Catch These May Posts

I caught up with some of my blog reading this week. Here's my list of good posts for May in case you missed some of these.

Amazon Sponsored Ads by Mimi Barbour

Source of Blog Topics from SlingWords

Branding for Authors: When Do We Need Marketing & Advertisingby Kristen Lamb

7 Essential Skills You Need to Become a Writer by Tess Pajaron on Nicholas Rossi’s Blog

The Pressure to Release Titles by Jane Friedman

How to Be a Happy Writer from SlingWords

7 Ways to Build an Email List for Your New Ebook by Michelle Deery on Nicholas Rossi's blog

If Only I’d Known: Writing Lesson by Jennifer Bray-Weber.

Writers Must Possess Certain Skills from SlingWords

Writing Every Day by Nan on Word Wranglers

Who’s Pointing at You by David Gaughran

Takeaway Truth

Did you read some great posts in May? If so, post a link.

Results of Free Book Promotion

I thought a free book promotion would be a nice thing to do for Memorial weekend.

Heat Lightning is on Kindle Unlimited (free for subscribers or 2.99 to buy for anyone) so I set it up to be free for May 28 and 29.

I did not advertise the free book except on SlingWords the night before it was to go free, some Twitter posts, and a couple on Facebook each day.

Results

473 copies given away in the U.S. and 6 other countries.

Hit #10 on the Free List for Kindle eBooks > Mystery Thriller Suspense > Crime Fiction > Murder . I don't know if it went lower than 10 because I didn't check after that, but I was surprised by its ranking in that category.

Brief uptick in sales of my other books especially Cinderella Blue which is the excerpt in the back of Heat Lightning.

Brief increase in free downloads of my permanently free short story, LuvU4Ever which isn't advertised anywhere except in the back of my books and herre on SlingWords..

Lots of new followers on Facebook and subscribers to my mailing list, WordPlay.

Ways to Improve Performance

I know the things to do to improve performance of promotions, but I never know from one day to the next what demands will be placed on me due to family members with health problems.

When I suddenly end up with some free time, I do whatever can be done in that window of opportunity.

You see, this year I decided to stop running ads that have to be booked at least a few weeks in advance because in the past I've done that and then been unavailable to follow up appropriately.

Tune in tomorrow on the last day of May for links to some great posts that you may have missed from SlingWords and other excellent blogs.

Takeaway Truth

Giving away a book for free occasionally can bring new readers to your books.

Service and Sacrifice

Throughout the course of American history, courageous men and women have taken up arms to secure, defend, and maintain the core principles upon which our Nation's freedom depends. ~ George Bush

Takeaway Truth

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Giving Thanks on Memorial Day

Memorial Day sometimes gets lost among the travel, family picnics, BBQs, and retail sales.

Many see it as the unofficial start of the summer vacation season.

I think the Sunday that falls in this three-day holiday is a great time to remember why we celebrate Memorial Day--to remember and honor those who died in service to our country.

Many visit the nearest Veteran's Cemetery and place flowers and wreaths there.

I know everyone's life is super busy, but please take a moment to honor those who paid the ultimate price in service. If you can't visit a Veteran's Cemetery or patients in a VA hospital, then make a donation to a veterans' organization like Wounded Warrior. If you see a man or woman in uniform, thank them for their service.

Takeaway Truth

Teach your children why we have a Memorial Day. Start a family observance of doing something to honor veterans as well as having a big family party.

Free Book for Everyone

For Memorial Weekend, I've set Heat Lightning to be free starting May 28 at midnight PDT and ending at midnight PDT, May 29, 2017. (That's 2am CDT here in Texas so you must wait a couple of hours.)

Make sure it shows FREE on the book page before you click to buy.

There are no strings attached to this gift, but I will ask you for a favor.

If you like Heat Lightning,  a super sexy romantic suspense, I'd appreciate it if you'd leave a short review so other readers may discover this book. Just go to the Amazon page for Heat Lightning and click to buy.

