Wading Through Life...
We all need a little inspiration sometimes, right?
OK, that works too! **wink** But right now I am needing some inspirational focus for Book 2 in the Secrets of Thornbury Woods series (Psst: Title Coming Soon!). Visual images help the ideas flow little faster.
Here are some visuals that are really inspiring me for this book.
Or maybe these?
What ideas do these images bring to your mind? Do they inspire a story in you?
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I’m part of the Bad Boys & Good Girls BookFunnel event!
So many hot, steam bad boys and the good girls they can’t resist. Just looking at the covers made me drool. 😊
Find it HERE
Did you know?
The second book in the Backstage Pass series, SETTLING THE SCORE, featuring Michael’s brother Daniel, is on sale for a limited time at $1.99. Have you gotten your Backstage Pass yet?
This rock star can have any woman … except one.
Daniel Korvello, rock star front man, can have any woman—except the one he really wants. Becca Buchanan, the band’s publicist, has been burned before by rocker romance. But when Daniel exposes the molten heat beneath her Ice Maiden exterior, Becca may never be able to freeze him out again. Can he keep her safe long enough to prove that together they’ll sizzle only in the sweetest way?
Daniel Korvello isn’t your average Joe with a case of unrequited lust. He’s a world-famous rocker who wonders if his publicist will ever see him as anything other than a job. Then they team up to hunt down a threat to Daniel’s family ... and he seizes the chance to show her he’s up for more than just a one-night stand.
Becca Buchanan already lived through one rock-star scandal with her reputation barely intact. She’s determined never to put herself, or her family, through that again. But she can’t deny the desire she feels for Daniel. But when their amateur investigation takes a dangerous turn that threatens the lives of those they love, can their newfound trust extend past the bedroom? And can Daniel let go of old guilt enough to embrace a future with Becca?
Caution: Contains volcanic sexual tension, hiding from paparazzi, and judicious use of a blindfold in the bedroom--get your copy of Settling the Score today!
Find your copy HERE!
How often do you take rest breaks? True rest breaks?
I’ll admit, many times I push myself to the limit, then collapse for days (okay, sometimes its weeks of doing the bare minimum before I recover). That’s, um, not good!
I’m reading a book called 18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done by Peter Bregman. He proposes that breaks should be more of a “ritual of self-imposed brief and strategic interruptions.” This is a concept that I almost can’t wrap my head around!
He calls them regular rest stops. I understand in theory, but I’m not sure how “I” would do it. How do I not push from one project to the next while I still have momentum? Or do I run out of momentum because I push myself too hard?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!
I’m honestly baffled about how to get some momentum with Secrets of Thornbury Woods Book 2. I love the idea and characters, but I’m having trouble finding my rhythm (wink) with the edits.
Never fear. My author friends are encouraging me with sprints and ideas—and hopefully I’ll step into the flow soon.
We’ve even started brainstorming Book 3!! I’m very excited about that.
Let me know how your summer is going. How are you creating breaks in the summer heat?
This month in my newsletter I am featuring Michael Korvello, guitarist of Solar Uprising, and the hero of FINDING HER RHYTHM. You can subscribe to my newsletters for these character interviews at the link below.
Remember: FINDING HER RHYTHM is free on ALL retailers. And for the month of AUGUST book 2, SETTLING THE SCORE, is on sale for $1.99.
Find out what happens between Daniel and Becca, the only woman he's truly wanted. Download it today!
Amazon
BNN
Kobo
iBooks
Add it to your TBR shelf on Goodreads
I’m reading a book called 18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done by Peter Bregman. He proposes that breaks should be more of a “ritual of self-imposed brief and strategic interruptions.” This is a concept that I almost can’t wrap my head around!
He calls them regular rest stops. I understand in theory, but I’m not sure how “I” would do it. How do I not push from one project to the next while I still have momentum? Or do I run out of momentum because I push myself too hard?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!
I’m honestly baffled about how to get some momentum with Secrets of Thornbury Woods Book 2. I love the idea and characters, but I’m having trouble finding my rhythm (wink) with the edits.
Never fear. My author friends are encouraging me with sprints and ideas—and hopefully I’ll step into the flow soon.
We’ve even started brainstorming Book 3!! I’m very excited about that.
Let me know how your summer is going. How are you creating breaks in the summer heat?
