Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and happy Tuesday. Thanks so much for joining us. We are so happy you’re here!

I came up with this week’s challenge:

If it was safe to travel again, where would you go if you could go anywhere. And why?

This is an interesting question, since I like my new home and my new puppy and I’ve grown accustomed to staying in most of the time. That makes it difficult to go anywhere. But, if I let my imagination wander…London and Rome. Love those cities. And Australia and that place where the elephants walk through the hotel lobby (yeah, definitely that place!) and the Maldives and…

Everyplace I have ever traveled has sparked my imagination and made me realize how incredible the world is. Learning new languages, eating new food and experiencing different cultures is amazing. Looking at pictures or doing research obviously isn’t the same.

If I could go anywhere…I suppose I would definitely consider short trips into the past and the future. I would love to stand in the places I’ve read about, talk to the people who lived before me and those that will come after. Wouldn’t that be fabulous? I’ve even listed all the things I would take into the past, but I imagine the future would have all kinds of surprises to answer any needs I might have.

But for now, I will curl up with my puppy and read and dream….

Now let’s hop over to the incredible Jenna Da Sie and find out her travel plans for the future.

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Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and welcome to our weekly hop. Thanks so much for joining us! This week’s challenge comes from the incredible and talented A.S. Fenichel:

Describe a perfect day either in your life or in your imagination. What would it be like?

The perfect day (for me) would begin by sleeping in until 7. With a new puppy, that won’t be possible for a few months yet, but I can’t wait! Then coffee on my patio while I breathe in the morning and decide how to spend this wonderful day.

A quick shower and off to the keyboard for several hours. Stretch and go eat lunch. Don’t watch CNN while I’m eating since the world is at peace and the pandemic is long over. Instead, read a book.

Then, go for a walk with the (now older) puppy and take delight in her tail wags and pure joy from just being outside.

Back upstairs to write some more, then decide what to make for dinner because, of course, I already have all the ingredients I need for half a dozen choices. I do love to cook! Get it going and pour a glass of wine. Spend some quality time with my husband, catching up on everything before we eat.

After dinner, watch a favorite show until it’s time for bed.

Crawl up into the bed with my husband and try to keep some of the covers while the dog is deciding otherwise. It’s my perfect day so my husband doesn’t snore and I drift off with a smile, since tomorrow will be another perfect day!

Now, let’s head over to the fantastic Brenda Margriet and hear about her perfect day.

But first, don’t miss this chance to sign up for her newsletter and get your free copy of THE LIFE SHE HAD BEFORE, a short story about a woman torn between bitter revenge and the sweetness of a second chance. The new release is coming in March!!!!!!

Also, you’ll be the first to hear about new releases, special offers, read bonus content and more!

https://www.subscribepage.com/brendas-newsletter-signup

http://www.brendamargriet.com/blog

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and welcome to this week’s blog. It means so much to know you’ve joined us! This week’s challenge comes from the incredible Brenda Margriet:

Flash Fiction using Happy New Year, cigars, orchids.

It was New Year’s Eve and I was invited to a party. Unable to find anyone I wanted to go with as a plus one, I agreed to a blind date. As I tore through my closet, rejecting one outfit after another, I wondered what I was thinking to agree to this. Going to a party with my friends accompanied by someone I had never met?

Forcing myself not to allow the nerves to choke me, I continued my hunt for the perfect thing to wear.

Finally settling on a simple red dress that highlighted my assets, such as they were, I smoothed my hair and applied yet another layer of lipstick. Well, no matter who (or what) he turned out to be, I intended to look my best.

At exactly eight o’clock, my doorbell rang. Well, he was punctual and that counted. I took a deep breath and strode to the door, summoning my courage and tamping down my apprehension. Cara had set me up with this guy and I trusted her. I did. (Didn’t I?)

The man standing on my porch was—adorable. Dark hair with a little too much gel, big hazel eyes, tall. It was then I spotted the cigars poking out of his suit pocket. Following my gaze, he laughed and stuck out his hand. “Hi, I’m John and those aren’t for me. I don’t smoke. But I do pass them out at New Years for my friends who do. It’s a sort of tradition, even though hardly anyone smokes anymore.”

Inhaling my relief, I smiled. “Hi. I’m Julie. Good to meet you.”

From behind his back, he pulled a gorgeous plant which he held out to me. “My other tradition is to give something growing for the new year.”

I was nonplussed. “Orchids. They’re lovely. Thank you.”

He smiled. “I know it might seem silly to have traditions like this, but obviously, this year, they’ve brought me luck.”

