Wednesday, November 21, 2018

#ThanksgivingEve #AmReading With a Million Things to Do!

My house is a mess. I haven't gone to the grocery store...haven't even made my list for Black Friday. But I'm escaping into books. While I'm writing, I don't usually pick up a book. I'm so engrossed in my story, but in this inbetween time, I read and even keep up with what's going on around me.

A couple of things before I tell you what I'm reading. I don't watch #DancingWiththeStars, but I do listen to the radio and Bobby Bones (101.7 Boston). People shouldn't wonder why he won. He seems like a great guy...truly. I think what I like about him most is his compassion and desire to help others. So for anyone upset that Bobby Bones won the Mirror Ball, get a grip. Do you really think its a dancing competition? It's entertainment, pulling celebrities out of their comfort zone. There is no need to say ugly things. Bobby Bones didn't do anything wrong...matter of fact, I think he did an awesome job! There are so many other things to worry about in this world...give the guy his moment.

Now, I come to last night's The Voice. I'm always rooting for Blake's team, but last night I was totally surprised by Tyke being elimanted on Adam's team. I voted for him...even tweeted on the save vote.  Disappointing, but I'm glad that Lynnea has another chance to build her fan base. Everyone loves an underdog. I do have a few other favorites, Kirk Jay, Kennedy Holmes, and Chevel Sheperd.

As for the books I have set to read, I was looking for someone different. So, I did what I always do when I'm searching for a great read. I went to BookBub and picked up four books this morning. I'm confident in two of the reads. I read their books all the time, Brenda Novak and Tess Gerritsen. Brenda, I've met before. Lovely lady. She does a lot of work for diabetes, not to mention a great writer. The other two, I'm anxious to read...I don't think I'm going to be getting a lot of work done.

THE SECRET SISTER
New York Times bestseller: When freshly divorced Maisey returns to Fairham, South Carolina, to take care of her brother, she finds herself living next door to the last person she wants to see — handsome Rafe Romero. When they discover mysterious old photos, will Maisey and Rafe get the chance to follow their hearts?

THE KEEPSAKE
New York Times bestseller: When medical examiner Maura Isles and detective Jane Rizzoli discover an ancient mummy is actually a modern-day corpse, they race to stop a serial killer before another victim falls. “Gerritsen delivers an intricate plot that will keep readers guessing” (Publishers Weekly).


THE CLAIRVOYANT COUNTESS
In this entrancing read from a USA Today bestselling author, Madame Karitska uses her psychic gifts to help Detective-Lieutenant Pruden solve mystifying cases — while navigating through deadly danger along the way!

MIDNIGHT LABYRINTH
USA Today bestseller with over 850 five-star Goodreads ratings! Antiquities acquisition partners Ben and Tenzin jump at the opportunity to help recover a priceless painting — but a clan of fearsome vampires will stop at nothing to protect what’s theirs…


The links that I'm sending you to today is BOOKBUB. I love BookBub. The great thing about BookBub is that you can follow your favorite authors and they will let you know when they have a new deal, new release or upcoming release, like my penname, Colleen Connally, or Jerri Hines. I follow a ton of authors myself...


Have a great Thanksgiving!!!


Monday, November 19, 2018

Ways to Spend Your Holiday Week...or Maybe Not! Happy Thanksgiving!

When I'm beginning to write a new book, I read alot in that genre to get in the mood. Since I'm starting the next book in Boston's Crimes of Horror series, I've been searching out some good horror stories.

 I, also, watch movies and TV shows. To be honest, I'm a little behind on the times. I just started watching The Haunting of Hill House. Awesome. Absolutely great show. Highly recommend for those that haven't seen it yet. You can find it on Netflix.

I did try to watch IT, the movie. I stopped not even half way through. A Stephen King movie wasn't what I was looking for, I guess, but I did reread Carrie.

CARRIE
Writing horror goes against my nature. I started out as a romance writer remember. I love the happily ever afters, but sometimes I love a good scare. Yet, I don't think I could really go quite all Stephen King in my writing. 

I have found I'm more on the line of Heather Graham when I write paranormal. Or I think so. Heather Graham is one of my favorite authors. I shouldn't be surprised. Heather Graham writes paranormal romantic suspense. If you follow my blog here and at Romantic Picks, you know that I do promote Heather Graham's books time to time. I don't think she needs me to, but I met her at a conference in Denver one year. It's a funny story really. I didn't know a soul at the conference. So at breakfast, I sat with a group of authors. I had an awesome time talking with a lady sitting next to me. We talked about everything. I was having a very enjoyable time when someone addressed her as Heather. Now, she had already introduced herself to me and for some unknown reason it didn't resonate until then...and, of course, having read her books, I've seen her picture. My mouth literally dropped. It was Heather Graham. 

Okay, so I'm not the most observatant person, but Heather Graham was so, so nice. I appreciate nice...so in turn, I promote her books...besides the fact, I truly enjoy them.

The Killing Edge
Another author I love reading inbetween my own writing is Nora Roberts. I know that's no surprise. She certainly doesn't need me telling of her nack for telling a story. Her writing does that for her. 

As for other books that have entertained me during my inbetween period of writing....

Kathleen Brooks new book...

SAVING SHADOWS
Something short and entertaining~ Catherine Coulter

THE RESIDENT EVIL AT BLACKTHORN MANOR
One more thing that has entertained me that I haven't mentioned ~ Up and Vanished podcast.
My daughter and I take a trip every summer and drive somewhere. She is the one that has me hooked on listening to podcast while we drive. One year it was Serial. This year is was Up and Vanished. I even watched the TV show last night on Oxygen. Payne Lindsey draws you into the story...which inspired me for my next book and series.

Boston's Crimes of Horror series is my first venture into this genre. Now I have a challenge—how to attract readers to this new book. Then it came to me...I certainly don't know the first thing about how to create a true crime podcast, but I do know how to write. 

Be on the watch for a fictional true crime podcast— Seamus Speaks.

I'm in the middle of doing just that. I had hoped to have it up by now, but being this is my first time being involved with a podcast it has taken me awhile. It certainly has been interesting, but it should be up shortly thanks to my son and hubbie. If you want to keep up with when it comes up, follow @speaksseamus  and a blog has been set up, Seamus Speaks.

It is my hope that you will enjoy the podcast and in turn want more of my stories.

Scream for the Camera is coming January 29th! 

SCREAM FOR THE CAMERA
PRE-ORDER NOW! COMING JANUARY 29!

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