Maggie Adams's Blog
February 12, 2016
Connections
Simply a Connection….
Have you ever had an intense connection with someone you’ve never met? Can you sense the tone of an email and know what’s hiding between the lines? Did you ever just “know” in your heart that the person on the other end of an online chat is a kindred spirit? What about that feeling? Is it instinct? Empathy? Chemistry? What exactly is it that makes one person gravitate to another at first sight?
I started pondering this as I wrote book four, Love, Marriage & Mayhem, of the Tempered Steel Series, and, at first, it was about the romance factor, the pitfalls and joys of finding that soul mate. But it applies to every facet of our lives as well. In business, it can be a gut instinct that a partnership or project will be successful with the right group of people. In our social life, it is that group of people that just “get us”, whether or not there are similar interests. In love, it’s that moment when someone makes your heart skip a beat, then settle back as you connect for the first time.
But can you trust that connection? What if that business project looks good on paper, but is fraught with disaster from the onset? The friends you thought had your back, are suddenly too busy to care, to socialize because of lifestyle changes? That heart stopping moment dwindles at the realization that there are too many obstacles in the way of nurturing that connection into something more?
It’s simply a connection. What we make of that connection is entirely up to us.
I’ve made some big changes in 2015. I elected to take a chance on my writing and cut back on my other career. I’ve made some wonderful connections in the literary world…and I’ve made some enemies. I’ve learned about marketing, advertising, and networking…and I’ve made some mistakes. I’ve opened my mind and expanded my heart to include new people and experiences…and I’ve embarrassed myself along the way.
Life is a journey...but should I follow the path or take off for parts unknown? It is entirely up to me.
There are even more changes coming in 2016. More adventures, more embarrassment, I’m sure, more joy, more sorrow. I have followed the path laid out for me for many years without question, without opinion, simply because it was expected. But now, I’m blazing a new trail, filled with uncertainty, insecurity, and yes, excitement. I know there will be friends and family that won’t understand my need to do this – they are happy to follow the path. They find comfort in the norm. Hopefully, they will still support my need to venture further than what they find comfortable. It is a connection I hope will not be severed by my decisions, but it’s a chance I’m going to take.
We cannot be held responsible for another’s decisions. That is part of their journey, not ours.
Perhaps you, too, have new friends, new colleagues, or new paths to forge. If so, I wish you confidence in your decisions, happiness in your heart, and contentment within your soul.
And those connections?
Well, they are simply connections. But again, what we do with those connections is up to us. They are important, however, in some definitive way to our journey. If they weren’t, we wouldn’t have connected at all.
Love, Marriage & Mayhem
Have you ever had an intense connection with someone you’ve never met? Can you sense the tone of an email and know what’s hiding between the lines? Did you ever just “know” in your heart that the person on the other end of an online chat is a kindred spirit? What about that feeling? Is it instinct? Empathy? Chemistry? What exactly is it that makes one person gravitate to another at first sight?
I started pondering this as I wrote book four, Love, Marriage & Mayhem, of the Tempered Steel Series, and, at first, it was about the romance factor, the pitfalls and joys of finding that soul mate. But it applies to every facet of our lives as well. In business, it can be a gut instinct that a partnership or project will be successful with the right group of people. In our social life, it is that group of people that just “get us”, whether or not there are similar interests. In love, it’s that moment when someone makes your heart skip a beat, then settle back as you connect for the first time.
But can you trust that connection? What if that business project looks good on paper, but is fraught with disaster from the onset? The friends you thought had your back, are suddenly too busy to care, to socialize because of lifestyle changes? That heart stopping moment dwindles at the realization that there are too many obstacles in the way of nurturing that connection into something more?
It’s simply a connection. What we make of that connection is entirely up to us.
I’ve made some big changes in 2015. I elected to take a chance on my writing and cut back on my other career. I’ve made some wonderful connections in the literary world…and I’ve made some enemies. I’ve learned about marketing, advertising, and networking…and I’ve made some mistakes. I’ve opened my mind and expanded my heart to include new people and experiences…and I’ve embarrassed myself along the way.
