httpv://youtu.be/apXX4seSwyc During today’s two minute vlog I introduce you to one of my favorite things: the nature photography of Thomas Mangelsen. As I say in the vlog, one of the fun things about being a novelist is including things I love in my novels. And when I wrote my debut novel, Wish You Were Here, I decided to slip one …
In Others’ Words: Gifts
“A wonderful gift may not be wrapped as you expect.” ~Jonathan Lockwood Huie, author For the past 11 months, daily episodes of vertigo knocked my life off-kilter. Pardon the play on words. I’ve learned to throw humor at something that made me wonder if putting my mascara on is going to cause the world to rock-n-roll. The first episode …
Contemporary Romance: Meet Allison Denman of Wish You Were Here
“Why can’t life be black and white, God? Why won’t you give me a happy ending?” She drew her knees up, resting her chin on her folded arms. “I’m trying to do the right things–shouldn’t that guarantee me happiness?” ~Allison Denman in Wish You Were Here In less than two weeks, Beth K. Vogt is going to share my life with all her …
Romance & Wish You Were Here & Llamas
Yes, that’s me playing “get to know you” with a llama. Ah, the things novelists do for the sake of research. What do llamas have to do with inspirational contemporary romance? Some would say nothing. But since I am the author of Wish You Were Here, I would say llamas add a whole other layer of fun to a …
It’s a Real Book: Wish You Were Here is here!
A package arrived at my house on Tuesday — two packages, actually. In one was a copy of my debut novel, Wish You Were Here, with a note from my editor, Jessica Wong, saying the book was “hot off the presses.” That’s a cliche any author will embrace. The second package contained several additional copies of my novel — but …
In Others’ Words: Forgiveness
“Forgiveness is giving up the possibility of a better past.” ~Unknown I keep a gift beside my bed. It’s wrapped in shiny blue paper and adorned with a white bow. And, yes, I know what’s in the box. And, no, the gift isn’t for me. I gave the gift to someone more than a decade ago. Inside the box is …
A Departure of Sorts: Priorities
“A simple life is not seeing how little we can get by with—that’s poverty—but how efficiently we can put first things first. . . . When you’re clear about your purpose and your priorities, you can painlessly discard whatever does not support these, whether it’s clutter in your cabinets or commitments on your calendar. ” ~Victoria Moran, American writer & …
Celebrate! Book Cover for Wish You Were Here … is here!
What a way to start the week! I’m thrilled to show you the cover to Wish You Were Here, my debut novel with Howard Books (May 2012.) And, yes, to answer your question, I love my cover. Love my cover. Bruce Gore, the art director at Howard Books, and his staff were so supportive throughout the whole creative process …
Contemporary Romance Writer: With Apologies to Friends and Family as I Write Book #2
Dear Family and Friends, I’m sorry. Truly and deeply sorry. I’m sorry for the washed-but-not-folded laundry. If you’re looking for a clean pair a jeans, check the dryer. I’m sorry that I’m not cooking. Again. Well, for me, the truth is I’m not cooking still. Thank you, God, that my husband loves to grill even during the winter months and …
In Others’ Words: Goal or Obstacle
“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.” ~Henry Ford, American industrialist I could make my point today talking about football. But I won’t. Even though I found a great photo of the goal line, I won’t talk about my favorite team (the Denver Broncos). I won’t talk about Tim Tebow … or …