As a writer, one would think I never shut up. Not so much. I'm actually very quiet. I struggle with a blog because I don't know that what I have to say is life-changing or really all that important. There are some very clever bloggers out there, but I'm not one of them. If I have a story to tell, it's usually in ten words or less OR in a book. 

Right now I'm trying to get my character out of the skies and onto land. Writing first person is hard for a lot of people and I totally get it. You have to be very specific and have zero assumptions. At least in third person, you can write the characters into the next room, scene, whatever. First person, you have to hold their hand and get them from point A to point B. Once my character gets to the airport, I will be writing up a storm. Right now I am trying to kill time with her up in the air. The flight from Philadephia to Ireland is quite long. So, now I am struggling with what to say. One of my good writer friends always tries to introduce an alien into my books. While the possibilities are endless with the addition of an alien, the romance kind of dies. I really like romance and building up the tension of my characters. Think back to the last relationship you had or the one you are in right now. Remember in the beginning how fantastic it was - the emotions, the butterflies, the amazing sex? That's my favorite thing to write about. Unfortunately, I have to write the before and after as well. That's when I struggle. Plot development isn't my strong point. Relationship struggles? Oh yeah, I'm totally there beside my characters feeling and recording their angst, emotions, etc. 

So, as a writer, I spend a lot of time being quiet. The voices inside my head are screaming and trying to get me focused, but it doesn't always work. So if you see me with a complete blank look on my face, know that on the inside I'm having a ton of conversations with all different characters and trying to get them where they need to be. 

First of all, Happy New Year! Secondly, I am sorry that I haven't posted anything since PTown. I took the app off of my phone to free up space for more pics of Molly, and completely forgot about my blog! 

2016 is going to be quite the year for me. Last year's hard work will pay off (hopefully!) with 3 releases this year. Whirlwind Romance is just around the corner - Feb 1, 2016 boldstrokesbooks.com release date and Feb 16, 2016 everywhere else. This is a quick, fun story about storm chasing, trust, and making a relationship work. The entire book isn't about chasing - only the first 1/2 is so it's not too overbearing. I've had 2 proofreaders reach out to me and tell me how much they enjoyed the story. I'm excited to see how it is received! If you do pick it up or download it, I would love, LOVE a review on Amazon, or if you have your own review website, a shout out would be great. When writers get constructive criticism, we do listen and make adjustments if necessary.

Just Say Yes is my first attempt at a novella and it's due out in July. I struggled with it because novellas are approximately 25K words whereas novels are approximately 70K. I have to make a believable story in a fraction of the time. 

My favorite book, Taste, will be out in October - just in time for PTown. I will beg Carsen Taite to put me on as many readings and panels that she can so that I can introduce as much of my work as I can. 

I am starting book #4 which takes place in Ireland and some in Texas. I'm still working on the details and hope to have a proposal to Sandy by February. I'm not sure what direction the story will go in, but I'm anxious to find out. I'm still molding the characters and they aren't 100% there yet in my mind, so I might actually have to create an outline. GASP! Well, a character one at least.

So, to sum it up, have a great year, wish me the same, and if you have time to read my books, please do. If you don't want to put yourself out there and leave a review, please just send me an email and let me know your thoughts. Cheers to a fantastic 2016!