Happy New Year!

As I reflect over the past year, the first thought that came to mind was how grateful I am for my wonderful fans and supporters. It's been a busy year with the releases of the first two Ackerman Security Series books, something I'm extremely proud of. 

It's been a fabulous whirl wind getting the books into the public eye, promoting them, and continuing on with the ideas that are running through my mind for future books. 

I'm reminded of the fact that without you, the fan, I wouldn't be where I am today and for that, I'd like to say, thank you. 

Also, to the amazing Torie James, who is not only a fellow author, but friend, I express my gratitude. Her help along this path has been incredible. The promo pics she randomly sends my way are always a welcome site in my inbox. She is an amazing author and I'm glad to have her in my life.

Next I'd like to recognize a person who holds a piece of my heart that will always belong to them.... My co-author on an up and coming series, Madam Riann Campbell. Not only is she a talented writer but also my "bestest" friend. She is an incredibly caring person who has been right by my side, supporting me through the process of writing, editing, and publishing my books. I look forward to the day when she and I can share with all of you our "baby" (the series we are working on). 

Then of course there is the outstanding group that make up my circle of friends. I love each and every one of them for their individuality, their support, and their friendship. 

And let's not forget my incredible son and his fiancee. Their support and love have been amazing, even through the miles that separate us. 

So, in closing, I'd like to remind you of this:
A new year is like a blank book. With pen in hand, it is your chance to write a beautiful story for yourself.

Let The Fun Begin!

It's my favorite time of year.

The final gifts have been purchased and now it's time to wrap, wrap, wrap!

Wrapping brings back found memories for me. I've been doing the task for as long as I can remember and it was my grandmother who shared the love of wrapping with me. I can remember her teaching me some creative touches to make each gift a special item for the recipient.

Over the years I added my own embellishments to the wrapping process. Some gifts were wrapped up in a manner that matched the theme of the gift. For example: If I gave someone a stack of movies, then the outer wrapping might be a 3-dimensional version of a "couch potato" complete with a TV set, couch, potato figure, and even the "throw rug". I even remember creating a three foot snowman one year as the wrapping for a snowman beverage server.

There are so many great and unique things you can do to your gift wrapping. Why not try to come up with something unusual this year for your packages? 

If you have something you'd like to share with us, feel free to post a pic of it either here in the comments or on my FB or Google+ pages. I'd love to see what you come up with.

~~~~~~

Don't miss your chance to win and autographed copy of

Theirs to Have, book 2 of the Ackerman Security series. 

Enter at Goodreads

~~~~~~

Katorah's Website

Twas Two Weeks Before Christmas - Ackerman Style

'Twas two weeks before Christmas and all through the Ackerman mansion every one was stirring, even Harm with his well hidden charm. The stockings were hung throughout the whole house because let's face it, there's a ton of people in the place. The 'grown' children were far from nestled as they scurried through the training center with visions of warm showers in their heads. And Mama in her Camo... Oh wait... No mamas yet, but in a few months, then we'll see. But I digress.....

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter that every armed guard spring into action to see what was the matter. Away to the window Fawn flew like a flash, tore open the curtain, and pressed her nose to the glass.

The sun on the snow gave a blinding glare but the little girl didn't care. As her vision focused she blinked to see Hannah, Spade, and Nick using their powers quick, quick, quick. There before her arose from the ground eight tiny reindeer that made not a sound.... Because they weren't real but they sure looked it. And right behind them were the sled with what had to be the likeness of St. Nick. Not her 'uncle' 'cause Aunt Hannah said he was definitely no saint but you get what I mean. As they places the figures secularly on the roof Fawn laughed hearing Spade shout from below, when he spotted her,
"Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen! On Comet! On Cupid! On Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the roof you all must go for Fawn to see from below!"

GIVEAWAY

I'm giving away two autographed copies of Theirs to Have on 

Goodreads.com 

Don't miss your chance to be one of the lucky recipients.

Contest ends December 31, 2014 

Shout out!

Today I'm dedicating this spot to one of my all time favorite people in the world... Ms. Torie James, author extraordinaire. If you haven't read her first two books of the New Camelot series, you need to do so now! Add them to your MUST READ list. 

She brings the old world characters into the modern times with a sense of humor that's sure to have you laughing. 

In an epic battle of good versus evil, one woman finds herself the focal point of a magical feud. Sabrina thought she knew who she was until a knight of long ago returns to steal her heart. 

If you could live forever, what would you choose to live for? I chose love...

A silent guardian, Alexander has walked the corridors of time in pursuit of an end to a haunting prophecy. Sabrina has lived a life surrounded by modern magic, unaware that the greatest and deadliest of powers reside within her own soul. If it only takes the light of love to ignite the stars, what of the decadent seduction of darkness? All roads don’t lead home and some myths only grow into legend. 

(From Amazon.com)

Trust hides the truth and spans eternity when one secret—born of treachery and upheld by honor—stands between a broken heart and shattered soul. 

If you could live forever, what would you choose to live for? I chose honor... 

