Happy Monday!

I took my mother shopping this morning, and snowflakes were in the air! Goodness, goodness. It is May 2^nd! While we were out and about we ran in my daughter-in-law and granddaughters, so we spent extra time just roaming the store visiting. It was truly delightful. 

Lots going on in World News today, and though I’m extremely thankful for all the men and women who work tirelessly to keep us save and our world thriving, as well as the men and women who bring us the news, I had to turn the TV off. Too much of anything is well, too much.

Nights with the Outlaw was released yesterday. Yeah! It’s a short story—right around 15,000 words. The heroine is a ‘pig farmer’ in Nebraska and I really enjoyed writing this book, especially the opening scene where she is stuck in a tree with a pig rutting the roots below her.  The ‘hero’ comes along to save her, but soon he’s stuck in the tree as well.

Love Western Romances just posted this wonderful review for Wildcat Bride. If you haven’t visited Love Western Romances, those gals do a great job of keeping readers current on western reads. Check it out when you have a chance.

Have you ever tried one of those chickens in a bag? You get them in the fresh meat section at the store and bake them in the bag they come in until the little red button pops. I hadn’t, but my son raves about them and suggested I try one. I made it last night, and it was delicious!  Much more food than Papa and I can eat at one setting, so tonight I’ll make a thick stew with homemade egg noodles from the leftovers. If you try one, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Have a wonderful week and keep dreaming!

Royal Wedding and Publisher Party

Did you watch the Royal Wedding?

I love once upon a time and happily ever after, so yes, I watched the entire wedding. Loved it. I especially loved the hats! From the ‘freakish’ to the classic ones. Everything from the dress to the carriages to the flowers and the ever graceful Queen was so classy. A modern day fairytale.

My publisher, The Wild Rose Press is having a 5^th anniversary party, and everyone is invited. Just join the Wild Rose Press YahooGroup to participate in the fun. Lots of fun and LOTS of wonderful prizes!

Mixed Book Bag Blog has a wonderful review posted for Wildcat Bride, and Nights with the Outlaw goes on Sale May 1^st!  

I took advantage of the wonderful spring day we are having and cleaned out my flower beds, so now it’s time to hit the keyboard for awhile. 

 Have a wonderful weekend, and if you haven’t seen the wedding, I hope you get a chance to. It is history in the making.

Sweethearts of the West

I hope you all had a wonderful, fun-filled Easter!

I had to take mom to a doctor appointment today, and 8 month old Karlee Jo went with. Goodness! Those snap in/out, carry-baby-with car seats weigh a ton! But the three-generations of us had a wonderful time. We went shopping and out to lunch and visiting...Awesome!

So I am just now getting home and wanted to say I'm a guest blogger over at Sweethearts of the West blog. Stop by and say hi!

Happy Easter

I just wanted to pop in here to wish everyone a very happy Easter, and to tell you that on my way home from my RWA writer's group today, I saw the Easter Bunny.

HONEST! He (or she) was driving along County Road 22 in an old beat up white Ford Pickup. One ear was flopping out the driver's window. I waved and he (or she) waved one big paw back at me.

I'm still chuckling over it.

Enjoy your Family, Friends, and Faith. 

Blessings.

Time flies when you're having fun!

The past week and a half has flown by. My mother had several doctor appointments and is doing so well. She is such an inspiration to what can be accomplished at any age! Hubby and I attended the Wild Turkey Federation Banquet.  Besides winning several awesome things in the raffles, we purchased a log pub table and chairs off the live auction. We had a barbeque for our step-grandson’s birthday, I spent a wonderful day with my daughter-in-law on her birthday, and another day shopping with a friend. My new computer arrived and I’m still figuring out the ins and outs of this updated version of word. Oh, goodness, I could go on, but this is my writing blog, not my daily journal, so, on to the writing world: 

I received this wonderful review for Wildcat Bride from TheLong and Short of It Reviews. 

Along with the cover for Nights with the Outlaw came a round of edits for both stories in the El Dorado Widows Duet. I’m happy to say both have been completed and returned to my editor.

Night with the Outlaw will be released on May 1^st. (Thanks again to those who pre-ordered. I’m so humbled.)

Wildcat Bride was released this week on Fictionwise. (Thank goodness for Google alerts or I’d never keep up with these staggered release dates.) Thanks for all the wonderful notes on this book. Yesterday I received one that simply said. “Awesome book. Made me cry.”

Several wonderful opportunities on are the horizon right now, and I’m so grateful for the way things 

fall into place just as they are suppose to.

