UPDATE: The winner is…Cheryl!
*~*~*

I’ve shared photos of my favorite fur babies before. Here are Phil, Lil, and Kimi the goats, along with Brandy the horse. Not shown in the picture is the other horse, a 35-year-old Appaloosa pony named Kansas. Our inside animals include 9 dogs and 5 cats. And yes, we have too many animals, but we’re not giving them away or dumping them on the road. They have forever homes with us.

For a chance to win a download from my backlist of books, tell me about any pets, past or present, that you’ve loved!

Open Contests

1. Hot SEAL, In His Memory — Coming April 27th! And a Ramble. (Contest) — Ends tomorrow!  Win a FREE book!
2. Ava Cuvay: That’s My Theory (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
3. I love Fridays! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Puzzle-Contest + Open Contests! — Win an Amazon gift card!
5. Diana Cosby: Nature’s Inspiration – Life At The Marsh (Contest) — Win a SIGNED book!

Greetings all! When I brainstorm ideas for blog posts, the first question I always ask myself is what are readers interested in and what new something about those topics am I able to bring to the table. My default answer is always: books. But what specifically about books? Romance. Yes, but that’s still vague. So, then, I began to think about the different kinds of romances—historical, regency, erotic, romantic comedy, inspirational romance, speculative romance, romantic suspense, etc. I asked myself what I could comment on each of them that would be noteworthy.

My second act when deciding on a theme or issue is to scroll through my past posts to avoid duplication of topics, unless it is my specific intention to update an older post that has become obsolete. I always want to provide fresh and interesting content, and that can be made difficult when blogging weekly, especially when one has been doing it for years. I also want to ensure that I write accurate information. There’s nothing worse than reading an article that is jammed with misinformation, incomplete, or not well thought out.

This brings me to my third question. I must ask myself if there is another material available for me to write a post that will do the topic justice. Let me tell you, this topic came extremely close to failing to meet this criterion. I’ve had plenty of blog ideas that I’ve had to nix simply because I did not have enough supporting documentation. Search engines for this subject were not my friend, and part of that has to do with the name which I’ll briefly discuss later. I wasted hours reading through articles that didn’t help. (And as an aside, this is how writers and bloggers fall down that proverbial writing rabbit hole. They begin searching for one thing and end up looking at everything else that gets thrown in their path on their search. I don’t know how many times I catch myself asking, “What’s that?” Then, off I go to chase the white rabbit knowing good and doggone well what happened to Alice. Forget finding the queen. Off with my own head. One would think I would have learned by now. But anyway…

Today was no different than any other day for me deciding on a topic, except I found myself having a hard time focusing. Nothing was popping, and everything seemed a distraction. I finally decided to revert to my handy dandy massive pile of spirals that I have stacked in a box. This is where I take notes when working on novels or important takeaways from edits. Truthfully, there’s no telling what one will find in those things. But I digress. As I flipped through one of my writing notebooks, I noticed a question that I had scribbled in the margin and had long forgotten. But I do remember the conversations that followed. An idea began to formulate. Read the rest of this entry »

UPDATE: The winner is…Ava Cuvay!
*~*~*

©Diana Cosby 2021

As a writer, it’s important to refill my muse.  I relax by taking photographs of nature.  One of my favorite places to visit is the marsh.

At the marsh, I never know what type of bird or animal I’m going to see.  This spring, a young Great Blue Heron has arrived.  He’s gorgeous, and I hope he stays.

 I often see eagles at the marsh.  On rare occasions, one lands nearby, and I can take close-up photos.

With the spring migration beginning, I keep watch for new birds flying through.  This spring I’ve had the pleasure of seeing several new ducks.

Shore-birds are interesting to watch.  One of my favorites is the seagull.  They have such interesting attitudes.

Take care, and wishing you a wonderful spring!