Life is a journey...but should I follow the path or take off for parts unknown? It is entirely up to me.
There are even more changes coming in 2016. More adventures, more embarrassment, I’m sure, more joy, more sorrow. I have followed the path laid out for me for many years without question, without opinion, simply because it was expected. But now, I’m blazing a new trail, filled with uncertainty, insecurity, and yes, excitement. I know there will be friends and family that won’t understand my need to do this – they are happy to follow the path. They find comfort in the norm. Hopefully, they will still support my need to venture further than what they find comfortable. It is a connection I hope will not be severed by my decisions, but it’s a chance I’m going to take.
We cannot be held responsible for another’s decisions. That is part of their journey, not ours.
Perhaps you, too, have new friends, new colleagues, or new paths to forge. If so, I wish you confidence in your decisions, happiness in your heart, and contentment within your soul.
And those connections?
Well, they are simply connections. But again, what we do with those connections is up to us. They are important, however, in some definitive way to our journey. If they weren’t, we wouldn’t have connected at all.
Love, Marriage & Mayhem
He's A Legend In His Own Mind
As many of you know, my Tempered Steel Series is loosely based on the traits, good and bad, of members of my family, namely, my brother-in-laws. I've been around the family for over 30 years and I can tell you stories...Lord, can I tell some stories! But no matter whether we agree with their opinions or not, we still manage to love one another. We try to talk some sense into their heads when members are making a big mistake. We yell and fight, then forgive and try to forget. That's what a real family does.
And so it is with Getting Lucky, the newest installment of my Tempered Steel Series. Lucky Coalson is sent to Las Vegas to gather more information on the whereabouts of the mysterious arsonist that is demolishing the Coalson family business. He's the only one available to do the job and his brothers are counting on him.
But Lucky is just 25 years old, and while he is wise in the ways of construction and farming, he is ill equiped to handle all that Las Vegas has to offer. His cocky attitude and arrogant manner gets him in trouble with a club owner and his goons. But his charm and good looks lands him in the bed of a beautiful casino manager - well, the bed, the chair, the desk, the wall, just about anywhere and everywhere they can manage to get their lust on!
The beautiful manager, Claudia, is worlds above Lucky's simple country lifestyle, and has her own reasons for encouraging Lucky's advances. Despite the warnings from his friend and partner, Noah Stark, Lucky becomes ensnared in the lusty manager's web. Can Lucky discern the difference between love and lust before he succumbs completely to her sexual magic? Or will Noah have to save him from making the biggest mistake of his life?
Getting Lucky is getting ready to release on Sept. 30th on eBook only! So fire up those Kindles and fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a wild ride!!!
Getting Lucky: A Tempered Steel Novella
And so it is with Getting Lucky, the newest installment of my Tempered Steel Series. Lucky Coalson is sent to Las Vegas to gather more information on the whereabouts of the mysterious arsonist that is demolishing the Coalson family business. He's the only one available to do the job and his brothers are counting on him.
But Lucky is just 25 years old, and while he is wise in the ways of construction and farming, he is ill equiped to handle all that Las Vegas has to offer. His cocky attitude and arrogant manner gets him in trouble with a club owner and his goons. But his charm and good looks lands him in the bed of a beautiful casino manager - well, the bed, the chair, the desk, the wall, just about anywhere and everywhere they can manage to get their lust on!
The beautiful manager, Claudia, is worlds above Lucky's simple country lifestyle, and has her own reasons for encouraging Lucky's advances. Despite the warnings from his friend and partner, Noah Stark, Lucky becomes ensnared in the lusty manager's web. Can Lucky discern the difference between love and lust before he succumbs completely to her sexual magic? Or will Noah have to save him from making the biggest mistake of his life?
Getting Lucky is getting ready to release on Sept. 30th on eBook only! So fire up those Kindles and fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a wild ride!!!
