Lynn Marie Hulsman's Blog
December 9, 2020
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August 17, 2014
Written Fireside
Christmas by the Fire
A HarperImpulse Blog Hop
FIFTEEN AUTHORS. FIFTEEN SHORT STORIES.
ONE OPENING PARAGRAPH…
‘Charlotte sat at the bus stop wondering whether she would make the naughty or nice list this year. Last year she had rescued a stray kitten and therefore considered herself most definitely ‘nice’. This year she had broken Daniels heart into a million tiny pieces, so ‘naughty’ seemed to be the only answer. There’d be no Santa Claus coming down her chimney anytime soon…’ – Georgia Beyers
Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a bundle of eBooks and paperbacks as well as a $70 Amazon giftcard!
Permanence
Charlotte sat at the bus stop wondering whether she would make the naughty or nice list this year. Last year she had rescued a stray kitten and therefore considered herself most definitely “nice.” This year she had broken Daniel’s heart into a million tiny pieces, so “naughty” seemed to be the only answer. There’d be no Santa Claus coming down her chimney anytime soon.
Not that she had a chimney on the 26th floor of her Hell’s Kitchen apartment building. If Santa wanted to leave anyone at Manhattan Towers a gift, he had to get past the doorman, take the elevator, and jimmy the lock with a credit card. Charlotte’s stomach clutched tight when she thought about how bare her little studio would look without a tree.
Daniel had a chimney. They’d decorated the mantelpiece with white embroidered cloths he had from his gran’s house, and an antique nativity set. Everything in England was impossibly old. That kind of history suggested permanence. The yellow streaks of the cabs, and the flashing neon of Times Square reflected off the mirrored buildings of New York felt like it could all disappear in a flash. The thought made Charlotte dizzy. She leaned against the metal and plastic of the bus shelter, and closed her eyes, making sure she had a tight grip on the handle of her suitcase.
She could almost smell the wood smoke in the fireplace back on Charles Street. ‘Did I lock the up when I left?’ she wondered, heart pounding. Things could be shady, that close to the sea front. The guilt of being responsible for Daniel losing all of his lovely antiques and belongings on top of losing…well…
She took a deep breath, focusing her stampeding thoughts. She remembered putting they key through the mail slot, just before making her way to the seaside car park to catch the airport bus. The last things she’d heard at Daniel’s door were Whisky’s plaintive meow, then the tink of the old-fashioned skeleton key on the 17th-century flagstone floor. Bumping her rolling suitcase along the cobbled street, she glanced backward one final time. “Chinnery” declared the plaque on the royal blue wooden door. A name that could have been hers, on the door to a home that could have been hers.
She stood up from the white-hot cold of the metal bench and peered eastward, blowing warm breath into her knit gloves, and rubbing her palms together. She was still dressed for England. Her fashion-forward oxblood leather pea-coat had served her well in Brighton, but didn’t stand up to the cruel wind that blew from the East River to the Hudson. Tomorrow, she’d dig her ankle-length, black down coat out of its plastic bin in the back of her cramped closet. It had been warm when she left for Daniel. Now she was frozen to the marrow.
She’d hoped to be rescued, but there was no M42 rolling west, ready to carry her the couple of long avenue blocks to her corner on 10th Avenue. Unprotected, she began her slow walk back to where she’d come from.
Get to know the authors!
click these links for fun facts and more info
Lori Connelly – Aug 1,2,3
Erin Lawless – Aug 4,5
Mandy Baggot – Aug 6,7
Aimee Duffy – Aug 8,9
Teresa F. Morgan – Aug 10,11
Angela Campbell – Aug 12,13
Lisa Fox – Aug 14,15
Lynn Marie Hulsman – Aug 16,17
Linn B. Halton – Aug 18,19
Carmel Harrington – Aug 20,21
Charlotte Phillips – Aug 22,23
Romy Sommer – Aug 24,25
Jane Lark – Aug 26,27
Zara Stoneley – Aug 28,29
AJ Nuest – Aug 30,31
July 30, 2014
Stay Tuned For A New Written Fireside Story!
Hi All! Here’s a brief introduction to the Written Fireside August Blog Hop. It’s all happening next month!
Fifteen authors from my publisher, Harper Collins will pen fifteen stories inspired from one shared starting paragraph, written by competition winner Georgie Beyers.
