Allergies—What, Me Worry?? #MFRWauthor

In the words of the immortal Alfred E. Neuman, “What? Me Worry?” That’s my feeling when it comes to allergies, mainly because to my knowledge, I don’t have any (except perhaps, to housework). I’d like to think I’m allergic to trouble, but my life is one giant example after another of why that isn’t the case. Damn! I would have had so many fewer mornings standing in the corner growing up if it had been true, but no such luck.

Hubby says he has an allergy to black pepper. And honestly, you wouldn’t want to be around him if his food is topped with pepper. When we first married I didn’t believe anyone could be allergic to pepper. I mean really, how did one eat biscuits and gravy without a liberal dose of pepper? But after many attempts to sneak pepper into food (including white pepper added to milk gravy), I finally had to admit that yup, there is such a thing as a pepper allergy.

I do feel for those who do have allergies, especially when they are life threatening. We had a friend years ago who was allergic to shellfish and we lived about 40 minutes from a medical facility. And I know kids who suffer from peanut allergies who need immediate attention if they so much as inhale a whiff of peanuts. So I don’t mean to make light of allergies. I do know that they’re serious. And I’m grateful that I don’t have to worry about them.

Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.

Dee
Only a Good Man Will Do: Seriously ambitious man seeks woman to encourage his goals, support his (hopeful) position as Headmaster of Westover Academy, and be purer than Caesar’s wife. Good luck with that!

Naval Maneuvers: When a woman requires an earth-shattering crush of pleasure to carry her away, she can’t do better than to call on the US Navy. Sorry, Marines!

Reluctantly APPed #MFRWauthor

For years I avoided getting a smart phone. Well into the current millennia I used the reliable flip phone. It didn’t alert me to texts (there weren’t no stinkin’ texts) or when anything needed to be upgraded. It made calls, It Boring flip phonereceived calls. I laughed smugly at all those people glued to their Blackberrys and iPhones. I mourned for all those lost conversations when people sat across the table from friends and spent their time texting. I glared at those who unthinkingly knocked people on the sidewalk while playing Candycrush.

Then—through no fault of my own—I received a smart phone.

Now I too have apps. Now I text and I check the news and I look things up, yes, even once in a while as I sit at the table with friends. I am a bad Apps, apps, and more appsperson.

So… My favorite apps are pretty boring:

  • Weather—Yes, just like many very interesting people, I have an affinity for weather is. I check my phone for weather sometimes even when I could look out the window. But I don’t just check my own weather. I also check where my mom lives in Iowa, my in-laws’ home in Chicago, Fort Worth weather for my family in Texas, and any number of other places of interest (do you know the temperature is right now in West Yellowstone, WY? I do!). Weather is an important part of my daily routine. (Oh. My. God. I’m old.)
  • News—Okay, I admit to being a news junkie. I probably check the news a dozen times a day to read what I could also find out on the TV or radio. It satisfies some need in me that I wish I could get rid of.
  • Google—Despite disliking Google intensely, I still find it the easiest way to find out all kinds of useless, trivial information. We can be watching a show on TV. Jack will say, “We have seen that actress before.” I pull out the phone, look up the show we are watching and the episode, find the cast, find the particular character, link to her, and recite the shows that person has been in until we recognize where we have seen her. Meanwhile, I have missed the last five minutes of the actual program.
  • Google Maps—What good is hearing about a location of a murder on an Investigation Discovery program if I can’t conveniently see for myself where that place is?
  • Solitaire—I can’t help it, I play this mindless game whenever I am bored. If The ubiquitous SolitaireI had to give up all apps, this is the one I would go of last. I am a sad, sad person.

Okay, so now you know my secret life. Don’t judge me. 😉

Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.

Dee
Only a Good Man Will Do: Seriously ambitious man seeks woman to encourage his goals, support his (hopeful) position as Headmaster of Westover Academy, and be purer than Caesar’s wife. Good luck with that!
Naval Maneuvers: When a woman requires an earth-shattering crush of pleasure to carry her away, she can’t do better than to call on the US Navy. Sorry, Marines!