Getting Lucky: A Tempered Steel Novella
August 8, 2015
I'll Show You Mine...
★ ★Author Spotlight★ ★
Author: Maggie Adams
Author's Links
https://www.facebook.com/maggieadamsb...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/maggi...
https://www.amazon.com/author/maggiea...
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Whistlin' Dixie Buy Links - FREE
US: http://amzn.com/B00PKEQU4G
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00PKEQU4G
https://youtu.be/GZ4I-3ybrig Whistlin' Dixie Trailer
Leather and Lace Buy Links -99c/99p
US: http://amzn.com/B00TVASI1S
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00TVASI1S
https://youtu.be/YXaIftiZP4s - Leather and Lace Trailer
Something's Gotta Give Buy Links - $2.99/£1.99
US: http://amzn.com/B00YWEK4KQ
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00YWEK4KQ
https://youtu.be/MXbkADzTwsM - Something's Gotta Give Trailer
June 28, 2015
I've Been A Busy Little Minx!
Well, it has certainly been a crazy couple of months in my writing cave! While promoting book two of my Tempered Steel Series, Leather and Lace, I finished book three, Something's Gotta Give, held a baby shower, went to a fantastic Nashville wedding, had knee surgery, and was asked to include Whistlin' Dixie, in the wonderful Hot Summer Nights Anthology put together by The Killion Group and Barclay Publicity!
So, I apologize that this post is a bit late. However, I've managed to get it all finished and I am ready to release book three, Something's Gotta Give, on June 30th thru Amazon with an overview of my Tempered Steel novella, Getting Lucky, as well as an excerpt from Book Four of the series, PLUS, help me name the book!
AND, the blitz tour for this is phenomenal!!! Over 100 bloggers are participating and I couldn't be happier. Oh wait....yes I could.....
BENNET POMERANTZ of ANYTHING GOES on blogtalkradio.com has asked to interview...ME! And it's all thanks to the lovely LinkedIn site and the truly fabulous people I have connected with on there! So please check it out! blogtalkradio.com/bennetpomerantz2/20...
And if all that wasn't enough....I HAVE AN OFFICIAL FAN CLUB!! facebook.com/groups/MaggiesMinxes -Join in the fun
As far as my Leather and Lace Blog Tour goes, I'm scheduled for the following stops so come on by - I'll answer your questions or comments and YOU can enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Each spotlight lasts a week!
June 23: Romance Novel Giveaways
July 7: The Reading Addict
July 14: Room With Books - review only...
July 21: All ABout A Book Reviews
July 21: Long and Short Reviews
July 28: Writer Wonderland - review only
AND.... remember that Release Day Blitz for Something's Gotta Give? Well, here's a list of some of the wonderful folks helping me to promote. I'll add to the list as more are signing up every day!
June 30th Hooked On Books
June 30th Twin Sisters Rockin' Book Reviews
June 30th Alice's Book Wonderland
June 30th promoting authors with read along sue ...
