Strange Musings from Author Jamie Lee Scott

Manic Monday - It's Just A Game & Role Models

2016-02-08T13:15:00.000-06:00

After every big game, such as the Super Bowl, NBA Championships, or World Series, I know there are dozens more I could name, but that's not the point, there's a flurry of people commenting on the behavior of the athletes, and teams.
This year's Super Bowl 50 was no exception. And with Social Media, the haters were out in force. Poor Cam Newton is being strung up in the public square for not handling his loss like people think he should have. (Lest we forget, Richard Sherman's poor sportsmanship in winning.)
Here's my take. You don't have to like it, but I'm going to share it. The reason I'm sharing it is because this morning on Facebook I posted that even though I thought Cam Newton could have handled himself more appropriately, I wasn't going to judge him. Why? Because I've never played any sport at that level. I've never put my all into anything at that level, or known that kind of pressure, and no way was I going to judge anyone for their reaction to such a defeat. And then to have to listen to that team go on and on about how they owned you, while you tried to answer questions from the press? Yes, the Broncos were on the other side of the wall from the Panthers.

For my response, I was chastised for defending Newton. Defending? No, I was choosing not to judge. And to call him a poor sport, fine, but then call a spade a spade. At least he stayed on the field to congratulate the other team. When Peyton Manning lost to the Saints, he didn't even bother to shake Drew Brees' hand (and he wasn't a kid of 20-something at the time). Oh yeah, he said he'd call him later. (Really? Later? After you've had time to compose yourself, lick your wounds, and get your thoughts together? That's not sportsmanship either.) And yet some woman on Facebook chose to defend Manning, saying he was giving the Saints their time in the limelight. Oh, please!!! What a crock of shit! That was poor sportsmanship to the Nth degree.

Which brings me to my points. The first being that unless you were on the field or a part of the teams, it's just a game. Entertainment for the masses. No different than a movie or television show. Wait! It is a television show, only we get to cheer for one side or the other. Wheeeeeeee! Unless you had a bet on the game, then maybe it's a bit more. These people are paid huge money to entertain us. That's it. The game is for our entertainment. When it's over, it's over, and they go home to their multimillion dollar lives, while we go on with ours. And yet somehow we think it's more than that. Maybe it makes us feel better to defend old Peyton, and forget that he too was a poor sport when he was younger and less composed. Or we don't like to think what he would have done if the Broncos had lost.

And to those who say these athletes are role models for their kids, I feel sorry for you. I feel bad that you think these people are who your kids aspire to be. Why? Because I used to be an athletic trainer (prevention and care of sports injuries, for those who don't know what that is). I worked with these athletes for years, and I can tell you, other than the amount of time they put into their sport, there is no way on Earth I'd want my kid to aspire to be any of those people, EVER! There are very few, if you saw them away from their public personas, the one spun by their PR people, that you'd ever want your kid to be like. Sure, you want your kid to work hard and go to college, but do you want them to do what it really takes to get to that level? Or treat people the way many of these people do? If you only knew, you'd keep your role models closer to home, and hope your kids emulated you. So why not be a better role model yourself, so your kids can look up to you, and aspire to something. Show them good values, and give them the right rules and motivation to look within themselves to be the best they can be, instead of aspiring to be like someone else?

The only person a kid should be trying to be like or better than, is the person they were yesterday. They can learn the athletics, and physical fitness from professionals, but when it comes to sportsmanship, respect, and self-esteem, that starts and ends within themselves and from their parents. Not from some TV, PR spun oversized sports figure on TV.

When I hear a parent say, "He's a role model, he should know better," I want to slap them silly. He's not a role model, he's a highly paid entertainer. YOU are a role model, and to let your kids think a football player is in any way a role model is scary. And sad.

New Year - Best Year Goals Part 2

2016-02-04T13:33:00.000-06:00

This is my last post about the New Year, Best Year Goals. Now it's time for you to take control and make this your best year.

You've looked back at what didn't work, you've seen what you need to do to make your goals work. And you now will learn how to record and be timely with your goals.

Everyone is digital these days, but I think writing down your goals is a great way to keep them close to your heart. Go out and buy an inexpensive planner. Or, if budgeting isn't in your goals, splurge. Hobby Lobby and Michaels have some great planners you can customize. Etsy is a great place for planners and custom stickers. You can also print your own stickers to add to your pages. Just use the 2x4 shipping labels and add them to your pages.

Here is my custom planner

I haven't filled out my pages yet, because I'm crazy behind with my deadlines, and I still have to add my stickers inside.

I used different colored inks, just to keep everything bright and cheerful, and make it fun. I try to sit down on Sunday night, after I'm settled in, and finished with my work, and plan out my week. This makes everything much easier for me, and I keep my planner with me all the time. This way I can write spur of the moment ideas.

Sure, I can use my phone, but this is more fun, and visceral.

Now this is going to be a bit long, because I'm going to post everything you might want to track.

