Hmmm... I don't think so. In my experience, no matter what you do or how much of it you do, someone will always want something from you.

It also happens to be Malbec World Day, which is something I can get behind! Although I don't like Malbec wine as much as my Portuguese grandmother did, I would prefer a glass of red wine and reading a book over checking off my "Blah, Blah, Blah" list any day.

Who's with me? Oh, I forgot to mention that it's also National Kickball Day! Guess what my middle-schoolers will do in P.E. today? Did I tell you I started teaching physical education to K-8? Yep, and today's going to be fun. I will definitely accept one glass of Malbec tonight. 

I have a few of my books I can recommend as "pairing" suggestions with your wine. And if you don't like wine, no worries. They pair well with other drinks and food, too!

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Okay, I know…another blog where I reveal I'm just a tad crazy, but then again, all artists have to be a little nuts to dream up the things we create.

The funny thing is I’d been thinking about this, and then a Twitter friend sent me this great quote.

When I write, I fall in love. Not just with the male protagonist, but all of my characters. Don’t go looking for that straitjacket yet. The difference is I know they are not real, but sometimes I wonder if my heart does.

Yesterday, I had to do the obligatory running around: grocery shopping, gym, errands. You know, the stuff we put off until the last minute and then rush around to finish it.

Anyway, while I was out, I couldn’t stop thinking about my current work in progress. To the point I actually felt the butterflies of anticipation in my stomach. You remember those. Hey, I’ve been married thirty-three years, but I still remember the anticipation of our first kiss. The ache to see my love every minute of the day. Yes, I still feel that way, but life—as it’s supposed to—carries on and eventually you do have to return to work after the honeymoon is over.

My point is, as a writer, I get to experience these feelings every time I start a new book. And hopefully, as the reader, I give you those same feelings, and you do fall in love.

Also, did you know that chocolate can release brain soothing chemicals which increase energy and desire levels proven to produce a natural high which elevates a person's mood and is often equated with feeling in love?

I say, grab some dark chocolate -- as little sugar as possible -- then prepare to fall in love with a new hero! Check out Derrick and his brother and friends as you venture through the Creatus Saga. While there is an ongoing story, each book is a stand-alone story with new heroes and heroines to cheer on! 

Until next time, happy reading!

Carmen

Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musings. Remember, these are just my opinions and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section, and I promise you I will answer.  If you’re curious about what I write, please visit one of my author pages, where you can read all about my novels and short stories. And hey, I’ll even give you a free book just for stopping by.

​In real life, we usually don’t allow the man of our dreams to walk out the front door thinking we’ve been having an affair with his best friend and secretly plan to leave him, but it makes for a great soap opera, and that’s what that is--a soap opera.

Yes, my characters won’t know all the facts, but I’ll make sure they think they do. That’s the difference between a soap opera and a suspense novel, I believe. Notice, I wrote "misunderstanding and distrust" in my quote, not "lies and deceit."

​Without giving anything away, in Sam's Folly, for instance, to make the story work, I needed to make sure that neither the hero nor the heroine knew all of the facts. But also, I had to give them a reason why they couldn't tell the other. That may sound easy, but it's not always as easy as it sounds. When I write, I have to stop and think, "Why wouldn't he tell her he was hired to find her?" If I can't find a reason, I have to rewrite the story! Or, at minimum, I have to rewrite the situation they're in.

From there, the mystery spins and turns, revealing suspects, secrets, and truths. The key in my mind is to never trick the reader; I hate that. You know everything the protagonist knows and even a little more, as you get to crawl inside the main characters’ heads. 

While I know everyone won't always agree with what I write, I certainly do my best to make sure there aren't any holes in the story.

So if you love your novel twined with a perfect thread of romance and suspense, but not filled with lies and trickery…just a few secrets, please check out my novels. You can sample a few of them below. Just click the image to read an excerpt right online. No download required!

​Until next time, happy reading!

Carmen

March 8th is International Women's Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. 

