Starting, for me is easy. Something sparks an idea. It could be a dream, a piece of clothing, a song, a person, a tree…it could be anything. The excitement of a new idea makes my heart race and I can’t wait to put something down on paper. With the first burst of creative enthusiasm, the ideas flow. Creating the major players, the location, the basic storyline, it’s all intoxicating.
Then, real life interferes. The writing process becomes one more task you have to fit into the everyday events of your life. Sometimes, it’s overwhelming. Sometimes, it’s an escape. But, it’s always there, waiting for you to return. And, it’s always with you. The story replays itself in your head. The characters you’ve lovingly created dwell in a special place in your heart. They wait patiently for you to to come back to the fictional world you’ve created for them.
Starting is easy. Finishing not so much. But, whether it takes 5 months or 5 years to finish a book, the time spent writing is yours alone. It’s a personal journey of growth and emotion. It’s worth every second of time you devote to it, until you write those last two magical words…THE END
My mom is superstitious, so she has always told us to be careful when that ominous date occurred. Her birthday is on the 13th of November, and we like to tease her when it falls on a Friday. But, it wasn’t until 1980 that Friday the 13th became more than just a harbinger for bad luck. The movie with the same title was released on May 9th of that year.
It was almost forty years ago (OMG), but I still remember going to the theater to see this slasher hit. For those days, it was pretty graphic and a different sort of horror film from the ghosts, werewolves, and vampire movies I’ve been a huge fan of since I was a little girl.
I won’t lie. It scared the crap out of me. But, I loved it. Through the years that film has provided my family with numerous party themes. The movie was filmed at Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco, which is a Boy Scout’s camp located in Hardwick, New Jersey I recently read that fans of the movie can take tours of the camp and even spend the night on special occasions. How fun (and scary) would that be?
Tonight I plan to pop the cork on a bottle of wine and watch this classic old movie again. Jason Voorhees was never better than he was in the original film as far as I’m concerned. Happy Friday the 13th. Stay safe.
It’s just two little words. I promise. You say those words so easily, usually without thinking of the depth of commitment they might entail. You might promise you won’t flake out on your friends the next time they invite you to go somewhere. Maybe you make promises to yourself that you’ll stop eating junk food or that you will exercise every day. Most promises are easily broken or forgotten. But, there are some promises that when made, weighs heavy in your heart, like a thick mire that continues to grow until it consumes all of you. It’s a promise you know you can’t break. A promise made to someone on their dying bed is that sort of devout pledge.
Four and a half years ago I made a promise to my dad that I would take care of mom, which meant not putting her in a nursing home. It was the last thing I would say to him before he took his final breath, other than how much I loved him. I promise. Those two little words would be the start of an undertaking that has been like nothing I’ve ever imagined. To say I was completely unprepared and naïve would be an understatement.
Both of my parents have always had an abnormal fear of being put into a nursing home. Years ago they made a pact with each other that if either of them ever had to go to a nursing home, they would commit some horrible act so that they could die together. I would always get furious whenever they started talking about this, and would leave the room because I didn’t want to hear this insane talk from them. But, not before I would tell them I would take care of them when they got older so they didn’t have to worry about it, anyway. It’s the kind of thing you say when you can’t imagine it will ever happen.
Mom and dad had been married for sixty-six years when dad unexpectedly passed away from congestive heart failure. I thought he was superman and he would live to be a hundred years old. Mom, who had always been the frail one, and was several years older than dad, was the first one I expected to lose. They had always taken care of each other, but after mom had a stoke fifteen years ago, Dad took over most of the household responsibilities. In retrospective, I know that had mom gone before dad, he would have executed his plan to be with her. So, I guess it was a blessing he went first.
The heartbreaking day dad passed away was also the day I became a caregiver. Friends and family are constantly telling me what a saint I am for taking care of my elderly mom, or else they tell me I’m crazy not to put her in a nursing home. Well, I’m definitely not a saint, and although, I do feel little crazy most of the time, I’m not certifiable…yet. I am just a daughter who made a promise to my dying dad that I would take care of mom.
To be continued…
For my amazing dad. I miss him so much.
Being a caregiver has been the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. When it’s over, I have no doubts I will look back and know it was also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. But, the day to day reality of caring for a ninety-five year old senior is overwhelming at times…most times. For a while, I’m going to write about those intense feelings in this blog.
Even though I started this blog to promote my book writing, I feel that writing about this difficult period in my life will be therapeutic for me in all aspects of my life. I’m not going to sugar-coat the struggles mom and I have on a regular basis. But, I am NOT looking for sympathy here, even though I’m sure there will be some poor-pitiful-me posts in this series. However, if you’ve ever been a caretaker for someone, whether old or disabled, and you have advice for me, that is always greatly appreciated. Thank you for sharing this challenging journey with me.
It only takes a few seconds every once in a while, but it can make a world of difference to an author. Building an online presence is tough business. Any help is ALWAYS appreciated. Thank you to everyone who helps me out!