MONTHLY TO DO LIST

PROJECTS TO COMPLETE

PROJECTS STILL WORKING ON

GOALS: Financial, Spiritual, Business, Relationship, Mindfulness, Physical, Health (whatever goals you're tracking- don't overwhelm yourself)

NEW HABITS TO ADOPT

OLD HABITS TO STOP

TRACK PROGRESS

PRIMARY TASKS FOR THE WEEK.

Remember, you're adding a new habit every 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months. And you're tracking your goal progress. You need to think ahead and write these down. Then you need to track, and reward yourself.

At the end of the week, and the end of the month:

TRACK SUCCESS - how did you do? What do you need to work on? Did you get closer to your goal? What were your obstacles? Were they self-imposed, or unavoidable? BE HONEST HERE! What can you do to make next week/month more successful?

Timeliness: Are you being realistic in your goals? After tracking yourself for 3 months, you need to sit down and take an honest look at your progress. Be honest with your shortcomings too. Why didn't you meet your goals? Let's talk (I mean you talk to yourself).

This is it people, let's go out there and make 2016 ROCK!

I want to hear from you, so comment here, and let me know how you're doing. I have a crazy busy year ahead that includes several books, and losing weight before my niece's wedding in October. I'm considering blogging about that journey, so stay tuned...

New Year Best Year - Goals (part 1)

2016-01-26T17:33:00.001-06:00

New Year - Best Year GOALS - part 1

There are many types of goals: spiritual, professional, personal, sports, health, meditative...
I could go on and on with things you can set goals for, but it's not good to start with too much too fast. Just like a weight loss or exercise program, if you do too much at first, you're overwhelmed and quit.
So let's start with 3 goals, and we'll reassess them at intervals of 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months.
SMART goals are: SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ATTAINABLE, RECORDED, TIMELY
We will work on being specific, measurable, and attainable this week.
Next week we'll work on recording, and timeliness.

The easiest goal to start with, one that many people have worked with is WEIGHT LOSS.
So let's start with this as our goal.
SPECIFIC: I will lose 20 pounds by (insert date that is 3 months from the day you read this, or get started).
This is easily MEASURABLE by the scale. If you don't have one, you should get one to help measure your progress. You can use the one at your gym.

ATTAINABLE: This goal is attainable by:
1. Change my eating habits (not specific enough) Replace my morning bagel with a bowl of oatmeal with fruit in the morning.
2. Having a fruit and/or vegetable smoothie to replace a high calorie lunch. The natural sugar will be better for my system, and keep me from afternoon slump.
3. Increasing the lean protein in my meals, eating 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
4. Drinking more water.
5. Taking a multivitamin.
6. Adding daily exercise to my routine. (more specific) I'm going to start walking, boxing, and lifting light weights.

Okay, it seems like a LOT to take on, right? So instead of doing everything at once, break it down.

FOR THE NEXT 3 DAYS: I'll increase my water consumption, and replace my breakfast with oatmeal and fruit. (this will become a habit)
FOR THE NEXT 3 WEEKS: I'll add a new healthy habit from my list above every three days.
FOR THE NEXT 3 MONTHS: I'll write in my journal, and keep track of my progress. I'll weigh in every Friday, so I give myself incentive to stick with my program over the weekend.

This is just one example of how you might write down your goals, and make yourself accountable. Start slow and add as time goes on, so it's not overwhelming.

Now think of another goal you'd like to accomplish in the next 3 months, and work out the details for the next 3 days, weeks, months, to make the goal a reality.

Next week I'll post about ways to track your progress.

Previous posts in this series:
http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-looking-back-part-4.html
http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-looking-back-part-3.html
http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-looking-back-part-2.html
http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-looking-back-part-1.html
http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-new-what.html

If you'd like to get emails, so you know when I've posted to this blog, you can sign up on the left where it says BLOG UPDATES VIA EMAIL!

If you want to look forward, and work on your own, I'm using books from Tony Robbins, Master the Game, and Lisa Jacobs, Your Best Year to help me.

New Year - Looking Back, Part 4

2016-01-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

New Year - Looking Back, Part 4

This is it for looking back questions. How have you done so far? Has it been eye opening? When I was honest with myself answering these questions, it made me sick to my stomach. I wasted so much time and money in the last 12 months. It' no wonder I got off track, and nothing was accomplished. Okay, maybe not nothing, but not nearly what I'd planned. This year will be different for me. I have a plan, and I have a map. I'm hoping to provide a map for you too. Let's get through this last set of questions.

1. Do you have any goals you didn't get to, or accomplish?

2. Did you even set any goals?

3. What kept you from completing your goals?

4. Did you have a major setback?

5. How did you sabotage yourself?

6. What are the bad habits you're holding onto, that you need to leave behind?

These last questions are the toughest, because they make us take a good look at ourselves. I had a hard time with #2 because in my head I may have thought I had goals, but I never wrote anything on paper. I never put it down to look at and say, "This is my goal, and I'm going to accomplish it." Sure I had ideas, and thoughts of what I wanted to get done, but I didn't have concrete plans and dates of accomplishing specific goals. That's going to change this year. What about you? Are you ready for a great year?

