School
started for us here in the Puget Sound Area after Labor Day. Some of
you may be jealous at hearing that and knowing you were already in
class for a few weeks. Your first tests of the year may have even
been behind you. But don't fret. Remember that next June when your
summer is well underway, we will still be in the classroom.
Some
teens may even be looking forward to the day they never have to
attend class again. I remember that feeling. My gut still cavorts
when my children bring home that back to school packet with tons of
papers for parents to read and fill out. (I hand them back to my
children with, "You fill them out, I'll read when I have time
and sign where necessary.") My daughter didn't mind, but my son
is another story (so is his handwriting). And I must admit there are
a few years that I didn't read the handbook from start to finish.
Don't
be so anxious to get out of school because that is when the job
starts in earnest, even for a Mom or a stay at home employee. I used
to think writing was the perfect answer--until my first book was
accepted. That is when the editor's demands (with time schedules
attached) began. And it doesn't end. Once you get the publishing
date, the promoting begins and continues for eternity (okay, just
until it is no longer in print.) and all this time you are supposed
to be writing yet another, even better book. Talk about pressure!
Who's doing the grading? The readers. So I have to get better with
every book… really? Yes, really.
With
school in full swing that means it is time for me to go to work,
writing in earnest. No more "Mom, can you?" "Mom, can
I?" "Mom, can we?" All those things that break one's
concentration and interrupt the writing muse. I'm so excited! I love
my children but I love writing too!
First
WIP to get my attention is Talisman: Crisscross in Time. This is a
Time-travel romance and depending on the publisher/editor input, the
first of a Trilogy or Series.
After
that? That will depend on publishers and contracts.
So
here's sending my schooled best wishes to you. Enjoy your school
season whether learning or working and hopefully both! Feel free to
share what you are learning with those around you and live today to
it's fullest. (Tomorrow never comes.)
Dark Days of Promise
Thirty-four
year old Vicki Laramie must learn to trust before she can love, but
she might die trying.
While
Vicki’s children grapple with the death of their father -- a man
whom she’s successfully fabricated as loving, a lie her rebellious
teenager recognizes -- she must find a way to support her family and
find a role model for her boys. She never intends to fall for Staff
Sergeant Chase, her best friend’s son, who suffers from Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She’d much rather choose a safer
man to love, but her children have a voice in the decision she makes.
With two deaths to deal with, a suitor after her money, a rebellious
son, and Sergeant Chase’s repeated attacks, she can only hope to
survive the danger she faces. If she doesn’t, her children will be
left without either parent.
ISBN:
978-1-61252-218-0
Excerpt
I managed to plaster a pleasant expression on my face before the door
burst open letting in a gust wind, hinting of dying weeds and
grasses. The boys bustled in with their usual horseplay, not sensing
my somber mood. Krista soon arrived, dropped off by Marge Graddock
after afternoon kindergarten. I mustered my strength, steeling my
fragile resolve and gathered the children around me in the living
room. One by one the children abandoned their childish antics,
growing somber to match my mood. Janine hovered in the background of
our tight knit circle, offering her support with her familiar crooked
smile.
"I love you, Mommy," eight-year-old Carter whispered and
sat beside me, putting his arm around me.
"Mom," Phillip ventured. "Are you okay?"
I patted his leg as he sat on my other side while managing a weak
smile to reassure the children. Krista wiggled her way between
Phillip and me, looking for familiar safety.
"We...a...some men ..." I closed my eyes in an effort to
regain my composure and shut out visions of death. I began again.
"Children, there's something I need to tell you...Some men came
by today...They brought news of your dad."
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