What's The Book About

I love this book! I'm working on the next in the series.

Secrets, lies, passion. What Tessa doesn't remember may mean the death of her.

Her husband found her, claimed her, rescued her. David’s touch makes Tessa throb. Desire flashes between them like heat lightning on a summer night.

Her body knows David, but when she looks at him, he is a stranger to her. Not a flicker of memory is left of him or their life together since she awakened from a coma.

Amnesia has left her with nothing but questions. Who is she? Why does David seem to hate her even as he pulls her into his arms? What is he hiding? How can she trust him when her gut says, Trust no one?

As her love for David grows, so does her feeling of foreboding--as if something awful is watching and waiting.

Oh, you can watch the video for Heat Lightning on the blog's video page--see the Menu Bar? Just click Video.

Or watch it on YouTube.

Takeaway Truth

I thought I could stay up until I knew the book was listed as free, but it's been a long day. *LOL* I think I'm ready for bed. Happy reading!

If Only I'd Known, Writing Lesson by Jennifer Bray-Weber

Every author learns things after writing a few books. Authors often say that they wish they'd known "that" at the beginning of their career.

I think the best thing we can do as authors is to pass along the lessons we've learned. With that thought, I've asked author friends to share these lessons with those who are at the threshold of a writing career.

Today, my friend Jennifer Bray-Weber, author of The Laird's Reckoning, a historical pirate romance, has a lesson to pass on to you. Jenn has written and published 8 Romancing the Pirate novels and one erotic romantic suspense under the pen name Harlowe Wilde.

About Jennifer Bray-Weber

Award-winning author Jennifer Bray-Weber is a proud native Texan. She is a married domestic goddess/beach bum with two beautiful daughters. The type to take dares, she has been able to express her creative thinking through countless questionable, often hilarious, life experiences.

Visit Jennifer Online: Website * Facebook * Goodreads * Amazon Author Page.

If Only I'd Known
by Jennifer Bray-Weber

Anyone who knows me is not surprised that I while I look before I leap, I jump into things with both feet. No dipping the toes or testing the waters. I believe in learning by doing, making mistakes, growing, and striving to be better.

What I Wish I'd Known

The one thing I wish I’d known, or at least learned early on, is how to manipulate my time better.

While the industry is fast moving and fluid, allocating my time has not been—think kids, work, obligations, and so forth and so on.

Time management is important, and I’ve been slow to train myself to better maintain it. Admittedly, it’s a work in progress. So my advice to new authors is to carve out time daily for writing. Treat it as if you are punching a timecard for work.

Be patient in learning your craft and don’t rush your product. Be aware that extra time is needed to prepare your launch into the world as a published author—building a website, forming a brand, creating a buzz, generating a following, etc.

After publication, still more time must be devoted to marketing your book, your brand, and yourself. Whew! Time really does fly!

One Other Piece of Advice

Always remember that you are at your best now, but you will be better tomorrow.

The Laird's Reckoning by Jennifer Bray-Weber

Pirate or Laird…?

Birk Bane was born the second son, the unwanted son, the unneeded son. Crossed by family and falsely accused of a crime, he flees Scotland to the sea where he’s recruited by a pirate.

Five years later, he’s captain of his own ship and embraces his new life, though an ache for the woman he left behind remains. When he receives word of his father’s death and his clan is floundering, Birk begrudgingly returns home. Little does he know there’s more he left behind than a title…much more.

Sheena MacRae helped Birk escape to safety years ago, always expecting he’d return. Time passes, and she believes him to be dead. With her clan being terrorized and slaughtered, she accepts she is the only one who can stop the suffering by agreeing to marry Laird Gordon, the man behind the assaults. The man who is also poised to rule Birk’s clan.