I’m off now, have a bit of writing to complete while baby Karlee is taking her morning nap. As we approach Easter, remember to believe. In all there is, in all you do, in all you have.

Two Things

Busy day, so this is a quick update:

 1. Here’s the cover for Nights with the Outlaw.  

2. Made the appointment to take my car out of storage Saturday AM!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Day!

Oh, goodness, what a glorious day! Too fabulous to let it go unnoticed, I took a long walk. Listened to the birds. Noticed the deer tracks in the spring mud. Relished the sight of spring mud!

Amazing.

Refreshing.

All of it.

I do believe it will soon be pony time! Just this morning a friend from Kansas called. He’d seen a car just like mine, (with the ponies on the side) and thought we were in town and hadn’t let him know. I had to say it wasn’t us, that my car is still in storage—but not for long!

Wow…thanks to so many for celebrating the release of Wildcat Bride! I received several wonderful emails—from people who bought the book and read it immediately. Here’s a snippet from one:  “Thank you for the newest Quinter book.  We loved it!  Ma’s next….Keep your wonderful stories coming.  The only regret we have is that we come to the end and have to wait for another release.” She explained both she and her husband have enjoyed the series.  

I’m humbled. And so very grateful.

Next release: Nights with the Outlaw, my next HQN Undone will be released May 1^st. As soon as I get a copy of the cover art, I’ll post it. The pre-buy link is up on Amazon. And once more, I must express my thanks to those who have already reserved their copy.

Do me a favor…turn off the news for a day, ignore any negative thoughts, and just immerse yourself in the abundance of wonderful things surrounding you.

Life is good.

Five Heart Review

I received a wonderful surprise this morning—A five heart review for Wildcat Bride.
This is the first review I’ve received from Sizzling Hot Book Reviews and so appreciate their time in reading and reviewing the book.

As I’ve posted before, today is the official release day of Wildcat Bride. It’s now available in both print and e-book through The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

Here in MN we are still awaiting spring, and to rub salt in the wound, the news had to remind us that last year the temperature on April 1st reached 80! Speaking of April 1st…April fool’s day, my hubby already got me—which he’s still chuckling about. I’m off now to formulate my game plan. Never fear, by this evening he will be ‘gotten’ as well.

Have a wonderful day—and weekend.

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.

Taxes and Addictions

I’m working on our taxes this week. I put it off as long as I dare, and I’ll be glad when it’s all collected, inputted, and delivered to our tax man. I truly don’t know why I put it off every year, but I do. ‘Individual Income Tax’ was first suggested in the US during the War of 1812, however, the treaty of Ghent was signed which ended the need for additional revenue, so the tax was never imposed. Then in 1861, again needing funds to pay for the ‘Civil War’ the US Gov’t imposed it’s first personal income tax of 3% on all incomes over $800. By 1866 over $310 million had been collected in taxes. In 2009 Individual Income Tax revenue was approximately $915 billion (this does not include Social Security, Medicare, state, Corporate taxes, etc.). Needless to say, I enjoy research.

On to another topic: I believe I’m becoming addicted to HGTV. I not only like the makeover shows, I like the ones with people searching for homes or apartments. I find myself turning it on for background noise. I’ve never done that before. I’m much more of a radio or CD person to break the silence. Something else I’ll have to contemplate, but in the mean time, I’m enjoying it.

I became a great aunt again last week. My nephew and his wife had a son on the 16th. We attend our fair-share of fundraising events, and I like to look for unique gifts on silent auctions or raffles. At an event back in January I’d purchased a baby blanket for this new arrival. My nephew and his wife can decide what personalization they want embroidered on the blanket and it will be mailed directly to them.

My break from taxes is over. I must get back to it so I can then hit my next WIP.

Enjoy the arrival of spring!

Wildcat Bride

The print version of Wildcat Bride is now available at Amazon and The Wild Rose Press.

The e-book will be released on April 1st.

Tomorrow I’ll be at Paty Jager’s blog talking about it!

My mother’s birthday party was spectacular! My brother and his wife left on Sunday, and that evening called to tell me they bought a new laptop on the way home. While downloading the pictures from his camera, he realized he had the wrong camera. My other brother’s camera was identical and the two got mixed up. Thank goodness it was cameras and not kids! Most of the cousins look so much alike that could almost happen.

My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Japan and other parts of the Pacific. The wonderful people I worked with during the sale and translation of Mail Order Husband are all fine, but their emails continue to talk of after-affects I can only imagine.

I’m editing my latest WIP and hope to send it off to my critique partners this week, and then I’ll get back to my gold mine story, I think I have the kinks worked out.

