New Year, New Goals by Janice Seagraves

Soon, it'll be a new year and a new time of possibilities.

If you've read my New Year posts before then you'll know I don't make resolutions, I make goals for myself.

By New Years Day, my goal is to be 199. I want to be under 200 pounds. I know I can do this. Why? Because I've lost over sixty pounds already.

As for my writing goals, I should be getting my rights back on some of my titles in 2020, which I will be self-publishing after the mandatory three months wait.

I'm also working on some new titles. 

So, my goals are a thinner healthier me, and more books published.

What are your goals for the new year?

--------------------------------------------------

Year of the Cat

Blurb:
Morgan isn’t expecting romance when she accompanies her friend for a week of skiing, but when she meets Jared all bets are off.
Haunted by the loss of his parents, werecat Jared Catterick earns his keep working for the Catclaw Clan. Jared has secrets that he doesn’t mind sharing with a special lady, and he hopes Morgan is that special someone. When his past and present collide it’s worse than he imagined, and he’s forced to fight for his life.


Excerpt:
Auntie walked into the middle of the hollow. “We the Catcall Clan are gathered here together to witness a challenge. Called by Munch son of Tiger, who challenges Jared Catterick son of nobody.”

“I am the son of somebody,” Jared yelled. The sudden flow of anger had his heart pounding hard against his ribs.

“Who? What are their names?” Auntie crossed her arm and leaned on one hip and tapped a toe.

“I donna remember. I was too young when they killed them and took me away,” Jared muttered.
“And she knows that.”

“Is Catterick your real last name?” Killer asked him in the canine speech.

“Aye. I donna remember much about me old life, but I never forgot me name.”

“Just tell her Mr. and Mrs. Catterick,” Killer said.

“Me parents were Mr. and Mrs. Catterick,” Jared said in a loud clear voice.

A few people around the hollow snickered.

Auntie gave a quick nod. “Jared son of Mr. and Mrs. Catterick. Munch challenges you for the death of his da, Tiger.”

Munch marched to Auntie’s side. He was every bit as big as his father. Well-muscled and not just tall but wide. Where Tiger’s hair was gray and white, Munch was blond and black. Another man accompanied him, his second, a tall, lanky male named Boyd. Jared knew him well, even though he was younger.

“Och. Here we go,” Jared told Killer and walked out into the middle of the hollow.

“He’s big,” Killer said in the canine speech.

“And ugly. I wouldna want to ride him into battle.”

Killer stayed at his side. “Psst.”

“Eh?”

“You can fight, right?” Killer asked.

“Aye.”

“Good to know.”

----------------------------------------------------------------

Year of the Cat: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0748CP9JH

Year of the Cat Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6ZrYEJ7qqU&t=28s

Janice's Website:  https://janice-seagraves.org/

Janice's Author Page on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Janice-Seagraves/e/B0056D223Y/

Where Are You Traveling? #RB4U #book_signings

Where Are You Traveling??

Thank you for stopping by Romance Books 4 You! It's 2019 and I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. I'm looking forward to a new year. 

Book signings are a wonderful way to connect with readers. They have the opportunity to get a personalized, signed book as well as giveaways and swag. Not only that, it's a great time to get photos and find out the answers to your burning questions. I often do deals on my books at the book signings, allowing readers a chance to get the books cheaper than ordering online. 

Since book signings fill up quickly, most authors sign up for them at least a year in advance. Some of the big signings such as Lori Foster's sell out in minutes! While most authors do not break even at events, it is a great chance to rub elbows with readers and revitalizes you as nothing else can!



This year, I have three big signings that I'm attending. The first is Dreaming Dirty in Michigan on April 13th in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This is the first time for this signing but with it being close by home, I'm excited to get a chance to hang out with other local authors.



The second event is one I've been to for since the first year. Once Upon a Book takes place on July 19th and 20th in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Once Upon a Book is amazing and features a "costume" dinner and awards show in addition to the book signing. This year theme is Comic Book Bash and I'm sure the costumes will be off the wall! I really enjoy getting a chance to sit down to a meal with readers and chat about life. Over the past few years, I've come to become friends with some readers who have never missed this event.

My third book signing is Romancing the Capital in Ottawa, Canada on August 1st-3rd. This will be my first time at this event but I'm really excited to get to meet some of my favorite authors like Eve Langlais and Milly Taiden. In addition, I will get to see Desiree Holt (another RB4U author) who I've been friends with for years. She's my idol and I would love to be her when I grow up. Since this is my first time at this event, I'm not sure what to expect but I know there are so many fun events planned for readers such as reader lunches and dinners as well as the book signing. 

