Dreams Are Just Goals With Deadlines

In the development of characters, GMC plays an important part in their creation. GMC stands for Goal, Motivation, Conflict. Every character, plot, and a story needs and requires GMC. This post will focus on the first letter—Goal.

In Goal, Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon, she writes, “A goal is a desired result, a purpose or an objective. A goal is the prize or reward your character wants to obtain or achieve.” We all can relate to those statements. We have goals in life, some grand and others are small. Whether it’s to get this month’s rent or get to the store to buy milk. We all have a desired result, purpose, or objective. In our stories, the Goal must be something we are desperate to have. Also, a goal must be acted upon. Our characters must pursue their goal through action. Without action, a goal can never be accomplished. 

Let’s say our objective is to buy milk. We will act by getting dressed, traveling to the store, and buying the milk. Once we walk out of the store with the milk, our goal has been achieved. This example isn’t a goal worthy of a novel but a simplified example of a goal.

 I highly recommend that if Debra Dixon’s book, Goal, Motivation and Conflict isn’t on your bookshelf then get your copy now. 

Next month, I’ll talk about the M—Motivation. 

New Year, New You?

 It’s resolution time. 

Exercise three times a week. 

Dry January. 

Read more. 

The options are endless. 

I never like resolutions. The pressure of the new year to makeover your life and lifestyle seemed a recipe to fail. Writing down all the things you’ve failed to do in your life the other 365 days of the last year can certainly knock down the level of your self-esteem. Then as the resolutions fall to the wayside, you feel even worse about yourself. 

I certainly don’t want to feel that way. We have enough hard times in life. So, I deal with the new year and all those bombarding messages of New Year, New You by doing nothing. Sure, I want to exercise more and learn something new and many other things but I don’t try to change my whole life because I know that it won’t happen. 

So what to do then?

Well, as the year unfolds slowly incorporate those new choices in your life. If you have fifteen minutes or an hour, go take that walk for exercise, read two pages of that book you promised to get to. Then if you don’t get to it the next day, that’s fine but maybe the next day, you do. Just take a step. You only need to take the first one then, the next. Thinking about changing your life is too hard but changing an hour of one day is easier to fit those changes into your life.

Remember, January 1 is just another day. So, if you don’t get to it today, there is tomorrow. You’ll get there.  

Once More Then Again

This past Sunday, the new series And Just Like That premiered. I haven’t seen it though, I’m sure at some point I will. Yet, I’m not interested in it at this time. The press and social media have been buzzing about this show (negative and positive buzz) as well as reboots. Whether it’s Dexter New Blood, West Side Story, or Ghostbusters, it seems the opinion is that there are no more fresh ideas. If true or not, that’s not the purpose of this post. 

When the first teasers of the return of Carrie Bradshaw and her crew, I had dual feelings so let’s use And Just Like That as an example. I was a fan of Sex and The City, tuning in to HBO every Sunday. And I’m not reviewing the new series but the reasons why reboots do not always work. Sex and The City captured another time in the world when we were different people in different places in our lives. Watching the reboots of our past favorite shows or movies stir the nostalgia in us as well as the warring, slightly cynical thought Can’t they think up something new?  

These shows, movies, or songs remind us of our past, and by doing so, we —most likely compare— our lives now to the time before the present moment and all it's good and bad. But the view behind us isn’t clear. By looking back, we forget the bad times or realize the lessons we learned from those experiences. The happy times are brighter and warmer in our memories, a time we wish to relive and certainly, never forget. The distance of time has softened the edges of memory while we deal with the sharp edges of the present. 

I think we should look back and give a warm smile to the past, just don’t live in it since today will be tomorrow very soon so never miss out on life. 

Do you have a movie, TV show, song, or book that stirs your nostalgia?   

12 Easy Steps To Intimacy In A R romance Novel

 A tool in the romance author’s box is the 12 Steps to Intimacy. These steps happen between your hero and heroine (I’m using hero and heroine to simply the explanation of each stage) as discovered by Desmond Morris. These stages happen in the natural world and every attraction you had in your life. It happens even without our awareness and each step cannot be missed. 

