Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop Winners

I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the 2017 Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop with over 60 authors and tons of readers. We had creative holiday contests daily, each author awarded individual prizes, and we collectively contributed to three $100 Amazon gift cards, just in time for Christmas shopping! This was a great way to meet new readers and authors. What a fun, festive win-win.

Big congrats to my seven winners, six of whom will receive an eBook of my new holiday release, MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO.

• Denise Haworth Barry
• Kim Ryder Trask
• Robinrl Martin
• HiDee Silverwood Ekstrom
• Mary Carole Irvine
• Jayme Sharp Williams

Drum roll...my $25 Amazon gift card grand prize winner is: Essence Mustian! Happy shopping, Essence.

Thank you for the can't-wait-to-try holiday recipes and for telling me what toys you requested from Santa as a child. I found it interesting that several of you requested the same gifts as my five-year-old character, Betsy! 

I really enjoyed connecting with all of you. Happy reading and Merry Christmas!

New Release: MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO

I am thrilled to tell you about my newest release, MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO. First of all, it's a Christmas novella (right at 25,000 words). Secondly, I adore the cover. Once you see it, you'll immediately understand the sweet, heartwarming tone of my story. Ready? Drum roll, please...

See what I mean? Too cute for words. I can say that since I'm not the designer. However, I did find the scrawny tree and angel while perusing photo sites and the tree is exactly how I pictured it. One of my characters, Betsy, who is in kindergarten, picked it out. :) It's just slightly bigger and prettier than Charlie Brown's Christmas tree, but not by much.

I'll share my blurb below but wanted to tell you how this madcap, hard-core writing adventure began. After I wrote, edited, and submitted my Coconuts Book 2 (it was accepted and I got a contract, by the way, which I'll discuss in another post), I plodded around the house wondering if I should immediately dive into Coconuts Book 3 or try my hand at writing a novella with entirely different characters for a change of pace. Since I love holiday books and movies, you know what I decided.

While reviewing several of my short stories and half-novels on my computer, I discovered 6,100 words for a Christmas tale I had completely forgotten about writing. As I read it, I fell in love with the characters and the story. I knew I had to finish it--and fast since it was already October! For any chance of a holiday release, I also knew I'd have to indie publish, another first for me. I'm very happy with my publisher, Soul Mate Publishing, but let's face it, they represent over 300 authors who are all vying for their attention, have their own tight schedules, and cover art needs. There wasn't any way I could get this story out before fall of 2018 if I traditionally published, so I jumped in with both feet, rolled up my sleeves, and went to work on figuring out the indie side of the publishing business.

I researched cover artists and checked on their timelines. I sought out beta readers and editors who could turn the work around in a few days. Then, I hunched over my computer and pulled several 9-11 hour days over three weeks. By focusing solely on this story, eating out a lot, skipping housework, and a few(!) showers, I managed to add 18,100 words in three weeks! That's a record for me. I can't say I'd do that again because my back and wrists hurt, plus my eyes looked like a road map. I ended up penning THE END while wearing my trusty wrist braces. Don't worry. I'm fine now but it was a grueling schedule.

Thanks to my cover designer and beta readers, the whole project was finished and released on schedule on November 1 while I was in California visiting my daughter and grandson. I had tech issues on release day, talked to eight Amazon representatives, and got so worked up my daughter had to take the phone. Whew! I'm glad that's behind me. Now, I have to market it. I'll be having several contests in November and December, as well as a launch party in December. More about all of that later.

As promised, here's the blurb for MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO:

Fired two weeks before Christmas, distraught single mom Madison wonders how she’ll afford to pay for her young daughter’s Christmas gifts and still keep a roof over their heads. Sleigh bells and twinkling lights are the last thing on her mind—until a handsome stranger intervenes.

Successful architect Adam Donovan dives into his work by renovating an elaborate hotel after his wife leaves him. He barely notices it’s Christmastime until he overhears a young mother’s tearful plea. Stepping in makes Adam feel like Old Saint Nick himself.

Will Madison and Adam find holiday joy—and possibly love—after discovering Adam’s secret or will it tear them apart?

Amazon buy link:

http://tinyurl.com/yd97mpap

My novella is available as an eBook and also in paperback. I'd love to hear if you enjoy Christmas stories or have written under extremely tight deadlines. Happy reading!

Holiday Newsletter from Sizzle In The Snow Authors

I'm way behind on posting the Sizzle In The Snow newsletter due to my recent travels to California (twice). All eight authors are submitting wonderful holiday songs, recipes, memories, DIY projects, and more. Since the posts are lengthy and I'm attempting to catch up, I'll just share a portion of the last two newsletters. Enjoy the excerpts, Christmas songs, recipes, and memories. Follow us on Twitter at #sizzleinthesnow and watch for our eight-author Facebook Launch party in November!