Let's do this thing!

Previous posts in this series:
http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-looking-back-part-3.html
http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-looking-back-part-2.html
http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-looking-back-part-1.html
http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-new-what.html

If you'd like to get emails, so you know when I've posted to this blog, you can sign up on the left where it says BLOG UPDATES VIA EMAIL!

If you want to look forward, and work on your own, I'm using books from Tony Robbins, Master the Game, and Lisa Jacobs, Your Best Year to help me.

New Year - Looking Back, Part 3

2016-01-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

New Year - Looking Back, Part 3

Almost there. Today and tomorrow are the last days of looking back, then we start looking to this year, and how we can seize the day, the week, the year. How we can make it the best year ever!
After this week, I'll only be posting a couple of days a week on this series, and the posts will have the title NEW YEAR, BEST YEAR in the title. That way you'll know they are part of this series. I'll try to post them on Monday, so you have all week to write in your notebook, and to work on your goals.

Today's questions:

1. What was your biggest time suck last year?
Our time gets wasted in many ways: social media (though for some careers, it's a necessity, but not as much time as we actually spent), housework, driving, television, Netflix, email checking...

2. What did you spend money on last year that you wish you hadn't, or shouldn't have?
I'm not talking about bills, and necessities, I'm talking about big ticket items, or clothes, or things you didn't really need to have.

3. Are there things that were left unfinished?

4. What was the most demanding part of your year?

5. Looking back, what would you have done differently?

Almost there...tomorrow you'll answer the last five looking back questions, okay, maybe six questions tomorrow.
After we get through this, we will be able to look forward to this year.

Previous posts in this series:
http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-looking-back-part-2.html
http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-looking-back-part-1.html
http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-new-what.html

If you'd like to get emails, so you know when I've posted to this blog, you can sign up on the left where it says BLOG UPDATES VIA EMAIL!

If you want to look forward, and work on your own, I'm using books from Tony Robbins, Master the Game, and Lisa Jacobs, Your Best Year to help me.

New Year - Looking Back, Part 2

2016-01-13T08:10:00.000-06:00

New Year - Looking Back, Part 2

How did you do with answering the questions to part one? It's an eyeopener to answer honestly what you actually accomplished in 365 days. Answering today's questions will open them even more. Get your notepad and pen ready...

1. What were the positives of 2015?
You don't have to pick one thing. You may have had a very successful year and had lots of great and positive things, so jot them down.

2. Did you learn anything about yourself?

3. Were there hurdles you had to jump? Were you able to get over them?

4. Who was your support system?

5. Did you support others?

Tomorrow there will be five more question.
After we get through this, we will be able to look forward to this year.

Previous posts in this series:
http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-looking-back-part-1.html
http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-new-what.html

If you'd like to get emails, so you know when I've posted to this blog, you can sign up on the left where it says BLOG UPDATES VIA EMAIL!

If you want to look forward, and work on your own, I'm using books from Tony Robbins, Master the Game, and Lisa Jacobs, Your Best Year to help me.

New Year - Looking Back, Part 1

2016-01-12T08:50:00.000-06:00

To move forward into 2016, I told you in the last post that we were going to look back at 2015.
The rest of this week, we'll look at what we did in 2015, and if it was enough to meet the goals we wanted to reach.
Here are your questions for today:
1. When you look at 2015, what stands out? What are your favorite things?
Think about the things you did, events you attended, places you went, people you met, friends you made.
2. Did you complete any tasks or goals?

3. Did you spend your time well?
Be honest with yourself, could you have planned your time better? Maybe watched less TV?

4. Did you spend your money well?
Were you careful with how you spent your money, or did you budget? Did you save for the things you wanted to buy, the big ticket items, or did you buy things you'll likely put in the closet and never use or wear?

5. What is your big life goal, and did you work toward accomplishing it?

Think about these questions, and don't hurry to answer. Then get out your notebook and answer them.
tomorrow there will be five more question.
After we get through this, we will be able to look forward to this year.

If you'd like to get emails, so you know when I've posted to this blog, you can sign up on the left where it says BLOG UPDATES VIA EMAIL!

Previous posts in this series: http://blog.jamieleescott.com/2016/01/new-year-new-what.html

If you want to look forward, and work on your own, I'm using books from Tony Robbins, Master the Game, and Lisa Jacobs, Your Best Year to help me.

New Year - New What?

2016-01-11T14:01:00.001-06:00

Notice this post wasn't made at the first of January? Why? Because it's not about New Year's resolutions. This post is about reflecting on 2015, and being honest with yourself (or myself, as the case may be).

