Tell me what makes Maurice Vandiver “tick” as an author or a person or both:
My grandbaby and my daughter and two sons. Trying to leave a foundation for them.

 If you could go anywhere in the world to live, where would you go and why? Describe your residence once you get there:
Maybe Florida. I like the sun and the atmosphere.

Do you have a muse or a person who inspires you to write? Tell us about them:
Robert Green and James Allen who wrote From Poverty to Power. After reading that book, I was inspired to write.

 Of all the books you have written, tell us about your favorite one and why it was your favorite:
Let’s Go. It’s a motivational book which I wrote from a dark place where I work through how to reach the next level. I wanted to inspire others to believe in themselves and move on to a higher level.

What book are you working on right now? Do you have a release date you can share with us?
I’m currently working on Part 2 of the Bankroll Boys. I don’t have a release date yet because I want to make sure the 2nd book lives up to the hype.

Other than writing, what else are you passionate about?
Learning how to invest my money. Want to be able to leave something behind for my children. Learning about real-estate and have been detailing cars to add to what I can invest.

What have you found to be the most difficult part of being an author?
Writer’s block.

We want to come visit your library. What books might we find on your shelves that we wouldn’t expect to find?
Poverty to Power, 48 Laws of Power, The Bible
 
If money were no object, what philanthropic contributions would you make and why?
Build houses and schools all over the world.
 
 Tell us about your most memorable moment as an author:
When I sold 25 copies of my first book.

Do you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert? Why?
About half and half. Sometimes I like to get out and party and other times just stay in the house and write or read.

You’ve got a whole weekend to do whatever you want to do, how are you going to spend it?
Probably sleeping, cooking some nice meals. Loves jazz and smooth music.
​
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give a younger version of yourself?
Don’t fall into the peer pressure. Believe in yourself and who you are. Accept who you are and don’t try to be someone you aren’t.
 
Where can readers find you? Please list your social media, website, and other links you’d like to share below:
https://www.amazon.com/Bank-Roll-Boys-Part-1-ebook/dp/B01AR2O8T4/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=maurice+vandiver&qid=1551911228&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull
​
https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Go-Maurice-Vandiver-ebook/dp/B01HP4ILMM/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_2?keywords=maurice+vandiver&qid=1551911295&s=gateway&sr=8-2-fkmrnull

I thought I would do something different this week on my blog and remember the innocent lives lost during the Salem Witch Trials.
March 1st was the anniversary of one of the most infamous displays of mass hysteria in our country. These trials began after a group of young girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts claimed to be possessed by the devil after falling prey to several local women who were accused of being witches. During this wave of hysteria through colonial America, a special court was convened in Salem to hear the cases. Nineteen innocent people were hanged as a result of the witch trials and around 150 more men, women and children were accused over the months to follow.
It has been said the belief in the supernatural and the devil's practice of giving power to humans to harm others in return for their soul and loyalty began in Europe but was widespread in colonial New England. Salem Village being a Puritan community was suffering some harsh realities such as a recent smallpox epidemic and fear of attack by neighboring Native American tribes along with a rivalry between the more affluent residents of Salem Town. These very components are what led to suspicions, resentment and fear of anyone outside the Puritan community.
After two young girls began displaying symptoms which included delusions, vomiting and muscle spasms a local doctor diagnosed them as being victims of bewitchment. However, modern-day analysis of the fungus ergot which is found in rye and wheat could have been the root cause of their symptoms. In Colonial America, there were no means by which to analyze whether the fungus has been the cause; therefore, the first three women were brought before the magistrate while their accusers continued to scream, writhe as if they were afflicted by evil itself. Two of them women denied their guilt while a third--Tituba a slave woman--thought she could save herself by confessing and claiming there were other witches working with her in the service of the devil against the Puritan community. Those who were accused  confessed and named yet other suspected witches of cavorting with the devil. The trials soon consumed the whole community and on June 2, 1692 the first conviction was handed down by the magistrates.
Nineteen innocent people were hanged between June and September on Gallows Hill in Salem Town. Seven innocent people died while in jail. And an elderly man was pressed to death by stones after refusing to enter a plea at his arraignment.
In January 1697, the Massachusetts General Court declared a day of fasting over the tragedy that occurred during the Salem Witch Trials which were later deemed as unlawful. The leading justice apologized for his role in the trials and the Massachusetts colony passed legislation restoring the good names to the condemned and their heirs received financial restitution in 1711.
This tragedy all boils down to an example of mob mentality, mass hysteria and scapegoating which resulted in the execution of 19 innocent people. Their names are listed below:

Bridget Bishop
Rebecca Nurse
Sarah Good
Elizabeth Howe
Susannah Martin
Sarah Wildes
George Burroughs
George Jacobs, Sr.
Martha Carrier
John Proctor
John Willard
Martha Corey
Mary Eastey
Mary Parker
Alice Parker
Ann Pudeator
Wilmot Redd
Margaret Scott
Samuel Wardwell, Sr.
Giles Corey

In memoriam...March 1692-March 2019

Tell me what makes Melissa Manship “tick” as an author or a person or both:
I come from a family of five siblings, being the “baby” and quite a bit younger I learned to entertain myself. I had a wild imagination and kept my family entertained. My mother is an accomplished writer of poetry. Her love of books inspired me, more so, later in my life. A few years ago, the love of cycling bloomed again and on my many 40 miles plus a day rides and soaking in the nature I would listen to music and through music, stories would be created. Finally, one day I decided to hand write this story, with exploded into a novel, then the sequel soon to follow. 
If you could go anywhere in the world to live, where would you go and why? Describe your residence once you get there:
Well, our dream, my husband of 35 years and I, would like to purchase a sailboat and cruise around the world. So, I would describe our residence as a vessel, hopefully, 35 ft long and the world is our decor.
Do you have a muse or a person who inspires you to write? Tell us about them:
I really don’t have a muse per say, but I do have a person that encourages me to keep going. She is high spirit and when I first met her, I didn’t like her very much. I thought she was too chipper, too rah-rah sis-boom bah for me. But over the short time I’ve come to know her, she was just what I needed in my life. I love her so much and I suppose she is my muse. She reads my work and tells me if it’s good, if something doesn’t work, she lets me know. 
Of all the books you have written, tell us about your favorite one and why it was your favorite:
Well, I have only written two. The first book took me four years to write, from conception to final print. But the sequel I think is my favorite. I often wonder if I should release it first. 
What book are you working on right now? Do you have a release date you can share with us?
Beautifully Kept Secrets I’m hoping to release it by the end of February
Other than writing, what else are you passionate about?
Camping is one passion, I have grown up camping with my family. Now I continue with my own family. Biking the Greenway and entering local organized bike rides of either, 100, 65, or 35 miles. 
What have you found to be the most difficult part of being an author?
Editing and promoting. Neither areas do I excel in. 
We want to come visit your library. What books might we find on your shelves that we wouldn’t expect to find?
The Twilight Series, Game of Thrones, and every one of Richard Paul Evan’s book. Oh, and firefighters manuals. 
If money were no object, what philanthropic contributions would you make and why?
I would contribute to Thorn, Ashton Kutcher’s organization of Sex Trafficking also Ian’s Sommerhalder’s Foundation, to sustain the Earth through better eco ways. 
 Tell us about your most memorable moment as an author:
When someone I knew but didn’t tell about my book asked me about it. She caught me off guard. I was walking under the sally-port getting ready to go to work. She told another person beside her that he could get my book on Barnes and Noble. 
Do you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert? Why?
Introvert. I don’t like bragging about myself, it embarrasses me. I find it hard to talk to people, now if I can write to them then I don’t know when to shut-up.
You’ve got a whole weekend to do whatever you want to do, how are you going to spend it?
Reading the many books, I’ve bought but hadn’t had the time to read them or watch romantic movies. And of course, write. I love to hike and walk our Heeler, Bleu Boy.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give a younger version of yourself?
Keep going and just write what you want. The rest will figure itself out. 
The sky is the limit…tell us anything else you would like to tell us…
Every young writer dream of writing the next big hit and when that doesn’t happen it can be disheartening. But learn your craft. It comes with hard work and sometimes it doesn’t turn out like you hoped. I’m included in those young writers. Still hoping for some success. I don’t have the time like full-time writers do, but I do what I can, when I can. I still love to write and if it is still fun for me, I will continue. In just the two books I have written, I can see drastic improvements from the first book to the second. But I still love the first story, it’s what gave me the drive and creative juices flowing that I didn’t know I had in me. The business side of promotion and different websites still is so new to me and very hard for me to navigate. If I could afford to pay someone to do all that business side for me I would, if I had monetary fortitude. 
I believe in my stories, first Beautifully in Over My Head: Lyssa Forbes had years of guilt and pain wearing on her soul, desperately wanting to keep damaged heart locked away, only to be uncovered by the one man that owned the key. Ian St. James, CEO of his Foundation for awareness to Alternative Fuel, has had his own share of pain, uncovered by a sweet and innocent creature, tougher than nails and a love just as sharp, aimed straight for his heart. Lyssa’s compelled to tell Ian her dark secret, but trust doesn’t come easily, and it comes with a heavy price. An unassuming love affair pursues, but her past crept into her new life and once again wreaked havoc. In order to find each other, they had to lose where they were to get their direction. Back to each other. 
Second Novel. Beautifully Kept Secrets: Lyssa Forbes life finally seemed to be on the right track. Ready to start a new life with Ian St. James. But the ghost of her past materializes to wreak havoc and chaos. Ian St. James, her reason for existing and Ronan Crane, join forces to take back what is theirs A search through the sub terrain underground of New York City, leads them on a chase for her life. Ronan’s own secretive past draws him back into the underground world of secret agents. This time the clock is ticking to save Lyssa and the secret she holds. 
Where can readers find you? Please list your social media, website, and other links you’d like to share below:
Facebook- Melissa Manship Author
Instagram-resecup5
Read.Amazon.com
Barnes and Nobles
Beautifullyme.godaddysites.com-working on this site now, but will be up soon E-mail [email protected]
Twitter- Melissa manship@resecup5