Be happy, and smile at someone today—it’ll be worth it.

Read an E-Book Week

Yep, that’s this week, March 6th-12th. The purpose of the week is to provide education on the ease and advantage of reading electronically. On the official website it says the first e-book came out 40 years ago! If you’ve never read one, I hope you’ll give it a try. I read on my Kindle every night, but don’t let not having a dedicated reading device hold you back. Before receiving my Kindle, I downloaded the app to both my laptop and my cell phone, but most e-books come in several formats so no app is needed. Many sites have specials happening this week, and there are lots of free reads out there. I have two with the Wild Rose Press. (Just scroll down the right side panel of my book covers and you’ll see them.)

This is also ‘party week’ around our place. We’re celebrating my mother’s 80th birthday on Saturday. Family is due to arrive later in the week, and on Friday, I’ll be making 20 lbs of Sloppy Joes and ten pounds of au gratin potatoes. My father used to make AWESOME potato sausage, which my mother loved, and just for her birthday, my youngest son (who has the recipe down pat) and his wife made 22 lbs of it for the party. There will be lots of other food and good family fun, so if you’re in the neighborhood, stop by! (She’s doing great with her chemo treatments and is looking forward to the event.)

I’m wrapping up the rough draft a story this week. I love finding out how the characters solve their problems and find their happily ever after. With that said, I’m off now, to pull up the manuscript and type away until it’s time to feed hubby.

Have a GREAT week, and DECIDE to be happy. That’s all it takes.

Missing in Action

Yep, that’s me. Last Monday I decided to paint my kitchen, well, that led to painting the ceiling, which led to painting the dinning room, which led to painting the living room, which led to painting the hallway. I haven’t done the laundry room, yet, I think that’ll be in a few days. All this painting re-energized my muse which is now screaming to get some writing done. Besides, I wrenched my back moving the sofa. Yes, I should have asked DH for help, but he was in the garage and I was on a roll.

Besides painting, we’ve enjoyed overnight company. My mother had another chemo treatment so she spent a few days here, and was great company, as well as a knowledgeable supervisor when it came to paint colors and applications. She worked in a hardware store for years, so she does know her stuff. We also had a fit of giggles while I shaved her head. The doctor said her hair would fall out on day 18 and right on schedule it did. She asked me to get rid of the rest before it fell in her soup. And on Saturday night our oldest granddaughter wanted to have a sleep over. Papa and I enjoyed our day with her yesterday and per her instructions, had supper at KFC and dessert at Dairy Queen before taking her home. Life certainly is good.

Now, that I’ve cleaned up the last paint roller and re-hung the last dead animal (my home décor demonstrates my hubby’s love of hunting) I’m going to spend the rest of the day catching up on emails and getting some of the scenes playing in my head on paper.

Wildcat Bride, The Quinter Brides book 5 has officially hit the coming soon page at the Wild Rose Press Website. Also, if you’re interested, visit here to view some great original pictures of the Civil War Era.

Have a great week, everyone!

Lots and Lots of Snow

Like 12-15 inches of snow since yesterday, and it’s still falling. I do believe I’m snowed in. DH left with the plow truck a couple hours ago, and I can’t even see the trail he left in the driveway. Since I don’t have to go anywhere today, it would be a perfect day to write, but the black moment in my latest WIP needs to be fleshed out a bit more. I do that best when I’m busy, so I’m thinking about painting my kitchen. I did the downstairs bathroom last week and really like how it turned out…We’ll just have to see what the day brings.

We celebrated our granddaughter’s birthday on Saturday. (She turns two on Thursday.) Papa is her favorite word and person. As guests started to arrive, she snuggled up next to him and didn’t move until it was time to open gifts, which she tore into like a well-seasoned pro.

I received a lovely review from the Long and Short of It Reviews for Guardian Bride last week. Reviewer Camellia said, “With memorable metaphors and a special guardian angel, Lauri Robinson sweeps the reader into the Quinters’ lives…”

That’s about it from my little spot in the world today. I’m off to scrub the kitchen walls. Maybe they don’t need paint….

I hope you’re enjoying your day, whether it’s sunny or snowy, warm or cold.

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.

Valentine's Day

Yes, it’s the day to celebrate the love in your life, whether it’s your soul mate, your family members, or your current love interest. I have so many wonderful Valentine’s Day memories it’s hard to pick a favorite. I remember receiving a valentine from a boy in grade school that I didn’t even know, and another time, a flower from a secret admirer. Do you remember making those Valentine’s Day mailboxes to sit on your desk? I do, and I remember when our school made the rule we had to bring a valentine for everyone in the class, which, really should have been in place all along. After all, that is just commonsense.

