30 Days of Decadence: Ellen Keener's Christmas

30 Days of Decadence: Ellen Keener's Christmas: "by Ellen Keener Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE ..."

30 Days of Decadence: The Perfect Cup of Chai

30 Days of Decadence: The Perfect Cup of Chai: "By A. Faris There is something soothing about a cup of tea. Coffee energizes, lemonade refreshes and tea, well, everyone knows t..."

30 Days of Decadence: The Christmas My Sister Blew the Head Off Malibu B...

30 Days of Decadence: The Christmas My Sister Blew the Head Off Malibu B...: "by Bianca Dawson (As dictated to Kimber An) My sister’s a geek. Seriously. She has the original Star Trek ringtone on her cell. People do..."  ENTER TO WIN.

30 Days of Decadence: A Christmas Promise by Amanda McIntyre

30 Days of Decadence: A Christmas Promise by Amanda McIntyre: "This time of year brings to mind so many of the time-honored traditions in our families. It gives us pause to reflect on our life, think o..."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

The holidays creep up on me and I always wonder where the summer went.  I am cooking a turkey tonight, which is not unusual. When you work on holidays, like I do, you have to adapt to not being home on the actual day.  It may seem awkward to some, but my family is used to it.  This year we are getting together tonight for our Thanksgivings dinner.  I'm wondering what other people do, who work on holidays.  How do you celebrate around your busy schedule? 

I'm happy as long as we're all together.  It really doesn't matter if it's a day late, or a few days early.  The holidays are a time to be grateful, celebrate our good fortune, and offer our love and kindness to one another.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

DAILY DOSE OF DECADENCE HOLIDAY BLOG

We're having a special holiday blog over at Decadent Publishing. It starts on Black Friday and continues through December 31. There will be prizes to our readers, and  I selected mine today.  It's really beautiful and I think it will make the lucky winner will love it. There's lots of surprises too.  I'll give you a little hint about my story and prize. The clue is in the picture.  But, I won't tell you if you're right.  I don't want to spoil the fun.

STRANGE HAPPENINGS

Sometimes strange things happen to me and I wonder if they happen to everyone.  My father was my mentor, and a brilliant and talented man.  He was born in 1898, and endured the early death of his father at the hands of a gunman.  He was forced to leave school early to support a family of ten.  He survived the Great Depression, fought in the boxing ring, and amazed people with his thrilling magic act.  He was the kind of person that brought happiness to everyone around him.  He studied self hypnosis, and taught his audiences  how to relax and enjoy the wonders of the world around them.  He passed away in 1983, with his loved ones by his side.  I kept a photo of him dressed in a black tuxedo, smiling as he held one of his lovely white doves.  I always felt a connection to this photo, since I was the one that snapped the picture.

 One morning over twenty years after his death, I became emotional after listening to a sad song on the radio.  I held the photo in my hands, wishing he could see how my life turned out.  I wanted him to know that my mother was doing well, and I wanted to know if his spirit was at peace.  I felt an urge to tell him how much his love and passion for helping people affected me and my decision to become a registered nurse.  I had a sense of something mysterious that afternoon, but could not figure out what it was.

 Later in the day, I left to start my shift at the hospital.  When I took my assignment and began making rounds, a woman called to me from across the hall.  She asked me my name and where I was from.  I answered her question, but it puzzled me.  In the far corner, a man sat up in bed and said, "Your father Nick Lane, was my godfather."  I moved closer to him, and he reached for my hand and smiled.  He went on to tell me stories about the times they spent together. I had no idea of their relationship, since it was before I was born. I believe taht my chance encounter was my fathers way of telling me all was understood.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Have you even been to a writers conference?  I started going to conferences last year.  I was so excited, but had no idea what to expect.  I signed up to pitch and read the workshop calendar daily, in anticipation of the event.  I bought the perfect outfit, since I hoped to make a good first impression. I wanted to approach my new role as a writer in a positive way.  I decided to be myself, and not try to be something I was not.  It can be intimidating to go to a function where you don't know anyone, and  I certainly felt insecure.

The conference was an informative and exciting two day affair. When I entered the lobby to register, my hands shook with nervous energy.  There were keynote speakers scheduled to appear at the breakfast and luncheon gatherings, who were New York Times bestsellers.  The conference corridor was decorated with colorful balloons,and the greeters sat at tables with bright red tablecloths. There were posters of authors I recognized lined up along the walls, and it seemed like I walked into a dream.  It was wonderful to finally find a place where everyone understood one another, and shared a common desire.

The speakers gave us a glimpse of their journey to publication and offered encouragement adding a humorous approach. I found a group of friendly people, who were motivational and supportive.  I made new friends, and a few of us went to workshops together, and relaxed in a lounge area sharing our ideas. My first conference was a memorable experience.  I chatted with multi-published best-selling authors.  I exchanged ideas with agents and sat in on panel discussions.  The award ceremony opened our eyes to what could be, if we continued to learn, and never gave up. There was a book fair that was open to the public, where you could get a signed copy of your favorite authors newest release. So, there's something for everyone at a conference.

