The End

Hi folks,

    Just a quick one today as I have to get my butt out of the chair and walk the dogs. I have been pounding away at the keyboard all morning, but I did it, I finished the rough draft of my next book.  Yay me! There is nothing quite as exciting for me as a writer than to finish that first draft.

   This one is especially sweet considering all the difficulties the past few months have thrown in the path. Now to tidy it up then hand it off to the editor then to a few beta readers and then hit the shelves. The target for release will be late September or early October. Will have a firm date soon.

   So, here's a peek at the beginning. Be gentle folks, it's unedited.

Success

Hi Folks,

It’s been a crazy, busy, week, but it was also a successful week. As I often say, “Ya gotta love it when it works.” And work it has. Last Sunday we put up Frankie and Frankie is being good to us. Here’s a line from our first review.

“This book is more of a thriller than a romance.”

So, heeeerrrrrreeeeees Frankie.

http://www.amazon.com/Prudence-MacLeod/e/B0079XOY8U

Another Week Zooms By

Hi folks,

So where did this past week go? I did get a bunch of writing done, but not as much as I wanted to. We’ve had some crazy weather, but I managed to get out with the dogs to play in the woods and fields a few times.

There was also the annual search for the woollies and shopping to replace what we couldn’t find or had grown out of. (sigh… gotta get more exercise) As soon as we dug out the winter clothes, laundered and installed them in the closet then put away the summer stuff, it warmed up and rained for two days. Argh

On the bright side we are back in the cool crisp sunny fall weather that I love so much. Hmmm, I’ll soon have to think about getting the snow tires installed.

Determination

One trait common to most successful people, is determination.  Whenever I feel like giving up, I think of the following story.

One of our dogs is Jokko, a dachshund/beagle cross.  We call him a German engineered beagle.  As pup he could pull a ninety degree turn at full throttle. A year ago we were returning from a pack walk in the woods.  Jokko leaped across a ditch and landed wrong.  He yelped in pain, and then came to me on three legs.  I tried to pick him up, but he soon squirmed to get down, insisting on three legging it all the way home. 

Thinking it was just a sprain; I took my time and let him walk.  The next day I heard a second yelp. I found him at the bottom of a set of stairs, struggling to climb back up; both back legs were dragging behind.  That was it; off to the vet we go.  One vet wanted to take X-rays, do tests, etc.  Keep him here for a few days, they said.  Nope, the dog is a pack animal; he his hurt and needs his pack.  I looked for a second opinion.

Hole in the Wall.

I’m supposed to be working on the house this week, but I will confess to sneaking in a bit of writing time. It’s always the same way; as soon as I start something else I get these great ideas for my WIP. 

Anyway, I have done a bit on the house too. We bought a wood stove as a back-up heating system for winter. The house has a chimney, but it was covered with drywall on the inside. I turned the task over to my alter ego, Chainsaw Angie. It did not take her long to find the treasure behind the wall.

Here’s the wall.

Here’s the wall with the chimney hole revealed.

And here it is sealed and waiting for the final install.

Hopefully, my next post will reveal the stove installed and ready for action.

Now on to the good stuff. Here’s the last chance to enter the draw for the goodies. The winners will be announced next week. Good Luck!

Two of my books will be free for the rest of September. If you download a book, let me know and I will enter your name for a draw at the end of the month. There will be two draws, so let me know which one you want (or both). Next month will a new contest so keep checking back.

The first draw is for a $25.00 gift certificate from The Purple Raven Boutique.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PurpleRavenBoutique?ref=seller_info

The second draw is for a $25.00 coupon towards editing services from Powder River Editing.

http://powderriverediting.blogspot.ca/

Okay, now on to the free books. If you like romance, here’s a coupon for Moira. Just click the link and use this code: HX83V

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/129744

If you prefer action, adventure, aliens, psychic attacks, with a bit of romance tossed in for spice, here’s the code for Hunter. GK96A

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/216294

Remember to let me know so I can enter your name in the right draw.

October is almost upon us. Are you preparing for winter? How? Tearing any holes in the walls? 