I talk a lot about goals, and post a lot about being positive. Long term, short term, I've never actually written it all down on paper, and followed through. I don't think I can call myself a finisher. I have good intentions, but because I've never mapped out my journey or progress, I've strayed in ways that have cost me years of progress.

I think in order to be a finisher, and to move forward, we need to look back at where we came from, at what held us up in the past. What did we do to keep us from achieving our goals? Did we even set any concrete goals? Write them down, and look at them every day? Did we do everything we could? Did we schedule our time well? Really? Or were we fooling ourselves?

The rest of the week, I'll be blogging about taking inventory of ourselves. Each day, I'll ask a series of questions about 2015, and give you examples of answers. I'd like for you to follow along with me, and be honest in your answers, then see if you can't learn from what you did and didn't do in 2015 to be your best. Was it your best year ever? Could 2016 be that year?

Let's reach our goals together.

You'll need a notebook, or just some blank pages of paper. You can type this on a computer, but I think writing it out will make you really think, and you'll get more out of it. These answers are yours, be honest with yourself, so when we move into the 2016 phase, you'll be able to set realistic goals. We aren't trying to change the world (or maybe you are), just trying to make this a better year than last year.

This applies to everyone, whether your goal is to lose weight, build your business, be a more productive writer, a better knitter, read more books, be happier, get more exercise, whatever. I'm using a roadmap (this isn't my innovative idea), and I'm going to share what I'm learning with you. I'll also share resources.

So, are you with me?

If you'd like to get emails, so you know when I've posted to this blog, you can sign up on the left where it says BLOG UPDATES VIA EMAIL!

Happy Sappy Holidays

2015-12-19T23:50:00.000-06:00

I'm not a huge fan of the holidays, or winter for that matter. I liked living in California, where it was one season year 'round. But it's been two decades since I've had that pleasure. I was looking back at some Facebook memories today, and some of the photos from my phone, and I realized, my husband and I like to spend the winter holidays in Vegas. And believe me we aren't there because it's warm. The desert has a way of fooling people, making us think it's warm in the winter, since it's obviously scorching in the summer.
But I'm no fool, I lived on the edge of the Mojave desert in my twenties, and I know Mother Nature's trick.
But we don't go to Vegas for the outdoors. We go to stay indoors. We're going to be stuck inside anyway, with temps in the teens or lower, so why not do something fun, like poker, or blackjack. Wait, that was my husband channeling me.
I prefer Sephora, or any of the many clothing stores. And the food! Oh, the food! So many yummy places to eat. Yes, I'll be wearing my stretch pants.
Alas, I get bored easily, so I'll bring my laptop, and go back to the luxury room (the rooms are dirt cheap around Christmas, so a suite can be had for the price of a regular room) and stretch out and enjoy the view of the strip while I write.
This year we'll be on a mission though. It's a secret mission. And we'll be visiting friends. So, once again it's going to be a sparkly Christmas, but I won't have to pull down any decorations when it's over. I'll just have to hop on a plane and come home.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, however and whatever you celebrate, do it with friends and family, and let there be love and light.

Sing To Me by Jeffrey Rivera

2015-09-04T16:25:00.001-05:00

What inspired you to write Sing to Me?

What inspired me to write Sing to Me was when I started thinking about how heartbreaking it would be to write a story where there was this struggle between someone who has a rising career, who really could be a star and how he would make a choice between that and the person he loves. I wanted to create characters that had sort of an oil and vinegar relationship where they’re kind of like quasiarguing with each other all the time, and yet there’s love and flirtation behind it. And so that’s originally what inspired me. And that idea kind of stayed with me for the last few years and was germinating in my head and then finally I got to the point where I just had to tell the story. I’d been wanting to tell a really short story that people could read quickly, but at the same time would give what Nicholas Sparks calls “a mini lifetime” so people got really get sucked into the story, and feel like they’d lived a minilifetime in a short period of time.

Why did you decide to call it Sing to Me?

The title was symbolic, of course, because you have a rocker who sings and his girlfriend, Emma, is always telling him to Sing to Me, because he’s the type of person who’s got a lot of talent who’s always been sort of in the background letting other people be in the foreground, and he just hasn’t let his light shine. She believes in him and tells, “You could be the star, you don’t have to be in the background. If you’re going to sing to anyone, Sing to Me.” That thought was the inspiration for the title, Sing to Me.

Why did you write a mainstream M/F book?

I’ve written Male/Female books before, but they were more ethnic, and I wanted to do something more mainstream this time to give it a better opportunity to be enjoyed by the world. I wanted a story that everyone could enjoy. It didn’t matter whether you were gay or straight, or white or black or Latin or anything. I wanted something that would be more accepting but I actually have plans to do an M/M version of the same story at some point.

What authors inspired you to write this story?