Tell me what makes Thea Valentine “tick” as an author or a person or both:
~Coffee by day, wine by night. In all seriousness, I've learned that you can't make everyone happy so I just move to the beat of my own drum. 

If you could go anywhere in the world to live, where would you go and why? Describe your residence once you get there:
~Ouray or Silverton, Colorado. I would have a log cabin, surrounded by the mountains and wildlife. Just the quietness allows you to become one with nature. 

Do you have a muse or a person who inspires you to write? Tell us about them:
~When I write a story I have someone different in mind. So each story is a little different from the next. 

Of all the books you have written, tell us about your favorite one and why it was your favorite:
~Not too many people know this, but several years I published a book. Not happy with it so I pulled it. Since then I wrote another book, Crimson Kisses of Hyacinth. It is definitely my "book baby." I allowed myself to write more freely and was able to put more expression into it. 

What book are you working on right now? Do you have a release date you can share with us?
~I'm working on several books right now. The first one is Sweet As Honey and it's release is July 13th and then I'm working on a book with my husband called The Haunting of Helldorado Ridge. The release for that one is July 19th. 

Other than writing, what else are you passionate about?
~I enjoy anything to do with the ocean, reading, photography, bees.

What have you found to be the most difficult part of being an author?
~The most difficult part is getting your name out there, having to figure out different ways to promote yourself, and the self-doubt. It takes a lot for an author to put their work out there. Most people don't realize what's involved.

We want to come visit your library. What books might we find on your shelves that we wouldn’t expect to find?
~Well you would find a few of my favorite books, The Secret Garden, Eat, Pray, Love, Frankenstein, Alice in Wonderland. I even have a few that range from horror, inspirational, romance, biographies, and I even have a Harry Potter collection. 


If money were no object, what philanthropic contributions would you make and why?
~There are two that I would contribute too. An organization here in Ohio called the Hattie Larlham Foundation (they provide medical, residential, recreational and work training services to those with   intellectual and developmental disabilities), and the other would be to one of the local animal rescue organizations in my county. 

 Tell us about your most memorable moment as an author:
~I think I can speak for most authors but that memorable moment is always when you hold a paperback that has your name on it. You sit back and say "yup I created this."

Do you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert? Why?
~Definitely an introvert in person. I prefer to stay home. I've been trying to become more extroverted. I , continuously, push myself in situations that I know would be good for me. 

You’ve got a whole weekend to do whatever you want to do, how are you going to spend it?
~Writing, watching movies, listening to some relaxing classical music with a glass of wine. 

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give a younger version of yourself?
~Don't try to grow up too fast. Enjoy life! Remember happiness starts with you!