Each author will share a snippet from her story, then at Christmas time all fifteen will be available to download as one great holiday anthology. What fun it will be to see how each author takes the suggestion and spins it into a story with her unique style.
Here’s the excellent opening paragraph, written by the contest winner, Georgie ….
Home for Christmas
Charlotte sat at the bus stop wondering whether she would make the naughty or nice list this year. Last year she had rescued a stray kitten and therefore considered herself most definitely ‘nice’. This year she had broken Daniel’s heart into a million tiny pieces, so ‘naughty’ seemed to be the only answer. There’d be no Santa Claus coming down her chimney anytime soon. – Georgia Beyers
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July 15, 2014
BREAKING NEWS
I’m thrilled to report that I’ve just signed with literary agent Stephany Evans, president of FinePrint Literary Management in New York City.
Stephany Evans is President of FinePrint Literary Management in New York City. For twenty-three years she has represented nonfiction writers in the areas of health and wellness, spirituality, lifestyle, food, memoir and narrative nonfiction. She represents a wide range of primarily women’s fiction, from literary to commercial, to many sub-genres of romance, as well as mysteries. Some of her best-known projects include Emily Giffin’s SOMETHING BORROWED, Molly Harper’s NICE GIRLS DON’T HAVE FANGS, Sherri Browning Erwin’s JANE SLAYRE, and Rebecca Coleman’s THE KINGDOM OF CHILDHOOD.
Stephany is a member of the Association of Authors’ Representatives, the Women’s National Book Association, and former co-chair of New York Women in Publishing. She splits her time between her offices in New York City and Marfa, Texas.
To learn more about FinePrint Literary Management, click HERE
What Makes Stephany Tick
Click HERE for a great interview with Stephany on Amy M. Newman’s “The Literary Mom” blog
Blog Roll — The Writing Process
A blogger whom I adore, and an author in her own right, JULIE VALERIE, has enticed me to participate in something called a blog roll. I’d never say no to Julie: She’s an expert on metadata, and I hope someday she’ll teach me her secrets. She also knows how to rock a blouse, and still manage to look hip!
What’s a blog roll, you ask? It’s similar to a chain letter. If one chooses to participate, she tags more authors to participate and so on and so on. Thus, a discussion about writing ensues, and free “lessons” are out there for pre-published and established authors alike.
And what’s The Writing Process? Well, it’s not as lofty as it sounds in most cases. No need to be intimidated. In fact, let’s call it “the writing process.” Less scary. I’d say that the writing process is whatever it is that you do to cover pages with words.
I’m flattered Julie thought of me. Before you read my thoughts, check out what Julie says about her writing process HERE.
Q: WHAT AM I WORKING ON
Two things. The main thing I’m working on is edits. My brilliant editor at HarperImpulse, Charlotte Ledger, has done me the favor of going over my latest manuscript with a sharp eye and her desire to see me succeed. As a writer, I’m grateful that fate landed me in this situation. I learn so much each time she edits my work. When I push my ego aside, and try to view my work through a reader’s eyes, I see that my editor is right 99 percent of the time.
I’ve also just begun a new novel with a different tone than my others. My background as a stand-up comic and improviser served me well when I tackled Romantic Comedy. I’m a little more contemplative these days. Since February, I lost both my brother and my mother-in-law. I still laugh, and think life is absurd, but I’ve experienced a shift. My current way of being is a little slower than it used to be. My experience with these deaths and my own mother’s death a few years ago has brought out my compassion. I’m operating using a keen radar that clocks other people’s struggles. This has affected my voice, and there’s nothing else to do but to be where I am, and be authentic.
Q: HOW DOES MY WORK DIFFER FROM OTHERS OF ITS GENRE?
My Rom Coms feature American girls abroad, in fish-out-of-water situations. I’ve been told my particular stamp shows up in the deeper emotion under the comic or farcical situations. There’s a famous book about improv written by some of Chicago’s Second City greats called TRUTH IN COMEDY. It proclaims a tenet I firmly believe: You can’t try to be funny. The situation must be played as real. Tell the truth. Don’t have characters trying to do something badly. Have them try for all they’re worth. The more real you are, the more the funny comes out.
Q: WHY DO I WRITE WHAT I DO?