I’m inspired by a lot of different authors; authors who have the talent to pluck those heartstrings and to take us on a true emotional journey. I think it’s rare for me to read a book that actually takes me on an emotional journey. Yeah, there’s SciFi books, and there’s Thriller books that keep you at the edge of your seat when you turn the pages. But to be able to write a story that really captures your heart, so that you are absorbed into the characters, their lives, and you go on a journey with them, through thick and thin, it’s rare. There are few people who can do that for me. One of them is Nicholas Sparks. I mean, he’s my hero. If I could pick one author whose career I’d like to emulate it would be Nicholas Sparks. I also love Jodi Picoult; I think she’s an amazing storyteller. And I love people like Eric Segal; and people like James Patterson has several love stories that he’s done.

Where can we get a copy of Sing to Me?

You can get on iTunes, BN.com, and here on Amazon: http://www.bit.ly/SINGTOME

Embattled Hearts by J.M. Madden

2015-08-27T08:45:00.000-05:00

J.M. Madden is a fellow equestrian, and we love to post horse pics on our Facebook timeline. She's also an author in the Protect & Serve anthology.

Embattled Hearts is FREE!

"I predict this series will be one of the all-time best published in 2013." Romance Junkies

John Palmer hasn’t felt like a real man since he was injured during combat in Iraq. Though not content with his new life, he is mostly adapting, just like the other vets at the Lost ‘N’ Found Investigative Service. When Shannon Murphy is hired on as the new office manager, life suddenly gets a lot more interesting. Before long, John finds himself wondering if he could ever be the kind of man Shannon needs.
Shannon Murphy wasn’t really looking for love when she hired on at LNF, but finds herself hopelessly attracted to the sex-on-wheels former Marine, John Palmer. The man is grumpy and nearly impossible to work with, but his brand of masculinity appeals to her on a basic level. Soon Shannon is wondering just what it would take for John to want her the way she wants him.
When an old enemy tries to settle a vendetta against Shannon, John insists on protecting her. He moves into her house, fanning the spark of attraction into a blaze. But the danger continues to escalate. Will the connection that they’ve found survive when they’re thrust into a fight for their lives?
http://www.amazon.com/Embattled-Hearts-Military-Romantic-Suspense-ebook/dp/B00BFILPPU/ref=sr_1_10?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1439743336&sr=1-10&keywords=jm+madden

A Cutthroat Business by Jenna Bennett

2015-08-26T09:38:00.000-05:00

Many of you already know Jenna Bennett, also a Protect & Serve author. Jenna and I have been friends for a very long time, and she's my most trusted friend when it comes to my writing.

Enjoy her first book in her Savannah Martin Mystery series for FREE!

The first book in the USA Today bestselling Savannah Martin series from New York Times bestselling author Jenna Bennett.

Everyone has warned new-minted realtor Savannah Martin that real estate is a cutthroat business. But Savannah doesn’t think she’s supposed to take the warning literally ... until an early morning phone call sends her to an empty house on the ‘bad’ side of town, where she finds herself standing over the butchered body of a competitor, face to face with the boy her mother always warned her about.

Rafe Collier is six feet three inches of testosterone and trouble; tall, dark, and dangerous, with a murky past and no future—not the kind of guy a perfect Southern Belle should want to tangle with. In any way. But wherever Savannah turns, there he is, and making no bones about what he wants from her.

Now Savannah must figure out who killed real estate queen Brenda Puckett, make a success of her new career, and avoid getting killed—or kissed—by Rafe, all before the money in her savings account runs out and she has to go back to selling make-up at the mall.
http://www.amazon.com/Cutthroat-Business-Savannah-Martin-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B004ZCIG64/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1439743117&sr=1-1&keywords=jenna+bennett+a+cutthroat+business

Tin God by Stacy Green

2015-08-25T09:34:00.000-05:00

Stacy Green is an author I met at Writer's Police Academy. She's also a part of the Protect & Serve anthology.

"Stacy Green has the power to transport readers to a place and time. Whether it's the sticky heat of a Mississippi summer, or the cold terror of coming face to face with a murderer, her writing stimulates all the senses. TIN GOD is a very satisfying read." --Bestselling thriller author Rachel Abbott
"Stacy Green has written an emotionally charged, thought-provoking and stunning mystery/suspense that will capture and hold you hostage until the last page is read." --The Kindle Book Review

The truth can be as deadly as any weapon.

Jaymee Ballard trusted only one person in Roselea,Mississippi with the secret of her lost daughter. When that person is brutally murdered, it leaves her with heartbreak and a slew of unanswered questions. The eerie similarity to a murder of one of Jaymee's close friends years ago causes her to realize her past has come back to haunt her and may cost her own life.

Years of deception and abuse leave Jaymee with few options and fewer allies. She turns to the widower of her friend—a man struggling with his own demons—to help her find her daughter and identify the killer before he strikes again.

Before all evidence, the truth—and Jaymee's daughter—are lost.

TIN GOD is a romantic thriller set in a small town. Filled with suspense and featuring a strong female protagonist, this mystery leaves the reader wanting more.

