My Son

I talked about my oldest son and his love. Well I had to post a picture of them so everyone can see how beautiful they are together.

Aren't they precious together? This was taken last Spring.

Her graduation went wonderfully and they came over that night. We had gumbo and several of my faculty came over. The evening turned out great!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

I love this time of year. It's cold outside and the weatherman claims it might snow which is a rarity this far south. I hope it does cause I love the snow. I remember when I was little, I had a white Christmas in Memphis. Wonderful memories!

Right now, I'm counting down the days until I'm off for the holiday. That's right, you read correctly. For a whole two weeks, I get to stay at home, sleep late, stay up late and technically be lazy. Doesn't that sound like heaven?

So until then I have to get busy and finish a few things. First, clear off my desk here at work so when the new year comes in, I can start fresh. Also I'm reworking the ending on my werewolf story. Want that done and out of the way before I leave too. It's not going to be hard and I have started working on it so I'm optimistic it'll be done before the 19th.

Wouldn't it be grand to hear about my submission to Samhain before I leave for the holidays. If anything a request for a full. That would be the very best Christmas present this year besides the hugs and kisses I receive from my boys (young men I should say).

My oldest son's sweetheart (she is a doll) is graduating from the University this weekend. She's receiving her degree in Education. I'm so proud of her. And I'm proud my son found such a wonderful girl to fill his heart with love. They're precious together.

Well, better get busy clearing the desk out and reworking the ending to my werewolf story. Want all that finished!

Still so far to go...

with my writing. I work everyday at my day job and I write during the early and late hours of the day. Some days I don't open anything to work on. Why? Because my mind is exhausted from the full time job and family.

During those times, I like to open a good book and read. This is when I realize I have so far to go to reach the point of the authors I'm reading. The sentences, words--everything is so smooth and the writing wonderful.

Once more, I came to realize this fact this past weekend while reading Allison Chase's latest release, "Dark Temptation". She's good, really good. I sat, riveted to the pages, unable to hear or see anything but what was happening in the book.

I want that with my writing. I will have that. Each day is another experiment in my work, trying new techniques, feeling comfortable with them. Throwing old habits out the door while developing new ones.

So here's to you, Allison, for the inspiration you've given me.

Oh, and for those of you who want a great read, get both books by her:Dark Obsession and now, Dark Temptation. They are well worth the read.

Haunted...

by a story so intense, so poignant, it won't leave you. I have one that has eaten at me for the longest. I tear up just thinking about putting the first sentence on the paper. Why? Because I know how it will end and for that reason I want to cry my eyes out. The emotions which swirl inside just watching the tender yet powerful and passionate scenes coursing through my mind makes me want to sit and start on it, then I stop and wonder if I have the emotional strength to carry it off.

I have made a resolution to start on this story over the Thanksgiving holiday. It's not a full length novel or so it seems at the moment. I even have a name for it: Before the Last Leaf Falls.

Promises are meant to be kept, no matter how many years pass. Love never stops even when death steals the body, the spirit always remembers.


So I fully intend to use the next five days to begin this tale with the hopes I won't be an emotional wreak by the time it's done.

Hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving.

And if any of you have had a story which affects you to such a degree, let me know. I'd love to hear how you handled the writing and still remained stable.

Wonderful News!

This morning I opened my inbox and look what I found waiting for me.

"Congratulations. Your story, “A Heart of Compassion,” was chosen to be included in one of our “101 Best” books, representing our favorites from our library of stories. “A Heart of Compassion” is included in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tales of Golf and Sport."

This story was originally in Chicken Soup for the Mother and Son Soul, 2006 edition. Now it's going to be in another one.

Meanwhile, back on the old homestead...

I did it again. Submitted, that is. I wanted so badly to enter the 'Got Wolf' contest with The Wild Rose Press, but nature (remember Gustav and Ike?) insisted on putting crimps into the game plan. Hey, just a minor setback. Well, I did it. I sent my 18k werewolf story, HEAVEN SCENT, to the Black Rose on Monday. Yay!