Eight Authors. Eight Christmas Romances.

This Christmas season, Soul Mate Publishing and editor, Char Chaffin, presents Sizzle in The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection, an anthology available November 25th on Amazon and Soul Mate Publishing. The featured authors and their stories include:

• Beth Carter http://bethcarter.com/, Santa Baby
• Amy Deason https://amydeason.wordpress.com/, Second Chances: A Christmas Story
• Crystal Firsdon http://crystalfirsdon.com/, ‘Twas the Crazy Night Before Christmas
• CD Hersh https://cdhersh.wordpress.com/, Kissing Santa
• Kim Hotzon http://kimhotzon.com/, The Snow Bird
• Ryan Jo Summers http://www.ryanjosummers.com/, Tamed by Christmas
• Tina Susedik http://www.tinasusedik.com/, Operation Santa
• Cheryl Yeko http://www.cherylyeko.com/, Christmas Eve Surprise

A Christmas Song for You from the King himself!

Title: Blue Christmas

Song Link:
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=elvis+presley+singing+blue+christmas&FORM=VIRE13#view=detail&mid=4B63C16C2001EFAE289E4B63C16C2001EFAE289E

A sneak peek of one of the eight stories . . .

By author Crystal Firsdon in her novelette 'Twas The Crazy Night Before Christmas!

Clara lay flat on her back, dead silent. A rock dug into her shoulder and she fought the urge to wiggle out of the way. The dirt beneath her was dry and chilly while a small pool of sweat puddled between her breasts. The stranger she’d met only a half hour earlier lay directly on top of her, propped up on his elbows on either side of her head, covering her body head to toe in a protective shield. Her hands were pinned between their chests and, no matter how hard she tried to still them, trembled.

He kept as much of his weight off her as he could, but their bodies still clung to one another. He lowered his head an inch and whispered, “Relax.”

Clara nodded. “What did you say your name was?” she whispered back. He’d never told her his name, just grabbed her from the store and ran like hell.

“Shhh.” His breath in her ear sent shivers down the side of her neck, and if they weren’t being chased by a couple of thugs with guns, she’d take time to enjoy the feeling.

She took a slow, deep breath but it forced their bodies tighter together, and dear God, she enjoyed it.

Which made her an idiot.

Maybe she should slide out from under him if the adrenaline rush affected her thoughts like that.

A Yummy Recipe by Author Cheryl Yeko

Rum or Bourbon Balls – Great For Christmas!

1 Cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips

1/2 Cup White Sugar

3 Tablespoons Corn Syrup

1/2 Cup Rum OR Bourbon

2 ½ Cups Crushed Vanilla Wafers

1 Cup Chopped Walnuts (optional)

1/3 Cup Powdered Sugar

Place chocolate chips into a microwave-safe medium bowl. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute, stir and then continue to heat at 20 second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Stir in sugar and corn syrup. Blend in rum. Add crushed vanilla wafers and chopped nuts. Mix until evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate until firm.

Roll the chilled chocolate mixture into bite-size balls. Roll balls in a mixture of ground nuts and confectioner’s sugar, or just plain confectioner’s sugar. Store in a covered container for a week before serving to blend the flavors.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A sweet holiday memory by author Kim Hotzon 

There is one special Christmas memory that I’ll never forget.  As a teenager, I woke on Christmas morning to an announcement from my younger brother, who was only 3 at the time. “Santa built a house!” His wide-eyed exuberance brought me running to the front window. I wiped my bleary eyes as he pointed at the driveway. “See? Santa built you a house!” He jumped up and down in his excitement.  Gazing at the driveway, I was too stunned to speak.

What I learned later that morning, as my dad handed me a set of keys duct-taped twenty layers deep, was that he had re-commissioned an old car donated by the church, turning it into a shiny, fabulous set of wheels for his teen-aged daughter. He’d spent months, along with a family friend, detailing and overhauling the car, getting it ready in time for Christmas. I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams receiving a car on Christmas morning. Naturally, I squealed, standing in my housecoat on the driveway, as I ripped off the cardboard from a hundred boxes covering the car. The entire ‘box’ was wrapped up in a giant, red bow. To my brother’s eyes, it certainly looked like a house, though I had to explain to him that it was in fact a car. I was humbled, surprised, and delighted by the realization that others would go to such lengths to make that car into something special for me. My dad provided a lesson in giving from the heart that resonated deeply. The only condition given to me? I had to save up for car insurance!

How about a mocktail to kick off the holidays? This version is by author Ryan Jo Summers.

Pear Tree Mocktail

 

1 C ice

1/3 c pear juice
2 Tablespoons simple syrup *
2 Tablespoons lemon & lime juice  **
4 fresh mint leaves and 1 mint sprig for garnish

*Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water heated until sugar dissolves. Yield will be the same amount of water used.