1. Eye To Body:

Think about the movies. When the sexy heroine or hero first appears, the camera pans from the legs to hips, and up the chest, finally reaching the head. The idiom is beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As the beholder, we are experiencing the first stage (hopefully, so is the other character)—the physical attraction stage, or as I call it the damn, he’s hot step.

2. Eye to Eye: 

The second step is the first awareness between the hero and heroine. The spark of attraction grows hotter or fizzles. This is wherein a novel or real life, we notice details about his eyes. We might see a glint or feel cold or afraid and all from a glance (think how you feel when you first met the eyes of the person you love or the first time you saw that Charles Mason photo with his crazy eyes). 

3. Voice to Voice:

Or the Now, we’re talking stage. That’s what I call this one. The hero and heroine are physically close, most likely an arm’s length away so that they can carry on a conversation. Screaming across a room isn’t very romantic. The dialogue—what is said, how it’s spoken, and the sound of the voice. These details reinforce the intimacy. Think about after you’ve talked with someone, you feel as if you know them better. It happens at this stage. 

4.  Hand to Hand:

Have you sat at a bar, talking with a guy and you place your hand atop of his? The first physical touch and the attraction can build and in romance, it’s a must. This step reveals the beginning intimacy between the couple and helps draw them closer, emotionally. Think about that scene in Bridgerton when Daphne and Simon touch hands. You felt the attraction and intimacy in that simple act because you unconsciously understand its meaning. 

5. Arm to Shoulder: 

This step has more unconscious risk than the others. This touch places hands near areas of danger on your body—neck, and head. With this stage, a person could be drawn in for a hug or the hand placed on the back. It’s a level of intimacy not enjoyed by everyone in your life. Imagine if your boss placed his hand on your shoulder. You’d more likely feel uncomfortable maybe violate, having your space invaded and you may even think why are you touching me? 

6. Arm to Waist: 

This act of intimacy happens between people very close to each other. In a novel, desire is boiling, and the bond has strengthened. All who witness this physical act know the meaning of such a touch. Imagine if you spotted your partner with his hand on a woman’s waist. 

7. Mouth to Mouth:

There is nothing like a kiss. Scientists have stated that the chemicals of the saliva exchanged during a kiss have a way of letting our bodies know if the person is a good mate—biologically, at least. A bad kiss can ruin a good start to a developing relationship. We don’t go around kissing people, especially after Covid. Even kisses on the cheek have an attachment. 

8. Hand to Head:

Unconsciously, this is the most physically dangerous touch, which remains from our less evolved days. We are at risk when someone touches our heads. With this step, you must have an intimacy with the other person, knowing that no harm comes from that person. 

9. Hand to Body: 

    This stage can be half a love scene since this is a truly intimate act and the beginning before our hero and heroine enter the bedroom. Here, the body is explored in an amorous way. With the hand-to-body step, intimacy is almost at its apex and perhaps, love has bloomed even if unaware of it. If the next step is to happen, then this is where the couple has to decide to go forward together and toward the next one.

10. Mouth to Breast:

This stage is part of a half love scene as well as the beginning of a love scene. This stage is another actual physical intimate act. Emotions are involved.

11. Hand to Genitals:

   Another step in the half love scene or the middle of a love scene. Genitals are private, our own personal place that is not revealed easily. Think about how awkward GYN appointments are. This is an extremely intimate act, which will only build, at least in romance novels. 

12. Genitals to Genitals:

     S-E-X. The final step of these stages and the end of a love scene. There is trust, desire, and intimacy between the couple. 

But that doesn’t mean the book is over. These twelve stages will reinforce the growing romance between your couple. Best of all, you can mix up these stages. You do not have to countdown each one. If you do put—let’s say—hand to hand before voice to voice, just remember how your character would react in that situation. If she doesn’t like to be touched, then she’s going to pull her hand free. 

Or what if your hero and heroine have sex in the opening scene. That is a purely physical act but intimacy between the two is lacking so this couple will have to build intimacy with these steps. 

So, play with these stages and have fun. Then write them again. 

Top Ten Books For Writing A Romance Novel

 Have you ever thought about writing a romance? Don't know where to begin or perhaps, you are in need of some guidance. Here is a top ten list to get you started.