Despite the crushing need to hold Birk in her arms once more, his reappearance changes nothing. Sheena has too much to lose if she reneges the betrothal to Gordon. And while Birk’s intentions are to return to the sea after reclaiming his clan, she didn’t count on her pirate lover’s plan for revenge…

The longer he’s home, the more betrayal Birk uncovers. There will be a fiery battle ahead for Birk and his brethren. If he survives, how will he choose between the life he loves and the love of his life?

Add The Laird's Reckoning to Your Library

You'll find this pirate romance at Amazon. It's free for Kindle Unlimited Subscribers or only $2.99 to purchase.

Takeaway Truth

We're just hours away from the weekend. Get ready for reading fun with The Laird's Reckoning by Jennifer Bray-Weber. Click here to get it now!

Tune In Tomorrow For New Feature

I'm starting a new feature for SlingWords.

On Friday, I'll present If Only I'd Known, a lesson about writing an author has learned and is passing on.

Submit Your Experience

If you're an author and have a lesson to pass on, email me. If we haven't communicated before, use the Contact Page. I'll reply with what you need to submit.

I'll publish these succinct bits of advice as often as I receive them. 

Learn From Others

If you're an author--novice or experienced--you may find these of great value. It's smart to learn from others. It sure beats learning the hard way--from bad experiences.

Takeaway Truth

See you tomorrow with my first guest Jennifer Bray-Weber.

Website Updated + Giveaway

I've been working on updating my website all month. Finally, just minutes ago, I completed it.

That Was Then

Once upon a time, which means before Life got so complicated and demanding, I updated my website every month.

I had a website newsletter, I wrote new articles for writers, articles especially for readers, reviewed books, and did lots of other things to make my website stand out. It was fun, but it took a lot of time.

This Is Now

 I've eliminated a lot of pages and made the website evergreen, meaning it doesn't require updates unless I publish new books or change the distribution channels of my books.

Drop By For a Visit

Check out my website then come back here to SlingWords and leave a comment about my website.

I'll take the names of those who comment and randomly choose a winner.

All names will be entered in the First Half of 2017 Giveaway of a Swag Bag full of goodies. (Continental US entrants only. Outside the Conus, the winner receives Ebook Gifts. 

Giveaway Prize

Enter your comment on this post any time between now and May 31. The randomly chosen winner receives a Kindle copy of Last Chance New Year.

Never Ever Text and Drive

We were driving on I-45 north in our pickup. There was an 18-wheeler in front of me who kept edging in and out of the lane. Traffic was heavy. He slowed so Darling Hubby decided to get past him.

When we drew even with him, he started encroaching onto our lane again. I glanced over and saw he was texting! OMG! It's bad enough when car drivers are texting, but the driver of a gigantic 18-wheeler? The prospect is horrifying.

Texas has a bill before the legislature to ban all texting while driving. Many cities in Texas have already done this.

Zero Tolerance

I hope the bill passes, and I hope it's a zero tolerance law. I also hope they start cracking down on this. I see it every day I'm on the freeways. Drivers weaving in and out of their lane or going super slow--or even worse, going super fast!!

If there were an 800 number to report the license plates of cars whose drivers are texting, the call logs would be inundated with reports. The minimum time a text takes is 5 seconds. At 55 mph, those 5 seconds your eyes are on a text instead of on the road means your vehicle travels the length of a football field.

Staggering Statistics Caused by Texting Drivers

Deaths: 6,000 a year
Injuries: 500,000+
Accidents: 1.3 million car accidents a year

Who does it? 60% of American teens admit to texting while driving

Want to know what a 10 second text can do? Watch this video or this one that shows what's left of vehicles involved in texting wrecks and gives statistics or watch any of the other videos on YouTube about texting and driving or distracted driving.

Takeaway Truth

Do NOT text and drive. There is no excuse. If a text is so important to read or send, pull over somewhere and do it.

Lone Star Writing Competition Deadline Nears

Writers, get your entries ready. There's only a couple of weeks left to enter the 27th Annual Lone Star Writing Competition is now open, and it's a reputable writing contest you don't want to miss.