In my stories, I attempt to help my protagonists find a way out of their tragedies and find their happily ever after. The reason I write modern-day fairy tales is because I know somewhere, some woman is going through exactly what I'm writing about, and I want her to know she's NOT alone.

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​Let’s face it! We live in a world where few people find their happily ever after, even though most of our childhood stories preached that to us. Wait a minute! Did they? I keep hearing…and I’ve been known to write, ​

Is it when the dashing prince on the white stallion sweeps in and they live happily ever after? Chuh! But, hey, the protagonist had to go through many trials to get there. So what’s so bad about that? Personally, I don’t think there’s a problem, except for putting all your dreams in one knight in shining armor who turns out to be a FROG! But you can still work at your happily ever after, with or without the prince or princess, right? Although, in my opinion, I think we’re all looking for someone who completes us.

​When we experience trials, we often seek out God and loved ones for support and are that much more thankful when the trial ends. So, I don’t have trouble with fairy tales; that’s why I write them -- modern-day fairy tales, that is.

​My husband will often tell people that he is a better person because of me, but you know what? If it weren’t for him, I probably wouldn’t be alive. So, together, we will make our happily ever after by filling each other's weaknesses.

If you’re interested, this is what I write about in all my stories. People who have flaws, but learn to overcome, trust when all else fails so they can love again, and forgive so they can know peace.

I even used fairy tale in my original tag line for the Creatus series:

Creatus - It is from them we obtain our fairy tales—and our nightmares. They are the reason we believe in superheroes—and monsters. Because…they exist.

And, yes, there is a "knight in shining armor," but the heroine has to go through A LOT of trials to find him. If you haven't read the Creatus series yet, the first book, which is actually TWO books, is FREE at all major book retailers or find it on Amazon.com! If you've already read it, find links to the next books in the series or pre-order the new release here!

​Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musings. Remember, these are just my opinions and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section, and I promise you I will answer.

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Carmen

As a reader, I love when a book captures me so completely that I feel lonely when I finish. I can't begin to count how many books I've read more than once to hang out with my friends again, probably the reason I enjoy reading series.

No, my books aren't always going to make you smile; in fact, I anger some folks. Why? I'm not sure exactly; maybe it's because my characters are real. They struggle with disappointments, regret, abuse, loss, addiction... But I always give them a way out. Sadly, not all my characters accept the dangling light at the end of the tunnel.

To me, that's what makes a reader connect with the characters. Like a good friend, you stand beside them through their ups and down, experience their tragedies and their triumphs, invest in their lives so that you can cheer for them if they obtain their happily ever after.

Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musings. Remember, these are just my opinions and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section, and I promise you I will answer.

Looking for that FEELING I mentioned, listed below is a freebie from me and deals from a couple of my authors friends I think you'll enjoy!

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Carmen

Happy Valentine's Day, my friends!

Whether you have a date or not, I know most of you still like to snuggle up with a book over this romantic holiday. And what better way to celebrate than with great deals of romantic books?

Listed below are a few perfect picks for Valentine's Day from my publisher. All are great books, so grab them today. If that's not cause to feel all warm and cozy, my publisher is also running a giveaway, featuring FREE BOOKS and a Kindle Fire!

Hope you enjoy your special day!

​Happy Reading!

More Great Deals and Kindle Unlimited Specials! 

No Perfect Secret - Romantic Suspense, Women's Fiction

Until I Die Again - Romantic Suspense with a Supernatural Edge

Lonely Heart - Romantic Women's Fiction, Multicultural

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I don't share difficult recipes. The recipes I share are designed that you can download the image to your Smartphone. That way you can just prop up your phone and cook away!

So, the next image is just that, the complete recipe on on photocard. If you have additional questions, just reply to this post, and I'll help out in any way I can.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that I don't stick to a strict KETO diet. Instead, I watch my calories, and I limit sugary and high-carb foods. As I said above, this crust clicks all the boxes, weighing in at about 220 calories, 1.5 net carbs, and a whopping 39 grams of protein, thanks to the crust being nearly 100% egg whites and pea protein. Even after I add MY pizza sauce and veggie toppings, I get a delicious and satisfying pizza for less than 400 calories!

