Business and Politics Don't Mix

Time for our monthly IWSG meeting!

Here's my advice: Keep politics out of it and we'll all be happier!

When anyone brings up politics, half the nation is with them, and the other half is against them. It's just not good for business. I don't want to know who a company supports because I want to base my purchases on what I like, not how they vote. We should all VOTE, give our support, and get on with our lives, accepting the outcome either way. I have lots of friends on both sides and I like them for who they are.

I also keep politics out of my writing. Even when writing about politicians, I don't say which party they're in and give them qualities from both sides. I don't want debates about politics to taint my adventures. Just have fun reading the story!

Next topic: MASKS!

To re-open, we need to wear them. I have mixed feelings, but as a teacher, I want to get back to school and help the kids in person (I think the majority can agree that online was not good for most kids and teachers and parents!) That said, I made a Lazy Housewife video for DIY cheap and easy masks.

If you're looking for a fun apocalyptic action/adventure with some romance, I'm publishing a weekly Short Story Series: THE DAY DAVE BROKE THE INTERNET. With school starting, I'll be posting new episodes weekly through Thanksgiving.

Dave didn't know he was lonely until his friends pointed it out. But when he gives in and tries an online dating site, something catastrophic happens - talk about a bad omen.

(Previous episodes)

And lastly, I invite you to enter my Summer Book Bday Giveaway!

As a teacher, I publish most of my books in the summer and I want to share my celebration with you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a wonderful August

Hope this cursed year isn't taking too much of a toll on you!

Stay safe & healthy!

WINDY HOLLOW - I did it!

WINDY HOLLOW
Beast World MG Fantasy Series, book #3
by Tara Tyler
Available NOW!

In BROKEN BRANCH FALLS, Gabe and his friends go on a quest to save their school, blowing up all the rules, and discover their origins.

Then they go to CRADLE ROCK and meet some real live humans, scaring them into attack mode. The Beasts realize they have to spread the truth ASAP.

Now, school's out, and Gabe is ready for a break from all the drama...

Gabe and his friends fly over the Great Sea for the wedding of the century: a dragon prince and a beautiful harpy. But Gabe can't relax on this vacation. Besides competing in rigorous wedding events, he overhears the nearby human village WINDY HOLLOW is in danger from an evil human scientist and a vengeful were-ogre experimenting on beasts. Gabe and his friends risk crossing the mountains to help, despite several warnings. 

Maybe he's going too far this time, but he's in too deep to quit. It's do or die, hopefully not die!

Paperback ~~~ Ebook

After agonizing delays and finally accepting the inevitable, I took my rights back and published Windy Hollow myself. Now, I have to see what's what the rest of my books so I can re-publish them! All in all, it's not been too terrible. And those older books could all use a tune-up anyway. We get better and better with each book, right?

For now, I am soooo excited to have several friends helping me spread the news about WINDY HOLLOW! Check out my Release Blog Tour schedule where I'll be interviewed, guest posting, and more!

6/20 - Heather Holden - Reverse Interview, How does she Create such Awesome Art?
6/22 - Ellen Jacobson - Interview with some surprising questions!
6/24 - Patricia Lynne - Keeping Magic Alive
6/26 - MJ Fifield - Fantasy World-Building
6/30 - SA Larsen - Special Newsletter & a Vlog?!
7/1 - My IWSG post with updates and a Special Guest!
7/3 - Alex J. Cavanaugh - IWSG Day - Fantasy Movies
7/4 - Tonja Drecker - Independence Day! - Kids in Books
7/8 - Christine Rains - Levels of Romance
7/10 - Heather M. Gardner - Binge Watching TV
7/15 - Tyrean Martinson - Hiking!
7/17 - Julie Flanders - Gotta Have Friends
*7/22 - Juneta Key - Surprise Post! (she doesn't even know what it's about yet!)

I'm overwhelmed with appreciation. I'd never be able to do this alone. So glad to have this generous community offering time and talents!

And of course, there's a giveaway!
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Thanks for stopping by and playing. Your support is priceless!

Writing Inspiration - with Links!

Ever need a break from a WIP? Or find yourself ready to stab at something new and aren't sure where to start or what to write about? Like deciding how to cut a watermelon - you can't wait to eat it, but where to plunge the knife?

For July's Insecure Writers Support Group session, I thought I'd pass on a little writerly inspiration...