Sponsored by the Northwest Houston Romance Writers of America Chapter, this prestigious writing contest has opened the doors to publication for a lot of writers.

Details

Fee: $25

Deadline: June 4, 2017

What to Send: First 5000 words. Electronic entries, only.

Eligibility: Open to all writers – published and unpublished in any category. However, the entry must never have been published in any format (digital or print), and may not be under contract until the announcement of the winning entries on October 6th. Open to RWA and non-RWA members.

Categories: Contemporary Series, Fantasy-Futuristic-Paranormal, Historical-Regency, Inspirational Romance, Romantic Suspense, Single Title, Young Adult. Each category, except the Single Title is open for Novella or Novel length works.

For Full Information, click here or contact Contest Coordinator, Erica Thompson.

Takeaway Truth

Someone will win. Maybe it will be you so enter today.

Thought to Guide You This Week

Most people worry. A lot. In fact, I'd venture to say an unreasonable lot.

I read once that 90 per cent of what you worry about never comes to pass.

Unreasonable fears and worries suck the life out of you because you expend a ton of emotional and mental energy.

Wouldn't it be better to expend energy by taking action rather than passive worrying?

Worried about losing a job? Really apply yourself at work. Worried about your book not selling? Expend energy writing another book or promoting the one that has you worried.

Worried about your kids? Spend more time with them playing, talking, building bonds.

Takeaway Truth

You can either expend your energy worrying or expend your energy tackling the problem. Far better to be a warrior, not a worrier.

Saturday Recipe Share: Kicked Up Mac and Cheese

Who doesn't love Mac and Cheese? Did you know you can make this American favorite in a slow cooker?

This recipe is easy and will feed a large family. Add a good salad, a nice green vegetable, and some rustic bread, and you have a family-pleasing meal.

My version of this family-friendly comfort food is a combination of the Mac and Cheese my Mom made. She always used real cheese and eggs beaten with the milk. She made the most delicious Mac and Cheese ever.

I added poblano peppers for a unique flavor that pairs well with the cheesy concoction.

Kicked Up Mac and Cheese

• 6 cups of cooked macaroni or any pasta shape you like
• 2 tablespoons of a light salad oil
• 1 13-ounce can of Pet Milk (or other evaporated milk)
• 1 1/2 cups milk
•  1/4 cup melted butter
• 3 tablespoons finely minced, roasted and peeled poblano peppers (If you like to sweat, use 1-2 jalapeno peppers instead. (Read below for how to roast peppers.)
• 2 tablespoons finely minced onion
• 5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs beaten well

Directions

• Prepare the peppers in advance. If you don't want to add peppers, just eliminate them.
• Prepare the slow cooker by lightly buttering the stoneware crock or the slow cooker pan or spray the crock/pan with Pam or a similar product..
• Place the cooked pasta in the cooker and drizzle the oil over it. Toss to cover well.
• Mix the evaporated milk, 1 1/2 cups of milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs.
• Pour over the pasta and mix well..
• Sprinkle the onion and poblano peppers over the mixture and stir to mix.
• Add the shredded cheese and mix well. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW, 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Directions to Roast Any Pepper

Roasting makes it easy to remove the thin "skin" on peppers. It also brings out the flavor of the peppers. You can use these roasting methods for any pepper. Do a bunch and store the excess in the fridge for up to a week.

Poblano is a mild chili pepper with a delightful flavor. When dried, this pepper is called ancho or chile ancho. It's often used to make chile rellenos, and cream of poblano soup is out of this world.

You can roast the peppers under an oven broiler, in a hot oven, or directly over a gas flame.

Under a broiler, just place on a baking sheet and roast until the tops are blackened. Turn over to do both sides. This takes about 5 minutes.

In the oven, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes at 500F. degrees. Turn as needed. When they're blackened, they're done.

