ReeseRyan

Author News: Plotting and Planning

August 28, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Right brain planning elements. Courtesy of Teresa Robinson. — Right brain planning elements. Photo courtesy of Teresa Robinson.

Yesterday was ultra productive, thanks in part to kicking the day off with an energizing yoga sequence. I wanted to keep the momentum going today. So I began the day with that same workout. I’m focusing that burst of energy on plotting additional books in my coming Playing with Bad Boys series.

I already had the general story line and characters in mind for each of the additional books, particularly since most of them are introduced in Playing It Safe, Book 1 of the series. But today it’s time to get down deep and personal with the characters in the coming books. Like boozing it up with a new neighbor and discovering what she really thinks about everyone on the block. 😉

While I often drag my feet about plotting and creating character profiles, once I finally get started with it, it’s always fun to discover my characters’ secret motivations and the history and relationships lurking in their pasts.

Plotting the story and creating character profiles is also a point in the process where I can easily get lost, falling down the research rabbit hole. So I’m giving myself today and the rest of the weekend to focus on the plot and character profiles of one book in the series, which I’ll be telling you a little more about in my newsletter next week. After that, it’s time to get down to business fleshing out the next book in the series. And the next. Then, on the first Saturday of the month I’ll be participating in a Book-in-a-Week challenge with my local chapter of RWA.

In the midst of plotting out the rest of the books in the series, I’ll also be sharing news with VIP Readers about a change in plans for the Playing with Bad Boys series, and the special project I’ll be sharing with VIP Readers this fall. If you’re not already on my newsletter list, you can sign up using the form below.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear in the comments what you’re planning for the weekend and what tricks you use to rev up your energy and kickstart your productivity.

Have a great weekend!

Right brain planning elements. Photo courtesy of Teresa Robinson.

Get to Know Marcia Colette author of Stricken

August 25, 2015 by ReeseRyan

This week author Marcia Colette stops by to talk about her long-time love of all things horror and her urban fantasy Stricken.

We’ve been Facebook friends for a while. It’s great to get to learn more about you. Tell us three things we should know about Marcia Colette.

I’m an IT Manager in my day job. One of the most interesting places I’ve ever worked was in the nuclear industry.
I was pretty much raised on scary movies, but they range from about the 1940’s to present day. Believe it or not, my all-time favorite movies range from Alien to The Greatest Show on Earth.
I don’t like comedies. The more bodily harm they do, the worse they seem to me because they’re trying too hard to be funny. I didn’t even laugh when I saw Zombieland, which should’ve gotten something out of me, given that it was more like a horror comedy. Nope. Na-dah.

When did you first know you wanted to become a writer?

When I couldn’t find any more Laurell K. Hamilton books to read. That was about 10 years ago. Since I had read everything up to that point, I decided I wanted to write my own to keep myself preoccupied until her next book came out. But, I also found some other authors I liked at that time, but by then, the writing bug had bit me.

What genres do you write in, and what is it about each genre that appeals to you?

I like horror along the lines of Bentley Little and John Saul. They amp up the creepy factor to the point that you know it’s leading to some big reveal at the very end. I just have to know why their characters are acting the way they are or where the trouble that keeps getting piled on top of them is going to lead.

I also enjoy science fiction, but strangely enough, I haven’t read a lot of it. I prefer my science fiction via the movies because it opens my mind up to the possibilities even more. Unless I’m already familiar with the characters, I won’t read it. I’ll read Star Trek and Star Wars novels, but that’s about it. Unless there’s a huge buzz like with The Hunger Games, I probably won’t pick it up.

Tell us about the intriguing premise and heroine of your latest urban fantasy, Stricken.

Stricken is about my female half-werewolf known as Alexa York. She’s been through a horrible tragedy and needs some time away from her husband. So, to keep busy, she takes up the offer to act as a bodyguard for a doctor who services the supernatural world. She has no idea that there are Amazons dying due to some mysterious illness and she’s about to step right into the chaos of trying to figure out if it was a disease by design or due to genetic makeup. Either way, her charge is tasked to find a cure, despite those who would rather see him die trying.

What can we expect from you next?

Right now, I have the next book in my Alexa York series in my editor’s hands, so I’m hoping it’s a “yes”. I’m also working on a follow-up to a YA Paranormal and a Women’s Fiction. Whether or not any paranormal will creep in on the Women’s Fiction is anyone’s guess.

