Monday, January 25, 2016

Tina's GMC to a Career Planning #MFRWauthor - Time To Plan for the New Year


If you are like me you have just dug out from under the holidays and having guest and need to start planning for the future.  So let's get at it.



 

Goals:  At the start of the New Year, we plan out what we want to achieve this year.  It might be easy to come up with the goals but hard to achieve them.  After all, we only have twenty-four hours in a day, no more, no less. Yet, we all know people who seem to get it all done.

How you might ask?
 
Planning ahead and breaking things down in bite size pieces are the two best ways to achieving your goals.  Okay, you’re goal is to write four books this year. Impossible you might say, but let’s break it down with a few questions
         

            How many pages can you write a day?

How long are the books?

How much time do you need to edit the book once it’s done?


Let’s say you want to write a 240 page book. You can squeeze out three pages a day with everything else you have to do.


Simple math 240/3 = 80 days.

You want to write 4 books x 80 days = 320

365 days in a year  - 320 = 45 days to do edits.

If you can edit each book in 11 days, you’ve made your goal with one day to spare.




Is this feasible for everything else you have to do?

            What about other commitments?

            Other objectives?

            Family? Friends?

            Will this fit in your over all scheme? What about promotion and blogging?

            Or can you make it happen by edit at odd time, like at your kid’s soccer game?

            Write more pages on weekends and take off time during the week.
        

If you plan ahead, set deadlines and make your objectives clear to your family and friends, you can make it happen.



Motivation and Conflict


These two things can kill a well laid out plan. If you are unmotivated to write or have some type of conflict, your writing can suffer. This is where you need to work some flexibility into your plan. 

Work in time for potential conflicts that might arise, if they don’t it’ll only give you more time to write.  We all have life outside of writing and things happen. Like our characters conflict test our resolve and the best way to work our way through it is by revising our goals and forgiving ourselves for our shifts in priorities.
 

Find motivation can also derail a plan. If you worn out or struggling with other issues in your life, it can be difficult to sit your butt down in the chair and write. Again, give yourself a break and schedule a special treat for yourself like an hour in the tub with a glass of wine and scented candle. Remember to celebrate each victory that comes along and give yourself time to enjoy your accomplishments.


Here’s to achieving your goals this New Year.

Hope all your dreams come true. 

With a little planning, they will.

 

Tina Gayle


 
 

 

    

           

 

 

Sunday, January 24, 2016

When A Widow is Tempted #excerpt #romance #ASMSG



Blurb for Youthful Temptations

 

A widow with two grown children, Linda Clayton is ready to let loose and have some fun. Jilted at a party, she met a younger man, Vaughn Reagan.  He tempts with an active imagination and allures her into his life by tempting her with seductive games.

 

Vaughn thrilled to find a woman who doesn’t want children.  He offers Linda a job so he can spend his days with her.  Now, if he could only convince her to forget their age difference and enjoy the nights in his arm.

 

 

What others are saying about "Youthful Temptations"

 

"Youthful Temptations is about a couple finding love and overcoming stereotypes. We see that we all have baggage, it’s a part of us, and those that love us don’t mind the load we carry. Awesome story, I really enjoyed Youthful Temptations."

 