1. Romancing the Beat: Story Structure for Romance Novels by Gwen Hayes
2. Romance Tropes and Hooks by Karen Winter
3. Break into Fiction by Mary Buckham
4. Writing the Alpha Male by Karen Winter
5. Write Naked by Jennifer Probst
6. Finding Your Writer’s Voice by Bria Quinlan and Jeannie Lin
7. Character Arcs by Jordan McCollum
8. Practical Emotional Structure by Jodi Henley
9. The Joy of Writing Sex: A Guide for Fiction Writers by Elizabeth Benedict
10. The Art of Character by David Corbett

Seeking Comfort In All Its Forms

 Life is filled with those moments when comfort is the only medicine needed. Most people think of comfort food, perhaps something that your mother cooked for you or that place where you stopped off to pick up your favorite treat or meal. 

Yet, comforts in life can be found in different areas besides food. Such as comfort television or movies and books. For me, I have my comfort television shows, movies, and of course, books.  Those films and shows I’ve watched so many times that it borders on embarrassment and obsessiveness still feel like a warm blanket that cocoons me from the outside world and lets me escape. As for the books, well, I’ve had to purchase numerous copies since the binding fell apart and pages fluttered away.

Those comforts for me are The Big Bang Theory, Hot Fuzz, Galaxy Quest, Wicked by Jill Barnett as well as Dreaming by the same author. I also cannot forget Julie Garwood’s historical romances.  For me, these items are like a safe haven when life needs to be escaped from. Now, that the world seems to be opening up again, I think we can all use some comfort. Why? 

Because it can feel overwhelming, anxious, and for some downright scary. 

For me, this past year has been easy. Luckily, no one in my family caught Covid-19 but I know people who succumb to the virus. Yet, while people complained about not being about to go out and socialize, I loved it. Yes, I’m an introvert but also I’m chronically ill so for the past year, I found some understanding and for those that don’t I can tell them that my life was like the lockdown. I have to prepare to go out and set up for my return when I come home spent for being out. 

I’m not the only one who feels this way. Life became harder for all. And those without pre-existing conditions or disabilities, now have a way of explaining parts of our lives to others. That in itself is a comfort. So, while the world opens up and people return to their lives, I will be here with my comforts and hoping you all have a good and safe time. 

What are your comforts? Share them with me. 

Get A Hobby. But What?

 

With the world lockdown in their homes and with nothing to do, most people found new ways to occupy their time and discovered new hobbies. Some made bread. Others knitted. There were those who pour over books and some started to write. Those were just a few activities that occupied people’s long stretch of time. But what do you do when your favorites hobbies (reading and writing) are also how you make a living?

 

I had no clue and that was my problem. 

Many advice given to people to destress and find something fun to do is get a hobby. I decided to take that advice and find one that I enjoy and nothing to do with my two favorite ones. I can’t knit because I have arthritis though I had taken it up years ago and found a calm with it. It also helped that I pictured myself as a young Miss Marple but without the murders. I certainly won’t make bread. Cooking isn’t fun for me at all. It turns out searching for a hobby was stressing me out. 

Plaster all over social media were these people posting pictures of their freshly baked bread, sharing recipes, or doing other activities that I couldn’t even begin to understand why was enjoyable. But hey, to each is own. 

So, if you're like me, searching for a hobby and feeling like you were missing out on an experience or lacking perhaps an understanding of this, I’m with you. I felt left out, standing on the outskirts of the group, looking in and wanting to be part of it. 

Then I shifted the way I thought. I have my own group of people who don’t have a hobby and can’t see any enjoyment in the traditional ones and just rather watch Bridgerton or the historical documentaries that I love. So, if you can’t join in with these cool kids toiling away with their hobbies, I want you to remember that follow that beat of your drum, it is much more melodious and enjoyable. 

Do you have hobbies that aren’t cool? Tell me. Tell me. I want to know and maybe, I’ll find a hobby. 

