Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish New Year is almost here, and that means it’s time for self-reflection. Thinking about who I am, what I’ve done right, and where I need improvement is one of my favorite parts of this holiday. I love that no matter what we’ve done, God gives us time to reflect and learn from our mistakes. As a person with many flaws, I love there is no end point, or perfect goal we are expected to attain, but rather there is a recognition that we are a work in progress. So while improving myself can seem daunting, just like anything else, I take it one step at a time and try each year to be better. In Judaism, life is full of second chances.

As I get ready for that inner reflection, I also have to prepare for the actual holiday, and that means food! Rosh Hashanah is always celebrated at my house, and this year we’ll have two big dinners. Friday night, the night before the holiday, we go to temple, but before that, we have to eat. My girls are coming home to celebrate with us—and one is bringing her boyfriend—so I have to cook a quick but delicious dinner. Saturday night, the actual day of the holiday, my parents will join all of us as well, so that will be a more leisurely, but hopefully just as delicious, dinner. So today, I’ll pull out my cookbooks and decide what to make while trying to keep everyone’s preferences in mind.

 

Rosh Hashanah is also when we eat round challah. The rest of the year, challah is a regular loaf, kind of a braided oblong. But for Rosh Hashanah, we make it round, to symbolize goodness without end. We also eat apples and honey for a sweet new year. Those two food items are the most important symbolic foods of this holiday.

 

In fact, it was the need to bring a challah to her family’s Rosh Hashanah dinner that led the heroine of my book, Home for the Challah Days, to enter the deli of her ex-boyfriend. His family-owned deli makes the best challah around, and Sarah’s holiday isn’t complete without it. They see each other...and nothing happens. Whoa. Well, something eventually does, but first, they both have to get past their own history and a whole lot of issues before they give their relationship a second chance. 

 

This book is my best-selling one ever. It’s funny, and sweet, and sexy, and handles serious issues, too. If you’re looking for a Jewish romance—or really any romance—I hope you’ll give it a chance. And if you’ve already read it, thank you! Please consider leaving a review on the retail site where you purchased it or on Goodreads.

 

I wish everyone a sweet New Year!

Release Day!

It’s Release Day!

I’m so excited that Home for the Challah Days, my very first book with Harlequin Special Edition, came out today. This book was a long time in the making, and I truly never thought it would get published. Through multiple agents and publishers and rewrites and queries, I always hoped that someday, somehow, Aaron and Sarah’s story would get published.

 

And today, it did! This book is more than just a Jewish romance, more than an enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance trope. It’s a woman’s journey from who she thinks she should be to who she was meant to be. It’s a man’s lesson that responsibility can be shared. It’s a humorous take on age and familial interference. And it’s a look at antisemitism and how community can triumph over evil.

 

I hope you’ll take a look at it, share it with friends, and spread the word. Because I just made one of my dreams come true.

 

Blurb:

Turning the bitterness of the past...

Into a sweet future! 

When big-city advocate Sarah Abrams returns home for the High Holy Days, she's got a lot on her mind--especially whether to marry her perfect-on-paper boyfriend. The last person she wants to encounter is Aaron Isaacson, her first love and the one who broke her heart. But after Aaron and Sarah join forces to fight an act of hate, it's clear that their deep connection never abated. If only they could forgive one another for the past...in time for a sweet new start! 

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah

Book 1: Home for the Challah Days

 

Buy Links:

Target: https://www.target.com/p/home-for-the-challah-days-holidays-heart-and-chutzpah-by-jennifer-wilck-paperback/-/A-88760720

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/bONd9K

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Challah-Holidays-Heart-Chutzpah-ebook/dp/B0BN6DFGB5

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/home-for-the-challah-days-jennifer-wilck/1142737912?ean=9781335594228

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/home-for-the-challah-days/id6444678845

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/unlock-my-heart

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jennifer_Wilck_Home_for_the_Challah_Days?id=N6WdEAAAQBAJ

 

Writing Retreat

I spent the past weekend at a writing retreat outside of Chicago sponsored by my literary agency. It was a chance to connect in person to other writers, learn about a couple of publishers and some marketing strategies, and most of all, write!

It was fabulous. I loved meeting Cathie and Jim and Caitlin and Sharon and Maren (and Josie). We had a great time talking and laughing and getting to know each other. We all write different genres, but we all have writing in common. There were a lot of laughs, good food, and of course, chocolate.