Then I get hit with a sinus infection. Nothing like a foggy head to take the edge off the celebration of a new contract. So, hey, since I was sick anyway, why not send HEAVEN SCENT in?

Next, I asked a few authors to review my newly contracted story, HEART'S REUNION. I'm sure all of you become a bit nervous letting other published authors read your work. I do. Can't help it. The mother rises up and I wonder if I checked to make sure teeth and hair were brushed on my newly birthed baby.

I always drive myself crazy wondering what these wonderful ladies will think of my newborn.

Well, I received two reviews and I have to say, I'm pleased!

P.L. Parker commented:

"Heart's Reunion is an eerie, but thought provocative journey into the mysterious realm of mountain folk lore. The heat between Bre and Micah sizzles from the first moment they meet and continues throughout. This is a "must read," and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Leger's works."


and Aithne Jarretta, Paranormal author, said this about the story:

"HEART’S REUNION is a spellbinding tale of spirits, an enduring connection of family and true love. Ms. Leger fulfills a promise to her Readers to give them a fully passionate love story with ghostly quirks, unabashed adventure, and the happy ending we all seek."

Awesome remarks! Thanks ladies!

Love the Blog Award!

I have received this award from three wonderful and talented ladies. Oh, yes, flattery will definitely gain brownie points with me. LOL!

So, thanks, Regina, Gina, Hywela (that's my Lyn) and my dear friend, Linda LaRogue for tagging me!

Now I have to nominate seven more blogs.

Hum....

Hee, hee, okay, here it goes!

Ali Katz

Paisley Scott

Pamela Thibodeaux

Winona Cross

Mindy Blanchard

Jessica Ferguson

and last but definitely not the least,

P. L. Parker

Each of these ladies have a tremendous amount of talent and I am so proud to call them my friends!!

Now it's y'all's turn to pick your favorite blogs!!

Heart's Reunion Contracted!

What a wonderful way to start the week. I received word yesterday that my editor with The Wild Rose Press wants my 30k short story, Heart's Reunion.

Here I was feeling sick because I had submitted a book to Samhain. Sending something off always makes me ill, but this time it's been buffeted by this news. Yes! I feel validated again.

Current WIP!

It's November and everyone should know what that means! Yes, it's National Writing Month. My goal this month is finish Dragon's Desire, one of the books in my Avaris series. Writing was slow yesterday but this morning, I woke up refreshed and rearing to go. I wrote 141 words in 10 minutes. Good words too! So now I'm pumped. Can't wait to go home and write some more. I want to type The End on this story so I can move on to the next one in December. Can I do this? Oh, yeah! Done it before and I will do it again.

I'll do the editing to the story in January. That way I'll have a month in between to let it ferment then I can tear into it.

This last year has been great as far as having works published. Recieved my first contract on a full length novel, finished up with a couple of short stories, just waiting to hear about them and I submitted another full length to a publisher. I'm going to be positive about that one. I just know they will want more it and request a full.

Okay, I'm off to clear off my desk and hopefully get a little more words in before I leave to go home!

Halloween Ball Chat!

It's Samhain!!! Yay! I LOVE Halloween. It's one of my favorite of all time holidays.

Today is my chat at the Halloween Ball over at The Wild Rose Press . It's an all day affair so come on out and visit with everyone!! My chat time is at 2:30 to 2:50 Central time! I'm nervous but I know it'll be great!

I'm asking a question about my upcoming book. The answer is here on this page. Whoever gets it right will receive a $5.00 gift certificate from The Wild Rose Press!!

Also if you have time, check out my short story, The Witch Within. It's perfect for this time of year!

Happy Trick or Treating!

To Submit a Book: Blessing Or Curse

Seems like every time I submit a book to a prospective publisher, I go through a series of reactions. First, I research who I want to submit to, and then I polish my proposal. Next comes the sending. My finger hoovers over the send button or my hand clenches the envelope tighter as it rests on the mail slot. Why? Is it that hard for me to let go of this story? Am I so terrified of possible rejection? I'm not really sure, I guess you could say it's a combination of many factors.