I Don't Know How She Does It

 I am a spinster (unmarried and childless) but I am an aunt and a grand-aunt. Yesterday, my seven-year-old grand-nephew and two-year-old grand-niece stayed the night with me. I love spending time with them, hearing about their lives, interests, jokes, and seeing their personalities. It brings much joy to my life. 

But by the next day, my mind is numb and my body feels like nothing more than melted butter. I always wonder how my niece does it every day. 

The sibling bickering (I remember them from growing up with an older brother), the frantic play, and the noise. That doesn't include helping with school, bathing, feeding and doing all the other stuff mothers do. 

I must confess that I have always been in awe of mothers. From my own to others who make magic happen during difficult times, who work full-time then come home to be a mom. I am in awe of the mothers who become pregnant and lose the child they yearn to hold. The mothers who birth a child that never takes a breath or the mothers who lose a child after hours, days, weeks, months, and years of loving and only to have their hearts shredded and their souls diminished. 

Motherhood is a fearful yet brave act that the world treats as a normal occurrence but is truly a miracle. And not just because of the life that is carried. To give your life to the betterment of another. To sacrifice, to have moments of great worry, great happiness, and everything that happens in between those moments. I am not that brave. But to all the mothers out there, I don't know how you do it. But as a daughter who loves her mother more than anything, I am glad you do it and thankful that you do. 

So, be kinder to yourselves. And give yourself a pat on the back and take a moment to care for yourself. You deserve it. 

Ain't My Thing

 Many people gush over audiobooks. My niece loves them because she spends a great deal of time in her car ferrying her son to school and back. Me, though, I have a few, mostly those narrated by Stephen Fry since I love listening to him. But other than that, audiobooks never fit into my life and the person I am. 

My first audiobook I received free from Amazon when they first purchased audible and were trying to hook people on them. For me, I listened to the historical fiction novel, The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory (in case you are wondering. ) I love history so I read mostly historical fiction, historical romance, and history books and have read plenty of Philippa Gregory before and enjoyed her books. 

So, I thought this is a good first audiobook to sink my teeth or maybe, press my ears into (shouldn’t it be something like that—anyway) I listened to it. In bits and pieces. Yet, I never found myself immersed in it like I usually am when reading. I should have been especially with this one. The Other Queen was everything that I love—history and Mary, Queen of Scots. But, I found my mind wondering about anything or sometimes nothing so the audiobook just became background noise to me. I can say that listened to the whole book but cannot remember anything about it. And when the audiobook ended, I remember sitting on the sofa with my earplugs in and no sound coming from them. After a few seconds or a minute or two (I’m not sure how long it was), I was shocked to discover the book ended. I pulled out my plugs and shrugged my shoulders. I was disappointed. I had wanted to be able to do dishes, clean, or just lay in bed in the dark, listening to a book. But it wasn’t for me—the reader. 

Now, as an author, I saw dozens of articles about turning my books into audiobooks. That was the new publishing format. But I refused to spend money on that endeavor since it cost at the time roughly a thousand dollars. For me, the return on investment just wasn’t there. 

I don’t know if I’m a dinosaur or not. I read e-books and still have old-fashion paper books and that is just fine for me. What about you? Do you love audiobooks? Why? Or are you indifferent to them?  

The Thing You do.

I must admit that I am a little obsessed with authors writing routines. Like Julia Quinn edits each scene before moving on to writing the next scene. Sarah MacLean takes four to six months to write a hundred pages. 

At the beginning of my writing career, I had this obsession because I was searching for my writing process. But that wasn’t my only reason, I wanted to feel that I was a true author (whatever that means? I still haven't figured it out) and not someone with a foolish dream, so I sought out confirmation that I was doing “it” right. 

Then one day, I reminded myself that I had never followed the crowd. Not that I’m so very odd or different but I just wanted to be me. So, why does my obsession continue? 

I’m looking for growth. Isn’t that what we all seek out? Whether you are an author or reader, we look to explore deeper, to expand. I believe that we are all ambitious. I don’t mean that we all want to be CEOs, but we all want those dreams for our lives to become our realities. 

So, how does this relate to my obsession? Because all of that is about doing the work. That work will be different for each of us and most likely, we will share the ways in which we accomplish it. 