It's been a while since I attended any in-person writing events, and the energy I felt being there was phenomenal. We fed off each other, or at least I did. People inspired me—their writing, their lives, their funny stories. They made my world bigger and smaller in wonderful ways, and I can’t wait to do it again!

***

Remember that Christmas in July giveaway I’ve talked about? The contest is drawing to a close and it’s almost time to draw a winner. I would LOVE for you to be the grand prize winner, so you can treat yourself with something from your Amazon wish list! So, make sure you enter today!

And don’t forget about our “Book Club” where you can find cool new reads to enjoy while you’re lounging by the pool. You can find our Christmas in July (CASUAL!) Book Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/668935547905630

Enter the Giveaway Here:

https://kingsumo.com/g/65bm3z/christmas-in-july

Open to U.S. residents only. No purchase necessary. By entering, you agree to receive email offers from participating authors. Unsubscribe anytime.

This Giveaway is Sponsored by

Lori L. Robinett • Tierney James • Marla White • Jennifer Wilck • SK Andrews • Carol Henry • Randy Overbeck

 

Christmas (or Hanukkah) in July Giveaway

July 15 – 31, 2023

I really value you – I hope you know that – and that’s why I want to make sure you have a chance to win an awesome prize! I’ve joined forces with some other authors to offer a fun giveaway, with a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card. 

We’re also having fun over on Facebook. If you want to know more about the participating authors, make sure you join our Christmas in July (CASUAL!) Book Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/668935547905630

It’s super easy to enter the giveaway:

Enter the Giveaway Here

https://kingsumo.com/g/65bm3z/christmas-in-july

Open to U.S. residents only. No purchase necessary. By entering, you agree to receive email offers from participating authors. Unsubscribe anytime.

This Giveaway is Sponsored by

Lori L. Robinett • Tierney James • Marla White • Jennifer Wilck • SK Andrews • Carol Henry • Randy Overbeck

And here are a few offerings from specific authors:

Jennifer Wilck is an award-winning contemporary romance author for readers who are passionate about love, laughter, and happily ever after. Known for writing both Jewish and non-Jewish romances, her books feature damaged heroes, sassy and independent heroines, witty banter and hot chemistry. Jennifer’s ability to transport the reader into the scene, create characters the reader will fall in love with, and evoke a roller coaster of emotions, will hook you from the first page. You can find her books at all major online retailers in a variety of formats.

Benjamin Cohen, widowed father of six-year-old Jessie, is doing his best to hold it together through order and routine. The last thing he needs is his matchmaker mother to set him up with her next-door neighbor, no matter how attractive she is.

Marla White started her illustrious career as a storyteller at the age of four by drawing on the TV screen to help Winky Dink get out of mortal danger, earning her a firm spanking.  Deterred by the negative feedback, she studied to be a park ranger instead until she realized it was really a TV show about park rangers she liked, not the actual outdoors.  After working in television for years, she now teaches at UCLA and writes cozy mysteries as well as fantasies. 

 

 

Bloodstains and Candy Canes:

 

The swanky cookie exchange Dr. Mandy Brown reluctantly agreed to attend comes to a screeching halt after a body turns up on the kitchen floor. Tensions escalate as motives for murder come out of the pantry as fast as guests scarf down the pot-spiked brownies, making the hunt for the killer all the merrier.

 

“Bloodstains and Candy Canes” buy links:

 

BookBub

           Goodreads

           Amazon

           Books2Read

           Apple Books

           Barnes & Noble

 

 

Starlight Mint Surprise Murder Mystery:

Forced to retire from the LAPD because of an injury, Mel O’Rourke moves to a tiny mountain town to open a bed and breakfast. However, when a dead body turns up in her lobby and the local sheriff chalks it up to natural causes, she’s forced to investigate on her own before her new enterprise folds faster than you can post #B&Bofdeath.  

 

*The exciting sequel is set to come out in early 2024!