I write what I’d want to read. I’ve sought out comic novels with heart my whole life. I don’t pretend to be in their category but I enjoy greats like my personal hero Jennifer Weiner, and solid comic female writers like Meg Cabot, Jennifer Crusie, Claire Cooke, and Katie Fforde. I’m not trying to mimic anyone’s style, but let’s face it, what we spend time with influences us.
Q: HOW DOES MY WRITING PROCESS WORK?
For me, my process involves never stopping. Especially when I’m in the middle of a long work. When I take a break, I find myself opening a document and line editing. I tell myself I’m re-familiarizing myself with the content, but the truth of the matter is that it’s simply a procrastination technique.
My demon is fear. Will this be good enough? Will it sell? I’ve found my best writing came when I had strict deadlines to which to adhere. When I have a loose outline, then challenge myself to write 1000 to 3000 words a day, I usually wind up doing more. It’s about the flow, and the momentum for me.
When my kids and husband are around, I like to go to the main library in New York City (the one with the lions) to write. It’s only about six long blocks from my apartment and Bryant Park, which is next door to it, has the nicest public restrooms around. Or, I’ll go to the Center for Fiction in midtown. It used to be the old mercantile lending library. Both of these places are inspiring, as one sites surrounded by books.
Q: AND THE OTHER PART OF THIS QUESTION, HOW DOES MY WRITING PROCESS NOT WORK?
When I stick to the plan, it works. Pure and simple. Make time to write, then write. Writers write, they don’t talk about writing, I coach myself. This usually prods me to type.
Who’s Next:
Posting early next week, the lovely and talented LYNN MONTAGNO, author of the sexy, romantic novels CATCH MY BREATH and UNRAVEL ME, shares her secrets.
Find her here:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLynnMontagano
May 9, 2014
Spotlight on The High Street Bride’s Guide
You can say your vows in a catwalk gown so beautiful it reduces your mum to tears (and not because she paid for it).
You can style a reception so stunning your guests won’t believe you didn’t hire an A-list planner.
And you can sprinkle the day with personal touches that make everyone feel like you gave them special attention before they even got there. Without spending a house deposit on it. Honest.
Samantha Birch has written for GLAMOUR, Brides, You & Your Wedding and Cosmopolitan Bride. She knows a thing or two about planning a wedding on a budget, how much you can expect to pay for everything and where to go to get it for less. And she’s put it all down here.
Samantha, I have a few questions about weddings and publishing that I think my fans would love to hear the answers to. Are you game?
Happy to help!
At my outdoor wedding, the planner told me to skip the Champagne toast. She said glasses sit half-drunk and Champagne draws bees! If there’s one place NOT to skimp on a wedding, where would that be?
For me, it’s the photos. People will tell you you can just put disposable cameras on the tables—and they’re great for the odd funny candid shot—but they don’t make up for not having a dedicated photographer. That’s not to say you have to spend a lot on your photographer—we negotiated with ours based on a lot of factors I get into in the book—but I wouldn’t assume you can leave it to the disposables and the iPhone shots. You’ve spent all that time carefully planning the most beautiful, happiest day of your lives to date; you want someone who can capture important moments like your face when he puts the ring on your finger.
That’s awesome advice. People will appreciate that insight, I’m sure. OK, more about weddings: I love the wedding scene in the original Arthur. What is your favorite Rom Com TV Wedding?
I’m a Richard Curtis wedding guest, all the way! It would have to be the one from Notting Hill or his new film, About Time.
I often think about the wedding from Notting Hill, and we even thought about the same venue—The Hempel in London—for our big day because Darren and I both love that film, but it was quite a bit out of our price range! Will and Anna’s wedding feels very modern and elegant—her structured dress and wrap, the white triangular cake—but at the same time not stuffy or charmless thanks to the garden backdrop and the relaxed vibe. There’s something almost comically traditional about it that isn’t very me but which I have a lot of love for, and that’s the full-on flowered headbands for Will’s sister and all the little bridesmaids too.
The idyllic day in Notting Hill is a bit of a contrast to the wedding in About Time, where a storm hits and blows the marquee away! I love that it’s still a perfect day though because they’re so happy; I think it’s a good reminder not to get too uptight about your wedding… and to have some weather cover planned! I also love that Mary wore that amazing red dress; I’m always telling people they don’t have to get married in white, and I’m hoping that she’s proved that! Besides getting married in colour being a big money-saver, there are just some seriously stunning evening dresses out there that don’t come in white!
