THE BIG C BLOGHOP UPDATE!

Hi All!

For all of you bloggers who missed this last week, I am reposting this. For those who have read it, I hope you bear with me. I just wanted to update.

Thanks to all who have already spread the word and signed up! But I'd love to see lots more of you who have the time to post and become part of the anthology!

Melissa went for her last round of chemo yesterday, so please send positive vibes and prayers her way that all went well. You ALL have been so gracious with your healing thoughts and prayers. I KNOW Melissa appreciates it so much. You guys are the best!

HAVE and AWESOME LABOR DAY WEEKEND EVERYONE!

Well today I'd like to remind everyone of about the Anthology for cancer created by Melissa Bradley and myself. To refresh your memory a few weeks ago I mentioned that we are creating an anthology to help with Melissa's absorbent medical costs. She will also be donating part of the proceeds!

For this anthology post on Sept 15 a story about cancer. We are trying for comical, uplifting, inspirational... Let's give cancer a big kick in the pants! All posts will be included in the anthology so please edit it as best you can. Thanks All!!!

SO please sign up on the linky and feel free to post this badge on your blog. We'd really appreciate all of you getting the word out!

Melissa also sent me this letter to post for all of you... 

Thank you so very much for all the supportive and wonderful words of encouragement you have sent me. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this community. I am now done with stage 2 of my chemo treatments and it has been a fight. Particularly this last time as I had an allergic reaction to the chemo drugs. I turned redder than a fire engine and horrific pains in my legs. yet all I could think was "freakin" perfect, I look like I could land planes in a blizzard."  Yes, I do keep my sense of humor about me. It sure helps to see the funny side of everything.

I've learned a lot about cancer through this experience so far, more than I ever thought I would know. The most important is having a great attitude and keeping your sense of humor. I also know that this disease is very expensive. To that end I'd love to do a blog hop with vignettes of humor from people who have been touched by this disease, particularly reproductive cancer. I'd love to collect these stories in an anthology to be published. I want to share the profits with Gilda's Club Chicago, an organization that helps women fight endometrial. cervical, and ovarian cancers. I'll keep you all posted.

As far as myself, having lost my job (because what else could go wrong, right?), my friends have started a Go Fund Me page to help with my expenses. Here is the linkhttp://www.gofundme.com/c95f2o If you could share this or even donate, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much for everything.

Hugs,

Melissa

--
Melissa Bradley
http://melissasimaginarium.blogspot.com
NATHAN'S ANGEL http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/NathansAngel.html
BYZANTINE PROVOCATEUR http://amberquillpress/AmberHeat/ByzantineProvocateur.html

THE BIG C BLOG HOP FOR MELISSA BRADLEY....

Hi All!

For all of you bloggers who missed this last week, I am reposting this. For those who have read it, I hope you bear with me. I just wanted to update.

Thanks to all who have already spread the word and signed up! But I'd love to see lots more of you who have the time to post and become part of the anthology!

Melissa went for her last round of chemo yesterday, so please send positive vibes and prayers her way that all went well. You ALL have been so gracious with your healing thoughts and prayers. I KNOW Melissa appreciates it so much. You guys are the best!

Well today I'd like to remind everyone of about the Anthology for cancer created by Melissa Bradley and myself. To refresh your memory a few weeks ago I mentioned that we are creating an anthology to help with Melissa's absorbent medical costs. She will also be donating part of the proceeds!

For this anthology post on Sept 15 a story about cancer. We are trying for comical, uplifting, inspirational... Let's give cancer a big kick in the pants! All posts will be included in the anthology so please edit it as best you can. Thanks All!!!

SO please sign up on the linky and feel free to post this badge on your blog. We'd really appreciate all of you getting the word out!

Melissa also sent me this letter to post for all of you... 

Thank you so very much for all the supportive and wonderful words of encouragement you have sent me. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this community. I am now done with stage 2 of my chemo treatments and it has been a fight. Particularly this last time as I had an allergic reaction to the chemo drugs. I turned redder than a fire engine and horrific pains in my legs. yet all I could think was "freakin" perfect, I look like I could land planes in a blizzard."  Yes, I do keep my sense of humor about me. It sure helps to see the funny side of everything.

I've learned a lot about cancer through this experience so far, more than I ever thought I would know. The most important is having a great attitude and keeping your sense of humor. I also know that this disease is very expensive. To that end I'd love to do a blog hop with vignettes of humor from people who have been touched by this disease, particularly reproductive cancer. I'd love to collect these stories in an anthology to be published. I want to share the profits with Gilda's Club Chicago, an organization that helps women fight endometrial. cervical, and ovarian cancers. I'll keep you all posted.

As far as myself, having lost my job (because what else could go wrong, right?), my friends have started a Go Fund Me page to help with my expenses. Here is the linkhttp://www.gofundme.com/c95f2o If you could share this or even donate, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much for everything.

Hugs,

Melissa

--
Melissa Bradley
http://melissasimaginarium.blogspot.com
NATHAN'S ANGEL http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/NathansAngel.html
BYZANTINE PROVOCATEUR http://amberquillpress/AmberHeat/ByzantineProvocateur.html

TIME FOR THAT LITTLE BLACK CHANEL DRESS AND PEARLS...