 

“Starlight” buy links

 

Amazon

Apple

Barnes & Noble

Books2Read

BookBub

Goodreads

 

Besides serving as a Solar System Ambassador for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, and attending Space Camp for Educators, Tierney James served as a Geo-teacher for National Geographic. Her love of travel and cultures took her on adventures throughout Africa, Asia and Europe. From the Great Wall of China to floating the Okavango Delta of Botswana, Tierney weaves her unique experiences into the adventures she loves to write. Living on a Native American reservation and in a mining town, fuels the characters in the Enigma and Dark Side series. She also helps beginning writers in their quest to become a published author through her workshops and classes. Family and gardening fill her life with plenty of laughter to share with others. Check her out on http://www.tierneyjames.com to get a little Lipstick & Danger.

Blurb: The Knight Before Chaos https://amzn.to/2lNoSQ0  (#6)

Captain Hunter believed watching Tessa Scott’s children for one night would be an easy assignment. What he hadn’t considered was how much they resembled miniature, domestic terrorists. The former Delta officer discovers, outmaneuvering the Taliban was child’s play compared to keeping three kids from falling victim to a group of not-so-smart burglars. But with their flare for the dramatic and enough plastic firepower to make Darth Vader tremble, the children help Chase make this Christmas one they’ll never forget. 

Washington, DC

With about a month until my Jewish romance from Harlequin Special Edition releases, I took a much-needed break and visited my oldest in DC. I loved getting away and spending time with her and her puppy. 

The visit was a packed with activities and food!

 

We brunched at Le Diplomat, a delicious French bistro. I recommend the Gruyere omelet. Dinner was at O-Ku—their sushi was amazing! And Sunday brunch was at Perry’s, for their Drag Queen Brunch! If you’ve never been, I highly recommend. It was fun and uplifting and funny, and I’d take those drag Queens over Moms for Liberty any day of the week!

 

In between our delicious meals—see, now you know why my books always include food—we visited the Capital Jewish Museum, located in the former Adas Israel Synagogue. The entire museum is fantastic. It’s approachable, informative, and fun. And if you’re going to be there in the near future, check out the Ruth Bader Ginsburg exhibit. It’s great!

 

We also visited the Hirshhorn Museum for my modern art fix! So much color and texture, not to mention the feminist exhibits were fantastic.

 

I think this weekend was a perfect representation of who I am as an author. I’m a foodie. I take great pleasure in trying new restaurants and eating delicious meals. Those meals invariably make it into my books, because eating together is a way to communicate and share and learn. I’m Jewish, and I love checking out Jewish roles in different cities. It gives me a feeling of connection to my past and my future. And art, well, it feeds my soul and allows my creativity to flow.

 

So, with all of that in mind, it’s back into the writing cave I go!

Character Interview: Amber Daulton's Shea O'Bannon

Hey there, we have something fun today on the blog. I interviewed Shea O'Bannon, the heroine of her latest book, Trevor's Redemption. First, a bit about the book:

Blurb

 

The danger and lies are more than she can handle.

Shea O’Bannon feels like a fifth wheel around her romantically paired-off friends, but there’s too much slime in the dating pool for her to bother with it. Then she sees her two-timing ex, Trevor Madero, serenading the mostly female crowd at a live-music bar. God knows trouble follows him around, but her desire for him rushes back in anyway. After he rescues her from a handsy drunk, temptation takes over.

Determined to prove he never stepped out on Shea, Trevor slides back into her life—and her heart—with forever in mind. Even with the wall he keeps up to protect her, his secret criminal life weighs heavy on his soul and drives a wedge between them.

When the truth comes out and his enemies target them both, they’ll have to fight for their love, or kiss it goodbye.

Now for the interview.

What’s your name, where are you from, what’s your occupation, and what’s your personal status (single, divorced, widowed, children, etc)?

Hi, everyone. I’m Shea O’Bannon. I was born and raised in southern Colorado, but I moved to Denver for college and never left. I work as a computer graphics designer for KIKA TV news station, and though I enjoy my job, a few of my sexist coworkers and the hotshot news anchors drive my nerves through the roof. I’m single—err, well, I used to be. My life has changed so much since Trevor walked into it.

What’s your goal in life?

Um—let’s skip this question. No? All right then. Well, I gotta think. My job is steady, I have a great group of friends, and I’m happy. For the most part. I mean, I suppose I’m on the lookout for the same elusive happily ever after that my friends have found. It would be great to fall in love, have a few kids, and live the dream. Lately, I keep wondering if Trevor is my knight in shining white armor, my own Mr. Darcy? (Sorry, Mom’s a Jane Austen fan, so it rubbed off!) But I don’t need that. Really. I’m good living alone and not answering to anyone but myself.