I sweat. My stomach tightens and nausea burns deep in my belly. My hands tremble and I can't think straight. Each breath is a burden to my body. Am I doing the right thing to send this off? How will I react if I receive the dreaded rejection? I can imagine the joy I'll feel if the story is accepted, but a rejection, what will I do?

It's the thought that someone is going read what is deep in my heart then possibly decide it's not what they want. More questions work their way into my mind. Will they think I am a total idiot or a complete loser for sending this trash to them? They'll remember me as the one author they don't want anything else from. Nope, not her. Never again. Then I remember the stories I've sent that have since gone on to publication. My editors with each one have praised my writing and want anything I write. This one factor keeps me going.

Do I have an answer for why I feel this way? Looking far in the past, I have to say my confidence with my writing has always suffered. People close to me have never really read a lot and had a hard time believing in me and my ability. Because of this, I have severe doubts about my talent.

It's taken me years to work through these doubts. So do I send this book in or do I give up? No, I will not give up. I've worked too hard to fulfill my dream. It's taken me a long time to build my confidence enough to seek publication and I won't let my self doubts stop me.

In that second, strength rises in my heart and I press the send button or release the envelope. The package is sent. The deed done and I can not take it back. Does it make me feel better? Not really, the physical reactions are still there but with each submission, I become a little stronger and my confidence increases a bit more.

Does anyone else struggle with submitting works? What kinds of reactions do you have and how do you work through them?

Chilly Autumn Breezes!

Brrrrr, it's chilly outside. For those who live north of mid-Louisiana, it can be hard to comprehend that we don't suffer great differences in degrees of weather changing here. I live only fifty miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. We either have sultry humidity or rain. During the winter months, we have rain and wet cold. Not all the trees lose their leaves, and the change of seasons are minor.

I used to live up north and that's one aspect of Fall I miss the most. When the leaves turn red, gold and magenta, I can sense the wonder of our planet. It puts me the mood for holiday festivities. Especially Halloween.

We own several acres of land and a friend came and cut the pasture for hay. Seeing the huge rolls spaced out in the pasture and the cut green grass below made me want to go out and buy a bunch of pumpkins to mingle with the rolls. Fall has arrived. And I love it.

Just think, yesterday it was 90 degrees and today, it's 50. Nice, really nice.

Here's to the coming of Samhain! Hoping everyone has a fantastic one!!

Full Moons and Ghostly Spectors

I love Halloween. Why? Mainly, I suppose, because of the season's ambiance. The air is getting cooler, the nights come faster, and the spirits abound.

During these long, lovely evenings, I love to watch the silvered clouds float across a full moon. The lighting inspires the artist and writer in me. I imagine all types of creatures prowling just beyond my line of vision. Will they attack me? Or embrace me? I prefer the last one. To feel ghostly arms wrapped about me in a loving embrace. Over the last few years, I've written several stories with strange creatures. A wraith in The Wraith's Forest and a life-size carving in The Witch Within; each have their own tales and both are alive with emotions.

My favorite scene in The Wraith's Forest is where my hero, the Wraith, is following Keely, the heroine, and she questions him about it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sun had lowered to the tops of the trees when she found a bench amid the wildflowers and weeds. With a sloping fountain in front of her, she listened to the water trickling. The peaceful rhythm soothed her rattled nerves.

She studied the landscape, remembering his comment about the gardens. Lovingly cared for. Were his the hands that tilled the soil and planted the shrubs and flowers? Here and there, a brilliant splash of color showed in the greens and browns of the foliage. Yes, she could see that these were, at one time, breathtaking.

A little to her right, a dark shape caught her eye. The Wraith watched from a short distance. She sighed. He had followed her all day. She noticed him often. He would appear in the deeper shadows along the fringes of the forest, reminding her that this was real.