How would you like to win one of 100+ gift cards to start off your summer? Join me for the Some Girls Like It Hot Facebook from now until June 12. You can enter to win a gift card from every author on the hop! With gift cards ranging in value from $5 to $25 up for grabs, that’s over $1000 in prizes!
Please make my FB page your first stop on the hop.
Or go to http://somegirlslikeithot.blogspot.com/p/the-hop_29.html for the complete list of authors and their Facebook links, plus info on a bonus giveaway. We’re awarding an Amazon Echo Dot of Kindle Fire to one lucky winner who enters every author’s giveaway on the hop.
Even more fun and chances to win…have you entered our two grand prize giveaways? That’s right, we’re running two big giveaways at the same time. Enter for your chance to win an Kindle Fire HD 10” tablet ($299), plus additional kindles and Amazon gift cards.
One more day! I’m more than a little excited to finally see Superstition go live. Once again, thank you so much to all of you who have hung in here with me through all the trials and errors of the past few years.
Today I’m going to tell you about the promotions for Superstition that will be going on for the next few days and I’m going to be doing a question and answer session here on my blog. Ask me anything about writing, or whatever. Let’s talk!
Superstition will be featured or presented on the following sites in the next week:
Affair de Coeur Cover Contest: I will be posting more information about voting.
TWRP/ Some Like It Hot: This is a Facebook Blog Hop from June 9-12. Over a hundred Wild Rose Authors are participating in this exciting event. That’s over a hundred chances to win a prize! Please stop by my page tomorrow for all the details.
Thank you for sharing this incredible journey with me. I couldn’t do it without all of you!
Ask me some questions here in the comment section and I will get back to you as quickly as possible. Tomorrow I will be hanging out on my Facebook Page where I’ll be celebrating the release of Superstition! WooHoo! Please stop by and help me party.
It’s hard to put into words how much music affects my mood and enhances my life. This is especially true when I’m writing. The sound of songs I love playing in the background adds to my creativity in so many ways. My taste in music is very eclectic. Rock will always be number one with me. But, I can get into a good country or bluegrass song, too. The following links are the songs I listened to over and over again when I was writing Superstition. I’ve really been enjoying listening to all of them again while I’m putting this post together.
A few years ago I wrote this little blurb and I think it sums it up best: Music…moves me, inspires me, touches my deepest emotions and my darkest desires. It gives me wings to soar over the highest summits. A song can change my day, my mood, my world. Sing to me and I’m yours forever. Take my music from me and I will simply fade away like a vanishing mist…Veronica
Superstition Play List
Casper: Derek Blake
This is my amazing oldest grandson, aka D-Rock. I’m biased, but I think he’s just great! He lives in Fort Collins, CO, and plays regularly all over Colorado and on many nationwide tours. When he released this song last year, I just couldn’t stop listening to it, especially when I was writing.
I loved the original, but I really LOVE this version. The gritty sound of David Draiman’s voice just moves me. The song didn’t inspire anything in my book. But just listening to it when I’m writing is inspiring to me.
This song was relatable in the worse way when I was very depressed about trying to switch genres from historical romance to contemporary paranormal romance. I listened to it way too much and let it get me ‘down’ way too much.
As I mentioned before, I’m a rocker chick, and not a big fan of country. But thanks to my upbringing, I am a country girl in some ways, too, and there are some singers and some songs that just inspire me regardless of their genre. Chris LeDoux and his songs touch me deeply. I listen to them when I’m writing because they tell a story and I’m telling a story. His words have meaning to me. Tougher Than The Rest…the song and the video just make me what to write about dynamic heroes and the fierce women they love! His songs are constants when I’m writing any book.
Another song I love to listen to when I’m writing, especially when I’m writing a love scene. When this song is playing, I can clearly see my hero looking at my heroine with the greatest love and deepest devotion ever. Inspiring? Oh, so much! Candles burning softly are a must when listening to this song.
Just another Chris LeDoux song that I find has so much meaning to me. Every book hero and/or heroine tempts fate. In a romance novel there is no escape from the destiny set in motion from the very first word, and that is what creates the conflict we all love to read about. For some reason, I wasn’t able to just post the link, so you’re getting the entire video picture. ??
Bella’s Lullaby: Carter Burwell
If you know me at all, you know that I’m a HUGE Twilight fan, also known as Twihard or Twiheart. I love this beautiful piano solo and I love to listen to it when I’m feeling mellow and writing is coming easy. A glass of wine is always nice with this song, too.
Another beautiful song from the Twilight Saga. It was perfect for the wedding scene in Breaking Dawn, Part One, and it makes me think of my own hero and heroine in Superstition. Their love is so great that not even forever is long enough.
Kid Rock is one of my all time favorite musicians. I love everything he does, but this song was just seemed to be one that fit my mood while I was writing Superstition. Mateo and Dawn always feel like makin’ love.
