WHAT’S HAPPENING

This year is more than half over and it’s been a busy one. Now, looking back on it, I should have started at a faster pace because I think I’m going to run out of days before I get everything completed on my list.

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In May I was in Milwaukee at the Romance Slam Jam Conference. I met a bunch of romance readers and it’s always fun listening to what the readers like and don’t like. Author, Renee Wynn and I presented a workshop entitled ‘Don’t Judge a Book By It’s Cover. We wanted to know what makes a reader pick up a book.

In July I traveled to Atlanta for the Romance Writer of America’s National Conference.  I learned so much stuff while I was there my head is still trying to absorb all the information.

Later this year I have two smaller book events on my calendar. The first one is the Baltimore Book Festival in Baltimore, Maryland and the second one is Black Authors & Readers Rock in Bowie, Maryland. I expect they’ll both be very enjoyable.

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I’ve been deep in the writing cave, working on some new material. Between now and December I’m planning to reveal some of my hard work. I want to bring you some fun stories. First out of the computer will be a dating series – Blind Date – Revised, A Single Date and Date Me. Girlfriends trying to navigate today’s dating scene and avoid all the hazards. For Phoebe, Yolanda and Cat , dating just got serious. Pretty soon I’ll be doing the book reveal so stay tuned.

 

TELLING THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

THE SWEET ROAD SERIES

As I work on the story of the last Conroy sister I realize how much I’ve enjoyed their lives. With each story I’ve gotten to know them better. I know their secrets and what drives them. I could be the fourth sister. It’s taken three stories to really understand how they make their decisions and why. Many of the decisions formed by Asa, Dakota and Melissa are based on bits of wisdom passed on to them from their parents and grandparents who are now deceased.  In that respect they are very much like the rest of us.

 

It’s amazing how each sister has made different choices even though they shared the same childhood. The closeness between these sisters tugs at my heart. They are open and honest with each other speak what’s on their minds but they still manage to come back together with love and caring for each other.

 

At some point in time I’m going to have to bring this series to an end, but the Conroy sisters will always have a corner of my heart. After Melissa’s story I might have one more story line for this series, but at some time I’m going to have to tuck them away. These ladies have occupied my head for so much time (years) I know I’m going to miss them.

 

THE SWEET ROAD TO LOVE

 

The second book in the Sweet Road series entitled The Sweet Road To Love is set to release on Saturday, May 18, 2013.  The story of Dakota and Bishop is one that you’ll remember. He’s a playboy, she’s skeptical, will they be able to overcome their past? If you haven’t caught up on the Conroy sisters, now is the time.  The Sweet Road Home, the first book in the series is available now at all e-book sellers.

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Please stay tuned, accompanying the launch of The Sweet Road To Love will be a contest with chances to win some nice prizes and other great giveaways.

HOW TO BUY A BOOK

There’s nothing surprising here to discover my life revolves around books. Whether it’s reading them or writing them, I love books. At any given time I have books on my night-stand, on the book shelf and in my Kindle just waiting for me to find the time to read them.  I’ve read all kinds of books, fantasy, paranormal, mystery, romance, thriller, contemporary and literary fiction to name a few. I’ve even read a few non-fictions and self-help books. I lend books, swap books and buy books. I think you get the picture.

 

With the popularity of on-line review sites, review blogs and review magazines there’s any number of ways to get my hands on just the kind of book that appeals to me. Instead, it has become more of a challenge.  Everyone seems to have an opinion now and is more than willing to share it with whoever might listen.

 

Is one bad review enough to shun a book? How about two? Does five stars mean I’ll stay up all night turning the pages on my latest purchase? Unfortunately, I’ve found out through probing and testing that there is no fail safe way to find books that I like. So I still revert to the old fashion way. I look for covers that appeal to me.  Then I check out the back cover blurb and see if the story seems interesting and if something there resonates with me. I must admit, sometimes my test fails and I end up throwing books on the do not resuscitate pile. I have a list of favorite authors that I buy books from without doing any of the above. Most of the time, I’m pretty happy with process

But it got me wondering, how many people buy books based on a review, or a recommendation. How many people check the New York Times Best Sellers list or wait to hear an endorsement from a television show or a book critic? How about a book awards, like the Pulitzer?  Do these steer you towards books you love?

What about you? I’d really would  like to know how you buy a book? What is your process for making that selection?

SIMPLY SUMMER

Summer is exactly 93 days long. That should be enough time for me to accomplish everything on my summer ‘to do’ list.

There are books I have to read. Like ‘Spring Fever’ by Mary Kay Andrews, and ‘The Next Best Thing’ by Jennifer Weiner, and ‘Time Off For Good Behavior’ by Lani Diane Rich and anything by Linwood Barclay.  These books are on my immediate list.  There are even more books waiting in the queue.

I have places that are calling my name, cool, blue waters, sandy beaches, lush national parks with giant trees and of course my easy chair is waiting on me to snuggle up and take a nap.

 

 

 

Summer is not complete until I’ve had some tasty food, like brownies from the Fat Witch, a good platter of Nachos and some delectable seafood. Oh let’s throw in some funnel cake for good measure. Yum!

 

I plan to laugh with friends, reminisce with family and enjoy every warm, sunny, humid day of summer, because before I know it, the leaves will wither and fall from the trees. Snow will pile up at my door and I’ll have to go find my mittens.

 

Summer is here, what do you have planned?