"Stacy Green writes some of the best villains out there while at the same time keeping them well hidden. I highly recommend this book for adults who love suspenseful mystery with a dose of romance and a surprise you don't see coming. I will definitely be reading more of her stories." --Open Book Society

http://www.amazon.com/Tin-Delta-Crossroads-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00C7SKV1G/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1439742899&sr=1-5&keywords=stacy+green

Turn the Page by Allie K. Adams

2015-08-24T09:32:00.000-05:00

Allie K. Adams is a hoot to hang out with, and an author in our Protect & Serve anthology.
From the USA Today bestselling author of the TREX romantic suspense series...

He's never met a system he couldn't hack or a situation he couldn't charm his way out of. Until he met her.

It's twenty years later - Kane Dennon, son of Kade Dennon and Kathleen Turner, is now twenty-six and following in his father's footsteps in every sense of the word. He's estranged from his family and living in Seattle, has more regrets than friends, and doesn't expect to live to see twenty-seven. His latest job isn't exactly going as planned, thanks to a sexy, yet nosy neighbor catching him piggybacking on her Wi-Fi and interrupting him before he can finish the hack. Just as he leaves to confront her, shots erupt, shredding his apartment. Kane races next door, expecting to find his neighbor curled into a ball, screaming as bullets whistle by. Instead, he finds her shooting back.

If it weren't for bad luck, she'd have no luck at all. That's CSI tech Eleanor Rigby's motto. Make that ex-CSI tech. After being fired for stealing evidence from a crime scene, she can't get another job to save her life. If she doesn't find some way to make money, she can add homeless to the list. Leave it to her to have the proverbial tall, dark, and gorgeous man living next door--and he turns out to be a criminal. When she's literally caught in the crossfire, she ends up on the run with him, dodging more bullets while doing everything in her power not to fall for his charm.

Everything about Ellie draws Kane in--from her fiery red hair to her amazing eye for detail. He could use her specific set of skills to figure out what his latest employer is up to and has her help track the evidence. When they discover the hack is part of a much bigger plan, one that involves them both, they must find a way to stop it before it's too late.

Sometimes life isn't about the choices we make, but how we handle the consequences.
This story can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the "Kathleen Turner" world created by Tiffany Snow. However, it's best served with a heart-racing helping of the other stories in the series on sale now.
http://www.amazon.com/Kathleen-Turner-Kindle-Worlds-Novella-ebook/dp/B00WFHEFSY/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1439742665&sr=1-9&keywords=allie+k+adams

Code of Honor by Carra Copelin

2015-08-23T09:27:00.000-05:00

Here's Carra Copelin, Protect & Serve anthology author.

Graeme McAlister has returned home to Texas to discover why his foster brother overdosed on morphine and crashed the company jet. The idea makes no sense, but the NTSB and coroner's reports both confirm suicide. Graeme's determined to unearth the truth and return to Washington, D.C. but, when he sees his brother's widow, will he be able to handle the biggest revelation of all?
A widow at the age of twenty-eight, Maggie Benning, resolves to establish a successful and independent life for herself and her five-year-old son, Andy. Her initial goal is getting back her RN job at the hospital ER where she was accused of stealing the drugs that killed her husband ten months ago. She's reconstructing her shattered life when Graeme McAlister comes back to McTiernan, Texas and stirs up old memories and feelings she thought long buried. Can she overcome past hurt and loss of trust to accept the possibility of a new love in her life?

http://www.amazon.com/Code-Honor-Texas-Book-ebook/dp/B00E019830/ref=la_B00E0MR480_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1439742289&sr=1-1

Town Hero by Hildie McQueen

2015-08-22T09:18:00.000-05:00

Hildie McQueen is a terrific author and part of the Protect & Serve anthology.

This book is only $2.99

The last twenty-four hours have been hell, between a fight with her ex that left her with a bruised face and now finding a dead body. Somehow Eliza Brock still manages to feel the undeniable attraction to the handsome deputy in charge of the investigation. Sebastian Castro planned for another slow week in Lovely, Tennessee. Instead the first murder in twenty years happens. Eddie Mason is dead, Eliza's ex had an ongoing feud with him and the widow is making the moves on Castro. It's definitely not a normal week in the small town. But it's the week fate decides to bring two solitary people together. Just when neither of them needs it.
http://www.amazon.com/Town-Hero-Romantic-Hildie-McQueen-ebook/dp/B00T0LYE66/ref=sr_1_37?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1439742092&sr=1-37&keywords=hildie+mcqueen+kindle+books&refinements=p_n_feature_browse-bin%3A618073011

Chasing Justice by Danielle Stewart

2015-08-21T09:14:00.000-05:00

Danielle Stewart is another of the Protect & Serve authors.

Read Chasing Justice for FREE!

