Yesterday marked the start of a new work in progress. It’s one of the most thrilling moments a writer has. Like climbing into the roller coaster car and beginning the chug up the hill. Butterflies in the stomach, sweaty palms, excitement abounds!

I had two books I was going to start on, plus one novella. Picking which one to start is usually driven by a contract, but in this case, I’m free to choose. When I dreamed of one book, I knew that was the one I needed to start, although the other book is completely plotted and even has 10K written.

Yes sometimes being a writer is nonsensical.

What book did I choose, or rather, what book did my imagination engine choose? It chose THE FORTUNE, the prequel to THE BOUNTY and the rest of the Malloy books. Francesca and John Malloy – the founders of said family – will have their story told.

I have to give them their own history, their own families, likes, dislikes, etc. I know what they look like and how they love their family, but I didn’t know them. I will now. :)

As I write their personal history, I’m going to fall into the writing mode easily. It’s a family I know and love well – I’m going to have to reread the entire series too. LOL.

Onward!

Today’s eye candy for your viewing pleasure.

I’m recovering from Thanksgiving this morning. My allergies took a wrong turn late yesterday and last night was a bit miserable. I’m better this morning and slept nice and late.

Now catching up on stuff from yeterday. I’ve still got hundreds of e-mails to get through but that will keep. I’ve got a nice long weekend ahead.

Oh yes, the spackling of the WIP will also be on the agenda. I will finish that by Sunday afternoon. Then onto something new – that’s always a thrill. :)

For now I will get myself ready to go out. Methinks I shall do some black Friday shopping and grab some bargains. Happy Friday y’all!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the US. It can be a time of great feasting (or overfeasting), family sharing and giving thanks.

Of course it can also be ripe with stress, especially if you’re cooking, traveling, or have an oddball family. Or if you are single with no one to share with, which is rough for sure.

My sister has this tradition where she asks everyone to say what they’re thankful for this year. Sometimes it’s hard for me to put into words, I’m better on paper, to express what I feel. However, I just wanted to let you all know that I am truly thankful for all of you.

I am blessed to have the ability to write what I love and to share it with those who take a chance on a writer like me. My thanks, y’all, for everything.

And now I need a tissue…

This is a three day work week for me. Yay! I get a nice four day weekend, thankyouverymuch. Thursday is obviously Thanksgiving here in the US – I am headed to my sister’s house. She is cooking but I am providing several desserts and assistance.

I’ll be headed over there early in the morning. She likes to eat Thanksgiving dinner for lunch. This gives you more time to nap in the afternoon, of course. ;)

And then there is Black Friday. I haven’t decided yet if I’m headed out. It depends on the super deals to be had. I’m in the market for a blu-ray player for our bonus room – I don’t want to pay more than $50. I can likely get a deal online so I may or may not be headed out. Of course I love the thrill of the bargain. Don’t get me started on how much fun a clearance rack is.

Anyhoo, I’ve got edits to ROWAN to do and I should be done by the end of the weekend. It includes my agent’s notes so it should be wrapped up all shiny and DONE, DONE, DONE. Woot!

Then I decide what’s next… I’m thinking perhaps a novella to write in December, no pressure and short. Then in January, start on a fresh novel. Whatcha think of that plan?

Today’s eye candy for your viewing pleasure.

You can catch me over at the Samhain blog today talking about ENDLESS HEART. Have a great weekend y’all!

I looked at the date today, November 17th, and thought, what the hell? How did it get to be 5 weeks before Christmas? I’m not even remotely organized for the holidays and I don’t see a fairy godmother floating in the corner to help me. *sigh*

I’m usually much more organized. Sometimes painfully so. But not this year. Could be because of promotion at work – busier than I can even express. Also could be because I had such a busy few months there with lots of traveling and not a lot of down time.

This Sunday I made plans to do a shopping day with Mom and sister. Yes I know it’s before black Friday but that’s when we’ll be able to actually walk in stores at this Tanger Outlet. Besides, I LOVE black Friday. No doubt I will go out and get some supa bargains cause that’s how I roll.

Anyway, I am off to work, and I will work less than an 11 hour day today. I’ve got writing to do!

Happy Thursday!

Today I have a special guest on my blog, the lovely Vivian Arend. Her very first western, Rocky Mountain Heat (the Six Pack Ranch series), hits the ebook shelves tomorrow from Samhain. I’m super excited for her and invited her to blog with me today. Ladies and gents, I give you Viv.

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Story telling and storytelling

Back when I was a teen my best friend’s family owned a spread in central Alberta. It was a working ranch, but the family lived in Calgary most of the time and hired out jobs to locals who lived on the ranch and cared for it like family. They were family, for all intensive purposes, some of the ranch hands second generation workers on the land.

It’s not a typical set up, but the incredible part of this meant I got to be a part of a real ranching experience during those years. And oh boy—were there ever things to experience.

From rounding up wild horses (yes, the neighbors had a herd they were letting breed wild) that broke free, to finding bottles of moonshine in the branches of trees…Oh boy. One adventure after another.

Now that I’m writing the Six Pack Ranch series I will admit to using some of those images in the books. Some of the stories that were told around the campfires in the evening. Is it reality intruding into my books? Probably not, because in the fine tradition of ranchers and fishermen everywhere, especially after the bottle’s been passed around a few times, where’s the line between telling a tale and making a tale a little more shiny for the enraptured audience?

To this day I don’t know if all I was told were true or the long yarns of men and women letting off steam and relaxing after a day of hard labour. I know the experiences I had that were real, but even those are probably not unique, but a part a parcel of the whole reality of living in that environment. Where men still go out of their way to make sure a lady is taken care of. Where some of the simpler values are still seen, and the newer attitudes are slowly working their way into the community.

The Six Pack Ranch doesn’t exist in one location or setting, but in a million men and women who love the land and care for it and each other.

I’m so glad I got to experience it back then. I’m so glad I get to share it now.

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SIX PACK RANCH

The Coleman family has ranched in the Rocky Mountain House area of Alberta for generations. These modern day contemporary cowboy romance stories follow the current family members as they find both their place in the community and happy-ever-afters.

Book 1: Rocky Mountain Heat: November 15, 2011
Book 2: Rocky Mountain Haven: January 10, 2012
Book 3: Rocky Mountain Desire: March 13, 2012

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Rocky Mountain Heat


Six Pack Ranch, Book 1

He’s the one who taught her to ride. Now all he wants is to ride her.

Blake Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but a heap of trouble. But when trouble’s a western-hat-wearing blonde with slim legs that go on forever, what’s a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off.

Jaxi has other plans for Blake’s hands, and his heart. She may have once considered him a big brother, but that was a long time ago. She’s all grown up now and ready to convince him that she’s perfect for him. Except he can’t seem to see past the big “don’t touch” sign that’s apparently still hanging around her neck.

When Jaxi ends up living right under Blake’s nose, the undeniable heat between them slides off simmer and leaps up to barn-burning levels. However, a few of the younger six-pack Colemans have decided Jaxi’s brand of trouble is worth risking a few busted bones.

That is, if Blake’s finally ready to let go the reins and fight for what he wants…

Warning: Sexy cowboys seducing and being seduced in trucks, pool halls and barns. Droolworthy country charm, a little double-teaming, a few secrets and a whole lot of brothers to look forward to. Anyone wanna go for a ride?

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First Chapter: Excerpt

Buy links: Samhain | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo |

Vivian Arend: Website | Blog | Twitter

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Today’s eye candy for your viewing pleasure.