Two Free Books for Freebie Friday!

I haven't read either of these books, but they look so interesting that I thought I'd pass them along.  The first one You Belong With Me by Shannon Guymon, looks like a fun romance!

Here's the back copy:

Layla Kendall is the oldest of three sisters. She's a burned out social worker one step away from a major depression and she needs a fresh start. When she and her sisters Kit and Jane inherit their grandmother's bakery, she doesn't know if she can trust her good fortune or not. Life has taught her that happiness is just an illusion. But the chance to be with her sisters and get away from the heart ache and pain she's faced day in and day out is a chance she's going to take. The fact that they don't know anything about running a bakery won't stop them. 

With Layla's new life, come new connections and friendships including Michael Bender, a single dad and someone who wouldn't mind getting to know Layla better. She doesn't trust men and she doesn't want to change her mind but Michael's little girl Stella grabs her by the heart and won't let go. When Layla and her sisters realize that there are people who want to see them fail, it will take a lot of heart and courage to keep going. Layla will have to let go of the past in order to grab onto the future if she'll ever find the love she needs.

If this looks like something you'd like to read, click here to download your free Kindle copy!

The second one is billed as a clean YA paranormal romance.

Here's the (very long) back copy:

A dark shadow stalks the night, watching her—waiting to claim what is his. 

Seventeen-year-old Tayla Jonas longs for a simple life, but after a traumatizing family loss, she is forced to be both mother and sister to her cousins while caring for her mentally unstable aunt. Moving to her grandma’s quiet town of Cody, Wyoming, Tayla finds some normalcy with her quirky green activist friend, Chel, who spends no time converting her to vegetarianism. 

A few weeks into her new school, Tayla catches the eye of Kyle Harrington—the high school quarterback and resident millionaire—who can seduce any girl with his charismatic charm, including Tayla. But Kyle is anything but what he seems. 

Walking through City Park, Tayla is unaware that an ancient curse has her in its crosshairs. The silver moonlight illuminates the path to her van, sprinkling shadows like evil twinkling eyes. Tayla’s skin prickles, and she turns. Something—or someone—is watching her. 

A powerful werewolf steps from the shadows. An iridescent blue chord shoots from him and slams into her stomach, dissolving instantly. Pain wracks her body, and she tries to scramble to safety, but his silver eyes freeze her in place as the curse binds them together. The chord settles deep inside her body, coiling with dread around her heart. 

Dismayed by the prospect of a werewolf for a shadow, Tayla fears for the safety of her friends and family. How will she keep the werewolf’s insatiable hunger in check? Her plans for a vegetarian lifestyle quickly dwindle away, and Tayla wrestles to fit her frazzled life back together—piece by piece. But what she didn’t expect was her attraction to the werewolf or the power of the full moon. 

Will Tayla be strong enough to survive the Curse of the Beast? Or will it consume her like so many before? Find out in the first installment of this unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast. A clean young adult paranormal romance. **2012 Whitney Award Nominee** 

If this looks like something you'd want to read, click here to download your free Kindle copy!

How I Got Out of a Writing Slump

Well, friends, it's tough to admit, but I've been in a writing slump for a while now.  And by slump I mean, I just can't wrap my brain around the craft I've studied for years.  I'm like an octopus, reaching for something I know is there in as many ways as I can, but unable to grasp anything.

I've been working to get out of this slump, trying everything I can to force myself to sit down and write. Usually writing is a stress reliever for me, but lately I've been under so much stress that my mind felt melted, frozen, unable to string any words into an intelligible sentence.  I've never faced anything like it before.

So, now that I'm coming out of said slump, I thought I'd share the three things that really helped me.

One.  Don't sit at the computer.  Print out your manuscript and work on it, or just write it out on a piece of paper. Somehow just being at the computer was overwhelming so when I just used my trusty paper and pen, in the sunshine, or sitting in the car, or anywhere but at my desk, it helped.

Two.  Do writing sprints with people, but don't put pressure on yourself.  I was just typing out mostly dialogue, but it got the story flowing in my veins again and put some words on the page that I could work with.

Three.  Walk.  Taking a walk worked out some of my stress and let my mind wander over my characters and story. It was cathartic and got my creativity going again.

Being in a writing slump has been hard and has taught me some lessons about myself and my writing.  I've learned that emotional stress stunts my writing like no other. I've learned that forcing myself to sit at the computer didn't help at all.  Neither did watching a JAG marathon or eating a bag of pretzels while I struggled to get something on the page.  Complaining didn't help and hoping it would go away didn't help either.  Just the simple steps above calmed me and allowed the writing to flow again. Whew!

I'm just so glad my slumpiness is going away.  I've missed the invigoration I feel when a story is coming together.  I feel like raising my arms in triumph and saying, "I'm baaaaack!"