To roast chilies over an open gas flame, just lay the chili over the open flame. Tongs makes it easy to turn when using this method. Roast until blackened on all sides.

Let the roasted peppers cool then use a paper towel to rub off the skin or exterior membrane.

Takeaway Truth

I think you'll like this dish. I know my family does.

Father's Day Essay Contest

CONTEST FOR WRITERS

Back in March, I posted about an essay contest for Mother's Day. Erika Lawson of Shame Kills was kind enough to update me on the contest.

To refresh your memory, Shame Kills is an organization dedicated to reducing the stigma associated with addiction in communities nationwide.

They say: "Shame Kills loves the addict but hates the disease. The more we talk about addiction and bring it out of the shadows, the better chance we have of saving those who suffer."

Erika thanked me and all the bloggers who called attention to their 2017 “My Mother, My Hero” Mother’s Day Essay Contest.

She said: "We didn’t know what kind of response to expect with our competition, but we were totally blown away. Not only did we get some amazing essays, but we had an incredible number of submissions, and part of that has to come from visibility on sites like yours; we can’t thank you enough for sharing our contest information."

To see the winners of their Mother’s Day Essay Contest, and read their essays, click here.

When I Think of My Dad

Their Mother's Day contest was so successful--140 entries--that they've decided to do a Father's Day Contest.

In 250 words or less, use the starting phrase “When I think of my dad,” and say what your father means to you and how he has made your life better. What has he done to lift you up and keep you on the right track? How has he influenced you? How has he helped you stay on the path towards healing?

Visit the Father's Day Contest Page.

Takeaway Truth

If this contest appeals to you, flex your writing muscles and make a submission.

Review: Romance on the High Seas Box Set

As a kid, I loved the old pirate movies on TV. Movies like Captain Blood with Errol Flynn, The Black Swan with Tyrone Power, and so many others.

I was thrilled when Johnny Depp’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise became a huge hit. Now I’ve discovered a new romance genre to read: pirate romance.

If you like romances with swashbuckling heroes and saucy heroines, matey, hie thee to Amazon and purchase Romance on the High Seas.

In The Pirate's Debt by Katherine Bone, Basil Halford seeks redemption for the sins of his father. At odds with the law and honorable men, he owes a favor to the man who “rescued” him. He takes on the quest to find and return a young runaway, but the runaway turns out to be a young woman with an over-developed imagination who fancies herself in love with Basil. In seeking redemption, the reader is gratified that Basil finds more than he knew he wanted.

Dead Man's Kiss by Jennifer Bray-Weber opens with an explosive bar fight. Valeryn, captain of the Rissa, ends up in jail, his ship seized, and a threatened death sentence. Offered a deal, he agrees to escort Catalina, the alcalde’s niece, to a remote island and bring her back safely. Catalina is more than he bargained for. The two together generate enough heat to make the Caribbean boil! This book has lots of action, and it’s well-plotted with believable characters and emotional depth.

The Black Morass by Barbara Devlin is a quest for redemption. Captain Jean Marc Cavalier rescues Maddie, a shipwreck survivor, who proceeds to complicate his life, arousing his desire along with his long-buried conscience. A nice “woman in jeopardy” mystery rounds out this tale.

Pirate Heiress by Chloe Flowers is about a treasure hunt inspired by a letter from the famous Irish woman pirate Anne Bonny. A family thinks to recover their losses with Anne Bonny’s treasure, but they need a ship--Conal O’Brien’s ship. Stevie, a would-be lady pirate, takes Conal hostage. They set sail for Jamaica on a voyage fraught with disasters, not the least of which is the desire that rises between Conal and Stevie. Likable secondary characters nicely round out the story.

My Lady Pirate by Danelle Harmon features Maeve, a pirate queen, who sees visions. Her latest one kicks off an adventure that turns her life upside down. Maeve doesn’t believe in love nor does she trust it, but that doesn’t stop her from falling for a pirate named Gray–except he’s not really a pirate but an admiral in the British Navy. Maeve and Gray have to figure out if love is enough to overcome their differences.

