#ThrowbackThursday The Very First Book Signing & Thanks

It’s not possible to talk about reaching the ONE MILLION BOOKS SOLD mark (still can’t get over it) without talking about the very first one as well as some people who have been so very very instrumental in giving me the opportunity to write for you!

First of all, a big thank you to the fabulous Fern Michaels who took the time to read my first works and put me in touch with her editor. Her advice and support was invaluable in my deciding I might actually be able to write.

Another big thank you to the late Gwynne Foster who I sat with at one meeting and basically told me, “What are you waiting for! Just send it to them!” I did and got a call just a few weeks later from my very first editor, Diane Stockwell. It was such a pleasure working with her on the Encanto line and if it wasn’t for her support (and buying my very first book).

Things don’t always go smoothly in the publishing world and when Encanto disappeared, it took me a few years to sell another book. This time it was to the awesome Stacy Boyd who always brought out the best in my writing and who has been a wonderful advocate at Harlequin. Thank you, Stacy.

There have been many many other people and I don’t want them to feel left out, but I’ll share more thanks in the future (since I really really really want to milk this moment – LOL!).

To end today’s Throwback Thursday, here is a photo from my very first signing in Menlo Park Mall.
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#WriteWed One Million Books Sold!

I’ve been nearing a milestone for several months and I still have to tally some numbers, but even without them, I’ve hit a very special milestone: ONE MILLION BOOKS SOLD.

Wow. Now I know there are people who have hit that number and more. There are people who hit that number in a really fast time. I’ve kind of been like the tortoise and not the hare, but despite that, it’s reason to celebrate a milestone that many writers may never reach.

So, WOO HOO! I’m still in a little shock about it and deciding how to celebrate since it’s truly something to celebrate. I think we’ll have a giveaway for starters. Maybe even a little get together at a conference. I’d love to hear from you about how to share this very special moment with you!

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#TuesdayTip National Bagel Day

Oooh, bagels. Those crusty, chewy, tasty treats! I’ve been watching my carbs because I do see a difference in my body when I eat them, but today I made an exception since it’s NATIONAL BAGEL DAY! Happiness.

So how can you have bagels more often if you are trying to be healthier. This Tuesday I have some tips for you.

    1. See if there is a whole grain/multi grain option.
    2. Scoop out the center stuff and just leave the crusty goodness. You can eliminate close to half the calories (around 400 for a regular bagel) and you get the sense of eating more by doing this instead of just eating half a bagel.
    3. Choose a non-animal fat spread, like mashed avocados or a natural nut butter. Hint on the “natural” nut butters: Read the label. If you’re getting a natural peanut butter it should have just one ingredient: Peanuts. You’d be surprised by what some of the “natural” nut butters actually contain.
    4. Add an egg or other low-fat meat protein, like a lean prosciutto or Canadian ham.
    5. Use a low fat/non fat cream cheese.

Ever wonder how bagels are made? Click here to check out this cool movie about Brooklyn Bagels or watch it below!

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#ManCandyMonday Jeff Francoer aka Frenchie

It’s that time of year when a young woman’s thoughts turn to . . . baseball. Pitchers and catchers report next week to start the Spring Training Season and I, for one, can’t wait for this year. I’m hoping my Mets will be able to repeat last year’s magic and make it to the World Series again.

Today’s choice is a former Met. I always liked him and he’s a funny guy. Got to see him up close at a batting practice and he seemed really nice. Jeff Francouer, aka Frenchie, has played for a number of teams during his career including the Braves, Phillies, Giants and Padres. He’s an outfielder with a good arm who often comes through with the clutch hit in the batter’s box. He’s also got a great smile!

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#ThrowbackThursday Cowboy Time in San Antonio

I’d always wanted to go to San Antonio so when I heard that the RWA conference was going to be there, I had no doubt that I wanted to go! You can see some photos of my journeys throughout San Antonio by clicking here.

Since we were in Texas, a number of groups had cowboys for us to meet. Here’s a picture of my up close encounter with this cutie!
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This year’s conference is in San Diego and if you’ll be in the area, I look forward to seeing you there at the Literacy signing! Click here for more info on the RWA Conference and Book Signing.

#WriteWed Inspiration for Under the Boardwalk from the Summer Heat #Romance #Boxset

I love working on box sets with other authors. I have met so many talented and nice women that way! I’m very excited about the upcoming SUMMER HEAT contemporary romance set and my story – Under the Boardwalk.

As you might guess from the title, the story takes place along the beach. The Jersey Shore to be precise and to even be more precise, two of my favorite towns along the Jersey Shore: Ocean Grove and Asbury Park. I love including places I’ve been in stories because it adds so much to the feel of the locations and also, because I love sharing those places with you! I hope that one day you’ll be able to visit. For now, here are some photos of some of the places you might be seeing in Under the Boardwalk.

#ManCandyMonday Chase from Under the Boardwalk

Good morning! I hope you all had a lovely weekend. I can’t believe it’s February! I’ve been working on my story for the SUMMER HEAT box set which will be available for pre-order soon. The title of my story is UNDER THE BOARDWALK and it’s a story about a husband and wife who are trying to rekindle the passion they had once found together along the Jersey Shore. This is how I picture the hero, Chase Smith, as he’s getting ready to let go of his uptight self and try to find the fun-loving and passionate man he once was.
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The SUMMER HEAT box set will be available on May 24! I’ll have more info for you shortly.