 On the last night there was a celebration where you could unwind, kick off your shoes and dance or sing along with the karaoke.  It was a  fun way to end the night .The music was awesome and I had a blast.  The warm reception I received from the writing community was comforting, and I knew that I found the place where I  belonged.  I was welcomed by newcomers and embraced by published authors.  It is never easy when you branch out of your comfort zone.  First impressions are rewarding when you approach them with honesty and sincerity.  We're all in this crazy world together, so try something new today.

WHAT DID I DO BEFORE?

I often wonder what I did all day before I started writing again.  I can not imagine not doing what I love.  I feel better then I have in years.  I cannot wait to wake up every morning.   Don't get me wrong, I love my family, and treasure the hours I spend with them.  Nevertheless, I found a passion that was buried  deep inside of me waiting to be reborn.

How many of you have stopped doing something that you loved?  Did you make crafts, or love to paint?  How about a sport, or exercising regularly? Did you love animals or collect something unique?  What was the one thing you looked forward to doing and placed it on a back burner?  I woke up one day and rekindled my love affair with writing.  Now, it's time for you to remember that one thing that brought you joy, and nurture it again. You will be surprised to find that you have more energy and more to offer your loved ones, when you follow your heart.  Don't be afraid to take a chance.  

Never give up your dreams.

I am suffering from a lack of sleep, so forgive me if I babble. I'm having so much fun working on new projects preparing for my upcoming release, and connecting with other writers that my day flies by, and before I know it, it's midnight.  I'm making a commitment today to take care of myself, and get enough rest.  "Tomorrow is another day" is going to become my motto.  I am grateful for all the support I have been getting from family and friends, and my new friends at Decadent Publishing.  The journey towards publication is a challenging one.  I learned from my mistakes and I have realized that I am exactly where I'm supposed to be.  Sometimes when we don't get what we want we pout and feel like giving up.  But, maybe we weren't ready for what we asked for.  Everything we do is a stepping stone to our heart's desire.  I'm not an authority or a philosopher, but I know every time I got rejected I dusted myself off, gained perspective, and kept going.  When you want something bad enough there is nothing that can stop you.

GUEST AUTHOR'S COMING

I have some of Decadent Publishing's talented authors lined up to pay us a visit on our Saturday Sneak Peek Coffee Klatch.  I am signing them up, so get ready to hear what they have to say. I'll let you now when the fun begins.

Back to reality

I took a break from writing last night and went to see Bon Jovi's Circle Movie, the one night event at a local theater.  It was exactly what I needed to get me in the creative mode.  The movie was made from the four nights at the New Meadowlands Arena this summer.  The energy was electrifying and it made me want to dance along with Jon.  I have to find the jeans he wore, for my husband.  Anyone know where he buys his his clothes?  lol. 

I had an idea to add a guest spot on my blog.  It would be posted on Saturdays and I named it, Sneak Peek Saturday Coffee Klatch.  I'm going to round up some of the talented Decadent Publishing authors and ask them to join us.  I'll try to get to know them a little better and maybe we'll get a chance to learn what romantic romp, sizzling love story or mysterious adventure is coming next.

I love this cover. It's what I imagined when I was writing.

My friend wants to know where to find him.

Daily Dose of Decadence: Fun Facts Friday

Daily Dose of Decadence: Fun Facts Friday

Manic Monday

Whew, I had a long weekend at work, but now I have three days to recuperate.  Where do I start?  I have tons of laundry and need to pick up the dog hair, but it will all have to wait, because if I don't get busy on my second novel, "A Single Word," it will never come get done.  My heroine wants to move on, so she can meet the dreamy Dr. Sinclair.  I wish I could blink my eyes, or wiggle my nose, like Samantha on Bewitched.  Then I could have my house sparkling clean, with dinner prepared and the laundry washed, folded and put away, in a flash.  Maybe I could even manage a manicure and pedicure for me.  Wouldn't that be awesome?

Daily Dose of Decadence: Just the Facts with...

Daily Dose of Decadence: Just the Facts with...: "this"

All dressed up.

Friends are special, they read your books.

Welcome to my world

Since this is my first post,  I'll begin by telling you how excited I am about my novel, Echoes At Dawn ,being acquired by Decadent Publishing.  When the email appeared in my inbox, I almost fell off of my chair.  I am waiting to start edits, so in the meantime, I've been working on promo and my second novel.  I work three 12 hour shifts a week, in an emergency room, so it's a hectic life, but I love it.  I can't imagine what I did all day before I entered this wacky world of writing.  I've been creating stories and writing poetry, since I was a young girl, but I navigated away from it when I got married and raised my children.  About four years ago I got an idea for a story and I was hooked again.  I can't wait to wake up and become lost in the roles of my characters.  I like to add a magical element to my books, as an added touch.  I always make them romantic, but I leave some things to the imagination.  I'm off to decide what I'm cooking for dinner and then I'll be back at the computer.  Bye for now.