What to Expect...

Hello, hello!

Yet another Thursday is upon us, folks! We all know what that means!

Yes, it's blog time. And what am I blogging about? I'm blogging about...blogs.

We're in mid-March now (why does time fly by so quickly?!), so I thought I'd give you a guide to the up and coming.

Starting April 1, I will be participating in the A to Z Challenge again.

This is my third year doing so, and I am very excited about my theme for this year. What's my theme? You're gonna have to wait and find out! ;) The theme reveal is on the 23rd, so stay tuned!

Because of the A to Z, I will not be doing WeWriWa during the month of April. We will continue with our WeWriWas from The Model through the rest of March.

We will begin again in May, at which point, we'll be reading WeWriWas from The Vet Student.

So that takes us through the next 6-8 weeks-ish, not including my usual Thursday blog which, like the WeWriWas, will continue through March, and resume again in May.



I think that covers the basics. I hope y'all are as excited about all of this as I am. It's gonna be great!

Happy reading!

A to Z '14 - Joviality

For this year's A to Z Challenge, I am honoring my grandfather who passed away on April 3, 2013.


J is for Joviality.

My grandfather loved a good laugh. He absolutely loved slapstick comedy.



In his eulogy I wrote, "I really only remember him as jovial. His bright voice greeting me with his special, “Hello, Lauren!” I can so vividly picture his bright blue eyes, his contagious smile and hear his laugh."


He laughed to laugh and to make others laugh. He wouldn't pull mean pranks, per se. Rather, he had quick, dry wit that could always entertain you.


That's really one of things I admire most in him. He was always happy, always laughing, always positive. I aspire to be like that.



His joviality was absolutely contagious. Thinking of his smile and his laugh is making me smile as I write this!

A good sense of humor will get you through anything and everything in life. If there is one lesson I could give you from my grandfather, it would be to be a happy, jovial person. Joviality blesses you and the people around you. Just like he blessed us.

J is for Joviality.

Mom's Book Report for The Mechanic

Happy Thursday, everyone!

It's time for...another book report from Mom!


The Mechanic: a book report, by Mom





Best description of a mechanic: "Bob was short, stocky bald man. His dark blue overall suit was tight around his rotund belly."





Beautiful image of a city: "The sky was a jet black blanket with the stars as little shining decorations. A three quarter moon sat like a full, round, content Buddha belly. The Philadelphia skyline was a lighted mountain range, poking in the sky at various heights."






Red Flag: "Like a lion stalking and closing in on it's prey. Brittany inched in closer and closer until Linda backed into the wall."




Lovely compliment #1: "What are you a sasquatch that you need an hour to shave your hairy legs?"




Lovely compliment #2: "So first I use a face cream; Oh, and I have a concealer." "What's that: a paper bag?"





Great car description...even for someone who doesn't love cars: "A dark thunderstorm cloud grey covered most of the car. The hood, roof trunk and wheel wells all boasted this rich, dark intriguing color. A lighter, more misty grey ran the length of the body, covering the lower half of the door. The car's natural curves and chrome accents divided the two shades and enhanced the car's design. White wall tires only continued to enhance the car's appearance. A dusty rose interior completed the perfect, elegant romantic look."




Hope you guys liked this one! :)



Happy reading!!! :)

Get to Know Liz!

All of the women in Loving Her are near and dear to my heart. I love each and every one of them. They are all so unique and lovable in their own way.

I thought it would be good to re-introduce all of them as their books come out.

The series starts with Liz, so let's start with her.






A southern, redheaded, pickup driving lesbian ballerina? You bet! Meet Liz: a southern belle with flair. Vivacious, eclectic and graceful, she is unique to say the least. The first in the series of Loving Her stories, Liz’s story is the kind that stays with you long after you’ve closed the book.




A five-foot-ten redhead southern belle, Liz is unlike anyone you have ever met.




One of the things I love about Liz is her happiness. She is someone who is full of gratitude, love and joy. She doesn't hold grudges, nor does she hold onto past pains.




Liz is exuberant. She's bright and full of energy. She lights up a room without even trying. She is beautiful both inside and out.





I had a lot of fun writing her story simply because of her personality. She's fun and free.




There's also a lot of depth to Liz.



She's a farm girl,





a ballerina,





a bit of a gearhead,




a heavy metal fan.





She loves life and really tries to take in as many things as she can so she can live life to the fullest.




She also loves to the fullest. An adopted child, she greatly appreciates her parents. She loves her friends and family and appreciates all of them. She has a strong sense of family, dedication and loyalty.




There is so much to Liz and her story! Come get to know her even better. Click here to purchase your copy of The Ballerina today! :)





Happy reading!

A Week and a Day

Happy Thursday, gang!


So today, I wanted to express my excitement and enthusiasm. In EIGHT days, I will have something wonderful to share with you!




I'm excited. There has been a lot of change and progression. In eight days, you will understand what that means.


I hate being vague, but this one cat that needs to stay in the bag until next Friday.



So what does this mean for you? Well, lots of suspense between now and then. Stay tuned to my twitter and Facebook accounts for more info, updates and teases.



Next week, my blog will be pushed to Friday. I would like to keep you in suspense for as long as I can (mean, I know). And of course, an announcement on Friday should really warrant its own blog. So, I'm gonna make you wait!

EIGHT long days!





Eight days and we will embark on a wonderful new adventure together. Hang in there! It'll be worth it, I promise!

S: Silliness

Play and silliness are as key to creativity as paint brushes.



Without a care-free attitude, our art loses its heart. Art is mean to be enjoyed. We must approach our art with light-heartedness and a willingness to laugh and play.



The Artist's Way and several of my fellow writers/creatives/artists all talk about how key play is. In fact, I met one of my dearest writing friends through a course she taught on playing with your writing.


Children are always happy to create. They want to draw or paint or color of do whatever. They just want to make stuff. They have no inhibitions, no fear. Children are silly when it comes to creativity. Who else but an imaginitive 5 year old would make blue playdough french fries?


Do see what I'm getting at? Have fun! Create! Play! Art was never meant to be serious or even solemn. Art and fun are both three letter words and they are, indeed, synonymous.

So go out there and create! Don't forget to have fun while you're doing so!