“Why do you watch me?” She called to him. “What do you want from me?”

He glided nearer. “You remind me of someone I once knew.”

Keely tilted her head. “I’m not her.”

“No.”

“Why did you cut my hair yesterday?”

Behind her now, he halted. “I wanted to touch it. To see if my memory was correct.”

“About what?”

“The softness of a beautiful woman’s hair.”

Keely swallowed. “W-w-was it? As you remembered?”

“I cannot feel the strands. I have tried, but....”

“Because you’re a Wraith?”

“Yes.”

Tears burned at the back of her eyes. Nowhere in all the tales of this wretched creature had anyone told of this. That he would desire what he’d lost. Was there no way to help him?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the very beginning of the story, Keely assumed from the tales that the Wraith was an evil creature intent on destroying any who ventured into the forest. Sometimes what lays beneath the surface is so different than what is seen and believed.

So the next time you run into a fantasy being, albeit, wraith or faery, then remember there might be more to the story than just what the eye sees.

Hoping everyone has a fantastic month of October!!

Halloween Author Spotlight!

OMG!! Imagine my surprise and excitement when I found out that Romance ebooks has me as their spotlighted Halloween Author!! If you have time go check it out!!

Yippee! Doing the happy dance over here!

My Interview at Romance Writers Unlimited!!

I'm really excited at my new interview. It's posted at the Romance Writers Unlimited blog page. If you have time, check it out!!

Linda LaRoque Tagged Me!!!

Okay, Linda, first off, I will remember this!! Thanks so much for the wonderful words of praise! Everyone needs to take a look at Linda LaRoque's works. She's a great author and very worthy of reading. I promise you, it's time well spent! She has several books at The Wild Rose Press. I'm supposed to tell you six things about myself and tag six friends. Hmmm, let me see. Okay.

1. I live with my family in Southwest Louisiana with my husband of 30 years, three sons, two dogs (though the Dachshund thinks she's human), a 30 year old Appaloosa mare, and several fish. Can't our wet little buddies out, now can I? My oldest son, 24, just bought a home and moved out at the beginning of this month. It's strange not having him at home any more but I am proud of him! My two younger sons are still at home, attending high school. I've been working in higher education for the past 11 years. Before that, I worked at an engineering company.

2. When I'm not working a the day job or tending to my family, I write. If the muse is sleeping I love to sit with a huge bowl of popcorn and watch some Anime with my kids. What is Anime? It's, I guess, you could call it Japanese Cartoons, only they're so much more!

3. I'm a member of a local writer's group (Bayou Writers Group. We're a very close knit group. We started small but we're growing larger each year. Our annual conference is on November 15 at the Arts and Humanity building here in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The information for this is posted on their blogsite! Go check it out. It's going to be a great conference!

4. I have Cherokee blood on my father's side (great grandmother) and Choctaw blood on my mother's side (great grandmother). Can tell it with me but you can with my sister.

5. Can't wait for the time change at the end of this month. I'm ready for that extra hour. LOL! More sleep! This way, hopefully, I can dream. So far I've written three stories from something I dreamed about. The Witch Within is one of them.

6. There's so many people that I've encountered on this wonderful writing journey. Nothing could ever take their places in my life!


I'm tagging these people.

1. The first one is Pamela Thibodeaux. HA! Betcha didn't think I'd tagged you, huh? Yep, my Pam, is one of my dearest and closest friends!! Known for several years and we're each others sounding board for our writing. It's great to have someone close by so you can sit down over a hot cup of coffee and hash out problems with your current WIP.

2. Second is Gina Ardito. Wahoo! Gina has two novels out right now, Bonds of Matrimony and Slice of Heaven. You have to go check them out!! Love you, Gina, girlfriend! I've know Gina for several years now. She's one of my on-line critique partners at Romance Writers Unlimited.

3. Leslie Ann Dennis has been a friend since 2003. I met her at the NOLA conference in Shreveport. Loved her then and that love has never faltered. She is a fantastic lady and her writing ain't too bad either. Go check out her newest release, Reason to Believe! You'll love it! Leslie is also one of the founders of Romance Writers Unlimited.

