Reality Versus Fantasy

One of the most challenging things we can do as an author or maybe the easiest if like me, you eagerly look forward to slipping into the fantasy of a good book, is to create those special moments while dealing with the reality of life behind the scenes.

What reality you say? Well, in my case I’ve been going through a major renovation of the house my husband and I recently bought and we’ve had a lot of ups and downs. Many of the highlights include a beautiful new kitchen, a cozy and functional office and an expanded master bedroom.

Then there are the shocking and unexpected discoveries such as when you take down a cabinet in the laundry room and discover a small spot of wet wall and mold which then morphs into an entire rotted exterior wall that has to be removed and rebuilt in the middle of winter.

Now when I watch HGTV and see the homeowners near tears when more and more problems are found during the renovation process–I get it! (That is when I’m allowed to watch HGTV. My husband threatens to ban that channel every time I come up with a new “project” *grins*)

It’s during times like these where I have to dig deep and put aside the harsh reality of the disgusting bathroom we are currently tearing apart—

And begin to imagine this scene instead.

Or when the reality of the contractor who showed up to do the plumbing is nothing like the fantasy you had in my mind threatens the image in my head of the slice of near perfect alpha male perfection I want to show up in my book…

Despite the ups and downs of reality we all must go through and the challenge of writing under very uncomfortable situations to meet our deadlines, I’m eternally grateful that life is never boring. It might make me want to pull my hair out more often than I’d like, but it keeps me on my toes and hopefully strengthens my brain for the next challenge lurking around the corner.

At least when we need a break from the reality of day-to-day life, we can pick up a book and slip into a new world. What would we do without them?

Thank you so much to Delilah for hosting me today. It’s always great to come and visit.

Eliza

Eliza Gayle lives a life full of sexy shapeshifters, blood boiling vamps and a dark desire for bondage…until she steps away from her computer and has to tend to her family.

Check out Eliza’s brand new release, Purgatory Masters: Tucker’s Fall, or her many other books listed on her website at elizagayle.net.

For the next little while, you won’t see much of me here. I opened up my blog to guests—and a deluge hit. And how could I turn anyone down? Well, I couldn’t until I didn’t have any dates left. So, I’ll try to sneak in here and maybe post a note at the top of some fabulous author’s blog, just so you know the rumors of my demise are premature. 🙂 If you truly miss me, you can always find me on Facebook!

I did reserve every Saturday for Snippet Saturday, so be watching for one-day-only giveaways from me on those days. In the meantime, here’s a contest to keep you going until the next opening I have for me to chat (other than a Saturday or a guest no-show)—February 26th.

“Having an Affaire de Coeur Year” Calendar Contest

What can you win? I have a stack of Affaire de Coeur magazine’s 2013 calendars. Each is filled with romantic goodness! I’ll start giving them away this weekend! And I won’t stop until I’ve given all of them away!

What do you have to do to win? Simple. Comment on my blog. On any posting, from now thru February 26th. I’ll choose winners at random from among all the comments. Good luck!

It’s almost that time of the year again for roses, chocolate love…and handcuffs! 😉 To celebrate, Cari Silverwood, Kallypso Masters and Full Moon Bites have come together for a kinky giveaway hop! They invited a slew of authors and bloggers to join them! Read on below for the lovely intro (written by the wonderful Cari!)

When your man tells you he loves you with a gift of chocolates, roses and handcuffs, you know he’s no ordinary lover. What kink hides in your closet? Sometimes we don’t want a man who showers us with flower petals and kisses. Sometimes we want a man who will take charge and text us from work with a message such as this: Wait for me naked and kneeling in the bedroom. If this Valentines Day you get handcuffs from your partner, what message would you like to see on the gift tag?

Enter a comment on this post, and you’ll be entered to win a $25.00 gift certificate from Amazon.com to spend however you please on whatever naughty thing you want! Then take a tour to each of the websites listed below. Don’t feel overwhelmed by how many people are involved, you have until February 7th to enter! Read the rest of this entry »