What obstacle is preventing you from achieving your goal and why?

I have trust issues. There, I admitted it. Guys have lied to me and used me before, so it’s hard for me to trust Trevor when he tells me he’s crazy about me, that he’ll always respect me and treat me right. 

Then there’s Trevor’s ex. Alyson is a manipulative piece of work, and she’s doing her damnedest to tear me and Trevor apart. I’m smarter than she thinks I am, though, so her ploy isn’t going to work.

Besides her, Trevor is mixed up with some dangerous people. Criminal types. He’s trapped with no way out, but if he’s truly the one for me, I won’t let him go without a fight.

Who’s your best friend and how would they describe you?

Chanel is the best! She’s the sister I never had and always wanted. She would probably describe me as shy, friendly, overly polite and courteous, and just plain ole good. Ugh. I’m not too sure how I feel about that. I want to be cool, fun, and a total badass who faces life head-on, but if I’m being entirely honest with myself, I’m a low-key, simple girl at heart.

Tell me something about your past—a funny story, a quirky habit, or something you’re trying to overcome.

Overcome? Right, where do I start? My father was in and out of my life, so I never got to know him well, and my mother was often sick when I was little. I grew up fast and learned how to depend on myself. While I don’t mind taking the backseat and letting others be in charge, I always weigh every option and do what I think is best. Most people see me as a follower, one of the herd, but I’m really not. I need to learn how to trust better, especially when it comes to men, but it’s hard when your boyfriend is lying about something and your estranged father shows back up. My life is a mess.

What’s your favorite color, music, food?

Hmm…favorite color is pale blue, fav music is anything I can dance to, and red wine rules! Okay, so wine isn’t a food, but it’s still delicious.

Have you been lucky or unlucky in love and why?

Unlucky, definitely. For the longest time, I had a major crush on Chanel’s older brother. Then I learned the hard way that he was a creep. I wasted years pining over him, and I’ll never, ever, let a man have that much power over me again.

What’s your favorite thing about your love interest in this story? Or, what do you hate about them?

What I love most about Trevor is how hard he tries to do the right thing, but the one thing that really lights my fuse is that he’s keeping secrets. He says it’s to protect me, but I call bull on that. Relationships are all about give and take, and right now, I’m going to take the truth even if it kills me. And according to Trevor, it just might.

Now that you've met Shea, it's time for an excerpt:

“Ow.” Damn the rock concert pounding in her head. Shea smacked her lips, her tongue thick and throat drier than the desert, and dug through her medicine drawer in the kitchen. Finally! She grabbed the crinkly packet, popped some ibuprofen, and chased it with the cool, sweet wash of apple juice. A chill coursed through her as shame heated her cheeks. What had she been thinking, getting drunk and propositioning Trevor, then crying in front of him? Of all the nights for some crazy, horny lady to take over her mind and body. He must think her a fool. Or a louse.

After she corked the half-empty bottle, she dumped the merlot from hers and Trevor’s glasses into the sink and turned on the creaky faucet. Aargh. Water struck the basin like nails hitting a tin roof. She massaged her throbbing temples as her pride swirled down the drain alongside the wine and water. How many glasses had she indulged in—one, two? What if she ran into him again? Could she act as though nothing happened?

She grabbed her phone from her purse and scrolled through her contacts. Even though she’d dumped Trevor, she kept his name and number. Might as well stamp loser on her forehead. No matter how she played it, she’d morphed into a bitch last night, and he still carried her to bed. She leaned against the counter and tapped the screen, her stomach twisting.

“Hello?”

Trevor’s deep timbre washed over her like the finest caress. She coughed to find her voice. “Hi. It’s Shea O’Bannon.”

Silence stretched through the line. He grunted as though clearing his throat. “Hey. I didn’t expect to hear from you. You doing all right?”

“Other than a hangover and being humiliated? Sure, I’m peachy.” She forced a laugh and pinched the bridge between her eyes. “I’m sorry for how I acted, and thank you for not taking me up on my offer. Had we slept together, I’d be even more embarrassed.”

“It’s okay. I’m no worse for the wear. We’ve all had bad days.”

She tightened her grip on the phone. Was he letting her off the hook?