Piper Anderson has been given a fresh start in the picturesque town of Edenville, North Carolina. But her plans of settling into a normal life are derailed when she witnesses a prominent judge in her community committing a violent assault. Running from her own past and fueled by a passion to make the judge answer for his crimes, Piper is forced to decide if she’ll play by the rules or achieve justice in her own way.

Complicating things further, Piper finds herself fighting a powerful attraction to rookie cop, Bobby Wright. Although she’s increasingly enamored with Bobby, his staunch belief in the justice system is in stark contrast to her own. She may not share his opinions about the effectiveness of the law, but she certainly can’t deny how safe she feels when she’s in his arms or how every kiss leaves her desperate for more.

For Piper, the idea of finally living an ordinary life with a man to love is tempting. However, fate keeps placing the judge, quite literally, in her path. Will she decide the only way to win is to be as wicked as the judge, but with righteous intentions? And more importantly, will Bobby choose to let her go, or follow her as she crosses the line and takes justice into her own hands?
http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Justice-Piper-Anderson-Book-ebook/dp/B00CC19MS6/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1439741698&sr=1-4&keywords=danielle+stewart

Unexpected (part one) by Amity Cross

2015-08-20T09:09:00.000-05:00

Amity Cross is another author in the Protect & Serve anthology.

This one is FREE too.

One down and out woman. One isolated rock star. Life at the top is lonely, but so is life at the bottom.

Blair is looking for an escape.
West is looking for a connection.

Blair is just looking for someone to take the edge off her crappy life. Dull the pain, breathe a little life into her neglected body. A chance meeting at a bar leads to a night of passion. No names, no personal details. Just sex.
Well, it wasn't personal until she sees the guy standing on a stage ten meters in front of her. How the hell didn't she realize that the guy who blew her mind is the guitarist out of that dirty rock'n'roll band, Affliction? And why is he chasing her down the street? And how does he know her name?

Sometimes you find the things you didn't even know you were looking for in the most unexpected places.
http://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Part-One-Amity-Cross-ebook/dp/B00I6SR7W2/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1439741384&sr=1-3&keywords=Amity+Cross

Accidental SEAL by Sharon Hamilton

2015-08-19T09:05:00.000-05:00

Sharon Hamilton is another of the Protect & Serve authors.

This book is FREE, so meet Sharon and fall in love

Christy Nelson embarks on her new career in Real Estate by holding her first open house. Entering the wrong house, by accident, she finds the nude sleeping body of a young man.

Navy SEAL Kyle Lansdowne, on a mission to find his AWOL Team buddy, is staying at his buddy’s home while investigating the disappearance. When someone breaks in, he takes protective measures. He doesn’t expect to find that a beautiful young woman is responsible for his teammate’s abduction.

What starts out as a meeting by accident becomes a hot affair neither one is ready for. Kyle is conflicted about getting Christy involved in his mission, but his hand is forced when he learns the same San Diego gang responsible for his teammate’s abduction has kidnapped her.

Battling a cadre of dirty law enforcements hell-bent on getting military equipment, especially state-of-the-art firepower, Kyle is forced to admit that he would die to protect her.

http://www.amazon.com/Accidental-SEAL-Brotherhood-Book-ebook/dp/B008CM1ODU/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1439741096&sr=1-3&keywords=sharon+hamilton

Whispers Murder by Cheryl Bradshaw

2015-08-18T09:03:00.000-05:00

For the next 10 days, I'll be sharing novels from the 10 other authors in the Protect & Serve anthology. What better way to get jazzed about reading the collection than meeting the authors in advance.

ONLY $0.99

From New York Times and USA Today best selling mystery author Cheryl Bradshaw:

It was Isabelle Donnelly's wedding day, a moment in time that should have been the happiest in her life, until it ended in her husband Leo's cold-blooded murder.

As police investigate Leo's mysterious death, Isabelle discovers her husband was not the man he pretended to be. Why had he lied about his past? And why couldn't his killer rest until she shared her husband's fate?

http://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Murder-Till-Death-Part-ebook/dp/B006YYJZK2/ref=la_B004RIU5OW_1_15?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1439740794&sr=1-15&refinements=p_82%3AB004RIU5OW%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A618073011

A Date to Die For by Bonnie Paulson

2015-08-17T07:54:00.000-05:00

I think you'll love this series. Bonnie is a great lady, and this book is FREE, so what better way to get to know a new author.

FROM AMAZON:
When dating ends in deaths and threats, Molly might be better off staying single.

During one of Molly’s weekly meet-ups with her girls at their regular bar, Molly succumbs to the duress of her two best friends and begins the aggressive dating they sign her up for online where the pairings are questionable… and dangerous. They’ve entered her in an evening of speed dating. But at the end of the evening she finds an item from her past that raises questions… and danger.

When the number of deaths surpass Molly’s goodnight kisses, her past pushes into the present and Molly loses much more than she gains. A stalker has focused on Molly and refuses to let anyone else date her. But she refuses to be single for the rest of her life.

Is Molly doomed to a life of singledom wrapped in fear - or will the stalker turn on her next?