Reviewed by Raine 

Read the rest of the Review at Joyfully Reviewed
 
Excerpt -

With each squishy step across the damp grass, she lambasted herself for being a fool. What possible reason could she have for leaving a crowded party to follow a complete stranger to his house?
Was she nuts?
No.
But she couldn’t force herself to reenter the party and face Philip either. She lacked the strength to demand he drive her home, due to his apparent disgust and the possibility of another scene.
On the other hand, a nerd she could handle. After all, Josh proved young guys today cared more about their computers than girls.
“They’re less fickle,” he’d said.
And Vaughn appeared young enough in his faded cotton jeans and light knit sweater to love his computer. A slim man with dark, curly hair and round granny glasses, he reminded her of her son.
She couldn’t believe he’d be interested in her other than to help her out of a bad situation. But a little voice in her head reminded her that’s how Philip had developed into a problem. She’d underestimated the man.
“If you don’t mind, we’ll go in through the garage.” The warm bass sound of his voice caressed her senses like the smooth whiskey she’d drank earlier to calm her frazzled nerves. He flipped up the lid of a small box located by the double garage door and entered a code into the keypad. The door lifted. A shiny new truck gleamed in the glow of the overhead light. The alluring scent of oil, gas, and a hint of new rubber infused her nasal passages.
Inspiration struck.
“Is this your truck?” Linda rushed forward and ran a long caress over the cold rim of the tailgate.
“Yes.” He took a few steps along the driver’s side on his way to the back door.
Linda’s spirit lifted at the chance of finding a way home. “Then you can drive me home.”
He stopped and turned. “What?”
“Well, the only reason I came over here to your house is because I don’t have a ride home. Philip drove me here, and I can’t ask him to carry me back. My son is at the library with his phone off. So . . .”—she tried to judge his reaction to her request—“if you wouldn’t mind.”
“And what if I do mind?” His face appeared calm. No frown marred his lips, but the slight shift in his stance alerted her to his displeasure at the idea.
She paused a moment to determine how exactly to answer his question so he’d agree with her plan. “Well, I could offer to pay you.”
He frowned.
“And if you still won’t concede, then I guess I’ll have to wait until my son returns from the library.” Her hands tightened against the cold metal. The unbending surface reminded her of the precarious situation. “He never remembers to recharge his phone, or he’d already be on his way.”
A smile lit Vaughn’s face. He paced back to where she stood by the bumper of the king-size truck. “I’ll tell you what, if your son isn’t back in an hour, I’ll drive you home. But first, I’d like a chance to get to know you better.” He held out his hand. “Deal?”
The spark in his gray eyes caught her attention. What harm could an hour make? Josh would probably take at least fifteen or twenty minutes to drive over here even after she contacted him anyway.
“Deal.” She laid her hand in Vaughn’s.
 


Read the first chapter at
 
or Purchase at

Have a wonderful day,

Tina


Friday, January 22, 2016

#Author Kimbra Kusch #NewRelease The Cats of Cullaby Creek #EggcerptExchange




BLURB for THE CATS OF CULLABY CREEK:

 

When Savannah meets Kyle, its love at first sight. And why wouldn't it be? He's perfect, as far as she can tell. But Kyle appears whenever things go wrong. Maybe he isn't everything she thought he was. It's a complete mystery until she discovers the water in Cullaby Creek is being bottled and sold as vitamin “infused” water. Mistic Water promises the impossible. And then, like a magical elixir, it delivers. People who drink it feel younger, smarter, faster...healthier. But it doesn’t take long before side effects hit. Literally. The secret has to be in the water…or is it something more?

 


 

EXCERPT:

Kelly and Kyle

These two shared some sort of history. And now I was in the middle of their story.

Sparks flew through the air. But, they didn’t seem to notice—or maybe they just didn’t care how uncomfortable they were making the rest of us.

I scanned the room. The terribly odd thing was that while they stood in the center of the cafeteria—arguing—everyone’s eyes were on me.

What is so interesting about me?

After a few seconds, I heard whispered accusations slammed back and forth, like a ping-pong ball. My name, muttered in odd and angry tones. No one seemed to mind staring at me, but only the bravest few were sneaking sideways glances over at Kelly and Kyle, hoping no one noticed.

This wasn’t what I needed on my first day at a new school. I hadn’t come here looking for instant enemies, but I knew I’d accidentally stirred a private pot and things were already starting to boil.

I needed to do something and quick. From the sounds floating around me, if they got into an actual argument, I was going to get the blame.

I spit out the first words I could think to say, “What’s a new kid to do, after school, around here… for fun?”

Kyle sighed and chuckled, “That depends on what you’re hoping to find and what you think is fun.” He stepped back away from Kelly for a moment. “You big city kids always think something needs to be going on. But in real life, in a small town, not much ever happens.”

“We could ask my Mom to drive us into Astoria to do some shopping,” I suggested. It was a little too obvious—even to me—Kelly wanted me out of the picture and was trying everything she could think of to keep me away from Kyle. I almost felt sorry for her—but only for a second.

“Or,” Kyle sat down and nodded for me to join him. I could feel a warm rush of air and his scent worked its way up inside my head. I barely heard him finish, “We could go for a run.”

“What?” Kelly demanded, clenching her hands into tight-balled fists at her side.

“Savannah,” Kyle lowered his voice and said my name slow, putting an emphasis on the last syllable, like it was a soft sigh, ‘ah’. And, for the first time in my life, I loved the sound of my own name. “Is a runner. And she’s fast. Aren’t ‘cha?” He nudged me and moved even closer. I could barely think. His smell overpowered my senses; it was the sweet woodsy scent of him that took me by surprise. I closed my eyes and drank it in.

When I opened them back up, Kelly’s eyes were shooting red flames of rage straight at me.

I gazed at Kyle and felt a warmth in my stomach again. It was working its way up into my chest. “That’s not what you said this morning,” I laughed then spun away.


