WHAT'S CHANGING FOR YOU?

By Caroline Clemmons

Change is a constant. So many areas of our lives change rapidly. What's changing in your life? Do the changes bother you or do you accept them and move on?

CHANGES, CHANGES

Let me tell you about a change that impacts my writing: names of individuals. Our youngest daughter and a friend have a tongue-in-cheek contest going for whose family has the weirdest family names. I think our daughter is way ahead with the number of oddly-named ancestors.

When writing a historical novel I choose a name for a hero or heroine by checking our family history for that time—I usually set historical books from 1870-1885. In this way, I know the name was appropriate for the time. No Buffy or Bambi in that time period. Of course, Biblical names are always appropriate whether historical or contemporary. For contemporary names, I take the year the character would have been born and look online for popular names for that year.

What we have in our ancestry are some doozies. I use them for secondary characters, not the main ones. Some examples for unusual women’s names are Teletha, Parmelia (oops, I used that one in LONG WAY HOME), Venice, Theodosia, Tranquilla, Tetrine, and Vitura. For men, we have Guice, Hillyer, Vestal, Ovid, Lambeth, Montfort, and Versa. No, not Versa the car—this was a man. Our family uses normal names, too, but they’re not as much fun to discuss, are they?

One thing I’ve noticed is that some of the older names are being revived. Names like Aidan, Liam, Maeve, Nula, and other Scottish and Irish names. Since I love history, I'm pleased these are being preserved.

QUESTIONABLE CHANGE

An area of change that disturbs me is in English grammar and punctuation. (By the way, I refuse to give up the Oxford comma.) I saw an article on the trend toward no punctuation or capitalization. What? Why?

then my sentence would be like this and you wouldn’t know when the new one begins do you like this idea i don’t i think it is confusing and can result in misunderstandings you might even give up would you read an entire book in this form

Like the dismissal of cursive from schools and then it being reinstated, I suspect the lack of punctuation and capitals will be replaced by sanity and clarity. But that’s just me.

By the way, I have a new release. I know you aren't shocked that I want to tell you about a new book. Keep in mind this is hard for us introverted authors. Growing up we were told NOT to call attention to ourselves or brag about accomplishments. I ask you--how else can we sell our books?  

Widowed Charlotte Dunn struggles to save her ranch from a vicious neighbor.

CHARLOTTE’S CHALLENGE is a sweet western historical that is part of the diverse The Golden Legacy Series. Please allow me to be immodest and admit I love this story for several reasons. One is that I’ve never before written an amnesia story. I enjoy including children and this has three. The way the hero and heroine act toward children gives a great deal of insight into his or her character. I had fun with a secondary character called Moose. I picture him looking like Sam Elliott, one of my favorite actors. One of my beta readers say him as Festus on "Gunsmoke". Ken Curtis, who played Festus, has a beautiful singing voice but who has a more mesmerizing speaking voice than Sam Elliott? Sigh. But I digress...

You can find CHARLOTTE’S CHALLENGE at the Universal Amazon link https://mybook.to/Bret  (hint, hint)

CHARLOTTE’S CHALLENGE is available in e-book and in print. Also, it is in Kindle Unlimited. 

Here's the blurb:

A widow determined to save the family ranch…

A man who inherited cursed pirate gold…

They must combine efforts to defeat an evil man.

Bret Craig is a descendant of one of the crew of The Golden Fleece. Over a century ago the merchant ship had prevailed against pirates carrying a treasure of cursed Inca gold. The legacy promises retribution against anyone who misuses the treasure. Bret has heard the story all his life but he believes the tale is a myth and that he’s in no danger if he spends the money selfishly. Ignoring his sister’s warning, he sets out for a grand adventure heading west.

Widowed former mail-order bride Charlotte Dunn is in danger of losing the family ranch. She lost her husband to a rustler’s bullet when half the cattle were stolen and both ranch hands were killed. When she and her stepsons rescue a man who fell from his horse, they learn the man has amnesia. From his saddlebags, they determine his name is Bret Craig. Charlotte nurses Bret, manages the ranch, and cares for her three stepchildren she loves. No sooner does Bret regain his memory than they discover the remainder of the ranch’s herd has been rustled.

Bret re-evaluates his priorities in order to embrace the love blossoming between Charlotte and him. How will they save the ranch and recover the stolen cattle?

Fall into Love:Romance Gems Giveaway

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I've teamed up with 10 fabulous romance authors for this giveaway campaign. 

Click here to sign-up for our newsletter lists and toss your name into the hat to win a 12-e-book romance package!

 

This giveaway runs until September 30, 2020 Only one entry per person, please! Three (3) winners will be chosen on October 1, 2020

 

Sign up to receive the email newsletter lists for all the authors below. Each author sends periodic updates of new releases, sales, book discounts, free ebooks, and more... Be the first to get all the news and the scoops on these authors! (Newsletter will start delivery in October.) Maddie James ~ Jan Scarbrough Kathleen Lawless ~ Kara O'Neal Lucinda Race ~ Kari Lemor Marcia King-Gamble ~ Liz Flaherty Caroline Clemmons ~ Joan Reeves Nancy Fraser Read more here! https://mailchi.mp/maddiejames/gems-newsletter-builder Have a wonderful rest of September. I’ll see you in October. Keep reading romance! We'll keep writing.