4. If you like erotica romance then you need to go check out Amber Green's works! She is one fantastic author and one of my closest friends!

5. Hywela Lyn, my fellow horse lover! She's Welsh but she lives in England right now. Starquest is her new release from The Wild Rose Press.

6. Last but definitely not the least is Dawn Brown! She's one of my newest friends and another excellent author. If you have time go check out her latest novel, Living Lies!

I have a ton of writing friends and these are only a few of them. One of the reasons I love to write and what keeps me moving forward as an author is the support and feedback that I receive from all my friends. Without them, I would never have made it this far!

Love y'all!

Ready for Halloween?

If you are and you love to read, go check out my short stories, THE WITCH WITHIN from THE WILD ROSE PRESS

Here's the Blurb:

A scream echoes over Witch's mountain. A three hundred year old carving attacks for no reason. Widow Glory Sinclair fights against an unknown evil as she struggles with her growing attraction for Sheriff Will Moore.

And an excerpt:


The trail narrowed and the trees grew thicker along the edges. Cassie stayed several feet in front of Glory. Rocks and boulders littered the path and tree branches, mostly bare of their leaves, angled across their way. Glory had to keep a hand ready for a limb snapping back too fast after Cassie released it.

Every cracked twig she stepped on, the wind rattling the leaves on the trees, and even the crows cawing, pounded against Glory’s mind. Her entire body remained tense, fear slowly eating at her senses. A branch fell from the canopy, snapping smaller limbs before striking the undergrowth and musky leaves littering the forest floor. Glory froze, her gaze shot toward the spot several yards into the woods just to their left.

Glory glanced at Cassie. Her little girl stood a few feet further up the trail, a worried frown crinkled her smooth brow. Unable to speak, Glory nodded to reassure her and somehow managed to force a smile out. She moved toward Cassie, shooing her ahead.

Another few minutes crept by and a twig popped to their left. Cassie kept moving but her gaze flew toward the sound. There deep in the dim reaches nothing moved. Glory’s glance caught sight of a dark shape near one of the trees. She slowed down and squinted. The size of a person, the form could have been a snapped off tree. Her heartbeat increased and the shape slid forward in the same direction they traveled.
Glory’s eyes widened. Though she couldn’t distinguish any detail, she knew that shape. The carving was moving parallel through the trees with them.

Without thinking, Glory lifted her skirts, and grabbed Cassie’s hand as she passed her. She half loped down the trail, pulling her daughter behind her. She didn’t think about the danger of moving so fast along the mountain path, she wanted only to put distance between her daughter and that thing following them.

The trees thinned out and a sharp turn came into view. Blood pounding in her ears, Glory skidded around the corner.

Black forelegs reared and Glory screamed. The mule, out of sight with the bend in the trail, snorted and neighed, its hooves landing a few feet from where Glory stopped, Cassie held behind her.

“Good Lord, woman, didn’t you hear me coming up the trail?” Will swung out of the saddle. He patted the mule’s neck as he stepped in front of it to reach her side. Snorting, the big animal nodded several times, its bridle rattling in the quiet, before settling down.

Will touched her arm. “Are you all right? Shade didn’t hit you, did he?”

She shook her head, unable to force the words out. She released her hold on Cassie and clasped the loose sides of Will’s white shirt where it was tucked into his pants. She leaned forward and rested her forehead against his chest for a brief second, then turned her head and laid her cheek on his breast. She listened to the steady beat of his heart.

“Honey,” Will’s breath slipped over her right cheek. “Glory, are you all right?”

His heartbeat accelerated and she realized how she frightened him. She needed to sort through her thoughts before answering. She had to tell him what had happened but the uncertainty of how he would take to the news frightened her more than almost being stomped by his mule.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's on sale! It's a eerie tale of paranormal and romance. Be sure and contact me if you do and let me know how you liked it!