I loved this song as soon as I heard the title, because my hero, Mateo, could only come out at night. Night time felt special—beautiful—when he was with my heroine, Dawn.
Everything Stevie does, I love. This is an old song, but I enjoyed listening to it when I was writing. Mateo is my favorite book hero…I loved writing about him. He sets my world on fire.
I’ve always liked this song. But, it related to Superstition, because it makes me think about how Dawn would get sick when Mateo bit her. His vampire bite was like venomous poison. Perfect!
I Will Follow You Into The Dark: Death Cab For Cutie
My talented grandson played this song at one of his concerts I was fortunate to be at, and the words reminded me of how Dawn would follow Mateo anywhere, even if it meant she could die.
I love Halestorm. I love this song. Sometimes, I just need to rock out when writing. When this song comes on my playlist, I take a break from the computer and dance around the room and do a little head banging. It’s probably scary to see (I’m old), but it keeps me young and it’s inspiring. Haha!
Writing a book is personal…like baring your soul personal. So, it only seems natural to me that dedicating your special creation to someone should be personal, too. I dedicate my books to the ones who were there supporting me while I was writing a particular book or to people who touched my life in another way during the time I was working on a manuscript. They may not realize it, but that single sentence or two mentioning their name or names at the beginning of my book is as heartfelt as it gets.
Superstition is dedicated to those amazing people who—in some profound way—affected my life in the past five years. Some of them read my horrible first drafts (several times) and then took the time to give me their opinions and suggestions. When I wanted to throw in the towel on this book, others gave me a stern talking to and refused to let me give up. One awesome friend even gave me her laptop when mine crashed and I was writing the final couple of chapters. Another great lady did numerous picture edits for me so that I could use them for inspiration and promotion. All of those things meant so much and made all the difference between quitting and finally finishing this book.
Then, there are the cherished ones who gained their angel wings while I was writing this book. There are no words to describe the void their loss has left in my life. But, I know they are still cheering me on and I hope they know the legacy they left behind for the rest of us is priceless.
Dedication
For Cecil Bettger: My amazing dad…my bigger-than-life hero.
For Heather Blake: My beautiful daughter-in-law. She was my writing mentor and never failed to tell me if she loved something I wrote or if she thought it was really awful.
For Michelle McGruder: We packed a lifetime of amazing experiences into the twenty years of our friendship.
All angels now. Fly free beautiful souls.
A very special thank you to the following ladies for their help, encouragement, and constant support—Tiffany Blake McGuire, Amanda DeNeice, Cathi Yost, Crystal Corcoran, Charlotte Wuestewald, Kelly Grey, Staci Chastain, Lynn Vickers, Debbie Teague, Kathryn Rodriguez, Jennifer Schmidt, Niki Starforth, Tiffany Brovege, Meichele Pittman, and Helena Taylor
Tomorrow I will post my eclectic playlist for Superstition. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Now available for pre-order in eBook and paperback! Watch for news about the release of the audio book. Release date: June 9, 2017
Today is Sunday Funday. I’m going to share some fun stuff that reminds me of scenes in Superstition and some actual quotes from the book that I think are fun. I hope you enjoy them.
“Then they politely said goodbye to me like I was no longer worth their time, and waited out here on the sidewalk until he finished screwing you with his eyes and talking dirty in your ear. They all took off while you finished having a Mateo-gasm back there in the middle of the restaurant.”
No fangs? Nothing about Mateo Two Moons was typical, not even his vampire bite, she determined with an aggravated huff.
Now, I’m not saying this salsa, named Mateo’s, or wine called Superstition, and the street sign by the same name of my hunky hero, are all products of my book, but hey, the salsa does say it’s not responsible for obsession. I wouldn’t mind someone being obsessed with my new book!
Did women in this day and age still swoon, she wondered? That old-fashioned word might be the only one to describe what she was feeling right now, and she knew about these old fashioned things because, after all, she was a history teacher.
Today she really did feel like she had been rode hard and put away wet. She would never leave home without her vibrator again.
She rubbed her sleepy eyes and tried to focus on the note. Please don’t let it be filled with bad news like, ˜Dear Easy One-Night Stand, Wish you had higher morals, but you don’t, so I won’t be seeing you again. Bye Bye.
Chloe walked into the apartment and snickered. “And you’re obviously still trying to catch up on sleep. He must have worn you out, big time. Seriously, you look like hell. But in a good way, of course.” She smiled and shook her head. “Wet dreams. Pizza Porn. And now this.”
This is one hell of a sexy look you have going on here, Miss Malone. You are giving a whole new meaning to fringe.” He cocked one brow, adding, “And my people do know our fringe.
Tomorrow I will talk about my book dedication. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Now available for pre-order in eBook and paperback! Watch for news about the
upcoming release of the audio book. Release date: June 9, 2017
Veronica Blake, Writer 