** lemon and lime juice is equal parts freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice to add acidity. 

Preparation: Put pear juice, simple syrup, lemon and lime juice, and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker and shake until well blended, about ten seconds. Pour with ice into sniffer or tumbler. Garnish with sprig of mint. Superfine sugar is a nice garnish for the rim of the glass and dissolves easily.

Stay tuned for more over the coming days.

NEW RELEASE: SIZZLE IN THE SNOW

I'm thrilled to be among eight authors whose novelettes (10,000 words each) will be featured in the upcoming Christmas anthology, SIZZLE IN THE SNOW, by Soul Mate Publishing. My story is entitled "Santa Baby," and I had such fun writing it.

Last spring when I saw the Call for Submission for this anthology, I immediately thought of five storylines. I happily started on one and was half finished with a sweet, heartwarming story when the editor, Char Chaffin, asked for a steamy novelette. Huh? Screech the breaks er, keyboard. My story was not steamy whatsoever.

So, what's an author to do except save the current document (as yet untitled) and start over with a blank page. I scratched my head trying to think of a steamy Christmas story that would still have a heartwarming happily ever after. I thought and thought and finally did it! I'm really happy with the result and hope you will be as well. It's unique as far as holiday stories go. :)

All of the SIZZLE IN THE SNOW authors are sharing recipes, DIY holiday tips, favorite songs, excerpts, Christmas memories, and more. I'm running hard to catch up since I've had an insanely busy fall. Look for those fun posts over the next couple of days while I catch up. Meanwhile follow us on Twitter at #sizzleinthesnow and stay tuned for our Facebook launch party in November!

A Laborious Summer

Since it's Labor Day weekend, (and since I haven't posted in way too long), I thought I'd tell you about my laborious summer. Actually, it has been a lovely, albeit extremely busy summer. Let me explain the play on words for "labor."

A few months ago, I wrote a novelette (10,000-word story) entitled "Santa Baby" for possible inclusion in the Soul Mate Publishing Christmas anthology. And I was thrilled to learn my story was one of seven that was selected. Funny thing is, I wrote about a woman in labor on December 23. She's all alone. No boyfriend. No father. Until... Well, you'll find out soon enough. Look forward to many blogs, prizes, and parties from all of the authors this November!

Interestingly, the month after I wrote "Santa Baby," my daughter told me she's going to have her first baby! Pretty amazing timing, right? We're very excited and are in full tilt mode for the upcoming baby shower, planning, and the precious bundle.

I also started a new novel a few months ago, currently titled STRANDED IN PARADISE. The title will most likely change. I have a really good one in mind if my publisher will let me use it!! I really love the hero, Ty, who has a very cool profession! I can't wait to tell you about it. And the villain, Derek, is a total jerk. I love creating nasty people, it seems. The heroine is Pepper who is an unemployed, unlucky-in-love daycare worker.  I'm about 85 percent finished with the first draft, then I'll tackle edits and the dreaded synopsis. My novel is set on a beautiful, serene island in Florida that I want to visit and hope you will as well.

We went on a two-week vacation with three sets of family members in Arizona and California and saw the famed "Standin' On the Corner" in Winslow, Arizona (by the Eagles), the Lowell Observatory, the infamous Meteor Crater, and of course, Hollywood! At the observatory, we were able to view Venus during the day and learned a maintenance guy who loved astronomy took tons of photos and was the one who discovered Pluto. A young girl from England entered a contest and named Pluto. Fun facts.

In honor of my one-year novel anniversary, I held an online Reader Appreciation Event for fans of THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS. We had a fun, three-hour party and I gave away tons of swag. Readers are why authors write and I love giving back to them.


Finally, I'll be attending the InD'Scribe Reader & Author Con in Palm Springs, California Sept. 17-20. I'll be signing books with about 100 authors, meeting readers, and attending the RONE awards gala. I'd love to see you there! And for those of you who voted for THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS, I'm beyond humbled. Thank you.

It has been a frenzy of a spring and summer. I think I'll take a nap.

Going Back to Elementary School

As a children's literature writer, I love giving back to kids.

I say we embrace the new year by declaring to change the world one book at a time! Right before the holiday break, I had the pleasure of visiting my former elementary school, York Elementary, to read to two first grade classrooms.

I read my new holiday picture book, SANTA'S SECRET, to 38 children and three teachers. The kids were great listeners, asked several questions about writing, and were delighted to receive free autographed books. I also gave them crayons, coloring books, and Christmas candy. One classroom informed me they had researched me in advance by reading my blog and Amazon author page! I sure hope they visit again and see themselves here.


