This is Not a New Year's Resolution

It's a goal.

I'm not actually setting any New Year's Resolutions this year. If I was then I'd be a bit late, given that it's February now. But what I am doing is setting a target to reach and then I have a point in my mind to reach where I can review and plan. 

Previously in the Life of a Romance Writer 

When I decided I wanted to try for a baby, I did everything that was within my power to work for it. I did whatever I could to get him. I lost weight, ate foods that had nutrients that increased my chances, I earned money and saved it to pay for treatment. Every penny that came from writing was saved for IVF. It wasn't always easy and it took many years, not just one, but I got my little man and he's beautiful, bright and stubborn. My little big man. 

What's Next?

Next, my goal is to get us a safe and comfortable home where the three of us can settle and live. Me, baby and dog. We want our own house. I don't care much if I own it or if it's a rental, but I want somewhere permanent for us, with our belongings and our furniture. That's my next mission. 

Throw Everything at It Again

There was nothing easy about IVF but I did love the time I put into it. The difference with this goal is that my priorities will be different. Or actually, they'll be the same. For IVF, my baby was my priority, and obviously, he still is, which means my time isn't my own. I might not be able to dedicate the same time to getting us a home, as I did to getting my baby. 

But whatever time I can scrape together needs to be for that, and any money I earn needs to be saved for that. No frivolous spending. 

The steps for getting our own home aren't quite as elaborate as going through IVF. Basically, there is just one. Money. It's the only real obstacle in my way. 

Time to Work

I'm going to have to be resourceful with my time, but I'm also going to have to gather energy from somewhere to shake off the tiredness from sleepless nights that are coming at the moment with having a one year old. But I'll do it. Because I want my baby and furbaby to be in our home as soon as possible. 

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Magic of Music

Right now, I'm lying in bed listening to music while I write, and I’ve gotten caught up in a whirlwind of songs I used to love but haven’t listened to in a long time. The thing is, that these songs are tied to past memories. Feelings, moments long gone. Even story ideas – some I recorded, others I’d forgotten.

According to the Washington Post, evidence suggests that music has such a powerful connection with our brain that listening to it can cause our brains to release dopamine, the pleasure/reward hormone, and it can reduce the impact of the stress hormone cortisol.

It’s also used as a way to reach people with dementia. Listening to a song that played at an important moment in their life, helps them find that memory. For me, it's a component of being a romance writer. 

Music Memory Evolution

There aren’t many people to whom music isn't important. My memories of it go all the way back to being 5 years old and dancing to my mum’s Diana Ross - Chain Reaction record.

I listened to her Carpenters cassette in bed and then discovered the music I love. Starting with The Backstreet Boys, taking a tour through Britney and Christina to Pink then onto Aerosmith and Queen, a detour to Michael Crawford and Michael Ball as I discovered musicals and then onto The Killers and Frank Turner.

The beauty of music is that there’s always more to discover. Classic and new. So many genres.

I’ll never forget my first time watching Wicked in the West End when Elphaba Sang Defying Gravity, I’ll never forget being at the front of the crowd to listen to Frank Turner at the Y Not Festival.

Music and Writing

Now, I use music to write. Different artists for different scenes that I’ve imagined and written. I can hear a particular song and it will take me to that specific piece of writing.

Whenever I get writer's block the fastest way to cure it is to put my earphones in and go for a walk, and that easily scenes will play out in my head.

Music and writing go hand in hand.

Music and Dreaming

It’s not only connected to memories and writing but to hopes and dreams too. There are songs that take me to places I want to go. Things I want to do. Music is so intrinsically weaved throughout our every day that it’s no surprise it has an almost magical connection with our brains.

The power of music is still being studied, along with its impact on mental and physical health, but for me, it’s tied to the imagination and to the past, present and future.

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Orange Blossom

 Sienna

Life had found a balance. For the first time in a long time she had a home, she was safe, and when she looked into her future, she saw happiness with a mate that she was obsessed with and who crazily, was just as obsessed with her.

She’d found her place in the shifter part of the town, and now she wanted to mix with the rest of the village. She wanted to open her chocolate shop again.

She’d had to close it when she’d run from an over-eager hunter, and by over-eager, she meant one who kidnapped her and stalked her. Now, though, it was time to get back to her dream career, and her hand-made chocolates.

A shop was her goal, but that would take time, and so for now she had a website, and she took online orders.

Customers built their own boxes of chocolates by choosing from the selection or they could order premade boxes.

The collection she was building now was twelve white chocolates with floral and citrus flavors.

The house she shared with Adam was currently filled with the aroma of orange blossom.

When the kitchen door swung open, she glanced up from where she was piping the orange blossom syrup into truffles, expecting to see Adam. Instead, it was his cousin Calum.

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “What are you doing here?”

