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The weather has been great this week. The temperature is just about perfect, between 60 and 70 degrees. The grass turns green more and more each day. Daffodils are emerging from their winter slumber. The weeping cherry tree in my front yard is in bloom. After a cold, dreary winter, it feels great.
The season has also sparked creativity.
I don’t really like to make the dreaded “New Year’s Resolutions.” Who ever sticks to them? By the middle of the month or even the end of the month if we are lucky, they are abandoned. It is just easier to stick to the same old, same old, isn’t it?
I prefer to think of things I want to accomplish. More of a goal than a resolution.
With that in mind, I have some goals for 2024.
I devoted a lot of energy to getting side businesses off the ground in 2023. The Gift Over Yourself shop on Etsy was a complete disaster. I took it offline on 12/31/23. I am not going to waste any more time or money on that venture.
After my mom passed away, we had a tremendous amount of stuff to sort through. Anyone who has been through the process knows what that’s like. Seeing how she accumulated so much made me think about all the stuff I had. I intend to spend 2024 culling my collectibles and listing them on eBay.
My stuff isn’t worth millions of dollars (unfortunately). For example, I have about a million dalmatian dog figurines - not because I collected them. I had a dalmatian once, and my parents thought I would LOVE dalmatian stuff. Why not make a little money, which I need, and give someone else the opportunity to enjoy something? I bet someone out there does collect dalmatian stuff - you never know!
I started a second blog, 52 Things. This year, I will offer tips and tricks gleaned from my years at a wealth management firm and, well, my life. We old dogs learn a lot. Time to share the knowledge. You can find the blog on this website.
Speaking of knowledge, wow, I have learned SO MUCH. I look forward to learning even more about marketing in the digital age, graphic design, and similar creative topics in the coming year.
It’s also time to look for a job. I work extremely hard now on the website, blogs, eBay, books, et cetera. Unfortunately, these endeavors do not provide the income I need. It is time to see what’s out there. Don’t worry; even if I am lucky enough to find a job, I still intend to pursue all of these projects.
Last but certainly not least – I will return to the world of the Through the Mist series. I have dabbled a bit in recent weeks on a collection of short stories, based upon three characters from that world. The stories might turn into a book for next Christmas. The characters are also whispering to me about the sixth book in the series, so I have some good ideas there. (No, hearing voices in this case is not a sign of mental health issues. It’s part of my process.)
Here's to accomplishing our goals in 2024. Slainté!
It is the time of year when we are flooded with messages about gratitude. I admit that, after a while, it is a bit taxing on the nerves.
Still, I firmly believe that we must be appreciative of what we have. As we all know too well, good fortune is fleeting.
I would like to end my year with a few expressions of gratitude:
I am grateful to every person who reads my books. It never ceases to amaze me that someone actually finds the darn things and then decides to read them. Thank you so much for taking the time. It truly means the world to me.
I am grateful that, somehow, I find a way. Call it luck, divine intervention, whatever you like. Financially, things have been very tight for a bit. Yes, it is a disaster of my own making. My mental health has dramatically improved, though. It takes a lot of work, but I manage.
I am grateful for Gracie and Chewie. Gracie is 17 now which is old for a dog. I would love to have 17 more years with her. Realistically, that’s not possible. I am glad she continues to endure and seems to be in relatively good health.
Chewie’s presence pushes her to walk farther and keeps her calm in anxious situations. In turn, he enjoys seeing the variety of wildlife on our daily walkies, eating homemade goodies, and snuggling on the sofa.
What are your three things?
Someone recently asked me the question. My answer today is completely different than it was when I began writing novels. It’s probably different from how it was even two years ago!
I have learned so much over the years. For starters, I am what some people call “a pantser.” Never heard the term? Think “fly by the seat of your pants.”
While I am a meticulous planner in other aspects of my life, I don’t have fixed plans for the novels. Some writers have precise outlines about what will happen in each chapter. Good for them! It’s just not my thing.
So, what is? Well, here’s how I am currently approaching the sixth book in the Through the Mist series.
Stage One – Deep Thoughts, Snacks, and Tea.
I read a lot. I mean, A LOT.
