THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU TO READERS!

This is the time of year people start mentioning those things for which they’re thankful—not that this is the only time of year we have those thoughts. I’m especially happy because this last release means I have twenty-five titles for download. Some are books, some novellas, and some boxed sets that duplicate some of the first two. This might not sound like a big deal to readers, but this is an accomplishment  that reassures me I won’t run out of ideas—or readers.

I love, love, love readers. If I could, I’d thank each person who’s ever bought one of my books. I can’t, so please know that I appreciate each time you read one of my books. You give meaning to my job. There are millions of books online. Thank you for choosing one of mine. Bless you!

Although my pocketbook doesn’t show I’m a success by any means, at least I know I can produce titles that some readers enjoy. Writers want readers to love our books. Yes, we crave your approval. We want you to buy title after title and prove you enjoy our writing. That’s certainly true for me. And if you leave a review, that’s even better!

Most of us sit alone at a desktop or laptop for countless hours creating our stories. Then we pay someone to edit them, someone else to create the cover, and some people pay another person to format and upload their books. I’m fortunate that my husband formats and uploads my books for me, and that reduces a part of my cost. Kim Killion does my covers now and she is a very creative professional.

Some authors may have a thousand dollars or more and hundreds of hours invested before their book ever becomes available online. And then there are the ads and marketing costs, prizes, and the investment of time in social media or cost of paying an assistant and/or promotion person. Hear the costs rising? See me cringe and shiver? Decidedly, I’m a low budget operation, but I do have my share of expenses.

Honestly, all I wanted to do was write my stories for readers. And I do, day after day. I love my job. After all, I can come to work in sweats and no makeup and still travel to other places and times. What a job!

But here’s the thing, some readers expect that work for free or 99 cents every time. Authors might experiment with those prices to promote a series or for a special promotion, but you can see that we can’t stick with those prices for the long haul. Nope, can’t do it. Have to recoup some of our time and expenses. Writers have to pay bills, too.

Still, I’m not complaining. I love what I do and hope readers love my writing. I want to entertain readers. I don’t resent people accusing me of writing mind candy. Since most of my books are historical, I intend that taking you to another time removed from ours will amuse you and provide an escape from whatever is troubling you or making you weary. Everyone deserves a happily-ever-after, even if it’s only for a few hours.

I intend to continue writing stories involving characters I love. Right now, I have two releases about which I’ve told you recently:

STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS is my first Christmas novella. Christmas is my favorite time of year. Not the day, but the anticipation leading up to the day. I love shopping for the perfect gifts to please those on my list, the decorations, the carols, the festive spirit of the season. Buy links for this novella are:

Amazon http://amzn.com/B00OQUTDXA

Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OQUTDXA

Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/stone-mountain-christmas-1

iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id932587647

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stone-mountain-christmas-caroline-clemmons/1120622158?ean=2940046278842&itm=1&usri=2940046278842

WILD WESTERN WOMEN is the other recent release. Kirsten Osbourne, Callie Hutton, Sylvia McDaniel, Merry Farmer, and I each have a novella in this boxed set plus two short stories. My book is SAVE YOUR HEART FOR ME and my short story is "Stone Mountain Reunion".Buy links for this boxed set are: 

Amazon USA http://amzn.com/B00O35YY0U

Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00O35YY0U

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wild-western-women-kirsten-osbourne/1120671175?ean=2940150665682

Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/wild-western-women-box-set

Now I’m at work on WINTER BRIDE, but don’t yet have the cover back from Kim Killion. It’s one of the Stone Mountain series and features Sheriff Butch Parrish as the hero. What a guy! I can’t decide when to release this book. Probably I’ll wait until the middle of January. What do you think?

If you want to be kept up to date about new releases and contests and giveaways and launches, please subscribe to my newsletter. You’ll find the entry if you click on the envelope at the top of the blog's right sidebar. I don’t send frequent newsletters, just when I have a release or contest. No salesman will call. Really.

In the meantime, thanks for stopping by!  

THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS!

For What Are You Thankful?

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Thanksgiving heralds my favorite season--Christmas. I look forward all year to Christmas and buying gifts (most of which I do online). But I don’t want the upcoming Christmas holiday to wipe out the importance of Thanksgiving. Most of us have a great deal for which we can give thanks. First, I'm s-o-o grateful I'm not a turkey. Facetiousness aside, Hurricane Sandy and other recent disasters have emphasized how temporary are our physical possessions. We love our tangible comforts, but there is way more to life than "things."

A reminder of our blessings are the Four Freedom series painted by the late Norman Rockwell. He remains one of my favorite illustrators.

I have a loving family. Okay, I admit we are eccentric, but within socially acceptable range (mostly☺). My Hero husband is truly my soul mate for whom I give thanks to God several times daily. Our daughters are loving individuals who have tried their best in all their endeavors.

Freedom From Want

Each of us can worship wherever he or she wishes. There is no state religion, religion is not forbidden. We are privileged to live in a country that guarantees that freedom, thanks to Thomas Jefferson's foresight. The United States is primarily a Judeo-Christian country, but all religions are welcome.

Freedom of Religion

Each of us can get an education. Even those unable to attend college can continue their education through reading books without limitations. Yay, reading! No one tells us what we can or can't read. Well, if you're a kid, your parents can curtail your reading subjects, but there are plenty of kid-friendly books in all genres. Adults also have wide choices.

Freedom of Speech

We recently had an election in which mud was slung in all directions. Yet, in all of that, I am thankful that we can vote our choice as we choose. There is no need to argue, because our vote speaks for us. Now we can all move forward and--please--get along! Aren’t we lucky to have the freedoms we have?


What would we do without our computers, air-conditioners, heaters, appliances, electricity, iPhones, e-readers, and more? Who could have imagined they would become so important to us, but I am grateful for all my gadgets and appliances, aren't you?

The weather this time of year is glorious here in North Central Texas. Contrary to some opinions, we do have color changes, and this year the leaves are especially colorful.

I am able to write the books I love and publish them when and where I choose. I love the power that gives me. Not riches, but I am doing something I love and am actually earning money from my endeavor. And I am grateful readers are buying my books.

Freedom From Fear

That’s not all for which I’m thankful. How could I list everything here? One major area of gratitude is for YOU, Dear Reader. Thank you for reading my blog, my books, and showing up. I appreciate each of you more than you can ever know!

Whether you go over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house or eat dinner alone in front of your television, may your day be happy. Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!

If you have wondered about the history of Thanksgiving, please read the posts at Sweethearts of the West and Cowboy Kisses

Remember the Kindle Fire 3G giveaway on December 15th to one subscriber to my occasional  newsletter. If you haven't already done so, you can sign up for my occasional newsletter on the sidebar at the right where you see a large white square with some of my book covers fanned out inside.

Stop back by on Friday-Sunday for a visit with my friend, Nicole McCaffrey.

Thanks for stopping by!

Paintings from Royalty Free Google.