Writers are jam-packed full of ideas and stories. Most of the time... But sometimes we all need a little inspiration. When you're ready to write a short story or new book idea--especially if you're considering a genre outside your comfort zone--it can be hard to focus and pick a plot that can go the distance to become a full-fledged story. And usually our muses are scarce when we need them most!

So I've compiled some links for prompts, challenges, and even submissions! to help you choose a direction that will put you in the mood for writing...

• One of my favorite newsletters is from Shannon Lawrence, The Warrior Muse. she usually includes awesome links for submissions with topics that will inspire you - and they pay!
• If you're into new twists and stretching your writing muscles, try Chuck Wendig's blog Terrible Minds and his weekly challenge every Friday. Warning, he can be crass, but that's part of his charm--he tells the hard truths about writing!
• The IWSG has a fun little prompt every Wednesday on Instagram, plus extra daily challenges for the summer! Instagram itself with all the pics can be inspiration for a poem or a drabble.
• WEP - Write, Edit, Publish is a bi-monthly challenge sponsored by 4 fabulous ladies: Denise, Renee, Olga, and Nilanjana - and you might even win a gift card!
• A couple of author friends have published writing prompt/submission & publication books:
• A Pocket-Sized Jumble of 500+ Writing Prompts by Tyrean Martinson
• 10 Sparks to Guide you from Idea to Publication by Chrys Fey

If you have others to share, please do. We can all use some inspiration!
Happy Writing!

Now, for my SHOUT OUT of the WEEK!

GWEN GARDNER!

A partner in crime (& mystery) literally! We've been blog friends forever and were both honored to be part of the TICK, TOCK - A STITCH IN CRIME anthology sponsored by IWSG.

Gwen writes fabulous cozy mysteries solved with the help and despite the hindrance of ghosts, like from her awesome Indigo Eady series. Gwen adores travel and experiencing the cultures and foods of different countries. She is always up for an adventure and anything involving chocolate - not necessarily in that order.

I love her blog header - gorgeous!

FINAL NOTES...

While I was in Atlanta, I got to have lunch and catch up with Sherry Ellis!

See my newsletter for more pics and info on my whereabouts and going-on.

And there's only one more week for my BEASTLY SUMMER GIVEAWAY!

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Keys to Breaking the Block

You're writing, writing, writing, then...


via GIPHY

BAM! Writer's block. Why are my characters here? Where are they going? And how do they get there?

Fear not! Writer's Block is all in your head - and so are the answers to each of the above questions. Instead of forcing them out, try these easy steps to clear your mind...

from yarn

Then, when it's prodigiously empty enough, the words will flow again!

Breaking the Block:

1. Take a walk
2. Have a snack
3. Phone a friend
4. Read
5. Watch a movie
6. Take a nap
7. Work on something else
8. Clean or organize
9. Play a game
10. Draw or doodle

There are so many distractions that can take your mind off your Block. It's like when a couple is trying so hard to have a baby, then they give up, maybe even adopt one, and Bang! Preggers! (I have several friends who've had this happen) It's because the stress is gone. Relax, stop worrying, and good things will come.

Please note I didn't say get on social media. I never recommend it for inspiration. Social media is like a narcotic painkiller - it's okay in small doses, but use it too much and it's addictive leading to abuse.

Now back to our Blockage. If you've tried a few of these things and you're still stuck on how to proceed, here are some methods for figuring out your characters' next moves...

• First, how far are they from the goal? Do they need to overcome more obstacles? Have you tortured them enough? If not, go to extremes. What's the worst that could happen? You will either argue with yourself or you'll use it.
• Next, ask some random questions, like: What's going on around them? Do they need to lose or find something to move on? How do they feel? Are emotions getting in the way? Do they need a surprise or shock?
• And lastly, ask yourself: What would you do if you were with them? Would you be snarky? or helpful? or tricky? or encouraging? or what?

Questions, What Ifs, Trial and Error - those are a Writer's Block's worst enemy. Ask enough questions and you'll be back into your story in no time!

~ + ~ + ~ + ~

Now for this week's shout out...

L. Diane Wolfe

Diane is insanely talented and hard-working! She conducts seminars on promotion, leadership and goal setting. With loads of experience and credentials, she travels the East Coast for interviews and speaking engagements, maintains several websites & blogs, offers book formatting consultation, and does sessions for schools.