June 30th My Reading Reality
June 30th undercover book reviews
June 30th anything but vanilla book blog
June 30th Joandisalovebooks
June 30th Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
June 30th dayreader reviews
June 30th Alice's Book Wonderland
June 30th promoting authors with read along sue
June 30th LunaMoody
July 1st Words Turn Me On
July 1st Debb's Reads
July 1st Cu's eBook Giveaways
July 1st Word Forward
July 1st Mare Bare's Book Shelf
July 1st Two peas in a pod
July 2nd Alice's Book Wonderland
July 2nd Wonderfully RED
July 2nd Fictional Rendezvous
July 2nd Melody’s Love 4 Books
July 2nd Little Shop of Readers
July 2nd or 3rd Sarah & Kirsty's Book Reviews
July 3rd Amber Daulton
July 3rd Room with Books
July 3rd Paulette's Papers
July 3rd N/A
July 3rd A Cup and A Book
July 4th Diary of a Book Addict
July 4th N/A
July 4th Book Talk
July 4th Book Lover Blog
July 4th Alice's Book Wonderland
July 4th Book Loving Pixies
July 5th Book Loving Pixies
July 5th Luna Moody
July 5th Kcbreviews
July 5th Lynn's Love of Books
July 5th Reading In Sarah's Corner
July 5th Sinfully Sweet Promotions
July 5th Not Another Damn Blog-Blog
July 6th author sandra love
July 6th Trina's Tantalizing Tidbits
July 6th Once Upon An Alpha
July 6th The Book Fairy Reviews
July 6th Reading in Sarah's Corner
July 6th Imaginative Dreams
July 6th coast to Coast Book Besties
July 7th Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog
July 7th Marebare's Book Shelf
July 7th cheekypee reads and reviews
July 7th A One-Click Addict's Book Blog
July 7th Marebare's Book Shelf
July 7th Red Hot Books
July 7th Romance Readers Book Blog
July 7th Alpha book ckub
July 7th Elaine and Tami's JB3 Blackbirds
July 7th Beantown Bitches Book Page
July7th abibliophobia anonymous book reviews
Please stop by and say hello! I want to thank each and every one of these wonderful folks who support me and my writing endeavors.
And FINALLY...I saved the best for last, I'M GOIING TO BE A GRANDMA!
Baby girl and hubby are going to be blessed with a baby at the end of July...
I'll be taking some time off of writing to spend with that sweet bundle of joy, but, don't worry, I'll soon be back with more sexy stories and humorous anecdotes.
Here's the links to find all the good stuff -
http://goo.gl/GCpexw - find all three novels on Amazon
facebook.com/groups/MaggiesMinxes
Join my fan club for daily fun, games and updates
https://t.co/ajTXUcrd36 -
pre-order Hot Summer Nights Anthology featuring twelve stories for just $2.99!
So, I apologize that this post is a bit late. However, I've managed to get it all finished and I am ready to release book three, Something's Gotta Give, on June 30th thru Amazon with an overview of my Tempered Steel novella, Getting Lucky, as well as an excerpt from Book Four of the series, PLUS, help me name the book!
AND, the blitz tour for this is phenomenal!!! Over 100 bloggers are participating and I couldn't be happier. Oh wait....yes I could.....
BENNET POMERANTZ of ANYTHING GOES on blogtalkradio.com has asked to interview...ME! And it's all thanks to the lovely LinkedIn site and the truly fabulous people I have connected with on there! So please check it out! blogtalkradio.com/bennetpomerantz2/20...
And if all that wasn't enough....I HAVE AN OFFICIAL FAN CLUB!! facebook.com/groups/MaggiesMinxes -Join in the fun
As far as my Leather and Lace Blog Tour goes, I'm scheduled for the following stops so come on by - I'll answer your questions or comments and YOU can enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Each spotlight lasts a week!
June 23: Romance Novel Giveaways
July 7: The Reading Addict
July 14: Room With Books - review only...
July 21: All ABout A Book Reviews
July 21: Long and Short Reviews
July 28: Writer Wonderland - review only
AND.... remember that Release Day Blitz for Something's Gotta Give? Well, here's a list of some of the wonderful folks helping me to promote. I'll add to the list as more are signing up every day!
June 30th Hooked On Books
June 30th Twin Sisters Rockin' Book Reviews
June 30th Alice's Book Wonderland
June 30th promoting authors with read along sue ...