So, I decided to do it my way (or Frank Sinatra style). Which in case, you are wondering. I create my characters including everything about them but with enough room to grow as I write. Then I outline major plot points then outline individual scenes to the point I get stuck. So, I write and that leads me to where I need to go to get to the ending. Then revisions. Revisions. Revisions. But that’s another tale. 

Drawing a Blank

 The eighteenth of every month is my day to blog. Some months I have a topic or at the very least, an idea. This month I got nada, nothing, just an empty mental jar in need of ideas. 

For an author, that's bad. Stress flares and the inner voice grows more demanding, berating you with "Think. Think. You gotta have something." 

Of course, the effect is you have nothing and nothing can or does spring to mind.

So, you try to do some activity to distract yourself or hopefully, find inspiration: Social media, games, reading, talking, or Hemmingway's solution--a drink. 

But maybe no ideas present themselves. So then what...Well, nothing. 

Life is stressful. We are living during a pandemic, people are sick, too many have died, people have lost jobs and are worried about caring for families.

I wish I had a solution. I won't tell you it will be alright. I don't know that but I hope that it will be. 

Maybe, you'll do what I and others do: take a breath, scream out the frustration. 

Hopefully, a solution will come to you and make life less stressful and life, yours, mine, ours, will get better. 

That's my holiday wish for all of us in 2021. A better life.  

That's Inspiring!

 I was mulling over the topic of this post and kept on coming up with absolutely nothing. Then I was reading a book with a quote before the first chapter. This post topic came to me. I swear I saw the lightbulb turn on. 

So, I decided to share some quotes that have always inspired me, changed me, or in so way or another helped me.

1. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. 

British statesman Edmund Burke wrote this one. I first heard it in college during an International Relations class. If you look throughout history, these words ring so true. The action a person takes against evil doesn't have to be grand or violent. It can be as simple as speaking out against evil, voting, or boycotting a business. Good in the world never hurt. 

2. For most of history, Anonymous was woman. 

Virginia Woolf penned this one. And as a woman, I refuse to be anonymous. I use my voice and live my life not by what society deems important but I follow my heart. I wanted to be an author and that is what I did. I refused to sit at a desk, working 9-5. I wanted to follow my passion so I did. Women are using their voice, fighting for their rights, and living their best life so never stop doing it your way.

3. A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.

Another Virginia Woolf quote. I have the room and have money to pay my bills and buy books. I don't need much more.  I also took this quote as a warning to prepare for the life you wish to live. 

4. There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. 

 A favorite author of mine wrote this one--Edith Wharton. This one reminds me to be a light in the world. I will try to spread the light not diminish its glow. 

Do you have a favorite quote or two? Please share.   

  

Unsocial Media

Since the world has been turned upside down, I have found myself even less interested in social media than I was before. When I joined Facebook years ago to keep in contact with my long distant friends and family then I joined the rest for the author side of my life. I really don't wish to be a part of social media. Partly because I'm an introvert and secondly, because I live a very boring life and no one wants to hear how I'm watching another repeat of Family Guy for the hundredth time.

But with all that is happening in the world, I am even less interested. I check to keep update with family that I miss especially my niece and nephew who because of the New York City lockdown I don't get to see as often as I wish.

I find that social media just add stress in my life and I don't want or need any right now. No doubt, you all must feel the same. I don't know how to find the balance between social media for my work and my personality. It's funny because most everyone I know just loves posting pictures, talking about their lives. I'm an introvert surrounded by extroverts. And that makes me feel odd and as if I am doing something that is wrong.

The pressures of the outside world can batter us down and have us questioning everything we do. I tell myself that I should be this or that. But I need to stop listening to that chatter and follow my drum beat and if I wish all of you do the same. You know what you need and don't need in your life so follow it because it makes us better. And right now in this world, we need better. We need to do better and be better.

Do You Know What Day It Is?

It’s No Dirty Dishes Day. 🙌

That’s right May 18 is No Dirty Dishes Day. 😏

Today this is a no-no.

Why do I know this?

Because I came across a calendar on the internet that lists what every day of the year celebrates or honors. This honor (that’s why I’m calling it at least) has me a little confused. 

Is every other day dirty dishes day? 