Her latest guidebook is How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now! She also recently published an an inspirational self-help book Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting with seven other authors which features the five keys to success.

“With a positive attitude, any goal can be achieved!” 

- L. Diane Wolfe, Owner of Dancing Lemur Press and Freedom Fox Press

~ + ~ + ~ + ~

Before you go--I have to tell you about these 2 GIVEAWAYS!

To celebrate my just-signed contract for Beast World #3 - WINDY HOLLOW, I set up a Giveaway on Amazon for 2 winners to receive paperback copies of #2, CRADLE ROCK. But naturally, that was over in less than an hour. I don't know how that happens!

So, since I haven't done a Rafflecopter in a long while, I thought I'd do one of those too. This one has loads of prizes and will be open for a month.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(Or if you'd like to review it, I'd be happy to send you a free e-copy. Just ask!)

Thanks for stopping by!

#WritersLife Survey 17 - Are we A-Mused? and Raffle!

All writers need inspiration. Some have invisible helpers and some have real life ones. Muses come in many shapes and forms... No matter where we get it, we all need encouragement and ideas to get through some tough writing situations sometimes.

I have several muses... First there's Murray. He's like a Fairy-God-Brother - a guy's guy through and through even though he wears a pink robe and flies around with delicate gossamer wings. He's a total slob and very cynical, but also a riot. He helps me most with my Pop Travel series.

Then there's my teenage ogress, Oafeelia. Full of attitude, sometimes an airhead, and loves to gossip, but great for giving me tips on teens for Beast World.

Lastly, there Grumpy Cat. He's my favorite. I love to torture him. He just stares at me, like, "Why aren't you writing?" He cracks me up, but I don't think he likes when I laugh at how cute he is!


What about you? Do you have a muse or two?



SPECIAL NOTE! This month, anyone who takes the survey can be entered into a raffle for a $10 gift card or an UnPrincess Novella in honor of the latest release: PRINCESS B!

Twelve-year-old Bria Randall is the “man” of the house, now that her older brother Kendrick went missing. Though caring for little sis Shae is a tough job, she does what needs done. When Princess B finds a stuffed dragon keychain, he gives her some magical help to stand up to the evils that threaten and comforts them as Kendrick once did. But some things Princess B must face alone. She’ll do anything for a happy ending.

 Print Copy and on Amazon

Thanks for playing! Results coming May 2

Writerly #News and Starving for #Reviews

Wow, this is going to be BIG! When I only post twice a month, the news piles up! But first...

A HUGE THANK YOU!! I thoroughly enjoyed my Cradle Rock Release Party because it really got me back out to visit my friends and make new ones!

Thanks for the tremendous response and supportive comments, everyone!
I'll be tweeting my thanks with links to the posts all month!
And the winner of my CRADLE ROCK RELEASE PARTY VOLUNTEERS is:

M.J. Fifield!

She will receive a $25 GC! 

Plus a free taco and my love! (name that movie)

My reconnection with blog and writer friends leads me to my monthly Insecure Writers Support Group check in. Releases are few and far between, so the IWSG seems to be the biggest reason I keep blogging. And communicating with my writer friends is the main reason I keep writing (that and the stories crammed in my head needing to be told!) I worry all the time that my books aren't selling and I can't seem to build my base - and I worry more that it might be because I'm only a so-so writer, which is very believable.

Last month, I shared my big plans. I wasn't working full time then, so I was very ambitious! Today, I started my long-term assignment that goes thru the rest of the year - great for sending first son to college, terrible for writing and marketing... Especially when I'm not encouraged to keep writing at home. That's why I keep participating in IWSG - you guys keep me going! Thanks!

Enough feeling sorry for myself, many others have much bigger problems than me. On to the NEWS!

>>>If you haven't seen this cover - you're in for a TREAT! LOOK!

INCENSE AND PEPPERMINTS.
by Cathrina Constantine
Release Date: March 10, 2017
Genre: YA/Coming of Age

During the Vietnam War-torn Sixties, a time of peace demonstrations, sit-ins, flag-burnings, and flower power, sixteen-year-old Mary Monroe has to choose between staying an innocent good girl or letting herself enter the exciting world of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll.