Happy New Year!

Now let’s hop over to Clair Brett and see what she came up with. But first, check out her $.99 sale on Dealing with the Viscount: https://books2read.com/dealing-with-the-viscount

Clair Brett: https://www.clairbrett.com/blog-1

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and welcome. Thanks so much for joining us. Hope your holidays were bright!

Our weekly blog is back and we’re so glad you’re here! I came up with this week’s challenge:

It’s finally 2021. What are you looking forward to this year?

Of course…the obvious: pandemic free! And life returning to ‘normal’.

It has definitely been a tough year for everyone in so many ways. And challenging. But now I’m looking forward to the future. I have two books in the works and I am hoping to get them out by spring. Writing is a gift I can give myself and I feel I have neglected it too long. There have been other things that demanded my time, but now things are calming down.

I am looking forward to reading more again and getting settled in my new home (yes, we moved about a month ago, but the new place is definitely worth it). Change is difficult, but it does have its rewards.

I think many of us have discovered we have much more resiliency than we thought and I intend to use that new-found strength to do more that contributes to others. I intend to focus on kindness and happiness and push through the negative. Sometimes easier said than done, but I am determined. And I hope you will do the same.

So, happy new year…onward and upward!

Now, let’s hop over to the incredible

A.S. Fenichel and see what she’s looking forward to….

But first…check out her fabulous new book – on pre-order now!

http://asfenichel.com/blog

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and welcome to our weekly hop. Thanks so much for joining us. We are very happy you’re here and hope you are staying well!

I came up with this week’s challenge:

What do you really want for Christmas and why?

I have spent the last week moving and I realize how much stuff I really have. Clothes and shoes (okay, you can never have too many shoes) and…stuff. So, I don’t want any more things.

This year has presented us with the lack of so much we took for granted before and what I really want most of all is for life to go back to normal. I want to be able to greet my new neighbors and not worry that we might be spreading dangerous germs. I want to go places without having to stay six feet away from anyone. And, with the news of the vaccine, that will happen, hopefully sooner than later. But right this red-hot second, I want people to stop getting sick and stop dying every day. People should be able to hold their loved ones again. I miss hugs.

People are so angry and our country is so divisive. I want that to stop. I want people to be able to go back to work so they don’t have to worry about feeding their families or paying their rent. I am blessed with enough to eat and time to write and a nice house. So that’s covered for me and I just need to remember to be grateful every day. I am lucky enough to be able to share what I have with others who have been caught up in the backlash of this pandemic. But I can’t help everyone. I want others who are able to pitch in because we need to pull together.

Most of all, I want us to remember the true spirit of the holiday because now is when we need it most.

Now let’s pop over to the amazing Jenna Da Sie and see what she wants…

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Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and welcome to our hop. Thanks so much for joining us. We do appreciate you! This week’s challenge comes from the amazing A.S. Fenichel:

December seems like a good time to tell us all about your writing plans for next year. Tell us what’s upcoming and why you’re excited about it.

Serving on the Board of Romance Writers of America has definitely cut into my writing time this year. Along with a few other life events. But I have big plans for 2021.

I have two novels started which I will finish and publish next year.

One is the start of a romantic suspense series. It is titled “Murder Most Notorious” and will be filled with passion, danger, excitement and, of course, romance. It will be followed by “Death Most Notorious”, “Killing Most Notorious” and Homicide Most Notorious”. All the books will have villains based on historical murders. But there will always be a happily ever after.

The other book is called “Stay With Me” and is a combination of historical and contemporary. Two women across the years share a bond and, although one is a ghost, they share a cottage as well.

It’s challenging to work on two different books at the same time, but when I get stuck on one, I can slip over to the other. And, they are very different, so I don’t get them confused.

As I think you’ll all agree, bring on 2021! And come the new year, look for new releases from me while I still keep up with the RWA Board work. But then, I do like keeping busy!

Now, let’s pop over to the remarkable A.S. Fenichel and hear about her upcoming releases. But first, check out her newsletter!

Join A.S. Fenichel’s newsletter, get free reads and all the news on specials, sales and new books first. 

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/u7o4v4

A.S. Fenichel https://asfenichel.com/blog

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and welcome to our weekly hop. We are so glad you took the time to stop by. And we hope you are staying well and safe.

I came up with this week’s challenge:

Tell us what you are most grateful for.

Thanksgiving is only two days away and it will be very different for all of us this year. 2020 has been a challenge, to say the least. But there are still so many things to be grateful for. Here are some of mine:

I am healthy and strong.

I have a loving husband who is also healthy and strong.