Sale Starts Today!
This month in my newsletter I am featuring Michael Korvello, guitarist of Solar Uprising, and the hero of FINDING HER RHYTHM. You can subscribe to my newsletters for these character interviews at the link below.
Remember: FINDING HER RHYTHM is free on ALL retailers. And for the month of AUGUST book 2, SETTLING THE SCORE, is on sale for $1.99.
Find out what happens between Daniel and Becca, the only woman he's truly wanted. Download it today!
Amazon
BNN
Kobo
iBooks
Add it to your TBR shelf on Goodreads Wading Through Life...
I’ve been immersing myself in some gothic-esque TV shows and movies as I work on book 2 of my contemporary southern gothic series to put me in the right frame of mind. I thought I’d share some of these with y’all this month. They’re perfect for a cold winter’s night with hot chocolate (shot of Bailey’s anyone?) and a fuzzy blanket, joined by one or more of my kitty babies to keep me warm. Some awesome options:
Haunting of Hill House (series-Netflix)
I do a rewatch of this series every couple of months. The characterization of this family is stunning. They are all SO flawed, yet I’ve come to love each of them. Then the setting and hidden ghosts…lovely!
Coco (movie)
I recently watched this with my daughter, who was re-watching it. Now—skeletons are my jam, so a whole movie of talking skeletons is right up my alley! But the music, the themes, all of it spoke to me.
We Bought a Funeral Home (series-Discovery+)
This is a reality show about a family who moves into an old funeral home to renovate it into a family home. The mother’s style is over-the-top gothic and I absolutely love it. Then all the neighbors curious about what they’re doing…the speakeasy in the basement is awesome!
These are all adding to the misty, gloomy atmosphere and ghostly activities of my second contemporary gothic novel.
What are your favorite atmospheric, spooky TV shows or movies featuring ghosts, supernatural themes, or just gothic style for a cold night in front of a fire?
Take Care,
Dani
Hot Irish Romance for a Cold, Cold Night...
STRIKING A CHORD Backstage Pass series
He has fame beyond his dreams … now he needs her to make it all complete.
Sean Rosslair, Irish drummer, is now a US rock legend. One with a craving for control—and his new PA’s sultry voice and smokin’ BBW body have him demonstrating what happens to naughty girls. Meghan Adams finds herself begging for more of Sean’s discipline. But can he share all his erotic secrets before a hidden enemy puts him out of commission—permanently?
Sean Rosslair has made his dreams come true, and then some--despite his turbulent break from a family who considered image more important than anything. Now Sean has a new goal--getting up close and personal with his new assistant, whose smokin' sexy voice makes him ache to show her what else he can do with his hands. But one look in her clear, innocent eyes tells him she's the kind of woman he should never have.
When Meghan finally exposes her plus-size presence to her new, uber-sexy boss, he doesn’t react the way she expects. She takes her punishment for her white lie well—too well. Meghan can’t refrain from begging her boss for another spanking … but when he takes her with him to his wealthy family's lovely Irish estate, this Southern girl finds herself surrounded by secrets. In the midst of Sean's painful past, can she let go enough to embrace romance with a rock star?
Caution: Contains crazy families, dark secrets, and a hero who knows how to transform pain into pleasure--get your copy of Striking a Chord today!
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I was thinking just the other day about some upcoming changes in my family’s life. We have our oldest graduating from college and our youngest graduating from high school. Which makes for a busy season in our lives. That involves lots of activities, appointments, and as my son is entering a music program at the same college that I work at, there are auditions and meetings for that too.
This is also a bittersweet season for us. While I’m excited to see my babies find their wings, and they aren’t completely leaving the nest because it takes time to get established as an adult, it’s still the realization that they no longer need us as much anymore, and they’re becoming their own independent selves. I certainly hope that they find a sure footing as they move forward, and happy, healthy lives, doing things that they love.
We also have a summer project of painting the exterior of our house. It seems, just as soon as we settle into a routine, things have a way of getting shaken up. But this isn’t unusual. There’s always something new around the corner, which is great, unless change unsettles you…like it does me. 😊 Maybe that’s why it keeps showing up. Heaven forbid I should get complacent and comfortable!
The same is true for the new series that I’m working on. Book one has been a series of ups and downs, as I try to find my voice in a new, contemporary southern romantic suspense, and battle the usual demons of creativity – self-doubt and fear.