My husband and I are actors, so we wanted our wedding to come off like a movie. To that end, we strove to keep our ceremony short and entertaining. We all know a wedding is the bride’s day, but what should a couple keep in mind to make it a great day for the guests?
Personally, we thought the most important thing for guests was to create a really relaxed atmosphere. We wanted them to feel like if they wanted to whoop as I came down the aisle—as a few threatened to!—then they could; if they wanted to bust a move to Gangnam Style on the dance floor in front of all my relatives—which did happen!—then they could. The day was about celebrating mine and Darren’s relationship, but that was the key thing for us: celebrating, and celebrations should be fun!
The best way to help people relax on your wedding day is to make everything easy for them. We chose a venue that was five minutes from the train station, and we did everything in one place because otherwise the nearest registry office with room for everybody would have been a 45-minute drive away. The place we picked was also close to lots of parking options, which we flagged up along with a few different hotels at different price points with the invites.
On the day itself, as far as possible, we seated people with at least half a table of people they knew, so no-one was lumped in with a lot of strangers having to make stiff small talk, but they could still chat to new people if they felt like it. We’d only sent out two options for the wedding breakfast with the invites—vegetarian and not—so there was no messing about with four or five different dishes every step of the way. And there were two different areas: the ballroom where the ceremony, the wedding breakfast and the dancing all took place, and a smaller adjacent bar area where people could talk, so they could choose what kind of evening they felt like. We didn’t want anyone to feel under any pressure at any point, and we must have got it right: our friends still talk about what a great atmosphere it was and how much fun they had!
Love that advice! OK, we know you’re a wedding maven, and now you are a successful author to boot. Have you always dreamed of publishing a book? Describe how you got your book deal.
Yes I have! I’ve been dreaming of being a published author since I was little, so this is totally amazing! It was all a bit of a fluke really: a friend of mine heard about the Harper Impulse competition for new writers in any genre, and she insisted that I enter my self-published version of The High-Street Bride’s Guide, even though I was feeling really self-conscious about it. I sent it in anyway, thinking maybe I’d be lucky enough to be a runner-up and get a paperback copy of the book, and then, somehow, I won! I’d been so unconvinced I had a chance that when I got the call I thought: “Brilliant, a paperback to put on my shelf!” It was only after my friend and I went back to the Ts and Cs that we realised the prize was a proper publishing deal!
So, now you have a second vocation. I was terrified to launch my first book into the world. Were you gung-ho or reticent?
Reticent, definitely. That’s probably why I didn’t do enough publicity when I self-published The High-Street Bride’s Guide. It was scary putting myself out there like that—especially when weddings are such a big emotional deal—and I’m still terrified that a stressed-out bride who disagrees with my advice will go nuts at me on Amazon!
Once I had Harper Impulse behind me, though, I felt a lot better about it; I mean, they definitely know what they’re talking about, so if they believe in me, I really should as well. I’m trying to be more positive and confident about getting myself and my book out there, and to take the leap and do scary things like coming on your blog!
Bsck to matrimony. I loved my spring wedding. The air was so filled with hope. What’s your favorite time and locale for a wedding?
Winter all the way. Darren wanted autumn, so we compromised with November, which I think of as being a bit of both. I love winter because there’s that cosy feeling where you just want to cuddle up on the sofa under a blanket and watch TV with the person you love; because it’s nearly Christmas, and I get ridiculously excited about buying presents and have a real thing for wrapping them, which I find seriously relaxing; and because I have such lovely memories of me as a kid standing around in the cold with two layers of socks under my boots watching the fireworks on November 5th…
I wanted to capture that feeling on the day, but give it a shock of brightness too, to kick people out of the winter gloom that I know some people get into around that time of year. We went for a really happy yellow and red colour scheme with accents of turquoise and papery brown, and we had toffee apples as favours to remind everyone of those totally magic Bonfire Nights.
Any top tips for keeping the bridesmaids happy?
Oh, so many!