September's Almost Over!

Yes!!! I'll be glad to start a new month and hopefully accomplish a lot more this month. New priorities, goals and, hopefully, more writing than I did last month.

Update on what I've been up to for the last week. Still waiting on my edits for LOVE'S TRUE ENCHANTMENT. Hoping to have them soon.

Stuck on a love scene with my werewolf story. (God, I hate having to write one of those scenes, especially when my mind is in the living room while the story is set in the bedroom. Go figure.) Besides, I don't like it when I reach an intimate point and then my characters turn to stare at me like I'm the outsider. Their staring lasts for about a minute then, my fingers posed over the keyboard, I ask, "What??"

My hero calmly replies, "Do you mind? We'd like a little privacy."

Shocked, I blink in disbelief before I respond, slightly peeved that they would rebel in such a way with me! "Uh, I don't thing so. This scene is in the book, big boy, so get a grip (on whatever you desire) and go for it!"

Well, obviously, they're more stubborn that I am, because sleep soon demands my attention and I either miss out on all the good stuff with them laughing their asses off at me, or they are frozen in the same place I left them just before I went to bed.

This week, I have to convince them to share with me so I can send this story in.

After that, I want to work on a story I've been tinkering with. ANGEL AND THE DEMON. Not a typical love story, but so far my crit partners seem to really love my hero. So that is a good sign! Now, that hero has NO problems shedding cloths, bedsheets or anything else that prevents me from viewing his vigor! LOL! Some men!

Distractions in Writing!

Name one distraction.

Hum, okay, let's see...Oh, oh, I know, I know.

Having a hurricane come and knock on your door! That will definitely disrupt your creative muse as it's trying to compose a best selling novel! Yes, yes, that is definitely the thing!

Seriously, for two weeks in a row, I tried to finish up my current WIP and both times my plans were zonked by the forces of nature. First, Gustav, who made me leave my home and go to Arkansas, then came Ike. We stayed at home with that one. But we were without electricity for a couple days.

Do I have to say that the creative juices just refused to flow? No, they stopped completely. So this week, I am hoping to finish up the little werewolf story I'm writing, send it off and then hope for the best! For the story and also that another storm doesn't come in anymore for the next ten years! I could use some less stressful summer and early fall months. I really can.

So everyone, please send me positive thoughts that I can focus enough to finish this story up! I need it!

Romance Ebook Review for THE WITCH WITHIN

Recieved a fantastic review from Romance Ebooks blog .

I was thrilled to get a Bouquet of Rose grade on the story!

'The Witch Within' by Judith Leger

'The Witch Within' by Judith Leger

The Wild Rose Press

Grade: Bouquet of Roses

BLURB:

A scream echoes over Witch's mountain. A three hundred year old carving attacks for no reason. Widow Glory Sinclair fights against an unknown evil as she struggles with her growing attraction for Sheriff Will Moore.

REVIEW:

I don’t normally read Paranormal Romance but was intrigued enough by ‘The Witch Within’ to give the genre a shot. And I have to say I was impressed. Right from the start, Judith Leger had me wrapped up in her characters lives. Glory, a widowed mother, is a strong role model for women all over the world. Living in the wilderness of Witch Mountain gives her just enough independence to prove she can survive the tragedy of losing her husband so young. Will, the local Sheriff and her late husband’s best friend, checks in on her every now and then to make sure she and her daughter are coping without a man’s protection. But he has an ulterior motive. For years he has been in love with his best friends wife and now, he would like to make an honest woman of her. But Glory’s guilt of loving another man eats away at her heart just enough for her to keep her distance. That is, until mysterious happenings begin to take place on Witch Mountain.
Esmeralda, a carved wooden statue that has been within Glory’s family for years, has special powers beyond belief. After a horrific murder, it’s up to Glory and Will to discover whether Esmeralda’s intentions are evil or good. It’s difficult to believe she is anything but a family heirloom behind her faded expression, until one night when Glory gets the fright of her life. Thankfully, Will is by her side. But will Glory allow him to remain there for the rest of her life?