​Don't have pea protein? Run out and get some today because it's worth it! For the record, I use Anthony's Premium Pea Protein. If you buy a large bag, this crust, including the price of eggs, comes out to be about $1.50. It's WAYYYY cheaper and less carbs than those icky cauliflower crusts. Sorry. I'm just not a fan!

​Also, you don't have to use a cast-iron skillet, but I highly recommend it. I keep my skillet in the oven, seasoned and ready to go. 

One quick note: After you pre-cook the crust on the parchment paper, remove the paper and then cook right in the pan! YUMMY!

Oh, and since you're going to want to make this crust all the time, you're going to have a lot of yolks hanging around. No problem, just make sure you sign up for my newsletter, as I'll be sharing the easiest and yummiest keto dessert you've ever had as well as my plant-based sausage marinara sauce over the next few weeks.

Oh, and if you want something to read while you're cooking and eating, "Down on Her Luck," a thirty-something chick lit with a hint of romance and humor, pairs well with this yummy dish!

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ROMANCE: ​NOUN
a novel or other prose narrative depicting heroic or marvelous deeds, pageantry, romantic exploits, etc., usually in a historical or imaginary setting:
the colorful world, life, or conditions depicted in such tales.

That's not what romance is! ​No wonder readers -- people in general ... MEN -- get confused. I'd like to think that I'm living a romance because my husband does romantic things. When he surprises me with a mini-vacation, sends me cute little text messages, gives me sweet gifts, cleans the house before I get home, kisses me sweetly when I don't expect it... That's romantic, so doesn't it make sense that we're living in a ROMANCE story.

My only answer is to try like heck to tell readers in the description EXACTLY what kind of romance you're getting when you download my books! So, read the description and take a chance on one of my romances...

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​No matter what you do in life, a third of the people will love you (5 STARS), a third will hate you (1 STAR), and the rest will be indifferent (3 STARS). This rule drives elections, surveys, polls, and I’m sure you’ve run into it in your life or workplace. Possibly, someone didn't like you, no matter how nice you were. Or, your job depends on good reviews. Nowadays, nearly anyone who deals with the public is subject to a review. 

Instead of crying over that person you couldn't please no matter what you did, get over it and CARRY ON!

Yes, I'm talking to myself. If you're listening, GREAT! It's good advice! Is it easy advice? Heck No!

Thank goodness that ALL of the 33 1/3% of the people who don't like something, don't write reviews. On average, less than 5% of consumers give one-star reviews, so why do we get so depressed when we receive a one-star review? Why do we readily believe what less than five percent of people tell us, instead of embracing the 95%?

I'm certain I'm not alone in this, right? When I receive a three, four, or five-star review, I'm always happy. But I don't run around and cheer. I smile, release a breath that it was a good review, and then carry on with my life.

BUT...when I get a one-star review... My head drops, my heart rate increases, I almost always stop what I'm doing and sulk a bit. Sometimes I run to the pantry for some dark chocolate, read the review to my hubby who says, "I'm sorry, babe," which makes me feel fractionally better. ​If I'm really put off, I'll do something drastic like writing a blog post. Umm...like this one.

Why do I do this to myself? Why do I care? Hey, she didn't even attack my writing. All she did was write, "The main character is not a nice person." So what? Didn't 95% of the people write, “Entertaining and upbeat. I liked the steady pace, and the characters were likable.” — Vine Voice Reviewer Yep, they did. : )

If you don't feel better about that one-star person in your life, let me tell you about an exercise I used to do. I don't have to do this exercise anymore, because even though I  sulk a bit when I read a one-star review, I really have learned to take poor reviews with a grain of salt. We need one-star reviews. If we never receive one-star reviews, other readers would wonder. Because even if you've never heard about the Rule of Thirds that I mentioned above, almost everyone knows that you can't please everyone.

If everyone says they love you, someone is lying.

Oh, the exercise. Look up your favorite book, movie, music, art, play, or whatever of all time, preferably a bestseller that's been loved by millions worldwide. Check out the one-star reviews, read a few. I guarantee they have more one-star reviews than you do. 