If you want them to organise your hen party, offer to give them a hint. I sent mine a whole list of fun things I wouldn’t mind doing, so they could pick one or two and it would still be a surprise that I was guaranteed to love. Also, give them an idea of the kind of budget per person they should aim for if most of your friends aren’t minted. Pass on as many contact details as you can with the list of hen invitees too, so people are easier for them to chase up, and remember that it’s not their fault if some of your old friends can’t be traced. Set their expectations about how much contact you want to have about the hen party too; some bridesmaids can get really stressed out about not wanting to call and bother you. It’s fine if you want them to basically take the hen off your hands, but you have to understand that they will need to ask you the occasional question. Maybe you can get them to save them all up for a half-hour chat once a week?
Make it clear what you expect of your maids from the start, in terms of the day and also the hen, and be mindful of their own lives when you dish out responsibilities. One of my bridesmaids had just had a baby and one was a teacher, so I didn’t expect them to have too much time for hen planning; I nominated two maids to take charge and, although they involved the others, do most of the actual decision-making themselves. One of my bridesmaids moved to Texas during the wedding planning, so I asked that she not have to do any of the hen bookings, otherwise I could only imagine the international phone bills!
The other things that will chill out your bridesmaids might not do much for you, so you have to draw your own line, but I wanted a super-relaxed planning process so this is what I did: gave them a colour and a rough length and let them all choose different dresses so I knew they felt happy and comfortable (same with the shoes); let them pick their own hair, and do their own make-up; didn’t ask them to do speeches or readings because I knew none of them were big public speakers (I nominated other friends for that); didn’t go for a big, expensive dress with a long train, so they wouldn’t have to follow me into the loos or fuss about people stepping on it when I was dancing. Easy for me to say, though: I was easygoing about my bridesmaids’ look and a long train never figured in my wedding dress choices; it’s up to each bride to decide what she needs to keep control of and what she can let go.
Thanks for being my guest! Your thoughts and advice are fantastic! Congratulations on The High Street Bride’s Guide!
April 23, 2014
Anonymous by Dani-Lyn Alexander: New from HarperImpulse!
Hi Dani-Lyn, it’s so great to welcome you to HarperImpulse as a fellow author. Can you tell us a little bit about “getting the call” from your new publisher?
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled to be here.
My agent submitted my story, Anonymous, to Harper Impulse. I was a nervous wreck! I don’t remember how long I waited, but it wasn’t too long. I was at work, and my cell phone rang. I glanced at it sort of quickly, figuring it was one of my kids. When I saw my agent’s number my heart stopped. She told me Harper Impulse was interested in Anonymous. I can’t tell you how happy I was!
You have books on the shelves already. We’d love to hear a little about your journey? Did you self-pub? Do you have other publishers?
I sat down with a pen and paper and started writing my first novel three years ago. I had half of the book written in a looseleaf binder when my husband went out and bought me a laptop and a desk and set me up a small office. Then my best friend came over and taught me how to use Microsoft Word. I had never even heard of it before that. I had to learn pretty much everything there was to learn about queries, agents, publishers, track changes, editing…
My first book, Trust and Betrayal, and its sequel, Truth and Deceit, were published by Etopia Press. I also contracted several short stories with other small presses. Then I was fortunate enough to have an editor named Liz Ryan, at Still Moments Publishing, edit one of my stories. I can’t begin tell you how much I learned from her. She is kind, patient, and knowledgeable, a wonderful teacher. I will always be grateful for everything she taught me. Soon after working with Liz, I found my agent, Dawn Dowdle at Blue Ridge Literary Agency. She originally contracted a children’s fantasy book with me. When I sent her Anonymous, she really liked it and offered to represent it. Now she represents all of my work.
You’re a New York state native! I live in New York City, right nearby. What’s it like to live in Long Island?
We’re practically neighbors! I love living on Long Island. I especially enjoy the fall, when the leaves turn colors and we take the kids out east to pick pumpkins and have roasted corn-on-the-cob and apple cider. During the summer, I like going to a small beach on the bay with a playground for the kids and occasionally the ocean beaches. It’s great being so close to NYC. I can hop on a train and go walk around the city for the day, see a play, visit the museums, but I still enjoy living in a small town.
I know you have three kids, and I notice there’s quite an age range there. What’s it like having a little one among older, more independent ones?
My kids are twenty-three, fifteen and three. I LOVE having a little one! People often ask how I could start over with an infant when my other two were so much older, but I love every minute of it. He brings so much joy to our family, brings everyone together in a way. Plus, I have two built in babysitters. You can’t beat that!
When you write, do you prefer silence or do you listen to music. What kind of music?