Captivated by the Captain by Amanda Mariel has Prudence, victim of pirates, and Jasper, a pirate captain, in forced companionship. She hates pirates because they killed those she loved, but Jasper isn’t your average pirate. He has scruples, and Prudence tests them all. If you like “lovers from two different worlds,” you’ll enjoy this.

Carried Away by Kamery Solomon has time travel as part of the story. Throw in some of history’s most compelling conspiracy theories, and you have a a nice mashup of speculative fiction and pirate romance. It’s not immediately apparent that this is Tristan and Samantha’s romance because this is part of a series. It tries to tie this to past books and also foreshadow the next book. You may have a quibble with the ending because there's not a solid romantic ending with the heroine and hero, but a hook ending for the next book.

Takeaway Truth

All in all, this is a satisfying romance box set that should appeal to those who love Regency romance and the Master and Commander set of books from that same era.

So grab it, me hearties, for some weekend reading fun.

Writers Must Possess Certain Skills

Writers who sell know that more is required than inspiration to create a compelling story.

A writer must possess certain learned skills. If you’re going to be a professional writer, you must respect the craftsmanship involved in becoming a selling writer and learn those narrative skills.

What Are These Skills?

Jack E. Bickham, author of many novels and nonfiction books on writing, said: “A story is the formed record of a character testing conflict, told from a point of view.”

Formed Record

Mr. Bickham taught that a formed record means an author controls the material. There is a formal structure. There is a consciousness of narrative principles. Classical ideas of dramatic architecture are followed. In other words, great stories just don’t happen.

Characterization

A character is not just a person. In fiction, a character is a creation of many things. A character is an exaggeration of a real-life person in some respects. A character is much easier to understand than a human being, because their “tags” and traits, their attitudes, internal and external wants and needs, their conflicts are played on the stage of our minds.

Often, it’s much easier to understand what makes a created character tick than to understand why your spouse gets depressed if you blow off your anniversary to play golf. Or it should be easier. That’s the author’s job: make the character understandable by the reader and make the reader want to know the character.

Conflict

Conflict is the driving force of fiction. Conflict is struggle. It is a fight that plays on stage for the reader.

Yes, sometimes conflict is a character at war with himself, but this isn’t enough. There has to be an external conflict driving the external plot and reflecting the internal struggle.

Don’t make the mistake of confusing adversity with conflict. Adversity is just bad luck, not conflict.

Point of View

Point of view, is what makes the story someone’s story. Viewpoint is necessary to fiction, because a reader wants and needs to identify with someone. The reader wants to cheer for someone and relate to the story.

Viewpoint is a carefully wielded skill by the writer.

A writer must make careful decisions about what kind of viewpoint to use, whose viewpoint to use, and how to use that viewpoint to not only relate the events of the story but also reveal character to the reader.

Takeaway Truth

If you are just starting out, your writer’s tool box probably has lots of empty space.

Add these skills as quickly as possibly, and you’ll be on your way to writing salable fiction.

Review: Tuscan Wedding

Recently, Darling Hubby and I watched Tuscan Wedding.

This Dutch romantic comedy was so delightful we forgot we hardly realized we were reading dialogue rather than listening to it.

The movie is about the owners of a Tuscan villa  which specializes in weddings. From simple to complicated, the weddings always come with their share of oddball family members.

Initially released in 2014, Tuscan Wedding, directed by Johan Nijenhuis, produced by Klaas de Jong, and with an appealing soundtrack with music composed by André Rieu and Ronald Schilperoort, has made its way to Netflix.

My Opinion

The cast is excellent, in particular Jan Kooijman as Jeroen, the divorce attorney/ladies' man who never "sees" a woman more than 3 times, and Sophie van Oers as Sanne, who lives her happily ever after vicariously through the weddings she performs at the villa.