I remember helping my sons fill out their valentines and attach candy to each one, and reading through the ones they’d received when they got home from school. I still have some of the wonderful homemade cards the boys gave me over the years. My hubby has surprised me many times over the years with flowers, candy, one year it was a puppy, (but that’s a whole other story) and wonderful evenings out. As we’ve aged, we’ve discovered it’s more fun to stay home and cook a special meal together rather than find a place that still takes reservations. I truly detest those little buzzing boxes restaurants provide waiting customers. My most special Valentine’s Day was probably the one he gave me a new wedding ring set. I had lost the diamond out of my original set and instead of replacing it, as he said he was doing, he surprised me with a new set.

I plan on spending this special day doing one of the things I love most. Writing. I’m making wonderful progress on my latest WIP and in completing the edits on my contracted stories. The first of which will be released in May—the title is yet to be determined, but Wildcat Bride, the fifth Quinter Bride book will be released on April 1st.

I’m off now, to the mountains of Colorado where I left my hero and heroine searching for the Wanda Lou gold mine. I hope each of you has a wonderful day, filled with many pleasures and expressions of love from those you treasure.

Research Tidbit

I love research, and lately I stumbled upon this bit of information:

In 1880, thirty-nine years before National Prohibition, Kansas legislators passed an amendment that made it illegal to manufacture or sell intoxicating liquors in the state. Many saloons operated illegally, or became known as ‘private clubs’ depending on local laws. Of course druggist and doctors could dispense alcohol for medicinal purposes. A saddle sore or boil was an often aliment, and one report said depending on the size and location of the boil, the prescription for treatment could include up to 12 pints of spirits and 30 bottles of beer—all of which was to be consumed within eleven days.

Hmmm…makes you wonder about Miss Kitty’s Long Branch Saloon, and “Doc” on Gunsmoke, doesn’t it?

Speaking of “Doc”…Several years ago my aunt and uncle purchased a house in Burton, Kansas. The home had a closet that every time you closed the door, the light came on. Turned out the home was originally owned by Milburn (“Doc” on Gunsmoke) Stone’s mother, and she had been the local telephone operator. The closet was where she had the switchboard and the light switch was installed in the door frame.

Cold here again today, with dangerous wind-chill advisories. The edits on the contracted UNDONE stories are going well, and my mother came up with a story line that’s rolling around in my head. People often say they have a good idea for a story or that I should write one about them—I haven’t used one before, but her idea has really intrigued me. Of course, I do need to finish several others first.

Stay warm, be happy (yes, it’s a choice), and enjoy the day!

A Winter Warm Up...

Yes, that’s what the weather man promises, and I’m looking forward to it. The wind this morning was brittle. But, I must also mention, he promised a drop back into the deep freeze later in the week with his next breath. Oh, well, life is full of ups and downs, isn’t it? As I type this, my mother is taking a nap on my sofa. A month ago she was diagnosed with Lymphoma and had her first Chemo treatment today, which she came through with flying colors! It’s been a month of test, scans, biopsies, and doctor visits, and she’s been a real trooper through it all. She’s 79 and her oncologist keeps telling her this would be a whole different ball game if she was old and frail. Everyone is very optimistic about the final outcome, and we’re extremely thankful for the wonderful care she’s received from all of the doctors, nurses, surgeons, and other medical professionals. Thank you to all of you who have included her in your thoughts and prayers and put her on your prayer lists. It’s sincerely appreciated.

On the writing side, I’ve finished book one of the three book contract, and having loads of fun with book two and three. These two stories complete a duet of Undones about two widows and the local marshal and his deputy. And I’m still plugging away on the gold mine story. Life is good.

I’m off now to make supper and then Mom, DH, and I are going to watch Secretariat.

Have a great weekend, everyone, and be kind to yourself. You are your own best friend.

It wasn't a dream...

I’ve been down with a rotten, kick-my-butt-big-time cold. The kind not even DayQuil/NyQuil helps to conquer. After two days of crawling out of bed for purely essential reasons, I do believe I’m on the mend. Yeah. To prove I’m not just whining about being sick, this is what happened yesterday…

I had to send an email for work, so I dragged myself out of bed and used my Blackberry to send the email since turning on the computer would have been too much work. I then glanced at my personal emails. There was an email from my Harlequin Editor. I read it, but being so fuzzy headed, I went back to bed. Hours later, I woke wondering if I’d dreamt the email. I got up and turned on the computer, after 100+ emails downloaded, I scanned them, and... It hadn’t been a dream! There was an offer for a three book contract for their Undone Line. I read it, twice at least, and then, went back to bed. Today, however, I’m alive enough to appreciate it.