 

A New Journey by @karilemor #RomanceGems

Last year at this time, my husband and I were about halfway through a six-month adventure traveling the east coast in an RV. We visited places I’d never been to before and saw some amazing sights.

Some of my favorites were the airboat ride in the Everglades. The swamp boat tour in the Louisiana bayou. The plantation on the Mississippi River. The Mardi Gras parade in Baton Rouge (along with some of the best po’boys and beignets ever at a little place called Taste of Louisiana). The trolley tours of Asheville, NC, and Savannah, GA with incredibly knowledgeable and interesting tour guides. The tour of the Biltmore Estate and Village. And so many more.

Along the way we stopped in for ten days in the northern part of Florida in the oldest city in the nation, St. Augustine. What a beautiful place! It’s so filled with history and diversity in the old buildings and structures. But you’ve also got Anastasia Island right across the Bridge of Lions where there are gorgeous beaches and all the beach amenities you could want. We fell in love!

So now, after thirty plus years of teaching and an exciting journey, we’ve settled into a new home here in Florida. And my new life has begun. With my days free and the weather typically gorgeous, I’m gearing up to make my writing career my top priority. This month the Romance Gems are asking What’s Next? This is what’s next.

I’ve got a new book coming out March 2, 2020. The second book in my Storms of New England series, TRUE DREAMS, is the story of Sara Storm and TJ Bannister. If you’ve read Elusive Dreams, Erik Storm’s story, you’ve already met his sister, Sara and her boss, TJ. With True Dreams you get to see how they met and fell in love.

And I’m hoping to have Stolen Dreams, book 3 in the series, brother Alex’s story out soon after. Currently I’m writing Broken Dreams -#4, which is cousin Nathaniel’s story along with Darcy, who you’ll meet in True Dreams. She was such a strong character that she wouldn’t leave me alone until I promised her a book of her own. Always listen to your characters.

Here’s the info on True Dreams.

True “TJ” Bannister, haunted by his past, abandons the world of sex, drugs, and rock and roll to live a peaceful life as a bookstore owner on Cape Cod. The reformed bad boy thinks no “nice” girl will ever see beyond his tormented soul.

Innocent Sara Storm barges into his shop, and his life, with her sunshine personality. She looks beyond TJ’s past and helps heal his damaged heart. But her goal to be a singer is one TJ can’t support. Her dreams take place in the shattered world he left behind.

Can he choose between his newfound serenity and a life that nearly destroyed him, or is their romance doomed before the last note is sung?

I don’t have preorder links yet, but as soon as I do, I’ll make sure to post them. To get updated info, follow me on my social media.

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http://www.karilemor.com/

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Birthday Traditions by @SatinRussell #RomanceGems

The month of April always brings to mind new beginnings, mainly because it’s my birthday month. A couple of days ago, I turned 42 years old and am now the official answer to the universe. (Any Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy fans out there?)

Birthdays have never been something that I’ve complained about. Where most people choose to make resolutions during the New Year, I find that Spring tends to be my season for self-reflection and goal setting. One of my best friends has a birthday a month before me, and every year - without fail - she’ll bemoan the fact that she’s so old. (*cough*)

To me, it’s a privilege to get older. So many don’t have that opportunity. I never want to forget that having the chance to celebrate another birthday is better than the alternative (specifically, death.) When I was younger, people used to tell me that I’d feel differently as I got older, but I’m happy to report that hasn’t happened yet.

In order to encourage and remind myself that birthdays are worth celebrating, I’ve adopted two main traditions. The first is purely for fun. I like to buy myself a brand-new outfit, top to bottom. This means, everything. Not just the clothes, but the jewelry and accessories to match - right down to a new pair of shoes. How often do you really get to do that? I always make sure it's something that makes me feel beautiful and confident.

Taking my best shot!

The other tradition is something I started back in my early twenties. Every year around my birthday I make a point to try “One New Thing.” It’s meant to serve as a reminder that no matter how old I get, there’s still so much to learn and discover in the world. It also motivates me to stop saying “someday…” to things I’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t.

My “One New Thing” can be grandiose, but it doesn't have to be. Over the years it’s included everything from shooting a gun to singing karaoke to publishing my first book. One year, it was taking a paint class because I’d never painted on canvas. One year, it was visiting New Orleans for the first time.

My first attempt at painting.

This year, I’ve decided I’m going to try a Krav Maga class. I’ve been interested in taking a self-defense class for awhile now. And, I've been curious about Krav Maga in particular ever since I read Elle Casey’s Apocalypsis series where the main character is trained in it. (It’s a YA Apocalyptic story that is seriously awesome. I recommend anything written by her. I have literally laughed until I had tears streaming down my cheeks with some of her books.)