The sky is the limit…tell us anything else you would like to tell us…
~I would like to share a little bit about myself. I’m married to a man, whom I call, not only, my husband, but my best friend. Being pen pals for over a year we decided to have a once in a lifetime, short courtship. This December we will be celebrating 25 years of marriage. Together we have two handsome boys (21 and 22). In June, we will be gaining a daughter in law and three beautiful grandchildren. In addition to our home we have two four legged babies (Bindi-a dog and Lilo-a turtle) whom are both rescues from abusive homes. 


Where can readers find you? Please list your social media, website, and other links you’d like to share below:
Website: https://jnbbrugge727.wixsite.com/authortheavalentine
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTheaValentine/
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Thea-Valentine/e/B07D16Y8C6/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1547297192&sr=8-1
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/3198659613
AllAuthor: https://allauthor.com/profile/authortheav/
Twitter: @AuthorTheaV
Instagram: Author_Thea_Valentine
https://www.instagram.com/author_thea_valentine/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17934818.Thea_Valentine
Facebook Street Team (Thea’s Hyacinth House): 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/325291554883356/ 
FacebookGroup:TheHelldorado Outlaws:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/helldoradooutlaws/?ref=bookmarks

 It's one of those days that I'm full of things to say...opinions, logic, humor, etc. so buckle up buttercup and grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in for a few...but beware...I'm going to speak my mind and my mind may not always agree with everyone else's...but that's okay...we're all different for a reason!

Every morning I have a ritual where I wake up, grab a glass of tea, and head back to bed to skim through my email and social media before doing my author stuff which comes before getting ready to go to the paycheck earning job. Today was no exception. And as usual, I ended up voicing my opinion on several posts...even though I knew it would draw attention from folks who did not agree with me....so let me share...

The first headline I came across was "Child Arrested for Refusing to Stand for Pledge of Allegiance". At first glance one would think this poor child's rights had been violated. Not true. The child was arrested for becoming disruptive after he stated he would not stand for the Pledge because the American flag was racist. He made threats to school officials. He was asked to leave the classroom 20 TIMES. Now...logic would have it that if you or I went into a public place and became disruptive and had to be asked to leave 20 times and failed to do so...would we not be arrested for disorderly conduct? And rightfully so. I commented on the post and have already had a response "the teacher shouldn't have engaged the child and the child wouldn't have been disruptive". Are you KIDDING me? I'd have gotten a firm whack to the rear end by my teacher and another one when I got home.  It's the teacher's JOB to maintain order in the class. Moving along...

Next article was about a grandfather complaining because an AR-15 gave a homeowner an unfair advantage over his grandson who was burglarizing said homeowner's home with his two friends. Seriously? I think 3 criminals against 1 homeowner was the unfair advantage here. The criminals made the choice to commit a crime and the homeowner made the choice to protect his property just like the 2nd Amendment gives him the right to do. It ended poorly and it's heartbreaking a young man had to die, but the root cause of the whole incident was the young man's choice to commit a crime...not the AR-15. And while we are on the topic of AR-15's let me give you a quick lesson that the main stream media won't. The AR in AR-15 stands for ArmaLite Rifles-the company which designed the AR-15. It is not an assault rifle. An assault weapon is one which is fully-automatic...in other words...a machine gun would be an assault weapon but an AR-15 would not because it is only a semi-automatic weapon. 

And then we have a meme with the words from the late David Bowie..."Religion is for people who fear hell, spirituality is for people who have been there." Yes. I have an opinion about religion. It's not for me and I'll tell you why. One of my undergraduate classes was titled "The Religions of Man". Think about that for a moment. This is what I get out of it...religion was created by man to create rules to control other men. Religion has been the cause of many wars over the history of the world. Murders have been committed in the name of religion. How cruel is it to tell a child if they don't behave they are going to go burn in this fictional place called Hell? Certain religions say that God is a forgiving and loving God...yet they preach that if you don't get saved from your sins you are going to perish in this pit of fire? What loving God who has created a man or woman in his own image would EVER toss them in a pit of fire to burn for eternity? Now, with that said, let me clarify...I do believe in God...the Creator of all that is. I believe there is a Heaven and that we are all going to end up going back there someday because it was our home to begin with. Can't wait to see you all there!

