Today, I'm late getting this post up. I'm in a tizzy and don't know if I'm coming or going. Honestly, things will be progressing along well and...ZAP!....life happens. All because I'm trying to accomplish too much in too short a time and think I have everything under control, only to learn--whoa--I SO don't.
I have several deadlines looming. Here I was writing away toward achieving them when life sneaked in and slapped me upside the head and suddenly I'm pulling out my hair. You've had times like that, I'm sure. We all do, which is why we call it LIFE.
Not that you're probably interested, but the reason for my dither is our eldest daughter broke her leg badly and has been in the hospital a week and rehab in the same hospital two weeks. Being the sort of overprotective parents we are, Hero and I spent a good deal of time going back and forth to stay with her in the hospital which is two hours away. Friday, she will come to stay with us until she can walk safely on her own, which should be about three months. Yes, she's an independent grown woman, but she's still our kid to us.
I hope you attended the Sooper Sekrit Facebook Party on Sunday evening. Truthfully, that was the most fun of any online party of which I've been a part. I'm so grateful to Kween Kirsten Osbourne for inviting me to be a part of this amazing record-setting endeavor. Forty-five authors are writing books in the American Mail-Order Bride Series for the fifty states and territories in 1890. Several authors have two books, which accounts for the difference in the numbers.
The American Mail-Order Bride Series books begin releasing one a day on November 19th, but you can pre-order them now. My book is number 42 on December 30th and is PATIENCE: BRIDE OF WASHINGTON. Here's the cover designed by Erin Dameron Hill:
What do I know about Washington state? Not much. My husband was visiting right after Mount St. Helens erupted several decades ago. I think we have a jar of the ashes somewhere. I have three nieces living there in addition to their parents (my sister in law and brother in law). My good friend Jacquie Rogers lives there. So, I do have resources for assistance. Then there's always the writer's friend, Google. ☺
Usually, I try to write Texas settings because I live here and have traveled over most of the state. But, writers have to stretch ourselves a little to keep growing in our craft. You may remember that THE SURPRISE BRIDES: JAMIE was set in Colorado. At least I've traveled in Colorado several times. By the way, I still need a sweater or blanket when I think about a particular scene in that book. ☺
Fortunately, this book, PATIENCE: BRIDE OF WASHINGTON, takes place in spring, so the weather is great. In fact, Patience arrives in Destiny, Washington when the apple trees are in blossom. If you like big band swing music as I do, you may have heard the song "I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time". I am reminded of that tune when I think of this book.
Another help for me is the fact that Hero and I used to own an orchard of several hundred trees peach trees, four plum trees, sixteen Delicious apple trees, one Granny Smith apple tree, one crabapple tree, a pecan tree, and some grape vines. Writing about orchards is a lot more fun than owning one. Trust me!
Anyway, please think about pre-ordering PATIENCE: BRIDE OF WASHINGTON, American Mail-Order Brides 42. Don't you love those pre-orders? I forget about ordering the book but then open my Kindle and, Voila!, there it is waiting for me. Technology actually can be our friend at times.
Here's the link: http://amzn.com/B017HLR6CE
