It's My Birthday....Wait! How old am I?

Well....another year down.

As I often do when in need of something relaxing, I took advantage of a brief break from the rain yesterday and went for a walk. It allowed me to reflect back over this past year and hit on the highlights. I have a lot to be thankful for!

With my writing, I published three more books in my middle grade mystery series, and released another audiobook. I had plans for at least one more book and another audiobook, but life always tosses some things out there to slow you down! However, in spite of that, I'm really happy with how it's gone. I reached some other big goals, one of them being to run a campaign on the huge BookBub site! It catapulted The Mystery of Hollow Inn into the coveted 'Amazon Best Seller' status, and the whole series is still being carried a little by the wave it caused.

I had some amazing hiking trips this summer, and a somewhat spontaneous photography trip to Yosemite with a new friend I made at a local street fair! She is also a photographer, and it was an amazing time. Along those lines, I have had two great local shows with my canvas prints, and participated in a few street fairs where the feedback and interaction was simply worth more than anything I could sell.

I went to my first convention! Galacticon (in Seattle) was such a mix of experiences. It was overshadowed by some pretty bad moves on the head organizers, which almost caused a last-minute cancellation, but the true fans stepped up and pulled off a great event. I was SO lucky to be placed next to these guys, brothers, who really just made my weekend. We have continued to communicate via Facebook, and they (Tim and Mathew!) were the first to teach me how important (and fun) networking is. I had my first true random fan come running up to my table, excited to meet me, I met some actors from my favorite scifi shows and even had Richard Hatch sign Bloodline!!! (and we spoke to each other for over 15 mins!)

I had my first official book signing! It was Barnes and Noble in Bellingham, and again...I learned all about networking, and how as an author, it is essential. I met some truly amazing authors, including Graham Kerr!!! :)

The summer was warm, which meant it was good. :) I love the outdoors, and thrive in the sunshine. Hiking has become my new favorite outdoor activity and I plan on doing a whole lot more of it this coming year, even though I will be.......

Wait. HOW old am I????

Well....I was born in 71. But, since my birthday is a few days shy of the end of the year, it makes it a little confusing. I had to do some math to figure it out, because I honestly stopped keeping track after 25. We could just stay I'm 25. Right? Well, maybe not. How about 35? I might be able to pass for that still....;)  I'm really 44, so lots of good times still ahead!

Have a blessed 2016!!!

GIVEAWAY!

In celebration of my new release, The Heiress of Covington Ranch, I am giving away two free ebook copies! The first two people to leave a comment, get it!!!

The Heiress of Covington Ranch

A fun, middle grade mystery!

Amazon Link

New Release!

I'm excited to announce that book #4 in The Samantha Wolf Mysteries is HERE! It's available in both ebook and paperback format, and as always, is Free if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited!

The Heiress of Covington Ranch

Buy it here on AMAZON!

• Free with Kindle Unlimited!

Middle school presents a new kind of challenge for Sam and Ally, but also a chance to make a unique friend. When one of their teachers needs help, the three of them come together to lend her support.

Nestled in the woods that surround their homes is Covington Ranch. An abandoned estate once used to raise famous horses, a family tragedy has left it forgotten and neglected. But someone has come back.

What does their teacher, a rich stockbroker, and a stolen ruby called The Eye of Jupiter all have in common? Sam and Ally vow to find out, and in doing so, start a chain reaction. It could either have dire consequences for those involved, or bring a broken family back together again.

.99 Sale for the Beach House Mystery

AMAZON LINK

THE BEACH HOUSE MYSTERY

The fun continues in book #3 of the Samantha Wolf Mysteries! 

What should be a quiet week at the beach turns into the most challenging mystery that Sam and Ally have uncovered yet. What’s the truth behind the odd family renting the cabin next-door? Is the tale of a sea creature and haunted lighthouse just a myth? How does a missing girl, and suspicious boat tie into all of it? The girls can’t solve this puzzle on their own, so they turn to their brothers for help. 

Travel with them to the scenic Washington Coast and into the Olympic Rainforest, where the four have to work together to untangle the clues and fit the mysterious pieces together. 

This is book #3 in the series, and one of my favorites! This is your chance to get caught up on the series before the fourth book, The Heiress of Covington Ranch, comes out on December 21st!


I also have a special promo code for you! You can use this code: BOOKDEAL25 for ONE paperback/hardback book purchase, and get 25% off!

Here is a link to my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE where you can take your pick! How about starting with the first book in The Samantha Wolf Mysteries? Or maybe Bloodline, the first book in my YA trilogy? You know, books make great Christmas gifts! :)



(As always, if you have Kindle Unlimited, ALL of my books are FREE!)

How to (not) Take a Break

I recently finished writing the fourth book in my middle grade mystery series, and have a release date of 12.21.2015. (it's up for pre sale now)

Having just concluded a read-through/edit and sending it off for Beta Readers and editing, I sat back and immediately began planning what to do next.

A break. I needed to take a break. Thanksgiving was just a few days away, and then a huge couple of weeks of work, a book signing, photo shoot, and CPR instructing at the local High School.

A break.

Right. I don't think I quite understand the meaning of the word. Even when I try to force myself not to take anything else on, I seem to continuously think about what I should be doing, and then find myself writing out 'The List'.

Anyone else with me?

I always have a long list. Full of have to do, need to do, would like to do...lots of do's. Being an Indie Author, there is always something to DO. The good news, is that I love to do it. :)

This is how I know that being an author is my calling. Because no matter how tired, or stressed, or over-whelmed I get with everything else on my list, the one thing that will always make me smile and feel at peace is the 'write' item. I don't see it as a chore. I absolutely LOVE it.

So while I might not have allowed myself much of a 'break', and I'm a bit run-down and behind on my sleep and 'me' time...I'm still okay. Because in another week, I will be adding 'write a chapter' back to the top of my daily list, and my world will be right again.

Who's with me? :)

A picture I took while on my 'break'.