In the beginning…there was Prologue #MFRWauthor

Is there anything better than starting a book and the romance/mystery/thrill/atmosphere is set up well? That can’t always Great opener!happen in the first chapter because you have to be concerned with character introduction and plot hints. But using a prologue, the author can spend all of his/her time engaging the reader with emotion in what follows. You know me—I’m all for engaging!

According to Quora, some great prologues can be found in these books (and in others, of course):

  • Harry Potter (Book 1)
  • Water for Elephants
  • The Piano Tuner
  • The Alchemist
  • Shutter Island

Kristen Lamb has some reasons for not using prologues.

  • If it’s nothing more than an information dump
  • If the sole purpose is to hook the reader (don’t do this! Too many people skip prologues.)
  • If the prologue is too long
  • If it has nothing to do with the story (Now, why would anyone do that??)

And more.

It would be interesting to compare the “good” prologues to the “bad” #amwritingexamples and see where the author might have gone wrong. As for me, I never skip prologues. I might not read the rest of the book if the prologue is terrible, but at least I’ll have a good reason for it.

Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.

Dee

Naval Maneuvers: When a woman requires an earth-shattering crush of pleasure to carry her away, she can’t do better than to call on the US Navy. Sorry, Marines!

A sale on Beguiling Bachelors?? Count me in!

I want a Beguiling Bachelor! Madison Michaels has hers on sale!

The Beguiling Bachelor Series
By Madison Michael
ALL on SALE for a LIMITED Time
 
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
FREE until October 13th!
Bedazzled  (Book 1)
A Chance Encounter Can Change Everything…
Keeli Larsen is second-guessing her decision to support herself as an independent jewelry designer. She has no money, no friends, but she knows she has talent. Leaving her job, she rides the elevator one last time with the sexy man from the penthouse office. That ride and a well placed hand are about to change her life.
Millionaire and hot hunk Wyatt Lyons Howe IV is trapped by generations of family loyalty and tradition until a moment in an elevator rocks his staid world. Wyatt is captivated by Keeli’s beauty and fiery spirit, choosing to pursue her and his dreams. He just needs to rid himself of a scheming fiancé, defy his family, conquer his doubts, extricate himself from his traditional life and, of course, find the elusive Keeli again.
Is she Wyatt’s ticket to freedom or is Keeli an opportunist looking for a bankroll? Unsure of her motives, but unable to stay away, Wyatt is bedazzled.
Fans of steamy romances will fall in love with this contemporary retelling of Cinderella, a smart, sexy story, set within the splendor of Chicago’s elite society.
 
Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2K3OL4D
Bedazzled is on Kindle Unlimited 
 
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Only $.99 until October 13th!
Beholden (Book 2)
 
She’s Lost Everything. He Has Everything…
 
This is no docile heroine. Meet Sloane, assertive and tough, desperate for love. Meet Randall, drowning his troubles until Sloane provides a reason to sober up. Beholden is a sexy, romantic romp set in the glamour of Chicago’s elite society.
 
Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2AjMtPg
Beholden is on Kindle Unlimited 
 
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Only $1.99 until October 13th!
 

Bedeviled (Book 3)
 
Join Alex and Charlotte, along with characters you’ve met and loved in “Bedazzled” and “Beholden”, as they tackle the maze of half-truths and cover-ups threatening the lovers.

How can they build a bond with deceit on both sides? With malevolent forces advancing, is their love Bedeviled? 
 
Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2uUHsYu
Bedeviled is now on Kindle Unlimited 
~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 
Only $2.99 
Besotted (Book 4)

Time is Running Out…For Both of Them

Join Tyler and Regan as they seek their happily ever after in the conclusion of the steamy, contemporary Beguiling Bachelor romance series.