June 30th My Reading Reality
June 30th undercover book reviews
June 30th anything but vanilla book blog
June 30th Joandisalovebooks
June 30th Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
June 30th dayreader reviews
June 30th Alice's Book Wonderland
June 30th promoting authors with read along sue
June 30th LunaMoody
July 1st Words Turn Me On
July 1st Debb's Reads
July 1st Cu's eBook Giveaways
July 1st Word Forward
July 1st Mare Bare's Book Shelf
July 1st Two peas in a pod
July 2nd Alice's Book Wonderland
July 2nd Wonderfully RED
July 2nd Fictional Rendezvous
July 2nd Melody’s Love 4 Books
July 2nd Little Shop of Readers
July 2nd or 3rd Sarah & Kirsty's Book Reviews
July 3rd Amber Daulton
July 3rd Room with Books
July 3rd Paulette's Papers
July 3rd N/A
July 3rd A Cup and A Book
July 4th Diary of a Book Addict
July 4th N/A
July 4th Book Talk
July 4th Book Lover Blog
July 4th Alice's Book Wonderland
July 4th Book Loving Pixies
July 5th Book Loving Pixies
July 5th Luna Moody
July 5th Kcbreviews
July 5th Lynn's Love of Books
July 5th Reading In Sarah's Corner
July 5th Sinfully Sweet Promotions
July 5th Not Another Damn Blog-Blog
July 6th author sandra love
July 6th Trina's Tantalizing Tidbits
July 6th Once Upon An Alpha
July 6th The Book Fairy Reviews
July 6th Reading in Sarah's Corner
July 6th Imaginative Dreams
July 6th coast to Coast Book Besties
July 7th Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog
July 7th Marebare's Book Shelf
July 7th cheekypee reads and reviews
July 7th A One-Click Addict's Book Blog
July 7th Marebare's Book Shelf
July 7th Red Hot Books
July 7th Romance Readers Book Blog
July 7th Alpha book ckub
July 7th Elaine and Tami's JB3 Blackbirds
July 7th Beantown Bitches Book Page
July7th abibliophobia anonymous book reviews
Please stop by and say hello! I want to thank each and every one of these wonderful folks who support me and my writing endeavors.
And FINALLY...I saved the best for last, I'M GOIING TO BE A GRANDMA!
Baby girl and hubby are going to be blessed with a baby at the end of July...
I'll be taking some time off of writing to spend with that sweet bundle of joy, but, don't worry, I'll soon be back with more sexy stories and humorous anecdotes.
Here's the links to find all the good stuff -
http://goo.gl/GCpexw - find all three novels on Amazon
facebook.com/groups/MaggiesMinxes
Join my fan club for daily fun, games and updates
https://t.co/ajTXUcrd36 -
pre-order Hot Summer Nights Anthology featuring twelve stories for just $2.99!
April 23, 2015
Get a Taste of Leather and Lace
Hi all!
It's been a busy month for me! I've gotten wonderful reviews for Leather and Lace; Whistlin' Dixie is doing well, and I was asked to participate in my very first Indie Book Fair!
On top of all this goodness, I received word that my blog tour for Leather and Lace is a fantastic success with over 40 stops on the tour.
To celebrate this great event, I decided to make Whistlin' Dixie a freebie to kick off the tour. So April 24-26, book one of my Tempered Steel series will be FREE on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Whistlin-Dixie-...
And just to take it one step further, Leather and Lace will be at a special promo price of only $.99 April 25-26.
So tell everyone you know! Grab it quick! And have a sassy, sexy good time with the Coalsons!
It's been a busy month for me! I've gotten wonderful reviews for Leather and Lace; Whistlin' Dixie is doing well, and I was asked to participate in my very first Indie Book Fair!
On top of all this goodness, I received word that my blog tour for Leather and Lace is a fantastic success with over 40 stops on the tour.
To celebrate this great event, I decided to make Whistlin' Dixie a freebie to kick off the tour. So April 24-26, book one of my Tempered Steel series will be FREE on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Whistlin-Dixie-...
And just to take it one step further, Leather and Lace will be at a special promo price of only $.99 April 25-26.
So tell everyone you know! Grab it quick! And have a sassy, sexy good time with the Coalsons!
March 21, 2015
IT'S A FREE WEEKEND!
Start out spring with a FLING with the Coalson brothers, seven super hot alpha males. And do it for FREE this weekend!
Whistlin' Dixie, Book One in my Tempered Steel series is available for FREE, March 21-22 to introduce you to this fun loving family and the community of characters that inhabits their small town.