And for all of you lovely readers out there, it's okay to give a one-star review. Just remember there's a person behind the book, movie, or music that you're reviewing. So please remember to keep it constructive. <3

If you'd like to decide if you like my characters, Down on Her Luck is one of my books where readers either LOVE or HATE the main character. Not sure what there is to hate about Alaina. She's trying her darndest to turn her luck and life around. What's so wrong about that? Aren't we all? Well, I'll let you decide. ;)

Read an excerpt right here!

Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musings. Remember, these are just my opinions and shouldn't be taken too seriously. If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section, and I promise you I will answer. I love talking about all things books, so if you want more posts on writing, marketing, new releases, and giveaways, please leave your email address here. I only send out a post a few times a month at the most.

Until next time, happy reading and writing, friends!

Carmen

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​We authors are an eclectic bunch; we have to be. How else could we design the multitude of characters needed to create a work of fiction? In every story there must be a protagonist, most know this, but...

If we as writers cannot imagine — get into the heads of — different emotional aspects of characters, how could ALL the characters be believable? It's easy to design a protagonist after yourself or even someone you know. But how do you create a character whose mind you never really want to be a part of in the first place?

​Research is one way, tons of it. But you also have to possess the ability to identify with the psyche of someone you'd rather not understand. You have to put yourself in their shoes, recognize they are people. They may be the "bad guys," but they typically have families, go to work, and play just like the rest of us.

Yes, they may be the "bad guys," but they still live, work, and socialize in the real world. Oftentimes, they are our co-workers, next door neighbors, friends, or heaven forbid, our relatives.

And sometimes, the "bad guy," may grow and no longer be the bad guy. That happens, too. Sometimes, we as people learn from our mistakes and no longer want to live as the "bad guy."

​Want to see how I blend the good and the bad with all my characters, as they all have a little of both?  Click one of the links below for a little more about what I write. My stories are available in eBook, print, and audiobook formats at your favorite retailer. I'll even give you a free book just for stopping by. From there, all my stories are priced "less than a latte" each so you can afford to READ UP and enjoy!

In recent years, the Alpha Male and Sigma Male have emerged as popular character archetypes in romantic suspense novels. While both types of characters may possess strong personalities and leadership qualities, there are some key differences between them that set them apart.

First, let’s define what I mean by an Alpha Male. The Alpha Male is the traditional strong, confident, and assertive male character. He is often the leader of the pack, who is not afraid to take charge in most situations. Often, he is the person in control, and his confidence and assertiveness are often seen as attractive to the female protagonist.

On the other hand, the Sigma Male is a more recent archetype that has emerged in literature. A Sigma Male is often seen as an outsider, someone who doesn’t fit into the traditional Alpha Male mold. They tend to be more introverted, and they are not as concerned with fitting in with the crowd. They often possess a strong sense of self and self-reliance, and they are not afraid to question the status quo. They can be more mysterious and less predictable than Alpha Males.

Second, the Alpha Male and Sigma Male usually have different approaches to relationships. Alpha Males tend to be more dominant and are often the ones who take the lead. They are not afraid to make the first move, and they are often seen as the ones who are in control. They may also be more possessive and jealous, and may not be as open to compromise in a relationship.

Sigma Males, on the other hand, tend to be more independent and less interested in being in charge of a relationship. They are not as likely to make the first move, and they may be more reserved in expressing their feelings. They may be more comfortable in being equal partners with the other person and not needing to be in the lead role. They may also be more open to communication and compromise.

Lastly, the Alpha Male and Sigma Male have different approaches to solving problems. Alpha Males tend to be more assertive, and they are often the first to take action. They are not afraid to confront a problem head-on, and they may use force to solve it if needed. They are often seen as confident problem solvers.

Sigma Males, however, tend to be more thoughtful and introspective. They may not be as quick to take action, but they are more likely to take a step back and consider all options before making a decision. They may be more likely to use tact and diplomacy to solve problems, instead of brute force. They can be more strategic and use unconventional methods to achieve their goals.