When her brother offers a solution to her dilemma in the form of a little pill, Mary ignores the rumba in her brain and takes a walk on the wild side. She plunges into popularity and a life she’s only imagined, and meets Michael Covington, the hot newcomer. She’s instantly drawn in by his less than flawless exterior and bad boy sex appeal. Drifting from party to party, underground fight clubs, and through a series of drug and alcohol fueled adventures, Mary follows her new crush into a world where young girls are never truly safe from the predators lurking in the shadows and young men hiding from the harsh reality of war.

Feeling buzzed and as if her life is spinning out of control, Mary is assaulted by an unknown man at a party, and she’s left questioning if the enigmatic Michael is truly her hero or if he's the face behind the terrible attack. With every piece of information Mary learns about Michael, her doubts grow deeper, but with every minute she spends in his presence, so does her love.

With the war and her fear threatening to separate Mary and Michael forever, only the death of a friend, a crushing confession, and her own sensibilities can carry her over the threshold between adolescence and adulthood.

Add to your TBR list on Goodreads!

Cathrina is also looking for volunteers to help with her Book Blitz!

>>>I'm also excited to introduce...


TIME & CIRCUMSTANCE
by Theresa Milstein
Release Date: March 21, 2017
by Vine Leaves Press

This is Theresa's moving poetry and prose collection, and some of it is autobiographical. It's been a long journey, and she's finally made it! Congratulations, Theresa!

Pre-Order here!

Theresa's Blog

>>>And here's a GIVEAWAY offer!
There's one big thing we can do to help each other is post reviews (I'm reading three books I plan to review soon!) And with second books needing more love, I want to give out some copies for review!

Here's my free offer - if you've read POP TRAVEL or BROKEN BRANCH FALLS, I would love to give you a free ecopy of either sequel for review. Just mention in the comments if you're interested.

LASTLY...
>>>Here are the results of January's Writerly Survey about Creativity!

I should've added an "All of the above" choice - that's what the purple really represents!

Here are some interesting characters from the respondants... plus some traits.

• Corten - mixed race, friendly but elusive about past
• Angela Mercy - editor of the fictional Persons Magazine.
• Raz - A drinking bad ass kangaroo. His name came off the top of my head.
• Gawain, Callan, Darrion
• Kálmán Ferdinánd Rein (later Shimron Amichai) - left angry, cynical, bitter, ranting, trigger-happy, wounded after surviving four concentration-camps. Plus his fiancée Klaudia and his best friend Móric
• Arthur Finley - mousey demeanor, high IQ, brown hair, pale skin with freckles; glasses work in accounting but is really a spy, not the action hero kind, but a numbers/information spy.
• D’Anar Gillin - He feels much, which often translates into action. He has a tendency to often make decisions for those he cares about or feels responsible, sometimes without asking permission. The irritating thing about him is that he is usually right.  He possesses a keen intuition and instincts, and he knows it. high intelligence, but has a blind spot for himself and those closest to him.  Honor is a natural - sometimes at high personal cost.
• Clarence - likes the water because he's a shark
• Hutch McQueen - The good guy in bad guy clothing. 

Only a few writers surveyed, have written in mixed genres...

• Contemporary verse
• Crime thriller/Romance
• Sci Fi/Fantasy

I hope you enjoyed this extra long post! More questions coming up on 2/13! This time I'll be asking about "one-liners"

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Sweetheart Month!

I can't believe I SURVIVED!

"This is Chrys Fey reporting for Disaster 5 News. I am in West Palm Beach, Florida where a tsunami hit yesterday morning. I have Tara Tyler with me, a survivor of the tsunami. Tara, can you tell our viewers what happened, and how you survived?"

"Well, I'm a teacher at the middle school, and you know they never cancel school for weather here in Florida. We just do all sorts of drills - hurricane, tornado, fire, and ALICE. That's a lock down. And we hide under our desks or cover our heads at the lockers, or whatever. But we never had a tsunami drill! We had no idea what to do, so I used it as a teaching moment. I needed to keep the kids calm, so as I gathered them up, I asked them questions. What is a tsunami? What might happen? Where would be a safe place? They were great. We figured a tsunami meant mass destruction at the beaches, and probably flooding where we are further inland. We grabbed stuff that would keep us afloat and ran upstairs to the roof, yelling for other classes to do the same. The flooding was pretty bad, all the way up to the second floor. But we survived."


