if we’ll survive the sparks long enough to explore our potential future together. 

The entire series written to date is available in kindle unlimited. 

It can be found on Amazon by clicking here. 

About the Author

Kate has lived in Florida for most of her entire life. She enjoys a quiet life with her husband, Michael and two kids. 

Kate has pulled all-nighters finishing her favorite books and also writing them. She says she'll sleep when she's dead or when her muse stops singing off key.

She loves creating worlds full of suspense, secrets, hunky men, kick ass heroines, steamy sex and the love of a lifetime. Not to mention an occasional ghost and other supernatural talents thrown into the mix.

Sign up for her newsletters HERE

She loves to hear from her readers by email at KateAllenton@hotmail.com, on Twitter @KateAllenton, and on Facebook at facebook.com/kateallenton.1

Visit her website at www.kateallenton.com

The Book That Made Me A Romance Reader

I cannot remember a time when books weren't a part of my life. If you are anything like me, you love books.

Different moments in my life can be defined by different genres. Little Women, Sweet Valley High when I was a pre-teen. The Age of Innocence when I was a teenager along with Pride and Prejudice and other classics. In my late teens and early twenties, it was all about mysteries.

Then in my mid-twenties, a friend lent me a romance novel, Devil's Bride by Stephanie Laurens. I had read romance before but none started my obsession like Devil did. He tempted and I fell.

I devoured that book when I should have been doing my homework. I stayed up all night long reading and falling in love not just with Devil but romance. I closed that book, more than wanting more books--I needed more romance books.

Some people say they read romance to escape and I wanted that too but it was something more that I searched for. I was searching for passion. At that point in my life, I was empty and numb. I had lost the optimism that had always been a part of me.

Romance novels gave that back to me. Each novel was like a balm that helped heal me. I couldn't get enough. I would save every extra dime and buy books. My Friday night outing was heading to Borders or Barnes and Nobles to get more books. My to-be-read pile grew just a little higher than my already-read pile.  I was a romance reader, fan, and devotee and will always be.

What about you? What book made you a romance reader?

Have you heard the News? by Joanne Jaytanie

There are new releases from the Authors of Romance Books 4 Us. And that’s not all. Enter for the chance to win a $50 gift card. Best of all…each book is only 99c! Check them out!

S.O.F.: SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE, Vol.1 

A Romance Books 4 Us World

Rhett Fortune settled on the small parcel of land he purchased in 1858 with his wife Clara and founded the beautiful landscape that surrounded his newly built home and what is now known as Fortune, TX. A veteran of the United States Army and as a Colonel who served with honor in the Mexican American War, Rhett and Clara raised a large family. Sons and daughters, and grandchildren to follow, their clan grew throughout the decades.

Now in the 21st Century, two of their descendants remain at the helm. Chance Fortune, a former member of the Army's Delta Force and co-founder of Soldiers of Fortune, has an innate duty to serve and protect. Working with his brother, RJ Fortune, a former Navy SEAL and wounded warrior, they take the cases that their government won't. And vow to protect the civilians that no one else can.

They have quietly put out the word and now, after three years, other former brothers-in-arms have contacted them bringing situations that span not only the country but the globe. On Fortune family land they have built a facility out of the public eye for their office, a helicopter, a gun range, and whatever else they might need.

They are the Soldiers of Fortune... 

and these are their stories.

Including:

Rogue's Return by USA Today & Award Winning Author, Desiree Holt

Sacrifice by USA Today & International Bestselling Author, Nicole Morgan

Operation Unknown by International Bestselling Author, Krista Ames

Rage Against the Machine by International Bestselling Author, Deelylah Mullin

Available on Amazon

AND THAT’S NOT ALL…

A Limited-Edition Romance Books 4 Us Collection

The weather is heating up, but it’s not just the sun and the sand which will keep you hot.

This summer anthology brought to you by the authors of Romance Books 4 Us will bring temperatures to your eReader that will set unheard of heat records. Burning the tips of your fingers while you turn the pages.

Sultry temperatures.

Passionate couples.

Unbelievable desire.

This is your ticket to… 

Hot Fun in the Summer Time.

Including:

Just Tell Me What You Want by Tina Donahue

Second Chance at Love by Marianne Stephens

Curating Love by Cara Marsi

Pleasure Quest by Tina Donahue

Building Up To Love by Joanne Jaytanie

Nailed by Cindy Spencer Pape

Dare to Feel by Nicole Morgan

More Than Friends (Friends to Lovers Book 1) by Krista Ames

Ripped at the Seams by Deelylah Mullin

Cowgirls Don't Cry by Janice Seagraves

Firecracker by Desiree Holt

Available on Amazon

Enter the Rafflecopter on the right-hand column for your chance to win a $50 Gift Card and other goodies.

HOLD ON…WE’RE NOT DONE YET!

They are the Soldiers of Fortune... 

and these are their stories.

 S.O.F.: Soldiers of Fortune, Vol. 2 

COMING SOON!