Hi, everyone...

I hope you are all ready for a fun and FURIOUS weekend. If your are LOOKING to chill and escape to the past while living in the present may I suggest RUMER HAVEN'S debut novel, SEVEN for a SECRET!

Amazon link:

AND to give you a taste of this racy novel, I have the pleasure of featuring the secondary characters... A picture speaks a thousand words and having Hollywood's best at our disposal is nothing more than AMAZING...

So let's start with my FAVORITE codgers from yesteryear... Picture it, Lincoln Park, Chicago...1925...

TAKE IT AWAY RUMER....

VERA & LEO: She's a feisty lifetime bachelorette and he's a humble widower and war vet. Bring this stubborn spirit and gentle giant together, and they've met their match. Physically, these two could be represented by LOIS KIBBEE & CHARLEY GRAPEWIN (a.k.a., Judge Smails's wife in Caddyshack and Uncle Henry in The Wizard of Oz). Their interpersonal dynamic, though, is perfectly captured by KATHERINE HEPBURN & HENRY FONDA in On Golden Pond.

DAVID: A brawny, beautiful brunet, he's not your average boy-next-door. With wavy brown hair, square jaw, and a dazzling smile, give him hazel eyes and HENRY CAVILL is our "date with destiny."









VICKI: Buxom, bubbly, and the office bicycle, this flirty (skanky) redhead knows no bounds. Without doubt, ISLA FISHER's got this one.









BLAIR: Manicured to perfection and bit patronizing, she's still a good friend and smart-ass. Add amber eyes to the long brown hair, and New Girl's HANNAH SIMONE is our token BFF.











AUNT ESTELLA: Healthy, wealthy, and wise, she's very down-to-earth for the matriarch of a family empire and a steady beacon for Lonnie. Regal, insightful, and aging gracefully, VANESSA REDGRAVE would be perfect as the story's sage and savior.

FINLAY: A debonair businessman, he worries too much about appearances, which makes him come off a bit stiff and repressed. But for all his arrogance, he's a good guy at heart. Handsome but not hunky, kind but cold when need be, ED NORTON would play the cuckold well, as he's already proven in The Painted Veil.








EFFIE: Rich and educated, she's also a spoiled spitfire. She doesn't go to Lon's lengths to stoop beneath her class, but she does fancy being a flapper and speaks the lingo accordingly. With her petite frame and Chicago accent and blond bob, RENEE ZELLWEGER would play this good-time gal just swell.







Well everyone, I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into Rumer's exciting world. Rumer is also offering a chance to win one of five ebooks or a cool keychain. Click here to enter.

Stay tuned next week for my review! Have an AWESOME weekend everyone!!

TIME RESTRAINTS... WHERE TO FIND TIME TO FOCUS ON WRITING....

Hi, All.

It surprises me how quickly the first Wednesday of the month comes around.  Ready for another Insecure Writer's Support Group post? I hope you are... This is my most important post of every month and thanks to Captain Alex we all have the opportunity to voice our insecurities to help ourselves and others. Thank you, Alex. If you'd like to join our group click here.

Today I'd like to talk about time restraints. It has become a problem for me and for many of you, I'm sure. But what to do about it? When I first started writing/blogging, I had endless hours to write. I lived on my computer. And, yes, I did a lot. Kept up with everything and everyone. But it was at a high price. I had no real quality of life. I gave up everything to write. My health suffered and I gained over fifty pounds in two years. Not good. I finally realized I had to take my life back... but then... need I continue.

Now I have so little time to write/blog. I feel as though I'm running in a race with no visible end. There's no finish line in sight. SO how does one take hold of time and bend it to our needs? Sadly it can't be done. But maybe we can at least accomplish most of what we need to do. I've racked my brains for solutions, but nothing I try seems to work for an extended period. They are "quick fixes." Trying to pull a positive out of this conundrum isn't easy, but I have to try...

Making lists. For many it works. I've never really was a 'list' type but I'll give it a whirl...

I've ALWAYS told my stressful friends to breathe. It does help. Take baby steps and concentrate on one task at a time as to not to become overwhelmed. This I have done many times and it does work.

BUT the main thing I need to do is focus.... this is a BIG ONE. If one is focused one can get many things accomplished. But, how does one stay focused when there are a million things whirling around in your head? Anyone know? I have to admit this one stunts me too.

Another thing I discovered that truly helps is talking with a WRITER friend. Believe me, I always feel tons better after my long chats with blogger buddy and friend Melissa Bradley (who is going for another round of Chemo on Thursday, so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers).

This is my anxiety for this month. I hope you guys have some other suggestions for me and for others who are experiences time issues.... THANKS!

Don't forget to drop by our other IW's and lend advice or receive some good tips. If you have a sec... please scroll down to my previous posts, if you haven't read them already... A new book intro and news about Melissa Bradley and the anthology we are planning....

Have a wonderful day everyone.

A HUNDRED YEAR OLD SECRET IS REVEALED ....

As the ides of March roll into the new millennium, Kate finishes packing. Taping up the last box, her lips curl into a smile; she’s ready for a new adventure.