I love music, but I can’t listen to it while I write. I was a dance teacher and choreographer for more than twenty years, so when I hear music my mind choreographs.
Aside from writing what do you do (or have you done) as a profession or job?
I have done so many jobs; Deli clerk, retail, house cleaning, dance teacher, play director, choreographer, secretary, data transcriber, editor, and probably a few more I don’t remember.
Awesome interview, Dani-Lyn. I appreciate your willingness to join me here on the blog. Wishing you every success with Anonymous!
April 16, 2014
Spotlight on Lynn Montagno’s Newest Novel
CATCH MY BREATH
Lia Meyers’ plan for a relaxing Scottish vacation is short-lived when one uncharacteristic moment of clumsiness lands her in the arms of her very own Knight in Shining Armani…
The perfect opportunity for a much needed holiday romance? Wrong! Lia’s still reeling from the mother of all bad breakups, and she really doesn’t have the patience for Alastair Holden – despite his effortless charm and cute British accent.
Arrogant and totally inscrutable, he’s exactly the sort of guy she wants to avoid but can’t: the man behind the mystery proves just too tempting to resist.
Drawn to him, Lia is forced to battle with her own insecurities, and the closer they become, the more she recognizes her own weaknesses as she peels away his layers with every night they spend together. Discovering the past Alastair is so desperate to conceal, Lia must decide if they can heal one another together or if their deepest fears will tear them apart.
Amazon: http://www.smarturl.it/CatchMyBreathBook
Google Play: http://www.smarturl.it/CatchMyBreath_Book
FB: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLynnMontagano
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LynnMontagano
“You’re quite lovely, Lia. Pity you’re leaving soon. I’d like to take you—” he paused, tracing his thumb over my lower lip. I shuddered. “—out. Again.”
“You would?” I asked hoarsely.
Nodding, he stroked the curve of my cheek. “Are you coming back to Glasgow after the wedding?”
“Yeah…yes. Saturday.”
Backing away from him, I bumped into the arm of the couch. I almost toppled over it, but managed to steady myself. Being in his presence made me so damn skittish, it was frustrating.
“I’m supposed to make an appearance at a cocktail party for my grandfather’s company.”
Oh good, he’s busy.
“You should come. Or we could go out to dinner.” Like an apparition, he was in front of me, stroking his fingers along my arm. “What do you say? Fancy spending the night with me?”
The unspoken promise behind that question nearly shattered me on the spot. This was supposed to be an easy trip across the pond. Go to the wedding, hang out with the family and go home. Not fend off an amazingly sexy, impossible-to-resist guy.
“Stop overthinking,” he ordered.
Stormy, dark eyes carved a path through my skull. I wilted beneath the strength of his stare. A shaky breath escaped my lips as he traced his finger along my jaw and down my neck. He drew me into his hypnotic orbit with such ease. I was powerless to resist.
“This is inevitable, Amelia. Don’t deny it.”
Inevitable? Each stroke of his fingers left a fiery trail in its wake. The smooth, soft skin of his cheek brushed against mine.
“Come with me.”
Oh Jesus, those three words. I jolted out of his seductive haze like I was on fire, trying to avoid his eyes. His expression was one of pure lust.
“No,” I whispered.
His mouth fell open slightly in surprise. “No?”
“No,” I repeated, louder. “Do you not hear that word very often?”
Impassivity dominated his features. He studied me as though I was the most confusing creature on the planet. We stood so close to one another I was overcome by his intoxicating scent.
“Why not?”
“Because,” I sighed. “I’m not interested.”
“In what, Lia? Food or drinks?”
“You know what I mean.”
April 15, 2014
Written Fireside — Changes Part 3
Part 1 by Lori Connelly
Part 2 by Teresa Morgan
Written Fireside — Changes Part 3
“This moment, this moment,” Marie coached herself as she squeezed and mixed paints on her palette. She challenged herself to see the Zach sitting right in front of her, and stop recalling the Zach ‘of the glorious summer,’ as she’d come to call it in her head. The doctor at her mother’s bedside after the accident had recommended the hospital’s free Meditation and Mindfulness classes. Reluctantly, she had gone, but only as an alternative to anti-anxiety medication. “Marie,” Dr. Callender had advised, “You’re a young woman, but if you don’t learn to breathe, you’re on the road to a heart attack, or stroke, or worse.”