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2AiK2MQ

 
~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 
About Madison:
Madison Michael traded 28 years in Fortune 500 tech and management positions for a chance to spend her days with sassy heroines, sexy, rich heroes and nothing but happy endings. Growing up the daughter of a librarian, she learned to love books, especially classics and romances, and spent winters cuddled under blankets losing herself in books.

Madison is the author of three novels in the Beguiling Bachelor series, as well as several short stories. She is a member of Romance Writers of America.

After living in the northeast, southeast and the west, Maddy returned to her Midwest roots. She lives in Evanston, IL with two feline editorial assistants and great views of Chicago’s famous skyline.

Social Links:
Website: madisonmichael.net
Madison’s Blog: madisonmichael.net/category/maddys-blog
Maddy’s Romance Madness: madisonmichael.net/category/mrm/
Maddy’s Tours and Treats: madisonmichael.net/category/tours-and-treats/
Facebook: facebook.com/madisonmichaelromance
Twitter: twitter.com/madisonmichael_
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/Madison-Michael/e/B01EVUGG6G/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1


 

The End… Oh wait! There’s an Epilogue! #MFRWauthor

I’m one of those readers who enjoys an epilogue. I like it if a story ends satisfactorily, but I always like to find out what came “after.” Do the two The end or not?protagonists become engaged? Once they’re married are they happy? Do they have children? It seems that children or the announcement of a pregnancy are routinely in the epilogue of historical romances, and I like that little bit extra. It’s like biting into a chocolate—really good in itself—and finding a caramel filling that you didn’t expect. A step beyond satisfying and into the realm of happy.

Writer’s Digest gives six reasons why an epilogue is used effectively:

  • Tying up loose ends when the story itself ends abruptly.
  • To highlight the lessons told in the story and letting the reader know that justice has been done.
  • Detailing information not covered in the story, as in if a character is sick or circumstances are left unfinished.
  • Explaining a future for the characters.
  • Using a secondary character to explain circumstances and thus make the story more realistic.
  • Outlining futures for a large cast of characters.

I think all epilogues are used to answer the emotional questions a reader might have, though. And since I like romance, an emotional finish to a taleEpilogue is what I long to read. I have used them myself, and even enjoy reading them then. 😉

So, hooray for epilogues! Long may they live!

Dee
Naval Maneuvers: When a woman requires an earth-shattering crush of pleasure to carry her away, she can’t do better than to call on the US Navy. Sorry, Marines!

“Home … is where your heart beats.” Welcome Keren Hughes!

We are happy to welcome Keren Hughes and her new book, Home. Be sure to check below for Keren’s contest.

Home - Keren Hughes

~Home isn’t a physical place, it’s the place where your heart beats.~

Drew Wright always said he had the “reverse Midas touch”; everything he touched turned to shit instead of gold.

As a child, he was beaten, neglected, and abused by drug addicted parents whose next fix was more important than having food in the cupboard.

Plagued by flashbacks of a past that haunts him, he’s worked hard to become a paramedic and help others often caught in the grip of the same trauma he experienced.

After being set up on a blind date with the love of his life he thought he’d lost, it seemed his luck was turning and fate was giving him a second  chance. Happily married with two children, he has everything he ever dreamed of.

But then one tragic moment throws his world into upheaval and lands Drew in the middle of a battle to hang on to the life he loves.

Can he separate the past from the present and save his future?

Or will the demons that have stalked him his whole life finally devour him?

Home--Keren Hughes

Buy on Amazon

About Keren
Keren lives in the UK and is an avid bookworm. She fondly remembers the Keren Hughesdays where she would lie in her bedroom away from distraction and get lost in the world of make believe.

Her first real memory of reading something she fell in love with was The Hobbit. In her teenage years, she became addicted to Point Horror books like RL Stine’s The Boyfriend, but she also enjoyed light summer reads like What Katy Did and What Katy Did Next.