Awakening to a new world, Gawain has high hopes that the last 500 years have cooled the fires of hatred burning in the heart of his wife, Nimue. Cruelly betrayed by the one person she put all her faith and trust in, Nimue hasn't forgotten the lone cowardly act of one of King Arthur's greatest knights. Together again and yet forever apart, can they heal the past when a new enemy rises to threaten the foundation of all they hold dear?

(From Amazon.com)

Follow along with Torie on:

FB or Google+

Giveaway!!

Don't miss out on your chance to win an autographed copy of 

Hers to Have 

Book one of the Ackerman Security series.

Follow the link for your chance to enter:

Goodreads - Giveaway

A Frown Among Smiles

Why is it that no matter how hard you try to smile some days, nothing will pop up but a frown? Do you ever have days like that?

I've always lived under the impression that all things happen for a reason. Well.... today I'm questioning that philosophy. Why you ask? Because yesterday I had the great honor to enjoy a totally relaxing afternoon downtown, with a friend, at one of the locally owned coffee shops. We chatted with a retired couple that sat across from us while soaking up the ambiance of the area. All of this was well and good, but on the way home my car decided to start flashing with the "check charging systems" light. Yay! I say to myself, because of course things have been going in the right direction lately so it was time for a bit of disaster to hit, right? Right. I'd been what? A whole week without something bad happening. Record breaking, I'd say. lol.

Anyway, it just so happens that the friend I was with has a connection to a mechanic. Woohoo! Always good to have one of those around. So, we get to where he can check things out and of course does the car give him any trouble or signs of a problem? NO! So I head home noticing that the further I drove the dimmer my lights were getting. I turned onto the road the house is on and the car just quit. No warning. Nothing. I coasted into the driveway and am now awaiting a visit from the mechanic. Thank goodness he's willing to come look at it on a Sunday since not only do I need a way to work tomorrow, but I'm blocking others in the driveway, as well. Granted I would have parked on the street had it not been for the fact there were no spots available for me to coast into at that time of the evening and I certainly didn't think I'd be able to turn around and come back while having no power. Not that I didn't want to channel my inner "author goddess" and write a whole different outcome to the situation. Wouldn't that be nice, if we could do such a thing.

So, as I said in the beginning, smiles are very hard to come by today and the idea that it all happens for a reason? Okay, so maybe Sir "A" (what we'll call our friendly mechanic) will have a single, good-looking, eligible friend along to help him out and said friend will be knocked over by my goddessness and fall at me feet in lurve. Bahahahahahaha I'm sure that'll happen since I'm in old sweats and no make-up today and lets not forget the glasses instead of contacts. But one can dream, right? Yep!

Time Flies

It amazes me how time flies by. Here I thought I had all kinds of time until the scheduled release date of Theirs to Have (book two of the Ackerman Security series) and yet, there are only four days left for me to get everything finalized. I guess that means I need to get my backside in gear and double check everything.

My edits are finished, I'm just waiting on my editor to give last minute changes, if any, need to be made. I'm crossing my fingers that we are good to go so I can get busy on book three. 

If you haven't read Hers to Have yet, I highly recommend you start with it and then move on to the second book. I admit that the third book in the series is not who I had planned to write about, but it is taking on a life of its own, so I couldn't argue with this particular character when they slapped me upside the head and said, "Hey! It's my turn." 

I had the distinct honor of being told I was nominated this week for the Author After Dark Awards in the category of author of the year (contemporary romance) for Hers to Have. Being nominated is an incredible feeling and I humbly thank the person responsible for the nomination and for working up this fabulous artwork for me...

Whispering Wednesday

(Whispering a tease to you from: Theirs to Have an Ackerman Security Novel book two)

Instantly his body reacted to the feel of her torso pressing against his. He cursed himself for such a reaction. This wasn’t the time for something like that. But all the same, his body didn’t agree with his brain because he was hard as a freakin’ rod of steel. Not to mention the fact that he was having trouble bounding up the stairs without groaning in pain from his cock being smashed by his zipper. Yeah, he’d probably have a permanent impression of the metal teeth along the length of his manhood. Sometimes he second guessed going commando and this was one of those times.

What does role-playing mean to you?

What does role-playing mean to you? 

In the circle of friends I have, it's a way to explore our love of writing with a variety of characters being able to interact with others of like idea. A way to reduce the stress from our every day lives and also meet some amazing people.

Now I realize that there is also the version of role-play that's associated with sexual fantasies and games, but that's not the subject of today's topic. We'll leave that for another day. *WEG*

So today I'd like to talk about the role-playing community. I have met some incredibly talented people along the way over the past 4.5 years that I've been participating in the fun filled activity. I've connected with people from around the world and had the opportunity to learn things about their culture that I would have never thought to explore via google search.

This genre, which to me is a hobby, opened up my creative side more than anything else has over the years which poured over into my inner author goddess giving me the nudge to publish my first book. Something I probably would have never had the guts to do if I wouldn't have started out in the RP world first.