I have people ask all the time, what is an Undone? They are historical short stories that are highly sensual. At fifteen thousand words or less, they are available only in e-book, and depict a highly charged, emotional snapshot of two characters at a turning point in their lives. Being so short, there isn’t much room for back stories and the characters have to hit the page fully developed and running (so to speak). For me, this makes an Undone more difficult to write than a full length story, but the editing is much easier because of the length, which is a nice payoff.

Harlequin is very open to new writers in this genre, so if you’ve ever wanted to sub a story to them, this is the line to try. Their guidelines are on their website.

I’m off now, to complete a few chores before my energy wanes. Have a great week all!

Coldest Night of the Year

The local news station posted on facebook that tonight will be the coldest night of the year. It’s already -12, and still falling. I’m thankful DH made room in the garage for my car since I have to have my mom at the hospital by 8:00 AM.

We watched all three granddogs last weekend. When the neighbor dogs trekked through the woods to say hi, they were ecstatic to see the company. All five dogs, three labs, one collie, and one pug, had a hayday playing in the snow, and went through a full bag of t-bone treats.

I attended “If You Give a Moose a Muffin” musical today with my granddaughter’s preschool class. Her first bus ride! It was a wonderful event and the kids were great. Then I went to a purse party this evening. Tomorrow, after getting my mother settled home with my brother and sister-in-law, Jess and I will attend fundraiser we’ve planned for a friend.

Nope, cold weather doesn’t slow down Minnesotans.

On the writing side: If you haven’t had a chance to vote over at Siren, the voting is open until Feb. 1st. I finished the edits for an Undone and sent it back to my editor, and have completed another couple chapters on my WIP. The interview with the gold miner from Nevada was so educational!

A final tidbit before I close, if you want a delicious nightcap, try a cup of hot chocolate with a splash of raspberry Schnapps—it’s like drinking a raspberry truffle!

Warm or cold, have a wonderful week!

Best books of 2010

I received notice that Wish Craft has been nominated for Siren’s Best Book of 2010 awards in the western category. Voting runs from Jan 10th to Feb. 1st. Every reader/voter has a chance to win one of three prize packs consisting of e-books. You can only vote once per category, but can vote for in all eight categories, and each vote gives you another entry into the contest. Here’s the link and if you have a chance, I’d appreciate your vote.


Blurb:

After intensive studying of Quantum jumping, Jayden White embarks on a journey one hundred and twenty years in the past for two reasons—to aid her sister’s financial crisis and to meet the man she’s come to know through an old family diary.
The night Levi Grimshaw asks his long time sweetheart to marry him he arrives home to discover a strange young woman sleeping in front of his fireplace—trouble is she’s not a stranger to his heart.

Our local high school holds a Poetry Out Loud contest every year, in which students choose a poem to recite for an audience. I’ve had the pleasure of being a judge since they first implemented this program, and I must say, it’s not only fun, the kids do an awesome job! The contest was held today and I listened to 78 recitals. It was phenomenal!

For the past few weeks I’ve been researching gold mining in the 1800’s for my latest WIP. I found lots of information, but not exactly what I was interested in. Then I came across a modern day prospector and emailed him to see if I could ask a few questions. He not only answered my questions, but sent links and videos and we have set up a phone interview that I’m really looking forward to. This story is really flowing, and I’m enjoying writing it immensely.

The neighbor dog is knocking at the door for her evening treat, so I’ll sign off. Enjoy the day, make it one to remember!

Welcome to 2011

I hope you're all experiencing a wonderful 2011 and that it will just keep getting better and better every day!

We had a wonderful New Year’s Eve and Day! The kids were over and we had family from out of state visiting. We had a bonfire and lit off some fireworks, and ate, and visited, etc. etc.

My goal this weekend is to get the rest of the decorations put away. The tree is down, but with all the company, I didn’t pull out the tubs to take down everything else. The weather has dropped below zero, as it normally does this time of year, so having inside chores for the weekend is just fine with me.

I’m still loving my Kindle, but I’m also loving the new story I started. Set in Colorado in the 1880’s, I’m enjoying the research as much as the writing, and creating a list of places I must visit on our next trip out there.

I’m off to get supper done so I can get some writing in this evening, tomorrow will come quickly and promises to be a busy day. Best wishes to you all on the wonderful new year we are embarking upon.