“Nothing.” He perched on the chair at the kitchen counter. “What are you making?”

“You know what I’m making,” she said. “I told you I had an order to fill today.”

“Oh, was that today?” He gazed down at her array of chocolates. “Which ones are the overspill.”

She didn’t answer, but he knew and he helped himself, popping a violet crème into his mouth.

“None of it is overspill. I still make them up into boxes of chocolates.”

“And now I’m saving you a job.” His next choice was a limoncello truffle. “You’re welcome.”

“You’re costing me money, is what you’re doing.”

“It’s the price for me keeping you company.”

“Even though I was fine on my own and didn’t ask you to.”

Calum grinned. “Exactly.”

Sienna rolled her eyes. Since moving in with Adam, somehow Calum had become her bestie. He came around every day, whether it was just to hang out with her or for dinner, he was as comfortable in the home she and Adam shared as he was in his own.

And she liked having him around. Between Adam, Calum, and their brothers, the four men had ensured she found her place in their pack.

Calum stayed with her, drinking coffee and eating chocolate until he got called into work at the hotel.

 

Adam

 How did I get so lucky?

Adam leaned in the doorway and watched his female sealing up a box. He was proud of what she was doing, building up her business, even though she wasn’t taking him up on his offer to help, which infuriated him.

He could sell her chocolates in his hotel, but every time he suggested it, she always replied with, “Not yet.”

What was she waiting for?

He was especially happy watching her when she wore those shorts. She had the most perfect butt he’d ever seen, and her shorts showcased the pert ass that he loved to get his hands on.

Sienna coming into his life had blown his world wide open and in the best possible way. Everything was better with her. Everything was fun.

He stalked up behind her but judging by the way she leaned back slightly, she knew he was there.

“Hey there, Angel,” he said, wrapping his arms around her waist.

“Hi, mate.” She smiled and then turned around in his embrace so that she faced him. “You look especially sexy this afternoon.”

Only she would say that when he was tired, and dressed in a crumpled shirt with his tie loosened around his neck. It had been a long, boring day of meetings with financiers and accountants, talking numbers.

He was relieved to be home.

Sienna gripped the end of his tie and tugged him down for a kiss which was exactly what he wanted. Her lips on his and her flavor in his mouth.

She tasted like fragrant orange and chocolate.

He couldn’t resist her, and he couldn’t stop kissing her.

She was the one who stopped, but she didn’t move away, mumbling against his lips, “If we keep this up, we’ll be having kitchen sex.”

“We’re good at kitchen sex,” he rumbled his reply. They were damn good at it.

“We are.” She grinned. “But I have to finish packing up these chocolates. So, hold that thought.” She whispered a last flirty kiss over his lips. “Unless you want to start removing your clothes while I do this and then we’ll be good to go.”

Adam laughed. “Firebird, I love it when you talk dirty.”

Flattening her hands on his chest, she said, “Go sit at the table before you cause me all kinds of food hygiene problems.”

He did as she commanded but not before getting a good squeeze of her butt, and she ramped up the temptation when, once she’d packaged the chocolates, she brought her laptop to the kitchen table and bent over right next to him to print a label.

He waited until he heard the whirring of the printer in the other room before he dragged her into his lap.

“Hey,” She scolded, but she wrapped her arms around him at the same time.

“Angel, why don’t you let me sell some boxes of your chocolates in the hotel.”

“Not yet,” She replied, and his frustrated growl was more panther than man. She leaned back, her luscious lips parted in surprise. "What?”

“Why do you always say that. ‘Not yet.’ What are you waiting for?”

“I don’t want to rush things. I don’t want to take on more than I can handle. That’s why I’m starting slowly.”

“That makes no sense. If you find a supplier for your product then use it.”

“When I did this job before, none of the risks were mine, but I’m on my own this time. I need to move at a pace I can control.”

“You’re not on your own. You have me. Let me help you.”

Her voice was small when she said, “But what if they don’t sell.” Her doubts slayed him.

“Luxury handmade chocolates... They’ll sell. But even if they didn’t the financial loss wouldn’t be yours. We’d buy the product from you.”

“Great.” She rolled her eyes. “So, I would just cost your business money. Sign me up.”

“Is that sarcasm, Firebird?”

She gripped his tie and held on as she kissed him. “I’m not ready for that step yet. I need more time.”

He gave a short, sharp growl. “How about we make a deal? A compromise?”

Sienna narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “What kind of compromise?”

“The summer fete in the village. We have a booth there for the hotel and Krista plans to test new cocktails. You join her with chocolate samples and if they go down well, we supply them in the hotel.”

She played the end op his tie between her fingers and peered up from beneath her lashes. “Isn’t this cheating? Nepotism, or something like that?”

“Angel, this is business. Trust me.”

“You know I always do.”