Meet Mac, the eldest brother, who is determined to rebuild his hometown of Grafton, after a devastating flood. He's got no time for romance. He's out to catch a vandal. But when he meets his match in the form of sexy spitfire Dixie, he's down for the count and the whole town's taking bets on the outcome!
So enjoy a little fun, laughter, and a sexy ever after with Whistlin' Dixie, and meet the whole Coalson clan. It's a romantic comedy with an erotic edge that will leave you hungry for more....and that's good, 'cause book two, Leather and Lace, is even hotter!
http://www.amazon.com/Whistlin-Dixie-...
Whistlin' Dixie, Book One in my Tempered Steel series is available for FREE, March 21-22 to introduce you to this fun loving family and the community of characters that inhabits their small town.
Meet Mac, the eldest brother, who is determined to rebuild his hometown of Grafton, after a devastating flood. He's got no time for romance. He's out to catch a vandal. But when he meets his match in the form of sexy spitfire Dixie, he's down for the count and the whole town's taking bets on the outcome!
So enjoy a little fun, laughter, and a sexy ever after with Whistlin' Dixie, and meet the whole Coalson clan. It's a romantic comedy with an erotic edge that will leave you hungry for more....and that's good, 'cause book two, Leather and Lace, is even hotter!
http://www.amazon.com/Whistlin-Dixie-...
February 26, 2015
If you're Happy and You Know It...
Hi!
I can't believe how happy I am right now. All those sappy, happy songs are running through my head. It's a banner day! A wonderful, meaningful day filled with unicorns and rainbows, smiley faces and puppies.
Why are you happy, you may ask? Because I'm healthy, I have love, I love, and I'm doing what I've always wanted to do, and I have the support of those that love me and so many fantastic people that I've never even met face to face.
Leather and Lace, book two in my Tempered Steel series is released tomorrow. Unlike Whistlin' Dixie, which only had me plugging away at promotion, Leather and Lace has an entire team of truly caring folks that just want to see me succeed. That's powerful stuff, especially for a woman that was raised to doubt her own self worth.
So, hell, yes, I'm happy! And thankful! And humbled by everyone's faith in me and my writing.
And because I'm happy, my wish for you is to be happy too. Find something or someone that makes you happy and smile.
It's a wonderful feeling!
I can't believe how happy I am right now. All those sappy, happy songs are running through my head. It's a banner day! A wonderful, meaningful day filled with unicorns and rainbows, smiley faces and puppies.
Why are you happy, you may ask? Because I'm healthy, I have love, I love, and I'm doing what I've always wanted to do, and I have the support of those that love me and so many fantastic people that I've never even met face to face.
Leather and Lace, book two in my Tempered Steel series is released tomorrow. Unlike Whistlin' Dixie, which only had me plugging away at promotion, Leather and Lace has an entire team of truly caring folks that just want to see me succeed. That's powerful stuff, especially for a woman that was raised to doubt her own self worth.
So, hell, yes, I'm happy! And thankful! And humbled by everyone's faith in me and my writing.
And because I'm happy, my wish for you is to be happy too. Find something or someone that makes you happy and smile.
It's a wonderful feeling!
January 20, 2015
Good Night, Sleep Well, I'll Most Likely Kill You in the Morning
If you've seen or read The Princess Bride, you will likely recall my title phrase. But it's absolutely the truth when it comes to fictional characters. Sometimes, it's as simple as needing an extra character to carry in the tea(and then get shot by the murderer). At other times, it's become a bleoved part of the story. A writer knows it needs to be done, but, darn it, He/she's such a likable person!
It is a vast relief to my many friends that I don't adopt this cavalier attitude toward them. I'm not a very good friend if you measure such things as phonecalls every day, always remembering special occasions in their lives, or even keeping in touch through the years. But my friends are MY friends. They get me. I'm funny, insecure, slightly depressed, totally inappropriate at the most inappropriate times, and loyal. That last one is important. LOYALTY.
They know that most of the time, I'm physically absent (and mentally too, if you count the many times my brain focuses on something and a story starts forming) in their lives, but I'm never far away. If they need help, one call and I'm there.