I’ll let you know how it goes! In the meantime, remember that no matter what your age, life can still be exciting and new. Don’t fall into a trap of ennui and cynicism. Celebrate your life!

How about you? Do you have any birthday traditions that you like to observe? I’d love to hear about them. Oh! Don't forget our Romance Gems April contest is underway.

If you haven't seen the details on this month's Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt you can check out all the information, including how to enter, on the "Monthly Giveaway" tab at the top of the blog page.

There's an egg out there somewhere. Here are the possibilities for today's search:

Twitter | Facebook | My Blog

When you find the egg, use the "Contact the Romance Gems" link on the left sidebar to send us your answer. Include the place you found it, the color of the egg, and either the author's name or date of the post.

Best of luck!

End of an Adventure OR...?? by @KariLemor #RomanceGems

Many of you know I’ve been traveling in an RV the last five months with my husband. (If you didn’t know, check out my Instagram to see all the places we’ve been).  We’ve seen some really cool stuff and done exciting things! Part of the reason we went on this trip was to find a winter home. While living in New England has been a wonderful experience for us, we’ve gotten old and grouchy and really don’t like the cold or shoveling anymore.

Bridge of Lions

I had never thought of myself as a Florida person – my hair is too prone to frizz in the humid weather, but another southern place would be fine. Until we happened upon St. Augustine in mid-December. We absolutely fell in love with the town. Rich in history. Gorgeous architecture. Beaches. Shops. And the temperature in the winter was warm without being too hot. At the northeastern part of the state, it seemed ideal.

After touring the rest of Florida, Mississippi, New Orleans and then exploring the Bayous of Louisiana, we decided to go back to St. Augustine and check out real estate. Wow! Better than the prices in New England. But we didn’t want to make a rash decision. So we found this adorable apartment to rent. It’s over a hundred years old, was one of the original hospitals in town, and it’s on the beautiful Matanzas River (near where it empties into the ocean) a few steps from the Bridge of Lions. Sold! Or rented!

And as much as traveling was quite an adventure, I have to admit I’m ready to be in one place for a while. Ready to get back to a regular writing schedule that didn't get interrupted by driving to the next exciting place. Here’s a few things I’m looking forward to:

A REAL shower where I can stand up and don’t have to hold the nozzle or the water doesn't run out!  And an actual flush toilet!!  Woo hoo! That’s cause for celebration!

And I now have a full kitchen. It’s not huge but when compared to a stove and small sink next to the living room couch, yup, I’m stoked!!

Some might say it’s too bad my adventure has ended. But for me, this new amazing town, and the rich history and life here, plus being a full time author now, could be the beginning of a brand-new adventure!  

Let it begin!

CHECK below as Running Target and Fatal Evidence (Love on the Line) are currently ONLY 99c!!

Here’s where you can stalk me:

Website: https://www.karilemor.com/   *sign up for my mailing list to get up to date info or freebies*

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Karilemorauthor/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/karilemor

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/karilemor/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/karilemorauthor/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9756283.Kari_Lemor

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kari-lemor

Amazon Author page:  https://www.amazon.com/Kari-Lemor/e/B00ON2YDI6/

Kensington Author Page:  http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/31828

Love on the Line – 3 books

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Line-3-Book/dp/B071NSM484/

LUCK O' THE IRISH Giveaway: 3 Ways to Win 

Our March Giveaway is in full swing. See all the prizes on the Monthly Giveaway page.


Comment & Win

Leave a comment on any post in March + Your Email Addy—written out, i.e. Mary at yahoo dot com. (We need your email to verify you are who you say you are and to contact you.)

The more comments you make; the greater your chance of winning. Winner selected by random draw from eligible entries.

Prizes: $5.00 Amazon Gift Card at the end of each week beginning March 8 for a total of 4 Amazon Gift Cards.

1 of the Friends Tell Friends Prizes

Friends Tell Friends

To enter, send your friends to visit us. When your friend visits and reads a post, she should (1) leave a comment with her email addy written out (2) leave the name and email of the friend who referred her. (Readers, coordinate this with your friend.)

Both names/emails will be entered in Friends Tell Friends Giveaway. The more friends you bring; the greater your chances of winning. Winner selected by random draw from eligible entries at end of March.

Prizes: Romance Readers Tee & Audiobook by Nancy Fraser 

Luck O' The Irish Rafflecopter

Be a Star—Name a Character

1st Grand Prize Winner

The Honor of Naming a Female Character in an Author's upcoming Book plus $10.00 Amazon Gift Card.

2nd Grand Prize Winner

The Honor of Naming a Male Character in an Author's upcoming Book plus $10.00 Amazon Gift Card.

Other Rafflecopter Prizes are shown on the Monthly Giveaway.

Enter the Rafflecopter and the other Giveaways often. The more you enter; the better your chances to win.