For the next two hours, Marie allowed herself the pleasure of drinking in the beauty of Zach’s muscled shoulders, the tension of the waves in his hair, the long lines of his smooth torso. She painted what she saw, not what she dreamed. A man, not a fantasy.
“Wonderful, wonderful,” the instructor sighed. “I can see you’re not a beginner.”
“No,” Marie replied, “I have a Bachelor’s in fine art,” she said with confidence. Mother had fought her tooth and nail about her major. In the end, they compromised. Marie slogged through a minor in business, just to keep the peace. She swirled more gold into Zach’s hair. It looked like melted fire.
“So you’re an artist?”
“No, I’m a graphic designer at a direct marketing firm. Well, I was, until today.”
“Good,” the woman’s eyes twinkled. “If you’ve free time, we hope to see you here often.”
Marie laughed a mirthless laugh. “I’m pretty sure any free time I have is going to be spent explaining to my mother why I walked out of a perfectly good job in this economy, then revamping my office resume and standing on line at the unemployment office. This may have been my last hurrah.”
“We aren’t going anywhere. We’re here when you’re ready for us.”
When class was over, Marie broke down her workspace, and headed to her car. Zach stood surrounded by the women from the class. Typical. He’d always gotten that kind of attention wherever they’d gone together. “It doesn’t matter who’s looking at me, Marie. I don’t see them, because I’m only looking at you,” he’d told her. Until he wasn’t anymore. She didn’t glance backward as she blew out he door.
Tossing her purse into the passenger’s seat, Marie turned her key in the ignition. Nothing. She banged her head on the steering wheel. Now that she was unemployed, the last thing she needed was a bill from the garage. She jumped out and propped open the hood of her car. What she was looking for, she didn’t know. Why had she stopped here? She needed to pick up Mother’s medication. Marie could feel her heart starting to pound. And the groceries. There wasn’t any milk in the house. How would she get to the unemployment office? She felt lightheaded.
“Looks like you could use a jump start,” Zach’s voice said softly in her ear. Gently, he put his hands on her shoulders and steered her back to the driver’s seat. “Let me help you. Please.”
Part 4 by Sue Fortin will be available on April 22nd. While you wait, why not check out her books:
Part 5 by Zara Stoneley on April 29th
Part 6 by Aimée Duffy on May 6th
Part 7 by Mandy Baggot on May 13th
Part 8 by Linn B Halton on May 20th
Part 9 by Erin Lawless on May 27th
About the Authors:
Lori Connelly – Website Blog Facebook Twitter Google Plus Amazon Author Page Pinterest Goodreads Wattpad
Her books – The Outlaw of Cedar Ridge The Lawman of Silver Creek
Teresa F. Morgan – Website Facebook Twitter
Her books – Plus One is a Lucky Number Co-Author – Be My Valentine
Lynn Marie Hulsman – Website Facebook Twitter Blog
Her book – Christmas at Thornton Hall
Sue Fortin – Blog 2nd Blog Twitter
Her book – United States of Love
Zara Stoneley – Website Facebook Twitter Blog Amazon Author Page
Her book – Summer of Surrender Love is a Four Letter Word
Aimee Duffy – Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads
Harper Impulse Google Plus
Her books – Sinfully Summer What’s a Girl to do? What a Girl Needs
Mandy Baggot – Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads
Harper Impulse Love A Happy Ending
Her books – Do You Remember? Made in Nashville
Linn B. Halton – Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads
Harper Impulse Google Plus Love A Happy Ending Pinterest
Her books – Angels Among Us series: Falling Forbidden Forever
Erin Lawless – Website Facebook Twitter
Her book – The Best Thing I Never Had
March 27, 2014
Bourbon Deserts Pubs August 2014
Just got word from my editor at University Press of Kentucky that my new cookbook BOURBON DESSERTS is scheduled for an August 2014 release, just in time for The Bourbon Festival.
I’m so proud to share my Kentucky heritage and recipes.I guess I know where I’ll be drinking (and signing books) late this summer…
Just got word from my editor that my new cookbook BOURBON DESSERTS is scheduled for an August 2014 release, just in time for The Bourbon Festival. I’m so proud to share my Kentucky heritage and recipes. I guess I know where I’ll be drinking (and signing books) late this summer…”