Hope you enjoyed this "I survived" moment sponsored by Chrys Fey as she releases her latest Disaster Crime novel TSUNAMI CRIMES! See the linky list to read more exciting survival stories!

Title: Tsunami Crimes

Series: Disaster Crimes #3

Author: Chrys Fey

Genre: Romantic-Suspense

Beth and Donovan have come a long way from Hurricane Sabrina and the San Francisco earthquake. Now they are approaching their wedding day and anxiously waiting to promise each other a lifetime of love. The journey down the aisle isn’t smooth, though, as they receive threats from the followers of the notorious criminal, Jackson Storm. They think they’ll be safe in Hawaii, but distance can’t stop these killers. Not even a tsunami can.

This monstrous wave is the most devastating disaster Beth has ever faced. It leaves her beaten, frightened. Is she a widow on her honeymoon? As she struggles to hold herself together and find Donovan, she’s kidnapped by Jackson's men.

Fearing her dead, Donovan searches the rubble and shelters with no luck. The thought of her being swept out to sea is almost too much for him to bear, but the reality is much worse. She’s being used as bait to get him to fall into a deadly trap.

If they live through this disaster, they may never be the same again. 

DIGITAL LINKS:

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA

Nook / Kobo / The Wild Rose Press

PRINT LINK:

The Wild Rose Press 

99 CENTS: Amazon

And everywhere ebooks are sold. 

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
And don't forget to take the survey from the previous post - results posted Feb 1.

Beastly News and Video Reviews!!

Another break in the CRADLE ROCK Release Party action!
I have so much to share today!

When you think of bookworms, you probably think of shy, little, glasses-wearing, cuteness like this:

Well, Tonja Drecker with her Kidbits bookworm is now beasting up, creating video reviews! I was lucky enough that she had time to review CRADLE ROCK, and she did a fabulous job! Check it out!!

Talk about stepping out of the library and jumping off the page! She's awesome!!
NOTE: the perfect gift you can give a published writer is a REVIEW!

Now, check out these awesome HoPs and Giveaways!

• Sheena Kay is hosting a Thank You Giveaway, continuing through January 6! She's appreciating her friends, old and new, by giving away a free book of your choosing. Stop by and join the fun!
• Chrys Fey is hosting the I Survived Blog Hop January 20 to go with her series TSUNAMI CRIMES which will be on sale!
• Finally, Patricia Lynne has all sorts of goodies! 
• She's part of a reader/author blog hop hosted by her blog group, Story Dam called New Year, New Reads - This is a fun and useful blog hop for authors to promote their books and offer them on sale for 99cents AND for readers to use their shiny new gift cards from Christmas on these good deals. On New Year's Day - January 1!
• PLUS she's releasing an extraordinary new book with this alluring cover!

ABDUCTED LIFE

by Patricia Josephine

Savannah Janowitz’s perfect life was destroyed the night she and her boyfriend vanished without a trace. When she reappears a year later––alone––she’s a shell of her former self. Robbed of her popularity and her boyfriend, she has no memory of what happened to her. Savannah struggles to move forward as strange, new abilities manifest.

Evan Sullivan never gave extra-terrestrials much thought until the night he and Savannah were abducted. While Savannah’s memory was wiped clean, he remembers every horrific detail. Constantly reminded of the experiments that made him less than human, Evan hides in the shadows and watches Savannah rebuild her life without him.

But neither can let the other go. When their paths cross, Savannah and Evan finally see a glimmer of their old lives return. As they face what happened to them, they soon discover they aren’t safe. There’s more to fear than what’s hiding in the stars.

Connect with Patricia!

Goodreads -- Website -- Twitter -- Google+ -- youtube

And now, back to our scheduled CRADLE ROCK RELEASE PARTY!!

My two live December events went very well. I appreciate all who turned out!
LESSON LEARNED: With this being my 4th release party, it becomes clearer who the true book reading fans are, not just friends supporting me on a new venture. This revelation helps me understand myself as a writer. Very positive and eye-opening!

We've had a great turnout so far! Thanks for visiting the stops!

Today, and the rest of the month, here's where I'll be...

