To celebrate the release of my second romance novel I'm having a contest. Enter to win a signed (gasp) copy of Only the Beginning plus (yes, plus) a $25 Amazon gift card. Scroll to the bottom to enter.
ONLY THE BEGINNING
Taking your best friend's place on a blind date to let the guy down easy was the plan...taking him to bed wasn't!
After a heartbreaking betrayal, Melissa Legacy shuns romance. So when her best friend joins the Lovers Oasis website and fears her fiancé will find out, Melissa agrees to meet the anonymous Romeo, prepared to explain her friend’s change of heart—then she sees him.
Failing restaurant entrepreneur, Craig Wheaton hasn’t been home since his mother’s tragic death. Now he’s back to confront his demons and stand beside his brother as best man. Dreading the reunion, he agrees to meet his avatar lover, but at the last moment he reconsiders the arrangement—until he lays eyes on her.
When Craig assumes Melissa is his online consort, she impulsively plays along, resulting in an afternoon of unexpected intimacy. But with Melissa using her friend’s identity and Craig dealing with a family fallout, is a future together impossible, or will they discover that love at first sight is Only the Beginning?
Oh, hey! Looky here, it's my new contemporary romance...
ONLY THE BEGINNING
Taking your best friend's place on a blind date to let the guy down easy was the plan...taking him to bed wasn't!
After a heartbreaking betrayal, Melissa Legacy
shuns romance. So when her best friend joins the Lovers Oasis website and fears
her fiancé will find out, Melissa agrees to meet the anonymous Romeo, prepared
to explain her friend’s change of heart—then she sees him.
Failing
restaurant entrepreneur, Craig Wheaton hasn’t been home since his mother’s
tragic death. Now he’s back to confront his demons and stand beside his brother
as best man. Dreading the reunion, he agrees to meet his avatar lover, but at
the last moment he reconsiders the arrangement—until he lays eyes on her.
When
Craig assumes Melissa is his online consort, she impulsively plays along,
resulting in an afternoon of unexpected intimacy. But with Melissa using her
friend’s identity and Craig dealing with a family fallout, is a future together
impossible, or will they discover that love at first sight is Only the
Beginning?
In all, the winter hasn't been that bad in Eastern Canada...and then March came along and ruined everything. Although, if we didn't have the weather I don't know what would talk about. "Isn't this awful, I'm ready to move." "Why did our ancestors settle so early?" "I think I've got scurvy." "Did you hear the forecast? We're getting more snow!" March has finally left, but yes, there is another snow storm coming. I don't know about you, but storm chips aren't the happy cure they used to be (probably because I've eaten my weight in storm chips this year and my cholesterol is in the red zone.) Anyway, since the only way to get to summer is to keep slogging through this weather, here's a list of substitutes for storm chips that will help ease the winter blues—or at least distract you from it. 10 Ways To Beat The Unending Winter Weather Blues 1. Grab yourself a cinnamon roll from The Old Apothecary Bakery. 2. Stroll through the Central Library, then grab a coffee from Pavia and settle into one of the spacious seating areas bathed in sunlight ont he top floor. 3. Go to a movie! Beauty and the Beast will make your heart full enough to melt away any bitter resentment.
4. Read a good murder mystery set in the summer. Okay, any book set in the middle of a sultry summer would be fine. Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
5. Go outside. Yes, I know this flies in the face of distracting you from the weather, but nature and fresh air do wonders. 6. Hot Yoga! Take a drop in class at Halifax Yoga. "I regret going to yoga," said no one ever. 7. Do something crafty! Pinterest if full of easy DIY guides. Here are some easy peasy projects to do today. Remake an old t-shirt into an infinity scarf!
Instantly freshen the air!
Spray glitter paint inside your lamp shade!
8. De-clutter your closet! Oh my nerves, it's time to get rid of all the winter clothes you DIDN'T wear this season. 9. Make a lemon meringue pie. It's sunshine for your mouth. Here's a recipe or just buy the speedy quick from a box version.
