Compliment a Writer Today (and Every Day)

I hope you all had a good holiday, and I hope this New Year is a great one for you.

Today, January 24, is National Compliment Day. What a great idea! How many times do you give someone a compliment? I don’t do it often enough. I think most of us are so caught up in our own busy lives that we don’t take time to compliment others.

I don’t mean fake compliments to get favors, or to get someone to like you, but genuine ones. If your waitress has a hair style you like, or you like her nail polish, tell her. If a child does something particularly sweet, compliment him on what a nice thing he did.

If a friend or co-worker is wearing something that makes her look stylish, hip, whatever, tell her. Compliments make you feel as good as the person you’re complimenting. You can diffuse tensions this way too. Imagine you’re having a spirited discussion with a friend or relative. Take a deep breath and ask her if she’s done something different with her hair because it looks very nice. She’ll be so shocked that the tension will dissolve. But be genuine. If her hair doesn’t look nice, maybe you like the jeans she’s wearing, and you can mention them.

This brings me to writers. I’m as guilty as anyone for enjoying a book and not telling the author. What is the ultimate compliment you can give an author after reading, and liking, one of her books? Post a nice review on Amazon and the other sites. Trust me, reviews are very important to authors. We like to know that people enjoy our books. If you meet an author at a conference and you’ve enjoyed her books, tell her, and tell her why you like them. For instance, maybe she writes cowboy romances. Tell her how real and likeable her cowboys are. Or if she writes SEAL romances, tell her how heroic and warm her SEALS are. You’ll have a friend for life.

I no longer make New Year’s resolutions. Why bother? I never keep them. Every January, I set a goal of writing at least 1,000 words a day. I usually go to March before that goal slips away. This year, I kept my goal for one week. I had to put aside the book I’m writing to critique novellas for an anthology I’m in that will be released in April. Once I get away from my stated writing goal, I find it hard to get back, but I will.

Besides writing at least 1,000 words a day this year, I pledge to myself that I will compliment people more, smile more, and be generally more pleasant despite some of the unpleasantness in the world.

Compliment someone today, and every day. And don’t forget us writers.

Keep the warm holiday spirit a little longer. Snag these holiday books before the prices go up.

A Groom for Christmas, multi-award winning sensuous romance, is still on sale for 99 cents. That’s a savings of $2.00 but it won’t last for long.

Winner! 2014 New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Award

A GROOM FOR CHRISTMAS is a new twist on the classic Hallmark Christmas movie full of family, humor, love, and a little bit of redemption.

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

When a young woman hires her hometown’s former bad boy to be her pretend fiancé for the holidays, she finds she can’t wrap up her feelings as easily as a Christmas gift.

New York jewelry designer Graceann Palmer has two days to find a fiancé to bring home to Pennsylvania for the holidays so her matchmaking mama will quit fixing her up with jerks. The Falcon, a motorcycle-riding, leather-clad former high school crush, helped her out once before. Maybe he'll do it again.

Jake Falco, man of many mysteries, is back in town on a mission—one the people of Spirit Lake most likely won't appreciate. When Graceann presents him with her crazy scheme, it gives him something he's always wanted—a chance to get to know Graceann. It also gives him the perfect opportunity to add fuel to his project of revenge. 

But as Jake and Graceann grow closer, their engagement-of-convenience begins to feel like the real deal—until Jake’s secrets are revealed. 

Can a relationship that began with lies and secrets bloom like a rare Christmas rose into happily-ever-after?

2013 Snow Globes Award Contest Finalist
2014 Readers' Choice Nominee, Best Couple, Love Romances Cafe
2014 RomCon Awards Finalist

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 stories from around the world? Holiday Magic from the World Romance Writers is still only 99 cents!

The World Romance Writers wish you joy and love this holiday season and all year long with a collection of heartwarming romances filled with Holiday Magic. This anthology features stories from far and wide, and includes contemporary and historical romance, futuristic time travel romance, and romance touched with magic by Award-Winning and Multi-Published Authors: Rose Anderson, Lynn Crain, Gemma Juliana, Cara Marsi, and Jenny Twist.