Bio: 



I'm a writer who grew up in a family with 9 kids and only 1 t.v. so I spent my days reading and, later, writing. I love books. . .maybe because I never got to pick t.v. shows we watched. But I’d run home after school to catch the last fifteen minutes of Dark Shadows...

 I still love to run...and read. My favorite romance novels are The Hunger Games...okay, I know, it's a survival book but it's really all about romance. Then there were the series: Twilight, Fifty Shades, and more but I also love paranormal, Horror and even light books like Dewey the Small Town Library Cat... Mainly, I just love to read. . . and write.

 

 


 

KIM’S AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE







 


1. Nickname: Vannah
2. Worst fear or nightmare: That Kyle won’t make it out of Mist
3. Favorite food: Chili Dogs
4. Wealthy, poor, or somewhere in between? In-between
5. Secret desire or fantasy: To Morph into a cougar

Thanks Kim for stopping by and best of luck on your new release,


Tina

Thursday, January 21, 2016

A Highland Ruby by @RayburnLady #historicalfiction




A Highland Ruby: Highland Treasures Book 2

 

She must choose between a life of adventure with the man she loves or a settled, secure life with her betrothed. Flora Vass put Gavin Munro out of her heart and mind until he returned to Scotland after an adventurous five years in the New World. Gavin left no doubt he returned to make the bonnie Flora his own and intended to fight for her. Flora’s betrothed, Iain MacKay, and Gavin’s brother, Chief Andrew Munro, had other plans. Andrew needed her to marry the MacKay to bring peace between the two clans. Iain MacKay wanted an heir. War with England looms on the horizon, forcing Flora to choose between her heart’s desire and her logical choice.

 

Available for Pre-Order

 


 


 


 

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-highland-ruby

 

 

Excerpt

 

He dozed and dreamed of Flora in the emerald gown again. Now her waist-length hair matched the deep red color of the large ruby hanging from a gold chain. The ruby and gold glinted in shards of green light flashing around her and in her eyes. How lovely she appeared, with flawless white skin, ruby red hair, and eyes to match the emerald gown. Gavin’s heart near burst with her beauty. While he watched, Flora removed the ruby from her neck, dipped the stone three times in a crystal goblet of clear water. The water turned red as the ruby.

She held the goblet out to him. “Take this and drink. The ruby’s water will drive the evil away and make you weel.”

“Aye. I desire to be well.” Gavin reached for the beautiful crystal chalice now filled with red water.

Just as his hand touched the chalice, a large boot kicked his foot. Flora disappeared with the red, healing water. Gavin’s eyes popped open. He remained still, grabbing the sgian dubh from his boot with one hand and the pistol from his belt with the other.

 


 
About Brenda B. Taylor
 
The desire to write historical fiction has long been a passion with Brenda B. Taylor. Since elementary school, she has written stories in her spare time. Brenda earned three degrees: a BSE from Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas; a MEd from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas; and an EdD from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas; then worked as a teacher and administrator in the Texas Public School system. Only after retirement could she fulfill the dream of publication.
 
Brenda and her husband make their home in beautiful East Texas where they enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and working in Bethabara Faith Ministry, Inc. She crafts stories about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people in her favorite place overlooking bird feeders, bird houses, and a variety of blooming trees and flowers. She sincerely thanks all who purchase and read her books. Her desire is that the message in each book will touch the heart of the reader as it did hers in the writing.
 
Connect with Brenda
 
 
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/JV31xY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Thanks Brenda for stopping by,

Tina
 

Monday, January 18, 2016

Tina's Tips to Avoid Getting #Sick

I know several people who are not feeling well so I would remind us all how to avoid getting sick.

Hope you can avoid the flu, and here are some suggestions I found.




Whether or not you got a flu shot, since it isn't 100% effective, you should follow these steps to help prevent you and your family from getting sick with the flu:





Wash your hands often. Remember that one of the most common ways people catch colds and the flu is by rubbing their nose or their eyes after their hands have been contaminated with a virus.


 By washing your hands often, especially before, during, and after you prepare food before you eat, and after you use the bathroom after handling animals or animal waste when your hands are dirty, and more frequently when someone in your home is sick, you may avoid getting sick yourself and keep your kids from getting sick too.


Routinely clean, with soap and water, and disinfect surfaces, toys, and objects that younger children may put in their mouths. It may also help to wipe surfaces with paper towels that can be thrown away or cloth towels that can be washed afterwards.


Use disposable tissues to wipe or blow your child's nose.
Teach your children 'cough etiquette', which the American Academy of Pediatrics describes as teaching children to turn their heads and cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue or the inside of their elbow if they don't have a tissue, instead of simply coughing or sneezing onto their hands, which will then spread their germs onto everything they touch.