In Through the Mist: Restoration, I referenced the Act of Proscription. IN JUST ONE SENTENCE. I read it as well as numerous texts about its consequences. I read the law that repealed it. I read about the political environment at the time of its repeal. All for just one sentence.
In this stage, I read tons of articles and books. I study old documents and prowl around lots of websites about Scottish history.
I have a general idea about the story, so I am looking for specific details. If you have read my books, you know I want to immerse you in the story.
For example, in the next book, certain characters will be at the Battle of Trafalgar. Who should be? As I read more about the chaos of the battle, it makes sense that two particular characters should be there.
Originally, I thought it might be one of them. Now, I see an opportunity to add intrigue and drama by having both of them there.
Stage Two – Go Away! I’m Writing!
I produce one version. I read it. Then, I embellish the original version. Repeat the steps until I am ready to pass it off to the beta readers.
My beta readers read the drafts and tell me what works, what does not. I make tweaks. I add more stuff if I get new ideas.
By the end of the stage, the book is basically done. Additional tweaks may be needed to correct mistakes, adjust for formatting, et cetera.
Stage Three – Ugh!!!!!
This is my least favorite part of the process. Because I self publish the books, it is all on me to thoroughly proofread each page. I format the text for e-book and paperback versions. I design the cover art. I figure out all the business stuff for pricing and promotion. It’s all on my shoulders – and I HATE IT.
Stage Four – Please Read My Book!
The book has been released into the world. At this point, I want someone to actually see the book and read it. I plead for reviews. I post endlessly on social media. I consider ads. I tell everyone who will listen. I tuck copies in free reading libraries and anywhere else I can sneak in a book.
The process never truly ends, because I am always thinking, always working. I want to engage new readers. After all, Through the Mist is a series. They can start it whenever they want.
And, with Love at the Woolly Bookworm Shop, I have a completely different book for folks to read. BTW – I have an idea for another book based in the same world, so it too could turn into a series. TBD
Hopefully, this glimpse into my writing habits answers the question. I invite you to follow me on Facebook for even more insights. Now, back to researching Trafalgar….
The fifth book in the Through the Mist saga is now available on Amazon! I finally finished formatting it!
Through the Mist: Redemption traces Tilly’s adjustment to life in 1800s Scotland. We learn more about how she is trying to build a new life for herself. It also picks up where Through the Mist: Reflection left off. No spoilers here! Read it to find out what happens next.
Enjoy!
On Facebook, I informed you that I was in the middle of formatting the fifth book in the “Through the Mist” series. The task, in a word, sucks. If I would focus, I could be done in a couple of days. Instead, it takes much longer because I allow myself to be distracted. By pretty much anything. Oh, well, I am trying!
While you wait, I thought you might like a little taste of what’s to come. Enjoy!
Gleann A’bunadh, Scotland
February 1803
BENJAMIN CAMPBELL TOOK A DEEP BREATH AND IMMEDIATELY REGRETTED IT. Icy air scorched the back of his throat and set his lungs ablaze. He ducked his head in the bitter wind, trudging forward through the snow and gripping the reins of his horse. With the slap of each snowflake against his face, it felt as if a thousand needles pierced every inch of skin.
The horse snorted in disgust. Taken from a warm stable and rudely coaxed into the winter night, the beast was as upset as Benjamin to be outside.
When Benjamin awoke to an empty bed, he sprang into action. His wife Tilly acted strangely all evening, repeatedly staring at the full moon in the sky or pacing the floors in their bedroom. Since her friend Beth left, she was lonely and depressed. He feared the worst. He raced to his late father’s study where they kept the shield. It was gone. He ran to the stable, hurriedly saddled the horse, and headed for the valley.
He longed to spend a few moments sitting beside a cozy fire and sipping a glass of whisky that any of his tenants would have offered him, if he were to visit their croft on such a bleak night. Unfortunately, he ventured to a place where no cottages stood, save the one at the end of his journey. Stands of snow-laden trees surrounded him. The verdant forest floor was blanketed in white instead of the usual carpet of grass and leaves. The crunch of snow under the beast’s feet and their heavy breathing mixed with the howling wind that chilled them both to the bone.