Next subject on the agenda is a little more lighthearted than the above. I just ran across a meme that started off with "Stop Apologizing". That hits home. I've spent so many years apologizing for things that I shouldn't ever be sorry for...wearing what I want to wear, being who I want to be, and loving who I chose to love. The meme went on to say "Do It Fearlessly" and it was in terms of accepting that you are who you are and you are going to spend the rest of your life with yourself so why not love yourself more? When you love and accept who you are for who you are then you are free to be the best you can be. By your own standards and not someone else's. Be uniquely YOU! And while you are being uniquely you...have compassion and empathy for others. You can't buy lasting love or loyalty. People were meant to be loved and not used. Things were meant to be used and not loved. And never say something you don't mean because you never know if it will be the last words someone hears from you. 

Okay, my time has run out and it's time to put some time into the chapter of Beneath the Magick Oak so it can be ready for all of you on March 8th! Have a wonderful week and don't forget to tune in on Wednesday for my guest author interview with Thea Valentine!

Hello Everyone!  This week I am excited to present Kristine Raymond who is not just an author, but also the wonderful hostess of Word Play which is a prime opportunity for you to get up close and personal with your favorite authors via her podcasts. You can find Kristine’s website at https://www.kristineraymond.com/ and I hope you head over and take a look at all she has to offer!
Do you have a muse or a person who inspires you to write? Tell us about them:
Only the voices in my head.  They’re extremely persistent and jabber away at the most inconvenient times, but, I’ll admit, I miss them when they go off and pester someone else.
Of all the books you have written, tell us about your favorite one and why it was your favorite:
My WIP is always my favorite book because I’m so caught up in the story and with the characters.  As to the ones I’ve already released, I honestly can’t pick a favorite.  I love all of them equally.
What book are you working on right now? Do you have a release date you can share with us?
I’m working on a cozy mystery – my first in that genre – titled Finn-agled.  It’s still, sort of, in the development stage, so I’m not going to share too much, except to say I’m having a blast writing it and, hopefully, you’ll love reading it.  There’s no firm release date yet; only that I’m planning to hit publish in the next few months.
Other than writing, what else are you passionate about?
My hubs, my fur babies, and Earl Grey tea, in that order.  Though, some days, a cup of hot tea just hits the spot, you know? 
What have you found to be the most difficult part of being an author?
It depends on which day you ask.  Most of the time, I’d answer marketing, because promoting myself and my products is in no way my forte.  However, self-doubt is also an emotion I struggle with.  I’ve published fifteen books to date and in the middle of each one I’ve questioned if what I’ve written is any good and should I even bother finishing the story.  Then I shake it off, get back to work, and write the best book I know how.
We want to come visit your library. What books might we find on your shelves that we wouldn’t expect to find?
My collection of children’s books might surprise you.  A few favorites I acquired through Ebay or from used booked stores, but most are the actual copies I owned as a child.  And, while I doubt the shelves lined with romances would astonish you, the books by Dean Koontz and the Kellermans – Jonathan and Faye – might raise an eyebrow or two as they’re a departure from the romance/thrillers I usually read.   
Tell us about your most memorable moment as an author:
There are too many to choose just one, but here are a few –
When I saw my very first book cover – the one for Here to Stay – for the first time.  I cried.  Happy tears, folks.  Happy tears.
When I hit ‘Publish’ for the first time.  Although, I still get that same thrill each time I send one of my babies out into the world.
Someone buying one of my books at my first book signing.  Actually, this never gets old.
You’ve got a whole weekend to do whatever you want to do, how are you going to spend it?
Sleep, sleep, then, sleep some more!  With a houseful of fur babies constantly needing my attention and more on my to-do list than I ever have hopes of finishing, sleeping in is a luxury.  No; more like a pipe dream.  Get it?  Pipe ‘dream’…lol.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give a younger version of yourself?
Don’t sit around and wait for an invitation.  If you want something, go for it!  
Where can readers find you?
 Instagram, Book + Main, and BookBub.  And, thanks for having me on your blog today, Teresa.  I enjoyed being here.