***Think TV - this is an episode, to be followed closely by the next, etc. This is not a complete story and will not be resolved until Adventure #7***

Come visit me at my website and get the scoop on so much more!
www.bonnierpaulson.net

Subscribe to Survive! Get my newsletter here!
http://www.bonnierpaulson.net/#!subscribe-to-survival-in-bonnies-world/c21y3

A Whole New Brand

2015-08-14T22:54:00.001-05:00

I hope you like the look of the blog! We have a whole new look, and brand. I realized my website and my book covers didn't reflect the stories I write, so I made some changes.
My books are snarky and fun, and there are a few dead bodies along the way, so now I think I've found the "look."

I'm cooking! I know, right?

2015-07-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

Coconut and Macadamia Nut Crusted Tilapia
with Grilled Veggies and Forbidden Rice

It's been a week since the meals arrived. I told you I'd let you know the service, if I was happy with the meals. Well, I'm not only happy, I'm thrilled. Not only am I thrilled, so is my husband. He doesn't much care for fish, but he was delighted with the other meals. One was chicken based, and the other beef.

I cooked the last of the three meals yesterday, and saved my husband's portion for him to eat when he got home from work. I expected him to like it, because it was beef, but I didn't expect him to ask me the price, and then, "Are you getting another package next week?"

Um, what? I told him the price and his reaction stunned me. "Cheaper than going out, and this is like going out to eat. Something different, and it's good."

From someone who hasn't cooked regularly in...well, we won't go there, I actually enjoyed the 45 minutes or so in the kitchen. And the meals were closer to 3 servings than two. Not having to go grocery shopping, or measure out the ingredients made the whole experience that much better.

When I consider the amount of time it takes to drive 30 minutes to the grocery store, stalk the aisles for the odd ingredients, come home and measure everything out, then hope what wasn't used doesn't go bad before I finish it up, it's actually cheaper.

Will I be continuing the service? Absolutely, at least for the next few weeks. I wouldn't want to do it when my schedule is crazy, because then I really only have time to microwave food, or put pasta on to cook.

The service I used was HelloFresh. You can even choose what type of meals you want to receive.

I'll post more about the experience next week...

What? Me cook?

2015-07-09T11:46:00.001-05:00

I have a hard time dealing with cooking. I'm a great cook, when I feel like it, but I rarely feel like it because our kitchen isn't stocked for a chef.
Ha! Chef! Did I mention that I collect cookbooks? I do. I have at least 20 of them, and I love reading the recipes, and marking the pages with a Post-it note, but I rarely if ever try the recipes.
Why? I collect cookbooks, but don't cook? I really dislike grocery shopping. And the stores where I live (small town middle of nowhere) don't have the fun ingredients I want to use in my recipes. So I drool, and don't cook.
And then along comes this service, that delivers fresh ingredients to your door, along with everything you need to know to cook the meals. It's not cheap, then neither is eating out these days. I'm hoping the service is awesome, and I keep up the weekly deliveries.
Each delivery has enough food for three recipes for two people. So, if my husband doesn't like it, I will get six meals a week. And if I don't like it, I'll just stop getting the deliveries.
Now, I have to make time to cook these meals three days a week, and see if I really hate cooking, or just the grocery shopping.
I'm going to be posting my versions of the meals I cook, both here and on my newsletter and on Facebook, so stay tuned.
I'll give a review of how easy they were to cook, and if they were delicious. Oh, and I'll let you know what service I'm using, once I try it.
Do you cook? Have you ever tried a fresh ingredients delivery service?

Barefoot & Naked

2015-07-07T22:38:00.002-05:00

I've been considering so many things lately that I've been fighting my head. I've been torn, mixed up, distant. Between the restaurant I own with my husband, my writing career, and where I want to go from this point, I'm not surprised I've been having the craziest dreams/nightmares.
I promise I'm not going to share the crazy dreams with you, because upon waking, they don't really make all that much sense. I'm ready to make the decisions I need to make, and get focused.
It's the lack of focus that keeps me from getting my books written faster. I can't seem to stick with one idea long enough to finish a novella, much less a full-length novel.
Thanks to some great phone apps, I'm getting my shit in order, and putting my life in order.
One of the decisions I made was to cut one of my pen names, and kick that chick to the curb. Trying to keep up more than one persona is exhausting, and time consuming. I haven't given the pen name a formal funeral yet, because who knows, I may want to write in some obscure genre, and I'll need her again.
I'm working to get an assistant trained, but he's rather resistant. Yeah, he looks nice in that photo in the corner, but he's a crazy stubborn nice guy.
Stay tuned, as I'm working on becoming a regular blogger, now that I'm only one person again.
As a writer, I'm really 27-30 people at once, with the characters in my head. How about you? If you're a writer, do you enjoy the company of the crazies in your head? Even as a non-writer, there are crazies in our head. Ha! We are never alone. Right?