He smirked. “Smart girl.” Brushing her braid off her shoulder, he said, “Now tell me you agree so we can get back to the subject of kitchen sex.”

She laughed in a way that his cat pricking its ears up. Both man and animal were entranced by her happiness.

“You’re going to get my business shut down before it gets started,” she said, but at the same time she shifted to straddle his thighs.

“You could probably convince me to move this to the living room for sofa sex.” He rose to his full height still holding onto her.

The sofa was his goal, but with the way Sienna nuzzled in at his throat, he knew it was too far away. In the end, they settled on hallway sex where he loved Sienna so well, she offered him anything he wanted. The only thing he wanted though was for her to be happy and vice versa. Which was how he got her to agree to sample her chocolates at the upcoming summer fete.  

The End

For more book extras visit my website or you can go to the Evernight Publishing website to read about Wings of Passion. 

 

 

Character Interview - Law - Part One

 

He walks in dressed in jeans, a grey t-shirt and black boots. He’s a handsome guy with sharp cheekbones, black hair and dark brown eyes. He has a scar on his jaw and another on his cheek, which gives him a rough sexiness.

I can’t help but notice that in one sweep, he takes in the room around him, which I’m guessing makes him an observant guy. It could be the shifter in him though that makes him that way.

Without a word, he takes a seat. He looks relaxed but alert. There’s an intensity to his spirit that makes me restless.

I clear my throat.

ME: Afternoon, Law. It’s good to see you.

He nods.

ME: This part of the interview is recording basic information, so even if you think I know the answer, please tell me anyway.

Another nod.

ME: What is your full name

He sighs.

LAW: Law

ME: Last name? Middle name?

Another sigh.

LAW: Law Harris

ME: How did your parents decide on your name?

LAW: I don’t have parents.

ME: How tall are you?

LAW: 6 ft 3

ME: What colour is your hair?

LAW: Can’t you just look?

I give him a stern look and he smirks.

LAW: Black.

ME: What colour are your eyes?

Law looks up as if he’s searching for patience.

LAW: Brown

ME: How much do you weigh?

(Bursts out) LAW: Fuck off, I don’t know. Been a while since my last weight watchers visit.

ME: Who raised you?

LAW: A god awful pack. I left them and went solo when I was fourteen. I do better on my own.

ME: Where do you live now?

LAW: Wherever

ME: Any medical problems?

LAW: If I say no, can I skip the rectal exam?

ME: Um… Yes. Any distinguishing marks?

LAW: (waves at his face) You see the scars. There are a few others, and I have a tattoo. You need to see it? (He’s definitely getting impatient.)

ME: Maybe just describe it.

LAW: Circles on my forearm.

ME: Any religion?

LAW: What do you think?

ME: What kind of car do you own.

LAW: BMW X3. Black.

ME: Do you have any pets?

LAW: No

ME: Are you married?

LAW: No

This seems like a natural stopping point for now. We’ll pick this back up later.

LAW: How about for good?

Before I can answer, he’s leaving.

Character Interview - Sophie - Part One

 

Sophie walks in at midday. She’s dressed in her work uniform. A grey and black trouser and t-shirt ensemble. Her blonde hair is in a ponytail with bangs that frame her face.

She has pale skin, with a pink English rose undertone. Her eyes are light blue, her chin a little pointed and her lips are pink. She smiles politely as she sits down across from me, her hands clasped in her lap.

She taps her black sneakered foot, waiting for me to start.

ME: I’m going to ask you some basic questions about yourself. I know some will be obvious but please answer anyway.

SOPHIE: Sure. No problem.

ME: Thank you. First question. What is your full name?

SOPHIE: Sophie Hannah Lawrence.

ME: How did your parents decide on your name?

SOPHIE: My father picked it because it was his sister’s name. She died as a young girl.

ME: How tall are you?

SOPHIE: 5 ft 5

ME: What colour is your hair?

SOPHIE: Blonde

ME: And your eyes?

SOPHIE: They’re blue. (She smiles) These are really easy. I expected harder questions.

ME: I’m forming your demographic info at the moment, but they shouldn’t ever get too complicated.

SOPHIE: That’s good. I was nervous.

ME: How much do you weigh?

SOPHIE: Oof, spoke too soon. (She wrinkles her nose but answers anyway) Um… like 10 stone or there abouts.

ME: Your birthday?

SOPHIE: (She shuffles on her seat) It’s in February.

ME: What’s your father’s name?

SOPHIE: Ross

ME: What’s your mother’s name?

SOPHIE: I don’t have one.

ME: What are your grandparents names?

SOPHIE: Beatrice and Edward. I never met them though.

ME: Do you have any siblings?

SOPHIE: (Shakes her head) No.

ME: Where were you born?

SOPHIE: I don’t know. I’m adopted. Nobody knows.