But I’m really excited about the direction that it’s going, and I’ve found some beta readers to help me refine it before it gets released. I really hope you enjoy this new genre much as I do. I’ve always incorporated a lot of Gothic tropes and atmosphere in my books, and now I’m going all in!
Just a heads up, I’ll have a new giveaway series coming up on the blog. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you may have seen my recent book anniversary posts, where I highlight one of the books that was released in that month. In putting together the series, I realized I have quite a few books through the years that have been released all in the same month. So I’m planning to do some giveaways of each of those books during different months on the blog. So watch for a link to comment and be entered to win. Coming soon!
I hope that you were looking forward to the start of spring as much as I am! My flowers have started coming up, and I’m looking for to seeing survived in my garden and how it progresses.
For those of you across the world who spring and summer will be winding down, I hope you enjoy your coming fall. It’s my favorite time of the year! Have an outdoor fire and marshmallow roast for me.
Take care!
Dani
FR💜💜 NOW: BENEATH THE SURFACE
Welcome to Cadence, TN–where secrets can be deadly.
Too many secrets…
Hidden in a quiet town along the Tennessee border, a secret society exists where the privileged fulfill their darkest desires. One of their members initiates a desperate act designed to bring home his lifelong obsession: Emma Hartwell.
A past not forgotten…
Drawn back to her hometown by the psychic connection with her twin, Emma must fight the stubborn silence of those around her in her quest to find her missing sister. Colin McIntyre hopes to make up for his past mistakes with Emma by helping her, but his own ties to the Gathering might be exposed along the way.
Time is running out…
Exposure could be dangerous for his family, along with himself and Emma. Can they fight the secrets and lies to rescue Emma’s sister… and their own chance at life-long love?
Other books in the Small Town Secrets series (can be read in any order):
BEHIND THE SCARS
SNOW BOUND
DOWNLOAD NOW on:
Amazon
B&N
Apple books
Kobo
Or add it to your TBR shelf on Goodreads
This is also a bittersweet season for us. While I’m excited to see my babies find their wings, and they aren’t completely leaving the nest because it takes time to get established as an adult, it’s still the realization that they no longer need us as much anymore, and they’re becoming their own independent selves. I certainly hope that they find a sure footing as they move forward, and happy, healthy lives, doing things that they love.
We also have a summer project of painting the exterior of our house. It seems, just as soon as we settle into a routine, things have a way of getting shaken up. But this isn’t unusual. There’s always something new around the corner, which is great, unless change unsettles you…like it does me. 😊 Maybe that’s why it keeps showing up. Heaven forbid I should get complacent and comfortable!
The same is true for the new series that I’m working on. Book one has been a series of ups and downs, as I try to find my voice in a new, contemporary southern romantic suspense, and battle the usual demons of creativity – self-doubt and fear.
But I’m really excited about the direction that it’s going, and I’ve found some beta readers to help me refine it before it gets released. I really hope you enjoy this new genre much as I do. I’ve always incorporated a lot of Gothic tropes and atmosphere in my books, and now I’m going all in!
Just a heads up, I’ll have a new giveaway series coming up on the blog. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you may have seen my recent book anniversary posts, where I highlight one of the books that was released in that month. In putting together the series, I realized I have quite a few books through the years that have been released all in the same month. So I’m planning to do some giveaways of each of those books during different months on the blog. So watch for a link to comment and be entered to win. Coming soon!
I hope that you were looking forward to the start of spring as much as I am! My flowers have started coming up, and I’m looking for to seeing survived in my garden and how it progresses.
For those of you across the world who spring and summer will be winding down, I hope you enjoy your coming fall. It’s my favorite time of the year! Have an outdoor fire and marshmallow roast for me.
Take care!
Dani
FR💜💜 NOW: BENEATH THE SURFACE
Welcome to Cadence, TN–where secrets can be deadly.
Too many secrets…
Hidden in a quiet town along the Tennessee border, a secret society exists where the privileged fulfill their darkest desires. One of their members initiates a desperate act designed to bring home his lifelong obsession: Emma Hartwell.
A past not forgotten…
Drawn back to her hometown by the psychic connection with her twin, Emma must fight the stubborn silence of those around her in her quest to find her missing sister. Colin McIntyre hopes to make up for his past mistakes with Emma by helping her, but his own ties to the Gathering might be exposed along the way.
