Writing Addictive Fiction
It’s time for a summer celebration. The glorious summer weather is here, and with it (at least in my corner of the world) the easing of COVID restrictions.
To celebrate, I’m having a summer sale.
For a limited time, I’ve discounted Continue Reading
Season’s Greetings from my home to yours
Are you getting your Santa on? Our tree is up and decorated, as is the wreath above the fireplace. The outdoor lights are strung and mostly turn on/off at the designated times; rain plays havoc with the timers and some days they need a little coaxing.
This year, more than ever, we need the cheerful lights. I love it when darkness falls, and the twinkling lights take over. We spark a fire, pour a glass of wine, and soak up the comforting Christmas glow.
The days leading up to Christmas will be quieter this year, but we’ll Zoom with far-flung family and enjoy their company long distance, along with fond reminiscences of Christmases past. For Christmas dinner, I’m preparing beef Wellington with a side of Rumpledethumps (mashed spuds with cabbage, onion, and cheese – SO good), and something green. Beans? Not sure yet.
We’re very lucky here on Denman Island to be able to source locally so much of what goes on our table. Corlan Vineyards produces award-winning wines. Fresh duck and chicken eggs are available all over the island. Neighbouring farms raise chickens, pork, beef, and lamb. Two Roads Farm grows a cornucopia of vegetables, and our general store carries pretty much everything else you might need.
Shopping local is more important than ever. The pandemic has hit artisans particularly hard with the lack of tourists and trade fairs. Many of their wares can be purchased at Abraxas Books and Gifts and the Denman Craft Shop. Each offers a wide selection of thoughtful gifts for everyone on your not-naughty list (and even some for the naughty crew).
Eggnog is a must, and I think I’ll dig out a puzzle and set it up on the card table. And we can’t forget Christmas carols. Following are some YouTube renditions I found for you. Enjoy the season, however you celebrate it. Stay safe and let’s hope 2021 kicks COVID to the curb.
XO
Jo-Anne
And if you’re looking for an escape this holiday season, the gift legacy is available in a boxed set at an exceptional price for a limited time. Season’s greetings.
Everybody wishes they could fly – until it happens.
Banner photo freestocks-org on unsplash
Yesterday I heard someone say “I was having internet connection issues,” is the new “I got stuck in traffic.” It’s the kind of line that gets a chuckle, unless it’s true. All the time.
Living on a small, ferry-dependent island has its advantages, but fast, dependable internet isn’t one of them.
Like everyone else out there, I’m doing a lot of Zooming these days. Board meetings and writers’ groups, webinars and on-line master classes. Even family gatherings. But unlike most of my fellow Zoomers, I’m rarely able to turn on the video and still hear the audio. Voices echo in a weird boomerang effect and faces freeze on the screen.
“Your internet connection is unstable” flashes on and off, reminding me that MY INTERNET CONNECTION IS UNSTABLE. As if the flickering feed wasn’t clue enough that we have internet connection issues. The final slap in the face is losing the connection altogether. The abrupt drop is like having the welcome mat yanked out from underfoot.
Urggg. The CRTC’s target for Internet speed is 50 Mbps download. On a good day, we’re lucky to get 20 Mbps.
Occasionally we get through a Netflix program without the little wheel of frustration spinning in the centre of the screen.
I know companies are working on solutions for rural customers, I just hope one of them finds a solution soon because I’m pretty sure this “online” thing isn’t going away.
All right. Rant over. I think I got that out of my system. And now I have a thrilling offer!
Dark Addictive Summer ThrillersA few times a year I rake through the author offerings on Bookfunnel and pick one I think you’ll enjoy. This time around it’s dark, addictive summer thrillers.
Take advantage of the deals and load your ereader for summer. But you’ll have to act fast because the offer ends tomorrow, June 30. Read about the books on offer with a click on the promo image, or click this link: https://books.bookfunnel.com/darkthrillers/6sg5ef4u8k.
I’ve downloaded a couple of the books already and may go back for another. If you find one you enjoy, please tell me about it. I’m always looking for a new book. Just drop it in the comments below.
And if nothing in the bundle interests you, why not give Secret Sky a try? Get your copy from Kindle with one click right here. And if kindle or ebooks aren’t your preference, click on the bookstore tab for other purchase options (or just click on the covers below).
Blurred Light Banner Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash
And now comes disquiet.
It’s an odd feeling putting a series to bed. The long build of excitement reaches a peak then fades leaving disquiet in its wake.
The excitement of the launch lifts you up: holding the physical copy of the final book, smelling the pages as if they were a new puppy, reading the early reviews, attending book signings, planning the big farewell party.
But after the final book’s release, disquiet sucks you under: bidding farewell to characters you know better than your family leaves you hollow, your next book’s characters are still strangers who can’t begin to fill the gap; not knowing if your readers will give a hoot about your next distant book provokes loneliness.
Thankfully, time doesn’t let you linger in either state for long. It ticks away, oblivious to the petty fears of mere writers, nudging you along on your way.
The $0.99 launch price for Lover Betrayed, a Gift Legacy Companion book, ends tomorrow. If you’re missing this book in the series, now’s your chance to get it for launch pricing. After tomorrow, it returns to its regular price of $5.99. You can read an excerpt here.
Every day, the disquiet lifts a bit. Yesterday, I broke 32K words in my new book. It’s about a young woman who was born with an unfortunate birthmark. The woman believes her birthmark is a disfiguring curse. She doesn’t know the real curse is that her birthmark is disappearing.
Next month, I’m excited to be participating in a new adventure with writers who may be new to you, but who are far from unknown. I’m teaming up with a dozen fabulous writers, many of them A-list best sellers, to bring you new books at terrific prices along with bonus prizes. I’ll provide details shortly.
As always, I’d love to hear your feedback. Just hit reply or contact me via the social media buttons.
Secret Sky is the book that started it all. Get your copy of Secret Sky from Kindle with one click right here. And if ebooks aren’t your preference, click on the bookstore tab for other purchase options, or just click on the covers below.
Secret Sky was formerly titled The Gift: Awakening
Hidden Enemy was formerly titled The Gift: Revelation
Burning Lies was formerly titled The Gift: Redemption
Lethal Waters was formerly titled The Gift: Penance
Lover Betrayed was formerly titled The Gift: Betrayal