Avoid close contact with people when you are sick. It isn't really possible to completely avoid people who are sick, so it is likely better if you just avoid exposing other people to your germs when you or your kids are sick. So don't go to school, daycare, work, etc., if you are sick with the flu.


Avoid unnecessary contact with a lot of people for your younger children. It isn't easy to always tell when people are sick and some people are contagious even before they start to have symptoms, so don't expose your younger kids to large crowds of people if you don't have to


Take a reusable water bottle to school or work, like a Sigg or CamelBak, instead of using the school water fountain, which may become contaminated with germs, especially during cold and flu season.
Found these at


http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/commoninfections/a/avoiding_flu.htm

Tina

Monday, January 11, 2016

The Power of Silence Can Help You Learn Dramatic #Truths


It is as important to cultivate your silent power as it is your word power.

William James

This I thought was interesting because I just read an exercise in "Writing on Both Sides of the Brain" by Henriette Anne Klauser. In the exercise one person is listening while the other person speaks, they do this for three minutes without the listening person saying anything other than yes, go on.

According to Ms. Klauser, it has a number of benefits not only to the person being listened to, but to the listener as well.

- reveals dramatic truths
- allows us to calm our mind and hone in on the problem
- helps you find the answers to your own problems

Silent power is skill worth developing.

Have an awesome day,


Tina

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Marketing Exec's Widow by @AuthorTinaGayle is a #ScintillatingSunday #read


A "Scintillation" Excerpt


A simple meal with a beautiful woman, maybe a kiss goodnight, he hadn’t expected any more than that. Yet, here he lay on the floor.

A hand landed on his chest. “Hagan, I...”

Electricity shot through him. His eyes sprang open. He felt as if he’d been transported into one of his fantasies. Jen positioned on her knees beside him. Her light brown hair fell in a seductive waterfall onto his chest. The amused smile on her full, wet lips and the rich chocolate color of her gaze melted his desire to move.

The last time he’d gotten this close to her, the waitress had interrupted.

She fidgeted worriedly on her knees, and her thigh bumped his hip. The nervous caress of her hand ran from his throat to his solar plexus.

Though it frightened him to think where his feeling for her might lead, he had no doubt the knowledge would scare her even more. Yet, he couldn’t pass up the chance to get a taste of her.

His gaze dropped to her mouth.

He drew in a much-needed breath.

Jen shook her head and removed her hand. “George, uh, loves to beat the pavement.”


Don't we love how dogs bring couples together.

Executives' Wives' Club series

Genre: Contemporary Romance with strong women fiction elements
Four women...
One fatal car wreck...
Everyone's lives changed...



Marketing Exec’s Widow
 
Jennifer Larson, having lost her husband, friends and the perfect life she’d had plan, now faces the biggest challenge of her life, moving into an unplanned future. While the rest of the Executive Wife Club is still wallowing in the past, Jen is tempted into the future by a sexy chiropractor, Hagan Chaney.

But does he really love her or is he only after her money?


Available at amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Romance-Marketing-Executive-Fiction-Elements-ebook/dp/B007AARGPA

Check out the 5 star review at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/marketing-execs-widow






Monday, January 4, 2016

Fundamental Truths about Marketing #ASMSG




We all live, died, breath, bleed if stabbed, laugh, cry and grieve.

We have a lot more in common than we are willing to admit. Everyone is looking for their special group.

I find this especially true when talking to market people. Find your niche market, learn who your readers are and you'll know how to find more people to buy your book.

Okay, I get it, but what if I don't like being locked into a box that can only appeal to one set of people.

I'm not only interest in one set of things. I'm a mother, artist, gardener, author, enjoy programming and mysteries. My interest are diverse.  Why can't the people who I write for be the same?

My answer is they are. The thing that I think we have to all remember is there are a few fundamental truths and use those things when communicating with other.

In my Executive Wives Club series, I deal with grief. Everyone who has ever lost someone know how hard it is to cope after losing someone you love.

In my other books, I deal with women who are struggling to make a life for themselves.

Okay, half the population is men, but they struggle everyday to get ahead too. They want to find love, get married, have children and have a career. They may not want to read about a happy ever-after, but they can relate to the issues in which I write.

So what does all this tell you?

In market and in life, if you want to sell an item you have to find the emotions and truths that appeal to a wide audience. Will it help you sell more books?

Yes, because when a person can connect to an item. Then they are more likely to be interest in the product and will consider purchasing the item.



Just my thoughts for today.

Feel free to comment,

Tina