Time is running out…
Exposure could be dangerous for his family, along with himself and Emma. Can they fight the secrets and lies to rescue Emma’s sister… and their own chance at life-long love?
Other books in the Small Town Secrets series (can be read in any order):
BEHIND THE SCARS
SNOW BOUND
DOWNLOAD NOW on:
Amazon
B&N
Apple books
Kobo
Or add it to your TBR shelf on Goodreads
The most frequent question authors are asked is, “Where do you get your ideas?” Well, the idea for my upcoming contemporary Gothic series has been long brewing, but when it came to the setting – I have real life inspiration.
I had counted down the minutes and it was finally here – the long postponed trip to celebrate our anniversary with my husband. Last year was our 25th, but we had to put off our big celebration until this spring.
But I’ll admit, as authors often do, my trip had a dual purpose. Research! A huge part of my upcoming Gothic series is a grandiose, atmospheric prep school and I needed something sweeping and grand for story inspiration.
My research led me to America’s Largest Home—Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. The perfect place to refill my research well and spark creative ideas.
#1: Most of my research of the Biltmore had to do with the interiors (what kind of rooms? How many bedrooms? How are things arranged?). I wasn’t quite prepared for it to look and feel like a castle.
I can just imagine it in fog or a thunderstorm… Apropos, yes?
#2: My brothers-in-arms – brothers by choice, rather than blood—need a space to hang out and bond. Doesn’t this make a very elegant man cave?
#3: The ambience here is perfect for a prep school dining hall, even if it’s a little small. This school is a labor of love for these men – a chance to provide opportunity for those less fortunate. A way to make up for their own sins. Can you imagine the awe of eating here every day?
#4: I’ll admit – I wasn’t emotionally prepared for the library. It’s every book lover’s dream! I could have stayed for hours.
#5: Lots of touches the ad Gothic ambience. The creative hamster in my brain was working overtime. Imagine sneaking down this tunnel… creeping across the hall lit only by the flickering sconces… standing at the bottom of the stairs in the darkness wondering if something is coming down to meet you…
All around the Biltmore is beautiful and a must see. I found it inspirational. You see, research isn’t just about finding facts. It’s also an author’s need for new sights and unique experiences—oh, and hubby enjoyed it too. 😊
What’s the most inspirational place you’ve ever visited?
I'd love to hear from you!
Dani
She knew something incredible waited in the shadows of the abandoned mental institution, but she never imagined it would lead to love.
Jamie Dixon and her fellow video game developers set out to document the layout of the famed Harrington Institute for the Mentally Ill. Then an accident leaves her to explore the decaying buildings with only Ian, the one guy she’s crushed on since high school. Too bad he never seemed to notice she was a nerd of the girly variety.
But Ian Jameson has a secret agenda for coming to Harrington. As they uncover the ramblings of an abusive doctor, evidence of a secret prisoner and an obsession over an ancestral line, Jamie and Ian discover a passion that transcends their former workplace camaraderie.
Will the old trunk in the attic reveal a new kind of storm? Will his investigation into a long lost heir destroy the very love they’ve both been longing for?
Novellas in the Secrets of Covington Corner series in order:
Shadow Manor
Haunted Heritage
Dark Destiny
Holiday Storm
Amazon
B&N
Kobo
Apple Books
But I’ll admit, as authors often do, my trip had a dual purpose. Research! A huge part of my upcoming Gothic series is a grandiose, atmospheric prep school and I needed something sweeping and grand for story inspiration.
My research led me to America’s Largest Home—Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. The perfect place to refill my research well and spark creative ideas.
#1: Most of my research of the Biltmore had to do with the interiors (what kind of rooms? How many bedrooms? How are things arranged?). I wasn’t quite prepared for it to look and feel like a castle.
I can just imagine it in fog or a thunderstorm… Apropos, yes?
#2: My brothers-in-arms – brothers by choice, rather than blood—need a space to hang out and bond. Doesn’t this make a very elegant man cave?
#3: The ambience here is perfect for a prep school dining hall, even if it’s a little small. This school is a labor of love for these men – a chance to provide opportunity for those less fortunate. A way to make up for their own sins. Can you imagine the awe of eating here every day?