12/19	Christine Rains	Hiking Faux Pas
12/19	Alex J. Cavanaugh	Beast vs Monster - terminology
12/21	Ann Noser	CR Quotes
12/21	Heather M. Gardner	Discrimination - no joke
1/4	Ken Rahmoeller	Dragons
1/4	L. Diane Wolfe	Marketing Tips - Live & Online
1/9	C Lee McKenzie	Grownup Stereotypes
1/11	M. J. Fifield	Crazy Road Trip
1/25	Crystal Collier	Poetry & Songs in Stories on Writerly Wed

And don't forget to enter the Giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Break in the Blog Party #writerslife Results!

It's Insecure Writers Support Group day!

But first, I'd like to congratulate all the writers who participated and/or completed the NANOWRIMO challenge! Woo hoo! You did it! You have a bouncing baby... first draft. Now, you have to nurture it, coddle it, bathe it, dress it, discipline it, laugh and cry over it, and finally be proud of it before you can send it off to be rejected a bunch of times before it's finally praised and published. Sounds great, right?

But seriously, getting that first draft done is a major accomplishment, way to go! Don't stop until you reach the top!

My insecurity this month... I have a terrible fear of having to quit writing. Financially, it's not going to pay the bills. It's turning into a very expensive "hobby." I have tons of big plans, but it's taking too long to make them happen. I have a lot stacked against me. Especially with my kids getting ready to start college. Having books published is a major accomplishment, but I don't think I can make a career out of it... I never knew the long term goal I had for writing, but I guess that was it. Huh. But it's not like I'll ever stop, I have too many stories and characters waiting to be written! I just need to invest less money in it...

What are your long term writing goals?

Now for the results of the last #writerslife survey!

It's tougher than you think - when you're in the mood, it's too late to submit it... but there's always next year!

Try it! Lots of positive feedback!

As expected...

A nice mix - we should all read more =)

And here are some of the short answer responses...

Ponderific Quotes from Favorite Works or Works in Progress:
"Everyone has to start somewhere, and there’s no better place than high above the world, up on the roof, under a starry night, on his eighteenth birthday."

"At seventeen, I had my whole life planned: graduating high school with a 4.0, going to Columbia Law, becoming a kick-butt attorney, making millions and retiring by forty-six. Dating an assassin? That one was not on the list."

"When I lifted the cover for the tongue my mouth fell open. Litwell was done rare. Clearly my suggestion to look for him during the day had it's reward. I cut into the succulent meat and savored the jealous looks as the smell of blood filled the air. Litwell you delicious traitorous man you."

"And with three young werewolves in their house, it frequently needed redecorating!"

"He stalked a few feet in my direction then turned, fluffed his feathers and hopped onto a fence post, his back to me and the flock. It tickled me. I never knew a rooster to sulk."

"Their fairytale romance ended the night he went missing without a trace. She had disappeared too, but somehow, she had returned."

"Oh, dear. Looks like I broke him."

Tis the Season for Recommended Reads:
We Are The Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson, Dark YA
Two recs for Parallels: Felix Was Here, an anthology
Tango with a Twist by John Robert Mack
Nobody's Goddess by Amy McNulty
Heartless by Marissa Meyer, Fantasy
Triangles by Ellen Hopkins, a novel in verse
Matowak: Woman Who Cries by Joylene Nowell Butler
Timeless by Crystal Collier, Also Moonless and Souless
Of Blood and Sorrow by Christine Rains, Urban Fantasy

Saving the best for last, I also wanted to give a shout out to CARRIE BUTLER and her latest release!

AS WE KNOW IT
by Carrie Butler

Deep beneath the ocean, stretching hundreds of miles alongside the Pacific Northwest coastline, lies the Cascadia subduction zone—a fault on the verge of unleashing a catastrophic earthquake, thirty times more powerful than the San Andreas. Unfortunately, like most tourists, Elena Cordova is oblivious.

She’s got her own pent-up stress to deal with, a humiliating breakup that’s driven her to end her tenure as a human doormat once and for all. So, when a pickpocket makes off with the last remnant of her relationship, she takes action—only to get trapped with him when disaster strikes.

Now, if either one hopes to survive, they’ll have to get past their initial impressions and work together . . . because in fifteen minutes, half the town will be underwater.

More info and purchase links here!

Now back to the CRADLE ROCK Release Party!
Check out my posting schedule in the side bar.
And don't forget to enter my raffle!!

What's going on in your neck of the forest?

CRADLE ROCK a-BUY, Baby!

