Release Day

 Tomorrow, February 1^st, Testing the Lawman’s Honor will be released. 

El Dorado, Kansas, 1881

Della Cramer has tried her hardest to ignore the way Deputy Spencer Monroe stirs her desire, believing he doesn't share her feelings. Little does she know that Spencer has been harboring years of regret for not preventing her marriage to a scoundrel, despite the searing kiss they shared.

When her long-lost husband's sudden death leaves Della's future uncertain, only Spencer can help her. But first, he will have to convince her to trust him and finally give free rein to her passion....

On Friday night I typed -the end- on my latest manuscript. Now it’s with my beta reader. It’s a nice feeling, wrapping up a story, almost as nice as starting the next one. 

This winter has been amazing, weather wise. I can’t believe it’s the end of January and I didn’t need a coat when I took the dog for a walk.

Speaking of dogs, I stopped by our son’s house today and visited with the granddogs for a bit. Cody said yesterday morning he asked the dogs what they wanted to do—Gander went in the kitchen and carried his food dish back to Cody, while Bear ran upstairs and brought down and orange hunting hat.

Had lunch with a friend today and we spent hours talking about writing. Just doesn’t get a whole lot better than that.

I suspect that’s enough rambling for now.  Be good to yourself. If you don’t, who will?

Just a quick note...

One of my brothers from out of state is here this week, so I’m a little late posting this, but on Tuesday I posted over at Sweethearts of the West about Big Nose George, (a notorious outlaw) and his demise. However, it’s what happened to him after his death that’s just unbelievable, but true. Check it out when you have a chance.

Collage of Things

Last Friday the oldest granddaughter was here all day, and her little sister arrived later that afternoon for them both to spend the night. We ended up going to the grocery store together, hence the pony picture.  Anyway…That morning the oldest, now five and as opinionated as her daddy was at that age, helped with some household chores, which included mopping the kitchen with our Norwex mop. (I LOVE those products.) Shortly afterwards, Papa jutted in and out. Well, it’s winter in Minnesota, so therefore he left a few tracks on the floor. With her hands on her hips, granddaughter says: “I realize he may own this place, but you’re the one that does all the cleaning!” Oh, yes, be assured Papa got a ‘talking to’ the next time he jutted in. 

I had a wonderful and long phone conversation with my HQN editor last week. (Oh, how I love her accent and find myself listening to how she says things instead of what she’s saying.) We discussed goals and opportunities for the year, and I’m so excited to get them all in motion.  Here’s the cover for Testing the Lawman’s Honor. (Such talented people those HQN folks are.) It will be released February 1^st, but can be pre-ordered now and delivered directly to your reading device on the first.

I’ve one more story to complete the edits on and then can focus on my new one. It’s a contemporary, set in Wyoming. I do love that state. BTW, have I mentioned I’m one of the bloggers over at Sweethearts of the West? Every other day there’s a new post from some awesome writers. Stop by if you have a chance. I’ll be posting on the 24^th about some things I learned while we were in Wyoming last summer. Weird but interesting stuff. 

Received the contract for the comic version of Mail Order Husband for my review and acceptance, and to my surprise there was a second offer. Not for the comic version, but the e-book version. It’s seems the Kindle is just now making a splash over there and the first publisher I worked with would like to offer Mail Order Husband as an e-book. Since their first contract was only print, this one covers electronic versions. What a lovely surprise. 

 Be kind. Be happy. And wipe your feet off at the door…actually, while we were in Wyoming I saw a sign that said “If you’re not GOD or George Strait, take off your boots.” I might have to order one of those. Then again, I don’t mind wiping up the floor now and again (Papa usually is very good about that) and he does own this place—just one of the things I love about him.

What a Week!

Goodness a lot has happened since my last blog. Time does fly when we’re having fun doesn’t it?

Last week the Japan Uni Agency contacted me, this is the same literacy agency that corresponded the rights for Mail Order Husband to be translated into Japanese with Oakla Publishing, to now act on behalf of yet another Japanese publisher. Ohzora Publishing is interested in adapting the story into a Japanese comic book, or manga. I’ve been informed mangas are very popular in Japan and that people of all ages read them and all genres are included in their range of subjects. Ohzora Publishing has published several romance novels as mangas and will be offering it in print and ebook. This picture is just a sample of one. I have no idea what Mail Order Husband will look like, but I’ll keep you posted. This is so beyond my greatest expectation, I’m still in awe. 

The Wild Rose Press contacted me and they are separating the two anthologies I have stories in. Some time this next year or so A Soldier for Christmas (An American Rose Christmas Anthology) and Sheriff McBride (Lawmen and Outlaws Anthology) will be available as standalone stories.

Harlequin offered me another two book contract for two Undone stories to be released yet this year. The first one (a story that I love about a woman gambler) will be released in May, so I am in a rush to get all the ins and outs completed for that to happen.

Today I was one of the judges at our local high school for the Poetry Out Loud Contest. Sixty-five 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th graders recited poems (some well-known, some not so well-known) and it was absolutely amazing!

And, on February 1^st, not only will Testing the Lawman’s Honor be released, but I’ll have an author interview up at The Long and Short Review site.

Until next week…Smile, dance, and most importantly, be happy!

2012

Well, the last of the company has departed, including a beautiful pigeon that arrived on the front doorstep too exhausted to fly anymore Sunday evening (after two days in a cozy box in the kitchen, he/she informed us this morning he/she was ready to leave and gracefully took to the sky), the tree is down and the stockings put away, so the holiday season must be officially over. 

We had a stupendous New Years Eve party here at the house. All of the kids and their families as well as additional friends and out of town family ate until we were busting at the belts, watched a display of beautiful fireworks that glistened in the falling snow, had a snowball fight (we just couldn’t resist and I must apologize again for the snowball that hit Jackie—I sincerely was aiming for Cody!), and then built snowmen, including a miniature one on top of Papa's car which delighted the girls to no end. The following morning, the snowmen looked liked they had gotten into the margaritas after the rest of went to bed after the midnight countdown.

 

Thanks to so many who have already purchased Disobeying the Marshal! What a thrill to have a release on the first day of the year! The next one, Testing the Lawman’s Honor will be released on February first, and is already on Amazon for pre-orders. Just the other day I was informed Sing to Me Cowboy will be released on May 23^rd. 

I’m in the midst of edits for my gold mining story and loving every moment of it.

A new year wouldn’t be complete with a goal of some kind, so mine for 2012 is to dance more, celebrate every day as it arrives and ends, and love the life I’m so blessed to have.

Happy 2012 everyone!