And how does one celebrate such a thing? 

If you plan to eat anything, you will have dirty dishes. I don’t know many people who would just leave their dishes in the sink to pile up and stink up the home. So are you not suppose to eat or clean anything once you finish using a plate and fork. If you have a dishwasher, you wait until it is full before running a wash. 

So, you will have dirty dishes.

Then we have failed. Perhaps, disposable plates, cups, and cutlery is to be used today. Is that what the day’s creators had in mind? 

Whatever the reason and how to actually celebrate it is inconsequential. It’s just a little silliness that made me laugh. 

I doubt I will ever forget that May 18 is No Dirty Dishes Day and I reckon neither will you. Do you know of another day’s celebration or honor that is just as silly? Share with me. 

Once Again Then One More Time

Earlier today, I was scrolling through Twitter and I came upon a conversation about Outlander. The topic centered around how they couldn’t watch the show anymore. That for them the magic was gone. That had me thinking about series. Sure, series are going to lose some fans. Times change, stories become dull or a myriad of other reasons. Series burnout, I call it. I have dropped a few series that once brought me enjoyment. And I’m sure you have too.

So, what happens when an author tires of writing a character or world? Agatha Christie killed off Hercule Poirot because she was tired of writing the character. Authors are encouraged to write a series to lure back the readers. And it’s wonderful when readers love the stories we weave and we can support ourselves by slapping our fingers against the keyboard but how do we keep our passion for the projects especially when we are under contract?

Through we are creatives we are still in business—the publishing business. I’m really don’t know a definitive answer to that question. I can only think of a few things. First, let’s set a challenge for ourselves. Perhaps, we can get more newsletter subscribers or getting an ad or an interview. Anything that can make us feel like we are growing. Second, rediscover what you loved about the story and add a dash of something new to spice it up. You can even ask your readers what they love about the series or even hate. That might help you see a bright new angle in your series. Third, get a hobby. Writing might have started off as a hobby that turned into a business so you need a different creative outlet.

Burnout is real and as both readers and writers, we must keep that spark alive. It will fuel us. Yet, sometimes we have to let go.

Have you written a series? Do you feel excitement?

Readers, do you have a series you love or one that you had to let go? So why do you feel the love for one and let go of another? 

Am I Old? Don't ask a Three-year old.

 The subject of this post was suppose to be about resolutions but as I sat down at my laptop to write it, my six-year-old grand nephew (yes, grand) was watching Youtube videos about playing Roblox games and I was utterly confused by the game and why watch videos of other people playing.

That was when I asked myself that question we all put to ourselves when the kids are doing something we cannot comprehend what is enjoyable about the act—Am I old?

Probably me in the future.

I’m forty-six years old and though, I know it’s 2020 yet when I think of that year, it still seems like that it is a sci-fi future that doesn’t exist in reality. That’s Back to the Future II fault. The movie is set in 2015, five years ago.

The most amazing thing is I don’t feel old. I feel as if I still have the whole world before me and I have so many plans. Yet, I can see the physical changes. I have more than a few gray hairs or as I call them nature’s highlights. Sometimes, I decide to dye my hair then decide I can’t be bothered.

When I smile the lines around my mouth don’t disappear as fast as they once did. I’m pretty lucky since I don’t have many lines on my face. But I notice the lines around my neck, which isn’t a good thing when you’re a writer and have your head bent down to the computer. Also some fine print looks like nothing but squiggly lines dancing around the back of the pill bottle.

I am now at the age when I once said would be a good year to die. My teenage self swore that forty-six was old and life would have nothing else to look forward too. Ah, the hubris of youth. Now I feel that there is so much more for me. Mentally, I feel my best even with my anxiety and panic attacks. I have a clearness and understanding that I never had in youth and wished I did. Life would have been easier.
Fibromyalgia may be affecting me but I feel a hope that seems much more real and rooted then I ever possessed in my youth.

So, do we really get old? Or does the body change like seasons and we must seek out life and feed the fire within us? I believe we must. We don’t have to live the idea of age but the best life for us.

So, I am not old. I am better and with much life still to do. I’m sure you feel the same. So, we’re not old. We’re better. In what ways are you getting better?