While both archetypes can be interesting and complex characters, I realize one or the other might appeal to different readers and play different roles in the story. Personally, while some of my male characters might have one area where they seem Alpha-like, nearly all of my male characters are Sigma Males. Personal preference plays out in my stories, I guess. 😊

Did you know there was a difference between Alpha and Sigma Males?
 
Do you have a preference?

​What books have you read lately that you can clearly see the difference in the types of characters?

Until next time, happy reading!

Carmen

Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musings. Remember, these are just my opinions and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section, and I promise you I will answer.

​If you’re curious about what I write, please visit one of my author pages, where you can read all about my novels and short stories. And hey, I’ll even give you a free book just for stopping by.

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One of the things I've noticed about novels and movies is that, over the last few decades, writers have portrayed the majority of men to be cold-hearted, uncaring men who need to be tamed.

​Maybe it’s because my father raised me, but I never saw this. In fact, throughout my years, I’ve seen just the opposite. Most of the men I’ve known have loved women to their own detriment.

​Note: This isn’t one of those infallible, never-slanted polls taken by Fox or CNN (insert laughter). I did this on my own. I chose not to look at just one source, but many. I decided the best way to prove men have feelings was to use their own words.

I researched Billboard, Top 100, Country’s Best, and several other music lists to find the top love songs in all genres, across all ages. And then, I looked up who wrote the lyrics, because that’s what really matters, right?

Surprise… I was right! Of course, if I hadn't been, you wouldn’t have seen this post. (more laughter) Would it shock you to hear that ninety percent of all love songs — in every genre — were written by men. Many of those gooey, sweet love songs we love, even the ones sung by women, came out of a man’s mind.

​Because I write about strong male characters "sigma alphas" (more on that next week) who, though they may seem controlling at times, love deeply with all of their heart and soul. My leads are willing to do anything to get, keep, and protect the women they love.

So, if you enjoy reading romantic suspense stories with strong male protagonists, you might love my novels. Below are the firsts in many of my series with, you guessed it, sigma heroes. Oh, in case you're wondering, my women aren't too weak either. Even if they start out that way, they tend to grow by the end.

Until next time, happy reading!

Carmen

Find all my books at your favorite book retailer in eBook, Paperback, and Audio!

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​Paranormal romance is a subgenre of romance that combines elements of fantasy, science fiction, and horror with romantic relationships. These books often feature supernatural creatures such as vampires, werewolves, angels, demons, shape-shifters, and/or magical powers, alternate worlds, and mythological beings. They can range from light and playful to dark and intense, and appeal to a wide audience of readers.

​First, paranormal romance novels offer a chance to escape from the mundane and the ordinary. These books provide a rich and imaginative world where anything is possible, and readers can experience adventures and encounters that are beyond their everyday lives. Whether it's fighting against evil forces, discovering hidden abilities, or falling in love with a mysterious and enigmatic hero/heroine, paranormal romance novels provide a sense of excitement and wonder that can be hard to find in the real world.

​Second, paranormal romance novels often feature strong and complex characters who are capable, independent, and confident. These characters are often the main protagonists and the driving force behind the story, and they are portrayed as intelligent, resourceful, and determined. They may have to overcome challenges and adversity, but they are always resilient and brave, and they never give up on their goals or their loved ones. Through these characters, readers can see themselves reflected and empowered, and they can find role models and inspiration for their own lives.

Third, paranormal romance novels often deal with themes and issues that are relevant and relatable. These books can explore relationships, family, friendships, self-discovery, identity, and personal growth in a way that is meaningful and poignant. They can also delve into social and cultural issues such as gender roles, sexism, racism, and discrimination, and offer a commentary on these issues through the lens of the supernatural. By reading paranormal stories, we can not only get lost in a different world, but also gain insights and perspectives on our own lives and the world around us.

