Monday Mayhem – Remember me?

I know I’ve been MIA lately. I’m sorry. My life as been in sort of a state of flux lately. I’ve left the company where I’ve worked for the last twelve years and started a new job. I’ve also been battling strep, staph, and a good, old-fashioned sinus headache. So yeah, I’ve been kind of a mess.

But I’m better now.

The decision to change jobs took a huge weight of my shoulders. And even though I’m having to deal with the inherent awkwardness of being the new girl who knows nothing, I’m a much happier person.

So far, 2014 has been all about cutting myself some slack and making necessary changes. To be honest, I’ve been doing a good bit of this:

Other than the release of boxed sets, I don’t really have anything new coming on the writing front. That’s something I hope to remedy in the coming months. Spring Chickens is all mine again. I plan to revamp it a bit and re-release it later in the year. Then, I think I want to make another run at Containment.

Of course, Miss Maggie is seeing all sorts of action – the tramp. It’s all about striking when the iron is hot in this business, and the steamy stuff is hotter than ever right now. There’s a new release from Harlequin just last week (The Last First Date), an upcoming boxed set from TMP (including Seducing Steve!), and a smoking hot story for the born before 1970 crowd (Three Little Words) coming from Kensington/Lyrical.

Sooooo, that’s what’s new with me. Thanks for your support and patience. I hope you know how much I appreciate you!

Tell me, what are the haps by you?

April 28, 2014

Monday Mayhem – Malaise edition

I’ve been worthless all weekend. I’ll try to do better next week. In the meantime, go read a good book!

April 21, 2014

Monday Mayhem – Behind the curtain

Here’s the thing no one tells you when you start down this road: There are times when being an author is mind-bogglingly tedious. It’s true. The making up stories and writing them down is just a teensy-tiny little bit of what an author does day in and day out.

Sunday was a perfect example. Here’s a brief rundown of how I spent my day:

1) Replied to blog post comments.

2) Shared links on social media pages.

3) Wrote additional scene for story I’m revising.

4) Updated links on websites.

5) Entered author and book data for upcoming app release.

6) Adapted a manuscript to fit a house style guide.

7) Wrote this blog post.

8) Email correspondence.

And though I’ve clocked over 2,000 words today, not one of these things has resulted in fresh new story being added to my work in progress. And when one only has about 2-3 hours of author time per night…well, you get the picture.

So yeah, this is turning into a half-assed want ad for an assistant. One willing to work for peanuts. Literally. I’ve got a bag of Beer Nuts here for the lucky ~~victim~~ uh, volunteer. Apply in the comments below.

Oh, and I was serious about the peanuts.

So, tell me, if you could hire someone to handle any aspect of your life for you, what would it be?

March 31, 2014

Monday Mayhem – It’s been mayhem

I was home only 14 of 31 days in the month of March. Yes, I counted, and yes, I’m using that as an excuse. I’m sorry I missed you last week, but my life actually was mayhem last Monday. But I’m here now and I have a fast five for you. Let’s catch up, shall we?

What I’ve been working on: This is the last day to grab Unforgettable Heroes for $.99, so I’m working on promo today. I’d appreciate it if you’d help me spread the word. The response to this boxed set offering has been phenomenal. I hope to be able to participate in more sets to come! The price will be going up to $6.99 as of April 1. Still a great deal for 8 books!

What’s running around in the back of my mind: A crazy plot bunny that hopped into my head last night. Poor little baby bunny. It’s so far down on the list of potential projects it’s going to have emerge fully-formed and write itself to bump its predecessors out of the way.

What I’ve accomplished: Hey, I wrote this blog post, didn’t I?

What new goal I’m chasing: I hope to spend many hours in my chair writing.

What I saw: My mommy.

March 17, 2014

Monday Mayhem – Top o the mornin’ to ya!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Shannon proved to have the luck of the Irish on her side when she commented on last week’s post. She was the winner of the $10 Amazon gift card!

So I thought I’d give you a 5 St. Patrick’s Day themed bits about me today.

1) I was raised listening to The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, and was able to see them in concert several times. Great fun!