Thick drifts of snow nearly obliterated the path leading to the valley. Someone unfamiliar with the area would have been lost in minutes. The wind whipped snow into the tracks almost as quickly as they formed. Thankfully, he could have navigated the land with his eyes closed. Of course, at that particular moment, he wished they were closed. He should have been at home, sleeping soundly in a comfortable bed.
He guided the horse along the trail for fear of the beast stumbling on the uneven and slippery terrain. He had dismounted when it became obvious that they were in more peril with him on the animal’s back than off.
Looking down, Benjamin saw the fresh traces of a horse’s hoof prints and a person’s footsteps, side by side. He suspected the steps belonged to his wife and her favorite horse. A small trace of their steps remained, confirming his belief about where they were headed.
The slowness of the journey did nothing to allay his fears. It was too dangerous to be travelling tonight, yet here they were. The storm descended with a swiftness and ferocity that surprised him. Anyone who ventured out would have been taken unawares. It was unsafe for his wife. What could have possessed her to leave the security of the castle and travel to the cottage? The possible answer unsettled his soul.
He feared the greatest of heartaches awaited him. Would he discover Tilly’s horse at Gleann A’bunadh and a set of footprints that mysteriously disappeared halfway across the pasture? She could have decided life with him was unbearable. He tried his best to give her all of the love and friendship she bestowed upon him. The mere sight of her filled his heart with joy and left him thankful on a daily basis for her presence in his life. It broke his heart to think she might not share those feelings and wanted to run back to the 21st century.
Or, perhaps she was assaulted while traveling alone at night. Images of blood-stained snow and her crumpled, lifeless body flooded his brain. If someone harmed her, he would track the foul fiend to the ends of the earth. No place would offer safe harbor. He tightly clutched the leather reins and coaxed the horse forward.
When he finally arrived at the valley and saw her standing behind a tree, he felt enormous relief and rage, a peculiar mix of emotions. He resisted the urge to scream at her. Why the hell was she there? Did she have any idea how dangerous it was to travel in the terrible weather and at night, no less? Did she understand the terror gripping his heart?
Instead, Benjamin focused on the burning sensation in his nostrils and chest as the air filled his lungs. He secured his horse beside hers. The task gave him time to compose himself.
As soon as I have an official release date, I will let you know. I have some exciting things planned, so stay tuned!
If you follow my Facebook page, you know I am hard at work on the fifth installment in the Through the Mist series. I am in what I call the “Beta Reader” phase right now, where I make adjustments based on feedback from early readers and correct grammar, spelling, and other mistakes.
At some point with every book, I become so obsessed with the story that it dominates my thoughts. Here is an example. As I drifted off to sleep last night, I said to myself, “No, the color of that dress is all wrong.” What??? Seriously???
Just this morning, I was online reading about the fuel the average Scottish person would have used for their fires in the 1800s. (Peat and wood, by the way) That led me down another rabbit hole. What does a peat fire smell like, since we typically don’t have peat fires here in the States? I already knew how peat was gathered, thanks to watching too many documentaries, reading too many articles, and actually paying attention when I saw someone gathering and drying peat on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. Too bad I cannot put “exhaustive knowledge of peat” on my resume. I doubt it comes up much in the workplace, unless maybe I am a peat harvester.
Why do I bother? It is in my DNA. I cannot help it! I must be accurate when I discuss certain elements in the book. While it is a work of fiction, it is not a work of pure fantasy. It goes against every fiber of my being to just make up little details that you probably breeze right by. Do you really care what fuel was used for the fire? No! You are more concerned with what Benjamin and Tilly are doing in front of the fire!
The next phase will be what I call the “Ah, Screw It; I Am Done” phase. I can feel myself inching closer and closer, because, frankly, I am tired of reading about peat. Until then, please hang in there with me. I am really excited about the next book, peat fires and all. Dare I say it – it may be the best one in the series. Stay tuned!
The year certainly didn’t turn out as I anticipated. While quitting the job was always on my mind, I never expected that I would actually take the big leap. I miss the income. I don’t miss the job.
Like quitting my job, adopting another dog is something I have wanted to do for years. I could never find the right match, though. Gracie does not like most dogs. Then, Chewie came into our lives. His former owner wanted to find a place where the pet parent would be home most of the time. Well, an unemployed writer fits that requirement!