I ask you this, is there anyone being harmed in the world of RPing? Definitely not physically. Mentally? That depends on what boundaries you've set up for your characters. If you've created a character that has a sarcastic sense of humor, then others need to realize that before they interact with you. If your character is something of the vampire variety, then those who write with you need to know you might bite (virtually, that is).

My point is this is something completely up to your own imagination and those with whom you interact. It's open for exploring any avenue or subject matter.

For those who are familiar with the world of RPing, you know that Facebook has been on a rampage to zap accounts. I understand their policies and procedures, but my question is, who are these role-players hurting? Feelings? Maybe. But most of all, if they would look closely I think their advertisers would realize that RPers make up a vast majority of FB accounts. What are they going to do when they lose all of those people?

So where to people who want to continue these RP scenarios go next? I've been scrolling through the sites today and have found none, so far, that resemble the abilities of FB. There used to be one called RPForever, or something like that. It was the original FB platform and did okay, but there was some inner management conflicts from what I understand, so it folded.

Is there a site out there that you play on? One that is open for you to create multiple characters while doing free-flowing interaction with other characters without having to worry about necessarily having the PG-13 rating on your content?

What are your thoughts? I'd love hear from you.

COVER REVEAL

I'm excited to reveal the cover for:
Theirs to HaveBook two of the Ackerman Security series. Planned release for the book is early October 2014.

Happy Labor Day

Although I'm spending the day working on Theirs to Have - Ackerman Security Series, book two - I'd like to take a moment to tell each of you Happy Labor Day. May your day be a fabulous one.





Follow me on FB: Katorah Kenway - Author

Productive Day

I just might have found my favorite spot to write from. Today, my writing partner for The Circle of Ten series, penned under the name of JQBeron, and I spent about five hours hanging out at Panera Bread having a working lunch. It was a stress free environment where we were able to snag a private corner to spend some quality, uninterrupted time writing. 

Personally, I drank entirely too much unsweetened tea, probably a gallon or more, during the time we were there, but it was fresh and it was good. My sandwich choice of the day was the turkey avocado BLT with a side of chips. Then later, I savored the flavors of a cinnamon raisin bagel paired with a caramel latte. All of which were delicious. 

The staff were all friendly and didn't try to rush us out, like some places I've been to. Overall it was a very productive day. We were able to revamp the prologue and get through two chapters of edits and almost finished with the third chapter, as well. 

While we have enough written to cover a plethora of books, narrowing the material down to the first book of the series is proving to be a challenge, but a fun one. At one point today we were laughing so hard at one particular line that had been written, we were worried management might ask us to leave. But they didn't and we were glad because we've decided this just might have to be our weekly "work" spot from here on out. 

And to those of you who are following along with the Ackerman Security series, I'm even closer to finishing book two, Theirs to Have. I was able to pop out three more chapters today. I'm dying to see how it all turns out with the new twist I added a few days ago. 

Tears

"Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears."

~~Edgar Allan Poe~~

There is no doubt I have a sensitive soul today because tears are free flowing for the silliest of things. Let me give you one example... I'm paying Bubble Witch Saga 2 and have been stuck on level 156 for more than two weeks. I finally beat the level tonight and it was like someone turned on the faucet in my tear ducts. Then I'm talking with a friend who is also my editor and we're discussing how much time she gets to spend with her husband and children. Here we go again.... faucet time. While I'm sure part of it is that it has been entirely too long since I've seen my own child (miles and miles of distance between us); I also suppose I can contribute part of it to the fact that I've always been overly emotional about things. 

I've learned over the years that an idle mind is not a good thing for me. Which is probably why I'm the person who runs ten browsers at once with multiple tabs going on the majority of them; plus working on the writing of two different book series, at the same time; reading a book; and playing games, too. Oh and let's not forget watching WWE also. It keeps my mind occupied, for the most part. But there are times even doing all of that when I am twiddling my thumbs. NEVER a good thing to happen in my life. 

Curiosity has me wondering what you do to keep your mind busy or keep the doom and gloom out away from your emotions? 

Cowboy Search

WANTED

I'm searching for the perfect cowboy picture and/or model. The second installment of the Ackerman Security series is nearing completion. However, I'm in need of a bit of inspiration. One of the main characters in the second book, which will be titled Theirs to Have, might live in the city, but he's never lost his cowboy upbringing.

Who is your favorite cowboy? Whether it's a particular model or just a good pic, share them with me. I'd love to know what you think. 

Website! Website! Website! Headache! Headache! Headache!

Katorah Kenway's Website

Let me start out by announcing that I now have a website dedicated to my author side. I'm excited about it, even if it's only in the early stages. 

Next, let's talk about website building and services. For years, and I mean years, I've been a fan of GoDaddy for my website needs until I started to create the site for the other pen name I use along with a fabulous co-author. We've been working on that one for several months now and just can't quite get it the way we want, which is becoming a nightmare to me. I've spent countless hours trying to adjust one photo that just won't do what I want it to do. My head splits open just thinking about it, sometimes.

So when I went in search of the site to use for building Katorah's webpage, I decided to step away from GoDaddy to see what was available. 