Fourth, paranormal romance novels can provide a sense of emotional satisfaction and fulfillment. These books often focus on the development of romantic relationships, and they usually have a happy ending where the main characters find love and happiness. While the romance may be unconventional and may involve obstacles and conflicts, it is always passionate, intense, and genuine. Through these stories, we can experience the thrill and the joy of falling in love and feel a sense of emotional connection and validation.

​Finally, paranormal romance novels can offer a sense of community and belonging. These books have a large and dedicated fan base, and many readers enjoy discussing and debating their favorite books and characters with others. There are also many online groups, forums, and blogs where readers can share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences, and find like-minded people who share their interests and passions. By joining this community, we can feel a sense of belonging and support, and we can find a place where we can be ourselves and express ourselves freely.

Personally, I want to believe, the reason I set my paranormal stories in our world. They could be your neighbor or the employee sitting across from you. When you read my paranormal books, I want you to wonder: "What if?"

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For four thousand years, creatus have hidden their existence from humans. But now a faction of militaristic creatus has a weapon, a being so fierce that its legacy of death and destruction has fed nightmares for millennia.

One woman has the power to stop the new breed—by creating an army of creatus capable of protecting humans from annihilation.

But sometimes you can’t control what you create. READ MORE!

Thank you to all my avid-reading friends who have been so patient with me on releasing this series. As many of you know, I've been through too many injuries and personal issues to even talk about. Plus, I have to do what my agent thinks is best--and so I had to step away a bit to work on other projects. But now, yay, I can finish what I started!

As always, because of your patience, I am offering this new release for only $0.99 on pre-order, so you folks don't miss the best deal. So please don't wait! My publisher is not happy about it, as we all have bills, so the price will go to retail the day it's released.

Happy New Year, my friends! I hope you all have a happy and healthy 2023!

Carmen
​

I'm a fan of Wikipedia for general research, not quotable text. It's a great place to start, as it usually has a great compilation of information from other sources. Often, when I Google a question, Wikipedia is the first page to pop up. So I tend to begin my search on the most “clicked on” page, and then I dig deeper based on my findings. In the case of my mysteries, especially where the cause of death and ways to die are an essential part of the story, I seek out scientific journals and experts in that specific field. There, that's my disclosure. On to my blog post. :)
 
Recently, I had a quick question on the popularity of short stories. I agreed with Wikipedia until I read ... "Sometimes, authors who do not have the time or money to write a novella or novel decide to write short stories instead..." — Wikipedia


Say, WHAT???
 
Umm ... wrong! How on earth does a short story cost less? Most authors spend the same dollar amount on their cover, and it doesn't cost anything to upload it to Amazon. Time ... maybe ... but even that seems silly, as authors who write short stories, usually write many of them. I think authors write short stories because they enjoy writing short stories, especially in between large projects or while waiting for their editor or publisher to finish reading their current project.
 
"Short stories date back to oral storytelling traditions which originally produced epics such as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey circa 7th or 8th century" — Wikipedia, again (I didn't see the need to research further.)
 
Charles Dickens and Washington Irving — who were famous for novels and biographies — wrote short stories and, of course, Edgar Allan Poe argued that a literary work should be short enough for a reader to finish in one sitting. And yet, when I went looking for advertising, I found it almost impossible to find a website that was willing to promote my short stories ... even if I were willing to pay the same amount as I would to advertise a full novel. I also noticed many publishers refuse to publish short stories, which as far as money goes, I can understand that. They would have to shell out money for a cover for little return.
 
And now for the craziest thought, considering what Wikipedia said about money. I wrote my short stories, knowing I was going to give them away. Yep. I wrote my first short, The Pit Stop (This Stop Could be Life or Death), as an exercise in “pantsing” versus “plotting” and to have fun with my readers, which a lot of them happened to be authors. I wrote five hundred words a week on my website, and then asked readers where we should go next. When I finished, I informed them I'd publish it and pay tribute to my top contributors.
 
But then something happened! My lovely readers demanded more — I love it when that happens. Per readers' requests, I wrote The Depot (When Life and Death Cross Tracks). And then, based on those two short stories — again per readers' demands — I wrote a follow-up novel, The Library (Where Life Checks Out).
 