Though I never wanted a male Shih-Tzu dog, he turned out to be exactly what we needed. Gracie tolerates him most of the time and might even like him on rare occasions. He calms her whenever I am away from the house. He chills beside me whenever I watch TV. He is a great dog.
None of these things would have been possible, though, without work. I spent almost 30 years at an investment firm. Naturally, I picked up some tips along the way that could be used by the average person. Be sure to follow me, because I will drop little tidbits in future posts.
I have spent the last few months doing something I always wanted to do - write full time. I produced Love at the Woolly Bookworm Shop and took several classes and watched several webinars. I read loads of things about self-publishing, writing, marketing, et cetera. It has been great.
Unfortunately, I haven’t received huge windfalls of cash. Hell, I haven’t received any windfalls! How have I survived? You may find yourself in a situation someday where you don’t have an income either. Here are three tips to prepare for that day:
Save, save, save. Most people could not cover an unexpected expense of $500. I was one of those people for a long time. I set up an automatic deduction from my checking account into my savings account. The amount wasn’t much. Still, the balance increased over time, and that’s the whole point. I will talk more about this topic in future posts, because it is a topic that is dear to my heart.
Look for “free” money - part one. My credit cards have “reward” points that I can apply to my balance, use for purchases at Amazon and other places, et cetera. Inflation is out of control. I charge everything to my credit cards and use the points to buy needed essentials. Note - this only works if you are diligent about paying off your credit card(s) every month.
Look for “free” money - part two. Pay attention when you make purchases, particularly on Amazon. Sometimes, vendors will offer incentives if you delay delivery.
Let’s use Amazon as an example. If I defer delivery by several days, they sometimes offer promotional credits. I then use those credits for “free” e-books, movie rentals, or other digital content. Do I really need something the next day or the day after? Usually, the answer is no. Why not take advantage of the credits then? I can use them to get something I want later.
Again, I will talk more in the future about tips to survive the “no income” time of your life. I have discovered a lot.
As I look ahead to 2023, I have a newfound hope. Sure, I have no income, the books aren’t selling, and I will have to get a job. I don’t view those things as negatives as I once would have. I survived 2022. I survived a global pandemic. I can survive - and so can you!
Wahoo! The book is done!!
It is available for pre-order today. Or, you can wait until tomorrow. I created both an e-book and paperback on Amazon.
The new book is a contemporary romance about Peg Alexander. An older divorced lady, she built a cozy life for herself on her family’s farm in rural North Carolina. She was thoroughly content. Then, John Sweeney returned to town and completely upended her life.
The story is built on questions. Does love have an expiration date? Do we only get an opportunity for love when we are in the first blush of our youth? Or, can we hope for a second chance later in life? Can we still feel that flutter in our hearts and shaking in our knees (not related to medical conditions) even when Society tells us we are ‘past our prime’?
Happy reading!
With all the books I have written, there comes a time when I get absolutely sick of looking at them and am ready to publish. We are almost there right now!
Over the weekend, I finished up some formatting work for the ebook and paperback versions of my next book. I want to take one last look before publication.
I also want to revamp this website. Since I have expanded the universe beyond the Though the Mist series, it needs a refresh.
Hang in there just a little longer. I hope to announce something really soon! As always, thank you to everyone who is on this journey with me.
Yes, I have been rather quiet on this site for the last little bit. I am working on the un-fun stuff of a new book - designing the cover, formatting the book, et cetera.
It is even more difficult this time. I am trying hard to have a formal plan for the book launch. With previous books, I was usually so tired after work that I didn’t want to devote a lot of time to a book launch. Both the book and the marketing efforts (or lack thereof) suffered. Now that I have the time to “do it right,” I want to make everything much better.
So, hang in there just a little longer. The new book is coming soon. Once it has been released into the wild, I have loads of ideas for several books to follow. I already have plans for at least two more books in the Through the Mist series, a potential spin-off from that series, and another book that imagines the story of an ancestor of mine from the Civil War. Like it or not, you cannot get rid of me!
P.S.
As part of my launch, I plan to redesign the website. Up until now, it focused on the Through the Mist series. Now that I have a book that is not part of that series, it makes sense that I change the site. Have any suggestions? Be sure to leave a comment if you do. Thanks!