“I gotta go. I’m at a worksite, and this doorway isn’t gonna frame itself.” He chuckled a little. “Want to meet for lunch? I always work half-days on Saturday, so I’m getting off at noonish.”

She bit her lip as the digital clock on the stove flicked to 11:33. Was lunch a good idea? “Okay. Where?” The words split her lips before she could stop them.

“How about Dayo’s Cantina in Westwood? It’s close to my apartment.”

“Fine with me. I’ll grab directions from the Internet.”

“Great. Let’s say one o’clock. I should go home and clean up first.”

“I’ll see you then. Bye.” She jabbed the screen, ending the call before she could stick her foot in her mouth. Her stomach gurgled in sudden hunger as her nausea faded. She rubbed her face, wiping off what had to be the stupidest smile ever, but her lips quirked up again.

What had she gotten herself into—a date? 

 

Interested? Here's where to find it:

Add to Goodreads – https://bit.ly/TrevorsRedemptionGoodreads

Check it out on BookBub – https://bit.ly/TrevorsRedemptionBookBub

 

PreOrder Today

 

Only 99 cents for a limited time!

 

Universal - https://books.amberdaulton.com/trevorsredemption

Amazon - https://amzn.to/3WKxXqg

Barnes and Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trevors-redemption-amber-daulton/1143581784?ean=2940160981512

iTunes - https://books.apple.com/us/book/trevors-redemption/id6449718746

Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/trevor-s-redemption

Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=AjbCEAAAQBAJ

 

About the Author

 

Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats. 

She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats. 

 

Social Media Link

 

Universal link – https://linktr.ee/AmberDaulton

Exclusive Newsletter (free ebook to new subscribers) – https://amberdaulton.com/newsletter-signup/

RomantiConn Recap

I’m back from my big reader event and oh my gosh, it was so much fun!

Last year, I made the decision to focus on readers. Seems like a “duh” moment, and maybe it was, but if my books are going to sell, I need to go where the readers are. I looked into large reader events and signed up for several of them. This was a big deal for me. These events are not cheap for authors, and therefore the need to see a return on my investment is key. But, you can’t make money without spending money.

 

This past Saturday was RomantiConn, a reader event hosted by Kitty Berry. She and her volunteers did a phenomenal job! There were more than 100 authors spread across at least four meeting rooms and hallways in the Trumbull Marriott Hotel. Readers began lining up at ten for an event that didn’t start until noon! 

 

In addition to authors signing their books, we gave away mystery books—a book wrapped in brown paper with clues on the front—a trope, heat level, or something that might draw the reader. They chose the book they wanted and then looked for our table so we could sign it for them. I gave away an older copy of A Heart of Little Faith, and I met the nicest woman when I signed it for her.

 

There were also five huge boxes filled with author swag—I donated mugs with my website banner filled with tea—that readers could win. Authors who donated had tickets and our tables were marked with a star. Readers had to do something for each of us in order to get a free ticket. I required readers to sign up for my newsletter. I’m not sure who won the boxes, but I’m pretty sure they needed help carrying them out to their cars—those boxes were filled!

 

I sold books—both to people who had preordered from me and to people who stopped by my table that day. I met lots of readers and had so much fun talking to them. I met a Barnes & Noble manager who wants me to sign at her store. I even talked up my Harlequin Special Edition upcoming release (I wasn’t allowed to sell that book there, but I had a flyer with a QR code so people could preorder directly from the retailers).

 

And I met or reconnected with some fabulous authors—Jodi Payne, Peggy Jaeger, LaQuette, Cheri Allan, Judy Kentrus, Clair Brett, Arell Rivers, Artemis Crow, DV Stone, to name a few. I’m sure I’m missing someone. It was great to see them in person, check out their tables, and just catch up with them or get hugs. 

 

My next in-person event will be Books, Books, Books in Pennsylvania in September. I can’t wait to meet more readers there!

Welcome, Kim Ligon

VOICES IN MY HEAD 

 

Thank you Jennifer for allowing me to opine a few moments on your blog. First, a little about me. My debut novel, “Polly’s List”, came out in August 2022. My second novel with The Wild Rose Press was published this week—“Landing On Her Feet.”