***

Learn more about Stricken and connect with Marcia Colette at one of the links below.

Website: www.marciacolette.com

Blog: http://marciacolette.wordpress.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/marciacolette
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MarciaColette

You Might Be Getting Old When…

August 14, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Last week I went to the eye doctor, a visit I’d been putting off for ages. My squinty eyes were desperate for a new prescription. Yet, my fragile ego was delaying the inevitable. The moment when the eye doctor confirmed that my eyes are showing signs of age. Specifically, difficulty seeing small print. For a person who spends as much time reading as much as I do (and is, frankly, sort of vain), that’s a hard pill to swallow.

After said eye doctor gave me the requisite speech regarding the sad truth of eyeballs growing old, he kindly gave me two options to address my dilemma–being blind as a bat, both long distance and when it comes to reading small print (i.e. anything less than 32 font. Just kidding. Sort of.)

For my contact prescription, I was given the option of some optometry voodoo which involves under correcting one eye. Essentially, I get 20/20 distance vision in my dominant eye. The other eye is optimized for reading, yet gives me slightly fuzzy distance vision. Somehow my brain is supposed to work all of this out and give me the best vision in both situations. The other option is to have both eyes corrected for the best distance vision and then wear a pair of reader specs when needed.

I opted for the optometry voodoo.

One week in and so far so good. I’ll try it a few more weeks before making a final decision.

As for my eyeglass prescription, the doctor barely had the question out of his mouth before I vehemently agreed that I wanted a progressive bifocal prescription. Progressive lenses give you clear distance and reading vision without the telltale lines found in traditional bifocal lenses. I’ll admit, if it weren’t for that little advance in technology, I’d probably have nixed the bifocals, too.

Just when I settled into the idea of wearing bifocals, (okay, my chest still hurts a little every time I say it), I had a second moment of “you might be getting old when…” clarity.

For a long time I’ve been wanting to see Mint Condition, one of my absolute favorite bands, in person. I’d missed the chance to see them on their most recent visits to Raleigh. I wanted to see them so badly I was ready to do a road trip to make it happen. So when Eventful sent an email to say that the band was coming to town I was absolutely ecstatic.

Finally!

I’d never been to the venue they’re playing at in October, so I did a Google search for pictures. To my dismay, it looks like one of those mosh pit kind of deals where everyone stands on their feet for the entire duration of the concert. To quote Stewie, “Say WHAAAT?”

I love the band. I really do. And I love a concert where the music is so good that everyone is up on their feet. But at this stage in the game, I’d also like the ability to sit down every once in a while. Because the last thing these old knees, feet, hips and back want to do is stand in place on concrete for two plus hours.

Sorry, Stokley. Guess I’ll have to hook up with you and the boys on a road trip after all.

That’s when I realized, though I’ll always be the girl who loves to rock it out at concerts, listens to hip-hop and enjoys an all-night reading session, some of these pieces/parts aren’t quite as young as they used to be. And that’s okay, too.

In other news, today I’m over in Hot M.A.M.A. Land talking about getting to know new-to-me multicultural authors and why the #WeNeedDiverseRomance movement isn’t just about opening the eyes of mainstream readers, but the eyes and wallets of us POC readers, too. Grab a cup of coffee and join me. I’d love to see you over there.

Smooches!

Stokley Williams of Mint Condition. Photo courtesy of Kenya Allmond.

Get to Know Tasha L. Harrison Author of The Lust Diaries Series

August 12, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Today we get to know Tasha L. Harrison, author of The Lust Diaries series. She reveals the first book she was obsessed over, talks about life as an indie publisher, and offers insight into her unapologetic heroine of The Lust Diaries, Yves Santiago.

Tasha thank you for visiting with us. Please tell readers three things we should know about you.

I write filth. I enjoy writing filth more than anything else. I write the stories that I want to read; stories about people of color that are so difficult to find in mainstream romance.
I’m kind of a gypsy. I’ve lived a bunch of places, but I don’t really call any one place home. Home can be anywhere as long as my boys, my hubbie and my boxer pup Cassius are there.
I’m kind of an introvert (aren’t most writers?), but if you give me a beer or whiskey or chicken wings, I will become the life of the party!