Including:

Rogue's Return by USA Today & Award-Winning Author, Desiree Holt

Sacrifice by USA Today & International Bestselling Author, Nicole Morgan

Operation Unknown by International Bestselling Author, Krista Ames

Rage Against the Machine by International Bestselling Author, Deelylah Mullin 

Dogs of Fortune by Award-Winning 
Author, Joanne Jaytanie

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

Until next month… 

AMAZON

  

WEBSITE 

  

FACEBOOK  

TWITTER   

Returning to my roots

As I approached my seven-year publishing anniversary, it's only right that I return to my roots and the series that started me on this journey. Unlike many authors, I didn't grow up wanting to write books, heck, I didn't even like reading them. So, when my sister took me to see a movie about a Vampire that Sparkles, of course I needed to know what happened next. 

That launched my love for reading. After several hundred books and not finding the one I wanted to read, I wrote it. My Bennett Sister's series has strong family bonds, sisters that weren't afraid of taking care of themselves, and supernatural abilities and gifts. 

That series is still a fan favorite to this day. So, when deciding what to do to celebrate how far I've come down this bumpy road I decided it was time to introduce the rest of the Bennetts. 

Find it here on Amazon!  

He’s a by-the-book kind of guy, and she’s a lawbreaker at heart. 

Gwen Bennett

As an operative with a hidden talent, I know how to keep my clients safe. It’s ingrained in my unusual DNA, and I’m damn good at my job. 

So, when a thief swindles my grandmother out of a fortune and flees to a private island that’s by invite only, I’m determined to find access, even if that means taking a job I don’t want, for a family I’d rather avoid. 

Maxwell Pierce

She needs me. 
There’s desperation in her eyes. 
I have something she wants. 
And I know it. 
When my brother sends me to recruit Gwen Bennett for a job after she’s turned him down, I thought it would be more difficult to make a deal. Offering to share my island suite was more than enough to get her to agree. Now I just need to get her to realize that my sister's life is on line and that's worth more than any money she can hope to recoup.

They’ll have to get creative to keep from losing it all when lives, a family fortune, and their hearts hang in the balance.

12 Nights of Christmas

I was fortunate enough to have my book, New Years Negotiation, to be included in this Romance box set with some fabulous writers with hearts of gold. For a limited time this box set is on sale for .99 on AMAZON, so get it while you can. 

**‘Tis the season for giving, too!**

20% of the proceeds will be donated to the hunger relief organization Feeding America

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

Twelve bestselling and award-winning authors each bring you a sexy night of romance, fun and a little magic. ‘Tis the season for falling for the right guy! Can a magical fruitcake be the special ingredient for falling in love?

December 25: “Scrooge You” by MK Schiller
Christmas is nothing but a reminder of Eva’s tragic past. To make matters worse, her boyfriend invites his entire family over…so she goes into Scrooge mode. When three ghosts visit her, will she be able to remember the joy in her heart and the true meaning of Christmas?

December 26: “Unexpected Daddy” by Gemma Brocato
She let him go to pursue his dreams without telling him she was pregnant. Five years later, he’s back in town and her secret’s out. Can they get over past hurts to seize a future for their small family?

December 27: “The Meant to Be Girl” by Tawdra Kandle
When Ashley Webbar meets Zane Fletcher, it's insta-lust, but she soon suspects he's already smitten with someone else. Ashley is so busy matchmaking that she might miss out on her own happily-ever-after...if something doesn't intervene first. This just might call for a Christmas miracle.

December 28: “For One Night Only” by Carrie Elks
When two strangers are stranded at a rest stop in the middle of Nowheresville—thank you, Mr. Bus Driver—they’re forced to spend the night together. But when morning comes, they both find themselves asking one question. Will they see each other again, or was their connection for one night only?

December 29: “Best Friends for a Night” by Alice Gaines
Every year, Steve has been cheering up his army buddy’s widow with popcorn and zany movies on the anniversary of her husband’s death. Will a little holiday magic make Steve and Hannah more than friends?

December 30: “Entwined” by Kristi Rose
Donovan survived combat, but can he survive being stranded over Christmas with the girl of his dreams? He swore he’d stay away from his best friend’s kid sister years ago, but after a helicopter crash, this sailor knows second chances don't come around often. Loving Bailey would mean risking not only his friendship but his heart. 

December 31: “Rekindled” by Stacy Finz
Branna and Drex are over…or at least they thought they were. But a little time trapped in an enclosed space with a magical fruitcake might just change that. 

January 1: “New Year’s Negotiation” by Kate Allenton
When Detective Elizabeth Cross’s high school crush and star of her what-ifs shows up at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve ready to take her on a trip down memory lane, she’ll have to decide if this is a second chance at her happily ever after or the start of another broken heart.

January 2: “Playing House” by Kim Golden
Cassie Delk isn’t having the best holiday season. With her ex-husband about to get remarried, she’s not thrilled about still being single. The last thing she expects is for a second chance at love to turn up on her doorstep.

January 3: “Book of Love” by Cd Brennan
Nothing infuriates Melanie more than the one-armed, ex-army hunk who chucks her mail at her book shop door. When Nick delivers a special package at the end of the day, a blizzard strands them together, and the fruitcake delivery sparks magic between them instead. Melanie isn't sure what she wants to give him—a piece of her mind or all of her heart.

January 4: “A Winter Wonderland” by Rebecca Hunter
Coming face to face with Jace after ten years is a reminder of everything Selena left behind when she moved from Delilah’s Cove. It’s even more dangerous when mixed with a little magic. 

January 5: “Wild Honey” by Sarah Hegger
Two people who couldn’t be more different. One elevator, a dark and stormy night, and a magical, bourbon-laced fruitcake. What could go right?