ME: Where do you live now?

SOPHIE: I have a small studio apartment. It’s tiny but (she shrugs) it’s fine.

ME: Do you have any medical problems?

SOHPIE: No

ME: Any distinguishing marks?

SOPHIE: I have a tattoo of birds on my side boob. (she smiles)

ME: Are you religious?

SOPHIE: No

ME: What kind of car do you drive?

SOPHIE: It’s a Peugeot 106. Blue

ME: Do you have any pets?

SOPHIE: No, but I want a guinea pig.

ME: Are you married?

SOPHIE: No.

ME: Thank you, Sophie. That’s the end of part one. I’ll see you for part two.

She sighs, smiles and stands.

SOPHIE: See you later.  

Self Care and Writing

Odds are, if you're a writer, then you probably go out to work too. Hell, even T.S. Eliot had a day job. Whether it's full-time or part-time, working while finding time to write isn't easy and it can be tiring to have all your time allocated. 

When you work and write, keeping up your energy and health is important to consider. So, what exactly is self-care and how do you do it? Read on to find out.

What is Self Care?

In a nutshell, it means taking care of yourself by doing things that strengthen your physical and mental well-being. It's a choice you make and it's different for everyone. Maybe for you it's reading a good book in the bath, or it could be sky-diving out of a plane. It might even be as simple as putting aside your work in progress to write a poem instead. It's whatever brings you joy and improves your mood.

Self care doesn't mean you have to go out seeking adventure. It doesn't mean you have to find a dark room and meditate. It doesn't have to be expensive. It doesn't have to be difficult. 

Why is Self Care Important?

When you're a writer, or artist, or anyone with a side-gig, it means your free time isn't really free. It's already taken up with whatever you're working on. When you have a spare minute, your mind automatically goes to plot-lines and characters. 

The need to be productive all the time can be exhausting, and it can lead to burn-out, depression and anxiety. The good news is that building a self-care routine has proven to reduce stress, while improving your concentration and your energy. 

Mental health is important and by taking care of yourself, you're tackling depression and anxiety. 

How to Care For Yourself

There are different aspects to consider - Physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being - and it doesn't have to be expensive. 

Some simple and cheap ways to look after yourself can include: Going to bed early, taking a walk, watching a movie or listening to music. You could eat your favourite meal. Drink more water. If you enjoy it then do it, and don't feel guilty about not spending every minute being productive, because self-care is productive.

Maybe what you need is to get out of the house and spend time with your friends. Go for some food, have a board game night. Meet your friends for cocktails. 

Do you enjoy puzzles? Do you like spending time with your pet? How about paint-by-numbers? Taking photographs? What do you enjoy, because spending time on whatever it is... that's going to save you from burning out. 

What Works For You

Find the thing that makes you happy. We live in a time where money is short and bills are steep. It's expensive just to live, and that means we work hard for every little thing we have. That means we're tired. 

I have a baby, a dog, a day job and a writing career to nurture, so my idea of self-care is eating Maoam JoyStixx while watching Modern Family in the middle of the night as my baby sleeps on me. It also includes naps on the sofa and walking my dog. 

What is it for you? If you don't know then you're not spending enough time on self-care. 

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What's Next? Setbacks and Perseverance

Wings of Passion has been on sale since May, published by Evernight Publishing, and I immediately started to work on a short shifter paranormal romance story while I plot the next book in the Pack Untamed series. I was motivated and had my goals all set out in front of me. But things don't always go as planned and some setbacks are of the best kind. 

Writing Interrupted 

My romance book was released in May, in June I happily found out I was pregnant, and it's been a battle with pregnancy nausea ever since. Even today, six months into the pregnancy I'm lying on the sofa, my computer propped up and I'm trying to get back into the writing routine, but the morning sickness that lasts all day might disappear for days on end before it swings back around. 

My pregnancy was planned and I'm absolutely thrilled so a delay in writing is a small price to pay for something so wonderful, but when it was at its worst writing, updating my website, and posting on social media wasn't even a thought. 

Now it's easing, I'm getting back on track, but I've got a lot of catching up to do, and I'm doing it in the midst of working the day job and organising the house for my little new addition. 

Plots and Schemes

I'm re-establishing goals that passed me by while I had my head in the toilet. I'm getting my notebooks out again. I'm learning about my characters. I'm structuring plots. I'm scheduling time. I'm prioritising. I'm writing again. 

What's Next?

Currently, I'm plotting the second book in the Pack Untamed series, but while I build Calum's story, I'm also writing a short shifter romance story to fill the gap between Wings of Passion and its next book. The short story is in the writing stage, whereas my Pack Untamed book is still in the planning stages. 

I'm just glad to be back to writing and finding my way through my stories. Stay tuned for more updates. 

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