#4: I’ll admit – I wasn’t emotionally prepared for the library. It’s every book lover’s dream! I could have stayed for hours.
#5: Lots of touches the ad Gothic ambience. The creative hamster in my brain was working overtime. Imagine sneaking down this tunnel… creeping across the hall lit only by the flickering sconces… standing at the bottom of the stairs in the darkness wondering if something is coming down to meet you…
All around the Biltmore is beautiful and a must see. I found it inspirational. You see, research isn’t just about finding facts. It’s also an author’s need for new sights and unique experiences—oh, and hubby enjoyed it too. 😊
What’s the most inspirational place you’ve ever visited?
I'd love to hear from you!
Dani
Interested in another gothic read? Try Dark Destiny, a Secrets of Covington Corner novella.
She knew something incredible waited in the shadows of the abandoned mental institution, but she never imagined it would lead to love.
Jamie Dixon and her fellow video game developers set out to document the layout of the famed Harrington Institute for the Mentally Ill. Then an accident leaves her to explore the decaying buildings with only Ian, the one guy she’s crushed on since high school. Too bad he never seemed to notice she was a nerd of the girly variety.
But Ian Jameson has a secret agenda for coming to Harrington. As they uncover the ramblings of an abusive doctor, evidence of a secret prisoner and an obsession over an ancestral line, Jamie and Ian discover a passion that transcends their former workplace camaraderie.
Will the old trunk in the attic reveal a new kind of storm? Will his investigation into a long lost heir destroy the very love they’ve both been longing for?
Novellas in the Secrets of Covington Corner series in order:
Shadow Manor
Haunted Heritage
Dark Destiny
Holiday Storm
Amazon
B&N
Kobo
Apple Books
My daughter made this for me…she created it from a pot she painted for her succulent, so it could travel to college with her. Except, when we arrived, I knocked the pot off the seat of the car and broke it.
I feel so much like this little pot sometimes. A mistake that just can’t be fixed, no matter how much effort I put into it. The cracks will always show. My struggle with depression is ongoing—but I use the term “struggle” in a positive way. I’m not giving in! I see a therapist, practice yoga and recently downloaded the Calm app to help me with mindfulness and overactive brain.
Then my daughter gave me this gift and it helped me to see things in a new light.
Yes, this pot was broken, but she created something beautiful from it. New life is being nurtured. Continued growth. A precious creation…no matter how small.
I think I have a new goal. 😊 How about you?
Take care of yourself,
Dani
Download my newest release, SHADOW MANOR, a contemporary gothic novella for only 99 cents today!
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ADD TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR SHELF! It’s July 2020…if your life was a literal story, what would you make of it?
I’ll admit, we all have some scary scenarios right now. It might be boring, lonely, anxiety-inducing, a struggle…but in 6 months, where do you want to be?
This is the question I’m trying to ask myself.
We’re halfway through 2020, and its been a rough one. I don’t need to go into details for all of us to know that. But I do find myself re-examining, re-evaluating in a similar way to what I do every January. Taking stock of where I am, and where I want to be. I’m sure part of it has to do with my birthday being in June. Plus, I’m a natural overthinker—that doesn’t help!
This could be a good thing, though. It helps me center myself and zero in on where I’m going, despite whatever chaos is happening in my life at the moment. And let’s just say chaos has been abundant this year…am I right?
But often that chaos makes me feel like life is happening to me. And every so often I need the reminder that life is what I make it. What I dream it can be—if I will just stop and think about how to get there despite whatever roadblocks are in the way.
It might not even be something big. That step in the right direction may be a little thing that grows with time. It’s just up to me to take a step in the right direction.
For me, right now, that means focusing down on something small that will bring me a boost in motivation and focus. At the moment, that’s my health. My exercise routine got seriously disrupted when I started working from home. So I’m working toward exercising in some way 5 days a week. My other big priority is my writing. My gothic novella series is coming along! The first two are done, and I’m writing the third. These start releasing in August. Each day I’m just trying to either plot or write or dictate, even if its only for half an hour. Every bit of progress helps me feel productive and boosts my creativity.
It feels good. And that helps me feel happy in the midst of chaos.
What small steps are you writing into your life to make the last half of 2020 worth reading? What are you writing out of your life to bring back your joy?
I’d love to talk about it! Comment below or connect with me on Facebook!
Take care,
Dani