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

 Visit my website to read excerpts from all my books and to sign up for my monthly newsletter. I include a movie/TV review and a recipe in every issue.

www.caramarsi.com

Winter Themes For Writers

First, I’m thrilled to share with you that the World Romance Writers first holiday anthology is now available for $0.99 on Amazon. http://a.co/bXwKeiq

Five enchanting novelettes in Holiday Magic will sweep you away and warm your heart!

 

~*~

 

While outlining a romantic suspense that was inspired on a skiing trip last year, it occurred to me that although each season has unique features to enhance a story, winter has loads of them. Here are a few ~~ can you add more?

Avalanche

Icy Roads

Snowfall & Icicles

Blizzard

Hibernation

Frozen Lakes/Rivers

Cars Not Starting or Getting Stuck

Ice Skating/Skiing/Apres-ski/Mulled Wine

Snowboarding, Sledding, Cross-Country Skiing

Problems with a Ski Lift

Seeking the Perfect Christmas Tree in a Forest

Building a Snowman/Snow Woman/Snow Children

Drinking Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows, Eggnog

Setting a Fire in the Fireplace

Watching Flames Crackle in the Grate

Howling Winds Whipping Around the Building in a Winter Storm

Being Snowbound

Winter Solstice/Winter Festivals/Traditions of Many Cultures

Festivals of Light/Religious Traditions

Nearly Freezing To Death When Stranded in Sub-Zero Weather

Aurora Borealis ~~ Northern Lights

Shopping for Christmas Gifts

Toys for Young and Old

The Magic of Believing in Magic

Soups & Stews, Hearty Food to Warm Body and Soul

Snowmobiling

Night Skiing With Torches

Making Snow Angels

Being Cornered by a Bear or Other Hungry Wild Animals

Weather and location -- like an isolated cabin high on a snow-covered mountainside --  can set a brooding, intense tone in a winter story. A deadly winter storm can be as alive as any two-legged character, with apparent emotions and intentions. Timing kicks in, with a race against the clock not to freeze or to get ahead of a storm. There are endless combinations.

~*~

While the holidays are happy times for many people, others are depressed, lonely and even in despair. Many families have lost loved ones around the holidays, and the echo of that loss returns every winter. If you know someone who is suffering or lonely, think about opening your home and hearth to them this holiday season. It may gift you with richly rewarding memories.

 

This is my last blog post for the year, so let me thank each of you for enriching my life in 2016, and a special thank you to those who supported my efforts by buying my books.  I wish you Happy Holidays, wherever you are in the world!

Have you ever written a story based in winter that utilized landscape or weather as a character? If so, please share more about it with us!

GEMMA JULIANA has traveled the world, and believes exotic international settings can add extra spice to a story. As an eternal matchmaker, it brings her great joy to create love stories where two hearts end up beating as one. She is at home in Texas these days, where she shares a cozy cottage with her true love, teen son, and a crafty dog who rules them all. Her muse is nourished with the finest fuel for creativity – chocolate and coffee.

Visit Gemma’s website to see what she’s written and what’s coming soon. Sign up for her newsletter to receive occasional special offers and participate in fun events.

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Autumn Glory

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.

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

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Vive La France

Bonjour! My husband and I very recently returned from a week in France. We were on a Viking River Cruise from Paris to Normandy. We landed in Paris June 12, our 40^th wedding anniversary. At dinner that night on board the ship, the staff sang a love song to us and gave us a cake to celebrate. Below is a picture of the cake and of us. Considering we were going on 36 hours without sleep due to flying in from Philadelphia that morning, we don’t look too bad. No matter what happens to us in life, we’ll always have Paris.

You’ve all seen the Viking River Cruise commercials and gotten the brochures. Viking is awesome. The staff, mostly from Eastern Europe, was gracious, attentive, pleasant. They couldn’t do enough for us. The food was amazing. The chef was Greek, and very creative. We ate and ate. I gained weight but refuse to get on a scale now. Why depress myself? Of course, no one forced me to eat. But how could I resist? Our ship, the Viking Rolf, was built this year. The stateroom was beautiful, if a tad small. We had a French balcony and could look out as we cruised along the Seine.