 

I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I got the idea for my latest book. With great frequency the voices in my head hijacked my hands. I used to be worried about hearing them, but I’ve seen other authors allude to the same thing. If I’m crazy, I’m not alone. When the voices are humming, I take on the role of the medium at a séance. We’re all around a table holding hands and I’m possessed by the character who has something they have to say. Then I move to my keyboard and I type whatever they tell me to. 

 

Sometimes it’s the pure drivel of a jealous character who thinks they haven’t had enough attention in the story so far. Usually, they’re simply being impatient. But often it is wonderful. Spot on. And it gets me over the latest snag in my story or introduces a new intriguing element to the unfolding plot. 

 

Some characters prefer to approach when my defenses are down. They appear in my dreams. In this book, the main evil character went through many iterations as “Danny Mercer”. He appeared one night demanding, “I want a new name. What is menacing about a Danny?” In the final draft he became Dirk Crowe and it must have suited him because he didn’t return to complain and believe me, he’s not the type to go quietly into the good night!

 

The biggest change in this novel came not from inside my head, but from the one on the pillow next to mine—my husband’s. He liked the story but thought the male good guy was entirely too wimpy. He took the time to help me strengthen Chase’s character and made the story better. For a long time, I’d dubbed the novel “Saving Chase.” I’m lucky my mate didn’t insist on co-authorship.

 

If you liked my debut novel, you’ll find some familiar friends in this story. It is not a sequel, but a standalone set in the same fictional small town of Lansdale, Wisconsin. It is a rated G suspenseful romance with a generous splash of faith. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. 

 

The voices are growing impatient to work on story three. Gotta go! Thanks again, Jennifer. Have a marvelous summer!

Blurb

Kat Russell narrowly escaped death at Dirk Crowe’s hands six years ago. He’s out of prison. To protect her family, she must flee Philadelphia—the only home she’s ever known—with her five-year-old son, Timmy. Is Wisconsin far enough away to escape evil? 

 

Chase Merrick, father of Timmy’s new best friend, wants to help. What is Kat hiding? Why does she insist she must face whatever it is alone? 

 

When Can Kat stop constantly looking back over her shoulder? Will secrets and shame stop her from accepting Chase’s protection? Or unite them in the face of danger to keep their sons safe? 

Excerpt

 

The unmistakable roar of a motorcycle echoed  through the diner. Kat stopped where she stood. Her  lungs wouldn’t refill. She gripped the counter to steady  her trembling legs. Out the front window she saw a red- helmeted rider atop a motorcycle pull out of a space in front of the diner and drive away.  

Impossible. Not here. He couldn’t know she’s gone. Not yet. Other people with red helmets ride motorcycles. Get a grip, girl! People are staring. Stop  scowling. She wiped away the tear that slipped down  her cheek, plastered on what she hoped was a pleasant  smile, and resumed pouring coffee. She needed to make a good impression. She had to keep this job.

Links

 

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Landing-Her-Feet-Janine-Ligon/dp/15092497337/

 

Barnes and Noble:

https://barnesandnoble.com/w/landing-on-her-feet-kim-janine-ligon/1143205488

 

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123737915-landing-on-her-feet/

 

Bookbub:

www.bookbub.com/books/landing-on-her-feet-by-kim-janine-ligon

Bio

Kim Ligon has been writing stories for most of her life—some on paper and some only in her head. She has lots of source material growing up as the oldest child in a large family in a small town in Wisconsin. Her father was a veterinarian so there were not only lots of children around, but all manner of house pets and farm animals too. Her love of reading comes from her mother who was seldom seen sitting down without a book in her hand. After a demanding career in healthcare information technology, she is now getting to do all the creative things she loves which includes writing her stories to share with you. She lives with her chief encourager and personal romantic hero, her husband of almost forever, in Alabama. Please follow her further adventures at www.spinningromance.com

 

My Books Arrived!

My box of paperbacks from Harlequin arrived this past weekend. Forty-five copies of my book, Home for the Challah Days, and I was more excited than I thought possible.

I’ve written romances before. And I’ve ordered copies of my books before. In fact, I have a whole bookcase filled with my copies that I take with me to bookstores, reader conferences, and festivals. So, you’d think receiving a box of books in the mail would be no big deal.

 

You’d be wrong. 

 

For one, the boxes I’ve received in the past have been ones I’ve ordered. For a discount, but ordered, nonetheless. This box of books was given to me by my publisher as per my contract, and although I’m not allowed to sell these copies (also per my contract), I can keep them, give them away, use them for swag, etc.