In addition to these big signings, I will have some smaller ones around Livingston County, Michigan but those aren't planned yet. You can stay up to date by following me on Facebook. I also have giveaways in my FB group for tickets to some of these events. 

Do you have any book signings you like to go to? Are there any events you wish you could attend? What is your author you MUST see when they are in town?

Are you looking for a book which will renew your faith in a higher power? I Believe will have you searching for those miracles in your life.

Miracles Surround Us.

Do you believe in miracles? Have you ever heard a voice urging you to do something or not to do something? Have you had a prayer answered? Has someone who has passed come to help you? 

Miracles happen to everyday people.This book shares real experiences from ordinary people. Miracles occurred. Some are profound and demonstrate the work of a higher power. Some appear as happenstance but are life changing. These are their stories in their own words.

Grab this book and be prepared to be amazed. There is more to life than what we see and Miracles Surround Us.

**Proceeds will go to the Children's Miracle Network which provides miracles to children everywhere.**

Amazon
Kobo
BN

Until next month,

Melissa
www.melissakeir.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM RB4U!

We hope 2019 brings good luck, health, and fortune to you and yours! A glass of champagne and a side order of wonderful chocolates sounds great!

Marianne Stephens
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com

photo: Flickr: ori2uru's photostream

Who was King Wenceslas and What the Heck Is Figgy Pudding?

Who was King Wenceslas and What the Heck Is Figgy Pudding?

The Scoop On Your Favorite Christmas Carols

Have you ever wondered, as I have, about the origins of some of our most beloved Christmas songs, and about some of the strange words and phrases in those songs? Wonder no more. Here's the inside story.

"Good King Wenceslas"

'Good King Wenceslas looked out

On the Feast of Stephen,

When the snow lay round about,

Deep and crisp and even.'

King Wenceslas was born into the royal Premysl dynasty in what is now the Czech Republic. His grandmother was murdered by an anti-Christian group, of which his mother was a member. The good king himself was murdered by his brother in 929. Not so cheery, huh? Wenceslas was named a saint and his feast day is celebrated on Dec. 26, also the feast of St. Stephen.

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

'Oh, bring us a figgy pudding,

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding,

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding,

And a cup of good cheer.'

Figgy pudding is a steamed English dessert, better known as plum pudding, that dates back to sixteenth century England. It's not anything like Jell-O. It's made with dried fruit and figs, hence the name. At one time it also included suet, the white fat found around kidneys and loins in cattle and sheep.

"It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas"

'A Pair of Hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots

  Is the wish of Barney and Ben.

  Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk

  Is the hope of Janice and Jen.'           

Any boomers out there? Do you remember Hopalong Cassidy, the cowboy? I loved him. Watched his show every week. Had a crush on his cute sidekick, Lucky. Did you know the Hopalong boots in this song referred to Hopalong Cassidy? I didn't. I don't even know most of the words so missed the Hopalong reference all together.

2018 Update: There are some who want to ban this song because it’s sexist. It says boots and pistols are for boys and dolls for girls. When the song was written, things were more sexist than now. Enjoy the song, and if your daughters want cowboy boots and your sons want dolls, go for it.

"Mistletoe and Holly"

'Oh by gosh, by golly, it's time for mistletoe and holly,

Tasty pheasants, Christmas presents,

Countrysides covered with snow.'

The use of mistletoe and holly goes back to our pagan past. Pagans believed mistletoe, holly and ivy protected us from evil spirits and also encouraged the return of spring.

"Here We Come A-Wassailing"

'Love and joy comes to you,

And to your wassail too.

And God bless you

And send you a Happy New Year.'

Anyone ever seen a wassail? Me neither. Sounds like a furry little animal. A wassail is a drink, warm mulled ale or wine. Yum. Perfect for sipping on cold Christmas Eves. The word comes from an old Anglo-Saxon toast, "Waes hael," meaning to be in good health. Now you know what a wassail is.

"The Christmas Song"

'Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,

Jack Frost nipping at your nose,

Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,

And folks dressed up like Eskimos.'

I think we all know what a roasted chestnut is. I've never tasted one, but I hear it's low-fat and tastes more like a sweet potato than a nut. I've seen vendors on Philadelphia sidewalks selling roasted chestnuts, but I've never had the inclination to try one.

"Auld Lang Syne"

'Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And days of auld lang syne."

What the heck does all that mean? No one is sure. The poet Robert Burns put the words to paper in the eighteenth century. The song likely has its roots in Scottish literature. Roughly translated, auld lang syne means "the good old days."

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

'Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,

Had a very shiny nose,

And if you ever saw it,

You would even say it glows.'