Now, I heard good things about Webstarts.com, so I thought I'd give it a try. LOVE IT! The ease of creating the page was incredible. It put GoDaddy to shame. I, however, opted for the free site builder, for now, and the editing phase is still just that easy. I will however, go or the monthly fee based one, at some point, which will remove the "webstarts" from my URL name, which is now katorahkenway.webstarts.com

I really don't have an issue with having the "webstarts" in my tagline, it's just a way for them to get some advertising and I'm getting a free website out of it. My issue with the monthly fee is that they don't want to collect it monthly, they want it yearly. While it's reasonable in price, when you're working on a limited budget (new author here) you need things billed out in monthly installments instead of lump sums. 

The advantage of paying for the extra service is that they give you a certain number of advertising credits and get your name out there in search engines. Right now, I'm depending on you, my friends/fans, to help spread the word via FB, chats, blogs, etc. In which I am eternally grateful to you for doing so. With that being said, if you have something you want to share with others, let me know. I'll be glad to help with that. 

So, if you have any website building stories you'd like to tell us about, feel free to share. I'd love to hear them and I'm sure others would to. If you have suggestions or tips, those are also welcome. 

Friday's Fearless Firemen

With the August heat upon us, I thought we could all use some HOT eye candy! 

So without further ado I present you with Friday's Fearless Firemen. 

GIVE ME COFFEE!!!

This is what happens when I drink an entire pot of coffee and then get twitchy fingers. Paint is becoming my favorite pass time when the coffee kicks in full force. And what do you know? I even accomplished writing another chapter in book two of the Ackerman Security series while reading over the first part of the series I'm working on with a super fantabulous co-author. WooHoo! Now I think it's time to run around the block a few times. (Falls over laughing.)

Eye Candy

Because sometimes you just have to have some eye candy to make it through the day!

A dirty job.......

Today was devoted to spending time researching for the second book in the Ackerman Security series. While I have the image in my mind of who or what most of the characters are going to look like, I'm struggling with the visualization of two of the characters. So, I spent the day searching and searching for male specimens to give me some example in my mind of how I want to describe them. I've seen male after male after male today and I must say I just might have to spend another day or twelve researching this topic. 

Here are just a few of the pics I've had to force myself to look at today.... Hey! It's a dirty job, but somebody had to do it.

Print Edition On The Way

I'm excited to announce the print edition Hers to Have will be released this week on Amazon.com. While I enjoy my Kindle as much as the next person, there is just something still to be said about holding a book in hand. I received the "proof" edition this past week and have to admit it felt dang good to hold not only the book, but my book, in my hand. There is no greater feeling than seeing your name in print (even a pseudonym).

Book two of the Ackerman Security series is already underway and about halfway finished, as of now. The characters are all "speaking" to me in their own way, so while I'm attempting to make each of them happy, I still have a path to follow in what happens in this part of the series.


For inside bits and pieces and a look into the lives of the characters follow along on my FB page at: Katorah Kenway - Author

eBook available on Amazon at: Hers to Have eBook

Amazing Friends

There are those moments in life when you stand by your car, as you're getting off work, and wonder.... Is it a margarita night or a coffee night. You've had a bad day. A really bad day. So you think, well, a good shot of tequila would be good. However, do you want to deal with the repercussions the next day? Hmmm.... Would it be worth it? Probably so. Then as you contemplate a few more minutes you glance at your text messages, because you've had no access to your phone for the last seven-plus hours (rules and regulations), and what do you see? A text from that amazing friend. The one that always knows you need a hug or a simple hello. Well, this friend tells me via text, that tonight's coffee treat (I prefer turtle latte, no whip, yes drizzle), is on her. It's paid for, just tell them at the drive-thru who you are. Of course since I frequent the place quite often and so does she, they know us, most of the time. Although, they do have a rapid turnover in employees, but it doesn't take them long to learn who we are.

Best part is, Scooter's is across the street from the building I'm working in this morning AND right on the way home. How perfect is that? Anyway, I go in to get my "free" coffee and the two girls working inside thought that was one of the sweetest things, that my friend had paid for my coffee. I must say, I have to agree. So, Riann, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not only for being my friend, but also for steering me towards the better choice tonight. I'm sure I would have regretted the margaritas with tequila shooters. 

Then of course, on the way home, I called my other "bestie", you know who you are, and vent to her. Once again, she is the voice of reason in my head. Funny thing is I often picture her as the little subconscious that sits on your shoulder offering you sound advice. Then again, I kind of see her as the one on the other shoulder encouraging you to "Go ahead! Give it a try". Either way, thanks for cooling my temper down before I went in the house tonight. While I was still someone fuming over things, it was a slow simmer instead of an all out boil.

For those of you who are wondering just what happened today.... In order to protect the innocent, I'll be keeping those details to myself. But I will say this.... imagine spending all your efforts into making things run smoothly. You think things are going just as planned and then "the boss" walks in and knock the wind out of your sails making you sink to the bottom of the ocean over something so minute that it wasn't even worth dealing with. But yet, while you're checking out the view from the depths of the ocean floor, you look up to see the light and swim towards it so you can surface to get air only you look down to discover you ankle has been tied to the remains of a ship wreck. "Typical," you say to yourself, as this is the normal for your life. Get things going in the direction you want and BAM! You're knocked right back down into the murky waters once again.