And that's important for book characters too. They become part of a reader's life for however short a period. If the book is memorable, the characters become part of your imaginative family. You read and reread that book or series. You find yourself trying to emulate the characteristics of your favorites. You love a happily ever after, but also fear it. It means the end of the story.
In the beginning, my Tempered Steel series was a single story about a stubborn man and a sassy woman. But as I wrote it, I realized the characters needed, no, demanded more. I fell in love with my own story and didn't want it to end. So I committed to doing a four book series with two brothers finding love in each book. And it was good. But once again, I didn't want it to end.
So now, it's a seven book series, with an extra novella to help cement it all together. And because being a true loving family, the Coalson's gather, they EAT! So, now I've planned a companion cookbook of all the food mentioned in the series as well as a favorite recipe in the back of each book.
So although the Coalsons may go through hell before everyone finds their Happily Ever After, rest assured that I have no immediate plans to kill them off. Of course, tomorrow is another day!
It is a vast relief to my many friends that I don't adopt this cavalier attitude toward them. I'm not a very good friend if you measure such things as phonecalls every day, always remembering special occasions in their lives, or even keeping in touch through the years. But my friends are MY friends. They get me. I'm funny, insecure, slightly depressed, totally inappropriate at the most inappropriate times, and loyal. That last one is important. LOYALTY.
They know that most of the time, I'm physically absent (and mentally too, if you count the many times my brain focuses on something and a story starts forming) in their lives, but I'm never far away. If they need help, one call and I'm there.
And that's important for book characters too. They become part of a reader's life for however short a period. If the book is memorable, the characters become part of your imaginative family. You read and reread that book or series. You find yourself trying to emulate the characteristics of your favorites. You love a happily ever after, but also fear it. It means the end of the story.
In the beginning, my Tempered Steel series was a single story about a stubborn man and a sassy woman. But as I wrote it, I realized the characters needed, no, demanded more. I fell in love with my own story and didn't want it to end. So I committed to doing a four book series with two brothers finding love in each book. And it was good. But once again, I didn't want it to end.
So now, it's a seven book series, with an extra novella to help cement it all together. And because being a true loving family, the Coalson's gather, they EAT! So, now I've planned a companion cookbook of all the food mentioned in the series as well as a favorite recipe in the back of each book.
So although the Coalsons may go through hell before everyone finds their Happily Ever After, rest assured that I have no immediate plans to kill them off. Of course, tomorrow is another day!
January 10, 2015
Another 5 star Review!
Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite
Maggie Adams provides romance with depth, feeling and plenty of real emotion in Whistlin' Dixie. Mac Coalson is using his construction company to help rebuild his hometown, but it seems that someone is out to sabotage his work, so when the local sheriff gives him a call saying he has caught the vandals, well, Mac is ready to wring some necks. Turns out one of the culprits is the brother of the new kindergarten teacher, Dixie Harris, and boy is she spitting mad because she knows her brother is innocent, but can she convince Mac?
Dixie Harris is a spitfire of a character who is quick to anger but also has a wonderful, caring side. Mac Coalson is a no-nonsense guy and the last thing he is looking for is love. The chemistry between the pair is electric, which makes for a page turning read! Just when I thought the pair would get together, author Maggie Adams throws in a twist that left me thinking it could all be over. The author touches on the insecurities that Dixie and Mac have, making the romance seem very real. Their thoughts and feelings literally jump from the pages, which allowed me to feel like I was part of the story instead of just reading it.
Whistlin' Dixie is truly a romance with substance and emotion. Along with a pulse pounding romance, there is also the mystery of who could be sabotaging the new construction in town. As the romance escalates so does the vandalism, creating a sense of tension that kept me wondering what might happen next. Ms. Adams creates a small town feel and throws in a dose of southern charm which brings the setting to life, not to mention several secondary characters including several of Mac's brothers. Easy to like characters, humor, mystery, romantic sizzle, and a satisfying ending make Whistlin' Dixie a must-read for romance lovers. I can't wait to read the next book in the Tempered Steele series.