And with no awesome book advertising, but because of word of mouth from some great readers, The Pit Stop and The Depot hit #1 in Mystery Short Stories and spent plenty of time in the top 100 in the last few years. When I received my rights back from my publisher, I had to re-upload them. Again they the hit #1 and #2 spots! The Pit Stop is still available as a free download, but I decided to combine The Depot with its follow-up novel, The Library, so readers wouldn't happenstance on The Library and miss the set up. 
 
My thoughts on short stories: An average movie is one and a half to two hours long, and yet, it can still convey a full life — from birth to death — of a character. We can solve a ten-year-old murder mystery, or view a first date as it matures into marriage and kids. So why wouldn't I like a quick escape when I'm sitting at the DMV, waiting in the doctor's office, or a hundred other places where we waste hours of our time? The answer is: I do like that. In fact, I love it! I've read many short stories on car trips across the state, flights, and waiting while my car gets serviced.

Side note...have you noticed how many movies are based on short stories?
 
Short stories are a great way to meet an author without a long-term commitment or a nice release when you need just a little escape before going to bed, since there's no risk of staying up too late to finish the story, as most short stories take less than an hour to read.
 
Well, that's it. Just my thoughts on why I write and read short stories. And so you know, I would never think to compare myself to the "greats" I mentioned above; they were just my point that short stories can be great and are an art. I have a long way to go, but my short stories do have hundreds of reviews averaging four-plus stars. So if you want to try one on for size, you can download The Pit Stop (This Stop Could be Life or Death) absolutely FREE from your favorite retailer. I hope you enjoy this quick escapes from reality!

I don't know what made me think of this last night while I was making dinner, but I said to my husband, "Remember all our childhood books... Remember how many of them not only mentioned food, but FOOD was a major contributor to the story?" Sometimes it was the character's mission: to find food. And often, a certain food was a character's downfall.

The more I thought about it, the more books I remembered, so I set out on a mission to find the top 100 children's books of all time, and then I tried to remember if those books featured FOOD!

By now, you're probably trying to think of all the books you loved as a child and remember if the stories centered around food. I'll save you the brain power...

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - Edmund betrays his family for Turkish Delight!

Hansel & Gretel - Man, that was a rough one! The father has to take the kids in the woods and try to get them lost because they don't have enough food, and then the witch, of course, attracts children with a Gingerbread House!

Hunger Games - While I don't feel Hunger Games is a children's book, it's labeled as such, and it's all about food--the lack of it!!!

Winnie the Pooh - Of course, everyone remembers how MUCH Pooh ate and ended up stuck in Rabbit's tree.

Where the Wild Things Are - The story starts when his mother sends him to bed without his supper!

Snow White - The famous red apple.

I started wondering WHY all these beloved children's books featured food or lack of food as a primary focus, and then it dawned on me. Most of these books were written around the Great Depression. I remember all the stories my grandmother would tell me how if they got a piece of candy, they would try to divide it into six pieces.

I certainly never starved as a child, but we didn't have much food in the house. A ginormous box of Corn Flakes, a huge jar of generic peanut butter, and bread from the day-old bread store were our staples. I always loved going to my aunt's house because her pantry was always stocked. Because of going without as a child, food has always been a priority to me. My pantry is always stocked. Without a doubt, I'd go without electricity before a stocked pantry.

And there went my brain again, making me wonder, do I place a focus on food in my books? I do, I realized.

Yep, it seems food isn't just for fuel. It's such a part of my life that I enjoy reading and writing about it! How about you? I welcome your thoughts on this crazy-long post! 

What books did you love as a child?

Did you recognize the focus on food?

Which classic children's books did I forget?

Please note: I use super simple instructions for my recipes, as I like to save them in my phone. If you have any questions, feel free to reply to this email, and I'll gladly help.

I re-invented my original recipe that I learned in Tarpon Springs, Florida to make it easy to travel and serve. For parties, simply triple the recipe to make 45. The great thing about Baklava is that it is even better the next day, and it doesn't have to be refrigerated. Also, by making them in the shells instead of the sheets I used to use, they are portion controlled and easier to share!