It's Saturday night and I am experimenting with Keto recipes tonight. At the beginning of the year, I made the conscious decision to eat healthier, exercise frequently, and get this old body into the best possible shape ever. 
I have had some ups and downs, but I have been really good about doing my yoga almost every day, drinking kale and spinach smoothies for breakfast, watching the calorie intake. Then I heard more about the Keto and intermittent fasting thing and the more I read, the more I was sure if I am going to get rid of this extra body fat this was the way to go.
On the menu tonight is shrimp and broccoli alfredo (sans noodles), spinach salad with eggs/bacon/cheese and avocado balsamic vinegar dressing, garlic and rosemary bread made from eggs and coconut flour, and dessert is a Keto friendly cheesecake where I substituted Stevia for the sugar. Not a bad menu and I can't wait to sit down and enjoy the meal in a little bit when everything is ready.
I've done some research as any good author does and found that over 40% of all adults struggle with an insulin issue which results in the fat collecting around the belly and when they do lose weight, it comes off places such as your butt (explains why my butt is nonexistent these days). The Keto plan along with intermittent fasting is the way to go.
I've managed to get to the gym three times this week which included cardio, weight training and the reward of a massage in the hydro-massage chair, tanning, and red-light therapy. I'm thinking by the time summer rolls around and I can get back to my lake place, I should be in pretty darn good shape! And I should feel fantastic!
Alas, the writing is going well and I am getting very excited about my new release Beneath the Magick Oak which will be available on March 8th! You can get a jump start by pre-ordering if you would like. If you like time travel...faeries...Ireland...this book is for you! I am also working on a historical western romance novella which will release in April. Younger man...older woman...wink wink…
After these two releases, I am going to be working on another dark erotic romance. This one will be a lot hotter than some of my more recent ones, so if you are an erotic romance lover, you are going to want to keep an eye out for this one! Here's the premise...one broken man...one woman who likes to fix broken things...hot sex...a love hate relationship...extracurricular activities...oh my...how will it all end? I am also excited to be working with a group of other authors to bring you a variety of short romantic tales in an anthology that will release in September...the proceeds for this one will go to assist homeless veterans.
To wind up 2019, you should expect a paranormal novella set in New Orleans, another Possum Creek book, and another Magickal holiday tale The Magick Quilt.
Okay folks, my timer just went off so it's time to pull the break out of the oven and get started on the alfredo. Have a wonderful Saturday night and don't forget to tune in on Wednesday for a candid interview with the awesome Kristine Raymond!

PS- If anyone else out there are doing Keto and want to share your recipes...drop me a line at [email protected] 

Greetings from Indianarctica! This morning I am writing from my bed with my mattress heater turned up. It is a lovely -15 actual temperature and the wind chill just went up a couple degrees to a -41. On the bright side, the sun is shining and there is not a cloud in the sky...probably because they are too cold to come out.

I read something the other day. Well, actually it was a meme on Facebook. Anyway, it was on another author's page and it said "If I die...delete my search history". I can relate! We authors are a curious bunch as we research everything. So, I thought it might be interesting to share some of my recent search history with you...

"Bed and Breakfast Inns in Cork, Ireland" - My upcoming March 8th release has some scenes that take place in County Cork. Since I've never had the opportunity to travel there--yet--I have to get a visual on everything I can possibly get in order to write the setting accurately. Beneath the Magick Oak is a time travel paranormal romance where the heroine meets her soul mate in 18th century Ireland only to be sent back home by a woodland faerie. Find out what happens when she visits modern day Ireland when the book comes out! It has a couple twists!

"Outage Map Indiana and Michigan Power" - Yep. I had another power outage on Monday night at the homestead. Not only is it colder than a witch's boob in a brass bra...but the power company can't seem to get it together. By the time I got home from work that night it was only 46 degrees in my house. I did have power by then, so it warmed up fairly quickly. On a side note-this is the 6th power outage since Christmas! I guess the purpose of all the new high-rise poles down the road weren't to keep our power from going out but to clothesline flying geese. Shaking my head.

"Where is Ruth Ginsberg" - That's anybody's guess right now. What I did discover was a lot of memes that would lead one to believe she has passed over to the Supreme Court in the sky. 

"Wiccan Love Spells" - Okay...yes...I did search this one. I write a lot about Wiccan women. What Wiccan woman wouldn't know how to cast a love spell?  In case you want to know...clove, cinnamon, amethyst, rose quartz, a photograph of the intended, spell written down then burned in a white or pink candle. Oh...and a belief in magick. Results are not guaranteed.