It's The Season To Buy A Pen

It’s Back to School season. Parents are busy preparing their children for the school year. But I don’t have children. I have nieces and nephews. The lack of little ones doesn’t prevent me from enjoying this time of a year.

I admit it. I love stationary. I love a new pen. I love a sharpen pencil. I love folders and notebooks. And I’m not alone. Many writers love all this stuff. After all most of us wrote our first stories on loose leaf paper. I remember writing my stories and tuck them nice and tight in my Trapper Keeper or a folder that was never far from me.

Now that I’m an adult that childhood rush of pleasure hasn’t faded. I spend the month of August going from store to store. I have more notebooks, pen, pencils and other such things that I can need but that doesn’t stop me from buying more. I mean my obsession is so bad that as I plan a trip to Japan I know that I will be hitting up the stationary stores located there. They have some of the best. I want to explore Itoya. It has twelve—12 floors. 

Why do writers love this stuff? The closest reason for this love is one very meaningful word—possibilities. A clean sheet of paper brims with it. A pen or pencil is a tool to create characters, worlds, and have adventures. So while kids are gathering their supplies to jot down notes, us writers are doing it for possibilities that await us. 

Do you share this love or do you have one that makes sense to only you?

#Guestauthor #newrelease Claiming the Highlander: a Medieval Highlander #Romance by @MageelaTroche #RB4U #authorinterview

Welcome to Romance Books 4 Us, a place for all romance and all genres. We’re very happy to have you here with us today. 

First, tell us a little bit about yourself…

I’m an Air Force used to moving about and who now finds herself in New York City. When I first arrived, I hate this place but I learned to love living here in the Big Apple. I spend most of my days either writing or reading and caring for my very demanding lovebird Boobula. He doesn’t like when I’m sitting at my computer.

What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?

I have always concocted stories in my head and wanted to be a writer but I was too scared to chase that dream when I went to college. But then I had a tragedy in my life and the plans I made for it ended so I decided to chase my dream no matter what. 

What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?

I love research. And since I write historical romance, I really get to indulge in that. I must say that I do extensive research though most of it doesn’t end up in the novels. I like to get an understand and feel for the time period—Medieval Scotland right now.

When do you write?  Early morning? During the day sometime or all day?  After the kids go to bed?

I write all day long. I take breaks and do other stuff such as play Candy Crush Saga or fool around Pinterest (my favorite social media) or spend time with my 4-years-old nephews and the only man in my life.

Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing?  If so, what is it?

I would like to do mystery but I’m always pulled back to romance. One day perhaps…

Do you ever see yourself as the heroine/hero or find yourself relating to them when you write a story?

Oh yes, I always put a little bit of myself in them usually their fears or flaws. My writing has helped me deal with a few issues. 

Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?

I have my desk in the corner of my cramped apartment. That is good place for me when I have to buckle down. But I usually write in bed propped up with pillows and surrounded by my notes and research.

As a reader, what types of genres do you enjoy? And do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?

I love my historical of course but in truth, I love to read all different romance novels. I especially love a book that has me laughing and emotionally fulfilled. I think all the genres influence me. They always help me get my ideas stirring. 

Where can our readers find you?  

Email: mt@MageelaTroche.com

Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/MageelaTroche

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/AuthorMageelaTroche

Website/blog: http://www.MageelaTroche.com

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Mageela-Troche/e/B00CHTIRFW/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7054733.Mageela_Troche

Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to

 share with us today and where can we find it? 

My new release is :

Claiming the Highlander. A Medieval Highlander Romance novel.

First came marriage...will love come next? 

As children, stoic Caelan MacKenzie married feisty Brenna Grant for a parcel of land and an Earldom. Then the child bride and groom went their separation ways.

Years later, Caelan is the feared Viking Highlander, a great warrior. His father lies on his death bed and now Caelan must return home to take his place as the Chief of Clan MacKenzie. Time has come for him to face his past and the secret he has carried. Some believe him unworthy to lead.

All but his wife—Brenna knows the true man that he is from the letters they had been exchanging since childhood. Now at Castle MacKenzie  anticipates her husband's return.  Brenna must use her influence to protect the Grant clan or have her life destroy. And that she refuses to happen.