10. Buy yourself fresh flowers. Nothing puts a smile on your face faster than a bouquet of blooms.
What are your tips for surviving the winter blues?
I usually post this the end of December, but I was knee deep in revisions for two different books, and then Christmas came ... and Netflix.
Anyway, the 'year in review' post has become a bit of a tradition for me. I recommend all writers (published and otherwise) take on this annual exercise. I've found going through the year a great way to re-examine my original goals and help set new ones for 2016. Plus, there's all those 'oh yeah, that happened' moments.
Here are my posts for 2012, 2013, and 2014. So ... grab your popcorn folks, here's what happened in 2015.
Sent off final edits for JUST JESSE (companion novel to BUTTERFLIES DONT' LIE) to Nimbus Publishing.
Met with Fierce Ink Press to discuss cover ideas and book launch venues (whoo-hoo) ANNNND signed contract for book two of the series, DIADEM OF DEATH! (double whoo-hoo)
Traveled with family to Barcelona! So, so, so wonderfully gorgeous and delicious. I recommend the bikini sandwich at Tapas 24.
Halifax has two crippling snow storms three days apart. No one can remember why we still live here.
Most popular blog post that month is my recap of Once Upon A Time, Season 4, Episode 16 "Poor Unfortunate Soul"
April Happy Easter!
Worked on first draft of DIADEM OF DEATH.
The last of the snow finally melts. No, seriously.
New title for JUST JESSE is *drum roll* ... GIRL ON THE RUN. The editor and I discuss cover options. Good times!
A few rejections roll in for NIGHT SHIFT. It's still a featured novel on Wattpad and has consistently ranked in the top fifty since it was posted a year before.
Lovely weekend spent in Old Quebec city. Let me tell you, they do poutine and coffee like nobody's business.
Had book blitz and cover reveal for GIRL ON THE RUN. The fantastic publicist at Nimbus, Tom Ryan (who also happens to be a prolific YA author) made the snazzy trailer.
Celebrated Word On The Street at the bee-u-tee-ful Halifax library, or as Sarah Sawler likes to call it, Halifax's Book Palace. I had the opportunity to share a YA panel with the effervescent and hilarious, Melody Fitzpatrick. I don't have a picture of us together, but here's the Nimbus gang working hard at the book signing booth.
Had book launch for GIRL ON THE RUN! Some of the prizes included ...
Received four stars, highly recommended reviews for both ASP OF ASCENSION and GIRL ON THE RUN from the CM Magazine!
"...an amazing mix of reality, mystery, and fantasy. Asp of Ascension is a really gripping tale that will keep readers on the edge of their chairs right to the end."
"Quick-paced with lots of twists, readers will love Girl on the Run."
I celebrated with sushi from Wassabi House.
Most popular blog post of month is Once Upon A Time, Season 5 Episode 1 "Dark Swan"
October
Now that all the books had been launched, it was time to get to my reading pile. I was thrilled to discover, AMRITAby Banana Yoshimoto. I also finished GIRL ON THE TRAIN, and THE MARTIAN.
Most popular blog post for month is "Once Upon A Time, Season 4, Episode 5 "Dream Catcher"
Went to my first Hal-Con and signed copies of ASP OF ASCENSION; fitting since Star Trek is mentioned in the dedication.
November
Book signings galore! I love book signings when the store is all decked out for Christmas. I was especially grateful to have three books on the table this time.
Received my last EVER rejection for NIGHT SHIFT. That's because I made the decision to stop querying and self-publish the series. *takes deep breath, plugs nose, jumps from high diving board*
Lucky enough to enlist Penelope Jackson (editor super star) to edit NIGHT SHIFT.
Worked on creative portfolio for cover artist.
Began work on final edits for NIGHT SHIFT!
Got a sample of covers that are all beautiful. Picked the one that was a perfect mix of style and mystery. (I'd love to show you, but you'll have to wait for the reveal).