"Narcissistic Men" - Yep. It was for book research but I think a lot of us have probably  known and loved one at some point in our lives. They lie about everything. Stupid things. And their lies are their reality, so no sense in trying to call them out on it. Because then things get ugly and they twist it around to make it look like they are the victim. They are masters at living double, triple and quadruple lives and usually have a long string of women at their beck and call. Because they hide the truth from all of them and none of them want to know the truth so they continue to believe the charming and charismatic narcissist. They use the words "private" "introverted" "loner" as descriptors of themselves. And they know exactly what to say and do to keep a woman hanging on...sometimes for decades. This is how Lifetime movies are made...you know...the wives who didn't know about the other wives until said narcissist falls ill or dies? I'll leave that there...and say there are also a lot of books out there to help anyone in the love trap of a narcissist. My advice...if you suspect it...it's probably true and the best way to get the truth is to ask one of the suspected side chicks and believe what they tell you.

"Private Pilot Lessons" - This one is for me. I'm going to do it this year! I'm going to learn to fly! There has to be something incredibly exhilarating about being able to fly through the sky like a bird. I'm going to find out so stay tuned for future blog posts about my experiences! Who knows...I may end up going to Alaska and hanging out my shingle some day!

"Hotels in New Orleans" - Yes. It's no secret. I LOVE NOLA! Some of my books such as A Wing and a Prayer and my Vampire Blood series are set in the Crescent City. I've been there twice and hope to go there again soon...not sure when but it's on the to-do list. Hint...stay in Algiers and take the ferry over to the Quarter...be sure and ride the streetcar to the Garden District...take one of the ghost or vampire tours...try all the food...take in a drag show...and barhop on Bourbon Street!

This is just a glimpse of my search history...and here you thought I would be searching something more risqué. Admit it...that's what you thought. 

That's all for today folks! I've got a new release this Friday and need to get some ads done...Cupid's Magick Kiss is this week's release. I've also got a lot of work to do on Beneath the Magick Oak so you can pick it up on March 8th and Treasured Memories will be my next release in April...it's for my historical western fans.

​Stay warm my friends...blessings to you all!

Hello to you from snowy Van Buren, Indiana!! I have been so excited about this snow storm getting here because it meant I could hunker down in my recliner and immerse myself in books!  Reading and writing! I've had a fire burning in the stove all day, a pot of chili simmering since I got up, and after feeding the animals this morning I took a nice hot bath with one of the awesome bath bombs from Mama Pearson's Soaporium in Gas City, Indiana. Talk about a heavenly experience! Those things are the bomb!
I read an awesome vampire/werewolf romance today...yes...the whole book in one day! And I highly recommend it!  You can see my review of Sweet Vengeance by Aliya DalRae on Goodreads or my Facebook page. It has been a long time since I've read a whole book in less than a week or so...I think it's going to be my weekly goal now...or at least semi-weekly goal! 
So, with that said...I just wanted to let you all know about the idea I have for my blog...I'm going to review each book I read right here on Musings from the Woods...AND...I'm going to start bringing you author interviews as well. Want to know what I'm reading...tune in...want to hear about some of my fellow authors...tune in...right here!
I know a lot of people probably don't get as excited as me over snowstorms but a snowstorm to me means I don't have to leave the house. Not that I can't...my Jeep will get me down the driveway and pretty much wherever I want to go...but the introvert side of me totally enjoys being inside my warm little house where I can sit in the recliner and watch the cardinals, snuggle with Oscar, stay in my pajamas all day, write or read or even do a craft project. In fact, in a little bit, I'm going to brew up a pot of mulled cider and spike it with some Fireball whiskey and delve into the last few chapters of my upcoming new release Cupid's Magick Kiss. For those of you who like a little bit of humor or can relate to an eccentric grandmother, I think you will absolutely love the story...hopefully as much as I'm having fun writing it! And here's a hint...it's on pre-sale right now for only 99 cents on all the usual e-book retailers.
What do all of you do on snowy days? Drop me a line at [email protected] and tell me all about it. I answer each email I get and would love to hear from you. Have questions about me or my books? Drop me a line and I'll be very candid. Come on...I dare you! Are you creative and want to be featured on my blog? I welcome you!
Okay, it's time for me to get back to writing! Happy snow day everyone!!