Rudolph was created in 1939 by a copywriter for the Montgomery Ward department stores. Gene Autry was approached to record the song but didn't want to. His wife talked him into it. The rest, as they say, is history.

2018 Update: Some want to ban this song because it represents bullying. I never thought of it like that. I suppose it is saying Rudolph was bullied. I enjoy the song. And Rudolph wins at the end.

Last by not least -

"Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"

'She'd been drinking too much eggnog,

And we begged her not to go.

But she left her medication,

So she stumbled out the door

Into the snow.'

Don't you love this song? Makes no sense, but it's such fun. Does anyone still drink eggnog in these more health-conscious times? I used to enjoy eggnog (without the alcohol) when I was a child. No way would I touch the artery-clogging stuff now. But that's just me. If you enjoy it, especially with a little Irish whiskey, go for it.

In the words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, everyone."

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year. I raise a goblet of wassail and a cup of eggnog to one and all.

Merry Christmas & Seasons Greetings

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings.

No matter how you celebrate the holidays, I wish you love, light, and laughter.

Let the season last longer with a few holiday romances. If you overspent on gifts, fear not. For only 99 cents, you can feel that holiday love all year long!

Multi-award-winning humorous romance on sale for only 99 cents for a very limited time.

Family pressure just might make her do something crazy...

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G03I5UI/?tag=carmaraut-20

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-groom-for-christmas-cara-marsi/1117185595?ean=2940148677871

 https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-groom-for-christmas/id840962553

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/a-groom-for-christmas

Like anthologies?

Take a trip around the world with The World Romance Writers' newest anthology, Holiday Magic. Unique stories to warm your heart. Only 99 cents!

https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Magic-Rose-Anderson-ebook/dp/B01MXQQQJM/?tag=carmaraut-20

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/holiday-magic-rose-anderson/1125245793?ean=2940153544717

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/holiday-magic-2

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/holiday-magic-2

 

Want to stay in the holiday mood? Season of Promises, six sweet romances that will warm you all year long. And yes, only 99 cents!

https://www.amazon.com/Season-Promises-Merry-Holly-ebook/dp/B01LQUP9AS/?tag=carmaraut-20

 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/season-of-promises-holiday-box-set-marian-lanouette/1124742472?ean=2940153535586

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/season-of-promises-holiday-box-set

Happy New Year, already? #2016

My apologies for this being late, i have lost track of time here lately.  

The Holidays have me a bit flustered lol.

Please accept my wishes for a happy new year to you and yours !

It's almost hard to believe it's 2016.  

Seems like it just appeared, snuck up without me realizing it.

I've decided this year I wouldn't be doing any New Years resolutions but rather a

list of goals i would like to accomplish this year.
And of course weight loss is not on that list lol.  

That one never works for me anway.

However, one of my biggest goals is to write more.

The second one would be to get more organized.  Don't laugh, even though it might be a bit challenging, i do need to get more inline with myself.  Maybe then i'll be able to get more writing done while still maintaining my tour business.  I hate to have my writing taking a back seat to everything else, except my family of course.

Have you made any New Years resolutions or set any goals of your own for 2016?

*   *   *   *   *

www.kristaames.com

http://www.bridgingthegappromotions.blogspot.com/

Guest Blog: Vijaya Schartz: Celebrate the New Year in Space!

I’m not joking. One day soon, spending New Year in space will be the in-thing to do for the elite who can afford it. Move over Time Square. But what will it mean? If you are in orbit around Earth, when would you celebrate midnight? When it’s midnight in London, Moscow, New York, Beijing? When the space station crosses the line? Or you could remain in orbit above the exact point where it’s midnight for the entire rotation... 24 hours of midnight partying in zero gravity, or artificial gravity.

And what if you were in orbit around another planet, or in deep space away from Earth? Since time and space are relative and time slows down once you escape a planet’s gravity, there would be no synchronicity between your time and Earth’s time... In Star Trek, they use universal Star dates and instant communication across the universe... puzzling. Is that scientifically possible, or a writer’s ploy to simplify the story for reader and viewers? I have my opinion.

I’m not a scientist. I’m a writer. So my knowledge is limited to my research. What I retain from all the fascinating facts I learn is what can make a good story. Of course I create worlds that are believable for the reader. That’s my job. The truth be told, the exact scientific reality may not be as human-friendly as the worlds I create. Still, in early December, NASA discovered a planet only 600 light years away, and it seems very similar to ours. So, all our space opera stories between habitable worlds are not so farfetched after all.

This New Year, I invite you to spend some time on the old BOREALIS space station, a decrepit tin can at the fringe of conquered space, where human drama unfolds every day. My novella, BOREALIS: BLACK DRAGON, is part of the BOREALIS series (which includes novellas by various authors) from Desert Breeze Publishing, and is available in all eBook formats.

