GREAT BOOKS COMING RIGHT UP!

You’ve heard it takes a village to raise a child. A village is not required for writing a book. For me, that is best done alone in my writing cave. I love the long, long hours I spend there creating books. But organizing the ideas is easier with help. 

While some authors plot their books in solitude, for me having a few trustworthy friends help me brainstorm is like winning the lottery. Also, it saves me from arguing with myself and from drafting Hero and our Darling Daughters to help. 

You know the look, don’t you, when the eyes of people to whom you’re talking glaze over? Yes, I’ve seen that look. I don't understand it. Plotting is fascinating stuff to me. ☺

Plotting make non-writers yawn

Not that my family doesn’t help me, they do in many ways. A question here or there elicits satisfactory responses. But brainstorming an entire book, not so much.

For that, I have three friends who plot the same way I do. We reinforce one another’s creative streak and plot books. Yes, great books are coming your way this year. You can trust me on this. Geri Foster, Sylvia McDaniel, Kathy Shaw, and I each came away with wonderful books plotted from our recent plotting retreat. We laughed until we had tears, might have consumed a few adult beverages, and worked like our lives depended on the outcome. Truthfully, they do. At least, our writing lives do.

Where would writers be without books to tempt their readers? Each of us at the plotting retreat writes a little differently and in various genres, although Sylvia and I both write western historical and the occasional contemporary. But here’s the thing—trust is necessary with plotting in this way. I trust these three women.

Why is this so important? Suppose, for instance, I write a book in three months, but a co-plotter writes in one. She could take my idea, write the book and have it online before I could and readers would think I copied her. Or, suppose I have a great idea for a new series that I want to keep secret until I release the first three books? She could talk about my plot to someone else who could take my idea. Now you see how important trust is in a situation like this, don’t you?  

Here’s what I predict for the coming year from me. First, I am releasing WINTER BRIDE, the next Stone Mountain Texas book later this month (or early February). I’ll also be writing one more Kincaid book and two McClintock books this year. Plus, I’m working on a new series. I’m so excited about the projects I have lined up for 2015! I can hardly wait to share these books with you.

Stay tuned to this blog and my newsletter to keep informed. If you haven’t signed up for my newsletter yet, the form is at the top of the blog sidebar. By the way, I only send a newsletter if I have news.

Thanks for stopping by!

MYA O'MALLEY AND WHERE THERE IS LOVE

Where There is Love by Mya O'Malley


Mia Dennsi is a beautiful young woman who has experienced a challenging childhood. As an out of work teacher, Mia accepts a position for home-schooling a troubled, misunderstood teenager. Mia makes it a priority to help Cassidy overcome her challenges and reach for her dreams. In the process, Mia experiences healing of her own; she is faced with issues she must now come to terms with.


Mia finds a rare friendship in Jamie, her caring and attractive neighbor. The relationship starts off as friendship, but will Mia let this healthy friendship bloom into something more or is she destined to a repeat the vicious cycle of making the same mistakes over and over again?


Through the various twists and turns of Mia’s love life, she is forced to make a decision that will affect her entire future. The reader cannot help but root for this character to succumb to true love and happiness.

Amazon

Excerpt


I would have done anything for that girl. Anything. I have dreamed of Mia, I have waited for Mia. I have loved Mia.

I can’t trust Mia.

I can’t get my hopes up again, only to be crushed by her. I couldn’t stand it.

She doesn’t allow herself to be happy. What has happened in her life to cause her to reject the people who love her, who care for her?

I remember the first time I ever laid eyes one her. The way she bumped into me, how embarrassed she was. I swear to this day that she is the most beautiful creature I’ve laid eyes on. Her slim build, dark hair and striking eyes. And that smile, that smile still warms my heart.

I went to see my grandma in Maine for the weekend once I realized that I was falling in love with Mia. My grandmother and I have always been close. She has been there for me through thick and thin ever since I was a child. I grew even closer to her as I was growing up, finding my way in life. For some reason, I always found it easiest to share my feelings with Grandma, the two of us like kindred spirits.