Sell Books for Steve

Folks, today’s post is a bit different. Please click on one or both of the links below and check out the page that comes up. This blog speaks for itself and explains why tomorrow, Monday July 16^th , 2012 is such a special day. Please tell your friends, Tweet the message and spread the word anyway you can.

Thanks so much.

http://handcuffedtotheocean.com/

http://www.omnimysterynews.com/2012/07/sell-books-for-steve-day-monday-july-16th-1207151303.html

And now for the ROW80 goals.

1.      Finish the first draft of my current project and get it off to my editor.  CM Crawford is a great editor and has very reasonable rates. Heck, she’ll even work for Amazon gift cards. The girl loves to barter. You can find her on her Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/cm.crawford.5 

Going great guns here. I’ll have the first draft finished and on its way to the editor before this time next week. Work on goal #2 will begin the following week.

2.      Get the next project over 15K words

3.      If Ms. Crawford gets the first project back to me in time, finish the second draft during this round. If not then I will finish and hopefully publish it during the last round.

So, one thing you can do to help is to go to my Amazon author page and hit the *like* button on the upper right side. Here’s the link.

 http://www.amazon.com/Prudence-MacLeod/e/B0079XOY8U 

If you have an author page drop your link into a comment and I’ll go *like* it for you. Thanks for stopping by, good luck!

Quality Time

Hi folks, I promised another excerpt from Shelly’s Turn and here it is along with my Wednesday check-in for ROW80

“So do we get to spend some quality time together tomorrow?”

“Sure thing, Dad, I’ll be cleaning out the garage, cutting the grass, tidying up the flower beds, and stuff like that. This place has been neglected since Charlene died. I could sure use the help if you don’t mind.”

“Terry, I thought we might take in a ball game or something like that.”

New Book

Hi folks. Here’s a sneak peek at my next book, another Transgender romance, this time chronicling the struggles of a teenage girl to be. This is the third novel I wrote to honor my friend who took her own life. Some of her struggle is woven into this story. Through this simple tale I hope to shed some light into a seldom seen corner of our society. So, here’s the cover and an excerpt. With luck the book will be out by the end of this week or early next.

Smiling with child-like delight, Terry sat on the bed and carefully dumped out the contents of the envelope. There were several things there, including an eight by ten photograph of a very beautiful woman. It was just a head and shoulders shot, but he could easily see that she was dressed for a very formal occasion. There was also a sealed envelope addressed to ‘Whoever finds this.’  With a shrug, Terry tore it open.

Boats and Braids

{EAV:c5ae2bdec5b401dc

It was a wonderful start to the day. It was cold and rainy without a lot of promise, but that was soon to be dispelled. I drove to the docks to wait for a boat, and to my surprise, there she was just coming in.  Great, no waiting. Once I got aboard there was an even nicer surprise.

Successful Resolution

Hey there, fellow ROWers, last check-in I asked for some feedback to use as guidance in deciding on my next writing venture. I’m happy to say you didn’t disappoint. Through the comments, Twitter, and e-mails, the consensus was that the rejected manuscript should go on the shelf for now and something new should be started. I have indeed followed that sage advice. I now have the sequel to Immortal Tigress in the works, and a new romance as well. Thank you all for the support; it was extremely helpful to me. I am now happily hard at work once again.

Somebody Messed Up

Somebody screwed up, badly. 

ROW80 Check in and Book Review

Hi folks, it’s time for the old Wednesday check-in. This has been a good week so far and I’m expecting even better things as the week wears on.  So, on with the show.

The Goals

1.      Blog twice each week over and above my ROW80 check-ins

I’m right on track here. If any of you are wondering how to cope with turning forty, I’ll tell you how I did it in my next post.

Sunday Check-in

It’s been a good week and I’m pretty pleased with the progress. Before I move on to the goals, let me remind you a free copy of The First Key can be had from Smashwords in any e-reader format you desire. Just use this coupon code:  UZ27H

On to the goals:

1.      Blog twice each week over and above my ROW80 check-ins

I believe I did manage it, but if not I will get in two next time.

2.      Continue to read and comment on the blogs of my fellow writers

I’m doing well here. Happy with this one.