Also, I use Country Crock plant butter, and I swear it tastes just as yummy as my original recipe! You can certainly use real butter. Wish I still could!!!! :)

Detective Mark Waters tackles an eerie case that raises questions he never thought he’d ask… Is it possible that a woman murdered 80 years ago is working from beyond the grave?

Just like Kindle and Audible, all you do is click and download, then listen via your smartphone, tablet, or PC. And, yes, there's even a Free Alexa Skill if you like to listen through your Alexa-enabled device or speaker. Get your copy now!

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Whether you've read my paranormal romance, chick lit, or romantic suspense action adventures, all my stories have a common theme — l call them modern-day fairy tales.

Think about it... All those fairy tales we read as a child were anything but mild. What we call a fairy tale often started off as an abused or tragedy-stricken child.

Well, I take that concept and what many people deal with in real, modern-day life and attempt to help my protagonists find a way out of their tragedies and find their happily ever afters. Because, let’s face it, isn’t that what we are all trying to do — find our happily ever after? 

And today, I'm introducing you to two of my friends who write wonderfully romantic stories about second chances and learning to love again!

Women's Fiction, Coming-of-Age Romance

​College and career are hard enough without bringing love into the mix, but when Jesse and Kayla meet over spring break, their individual dreams merge into one. Until tragedy strikes. Now thrust into a world of tragedy and grief, others insist they are too young. But when you find the love of your life, all you can do is hold on and Love Like Crazy. READ MORE

Women's Fiction, New Adult Romance

​She was supposed to be a summer romance, but Raleigh fell fast for the only person who made him feel worthy of love. He was supposed to be a fling with a bad boy, but he made Mia feel alive … until a tragic accident tore them apart. Seven years later, fate throws them together and, with the same breath, threatens to separate them forever. READ MORE

Women's Fiction, Romantic Suspense

​Dive into a world of secrets, laughter, and passion! Three gorgeous men and three fiery women find their destinies together in this unforgettable romance collection. READ MORE

I haven't been around as long as Nicholas Sparks or Nora Roberts, but this isn't my first rodeo either. This is my (hang on while I take off my shoes to count) 21st novel (plus I've written four novellas).

But yeah, just like being pregnant, it doesn't matter. That baby has to come out! And no matter how much preparation I've put into its arrival, no matter how many times I've done it before, when the day comes, I'm scared to death.

If "Publishing a book is like being pregnant," which I truly think it is--after all, I've delivered two real babies and twenty-five books, so I know the pain of both--I swear I'm in postpartum depression. Really, and it's not because I have a lack of books to write. In fact, it's just the opposite. 

I have several half-written novels. I've specked out a six-book follow-up series to the Midnight Sons series, which will tell the stories of our leading ladies BEFORE they arrived in Alaska. I've started book six in the Creatus series. I have several chapters and tons of notes on book six in the Southern Collection. I have a half-written follow-up novel to The Library, which I'd set aside to finish the Midnight Sons series.

AND... I have a FINISHED supernatural suspense that has been sitting in my computer for years! 

So, as I sat around last night, wallowing in my depressed mood--which is actually rare for me; I'm not usually a wallower (is wallower even a word)--I actually started another book. Yes, you heard me correctly. I have no less than ten things on my plate, and before I knew it, I had a thousand words typed out in a new series that has been chomping at the back of my brain.

So, after all this, I think I've resolved my question of why I have PPD. I crave the story... I crave that feeling when I finish a book and send it off to my beta readers, whom I hear from almost immediately, which satisfies my thirst for a while. So, I'm anxious to get back to work and pen another book, so I'll get my fix. Or--and this would be awesome--if you've already finished reading Daire's Resolution and enjoyed it, please write a review on Amazon, BookBub, Goodreads, and/or wherever you buy books. I promise you I'll read it. Unlike some authors, I read every review--good and bad. Though I definitely prefer reading comments from happy folks. :')