Sanne is divorced and reluctant to yield to the attraction she feels for Jeroen, but good intentions fall by the wayside as desire wins out.

Just when you think the movie will fade out into a happily ever after ending, Sanne proclaims that she doesn't want to be a three-timer.

The movie is full of twists and surprises--some amusing and some poignant. Sanne and Jeroen seem destined to unrequited love. You'll have to watch the movie to see how everything works out. I enjoyed it so much that I plan to watch it again.

Unfortunately, the BluRay edition of this movie from the Netherlands is Region A/B/C so unless you have a BluRay player capable of multiple regions, you won't be able to view it. You can find it on Netflix for now. If you'd like to see the trailer, visit YouTube. 

Takeaway Truth

The characters and their stories are by turns farcical, touching, humorous, and emotional. The scenery is gorgeous. The acting is solid. The soundtrack is good. Beyond all that, the emotion and story has universal appeal.

Quick Blog Tip: Give Details

Monday is the perfect day to give another tip from my upcoming book on blogging.

Many bloggers think they can just rattle off something without giving the pertinent details required by the most basic exposition. What are those basic details?

The 6 Basic Details

1. Who?
2. What?
3. When?
4. Where?
5. Why?
6. How?

Remember this was taught in English composition. Maybe the teacher called it the 5 W's plus How.

Why Give These 6 Details

Never assume the reader is on the same wave length as you and immediately knows what you're writing about.

This basic tenet of writing--giving these 6 details quickly--clue the reader in to what an article or post is about. This hooks the reader into reading more to get the information those details promise.

Write your posts this way and especially write a multi-part series using this technique. If you're covering a topic with many facets that you plan to write as a three-part series or something similar, giving the 6 basic details at the beginning of each part is like a TV show that presents scenes of previous episodes--sometimes with a voice over: "Previously on The Big Bang Theory."

Takeaway Truth

Include those 6 details then give your information, and give it in grammatically-correct, well-chosen words, and you'll turn a casual visitor into a follower.

Happy Mother's Day

When your mother is no longer there, Mother's Day holds a certain poignancy.

Even if you, yourself, are a mom, you still miss your own mom. Life is just too short.


Takeaway Truth

Always tell your mother you love her--especially on Mother's Day.

Saturday Recipe Share: Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake

Since tomorrow is Mother's Day, why not serve up a delicious cake for Mom's celebration?

Since this is a busy weekend, let's make a super easy cake like Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake?

A punch bowl cake is really a chilled trifle, a delicious combination of cake, fruit, and whipped cream. So you can put this together today to serve tomorrow.

Today's recipe for Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake is from Friday Is Cake Day, my cake recipe book. It's available for only 99 cents from Amazon Kindle and other ebook sellers. See all buy links at the end of this post.

Ingredients

• 1 box of yellow cake mix
• 12 ounces of heavy cream, whipped
• 1 large can crushed pineapple in real juice
• 1 large package of vanilla pudding mix, prepared
• 1 can strawberry pie filling or 2 cups fresh sliced strawberries

Directions

• Bake the cake as the package directions require and cook the vanilla pudding mix.
• Crumble the cake into pieces about an inch square.
• In a large punchbowl or a pretty large glass bowl of any kind, layer the ingredients in this order: cake pieces, pudding, pineapple, pie filling or fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.
• Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all the ingredients, finishing with whipped cream on top.
• You can get extra fancy and place chocolate curls on top of the whipped cream.
• Chill at least 4 hours and serve. The longer it chills; the better it tastes because all the flavors meld.

Add Friday Is Cake Day to Your Cookbook Collection

Amazon * iBooks * Kobo * Nook * Smashwords * Scribd * 24Symbols * Inktera.

Takeaway Truth

Enjoy the cake and have a Happy Mother's Day!

Celebrating Book Birthday for Still The One + Giveaway

To celebrate the book birthday for Still The One, I'm giving away 5 copies of this romantic comedy.

