Bubble Baths

I love bubble baths. Just to sit and soak, meditate a little, or once in a while, read a book with bubbles up to my neck and steam clouding the room (though I do refrain from using my Kindle there), is one of my favorite ways to relax. Romance novels are full of bathtub scenes, I’ve written plenty myself, but that is one place where reality, as it was, is somewhat exaggerated. The tub in this photo is barely three feet long and a foot high, not much room for soaking, let alone anything else. But, then again, even though historical authors spend a lot of time researching to make sure they are portraying history correctly (no zippers on clothing for instance), novels are works of fiction. A story woven for entertainment, one that takes the reader to once upon a time and happily ever after. A form of relaxation and stress release, not so different from a bubble bath.

I’m happy to say I’ve finished my mail order bride story, sent it off, and have moved on to my Christmas story for the Harlequin anthology. The heroine of this story is named Cora, and I simply love that name. Don’t even know how or why I chose it, but I do like it. And her. She’s a persistent gal. Which reminds me, I will update my WIP page.

Our youngest granddaughter turns one this week, with a big party planned for Saturday, and I’m hoping to make it up to Braham for Pie Days on Friday where my writer’s group will have a booth. Have a lot to get done between now and then, so I’ll close for now.

Remember to relax and recharge…perhaps take a bubble bath.  

Release Week

I’m so excited Wildcat Bride, The Quinter Brides book 5 will be released this Friday, and I want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the people who have emailed me anxiously awaiting the release. I am humbled each time I receive a message from a reader, and can’t thank you enough for reading my stories. Your support is so appreciated. I love to write, but you are the fuel that keeps me going day in and day out.

As this story hits the market, I’m feeling a longing to revisit the Quinter families, and have started considering stories for the second generation…Don’t know where that will take me, but I’ll keep you posted.

Along those lines, recently a reader of this blog emailed to ask what WIP means. I use that as a general reference to my next work in process, and have now created a page on this blog (click WIP under the header picture) to keep readers posted on the stories I’m working on.

And to those of you who have asked about my mother, she is really doing well. Chemo is tough stuff at any age, and I’m very proud of how well she’s tackling it all. I’m also honored to have such a wonderful family. All I have to do is say ‘Grandma’s having a tough day,’ and there are people calling her and stopping to visit within minutes.

I hope you all have a wonderful week, with lots of sunshine and a spring in your step.

E-Readers

As many of you know, I received a Kindle for Christmas, and yes, I’m still loving it. I tucks so nicely into my Miche purse (of which I just got two new shells). The Kindle makes it is so convenient to read a few pages while waiting practically anywhere, and it’s eliminated that stack of books on my bedside table.

It seems every time I pull it out, someone either says, “Oh, I got a Kindle (or Nook) for Christmas. I love it!” or “Is that a Kindle? Can I see it? I’ve been considering getting one.” Once in awhile someone will say, “I’ll never get one of those. I love the feel of a book too much.” Or “That would make my eyes hurt.”

It seems e-readers were the gift of the season, for all ages. Sales in e-books have continued to increase since December, and libraries have seen a drastic increase in people ‘borrowing’ e-books. (I still have to figure out that app.)

As for the eye-strain, or the feel of a book…In my opinion—it’s inconsequential. Eye-strain happens if you do one thing for too long, including reading paper books. And I still can hold a book between my hands. I have shelves of them; have even picked up a few since getting the Kindle. For me the e-reader is a welcome alternative, not an end-all to how I read in the past.

Okay, enough opinion sharing. I’m off to my WIP. I left the hero and heroine in a cave with a bank robber last night, and am anxious to see what happens.

Create memories today. You’ll be glad you did.