Contest

***ONE winner will be drawn from everyone who posts on my guest blog post about, ‘Nature’s Inspiration – Life At The Marsh,’ on Delilah’s blog between 18 April 2021– 25 April 2021.  The winner will receive a signed copy of His Woman, book #2 in the bestselling The MacGruder Brothers Series.

About the Author

A retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense. Books in her award-winning MacGruder Brothers series have been translated into five languages. Diana has spoken at the Library of Congress, Lady Jane’s Salon in NYC, and appeared in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happy Ever After,” MSN.com, Atlantic County Women Magazine, and Texoma Living Magazine.

After her career in the Navy, Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world. After the release of the bestselling MacGruder Brothers series and The Oath Trilogy, she released the bestselling The Forbidden Series.

Diana looks forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey.

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
The Oath Trilogy
MacGruder Brother Series
The Forbidden Series

UPDATE: The winner is…Damaris Schuler!
*~*~*

I’m nearing the end of the book I’m writing! So, I’ll be quick today! Have fun!

Puzzle Contest

Solve and tell me what you think is goin’ on for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!

Open Contests

1. Tell me a story… (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. What are you reading? (Puzzle-Contest) — Ends soon! Win a FREE book!
3. Hot SEAL, In His Memory — Coming April 27th! And a Ramble. (Contest) — Win a FREE book!
4. Ava Cuvay: That’s My Theory (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
5. I love Fridays! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!

UPDATE: The winner is…Elaine Howell!
*~*~*

TGIF! The weekend’s almost here! And my sister, Elle James, will be here for a visit! Woot! It’s been a good while since we’ve seen each other. We’re both vaccinated, but we’ll likely still keep the distancing thing going because of the kids. We have lots to talk about. We always do.

And I have to close in on the end of the book that’s coming out on April 27th. Yes, I know I’m down to the wire! I’m enjoying the story. It’s lots of sex. This couple only opens up when they’re in bed. Do you mind? 🙂

Have you ordered your copy? Click on the cover if you haven’t! I’ll be nagging you more over the next week…

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me one thing you’re thankful for this FRIDAY!

Winter has finally released its icy grip. It takes a little longer here in Eastern Canada, and we still might get a snowstorm or two, but I’m optimistic that spring is finally here. The crocuses are poking their heads up. The tulips are starting to bloom.

Here are my Top 5 signs that spring has finally arrived.

1. I can wear sneakers when I go out. After months and months of boots, being able to just pull a pair of sneakers on and go is a huge deal.
2. Not having to bundle up so much. During the winter months, I wear a long-sleeved shirt, a sweater, two layers of leggings, a long coat, a scarf, gloves, and a headband whenever I go out. Being able to leave off the long coat is huge. I’ll still layer up, as the temperatures aren’t that far above freezing, but it’s freeing to wear a hoodie and fleece and switch to my lighter gloves and headband. LOL, it’s all about degrees.
3. The crocuses are starting to carpet the front lawns in the neighborhood. Seeing the pop of color does my heart good.
4. I’ve started removing the layers of coverings from my bed. So far, I’ve put away two of the blankets. That leaves three comforters and a quilt.
5. I’m so looking forward to the first night I can sleep with the bedroom window open. That will be a while yet, as temperatures dip below freezing in the night. It gives me something to look forward to.

It’s the little things that make the difference. What do you love most about spring?

And if you’re looking for a book, be sure to check out my latest release ZAXE’S RULE.

Zaxe’s Rule
Assassins of Gravas, Book 4

A professional assassin, Zaxe’s job is to kill his target—Helldrick—and get out. This final mission will repay his debt to the king of Gravas and allow him to finally claim his freedom. The job should be simple, but then he crosses paths with Jamaeh Jerman, the daughter of his target.

Being a mixed-race bastard, Jamaeh’s life has never been easy, but she’s carved out a living as a trader. Her entire life, she’s protected her brother. Now he’s missing and Helldrick is to blame. Her goal is to find her brother and bring him home.