Well, all is not lost. Thanks to two wonderful friends (and a few alter-egos in my writing world) all in the RL life of Katorah K is slowly tilting back onto a balanced axis and is slowly starting to rise to the surface. Tomorrow is another day and regardless of what today brought, tomorrow will be met with a smile. At least if nothing else, people will wonder what I'm up to.   

And may I just add that my wonderful friend, Kalani just sent me a text after hearing about my day and her response was, "Don't worry about it. The "boss" probably didn't get laid last night and needed to take it out on someone." When I sent back to her that I was crackin' up from her response, she said, "My work here is done." Yes it is, Kalani. Thanks babe for giving me a good laugh tonight.

Who do you see?

So I'm in the middle of writing book two of the Ackerman Security series and got stuck researching for swimsuit descriptions. I had in my head exactly what I wanted the suits to look like and wondered if there were any out there like them. Finding Spade and Nick's suits were fairly easy. Board shorts, of course. But what I wanted for Hannah, a whole other story. I found the style I wanted, just in the wrong colors. And while I know that the pictures I found aren't going to be in the book, I like to have that visual sometimes to reference back to. 

Now, as I scrolled through page after page of pictures, it occurred to me that I have swirling around in my brain the perfect vision of what Spade and Nick look like, but I wondered what you, as the reader, thought. If you were randomly picking people that fit the description, who would you choose for them? 

Feel free to post your thoughts/pics below or better yet, add them to my FB "like" page. You'll find a variety of information there as you follow along with me as the adventures continue. While your at it, don't forget to "like" my author page on Amazon.com at: amazon.com/author/katorahkenway

Does the editing nightmare ever end?

Edit! Edit! Edit! At it again. Received the print version proof today for Hers to Have and needed to make some changes. One thing lead to another and boom! an edit frenzy. Mostly style issues and a couple of typos. With luck I'll have it all finished tonight. Back to the publishers tomorrow and then final proof within 24 hours. Then we'll be up and ready for the print edition.

Now my question is, why can't editing the eBook format be that simple? These same changes (the typos, like mistakenly using the word "lead" instead of "led", thank you Google docs for telling me it was wrong to begin with when I was pretty darn sure it was correct) need to be made on the eBook that has already been released on Amazon.com. Now, I submitted a format change the day the book came out, which I was informed could take up to four weeks before publishing. (See yesterday's blog for that "vent"), now I've caught the few typos and grammatical errors, which will drive me bonkers, and I have to think, is it worth the hassle of submitting the changes and waiting another four weeks? Yep. I'll probably do that. Of course it means going through the document again because as I mentioned yesterday, each format has a different document. Fun. Fun. 

Remind me again why I like writing so much? Oh yes, because it is in my brain whether I want it to be or not. The words just flow through my head as if the characters were sitting up there in their own little world babbling non stop until I put it down on the pages. Crazy? Aren't we all, just a wee bit? 

Editing Nightmares!

I don't have a lot of hair to begin with but after publishing my first book I have even less. To start with you send your manuscript countless times to numerous publishers, each of whom what it in a different format. My favorite was like the third publishing company I sent it to and they sent their response telling me they loved my story concept. It was something different from the norm, however they couldn't accept my book at this time because they had met their quota for the year (small publishing company) and also my formatting was incorrect. UGH! They were not the only one that commented about formatting. So being the OCD person I am, I pulled up the document I sent them, compared it line for line with THEIR guidelines and had a WTF moment. They were EXACTLY what was required. Frustrated did not begin to explain how I felt. Then I met a fabulous cover artist and she had a cover that screamed at me to "Pick me! Pick me". So I did and made the decision to self publish. So now we're headed into the eBook rules and when you get it ready for eBook format, you have a whole new ball of wax to deal with. 

Let's just talk about the eBook format for now. You start out with your guidelines for setting it up, say by Amazon, for example. You format your book for the millionth time and send it in. When you look at the preview, all looks good, right? Right. Then you "publish" and it's approved; goes live; you purchase your own book for you Kindle, because no, they do not offer a free download to the author/publisher. Okay. No problem. I can buy my own book. It's all good. Right? Wrong. 

I open it up on Kindle an do a little happy dance because the cover looks amazing! Then I "turn" the page and think, 'What the heck?' Turn again and your eyes bulge out. "OMG! OMG! This looks terrible," you say to yourself as you continue to scroll through the book. 

'Tighten everything up,' were the exact words of the outline guide I used. 'Don't use indents,' 'Don't space between paragraphs,' 'No page breaks' UGH! Remind me to never follow that advice again. The format needs to have some of those things.

So..... I spend another couple of hours re-editing the format to re-submit (advantage of self publishing, you can upload changes yourself). However, once Amazon approves the changes you'd think the new version would be ready for buyers, correct? Nope. It could take up to 4 weeks for them to contact anyone who purchased the book prior to the changes, so they can download the updated version. And new purchases seem to be still in the old format as well.