Maggie Adams provides romance with depth, feeling and plenty of real emotion in Whistlin' Dixie. Mac Coalson is using his construction company to help rebuild his hometown, but it seems that someone is out to sabotage his work, so when the local sheriff gives him a call saying he has caught the vandals, well, Mac is ready to wring some necks. Turns out one of the culprits is the brother of the new kindergarten teacher, Dixie Harris, and boy is she spitting mad because she knows her brother is innocent, but can she convince Mac?
Dixie Harris is a spitfire of a character who is quick to anger but also has a wonderful, caring side. Mac Coalson is a no-nonsense guy and the last thing he is looking for is love. The chemistry between the pair is electric, which makes for a page turning read! Just when I thought the pair would get together, author Maggie Adams throws in a twist that left me thinking it could all be over. The author touches on the insecurities that Dixie and Mac have, making the romance seem very real. Their thoughts and feelings literally jump from the pages, which allowed me to feel like I was part of the story instead of just reading it.
Whistlin' Dixie is truly a romance with substance and emotion. Along with a pulse pounding romance, there is also the mystery of who could be sabotaging the new construction in town. As the romance escalates so does the vandalism, creating a sense of tension that kept me wondering what might happen next. Ms. Adams creates a small town feel and throws in a dose of southern charm which brings the setting to life, not to mention several secondary characters including several of Mac's brothers. Easy to like characters, humor, mystery, romantic sizzle, and a satisfying ending make Whistlin' Dixie a must-read for romance lovers. I can't wait to read the next book in the Tempered Steele series.
December 29, 2014
Nice Work, If You Can Get It
I love my life!!!!
I just wanted to start by saying that. Because I can't think of one thing that I want to change (winning the lottery doesn't count, we ALL want that!)
Last year at this time, I was researching how to self-publish; Giving myself little pep talks in my head about how I could do it.
I knew the cover I wanted (thanks Katie and Kyle for the engagement pic)
By September, it was written and I was looking for an editor. Wow! Did I hit the jackpot! I got an editor and cover designer from a town just over from the setting of my book. It was fate.
October came with editing, cover reveal and a glimpse at just how crazy self promoting is; it also came with a wealth of new author/blogger friends that were encouraging in their support.
November was a flurry of last minute details, interviews, editorial reviews, and more book promo spots. Not to mention pre-orders and the actual release day!!
It's now the end of December and I've retained help with blog tours, book signings, and that elusive fan/review base. I'm working on Book Two in the series, due out in February, 2015.
And today, I received my first review from across the pond - Five Stars!!
Yep, as the song says, my future's so bright, I gotta wear shades.....here's to all of you for making it happen for me. Don't give up on those dreams; I'm proof they DO come true. Sometimes, it just takes a while.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...
I just wanted to start by saying that. Because I can't think of one thing that I want to change (winning the lottery doesn't count, we ALL want that!)
Last year at this time, I was researching how to self-publish; Giving myself little pep talks in my head about how I could do it.
I knew the cover I wanted (thanks Katie and Kyle for the engagement pic)
By September, it was written and I was looking for an editor. Wow! Did I hit the jackpot! I got an editor and cover designer from a town just over from the setting of my book. It was fate.
October came with editing, cover reveal and a glimpse at just how crazy self promoting is; it also came with a wealth of new author/blogger friends that were encouraging in their support.
November was a flurry of last minute details, interviews, editorial reviews, and more book promo spots. Not to mention pre-orders and the actual release day!!
It's now the end of December and I've retained help with blog tours, book signings, and that elusive fan/review base. I'm working on Book Two in the series, due out in February, 2015.
And today, I received my first review from across the pond - Five Stars!!
Yep, as the song says, my future's so bright, I gotta wear shades.....here's to all of you for making it happen for me. Don't give up on those dreams; I'm proof they DO come true. Sometimes, it just takes a while.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...