We toured Paris by bus, went to the Louvre, to Notre Dame Cathedral, saw Monet’s garden and house in Giverny. We also took walking tours of the medieval towns of Vernon and Rouen. Rouen was where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. We loved Rouen. Such a quaint little town. After our tour, we had free time. We used that time to have a drink at a 5-star hotel, where I got a short French lesson from the bartender, then we strolled around and bought chocolates and macaroons. My husband and I developed a taste for French macaroons. Yum! Every night during the summer months, the Notre Dame Cathedral of Rouen puts on a stunning light show. The show started at 11 p.m. We went with a group from our ship, and a good time was had by all.

We spent a full day in Normandy and saw Omaha Beach where the Americans landed on D-Day. Our tour guide, Michael, part Portuguese, part Australian, was very emotional when talking about Normandy and D-Day. His Australian grandfather was a medic at Normandy. Michael had us Americans stand on the steps leading to the beach and sing the National Anthem. When we got to the part about the rockets’ red glare, we heard thunder in the distance. He asked all the vets in the group to stand with him on the beach. My husband, a Vietnam War combat vet, had to be persuaded to join the others. We all clapped for the vets. I had tears. The whole thing was so inspirational, despite the pouring rain. Here’s a picture of the crosses at the American cemetery in Normandy. The flag was flying at half-staff to commemorate the slaughter in Orlando.

 The trip would have been much more enjoyable if it hadn’t rained every day. It seemed that it would pour just as a tour was starting, then clear up when the tour ended. The sun rarely came out, and when it did, it would peek from the clouds for several minutes, then duck out of sight. We also saw Versailles, and took a bus tour of Paris by night to see the light show at the Eiffel Tower. To us Americans, Versailles and the Louvre were super crowded, but our tour guides said they weren’t crowded at all. Tourism is down all over France due to the terror attacks.

The passengers on the Viking Rolf were mainly American, about 95%, with the rest being from the UK and Australia. However, and you knew a “but” was in there somewhere—as wonderful as Viking was, and as friendly as the other passengers were, my husband and I didn’t feel at times as if we were in France, as we were surrounded by Americans. We loved cruising down the Seine while sitting on the deck, weather permitting, or in the lounge. This was our first cruise, and we discovered we’re not cruisers. We like to be on our own to explore foreign cities. The Viking tours were well-organized and great, but we would rather have been able to linger at the places we liked. Being confined to a ship, even one as beautiful as the Viking Rolf, isn’t for everyone. We met many people on the ship who were on their seventh and eighth tours with Viking. They love cruising. If you are someone who enjoys cruising, I highly recommend the Viking River Cruises.

Of course, being a writer, I’ve come up with several scenarios for a story set in France. At dinner one night, some of our table mates threw out ideas for me to use in my story. I gave out my card to many of the passengers, who said they’d check out my books. I think my France story will be a romantic suspense, maybe on a river cruise. France is a beautiful country, very green with all the rain they’ve been having. I love to incorporate local scenario into my stories. Here’s a picture of the French countryside from our ship.

On the subject of stories set in foreign lands, I’m happy to announce I’m part of an anthology from World Romance Writers, made up of writers from all over the world. Our first anthology, Letterbox Love Stories, Volume 1, will be available for pre-order shortly.

What if a life-changing letter arrived in today’s mail? Now imagine it leads to love and adventure.

From the northern British Isles, across the mainland of Europe, and onto Turkey, nine international romance authors share spellbinding love stories told across time. And each begins with a letter…

My contribution is Curating Love, set in Ravello, on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

A letter inviting Chloe Decker to curate the art collection of the wealthy DiMarco family of Ravello, Italy, lets Chloe begin to picture a new life for herself after a tragic loss. But she’d never included her employer’s sexy grandson in that portrait. Matteo DiMarco, the playboy scion of the DiMarco family, will never again let a woman betray him. But sweet, earthy Chloe reawakens old dreams. Wary of losing her heart again, Chloe’s not ready for a relationship, even with a fine Italian masterpiece of a man like Matteo. Besides, her future is in Philadelphia, not Italy. Can Matteo convince her to stay and take a chance on him? Can she open her heart and paint a new picture that includes them both?

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