 

For another, the actual books are different, too, and no, I don’t mean because they have a different title. They’re smaller—mass-market paperback size (think the size you see in Walmart). The cover is matte. And they even have the inserts in the middle of the book that all/most Harlequins have—truth be told, those inserts annoy me as a reader, but as an author? It means the book is real (to me, at least)!

 

And finally, it means that it’s almost publication day. August 22 will be here before I know it, and my book will be out in the world. This book that I never thought would see the light of day after so many rejections will finally get into readers’ hands. 

 

So, my excitement is real and different from before. If you haven’t seen it, here it is: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorwilckjz/video/7250579556933963050?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7239728539854030379

It Pays to Answer Your Phone.

I got some good news this week, and the moral of the story is this: sometimes it does pay to answer those random phone calls.

 

If you’re like me, you never answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize. I’ve gotten too many telemarketers and scammers, so I’m always cautious about answering my phone with a number I don’t recognize. I also have phone security apps that weed out a lot of the spam calls.

 

So, on Sunday, when my phone rang from a number in Atlanta, and I knew I didn’t recognize it, I let it go to voicemail. And forgot about it, especially when my phone didn’t alert me to a voicemail. Later in the day, I was scrolling on my phone and noticed an alert on my voicemail screener. Usually, those calls are spam, but if I get an alert, I check it. 

 

The cool thing about that app is it transcribes the voice mail so I can get a hint at least about the type of voicemail it is. This time, the app couldn’t transcribe the message. I was positive that meant it was a scam. But I listened to it anyway.

 

Good thing I did, because it was from the contest chair for the Maggie Awards, a contest run by the Georgia Romance Writers. Although it only asked me to call them back, I knew it would be good news of some sort, since you never get calls that you LOST a contest.

 

I called back immediately, left a voicemail, and unblocked the strange Atlanta number that I’d blocked before. Oops. She called me right back and let me know I’m a finalist in the contest for my book Unlock My Heart. Winners will be announced at their conference in October. 

It's Real

It’s been a while since I last blogged. In fact, probably long enough that maybe there are three of you who still read my blog. Oh well, I’ll write for the four of us. Invite your friends if want.

I’ve been working on the third book in my Harlequin Special Edition series, and like most writers, I’m plagued by, “what if.” What if the book isn’t as good as the other two? What if my editor hates it? What if I can’t make my deadline? But to be honest, those what ifs aren’t going away. Ever. I’m pretty sure they’re just part of my writing process.

 

Even after returning from my lunch with my editor—the first time I felt like a real writer with a worthwhile profession—I still looked at my manuscript, gulped, and thought, “Oh, God.” And I think I’m going to feel that way for the foreseeable future.

 

When I first started writing, and there was nowhere to go but up, of course I was excited. I was inspired and had ideas pouring out of my head. I had the freedom to play with them, to do anything I wanted with them because no one was looking for them. Once I turned this into a business and had deadlines, and requirements, and readers, well, I have to admit, some of my inspiration disappeared. 

 

I’m still writing. I’m still coming up with new ideas, and I still love what I do. Really. Even more so now that I’ve been exposed to people—editors, support staff, marketing people—who depend on me for their business to run. They take me seriously. They’ve given me a necessary piece of support that no one else can, no matter how hard they try. And I’m forever grateful, especially since I didn’t know I was missing it. 

 

But it doesn’t make sitting down at my computer any easier. I know what I need to write. I know where I am and where I want to get to in my manuscript. It’s the process of actually going from point A to point B that’s giving me fits right now. But I’m not giving up. As I say all the time, writing is a muscle, and you need to use it every day if you want to keep it in shape. So I’m writing, getting to know my characters, discovering new things about them two thirds of the way through the book that I didn’t know about them in the beginning (and making notes to go back and fix that beginning when I’m finally finished.).

 

In the meantime, book one—Home for the Challah Days—comes out in two months. It’s actually up for preorder now if you’re interested. I’m ramping up my marketing again, both for that new book and for my backlist—you can see some book recommendations here that I’ve made that will hopefully entice you to buy some of my books. And I’m doing lots of in-person events, including RomantiConn in July, which you can see here.