3.      Write at least 2K words on a WIP each week

Here’s where I’ve been focused this week. I’ve got over 3K words done and am pleased with the way it is going.  I am especially happy with this as we have had some beautiful Spring days and staying at the computer has been a challenge.

4.      I set out to publish six novels this year. I managed three last round, and two more between rounds, so that leaves me with one more novel to publish. I will see if I can get it out this round.

I have two manuscripts ready for the editor, so I’m right on track here.

5.      Read and review two or more first novels by new writers this round

OK, I didn’t get a lot of reading time in, but I am buying a book today and will start it this evening. No more stalling. I have asked if you folks have a book you want me to read, I can’t believe all you guys are so shy. Wow.

6.      Publish two or more short works (between five and twenty five thousand words

The First Key is up and ready, remember to use the coupon.  The second is in the works.

I also made an author page on Facebook where you can keep track of my progress. Here’s the URL http://www.facebook.com/Prudence.MacLeod.author  Please drop by, check it out, and remember to hit the LIKE button before you leave. Thanks.

Well, that’s it for me folks, how are you all doing with your targets? Are you doing more gardening than writing? Come on now, ‘fess up.

Story Published and ROW80 Check-in

Hi folks, it’s check-in time again and I’m feeling a bit better about the state of affairs right now. So here’s how the week is shaping up, goals wise.

1.      Blog twice each week over and above my ROW80 check-ins

Got the first one done and the second almost ready to go. Life is good.

2.      Continue to read and comment on the blogs of my fellow writers

I have managed to visit several more blogs this week. Wow, you guys are putting out some truly interesting stuff. Awesome!

3.      Write at least 2K words on a WIP each week

Ok, I’m over half way there this week. Looks like a few rainy days coming up so I should have no problem here at all.

4.      I set out to publish six novels this year. I managed three last round, and two more between rounds, so that leaves me with one more novel to publish. I will see if I can get it out this round.

I’ve got one ready for the editor, and another almost ready for her. I fully expect to exceed this goal easily.

5.      Read and review two or more first novels by new writers this round

I’m still looking for a first book to read. Come on, one of you must have one just out. Come on, ‘fess up, you can trust me. (rubs hands gleefully)

6.      Publish two or more short works (between five and twenty five thousand words)

I just this day published the first of these. It is called “The First Key” It is a sci-fi story of about 17K words, available on Smashwords here:

  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/152729

This should be up on Amazon by tomorrow. I'll publish a link as soon as I have one.

Now, as a bonus for reading my blog, here’s the coupon for a free copy It is good until June 25. UZ27H

Happy reading! Feedback is always welcome so don’t be shy.

So, how are you all doing this week?

Final Row80 Check-in

Hi folks, this is it, the final check-in for this round of ROW80. It has been a lot of fun and it has helped to keep me on track when life got bizarre and interesting. Will I do it again? Absolutely, where do I sign up?

How did I do over all? Better than I expected to do, some things got a bit derailed, but all in all I am pleased.

Using Brain Power for Success

The human brain is like any other muscle in the body.  Use it and it will grow stronger.  Here’s a trick I learned long ago to get the brain flexing and helping to improve the quality of life.  Practicing this will work pure magic for anyone. Stick with it for a few weeks and marvel at the results.

Book Review and ROW80 Check-in.

Hi folks, it’s ROW80 check in once again and this has been a successful week for me. I’ve met my goals, plus I have a short book review for you on Phoenix Child. So, on with the show.

Language of Success

The musings of a meandering mind, or, messages from myself in another realm.

I have spent a few posts rambling on about focus. This time I’d like to take you deeper into the mad mind of the Seeker.

This is me meditating and this is one of the things I meditate on.

I shall begin with a discussion on one of my pet theories, the use of language and its effects on our daily lives. Language is how we communicate with each other, the world around us, ourselves, and our creator. I believe that we all create our own lives by the way we use language. The language under discussion here is English as it is my native tongue, but the observations may well hold true for many of the western European languages.

Focused for Success

Hi folks, I’ve been rattling on about getting re-focused lately and I am here to tell you, I believe I’ve got it. My mind is back on track and things are starting to unfold as they should. I’m back to getting some writing done, sales are up, and I'm loving every bit of it.