Every great writer is also an avid reader. So when did you first fall in love with books? What prompted you to become a storyteller?

The first book I remember being completely obsessed about was Charlotte’s Web. I must have checked that book out no less that fifteen times. I still love that story.

I think I have always been a writer, but I first tried my hand at storytelling in middle school when I drew and wrote a comic strip for myself and my best friend at the time. They were mostly tales of boy crushes and winning the yearly talent show (which we often did. I could dance back then too 🙂 After that I wrote quite a few poems and short stories, but I didn’t begin writing seriously until my late twenties.

Tell us about the premise of The Lust Diaries and your heroine Yves Santiago?

Yves Santiago is a the kind of unapologetic woman who lives her life full out. After being in an abusive relationship, she is just learning what she wants from relationships and how to love again. The Lust Diaries is her journey to finding a love that is the right fit for her.

You’re both the author and the publisher of The Lust Diaries. What do you love most about being an indie author? What do you find most challenging?

I tried submitting my books to traditional publishers and after numerous rejections, I just found that process too soul crushing to repeat again. At the time, self-publishing was becoming more common and I figured I would try my hand at it. The learning curve is steep and things are always changing, but I wouldn’t trade being an indie author for any other form of publishing. Wearing all of the hats is overwhelming at times (especially when it comes to marketing and promotion), but honestly, I like the fact that whatever success I gain is because I did the work. I love being an authorpreneur!

What can we expect from you in the future?

I’m currently working on Having it Both Ways which is book 3 of The Lust Diaries. I have two more novels planned in this “world” and then I plan to write a few standalones because writing a series is EXHAUSTING.

Thanks for being with us today, Tasha, and good luck with the rest of your tour.

Thanks!

Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter contest for a $100 Amazon Gift Card below:

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Woosah (or How to Dodge Rocks and Keep it Moving)

August 7, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Hope you’re having a fantastic Friday. Mine got off to an interesting start that resulted in a cracked windshield when I failed to dodge the rock that came flying at me from across the highway. An unexpected development that could have easily ruined my day. Instead, I took a cue from Bad Boys II. (Isn’t that where everyone gets their life wisdom?) I woosahed and chose to let it go. No need in allowing a random event to drag down the trajectory of my day when there were so many good things in store.

So, in the spirit of keeping it moving, I went on with my day. I used Rafflecopter random winner selection function to pick the winner in my Summer Reader #Giveaway. I honestly couldn’t be happier about the the name that popped up. Reader, Monica KL deserves this win. (See, sometimes random good things happen, too.) 🙂 I’m excited about creating a jewelry piece from my Sinfully Sweet Handmade shop, just for Monica.

Moments ago, I announced the winner and revealed the cover of Playing It Safe, the first book in the Playing with Bad Boys series, to my VIP Readers. If you’re not on my VIP Reader Mailing List, you can join by clicking the link. You’ll be among the first to hear about book and event news. Otherwise, stay tuned for the cover reveal here on my blog in the coming weeks.

Speaking of blogs, over on the Contemporary Romance Cafe my post Sex, Food and Rock N Roll takes a little walk down memory lane of the role food plays in my stories and the power of having characters share a meal. Here on the Reese Ryan Diaries, I started a series where we get to know authors of color who write in a variety of genres. Be sure to check them both out.

Now it’s time to put my head down and get back to work on Book #2 in the series.

Woosah!

Photo courtesy of Grand Velas–Yoga and Pilates.

Get to Know Erin Ashley Tanner author of Dirty Little Secrets

August 4, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Today we get to know author Erin Ashley Tanner who shares her love of all things Marilyn Monroe, reveals the book that made her want to be a writer, and lets us in on her Dirty Little Secrets.

Welcome, Erin. Tell us three things we might be surprised to learn about you.

I am an amateur genealogist who traced both sides of my family tree. My dad’s to the early 1800’s and my mothers to white ancestors from Massachusetts in 1798.
I am an avid collector of Marilyn Monroe and The Little Mermaid items.
I’m a little bit of everything: Black, Irish, Middle Eastern and Native American.

With such a diverse genealogy, that must be fun. Like solving a great mystery. In which genre(s) do you write?

I’m a multi-genre author. I started off writing paranormal or urban fantasy romance. Currently I’m writing contemporary romance with heavy suspense but I want to try my hand at a little of everything in the future.