From the Scottish Highland shores to the rugged glens, the alpha male and his brave heroine must battle against outside forces to save their wedded life even as they succumb to their sensual desire.

Can they save all they hold dear including their growing love? Or will they be defeat and betrayed?

Buy Link

https://www.amazon.com/Claiming-Highlander-Medieval-Scottish-Romance-ebook/dp/B079SD7D8X/

Summer Lovin’ the Books by @MageelaTroche #RB4U #Historical

Summer is upon us—Woohoo—and that means that means books and beach. If you are anything like me you have poured over the numerous book lists. So, here is one more—my top ten book list to read.

1. Finding Fraser by KC Dyer. 

Much like many others, I love the Outlander series especially Jamie Fraser—both the book and Sam Heughan. Finding Fraser seems like a fun twist on the fan fiction and as a reader, I too would love to find Jamie Fraser.

2. Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job. Kill It in Your Career. Rock Social Media by Aliza Licht

Aliza Licht is the DKNY PR girl, which is also her twitter handle. As a writer, I am always looking for ways to rock social media. I enjoy her twitter feed and I’m looking forward to reading this to learn more.

3. Tattooed Hearts by Mika Jolie

A fellow Secret Cravings author, I read the blurb and was hooked. Being someone’s first love is unforgettable. Being their last is immeasurable. How can you not want to read it.

4. Pete Sebastian, Coach by Jean Joachim

Another Secret Cravings author, I love an athlete and love to read their stories.

5. Writing Scary Scenes  by Rayne Hall

I am always looking to improve my writing and this is one skill I wish to develop since emotional writing is important to me.

6. Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood

The title really makes you do a double take. It is a cozy mystery series set in 1920s Australia featuring a modern woman Miss Phyrne Fisher. I watch the television series, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. I love the cast of characters and I have to see what the books are all about.

7. Put Up Your Duke by Megan Frampton

Another book title that grabbed him and more importantly, who doesn’t love a duke?

8. Romantic Outlaws: The Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter, Mary Shelley by Charlotte Gordon

I must confess this book I have had since the week of its release and have yet to read it—deadline and all. This mother and daughter added to the world with their specific talents and smarts and to read the biography in book and see the influence of mother to daughter intrigues me in way that no other biography can.

9. The Moneypenny Diaries: Guardian Angel by Samantha Weinberg using pseudonym Kate Westbrook.

I am a fan of James Bond and growing up I yearned for Moneypenny to do more than announce Bond to M. Finally, it has arrived. This is the first book in a series of novels and short stories.

10. The entire collection of Julia Quinn novels

Why? For one simple reason, good books are always worth reading over and over and over.

His Lady Charlie 

In glittering world of Regency England, Lady Charlotte Hammersley, Charlie as she is known, is more than a wallflower, she is the wall supporting the flower. Her father has pronounced this is her fourth and final season. The last chance for her to marry the man she loves. When she overhears the Earl of Harrington place a wager to turn any lady into the toast of the ton, Charlie presented herself.

The Earl of Harrington must win the wager to save his brother from destruction and the minx vows she is the perfect lady for him. He finds he cannot deny her as she intrigues him, as he has never been before. Navigating the London Season, they face scandal, jealously and the possibility their wager may be discovered and ruin their lives.

Will they win the biggest gamble of all—for their love?

Author Bio:

An Air Force brat, Mageela Troche landed in New York City and wanted to leave the same day she arrived. Yet, with her stubbornness, she learned to like the place and the libraries were the main reason. Once Mageela learned to read and write, she decided to be an author and an actress. Once in college, she changed her life plan in the pursuit of money. After all, college loans must be repaid.

With life’s twists and turns, she returned to writing and focused on the romance genre. Good thing since Mageela cannot cook, fold a fitted sheet but can organize a bookshelf to hold the loads of books she possesses. She has an obsession with DIY though she never does any of it and is the proud owner of a feisty lovebird, Boobula. Mageela is currently writing her next novel.

Website: http://mageelatroche.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mageela.troche

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MageelaTroche