Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Taking a Break--This is Not a Trick...

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Sometimes we have to punt--to use a football term. That's what I find myself doing right now. I need a few months for health issues, so I'm taking the blog on hiatus. 

Know that I'll be reading and the #BookDoctor will be back. 

Take care, y'all! I wish you all the happiest holidays possible!

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

The Book Pusher: October 2018

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BEAUTY LIKE THE NIGHT Joanna Bourne: Historical Romance

With another fabulous romance, Joanna Bourne finds Severine de Cabrillac an interesting romantic option--a jewel thief and wine maker. But can they find who killed his wife and is after Severine in time? You'll turn the pages as fast as you can read because Bourne has created a wonderful plot--a always.

THE HOUSE GIRL Tara Conklin Historical/dual timeline

Conklin creates a fabulous tale that will fascinate and horrify you, but hope will win in the end. Be sure to read this one now!


INTO THE WILDERNESS Sara Donati: Historical Romance

Donati takes a page from J. F. Cooper and stirs in a few Easter eggs from D. Gabaldon to create a vivid story of upstate New York. You'll enjoy Nathanial and Elizabeth's story. But I dare you to stop at just one. This is the first in a series. ;-)


THE ROYAL NANNY  Karen Harper: Historical

The story of Charlotte Bill will charm you. Late Victorian, Edwardian, and early 1900's England comes to life in this novel. You'll laugh and cry, but you will never forget Lala.


HEAVEN ADJACENT Catherine Ryan Hyde: Contemporary

With deep insight and true love, Hyde creates a gem of a story about the truth of life, love, and happiness. This one will make you smile--and hug your loved ones. Read it now!


ONCE BELOVED Amara Royce: Historical Romance

Another member of the Needlework for the Needy has found a chance for love--but only if she faces her anxieties and returns to her hometown.

Next Post: IWSG!

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

IWSG: October 2018

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Purpose:
 To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Co-Hosts: Dolorah @ Book Lover, Christopher D. Votey, Tanya Miranda, andChemist Ken!


Question: How do major life events affect your writing? Has writing ever helped you through something?

Answer: Sure! When story creation takes hold, it isn't created from thin air. Even if you writing SF or Fantasy, the experiences of your life and research are folded into your story--sometimes unconsciously, sometimes with your full participation. 

Early on in the writing of my Women's Fiction contemporary, I realized that the main character--a retired, childless teacher--was a stand-in for my long journey through infertility and the grief it caused myself and my husband. We both taught and loved kids. We both wanted to be parents in the worst way. But it wasn't to be. 

In one very important way, my character was different from me. She was a widow. Thankfully, I am not. With her widowhood, I found her an outlet for her frustrated need for children in her life. Throughout her marriage, her impervious mother-in-law had kept her thumb on the marriage of her son, his wife, and any idea of adoption. While my story was different, adoption wasn't a path for us either. The death of connection allowed my character to get involved with foster children, and a connection was made that led to adoption. A beautiful outcome for my long hunger told through the life of my character. 

Not all stories are one-to-one analogies, but I do believe our experiences influence the choices we make as we tell our stories. 

Happy Writing, y'all!

Next post: October's Book Pusher!