WELCOME BACK TO THE FOREST!

CRADLE ROCK is Here!

Gabe the goblin just saved his town Broken Branch Falls from splitting apart. He also revealed that humans--horrible creatures of myth and legend--may actually be part of their history! But seriously? Nah!

Now Ona, Gabe’s girlfriend, is headed thousands of miles away to Camp Cradle Rock for Spring Break seeking evidence of humans. Gabe knows better than to tell a stubborn ogress she’s crazy, so he’s letting her go and spending the break at the beach like a normal teenage beast. And he’s determined to have a good time without her, whether he likes it or not.

But when Ona goes missing, Gabe and his friends set out for the wilds of the west to find her, no matter what dangerous creatures get in his way. Not even humans.

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Check out the Book Trailer!

AAHH! I can't believe this is my fourth book release! I have to thank YOU ALL for it to be possible, because I wouldn't be here without your encouragement and advice! This community is so helpful and supportive. I'm very blessed to be a part of it. And here are my awesome volunteers letting me invade their blogs to spread the good news!

CRADLE ROCK RELEASE PARTY POST HOSTS:

	12/5	Patricia Lynne	Nerds Rule
	12/5	Heather R. Holden	Vampires
	12/7	Juneta Key	author spotlight interview
	12/9	Julie Flanders	Teenagers Now vs 80s
	12/9	Elizabeth Seckman	Beast-themed Recipe
	12/12	Lori L. MacLaughlin	Merfolk
	12/14	Sharon Bayliss	Ogres
	12/14	Tyrean Martinson	5 Reasons to use Chapter Titles
	12/16	Michael Di Gesu	Craziest Spring Break Trip
	12/17	Cathrina Constantine	Teen Dating
	12/19	Christine Rains	Hiking Faux Pas
	12/19	Alex J. Cavanaugh	Beast vs Monster - terminology
	12/21	Ann Noser	CR Quotes
	12/21	Heather M. Gardner	Discrimination - joking vs hurting
	1/4	Ken Rahmoeller	Dragons
	1/4	L. Diane Wolfe	Marketing Tips - Live & Online
	1/9	C Lee McKenzie	Grownup Stereotypes
	1/11	M. J. Fifield	Crazy Road Trip
	1/25	Crystal Collier	Poetry & Songs in Stories - Writerly Wed

I'm also giving away signed copies of Broken Branch Falls and Cradle Rock, some Beast World swag, and a $20 GC! I love giving stuff away =)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
And my cool publisher, Curiosity Quills has another giveaway on Goodreads!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Cradle Rock

by Tara Tyler

Giveaway ends January 01, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Happy Holidays!!

Second Book Syndrome #FREEbooks #giveaway

Sometimes seconds are good and sometimes they aren't.

Bad seconds: second helping, second place, second movies, sloppy seconds, wait a second, second choice, two seconds too late, 2nd in line - don't they just all sound like losers because they weren't FIRST?

Great seconds: second children, sometimes second marriages, second dates, second time around, second chance, second base, ha ha. I'll stop there, but I know you can come up with more!

>>> HOLD ON!! I must interrupt myself to mention, the horrifically awesome Yolanda Renee is having me at her place today and I'm talking about SIMULATION and Marketing Tips. You can go there first if it sounds better, and come back here second...(hee hee) <<<





Now, back to SECOND BOOK SYNDROME.


SIMULATION is the second book in the Pop Travel series. Its sales and reviews are slim compared to its older brother. Why? Has this happened to you? Well, I have a few theories, let me know what you think...

• Did people not like the first one enough to buy he second?
• Do people not like the second and therefore not want to review it?
• Is it not getting enough exposure?
• Should I go on with the third?

Let's address these issues and try to reason them out.

First, if you're like me, you've had a bunch of loyal customers and great feedback from the first books - not only family and friends, but from strangers, too! This is clearly not the reason - we're fabulous!

Second (but still good!), How could they not like the second book? Here are my secondary theories...

• Many people naturally have lower expectations of a second book, like second movies are usually not as good as the first.
• Some friends bought the first book to support it being your first book - and that's as far as they went... it happens
• So less readers = less reviews
• marketing is part of the picture - it takes a while to get the next books out and unless you're keeping your readers informed (like with a newsletter) they may not realize the next one is out yet! More of the Next will help...