She and Zaxe join forces, each with their own agenda. Danger and secrets from the past threaten to come between them, while their sizzling attraction further complicates the situation. Will mistrust drive them apart or will love save them both?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091B73YQN/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1076683
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/zaxe-s-rule
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zaxes-rule-n-j-walters/1139128903
Evernight Publishing: https://www.evernightpublishing.com/zaxes-rule-by-n-j-walters/

About the Author

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, assassins, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

Visit me at:
Website: https://www.njwalters.com
Blog: https://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
Newsletter Sign Up: https://eepurl.com/gdblg5
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/njwaltersauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/NJWalters
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/njwalters
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-j-walters

UPDATE: The winner is…Mary Preston!
*~*~*

Why do we read Romance?

I’m currently writing, Tin Toy, the second book in the Silver Cyborg Series, about a cybernetic librarian who looks like a pin-up model, kisses like an angel, and fights like a trained assassin. I thought it would be fun to make her a huge fan of Romance, and associate common Romance tropes with various situations she’s in. Like May-December romances, secret baby, and bad boy billionaire, just to name a few.

And, as is common when I write, my characters often hijack the story. Recently, librarian Betty did just that during a conversation with her love interest, Everett Dean. While I hadn’t planned it, she took that opportunity to explain why she loves Romance novels.

And it occurred to me that we might all have our different reasons for reading Romance. For me, it’s the escapism and the HEA/HFN. Stories without an emotionally satisfying ending leave a bad taste in my mouth. Movie example: hubby and I rented La La Land a few months ago, and I walked away in tears and vibrating with anger. Spoiler alert – the two characters don’t end up together! I loved the singing and dancing and piano playing and even the rest of the story, and yes, it’s more true to real life that people can love each other and still part ways. But, I WANT MY HEA!

So, I’m here today to pose the question to you: Assuming you read Romance, why? What is it that draws you to the Romance genre? I’ll select a random commenter for a $5 Amazon gift card.

Excerpt from Tin Toy, Betty’s response to the question…

“So, is that what women really want in a man?”

Her face screwed up in a frown as she considered her answer. She glanced around the aisle and clasped the book in her hands. “I don’t think you can take romance books as a literal guide. There’s too much diversity in personal tastes in the genre to land on any one thing in common where that’s concerned. Instead, I think they are written permission for women to embrace their own polarizing desires.”

“Desires? I assume you’re not just talking about what they want in bed.”

“I can’t deny that’s one aspect.” She shrugged. When she continued, her words were hesitant and measured as if she pulled them from a deep, unfamiliar well. “But it’s so much more. I think many women like the idea of having a man who can take care of them, even if she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. That a man can be as imperfect as we so often feel we are, and it neither diminishes his masculinity nor mocks our femininity. That a man can accept our love and cherish it for the precious gift it is and not use it as leverage or sully it with selfishness. That love is not restricted by trivial things such as money, geography, social status, or physical attributes. That, for each woman, there is at least one person who finds us beautiful, desirable, and—above all—worthy.”

She stared at the floor and tapped her fingers against the holo-book in her hand, her voice soft, almost wistful. “At least… that’s my theory.”

About the Author

Ava Cuvay is an award-winning bestselling author of Sci-fi Romance featuring sassy heroines, gutsy heroes, passion, and adventure… often set in a galaxy far, far away. She resides in central Indiana with her own scruffy-looking nerfherder and kiddos who remind her daily she’s not nearly as cool and hip as she thinks. She believes life is too short to bother with negative people, everything is better with Champagne, and Han Solo shot first. When not writing, Ava is thinking about writing. Or wine. And she’s always thinking about bacon.

website: https://www.avacuvay.com/
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Ava-Cuvay/e/B01E5OIZ0I/
Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15051407.Ava_Cuvay
Facebook: https://facebook.com/AvaCuvayAuthor/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ava-cuvay