So tell me, how do you get out of a writing slump?

Word Count Wednesday

Well, I won a three chapter critique from Eschler Editing so I've been endlessly tweaking my three chapters that I'm going to give to them.  Which pretty much means my word count went like this---add two words, take away three words, add four more words, take away one word, and so on and so on.

I think I might have broke even.

I need to stop tweaking and just give it to them.  And probably stop obsessing so much. It's a curse I tell you. The curse of the endless editing.

How did you do this week?

Ten Life Lessons From A Navy SEAL

Navy Admiral William McRaven Photo Credit AP

With graduations going on all around the country, I was interested when I saw this article that William McRaven, who was the former commander of SEAL Team 3 and is the current commander of U.S Special Operations command, gave a commencement address for the University of Texas at Austin.

His address was comparing a lot of what he learned in basic SEAL training, which he described as, "six months of long, torturous runs in the soft sand, midnight swims in the cold water off San Diego, obstacles courses, unending calisthenics, days without sleep and always being cold, wet and miserable," and how he could apply those lessons to real life.  (And SEAL training doesn't sound fun. At all.)

He gives ten lessons he learned in SEAL training that could help these graduates form a foundation for their lives. The lessons were all really good, and the article is well worth the read, but there were two that really stuck out to me.

The first one described how they would line up for a uniform inspection that was exceptionally thorough. You had to have a perfectly pressed uniform and starched hat and your belt buckle had to be extra shiny.  But no matter what you did, how perfect you had it, the instructors would always find something wrong and when they did, you had to run, fully clothed into the surf then roll around in the beach sand until every part of your body was covered with sand. They called that the “sugar cookie” and you had to stay in that uniform for the rest of day, cold, wet, and full of sand.

McRaven said that so many SEAL trainees just couldn't accept the fact that no matter what they did, their efforts were in vain and no matter how hard they tried it was all unappreciated.  He said, "Those students didn’t understand the purpose of the drill. You were never going to succeed. You were never going to have a perfect uniform. Sometimes no matter how well you prepare or how well you perform, you still end up as a sugar cookie. It’s just the way life is sometimes. If you want to change the world, get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward."

As a mother, as an author, as a human being, sometimes no matter how hard I try, my efforts are in vain and aren't appreciated.  I can stew about the child who doesn't see how much I've done or sacrificed for them that day, I can cry about the bad review I got on the book I loved writing so much, or I can do as McRaven suggests and get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.

I love that image. I love the idea of being in the trenches, getting dirty, being cold and miserable, but getting up and moving forward instead of wallowing in my sugar cookie-ness.  And the idea that I can try again and again because sand can be washed away at the end of the day, you know?  I can still change the world both as a mother and as an author.

I also really liked the ones about making the bed and not judging people by the size of their flippers, but the second one that really touched me was when the trainees had to paddle down to some mud flats and spend fifteen hours trying to survive freezing cold mud and the pressure to quit from the instructors.  He tells the story of how one night his class was ordered into the mud. It was so gooey it sucked them down in until you couldn't see anything but their heads.  The instructors promised that if five men would quit they could get out of the mud.  It looked like some men were considering it because it was still eight hours until the sun came up and that meant eight more hours of "bone-chilling cold."

Then one guy started to sing--horribly out of tune, but loud and proud. Others started to join in until the whole class was singing.  They knew that "if one man could rise above the misery, then others could as well." After they started singing, McRaven commented that, " . . .somehow — the mud seemed a little warmer, the wind a little tamer and the dawn not so far away. If I have learned anything in my time traveling the world, it is the power of hope. The power of one person — Washington, Lincoln, King, Mandela and even a young girl from Pakistan, Malala — one person can change the world by giving people hope. So, if you want to change the world, start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud."

How many times have we thought about quitting as writers?  How many times has the mud of deadlines and critiques and reviews pulled us down?  How many times have you thought, "I don't think I can do this," when the child has a dance recital in less than an hour and lost their dance costume and the phone is ringing and someone is yelling and the house is in chaos?  Honestly, when I turn on some music, whether it's Van Halen or Piano Guys, depending on the situation, it does calm something inside me when I sing loudly (and probably off-tune actually.)  Even humming along can change my attitude and take away some of the stress when I need it most. Somehow, there always seems to be that tiny voice of hope inside me when I'm singing that things will be better tomorrow.  I can get through this.

There were so many more things I could say about the simplicity of Admiral McRaven's address and how he related things that he had learned to real world applications. The ideas he presented weren't new, but they were put in such a way that has really made me think today.