Tackled first round of edits for DIADEM OF DEATH. I can't wait to make book art for this one!
Enjoyed getting my skates on again as the Oval opened for another season.
Most popular blog post of month is Once Upon A Time Season 5, Episode 11 "Swan Song"
Goals for 2016
Write a combined novel for both Kelsey (BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE) and Jesse (GIRL ON THE RUN).
Skate on the Oval more.
Somehow get chosen to be a parade marshal.
Outline third novel for The Nefertari Hughes Mystery series.
Find the agent who is the right fit for my secret project.
Located in the north commons, the 'oval' is open to the public seven days a week all year round. Whether you're roller blading or playing street hockey in the summer, or ice skating in the winter, all rentals and admission are FREE.
metronews.ca
Host to speed skating events throughout the season, the oval is the largest outdoor, artificially-refrigerated ice surface east of Quebec City. It has an ice surface equivalent to 3 NHL hockey rinks, and can accommodate up to 1500 skaters at a time.
Originally built by the British military in 1749, the Halifax Citadel continues to watch over the city’s downtown core.
As a visitor you'll be able to explore the fortress, learn about the soldiers who were stationed there, and literally touch a piece of Halifax’s military history. Don't miss the Army Museum, which showcases uniforms, weaponry and models of the fort throughout history.
Every day at noon, the cannon is still fired from atop Citadel Hill. Not just for summer tourists, the Citadel is also famous for its ghost tours and Christmas programs.
Pardon me while I drool. With the official opening date of December 13th, 2014, this sleek design incorporates the feeling of inviting openness with high tech influences. Personally, I'm going to try and hide and get locked inside overnight, then read ALL THE BOOKS.
You have to check out the link for the photo gallery because, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
I feel incredibly lucky to live in a city where I'm only a half hour walk away from the ocean!
Stroll along the boardwalk that stretches from Pier 21 all they way to the Historic Properties, while stopping at various vendors and delicious restaurants along the way.
With the downtown business district as a backdrop, the Halifax waterfront is home to countless world-class events each year. From Nocturne Halifax: Art at Night, to the renowned TD Halifax International Jazz Festival to international Tall Ships visits, Halifax is a vibrant event city.
#5. The People!
Yes, it's true. We are awesome. Halifax—and let's be honest—all of Nova Scotia is world renowned for its hospitality.
Recognized as a National Historic Site in 1984, the Public Gardens showcases a collection of garden artifacts such as statues, fountains, and the iconic bandstand.
tripadvisor.ca
With it's lush backdrop of massive rhododendrons and pathways lined with vibrant annuals, the Public Gardens is a popular spot for Wedding and Prom pictures.
Plus, it has Uncommon Grounds, a locally owned and operated gourmet coffee shop that also serves hand paddled ice cream.
Originally created in 1750, the Seaport Farmers Market is well placed in the vibrant arts and cultural district found at the south end of the Halifax waterfront. It is the longest continually running market in North America and is home to over 250 vendors.
This National Historic Site was the gateway to Canada for one million immigrants between 1928 and 1971. It also served as the departure point for 500,000 Canadian Military personnel during the Second World War.
pier21.ca
Today, Pier 21 hosts the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21—Atlantic Canada’s only national museum!
The perfect way to spend an evening downtown, Neptune Theatre is the largest professional theatre company in Atlantic Canada.
With the capacity to showcase a range of plays from Chicago to Margaret's Museum, the Neptune Theatre successfully brings the flash and glamour of a Broadway musical without losing its perfectly intimate appeal.
Halifax also happens to be the home of my publisher, Nimbus Publishing—the largest English-language publisher east of Toronto.
Nimbus produces more than thirty new titles a year on a range of subjects relevant to the Atlantic Provinces— children’s picture books and fiction, literary non-fiction, social and cultural history, nature photography, current events, biography, sports, and cultural issues.
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