Going back to my former elementary school proved to be a delightful, nostalgic day. I visited the cafeteria and saw the stage where I played Mary in a Nativity scene. Guess that wouldn't happen these days, sadly. I also visited several classrooms where I once sat as a young girl eager to learn as an extremely shy student.

Afterward, I watched the yellow school buses line up in front awaiting excited children and looked longingly across the street where Andy's Grocery Store used to be. I told one of the teachers that Andy's always had a glass case full of penny candy and students would fill the store the minute school was over. Andy wasn't exactly a "kid" guy. In fact, he was a big grouch. Still, we loved his penny candy and his sour mood never kept us away even if we were slightly afraid of him.


Going back to York planted an indelible smile on my face for weeks afterward. I can still remember the students' smiles, applause, questions, and especially the little girl who hugged me and whispered, "I've never had my own crayons before." Tears sprang to my eyes as I gave her a tight embrace and wished her a Merry Christmas.

I'll never forget that day. I hope all kidlit authors do the same and visit their own schools.

Even if you only donate one book to a surprised child or to the school's library, you'll improve someone's life. Try it. Sprinkle some of that fairy dust. It's fun and what a great way to start 2014.

Christmas Candy

Normally, I don't make a lot of candy throughout the year because I'm not supposed to eat sugar and because I try to watch my weight. However, these rules fly out the window over Christmas. I love to make candy around the holidays. Below is my favorite (and easiest) recipe. Care to share one of your Christmas candy recipes?

Chocolate Peanut Clusters

1/2 pkg. Chocolate almond bark
12 oz. pkg. Chocolate chips
10-12 oz. Peanuts without skins (or cashews)


Melt almond bark in a microwave safe dish for 1-2 minutes. Add chocolate chips and melt another minute until smooth. Remove from microwave (bowl may be hot) and stir in nuts. Drop on waxed paper until set.

These are fantastic! Everyone loves them and they make great gifts if you put them in pretty holiday tins. Note: You could vary this recipe by using chocolate caramel chips and possibly pecans. I believe those just might taste like turtles. I'll have to try that. Yield: 35-40 clusters

Holiday Decorating Tips

I'm no Martha Stewart but I do enjoy decorating for the holidays (maybe a little too much), so I thought I'd share a few of my tips:

Cranberries and Tea Lights Fill a pretty glass bowl with a bag of cranberries. Add water and place little tea lights on top. The cranberries and candles will float. This makes a unique, pretty centerpiece or nice countertop decoration.

Decorative Ribbons I go to the Dollar Store and buy rolls and rolls of pretty ribbon with wire edges (so it's bendable). I get red, green, gold, silver, and pretty designs. Then, I tie bows on candlesticks, topiaries, mirrors and most of the Christmas packages (it's much prettier than a stick-on bow). I also decorate the Christmas trees with pieces of long winding ribbons.

Large Flocked and Glittery Poinsettias A great way to fill in holes on Christmas trees is to take long-stemmed flowers (white, red, gold or whatever you prefer) and simply stick them into the tree (the long stem will be hidden and no wire is needed). It's beautiful to use several of them and much faster than hanging ornaments. (I use ornaments, too.)

Winter Potpourri I fill large glass hurricane candle holders with potpourri. Sometimes I'll separate a bag and use a portion of it as a base around the candle. Right now, our winter potpourri mix is so strong that it has some unattractive plastic wrap on top because we were getting headaches!

Care to share any of your decorating tips? Do you enjoy decorating for the holidays or remember traditions from when you were a kid?

Favorite Christmas Movies

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas celebration with family and friends. We did and it's still ongoing this entire week with another family get-together in a few days! We always need entertainment ideas and look toward board games, Christmas movies and outings. Since this time of year gets a bit stressful, our favorite Christmas movies are comedies and love stories such as:

• Four Christmases
• Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase
• Love, Actually
• The Grinch That Stole Christmas
• A Charlie Brown Christmas

There are many to choose from and I'd love suggestions. What are your favorite movies to watch during the holiday season?

A Christmas Poem

Over the past year, I've begun to appreciate poetry and have attempted five poems to date. In fact, I recently bought a sweatshirt that reads, "I'm a poet and I just know I am." That about says it all when it comes to poetry and me...hey, I'm still learning. Below is my first attempt at a Christmas poem. We printed my poem in last year's Christmas cards alongside a photo of the beautiful angel my mother crocheted nearly three decades ago. Christmas Tree Angel By Beth Carter Bejeweled with strands of pearls Feathered birds and twinkling lights; Glittering ornaments and velvet bows Encircled our tree with delight. Plump snowmen and toy soldiers Carefully placed just right; Shiny Red and Green Packages Completed the joyful sight. The most special gift of all Topped our majestic tree; A frayed, embroidered angel Handmade by Mommy and me. Do you enjoy poetry? Have you written any poems? If so, please submit them.