‘The Witch Within’ had the perfect length of pages to keep me turning and the flow of the storyline was constant enough to have kept me gripped. The characters had just the right amount of strength, vulnerability, boldness and compassion to make them believable enough to keep them real. I would definitely recommend ‘The Witch Within’ and would like to congratulate Judith on a fabulous story.

Reviewed in June 2008, by Debby, for Simply Romance Reviews ~ Grade A.

Available now from The Wild Rose Press http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

Grading:
1 Red Rose: Ok
Vase of Roses: Good
Bouquet of Roses: Excellent
Wedding Bouquet: Outstanding

Dependence

Over the many years of my life, I have steadfastly believed that I am independent in all areas; family, friends, children, everyone. To me, independence is standing on my own two feet, without having to call on anyone for help.

My views about this has changed. I've found that over the years what I thought was independence is really a fake front I enjoyed projecting to the world. I do depend on loved ones, friends, family and my kids. The guise of this dependence was hidden from my view until recently.

Not only did I realize that I needed people, but I thrive on that need. My fellow writing buddies are always there for me. My kids listen to me and in return need me also. Friends call me for advice or just to talk about their lives as I share mine with them. A give and take that spans years. Now does that make me a dependent on others. Sure, I'll admit it. I need other people and I fill a spot in their lives too. It doesn't make me less a person or unable to function on my own. It just helps to make me a more rounded individual. Someone that can make an interesting journey through live, touching people's souls and allowing them to touch mine.

For all my friends, acquaintances, my beloved family, I say Thanks! Without you, I would not be who I am today.

Love of Reading

Ever since I can remember, I have loved to read. Absolutely, irrevocably love the pictures reading forms in my mind. I would read anything, from history books, mystery, Gothics, mythology, fantasy, westerns, and then I found romance. Needless to say, I was hooked. Completely. And you know what, I don't regret all those nights that I would stay up a little later to make it through another chapter. The next day, I would count the hours before I could start the next section so I could finish the story.

I never regretted reading them either. They were worth every minute it took to complete them.

As I started on my writing career, I wanted to affect readers so they enjoyed my stories as much as I enjoyed reading those other books. I still feel as though I have a long way to go. There aren't in doubts though that I won't succeed. I will, my dream will come true and I will have some best selling books. The feeling is here in my heart and soul. The day is coming and right now I am preparing for that moment!

Heart's Reunion is Almost Done!

Well, it is very close to completion. I can't wait either. I love the characters. Micah is dark, mysterious and sexy. Just what a hero should be while Sabre is in the know and very together. They clash at the start but chemistry between them is too strong.

Hopefully, Heart's Reunion will be accepted by The Wild Rose Press. This story is another segment in line with The Witch Within. It's set in contemporary times but with an eerie atmosphere.

Now I'm off to work on it some more.

New Cover

I finally received my cover for my novel, Love's True Enchantment. It's beautiful. The colors and the characters on the front speak loudly about what is inside the book. I can't wait to start on the edits.

These are scheduled for May, June. They should go smoothly and then the book will be released. I'm hoping for a Fall come out and then I'll be able to have some book signing before the holidays.

Another great thing to happen is my oldest son found a house. We went and looked at it yesterday. It's perfect for him. A little starter home. The way it looks, he'll be able to move in around May 8. God, I'm going to miss having him around. Of course, he's on the go all the time so I don't see him very often but I know he's at home in his bed at night. It'll be that way in his new house but he won't be at my house.

Every time he or one of my other two boys leave to go somewhere, I start to pray and ask Jesus to send his angels to surround and keep them safe. He does and I'm so thankful for that. My boys as with m0st Mothers are my life. They keep me on my toes and add such a wonderful flavor to every day. I will miss each one when the time comes that it's only my hubby and me at home.

Waiting...a never ending journey!