Now tell me how they can already approve the updates but not get them out there for the customers quicker than that when it took less than 24 hours to get the original version "live" for purchase? Oh! And I'm not finished yet. Apparently, they have to determine that the changes were significant enough to warrant notifying the customers about the update. They WERE significant I can assure you. When I was able to preview the newer version, I was amazed at the difference. The newer format is easier on the eye and everything doesn't seem to run together. 

My point of this is to say that I admire self publishers who paved the way for all of us that are learning the process now. I can't imagine what it was like before the electronic age because trust me on this, I was ready to throw my laptop out the door on multiple occasions and I think I need a hair transplant to replace all that I lost through the process.

The good news? Yes, there is some. At least my second book won't be such a nightmare. Or at least that's the attitude I'm going to have about it. And I will say this for Amazon, the overall process of getting your eBook published is fairly simple once you get the formatting down and as for the print version, step-by-step instructions as you go. I'm just waiting on the final approval from them, then I'll order the proof copy. Once I approve that, it'll be ready for consumers to order. I must admit I'm anxious to see it in print form. While eBook is fabulous, I still love seeing and holding a book in my hands. 

On another note, thank you Riann for putting up with my rants, raves, frustration, and constant huffs and sighs I've delivered over the past couple of days. Your support is always a welcome gift that I will never take advantage of. 

INTRODUCING: Hers to Have

It's official! Book one has been released!

Having the keyboard attached to my fingers for months now, I've finally completed book one of the Ackerman Security series I've been working on. I'm excited to announce it's release in eBook is official as of today. 

I can't begin to list all of the people who have had a part in supporting me through the creation of this book, as there are too many to name. But I will highlight a few of them (changing their names to protect the innocent haha). 

To the group of friends I met through our "book" club, I thank you first and foremost for sticking by me through the whirlwind that has been my life over the past several years. Through these people I've learned a lot about the different cultures of the world and have enjoyed every new bit of knowledge I learn. And the bits of Romanian I've learned have been incredible. Gotta love learning bits and pieces of a new language. Yes, Angel, I still have my notebook full of "cheats" for the phrases you taught me. For my Aussie friends, thanks for being there during the middle of the night (my time) to always be willing to lend an ear when I needed someone to talk to.

Now let's zero in on the US friends... Wow! I'm not even sure where to begin. Let's start with the one that is closest too me both in heart and geographical location, Riann. My co-author for another series we are working on, my writing partner in the RP world, my friend, you know I could have never made it to this point without you. There are no words to describe how amazingly special you and your family are to me. You have brought so much joy into my life in so many ways there is never any way I can repay you for that. Although, I'm still working on winning the lottery so we can retire on an island somewhere with our friends and a slew of Cabana Men, not boys. We deserve real men in our lives. 

Next let's head down to the furthest corner of the Continental states, Kalani, you're incredible. Thank you for your support in every step of the way through this project including your tireless hours of editing and re-reads. You're an incredible friend and I thank you. I'm so glad to have you as a friend, writing partner, and "mate" twice over. hahahaha (It's an RP thing, peeps.)

Bringing ourselves back up a couple of states, to Melody, a person whom I've gotten to know even better through this project, I thank you for being a sounding board when I needed someone to bounce ideas off of, your editing and critiquing, and most of all for being there for that one person that is special to both of us.

Circling around in that same area, let's make a stop by and wave at the ICU where one of two of my special nurse friends are located. Thanks for the inspiration that brought book two of this series into my brain before the first book was even halfway finished. 

While we're visiting the nurses in my life, let's give a salute to the Surgical Nurse that's been a writing partner to me in the RP world for the past couple of years. Thanks for going along with some of my crazier ideas as we've gone through the journey of role play writing. 

Now let's circle back around to Indy.... To the person who always keeps me smiling no matter what's going on, I want to thank you for all the antics the wolf pup has the habit of getting into. You're wonderful. Love you.

And of course I could never forget the person who influenced my life's goals from the time I was in the fifth grade. You know who you are, so I don't have to reveal your name, but thank you for keeping me from giving up on life way back then and multiple times since. I can never thank you enough for introducing me to the world of books. Your love of them rubbed off on me thanks to your inspiration and I'm forever grateful for that.

And to my child, my heart, I love you. Thank you for supporting me in this project even if you don't agree to the content. Our conversations about the subject matter might have been heated a few times but it did nothing but make me love you even more to see you have the backbone that I sometimes failed to have while raising you. I've found my way back into the life of the living and I know you will do great things with your life. It just takes one step at a time and I'll always, always be there for you, even if it's from a distance. 

Thank you again to each and every one of you for your constant support. I hope you enjoy Hers to Have, book one of the Ackerman Security series. Happy reading!

Life sometimes doesn't happen the way you envision it. One tragic event can change your life, how you decide to handle it is your choice. Hannah's life was turned upside down at a young age but she made the bold decision to take control of her destiny not expecting she would uncover a family secret and find the loves of her life.