2) My mother taught me to dance a jig. I only do it when she makes me.

3) I can recite most of The Quiet Man.

4) I do not eat corned beef, cabbage, fish or lamb, so I would probably starve if I ever actually went to Ireland. I do, however, drink beer.

5) I have a kind of a…partiality toward men of Irish extraction. Sean or Tom Sullivan, anyone? Oh, and if they have a bit of the brogue! *fans self* I could listen to Liam Neeson talk all day. I wouldn’t mind hearing him talk all night, too…nudge-nudge, wink-wink, so no more!

Tell me, are you a wee bit Irish? Do you celebrate with the wearing o’ the green?

March 10, 2014

Monday Mayhem – I have something to say

And that something is THANK YOU!

Thanks to YOU, I am officially an Amazon bestselling author! Squeeee!

You all have been so awesome about helping to spread the word about UNFORGETTABLE HEROES and my fellow authors and I truly appreciate your support. So much so that I have a little something for you.

A $10 Amazon gift card!

Just comment below and tell me what you’ve been reading lately. It’s that simple. I’ll draw the name of one winner on Sunday, March 16, 2014.

March 3, 2014

Monday Mayhem – Margaret can’t come to her blog right now

She’s recovering from her annual girls’ weekend.

See you next week!

February 24, 2014

Monday Mayhem – Fast Five!

What I’ve been working on: Too many things. I have at least 4 projects started and not enough time for any of them. I’m trying to make myself pick one and stick with it.

What’s running around in the back of my mind: So many plot bunnies, so little time. I’m trying to finish up one project so I can focus on revisions to Spring Chickens. I hope to re-release it later in 2014.

What I’ve accomplished: Uh…does laundry count?

What new goal I’m chasing: Finish revisions to current story and start sending submissions by the end of March.

What I saw: Planes, automobiles and hotel rooms. Oh, and this pretty carrot cake

February 10, 2014

Monday Mayhem: Unforgettable Heroes Book 7 – it’s me!!!!

Whooo hoo!

Last week marked my first boxed set release! Jack Rudolph from Long Distance Love was selected to be one of the Unforgettable Heroes!

This boxed set is a great deal – 8 novels for only $0.99! This week, I’ll be giving you a sneak peek at the other books in the set, so be sure to stop by each day to meet a new author!

Today I’m featuring:

Long Distance Love by Margaret Ethridge

Sometimes the distance between two hearts can be measured in frequent flier miles. Love may be a many splendored thing, but it’s rarely convenient. Can FBI Agent Jack Rudolph and fiercely independent Ellie Nichols find a way to make a long distance relationship work?

Margaret Ethridge, contemporary romance fan favorite and TMP top-selling author of Commitment.

(Edited to add: And, you know, I hear she’s utterly charming.)

Pick up your Unforgettable Heroes today!

Sexy, Strong, Irresistible and UNFORGETTABLE!

Several of Turquoise Morning Press’ award-winning and bestselling authors share their favorite contemporary romance heroes—all boxed up for you in one sexy and irresistible package! From a sexy carpenter to magnetic CEO, a rough-and-ready cowboy to a homeless man, a classic car buff, a starving artist, a Latin-style dancer, and an FBI agent—each unique hero has his own story to tell, and a heroine who just can’t forget him. Ever.

With an introductory promotional price of $0.99, how can you resist this unforgettable boxed set, either?

January 27, 2014

Monday Mayhem – Slow simmer edition

This year, Fodder and I have been trying to make a point of cooking more and eating out less. That means we’ve been giving our slow cooker a workout and abusing our casserole pan. I thought I’d do a little recipe swap in hopes of keeping the streak going.

A few weeks ago, we made our family favorite: Crock Pot Italian Beef (tastes like Portillo’s!)

Then we wanted a little something spicy so we gave this fab chicken enchilada casserole a try.

Last Sunday, we tried a new recipe aptly called Awesome Slow Cooker Pot Roast and it was YUM!

Last night it was 3 Ingredient Pulled Pork

Now it’s your turn. Any recipes you want to share?