BLURB:
A gambler is cheating in a den of the Borealis space station, and Lieutenant Zara & Frankel intends to catch him in the act. She always gets her man, but this one could prove more than she can handle.

Captain Czerno Drake, code name Black Dragon, has come under cover, to break his innocent uncle from the most secure penitentiary in the galaxy, on the Borealis space station. He will stop at nothing to succeed, even enrolling the help of the lovely straight arrow TPP enforcer. When Zara realizes that she’s been used by a shrewd but seductive rebel, her reaction surprises everyone, most of all herself.

REVIEWS:
"I like the balance of humor and danger in this story, and the action kept me glued to the pages... I enjoyed watching as suspicion turned to admiration, and admiration became the first flickers of love between Czerno and Zara... Pick up a copy of Borealis: Black Dragon, by Vijaya Schartz, and enter a world of adventure, romance, and a spoiled cat named Marshmallow." Long And Short Reviews 4½ books - sensual


"Vijaya Schartz is known for her strong female characters and Zara is no exception... gives the reader lots of action and a sweet love story." Single Titles Review - 4½ stars

BIO:
Born in France, award-winning author Vijaya Schartz never conformed to anything and could never refuse a challenge. She likes action and exotic settings, in life and on the page. She traveled the world and claims she comes from the future. Her books collected many five star reviews and literary awards. She makes you believe you actually lived these extraordinary adventures among her characters. She currently has sixteen titles available. Her stories have been compared to Indiana Jones with sizzling romance. So, go ahead, dare to experience the magic, and she will keep you entranced, turning the pages until the last line. Find more at http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Where to find Vijaya Schartz:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Publisher page Desert Breeze: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/VijayaSchartz/Page.bok
Publisher page Books We Love: http://bookswelove.net/vijayaschartz.php
http://romancingscifi.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vijaya-Schartz-Author/109777709045040
https://twitter.com/Vijayaschartz

Happy New Year!

I’m excited to be one of the first bloggers to wish everyone a happy new year.

I, personally, couldn’t wait for the year to end. For all intended purposes, it went well. I published several more books (which was good for my pocketbook), made some great friends, and learned a thing or two about myself. I thought I was in the home stretch for finishing off the year with no major disasters.

Then it happened. I few simple words uttered by my partner and the year's nasty demons, which at first, seemed to bypass us, surfaced with a vengeance as 2010 bitch-slapped us back to reality.

”I think we have a problem.” Were the last famous words spoken before we found the nightmare of a hot water foundation leak in our living room.

Try convincing someone to take on such a large job only 4 days before Christmas. Yeah, good luck with that! Everyone wants to make sure they are home, snuggled close to family, not jack-hammering a crater in some strangers living room, and then mucking around in mud trying to find a leak the size of a pin hole.

Our insurance company has been awesome! Yes, I refer to the current present tense because the nightmare continues. It will be at least another 2-3 weeks before we get our little house back to normal. Well, as normal as can be.

We are getting new floors in the entry, hallway, living room and bedroom with new baseboards to go with it. The holes the plumber carved in our walls, for repairs, will be patched and our washroom, kitchen, living room, entry, and hallway walls will be painted, and yes, I was mumbling, row, row, row your boat gently down our hall, as the plumber tended to the foundation leak. Oh, the joys of owning your own home.

The truth is that even with everything that happened, I am grateful for what we have. You see, it's our tradition to volunteer at a soup kitchen every Christmas day and this year was no exception. How's the saying go..."neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night" - in our case, water, would keep us from our Christmas Soup Kitchen.

The funny thing about putting yourself out there is that you tend to forget your own problems and you start to see things from a different perspective. My anger quickly turned to gratefulness.

I'm grateful we have a home to worry about. I'm grateful we have the means to get things repaired or replaced. I'm grateful that SERVPRO of Dallas NWD, sent Nallen to our house for the water extraction. Kudos to Nallen, for without his sense of humor, I surely would have completely lost my mind. I'm grateful for the friends and family that I have in my life. I'm grateful for plumbers and homeowners insurance. I'm grateful 2010 finally came to a close and I'm grateful that my parents walked twenty miles to school, barefoot, in the snow, everyday, not that its ever snowed in Cuba, but...you get my point.

I have only one simple request of this new and upcoming year. "Please, dear G-d, don't let any of my lessons involve water. Amen."

Happy New Year and remember, keep it short, keep it sweet, and keep it real.

Annie :0)
http://www.anniealvarez.net/
http://naughtylittlevamp.blogspot.com/