Order of the Dragon Knights Series Anniversary Celebration and Sale by Mary Morgan

Hello Jennifer! Thank you for hosting me on your fabulous blog to celebrate my 10-year anniversary with The Wild Rose Press! What an epic adventure since I signed my first contract for Dragon Knight’s Sword (Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 1) all those years ago.  

 

Through the Looking Glass with my Writing Career 

 

When I signed my first contract in May 2013, little did I fathom the dedication, time, and energy involved with promoting and marketing my book. By the time Dragon Knight’s Sword entered the world in June 2014, I was almost finished writing the fourth story in a five-book series. My much wiser and knowledgeable author friends kept warning me of the dangers of letting the business side interfere with my creative writing. In recollection, I recall laughing. Yes, I laughed at these friends. I kept saying, “I’m eager and looking forward to marketing my book! I can do it without any assistants. Bring it on!” What a silly woman I was and should have paid a wee bit more attention to their kind words of wisdom.

 

I used my vast administrative background to become an efficient task-master. I set a rigorous schedule Monday - Saturday: 5:00am wake-up call, breakfast at the computer to work on all business matters, exercise regime between 9:00-10:00, lunch at noon, and back in my writing cave around 12:30-1:00pm to write until 5:00pm. Saturday was more flexible, but I was sitting in front of my computer screen around 1:00pm until after 5:00. If my day became interrupted by family or emergencies, I made up the writing loss later in the evening. And yes, I worked on those research travel trips, too. 

 

What about Sundays? Should I take this day off? Well maybe… On Sunday mornings, I’d print out what I had worked on during the week. I considered this a day of rest while I did line edits for a couple hours on the couch. My daughters laughed and scolded me. “This is not resting from work, Mom!”

 

My routine required a shake-up. When the pandemic hit, you would have thought I’d be in my glory with all this quiet time. Quite the opposite. My knight (aka the husband) required surgeries, and I struggled with what was happening in the world. I slowed down but still continued a slightly modified schedule. Eventually, I became burnt out and needed a break. Those wise words of wisdom from my friends came rushing back to me in late 2021 and 2022. In addition, I had several health issues which were a major signal for me to quit putting this pressure on my shoulders. I called it my “Stress Demon” and she had to leave! 

 

Looking back through this lovely rose-colored looking glass, I honestly can say I would not have done anything differently. Why? Because I’m a firm believer in learning lessons on my journey in life. Nothing is perfect. I’ve had a successful, illuminating career. Yet if I hadn’t pushed on through those early years, I might have gone in another direction or stopped writing. I continue to grow, learn, and now enjoy every single moment of my day. 

 

And if I want to take the day off or scale back on my word count, I no longer scold myself anymore.  Nope! A wiser Mary Morgan Author has emerged, and I’m eager to see how the next 10 years evolve. Psst, there’ll definitely be more Dragon Knights.   

 

Order of the Dragon Knights ~

 

They were an ancient order, descended from the great Tuatha Dé Danann, the Sidhe, or in simpler terms: the Fae. Half-human and half-fae, each knight blessed with mystical powers. Given to them were holy relics from the Fae and guardianship over their Dragons.

 

They were known as the Dragon Knights.

 

However, some believed the Order had too much power and they tried to possess it for themselves. They were evil and twisted, and their plan succeeded one fateful night. The brothers of the Clan MacKay—Dragon Knights, fought a battle. Blood spilled onto holy ground, bringing forth the wrath of the Fae. Their relics were taken, and the Order was banished—each name stricken from the hallowed halls of the Fae.

 

The Clan MacKay is no longer.

 

The Dragon Knights have scattered across the land.

 

Yet out of the darkness, they will each fight for redemption, and the women they love.

 

For a limited time, Dragon Knight’s Sword is on sale for 99¢ from Amazon. Grab your copy today or collect them all! 

Sale dates: 5.11.23 – 6.2.23

Available at AMAZON

 

(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F7QR2T3 )

 

Book Trailer for Dragon Knights: https://youtu.be/iEruV9P6PtU

 

About the Author: 

Multi award-winning romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

 

Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic and Norse mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

 

If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of fantasy, then travel back in time within the pages of her books.

 

Connect with Mary here ~

Website/Blog:  https://www.marymorganauthor.com/

Amazon Author:  http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

Pinterest:  www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan

Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Mary-Morgan/B00KPE3NWI

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-morgan-2634a77a/