Here's what you should do.  Go and read the whole article, then come back and tell me what was your favorite life lesson. I think I could go on and on with what struck me about this address.  This man has battled in his life, he's gone to the forefront of the war on terror, and yet when he wanted to leave a legacy behind to graduating students, he spoke of his basic training and how that laid the foundation for his life.  I know I will be looking back at my own legacy and foundation as a wife, mother, and author. What about you?

Click here for the full article.

Book Review: Immersed and a Giveaway!

First of all, Happy Memorial Day. I hope you take a moment to remember those who have died for freedom and that you get to spend today with friends and family.

Today I'm taking part in the blog tour for the last of the Ripple Effect novellas, Immersed, by Jennifer Griffith.  This one is about Lisette Pannebaker who graduates with her MBA but her life doesn't go the way she expects.  Her almost-fiance unceremoniously dumps her while at the grad ceremony, and to top it off, her mother seems to be backing away from helping her start her own business, wanting her to find a husband instead.  She holds firm with her mom, though, and starts what she thinks will be her dream job. Unfortunately, her clients mostly see a pretty face and don't take her seriously as a type of language immersion assistant, and want her to be more of an escort, if you catch my drift.

Her Aunt Corky (a quirky fun character in the book) suggests she do a make-under to make herself less attractive and help clients see her as more than a pretty face.  Everything seems to be going okay until Lisette finds out that her mother is keeping a huge secret (and I wish the mom had been a stronger character. She barely bats an eye at some of the things that happen to Lisette and puts herself in a situation that seems odd for a woman who is a major shareholder in a corporation to really do. But at the end of the day, she does love her daughter and that's clearly shown.) Anyway, at the last moment, Lisette lands a client from Iceland, Erik Gunnarson, who could help her get her mom out of the predicament she's in, but he has a few secrets of his own.  (I really loved him as a hero. Sweet and unsure, yet strong in all the ways that matter. *le sigh*) And the author definitely provides us with a nice twisty ending on the road to happily ever after. Love that.

This novella was a fun afternoon escape, light fluffy-type romance that every girl needs once in a while. A nice finish to the series.

Here's the back copy:

Lisette Pannebaker speaks five languages and has a brilliant business plan—personal language immersion. Clients can hire her to shadow them and speak all day in any language they need to learn for business or travel—whatever. But there’s a major hitch: she’s far too pretty. Clients with less than honorable intentions sign up just have Lisette at their side. Solution? A make-under. Way under.It works like a charm. None of her male clients show her the least bit of interest. Until… Erik. Erik Gunnarsson is charming, kind, and smart—everything she’s ever looked for. Even though he seems to have a secret and she swore she'd never date a client, Lisette is tempted to shed her disguise—even if it means jeopardizing her career.

Amazon

Author Jennifer Griffith Jennifer Griffith studied French, German, Japanese, and a wee bit of Spanish in her school days. Her grandmother was Norwegian, and Jennifer grew up with lots of Scandinavian traditions floating around, including fabulous cardamom laced cookies called Krumkaker, made on a fancy waffle iron. However, she’d never dream of trying to teach someone any of those languages. And she might botch the cookies. Instead, she writes novels in English, drives her five kids a million places, and laughs with her husband, who came up with the plot for Immersed because he’s just a cool muse like that.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

  Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/9/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nearly Freebie Must Have Books!

Yesterday I posted about the Bookmarked Bargains going on, so I won't repeat myself here.  But I did want to mention that two of Joyce DiPastena's books are both .99 cents.  (Loyalty's Web and Illuminations of the Heart.) She is one of my favorite medieval romance writers.  The research that goes into her books is incredible, and yet it's not a history lesson.  You really get lost in the romance and the setting.  I have loved every book I've read of hers and wanted to pass it on.

Here's the back copy for Loyalty's Web:

Heléne de Laurant has not forgotten how the Earl of Gunthar destroyed her father’s castle during Henry II’s war with his sons. Apparently neither have her family and friends, for when someone tries to murder Gunthar, every sign points in their direction. Heléne realizes the only way to prove her loved ones’ innocence is by exposing the true assassin.

As Heléne and Gunthar spar over the identity of the traitor, fierce determination gives way to mutual attraction. Heléne must race against time, and dark secrets of the past, to unmask the would-be killer before the kingdom plunges back into war and takes the life of the man she has unexpectedly learned to love.

If this looks like something you're interested in, click here to download your copy for only 99 cents!  And then download the next one in the series, Illuminations of the Heart, for .99 cents, too!  

Here's the back copy:

Siri de Calendri was trained in the art of illumination in her brother’s workshop in 12th century Venice, but when her brother dies his will sends her far from home. Siri travels to the faraway county of Poitou in France, where she enters the guardianship of her brother’s friend, Triston de Brielle. Once settled, she hopes to find employment in an illuminator’s shop— until Triston unexpectedly snatches her heart away with a kiss.

