Remember the year I forgot to get my husband a chocolate bunny and he was devastated? Which was like three years ago, so go me for remembering. Sort of. As Meatloaf said, “Two outta three ain’t bad.” So, anyway, I really stepped up my Easter game this year. Got to make a basket for my granddaughter (which I filled with books because Nana Lori is going to make a reader out of that girl). And my daughters got things they were dying for but had no idea they were getting. It was great. Part of the reason I indulged so much is because my husband helpedRead More →

I had this in-depth post planned for this month, but January has not been great for the family. We lost my grandmother on January 4 following a long battle with dementia, my mom has been in the hospital off and on (mostly on, as she is now) since before Christmas, and my oldest daughter (the pregnant one) is in the hospital with pre-eclampsia. It’s not all bad news. We think the doctors have found the issue with my mom and surgery should correct it. All her tests for bugs and cancer, the scary stuff, have come back clear. And if my oldest can stand theRead More →

Writers are readers first, so I’m always looking for awesome gifts (for myself). This year, I thought I’d share some of my finds with you. Click on the thumbnails to see a full-size picture; click the title to go buy these items. Alice in Wonderland Book Scarf Who doesn’t love Alice’s story? It’s a wacky, weird, metaphor-laced journey of self-discovery for us all. For me, it says, “Embrace your own brand of crazy.” I love that. Sherlock Holmes mini-book earrings I can’t even say how much I love these earrings. You must click the link to see them in full-size glory. Sherlock is hot (thank you,Read More →

“Believable, charismatic and entertaining!”

“The pages just sizzled with smoldering desire between Justine and Sawyer.”

“If you are looking for a book that will engage you from beginning to end, then I recommend this book to you!”Read More →

I will, however, share a few charities dear to my heart. In West Virginia, where I live, drugs are an epidemic. That leaves many children unfed and without Christmas presents (among other more terrible things). The Family Resource Network not only tirelessly works to meet every need, there’s a toy drive you can donate to. They often have to take used toys just to come close to having enough. Your donation would mean a lot.Read More →

Each newsletter will highlight four different authors. You’ll find new excerpts, books on sale, book boyfriends (<3), and author spotlights. Each newsletter will also feature contests (plural) that you’ll automatically be entered to win by virtue of just being a subscriber.Read More →

Settle in for a little story. As usual with me, there’s some drama and a little bit of humor. You guys remember when I told you I’d become sick earlier this year, so sick I almost died? I wanted to tell you a little more about that. I was getting ready to send in my manuscript from what’s called an “R & R”–revise and resubmit. Even though I didn’t know they’d accept it, I just had a feeling. This was it, my chance to break into publishing. First, let me set the stage a little. I’d had surgery in December. And even though it wasRead More →

Today, I’m revealing the cover for Infamous, my upcoming novel from The Wild Rose Press. It’ll be available on December 14, 2016.

In exactly two months, you can read Infamous. I’ll update with pre-order links when I receive them (and include an excerpt).

Keep reading beyond the blurb to enter my Cover Release Giveaway! Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to receive freebies and other excerpts.Read More →

I’m over at Heart-Shaped Glasses today blogging about the benefits of writing groups. I’ve been part of my critique group for years and those are some seriously awesome women. Here’s a taste of that post. Here at Heart-Shaped Glasses, we’re not just author’s who blog together, we’re family. We started as a private online critique group which has evolved into so much more. Yes, there’s critiquing, which is invaluable. Especially when it’s from people who focus just as much with what’s right as what’s not working. I trust these ladies with my precious stories, I trust their experience, which probably (added together) is a lifetime ofRead More →

But, now? Now she wants to be an individual. And if a purple pixie cut is her way of doing that, then I will pay whatever it costs, including judging looks from other parents, to let her do that.

People will say I let her run wild. She has rules, and I promise you, she is NOT a rule-breaker. But, you know what? I’m kind of hoping she does run a little wild. I didn’t discover myself until my late twenties because I needed a chance to run a little wild. I’d prefer she not have to go through that.Read More →