The world’s cutest dog lives with us. (I know, I know, but she made me say that).

I have good friends that I love and who love me.

I live in a nice house that is warm in winter (ok, it’s Florida, but it does get kind of cold here-sometimes) and cool in the summer.

I have enough to eat. I do not forget there were times in my life when the dog and I shared cheese and crackers because that’s all there was.

I can spend my days writing instead of having to squeeze it in before and after a day job.

I can go to sleep at night feeling secure.

I have clothes and shoes and books (although there are never enough books).

In other words, my life is blessed and the greatest blessing of all is the ability to reach out and offer a hand to those who are not as lucky this year.

So, Happy Thanksgiving and remember all you have to be thankful for.

Now, let’s pop over to Clair Brett and see what she is most grateful for…

https://www.clairbrett.com/blog-1

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and welcome to our hop. Do you believe it’s almost Thanksgiving? Does that mean 2020 will be over soon? In the meantime, thanks so much for joining us and stay healthy! And know we are grateful for all of you!

I came up with this week’s challenge:

Name your favorite Thanksgiving food. Recipes please.

I love sweet potatoes, especially in a casserole. I made this for the first time last year and it is my new favorite:

Sweet Potato and Pecan Casserole

3 Tbsp. Canola oil + more to grease the baking dish

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes

2 eggs, beaten

1 Tbsp. white sugar

½ cup half-and-half

1 tsp. vanilla extract

½ tsp. salt

½ cup flour

1/3 cup (packed) brown sugar

½ cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush 8-inch square baking dish with canola oil. In mixing bowl, combine sweet potatoes, eggs, white sugar, half-and-half, vanilla, salt and 1 tablespoon oil. Mix well and spoon into the prepared baking dish.

For topping, add flour, brown sugar, pecans and 2 tablespoons of oil into a bowl. Mix until well-combined. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potato mixture.

Bake until hot and topping begins to brown, 30-40 minutes. Serve. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Now, let’s hurry over to the fabulous Jenna Da Sie and see what she likes to eat on Thanksgiving.

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Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and welcome to this week’s hop. It’s been a week (actually it’s been a year!) and I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a nap! Hope you all are staying safe and healthy. Thanks for taking the time to join us!

I came up with this week’s challenge:

We’re fast approaching the holidays. What do you most look forward to this time of year? (It’s okay to say Hallmark movies).

What a difference a year makes. Last year this time I was making lists and making plans. Not so much now. With the pandemic chewing through this country, it doesn’t make sense to travel anywhere or have large (or even small) family gatherings.

What am I looking forward to? Getting creative. And keeping an attitude of gratitude.

We can still be grateful for what we have and for each other! We can send presents and facetime or zoom and I’m looking forward to that. We can cook and eat. I do love turkey and stuffing and sweet potatoes and pie. A virtual dinner with loved ones isn’t the same, but at least we know we won’t get sick and possibly lose someone we care about.

And don’t forget Christmas Carols!

We can still read! How about an historical escape? And it’s only $.99!!!!

https://amzn.to/32r8nvD

Okay, I admit it, I do look forward to those Hallmark movies. They always have such a happily ever after and a sense of hope.

And speaking of hope – I am looking forward to a vaccine so next year we can actually hug each other again.

Now let’s pop over to Clair Brett and see what she’s looking forward to.

https://www.clairbrett.com/blog-1

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and welcome. Thanks for taking the time to join us today, but don’t forget it’s Election Day. Stay safe and vote!

I came up with this week’s challenge:

Tell us about your favorite voting experience. And vote! Oh yeah – and vote!

It’s been a lot of years since the first time a cast a ballot for President. But I’ll never forget the thrill of actually being able to have a voice in my government. It made me realize how lucky we are to have a say in elections. I have voted in every presidential election since then and it’s always exciting for me.

Now, I might not always agree with the winner, but at least I always know I’ve done my part. If you don’t vote, you can’t complain about who comes out victorious. And if you don’t like the candidates for President in any given year, there will be other choices in four years.

The point is…I have the right to express my opinion and that means so much to me.

This year is very different than prior ones. I don’t have to elaborate. 2020 has been really rough on all of us and this election is more important than ever. The good news is more people are voting this year. It tells me people care and that is the first step in making change. Hopefully, that change will be for the better.

So use your voice and your power and vote.

And how about reading a good book while you’re waiting in line…

https://amzn.to/2Gl7kFE

Now, let’s hop over to the fabulous A.S. Fenichel and hear about her favorite voting experience.

http://asfenichel.com/blog