Brothers of the heart, Spade and Nick have been best friends since childhood. Having hidden talents between them, they became the most sought after two-man team for special ops until they grew tired of the dark side of their jobs. "Retiring" from their positions, they jumped at the opportunity to help the development of a new private security firm. In their personal lives they’d resigned themselves to the fact that never would they find a woman that was right for them; having known all their lives that they could only love one woman between them; then in walked Hannah Ackerman and Fate intervened.

This book is intended for mature audiences. You can find Hers to Have for Kindle eBook at Amazon.com. Print version coming soon. 

Author Spotlight

Today I'd like to share with you one of my favorite authors. Not only are her books well written, but she is a wonderful person. Her Wilde Security and HORNET series are intertwined so I recommend reading them in the following order:

          1. SEAL of Honor (HORNET #1)

          2. Wilde Nights in Paradise (Wilde Security #1)

          3. Wilde for Her (Wilde Security #3)

          4. Honor Reclaimed (HORNET #2)

I admit that Honor Reclaimed is my favorite of the series, so far. The characters will capture your heart. While there is a seriousness to the book, Burrows injects humor into the dialogue in just the right places. Her characters have the perfect HAWTness factor, even if their bodies have scars, you're able to overlook the exterior and see right into the heart of them.

You can find more information about Tonya at: tonyaburrows.com

Happy Mother's Day

To all the moms in the world,

I hope you have a remarkable Mother's Day!

Love Of Writing

I think Gloria Steinem best summed it up when she said, "Writing is the only thing I do that, when I do it, I don't feel like I should be doing something else".

How true that quote is. At least for me. When I sit down at the computer to write, it's like everything else in the world disappears from existence. Even though I am a multi-tasker and can write more than one thing at a time, along with watching TV, and reading a book or two all at the same time, there is just something about placing your fingers on the keyboard and tapping out your thoughts through the written word. 

I've been sitting here today, editing two books at once, and reflecting on what brought me to this point in my life. Or rather what gave me my love for books. It dawned on me that there was this teacher I had in the fifth grade who came to mind. Actually, two teachers influenced me that year. 

The first was what they called my homeroom teacher, who also taught our English class. We had the advantage of having different teachers for the various subjects even in elementary school. Anyway, during our English class one day, this teacher assigned us a writing project. We had to explain how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to someone who had never made one before. Easy, right? Not even on your life. We wrote the papers in one day, then the next she brought in the ingredients and followed our directions to the letter. We laughed our selves into a stupor because some of the concoctions that were created via the instructions were horrible. There were only about three of us, if memory serves me right, who were close or right on target in describing the proper steps for making the sandwich. Luckily, I was among those three. It was a lesson that has stuck with me to this day. One that I try to instill in children when I encourage them to embrace their creative sides.

The second teacher, who I didn't actually have that year, but she was looking out for me all the same, gave me a Beverly Cleary book, Beezus and Ramona to read for a book report we had to do. While it's been way too many years to count since I've ready any of Cleary's titles, I can remember opening that first book of hers that I had ever read and being entranced by it. I didn't put it down until I was finished and couldn't wait to get my hands on the next one. Which started a trend for me. It opened up to me the worlds of Shakespeare, Hemingway, Dickens, Eyre, and many more.

As the years went on, I found a love of many different genres and tried to encourage my own child to read, which didn't always work, but you do what you can. Now, these days, I'm proactive in promoting reading and writing to today's youth. I look at it as trying to pass along a passion that I have thanks to two amazing teachers. One of whom I remain friends with today. She has encouraged me over the years to embrace my love of writing and do something with it. Which I have been over the past couple of years.

Through my love of books I have met some amazing friends over the past several years, via internet, and I must say, I am honored to call them "friends". These women and men who have a shared interest in books and writing have given amazing encouragement to myself and my co-author of a particular series we're working on at the current time. Which by the way, I met my co-author through a book group online and I thank God every day for connecting us together. This woman is an amazing writing partner and friend. I can't wait until we can share book one of our series with everyone. I myself think it's going to be a great read. 

So, to the two teachers in my past, thank you for the life lessons and introducing me to the publishing world.

To the teacher who remains in my life, thank you for giving me the first book that peeked my interest in reading, the ability to still be able to discuss books with you, being a true friend over all these years, and for always being there when I need an ear to listen. 

To my co-author, thank you for agreeing to take me on as a writing partner, for your constant ability to keep me grounded and centered, for always being there when I need you, and for being the best friend anyone could have. 

To the amazing people that I RP with, thank you for writing with me and putting up with some of my crazier ideas. I love each of you for different reasons and love writing with you every time we get the opportunity.

To the authors of the world, thank you for sharing your works with those of us who love to read and giving inspiration to future writers.

To all of my friends, thank you for being a sounding board when I need it, for giving me your honest opinions when I ask, and most of all for your friendship. 

To the ladies who agreed to review and edit the book I've written on my own, thank you for reading my work, your input, your honesty, and letting me vent out ideas with you.

