Do you Want to Read More?

As a student, I did not like to read. **Gasp!**

This was mostly because books were forced upon me, and I like to do things my own way--I'm such a rebel.

But when I saw some cool fantasy covers in the store, I picked them up and read the backs. Imagine my mom's surprise and delight when I chose a couple of books to buy and read over the summer. Piers Anthony and his Split Infinity series got me hooked on reading.

Back then, we didn't have our phones to keep us occupied and connected to our friends 24-7. We didn't have 24-hour TV with thousands of shows and movies to stream. Reading used to be a great escape--it still is! But now with our faster paced, easy-access video entertainment society, reading is very low on the list of options. Even for me.

Source: Washington Post

I believe most people want to read more, but they have lots of excuses why they don't. After doing some research, the number one reason for people not reading is: "I don't have time."

What about you? Do you want to read more? I do!

But it takes self-discipline. Just like any improvement you want to make in your life--healthier eating, exercise more, have a better attitude, achieving your goals--you have to work at it and stick with it. If you do, the results will make you a better person, just not over night.

If you truly want to read more, you will have to make the time to do it. To make time, you will need motivation! Here are some Suggestions to Motivate Yourself to Read:

1. Read With a Friend - surely you have a friend who also wants to read more. Choose a book together. Knowing your friend is reading, you'll be more likely to read so you don't let each other down and will look forward to discussing it together.
2. Join a Book Club - If you are braver, open-minded, and eager for book suggestions, this is a wonderful way to connect with other readers and a great method to motivate you to get reading in time for the next meeting.
3. Set a Goal - Make your reading goal as big or small as you want, just make it reasonable. If you haven't read a complete book for a while, then your goal can be to read at least one book by the end of the summer, or even the end of the year. This will also help you gauge your time and interest when making future goals.
4. Keep Books Visible - Leave your book in a place you will see it frequently--kitchen counter, side table, night stand, bathroom!--and it will serve as a reminder to continue your story. If you ebook, put up a happy post-it or two. (Don't nag yourself!)
5. Set a Timer - use your phone to set a reminder: daily, every other day, weekly... at a time you should have free to take a break and read for a bit. Even if you can't, it will remind you that you want to read... like a chirp of encouragement.
6. Read Out Loud - to yourself, your kids or even your pet! Some people don't like the silence of reading. Reading out loud can help immerse you into the story--change your voice, really get into it! Others can't read unless they have silence, an escape from the chaos of life. Silliness or silence now and then are both great things, and reading can bring out both!

Reading gives you knowledge, inspiration, and entertainment. It exercises your brain in ways just watching videos cannot. I hope you will choose to make it a point to read more. And I'm with you!

BTW, Many of these suggestions can help accomplish other life improvements, too. Give it a try!

Lastly, when you aren't sure what to read, look for reviews!

I'm lucky to have lots of great writer friends that keep me reading with a long TBR list. I recently finished AND THEN YOU FALL by Heather M. Gardner, book 3 of the exciting Maguire's Corner romance series...

AND THEN YOU FALL, Maguire's Corner #3

Heather M. Gardner

Assistant Police Chief Bobby Maguire can handle any challenge. But between his stalker ex-girlfriend and a drug-dealing cult, it could prove too much for him. So it’s real bad timing when he gets propositioned by the intriguing new bartender.

Cassidy is excited to be the brew master of the new local bar in  Maguire’s Corner. Expecting nothing more than a momentary, albeit intoxicating fling with the infamous Bobby Maguire, she finds not only is her heart at risk, but her life as well.

When Bobby is accused of murder, a chain of events play out leaving him broken down, hollow, and raw, and the whole town is now in danger from the cult leader’s wrath. Will Bobby be able to save himself, help his family, and get the chance to prove to Cassidy he’s more than his reputation?

Here's my Review:

Another exciting, enticing love story blooms in Maguire’s Corner. This one stars the young, cassanova Bobby Maguire—handsome, heroic, and hard to catch. Until Cassidy comes to town. She’s opening a new brewery and everyone seems to know her except Bobby, but there is something about her, and there’s no denying the attraction.

Cassidy is excited to be returning to her hometown, as long as she can avoid the dark side of her past. And what a tempting surprise that her old crush has the hots for her. Not surprisingly, he’s still single. She’ll have to keep her emotions in check and be careful not to fall for him.

But fate always makes things difficult! And then you fall!

I wish you happy reading!

#WritersLife can be Lonely

Many writers and artists are introverts. It can be a lonely occupation. We sit alone with our thoughts, expressing them through written words and images. It takes a lot of courage for creatives to put their work out into the public for scrutiny and judgment.

But we must! We need to share our hard work - everyone needs validation and approval, despite some negative feedback which should help us improve and grow stronger, right?

Starting slowly, we send our precious works out into the world. First, we recruit betas and critique partners who are the best encouragers, giving insightful, constructive advice. When we feel confident (haha) to move on, we can hire an editor, or polish it as shiny as possible, and try querying, continuing to improve with each rejection--which will be many!

Once you are published, (and you will be published, but only if you keep at it!) that's when the really hard work starts. Marketing.

As a teacher, I consider myself more outgoing since I get up in front of very critical audiences on a daily basis! I'm not afraid to go to events and put myself out there. But as a writer, I'm a one woman show. I have to set my own writing goals and deadlines. I have to look for the events and try new things and leave my comfort zone. I have to make a commitment to myself to keep writing and figure out ways to market my books without annoying all my friends!

It can be very difficult to keep going with so many negatives to overcome. And it's all on us. The negatives are a direct reflection on our work, so it's hard not to take it personally or let it get us down!

And that's why I'm so thankful (again!) for the writing community. We all know how it is. I can't say enough how much I appreciate my awesome writer friends. They understand and won't let me give up!

If you'd like to join our weekly twitter chat where we discuss writerly things and life in general, we'd love to have you. Don't forget the hashtag!

Now this...
I had another great week during the TAKING BACK BEAST WORLD campaign! ONWARD is out there, and apparently it will make you cry. I don't like to cry at movies, especially animated features.

But like I said, it was a fantastic week! I had so many visitors at C. Lee McKenzie's & Alex Cavanaugh's blogs, I'm still getting around to visiting back! So here's a big

This week, I'll be talking about School Presentations at Sherry Ellis's place. She's also a great example of excellent MG writing and putting herself out there. Hope you can stop by!

Are you an introvert? Do you go to writerly events?

What advice do you have to encourage writers to get out there?

Happy Daylight Savings!

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a PoSiTiVeLY PeRKY week!