"I bought this book after reading others comments. I fell in love with it after the first few pages!!! Very romantic...." ~ Amazon Review

About Still The One

Burke Winslow stands at the altar, ready to marry his business partner in a marriage of convenience.

The minister solemnly asks: "If anyone here knows why this man and this woman shouldn't be joined in holy matrimony, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."

What follows is a funny, sexy romp that proves when there's love, passion never dies, it just smolders away until you toss some gasoline on it. Burke and Ally provide that gasoline! Still The One is a rollicking good time--Texas style! Sassy, sexy, and funny!

Claim Your Free Copy

The Coupon Code is good for only 5 redemptions so it's first come; first served.

1. Visit the Smashwords Page for Still The One and add it to your Cart.

2. Prior to checkout, enter the Smashwords Coupon Code: DQ76N

3. If a redemption is still available, your cart will show zero due. If it doesn't, then all codes have been used.

Code Expires: After 5 Redemptions.

Takeaway Truth

Happy reading.

Thursday3Some: I Got Your Back, Hailey by June Kramin

Good morning! I'm happy to bring you another book spotlight on Thursday3Some.

Today I'm chatting with a new author friend, June Kramin, author of I Got Your Back, Hailey.

June says, "There is a fine line between genius and crazy... I like to use that line as a jump rope!"

I love that! I surmise that she brings that out of the box imagination to her romance novels. In fact, she confessed that her Super Power is being hopelessly addicted to 80's music. (That's not a bad addiction in my opinion.)

More About June Kramin

June, who prefers to go by Bug, was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui, Hawaii, when she was four. She met her Prince Charming on Kauai and is currently living Happily Ever After in a small town in Minnesota.

Her son and daughter are her greatest accomplishments. She takes pride in embarrassing them every chance she gets.

Visit June Online

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I Got Your Back, Hailey

When Hailey stumbles upon a backpack full of money on her nightly jog, she escapes under gunfire with Parker, a man she'd met only moments sooner.

Leaving the security of her secret identity behind, they put together the pieces of Hailey's past and try to put a stop to the man that wants her dead.

Falling in love in the middle of it all was the last thing either one of them expected!

Add I Got Your Back, Hailey by June Kramin to your romance library. You'll find June's book at: Amazon * B&N * Smashwords.

When did you write I Got Your Back, Hailey?

June: I Got You Back, Hailey was published in April 2014, so it was probably written around June of 2013. I remember this story moving very quickly for me. Hailey and Parker had complete control over this one. Things completely fell into place and it was done within 2 months.

By this point, I had parted ways with the last of my 3 publishers. I just wasn't ready to do the query bit again. I abused my 3 beta readers, and they unanimously decided it was their favorite of everything I had written. I found a fabulous editor who helped beat it into shape and voila! A new book was born.

I knew the ins and outs from getting my other books re-released, so I was proud to have this one be my first solo "self-pubbed" novel. I love a good series so that's what I decided to do. Stop with my single titles and concentrate on Hailey and her crew. I'm currently writing number four and enjoying the ride they're taking me on.

What was the spark that gave you the story idea?

This whole series dumbfounds me. One night I was wide awake, and the character name "Parker Peters" came to mind. I know, Spiderman's real name backward. Insane, but one never questions the Muse! I ran with it, and the story unfolded. Even I was unsure if he was the bad guy or the good guy in the beginning. I was thrilled when two characters from another series decided to pop into book 3. Now the series is taking even more twists and turns.

Why do your readers buy I Got Your Back, Hailey?

I Got Your Back, Hailey is more along the lines of what I like to read. There is a romantic element, but it's heavier on the suspense. It was the first book I did a "read and review" for and received phenomenal emails back. I guess I hit a good chord with this one.

Takeaway Truth

Okay, readers. The weekend is coming. I Got Your Back, Hailey sounds like a good book to grab for your leisure reading. Remember, you can find it at: Amazon * B&N * Smashwords.