Tactical Thursday

For all my friends who love a man in uniform, I'm sharing a man "half" in uniform because frankly in this case, half is way better than all the way. Although I think NO uniform might be mouthwateringly delicious on this specimen. 

Who else thinks a man in uniform or even in BDUs is just about the sexiest look around? 

Ah, the power of Google images. It's amazing what we can find, including inspiration for our writing techniques. I know there are images that just leap out at me and make the author inside purr with excitement as an idea pops into my brain. 

HAPPY EASTER!

Color Me Impressed!

I was brought to the reality today that just when you think kids have all gone a wee bit crazy and forgotten what manners and/or rules are, they can truly surprise you.

I had a group of children out on the playground this afternoon and one of the rules is that if they get out a piece of equipment they must put it back before moving on to something else. Two of the students were playing with the bug collecting kit and both decided to change up and play croquet instead. When they ran over to play the new activity, I politely reminded them that they needed to put the bug collecting equipment away first. These boys, who are first and second graders, worked together to get the job done and then turned to each other to do "rock, paper, scissors" to decide who had to walk the box down to the equipment cart.

It was so impressive to see them not only work together but to use a fair way to make a decision. For the first time in a long time I watched in awe as the two children solved a problem without a negative word being uttered. 

In that instance I made sure to praise them for their good choices, which makes me wonder, do you ever take time to tell a child or even an adult when they do something right instead of always pointing out the wrong doings? Something to think about.

Wonderful Debut Book

I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce a new author that I've found. Her debut book was released by Amazon (for Kindle) on March 22, 2014. If you get a chance to read this, I recommend it.


While I normally don't care for a book written in first person, I found this book worth reading. I loved the internal struggle Kole was going through but most of all I was in awe of the male character, Santiago. Without giving too many spoilers away, the way he stayed strong and more or less forced Kole to "trust" him, was heart wrenching. I think my favorite part in the book was when Santiago had Kole choose a target for him to hit with a tennis ball and if he hit it, which of course was never in doubt that he would, she had to answer his question. Great motivator!

My only "negative" bit is, the editor of the book should have caught the fact that it's "pursed" lips not "pierced" when referring to gather or contract (the lips or brow) into wrinkles or folds; pucker.

I wish Jamie a long and happy future in the writing world.

Learn more about the author:
Follow at: https://twitter.com/JamieWMatlock
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiewmatlock?ref=hl
Blog: http://jamiewmatlock.tumblr.com/

Spring! Spring! Wherefore Art Thou?

According to my calendar Spring has arrived, yet when you step outside it's currently 34-degrees and raining out with wind gusts up to 30 mph. Really? If this is the definition of Spring I demand Webster's correct their dictionaries.

What about you? Are you tired of Mr. Frost knocking on your door?

My favorite seasons are Spring and Fall and I must say that I am more than ready for Spring to spring into action this year.

Has anyone else noticed that the longer the cold seems to stick with us, the nastier people's attitudes grow? Maybe that's not the correct words to describe it. How about the more depressed people seem to be? Yeah, that's a better description.

I'm so ready for happy, smiling faces to greet me instead of frowns and groans. And I don't just mean from adults. Kids seem to be experiencing the same types of symptoms. On that note, suddenly I have a song stuck in my head..... (Yes, this is probably "dating" myself by having this particular song in my head, but hey, oh well, at least it's not Mr. Roger's Neighborhood theme song.) Come On Get Happy! Who else still thinks Keith Partridge was just the cutest? Personally, I always thought his RL brother was cuter than him.... Shaun Cassidy.... YUMMO! Now there's a smile! So now I'm suddenly thinking about trying to find The Partridge Family and The Hardy Boys on DVD. The question is, as an adult will we find these fellas still as H.O.T. as we did when we were kids? Because honesty as adults, these two brothers are not so H.O.T. anymore. But then again, I guess you could say the same thing about me. I definitely don't have the teenage body anymore but even for a middle aged woman I think I can be downright sexy when I wanna be. Then again that might just be in that fantasy world I live in. :P

Back to the subject of Spring.... Are you ready for the flowers to bloom? The birds to sing? Okay, I could agree with the flowers blooming because I absolutely love flowers. Speaking of flowers, do you like to receive flowers from friends, loved ones, significant others? In the past I was always told (by the ex-significant other) that giving flowers was a waste of time and money because they were only going to die. Even though I often said I agreed with that philosophy, I honestly didn't. I think getting flowers from someone, even if it's just because they're thinking of you, is one of the nicest things. They don't have to be some expensive bouquet or arrangement. They could be something as simple as a wild flower picked from the side of the road. It's the thought that counts, not the amount of money put into them. Although one can never go wrong with roses. haha. As for the birds singing? Yeah, I love to hear them. It let's you know the warmer seasons are upon us. However, I can do without the not-so-lovely items they leave behind on my car when I have to park near the trees at work.

So in closing I say even if the weather won't cooperate with us by popping into Spring mode, let's get out there and sing a song, do a little dance, smile a wide smile, and spread the joy of Spring.