What book(s) made you want to become a storyteller?

The novel that made me want to become a storyteller was Jackie Collins’ Dangerous Kiss. At the time I read it, it was the most recent of her Lucky Santangelo series and I fell completely in love with it. I loved her writing style. It was an engaging read. I loved the plethora of characters she had from all races and backgrounds, but most of all I loved that she had written a kick ass heroine that took no mess from anyone.

Seems like that love of kick-ass heroines has filtered into your stories. Congrats on Dirty Little Secrets, your recent release with Samhain. Tell us about the premise of your story and its kick-ass heroine.

The premise behind Dirty Little Secrets is that we meet this beautiful young widow, Ava Hill, who is doing like most women these days, trying to build her own legacy and raising her child. But Ava’s had a rough go of life. Her husband Joseph, was a mob boss who recently died. There is an interesting backstory of how they met, but I won’t spoil that. Now Ava finds herself really free to live her own life and then her comes Dominic Sambarino who claims to be Joseph’s son and he wants his share of everything Joseph left behind. Naturally he and Ava are at odds. She actually attacks him with a baseball bat when they first meet. So you have this two strong personalities going at one another, and we all know where there’s smoke there is fire. The way this two come together is pretty interesting. Needless to say they both soon find themselves having to work together to face their pasts when secrets are revealed.

What was your favorite (or least favorite) scene to write in the book?

My favorite scene in the book to write was the bathroom scene on the yacht. The sexual tension really flowed and when they came together, talk about hot.

What can we expect from you in the near future?

Well at the current moment I’m working on a contemporary romance series with stronger mafia ties and revising a possibly historical romance to send to my agent. I also have another novel with Samhain called Devious Little Lies that will be releasing next year so stay tuned.

Thank you for being with us, Erin. We wish you many sales!

Revisions, Revisions, Revisions

August 1, 2015 by ReeseRyan

I awoke this morning with the nagging feeling that I’d forgotten something, and alas, I had. My Friday post.

While I hate to have missed my Friday, I’m feeling pretty amazing about the reason I forgot my post yesterday. I was neck deep in revisions of Book 1 of my new series.

It felt good to not only be working on my series, but to be so excited about working on the book again. Thanks to some fabulous beta readers I received some fantastic feedback on the book. Reading their feedback again the other day got me excited to dive into the project again. While they identified several things they loved about the book, there were a couple of issues mentioned that had been nagging at the back of my head, too. One of which called for me to roll up my sleeves and make some serious changes. For a chronic procrastinator, that triggers one thing.

Procrastination.

A side-stepping meltdown in which I will work on any and everything (gardening, jewelry making, visiting with my next door neighbor, yoga, chatting on the phone with friends and helping my husband change the oil in the car) except the task at hand.

I’d like to say that all of this craziness is just part of my process. As if I’m Andy Warhol, F. Scott Fitzgerald or some other notably brilliant creative artist. However, my procrastination is simply rooted in fear and just another one of those bad habits that I need to let go of.

I’m working on it.

On letting go of that bad habit and…FINALLY…on revising my manuscript.

Yesterday morning, after yoga I took a little time to meditate and set my intentions for the day. One of which was knocking out the first fifty pages of revisions on my manuscript. The other was to submit a proposal to a traditional publisher I’ve been eyeing. (Another task I’d been procrastinating on out of fear.) I’m happy to say, I completed both projects yesterday.

Today I’ll continue revisions and focus on two other tasks:

My local RWA Chapter’s Book-in-a-Week Challenge. No, I won’t actually be producing a book in a week. During BiaW we focus on making our work in progress our priority and write as much as we can each day during the challenge. Since my focus is revisions right now, I won’t be writing a lot, but I will be writing.
Writing daily. This is something I’ve been avoiding for a long time, but for a stop-and-start person like me, I think it’s time I try adding writing every single day to my routine. Since today is August 1st, what better time to start than today?

But before I go back to work, I want to let you know that my journal/handmade jewelry giveaway ended. I’ll announce the winner in this month’s newsletter on Friday, August 7th. So stay tuned to find out if you’re the winner. If you’re not on the mailing list, be sure to join for the latest book and event news and your chance to get in on the next contest in the fall.