My feelings for Mia scared the life out of me. I told my grandmother that I didn’t want to risk getting hurt again and that Mia seemed so unsure of herself. She offered me a piece of advice that I will hold true to my heart forever: She placed her hand over my heart and said, “Go where there is love, surround yourself with love.” So I did, I went to Mia and tried to tell her how I felt, only to be brushed off with news of Josh coming back into the picture.

I’m happy with Danielle, she’s smart and she’s beautiful. Yeah, I’m going to give this a chance, I would be a fool not to.

But...I think...she’s not Mia. My heart can’t take Mia.

She has the power to hurt me, and I can’t survive that again.





Author Mya O’Malley


Mya O’Malley was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, where she currently lives with her husband, daughter and three step-daughters. The family also consists of two boxers; Destiny and Dolce and a ragdoll cat named Colby. Mya earned an undergraduate degree in special education and a graduate degree in reading and literacy. She works as a special education teacher and enjoys making a difference in the lives of her students.

Mya’s passion is writing; she has been creating stories and poetry since she was a child. Mya spends her free time reading just about anything she can get her hands on. She is a romantic at heart and loves to create stories with unforgettable characters. Mya likes to travel; she has visited several Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Costa Rica. Mya is currently working on her fifth novel.

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Book Blast Giveaway


$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash


Ends 11/4/14


Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Focus on Today!

Lynn Baber and her horse, Beau

This week the women from the church I attend were invited as guests at a women’s group in a nearby town for a salad supper and program. The program was a horse trainer, Lynn Baber, and her horse. Years ago, one of our daughters had horses, so I know they are a big responsibility—no pun intended. Although I enjoy riding, I want no part of cleaning hooves, mucking stalls, and all the other details caring for a horse involves. In fact, I only went to this meeting because of the friendships involved. I certainly didn’t look forward to a program using a horse. What was with a horse at a women's meeting? Since my hero of THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE trains horses, I admit I was mildly interested in Lynn's technique.


When we arrived, chairs were set up on the church lawn. The evening was lovely; cool and sunny, a perfect time to sit under the trees in the picturesque grounds of the stone church. Lynn Baber and her horse, Beau, were already there. Beau is a beautiful dappled gray stallion. Lynn is a horse trainer, and has done an incredible job with Beau. He responds to tongue clicks and hand gestures as if he were a mind reader. By the way, Lynn also trains dogs. Like the hero in my book, Lynn only uses kindness to train animals. Positive reinforcement to build trust.

 Lynn talking to Beau at the meeting

I won't go into Lynn's main message because it is religious and I avoid religion and politics here. But one of the things Lynn said that resonated with me was applicable to everyone: All we have is today. I’m the world’s greatest procrastinator. Sure, I’m going to clean out that closet, but not now. Yes, I’m going to finish that book I’m writing, but not today.

Lynn said there’s no point in worrying about yesterday because it’s gone. There’s no point in worrying about tomorrow, because when it comes, it’s today! All we really have is today, and we must use it to the best of our abilities. In my opinion, that is an important message! If others are like me, we get so caught up in plans and lists of things to do, and worry about "what ifs" that we lose sight of today.
That’s what I as a writer need for focus. Stop worrying about whether I’ll win that contest, whether my current work in progress will receive great reviews, and on and on. Focus on my goals for today! How many words do I need to write to reach my overall goal? How long can I spend on email and visiting the blogs of friends? Even how many loads of laundry do I need to get done today? As Lynn said, when tomorrow comes, it will be today. Write as if today is all you have. Let’s focus on utilizing today to the best of our ability.

If you’re interested in Lynn’s book, AMAZING GRAYS, AMAZING GRACE, it’s available from Amazon. Her website is http://www.amazinggraysministry.com/ You can visit her website to learn about her ministry and schedule her and Beau to speak.Well, Beau doesn't actually speak, but he accompanies Lynn when she speaks. Yes, I need to focus on what I'm writing.