As authors, we have to learn patience. Still, sometimes I wish there wasn't any need to wait. Right now, I'm waiting on my cover for my newly contract novel, LOVE'S TRUE ENCHANTMENT. The wait is driving me batty. I can't wait to see the cover. I can be patient for the book to come out because the edits have to be done, but the cover. Hopefully soon, I will be able to post the cover for the book.

I can see what I imagine in my head. It's going to be absolutely beautiful! That's what is killing me. I'm letting my imagination run away with me (typical, just read one of my stories to see this) and until I see the actual images, my brain is sending withdrawal signals throughout my mind.

So now I am counting the days until I hear something.

Blessing to all!

My Friend, Pamela Thibodeaux tagged me.

The rules:
1. Link back to the person who tagged you

2. Post the rules on your blog.

3. Share six unimportant things about yourself

4. Tag six random people at the end of your blog entry.
5. Let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs.



Six Unimportant Things About Me:

1). I LOVE chocolate.
2). I enjoy a challenge.
3). I have 3 sons.
4). I LOVE "The Secret" and believe it is fully backed by scripture.
5). I love Anime.
6). Give me romance over everything else!

Okay here's who I'm tagging:

Gina Ardita
Leslie Dennis
Paisley Scott
Dr. Zee Lit
Amber Green
Peggy Borel

Watch it or you might be the next one tagged!

Offered Contract!

Well, today I woke up and decided that I would hear some great news! I did. My editor with The Wild Rose Press offered me a contract for The Changeling, my paranormal romance manuscript. I am so happy about this. Not only that the story has a home but to have it accepted by a great editor! The woman is officially a Goddess in my eyes!

She actually had the gall to make with cry with her praise of my submission. Only a rare few can do that to me! Well, maybe more than a few!

Then to top this fantastic news off, I found out that Fallen Angels Reviews posted their review for my short story The Witch Within to day too.

Here it is!

A Five Angel review! I'm totally speechless about all of this.

I will be riding high for the rest of the week!

New Furniture

Found out yesterday that my new furniture will arrive on Wednesday morning of next week! I can't wait to receive it and setup my living room up. Yay!

My family and I have been working hard at improving the house. Adding equity to the property but for me it's more than that. It's being able to look around and see comfort. Not that my old stuff wasn't comfortable but geesh...it was 17 years old and sagging, sort of like me. The new furniture will give me a boost. I know it will because I have been pumped since I painted my house and put new floors in last week.

And to add to this great news, I am having my desk moved back into the house this weekend so that means no more excuses about writing. It's about time too. I have the ending to my short in line with The Witch Within. I want to finish that up and send it to TWRP. Then, hopefully I will have two shorts and (keeping my fingers crossed) a novel with them. It's a good start for this year. I'm really hoping this year will be grand for me followed by an even grander next year!

New Year, New Start, New Outlook and I don't mean email!

I've been brewing for the past few weeks, between painting and putting new floors in my house. My desk is in the barn and hopefully will be back in the house this weekend. By then, I will probably be ready to explode from lack of writing. I've been plotting in my head but the urge to sit down and compose is overpowering me. I look forward to it.

I suppose I feel the need to try expanding on my writing. My novel "The Changeling" was rejected by several top publishers. All of them thought I am a very talented author but they couldn't relate to the characters. Duh! Same old problem with me. Now is the time to fix that about my novel writing. Digging deeper into the characters to make them three dimensional and not two. Just one more step in that direction. Just a baby step.

After the rejection from the top pubs, I sent the story to TWRP, explaining that it had been rejected and asked if they wanted to see it. My editor there told me to send it to her. She then sent it to her reader who send back a great response to the story. Now I am waiting for the editor to review the book and let me know if TWRP wants it. There are certain parts that I want to change and fix. The editor even commented that she would work with me on adding dimension if they take the book so I do have that to rejoice in. Now to keep waiting until I hear something.

Growing with creating is part of being a writer and though it's not what I desire from this craft, it is a necessity. And with all growth spurts, it can be very painful.