Get to Know Elle Wright author of THE FORBIDDEN MAN

July 28, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Over the past few months of the #WeNeedDiverseRomance campaign I’ve been getting to know multicultural authors that were new to me. During that time I’ve come to the realization that in reality, this campaign isn’t just about blazing a path for new authors of color. There are plenty out there right now that we don’t know about. So periodically I’ll be sharing an interview with authors of all colors. However, I will focus on getting to know authors of color and spotlighting their work.

My decision to add this feature was prompted by an invitation to participate in the promo for Elle Wright’s new release, The Forbidden Man. So it’s fitting that we begin this feature with an introduction to her.

Elle, welcome and thank you for inviting me to help get the word out about your exciting, new Edge of Scandal series. For readers who are new to you, tell us three things we should know about Elle Wright.

I love music. Prior to starting any book, I browse my music library and make a playlist, kind of like a soundtrack for the novel. I feel like it helps me reach my characters. Each character has a theme song and I use it for character motivation.
Fun fact: I am a total Barbie girl—in my own Barbie world. When I was a kid, I used to sit in my room for hours making up stories for my dolls. And they weren’t just your average Barbie meets Ken type of story. Barbie was the star of her own soap opera. When I moved out of my mother’s home, my dolls went with me. I’m a total geek like that. I just can’t bear to part with them.
Most of my story ideas come from weird real life situations or questions posed by friends or acquaintances (ie. What would happen if a woman was torn between two brothers?)

I love the premise of FORBIDDEN MAN. It’s filled with drama and high-stakes conflict. Tell us a little about the story.

The Forbidden Man is the story of a woman (Sydney) who finds out that her fiancé cheated on her while she’s getting fitted for her wedding dress. Devastated, she calls off the wedding and proceeds to get smashed. Enter Morgan, her fiancé’s brother and one of her closest friends.

Initially, Morgan just wants Syd to be okay so he helps her. He offers her a safe haven, away from his brother. Eventually, they cross a line and they can’t turn back.

How would you describe your heroine, Sydney Williams? And your hero, Morgan Smith?

Sydney is an intelligent, ambitious woman. In business, she knows what she wants. She thought she knew what she wanted in her personal life, too. Unfortunately, she ends up being hurt in the process. One of the things I like about Sydney is she’s a planner (like me). She has mapped out her life and when Caden cheats on her, everything screeches to a halt. It’s interesting seeing her try to plan her way out of the situation she finds herself in because there are no rules. And she hates to hurt or disappoint the people that she loves. She’s terrified of losing her core group of friends/family. She’s a protector—loyal, dependable. And she’s done something that is not good in her eyes. At the same time she can’t stop herself. She’s human, flawed. But she’s a survivor and she has the scars to prove it.

Morgan is fine. Ha! Just kidding. Well, he is fine. But what I like about Morgan is he’s real, doesn’t hold punches. He had a horrible childhood, but rose above his circumstances. He’s determined, trustworthy (normally), and generous. But he’s very guarded and stubborn. His biological father was a criminal so he works hard to never be like him. Morgan is a caregiver, just like Syd. He’s practically turned his life upside down to take care of his older brother and has grown tired of it.

Writing is so personal. As writers, we put our heart and soul into every scene. But is there one scene you are especially fond or proud of? Give us a brief highlight of the scene.

There are so many parts that I love because I adore the characters. Sometimes when I read the book or a random scene, I think… WOW, I did that. But there is one scene that I really love. Morgan and Syd have realized there is more building between them. Syd puts the brakes on it and asks Morgan to take her to a hotel. On the way, they hit a patch of ice and end up stranded on the side of the road. At first, they are cool and talking like the friends they always were. But eventually, things take a turn and they have their very first encounter. It completely takes them by surprise which was fun to write.

What can we expect next in the Edge of Scandal series?

The Edge of Scandal series explores the lives of the group of friends introduced in The Forbidden Man. I’m probably biased, but I love these characters. And they are ride or die for each other, which is awesome.

HIS ALL NIGHT (November 24)
Did I mention Sydney has a twin brother? Well, book two is all about Jared and Sydney’s best friend, Cali. Jared is in love (or falling in love) with Cali, but she is not trying to change their current awesome-sex-but-please-no-commitment relationship. Even if Cali does love him, she’d never tell him. Can Jared convince her to let go and take a chance on him?