Over the years she has come to realise that she is a bit of an OCD freak about books. They have to be in perfect condition without the slightest bit of damage. She has been a book reviewer for the last few years and a book hoarder for a LOT longer. You can NEVER have too many books! Her shelves are bulging and overflowing but she always wants “just one more.”

Keren had her first book published by Limitless Publishing in November 2013. It’s a YA Paranormal Romance novel called Stolen. Her second book was published with LP in May 2014. This time, an NA Contemporary Romance called Nothing Like the First Time. She couldn’t have been more surprised when NLTFT appeared on the Amazon Best Seller list! That was a dream come true.

Since then, Keren has gone on to have her books published in box-sets by Crave Publishing. She is also published by Black Velvet Seductions.
Keren is currently working on more NA Contemporary Romances for you to fall in love with.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Visit her author blog here: www.authorkerentshughes.wordpress.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/kerentshughes
Goodreads profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7239538.Keren_Hughes
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Keren_Hughes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keren_hughes/

Home--Keren Hughes

Rafflecopter Giveaway here or
on the Black Velvet Seductions Facebook page!

Writing While Not Naked #MFRWauthor

I said in last week’s post that I don’t wear any special clothing when I sit down to write. That wasn’t exactly true. For instance, lookee here. This is Glamorous writeran example of how I look when I go into the office for a couple hours at the keyboard. Hair coiffed, mani/ pedi done to perfection, fuck me stilettos, and designer gown. And let’s not forget the special illumination that shows off the highlights in my hair.

Yeah…no!

My writing attire is not quite that glamorous. It’s closer to this: pajamas Comfort casualand bunny slippers. Because after all, what’s the point of working from home if you can’t be comfortable?? When I give up the pajamas, I like loose-fitting pants, a tee shirt, a wrap over my shoulders and upper arms, and yes, slippers. This is why I don’t hie off to Starbuck’s to write—they frown on bunny slippers.Bunny slippers

Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.

Dee
Naval Maneuvers: When a woman requires an earth-shattering crush of pleasure to carry her away, she can’t do better than to call on the US Navy. Sorry, Marines!

First Light a Candle, then… #MFRWauthor

I’m kidding. Incantations, invoking the muse, and even lighting candles aren’t parts of my writing ritual. And I don’t chant or dim the lights or listen to a particular song. In fact, I don’t really have a writing ritual. Usually I go back and read the last thing I wrote and then plan in my mind what would come next. In fact, this planning is so minuscule that it doesn’t even really count as planning.

Oh, God! I need some writing rituals!!

Maybe I should make a list of acceptable things to do each time I begin writing. It can’t have to do with music because I like to have it quiet when I write. Or read, for that matter. And it can’t involve eating or drinking because once I do start hitting the keys I forget food and drink. There’s no Candles as inspirationneed organizing particular things to wear (“clothes to write in…”) because that’s too much trouble. Surrounding myself with inspirational photos and books won’t work because there’s too little space in the office for such things. And besides, what about when I write in the living room using my Alphasmart or the laptop?

Now that I think of all this, I think I’ll stay ritual free after all.

Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.

Dee
Naval Maneuvers: When a woman requires an earth-shattering crush of pleasure to carry her away, she can’t do better than to call on the US Navy. Sorry, Marines!

Dr. Mel Crandall has quite a problem!

Meet Mel Crandall on RLFDr. Crandall is a great person. She’s smart, well liked and respected, has interesting hobbies. One problem. She was raised in the military (the Marine Corps, no less!) and has a firm grip on her decision not to live the wife of a military man. How sad then, that she’s let herself fall in love with a naval officer! Find out more about Mel in my blog post on Romance Lives Forever (RLF)!

Mel and David Stimson fall in love hot and hard in Weighing Anchor, Naval Maneuvers.

Thanks!
Dee
Naval Maneuvers: When a woman requires an earth-shattering crush of pleasure to carry her away, she can’t do better than to call on the US Navy. Sorry, Marines!