Next. This and the Last are the only things we can control. That evil word MARTKETING! I believe BOLDER is BETTER to be NOTICED in type and in life. There are tons of books out there and it's hard to get readers' attention. Even sub-category rankings are huge numbers. That means there are thousands of books in the same category vying for buyers' perusal. We have to do something drastic!

BTW, In August, I'm going to offer up a Marketing Series with some crazy ideas - untried, untested, and definitely unapproved! Any volunteers want to give me their reactions? (mention if you'd like to answer a question or two for me!)

Last. Writing the next book is the EASIEST way to get more readers. You have to keep writing, even when you are worried the third might sell less than the second... Don't get discouraged! Most readers want a ready-made series so they can continue post-haste. And the more books you have out there, the more you sell - this is from experience.

So keep writing! Just having a few fans from my small fan base ask for more is inspiration enough for me to keep at it. Totally worth the work and worry, not to mention, I love it!

Any "seconds" to share? Any thoughts or advice? I could always use it!
And don't forget to sign up for a signed copy of one of my books or some swag in honor of my book bdays this month...

NEW GIVEAWAY FOR SUMMER 2020!!

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How to stay POSITIVE! #mondaymotivation and #giveaway

How do you feel today?

A counselor once told me that there are 4 basic emotions: Happiness, Sadness, Anger, Fear. All of the rest of our emotions are basically just varying degrees or combinations of these four roots (think about it...) The downside of this is that Happiness seems to be the only positive - like Inside Out (which had 5, but it would've worked with 4) Fortunately, Happiness is also the goal for most people. I guess that's why life seems to be an uphill battle, but happy times are worth it, right?

Well, in keeping with my intent to send positive vibes, I came up with a list, (you know I love lists) a list of ways to lift your mood, which in the process will lift the spirits of those around you as well. Being positive is just as contagious as being negative.

1. smile - The easiest, yet most powerful thing you can do.
2. avoid negative - It's hard to stay positive when surrounded by negative. Walk away if you can, or change friends if necessary. 
3. take life less seriously - There is a time for seriousness, the rest is up to you. Will it matter in ten years? Will it matter tomorrow?
4. laugh at yourself - Gotta start somewhere. Don't waste time, energy, and emotion on getting embarrassed, that's a you only emotion. Others react the same whether you like it or not.
5. sing - Who can sing when they're sad or mad? I dare you to try!
6. get off the internet - I always sneak this in, even though it's a wonderful tool, we have become addicted and desensitized. And even the funny stuff is usually sarcastic or laughing at others' misfortunes. I wonder how I will preach this lesson to my grandchildren... maybe in a haunted hologram so they will listen. (light bulb - story idea!!) Take a break from it!
7. help others - The ultimate way to lift others and yourself
8. find the positive - In a dire situation, this is a difficult task. Challenge yourself!
9. don't go it alone - You are not the only one who has gone through a tough time. We are here for each other, let others in to help
10. pray - The last resort for some that should be the first. The cool breeze on a sunny day, and shelter in a storm.

I ask again - How do you feel today?

And what are you gonna do about it?

And now, here's some news...

I'm surprise highlighting Lexa Cain this week!

She and her publisher are hosting a super fun giveaway! You can win a BLOODWALKER card deck! I love this swag idea! Way to go girl!





Lexa also promotes others by listing free stuff and giveaways weekly in Foxy's Freebies - a wonderful supporter is she!!

Lastly...
A NOTE OF THANKS:
I took a chance with my prayer this past weekend - and I really appreciate all the positive feedback. Thank you! I hope it spreads!

I also appreciate all the support and retweets and shoutouts about my ebook sales the last couple of weeks - Thanks Heaps and Bushels!! Broken Branch Falls and especially Pop Travel soared to the tops of Amazon's Free charts. Gotta love those sub-categories!

I'd also like to thank those who volunteered to help me with reading, reviewing, reveals and releases coming up. Once I devise a new and improved plan of attack for my latest release of CRADLE ROCK, I'll recruit more with a form. It's time to reach more readers than just my supportive writer friends! Take my hand and join me in the bold adventure of marketing!!

And I'm still celebrating my books' bdays by giving away signed copies and swag! Whoever wins has their choice of signed book or swag! And it goes through the end of the month.

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Have a PoSiTiVeLY PeRKY week!