HER KIND OF MAN (Spring 2016)
Engaged to a prominent preacher, Allina is the envy of Cleveland. But instead of walking down the aisle, she walks out the door and runs back home to Michigan. Instead of seeking solace with her friend, Sydney, she ends up on Kent’s doorstep. One look is all it takes for Kent to know two things: his attraction to Allina is stronger than ever—and there is more to her story than she’s telling him…

Thank you so much to Elle for stopping by today! To learn more about Elle and the Edge of Scandal series, check out the summary and buy links below. Then don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter contest for your chance to win a copy.

THE FORBIDDEN MAN by Elle Wright (July 28, 2015; Forever Mass Market; The Edge of Scandal #1)

In Love With the Wrong Man

Sydney Williams has forgiven her fiancé, Den, more times than she can count. But his latest betrayal just days before their wedding is too big to ignore. Shocking her friends and family, she calls off the engagement. She walks out on Den . . . and into the arms of his brother, Morgan.
Known as a player, Morgan Smith has secretly spent years fighting his feelings for Sydney. When Den’s latest dirty deed leaves Sydney devastated, Morgan can’t stop himself from coming to her rescue. What begins as friendship quickly escalates into all-consuming passion. Despite their intense connection, Sydney would rather deny her desire than come between brothers. But as Morgan is determined to make Sydney his, Den won’t give her up without a fight . . .

Buy the book!

About the author:

Born and raised in Southeast Michigan near Ann Arbor, Elle learned the importance of reading from her mother. It was also her mother who, later on in her life, gave Elle her first romance novel: Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. From that moment on, Elle became a fan of Ms. Jenkins for life and a lover of all things romance. An old journal she wrote back in college became her first book (which she still wants to publish one day).

Connect with Elle on Social Media:

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#Reader #Giveaway — Journal and Handmade Jewelry Giveaway Winding Down

July 24, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Happy Friday Dear Reader!

Hope your week was absolutely fantastic. Today’s note is just a quick one to remind you that if you haven’t already entered my reader giveaway of a very cool journal and a handmade jewelry set I call Midnight Butterflies, you have just seven days to do it. The jewelry is part of a new line I’ll be releasing in my online shop, Sinfully Sweet Handmade. Stay tuned for the launch coming in the next few weeks. 🙂

If you’re already registered for the contest, you can score a few more entries each day you tweet about the contest. So share the love and get a little extra love for yourself. 🙂

Have a great weekend!

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Celebrating New Flames and Saying Goodbye to Old Habits

July 17, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Happy Friday!

Authors Reese Ryan and Cheris Hodges — Me and fellow Hot M.A.M.A. Cheris Hodges.

Hope the week has been good to you. Mine has been busy, with lots of unexpected monkey wrenches thrown into the works (like leaking radiators). But we’re making it work and finding a way to keep on smiling, despite what’s going on around me. Learning to stay positive even when the walls seem to be falling down around me is a trick I learned a few years ago. So much better than the woe-is-me approach, don’t you think?

I’m also feeling pretty good because today was the 28th day of my 30-day Yoga Challenge. I’m still on board and going strong. Loving it more each day. I’m feeling pretty good about making #YogaEveryDamnDay a habit and saying sayonara to the stop-and-start workout routine I normally follow. Healthy living here I come!

And I’m still on a high from my official initiation into the Hot M.A.M.A.s as a New Flame along with author Di Topaz. The ceremony happened during the Fly Hat Society Meet & Greet at the Greensboro Central Library this past Saturday. (Check out a few of the pictures below.) It was fantastic meeting new readers and the Hot M.A.M.A.s, the majority of whom I hadn’t met in person. The event was barely over before I was already excited for our next event in 2016. Stay tuned for news on where that will be and how you can be part of it by joining my VIP Reader mailing list here.

Speaking of my VIP Readers, it was great to welcome new readers onto the list who signed up at the Hot M.A.M.A event. I held a drawing for a cool journal and a bracelet and earring set. Reader Kay E. was the winner, pictured below in her absolutely fabulous fly hat.

If you weren’t able to join us at the live event, no worries. You can still enter to win a similar journal and a different handcrafted bracelet and earring set. Just join the list and complete the form below. For additional daily entries, be sure to share the love by spreading the news of the contest.

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Good luck!