Not your usual ghost story – Kayelle Allen’s Lights Out #SpaceOpera #SciFi

Welcome Kayelle Allen!!

What if today was “lights out?”

Read Lights Out in The Expanding Universe #SpaceOpera #NewRelease by @KayelleAllenIf you knew this was your last day to live, what would you do? Would you face the end with a clear conscience? Would you fight for one more day?
Look for that person you wronged and make it right? Run away? Turn and fight? What would you do?

In Lights Out by Kayelle Allen, the hero knows his end is near. Instead of running, Tornahdo makes a choice. He will face death with a clear conscience and the knowledge that his death will serve mankind. He will join…
GHOST CORPS


He can save mankind. After he does one important thing. Die.

Join the Ghost Corps, they said. You’ll live forever, they said. You’ll save mankind, they said. They didn’t say that to do it, first he had to die.

When Tornahdo signs on the dotted line, he puts his life into the steady hands of the mighty Ghost Corps. Three grisly deaths and three agonizing resurrections later, he’s assigned duty on Enderium Six.

He’s facing his most dangerous mission yet, the very reason the corps exists.

Do they expect him to win? Fat chance. Tornahdo and his team are already dead and this mission is codenamed “Lights Out.” No, there’s more to this than he can see.

To discover the truth, he must face an unbeatable, unkillable enemy, and this time–somehow–find a way to keep himself alive…

Excerpt, Lights Out by Kayelle Allen

The air reeked of antiseptic and starch stiffened the pillowcase. If only the mind-numbing jabbering would stop.

Tornahdo pried open his eyes. The flattened blood bag above him, stenciled equipment and gray walls screamed military hospital.

He’d died. Again.

Spanish curses slipped out. His abuela would’ve taken a switch to him. He made the sign of the cross and kissed his fingertips.

After yanking the tube out of his arm, he pressed a thumb over the entry point. Thankfully, this time, he wasn’t writhing on the floor in agony. Well, not yet.

A faceless android in a Ghost Corps uniform loomed over a bank of equipment displaying Tornahdo’s name and vitals. First impression was right. Military hospital.

The weapons-grade yapping continued.

“Did you hear?” a youthful voice bragged. “He killed six of ’em last night.”

“Yeah, but they don’t stay dead. They never do.”

“If Ultras didn’t come back to life, their plasma wouldn’t bring our own people back.”

The transfusion of enemy blood healed the hole in Tornahdo’s arm in seconds. He thumbed off the red smear and rolled over on the gurney.

An open door led to a sink and toilet built to let gravity do its work. Which meant this was a planet. You hadn’t lived until you were in space, floating in zero gravity while your body’s final twitches sent your corpse spinning.

Notices on the wall confirmed this was San Xavier in the Colonies of Man. Same place he’d bought it the first time.

This was getting old.


Lights Out
part of the Science Fiction/Space Opera anthology
The Expanding Universe Vol 4

edited by Craig Martelle
Available Sept 17, 2018
Exclusively on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited
https://kayelleallen.com/lights-out-save-mankind/

Peek Inside Lights Out

Go behind the scenes with the world and characters of Lights Out with an exclusive illustrated PDF book. Nothing to sign for or opt in to get. Just click and read:
http://bit.ly/peek-lights-out

Read Lights Out in The Expanding Universe #SpaceOpera #NewRelease by @KayelleAllen

About Kayelle Allen

Kayelle Allen writes Sci Fi and Space Opera with misbehaving robots, mythic heroes, role playing immortal gamers, and warriors who purr. She’s a US Navy veteran who’s been married so long she’s tenured. She is the author of seven books, three novellas, and multiple short stories.

Kayelle’s Contact Information

Website https://kayelleallen.com
Facebook http://facebook.com/kayelleallen.author
Twitter http://twitter.com/kayelleallen
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/kayelleallen/
Amazon Author page http://amazon.com/author/kayelleallen
Join one of Kayelle’s reader groups and get four free books right away https://kayelleallen.com/reader-groups