Images of her two year relationship with Dexter whirl through her mind, mirroring the flurry of snow dancing outside the window.

A loud knock jets her into the present. “Who is it?”

“Movers.”

“Just a sec.” Placing the last box onto the smallest stack, she maneuvers through the living room, takes a deep breath, and opens the door.

“Come on in.” She flourishes her hand toward the mass of boxes and meager furniture. “There you are. After your finished packing the truck, we’ll head over to Camden Court in Lincoln Park.” 

The mover furrows his brow. “Where?”

“Camden Court. It’s a block east of Clark, between Deming and Wrightwood.” She eyes him curiously. “You do know where Clark is…right?"

“Yup.” He shrugs and barks out his orders to his two workers.

“I’ll be in the bedroom if you need me.”

*     *     *     *     *

Entering the arched limestone and brick building, Kate’s heart races as her excitement builds. She dashes to the elevator at the far end of the marble foyer and drops the two heavy bags she is carrying. Eighty years had past, yet time stood still as Kate observes each and every detail etched into the ceiling and walls.

The elevator dings and the door glides open. A young guy nearly knocks her off her feet as he rushes out.

Kate stumbles back and he grabs her arm, steadying her.

“I’m sorry. Are you okay? I’m in a bit of a rush.” He glances at her luggage. “Moving in, eh? Welcome. Gotta go, but I’ll catch you later.” He smiles and leaves. 

Kate’s stomach flip-flops as he exits through the front door. Her knees wobble like a new born colt’s.

What killer eyes. And that smile. I hope he lives on my floor. 

*     *     *     *     *

Kate gathers the remaining empty boxes and heads down the hall to the trash room. She hears keys jingling and spots the hot guy from earlier entering through the door next to hers. She grins. 

Yes! What a way to start my new life… 

Kate expects to hook up with the hottie next door, she’ll make sure of it. But inside her apartment another awaits.

A previous resident decided to stay…

Who?

A ninety-year-old woman named, Olive, who died decades ago.

What does she want to tell Kate? And does Kate want to listen?

SEVEN for a SECRET

by

Rumer Haven

Kate finds herself in two paralleled universes. Modern day,

Chicago and it’s 1920’s counterpart. 

What a way to start the new millennium…

With the past.

Such an intriguing premise. I really like the use of modern day and 1920's Chicago... Such fun!

I hope you all enjoyed yet another one of my interpretive intros. It's always fun for me to create these from just a short blurb and photo.

Here's wishing Rumor all the best with her debut novel.

Release date is  8/12/14. So look forward for it next week! I'll be hopefully doing a review soon. And I will have a post about it next week.

For all of you who have missed my previous post about Melissa Bradley and her courageous fight with cancer, please scroll up to the previous post.

Thanks Everyone an have a great week!

IN THE MIST OF SADNESS BRINGS SEVERAL UNEXPECTED ANGELS...

Happy Friday all!

It has been perhaps over a year since my last Earthly Angel post. Many of my new followers most likely don't know who these AMAZING people are...

I call them EA'S or Earthly Angels. Now in the past I have written about strangers helping out others just out of kindness. It always amazes. I know some of you are shaking your heads, but they DO EXIST! I personally have seen a few myself.

But today's EA is actually a group of fine people. 

I had the pleasure of meeting with my blogger friend and GOOD friend Melissa Bradley from Melissa's Imaginarium. For those of you who don't know Melissa, she was recently diagnosed with malignant cancer and is now going under Chemo. I was pleasantly surprised to see how BEAUTIFUL she looked today. Eyes clear, skin glowing, and hair shining. It thrilled me to see her this way. One would never now she has cancer.

Almost everyone I know has had some encounter with this dreaded, deathly disease. Both my parents had it and my dad died from it. Thankfully each new day brings new ways to combat this disease. It is a war that must be conquered!

As we chatted, Melissa mentioned she's been having some financial problems. She was laid off from her job several months ago and her unemployment has run out. Horrible situation for anyone to be in. A friend of hers created a twitter/Facebook account to help fund her during this trying time. It pleases me to say that over a dozen of her friends have already given their support. These EA's have come to the rescue as I am sure many more will follow. 

I was so relieved to see her glowing face as she told me of their generosity. And now it's time for me and the blogging community to step up as well. Today we had talked about creating an anthology, very much like what Nick Wilford did for his son. The topic will be Cancer, how it affected you or a loved one.

I have a great story about my mom and how she reacted when she found out she was diagnosed. This anthology can help so many cancer sufferers, survivors, and their loved ones.  So please stay tuned for more information about this anthology. I hope many of you will help in joining this blog hop. I am also offering my services to design the full cover and ebook cover. At some point we will need the help of someone who is experienced in formatting for ebooks. So if you can PLEASE get the word out. Melissa is a wonderful person and can really use our support. She also has several books for sale at her blog if you are not familiar with her work.


I must say she is quite the trooper and keeping up with her wicked sense of humor. 

Thank you all for your time and friendship. I means a great deal to me....

Have a FANTASTIC weekend everyone!

Here's the Facebook Link if you'd like to help Melissa ... Link 

Thanks everyone!