Triston is a man of quiet honor and courage, but the guilt he carries for the death of his wife, Clothilde, has left him numb and hesitant to love again. Worse yet, Siri bears an uncanny resemblance to his lost love. Or does she? Her merry laughter and twinkling eyes are very different from his late wife's shy smiles and quiet ways. Yet when he gazes into Siri's face, all he sees is Clothilde.

Then Triston's past returns to threaten them both. Trapped between the rivalry of the king's sons on the one hand and a neighbor out for vengeance on the other, Triston realizes it would be safer to send Siri away. Siri is determined not to be cast off and not to live in another woman’s shadow. She has illuminated many a priceless book with pen and paint, but can her own vibrant spirit illuminate the darkness in Triston’s soul and make his heart beat for her alone?

Bookmarked Bargains Sale Starts Today!

Have you gone over to look at the Bookmarked Bargains site? There are dozens of books on sale for .99 cents or FREE and the chance to win all a Reader's Pack full of fun prizes. Go to Bookmarked Bargains to click on the books you'd like to purchase and to enter to win. (Yes, I've already been and downloaded several books I've been hoping would come on sale!)

Just for your preview enjoyment, here are the participating authors. Definitely something for everyone!

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Imperfect Love, Rebecca Talley

Wild Hearts, Heather Tullis

Fallen Angel, Lisa Swinton

The Daisy Chain, Heather Moore

Sweet Confections, Danyelle Ferguson 

A Portrait for Toni, Annette Lyon

      

ROMANTIC COMEDY

My Own Mr. Darcy, Karey White

Home Matters, Julie N. Ford

Silver Linings, Kaylee Baldwin

Third Times the Charm, Heather Moore

INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE (LDS/ CHRISTIAN)

Discovering Sophie, Cindy Roland Anderson

The Making of a Queen (Ariana Book 1), Rachel Ann Nunes

Prank Wars, Stephanie Fowers

Mr. Wrong, Alivia Anderson

Intercession, Vicki Budge

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Amazon, Sunset, Marie Higgins

Loyalty’s Web, Joyce DiPastena

The Man from Shenandoah, Marsha Ward

Intertwine, Nichole Van

Illuminations of the Heart, Joyce DiPastena

Spinster’s Folly, Marsha Ward

               

 ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Tell me No Lies, Rachel Branton

Spy Noon (Spy Another Day prequel), Jordan McCollum

A Change of Plans, Donna K. Weaver

Fourth of July, Cami Checketts

Homecoming Identity, Heather Justesen

I, Spy (Spy Another Day #1), Jordan McCollum

To Sleep No More, Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

The Colony, Cami Checketts

NONFICTION

There, Their, They're: A no-tears guide to grammar from the word nerd, 2nd edition, Annette Lyon   

Homeschool Lifestyles from Homeschool Moms, Valerie Steimle

The 2012 Book Bloggers' Cookbook, Christy Dorrity

Of One Heart: Being Single in the LDS World, Valerie Steimle

INSPIRATIONAL FICTION (LDS, CHRISTIAN)

Nourish and Strength, Maria Hoagland

Wall of Faith, J Loyd Morgan

Intercession, Vicki Budge

Family Size, Maria Hoagland

YA GENERAL/ YA ROMANCE

Just Like Elizabeth Taylor, Lu Ann Staheli          

Worth It (an LDS love story), Taryn Taylor

The Princess Sisters, Stacy Lynn Carroll

Frogs and Toads, Stacy Lynn Carroll

Confessions of 16-year-old Virgin-Lips, Cindy Hogan

Samara: A Kilenya Romance, Andrea Pearson

Tides across the Sea, Lu Ann Staheli

Gravediggers, Cindy Hogan

MIDDLE GRADE

Heroes of the Highest Order (1-3), Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

The Secret Sisters Club (A Ginnie West Adventure), Monique Bucheger

The Stone of Valhalla, Mikey Brooks

The Key of Kilenya, Andrea Pearson

Simply West of Heaven: A Ginnie West Adventure, Monique bucheger

The Dream Keeper, Mikey Brooks

FANTASY/ SCI FI

The Waxing Moon, author J Loyd Morgan

Blue Dragon (Dragonbound Series book one), Rebecca Shelley

Nexus Point, the Fall of the Altairan Empire Book 1, Jaleta Clegg

Soul Windows, Jaleta Clegg

DragonBound IV: Red Dragon, Rebecca Shelley

YA FANTASY

Inevitable, Tamara Heiner

Twisted Tales Trilogy, Stephanie Fowers

The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain,  Anna del C.

Awakening: Book One of the Geis, Christy Dorrity

Fateful, Cheri Schmidt

The Silent Warrior Trilogy, Anna del C.