I sigh as I sit down to blog. Everyone who knows me well, knows that I think working with my website isn’t nearly as fun as working on a book (like those of the Irish Traveller Series). Yet, I want to reach out to everyone and catch up.These days, I have been spending a large amount of my time editing, plotting, and actually spending a wee bit of time with my family and friends. Over the last eighteen months, I have put thousands of hours into ten different projects. I’m finally coming to the end of my manic writing schedule. Next up is the release of Always a Wanderer, Book 2 of the Irish Traveller Series.In these many hours, I have ended up putting my characters through some crazy scenarios and they (and I have) learned some critical lessons; none more so than Helena O’Driscoll and Graham Kelly, the hero and heroine of Always a Wanderer and Once a GypsyI thought it was high time that I shared their whoppers and I hope that these hard-learned lessons can help you as much as they helped Helena and Graham. Here goes:
- Learn to say “No.”
This seems obvious, but often as women we are taught to please others or to make sure that everyone around us is comfortable and happy.Screw that. It’s okay to put yourself first. You need to be happy, the rest will follow.Yeah, I said a bad-ish word on my blog. Which leads to my second learning lesson:
- Don’t be afraid to be yourself.
Not everyone is going to like you. Which kind of stems off of lesson one, but this is slightly different. Even if you try and please people, there will be some who hate your guts and would wish for you to eat worms.I’ve had to really come to terms with this one. I want people to like me. I still want to make everyone around me happy. I’m a huge jokester… but I won’t win everyone over. AND THAT’S OKAY.If someone doesn’t like something you have written, said, done, or joked about, then the problem is a larger statement on that person than it is on you.Stemming from this, you can find tremendous empowerment in the ability to…
- Let s*** go.
(Not gonna lie, almost cussing is kinda fun. I guess I’m really enjoying this whole Don’t be afraid to be yourself thing.)We all have moments in our lives that are rough. Some are worse than others, but with time we must learn and push ourselves to walk away from things that aren’t helping us. Maybe you have a toxic friendship, a job that is making you miserable, or you made a mistake. Regardless of your battle, forgive, forget and move on.There is great power in forgiving the unforgiveable, but the greatest power it gives is to you. If you forgive those who have wronged you, or have made mistakes that concern you, if you give forgiveness, you will free yourself. It’s amazing.Lastly, but probably the most important lesson Helena and Graham have learned is:
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
This is just as important in life as it has been in my writing. I have had to get many hands on deck. I’ve enlisted friends, family members, and fans to help—and I couldn’t be more thankful.This lesson has varying levels, and that’s perfectly normal. Sometimes we just need an hour without kids. Ask for help. Sometimes you need helping lifting or cleaning or exercising or whatever. Ask for help. Sometimes things are much darker and emotionally draining, you’ve lost a friend, a relationship, a parent, a spouse… Whatever it is. Ask for help.You will be shocked at the outpouring of support you will receive if you just reach out. People are incredible, if you allow them to be.I could keep going about what my characters have learned, but those lessons are by far the most important.Over the last year, what lessons have you walked away with? I’d love to hear. J While many of you are on my newsletter/street team (if you are not, you can sign up for the Street Team or the Newsletter by clicking on your choice location), I know that I have missed some who would love to be included. I hope to see you there.Also, I have some cool stuff coming up in the coming weeks. (Anyone want to win a trip to an all-expense paid trip to a guest ranch in Montana?) And again, Always a Wanderer will be hitting shelves on June 27, 2017! So stay tuned!
Have a former FBI agent and a park ranger met their match in the wilds of Montana? With a mysterious death to solve in Glacier National Park, Customs and Border Patrol agent Casper Lawrence must come up with motive, means, opportunity—and a killer. If he doesn't crack this case by the book, the former FBI agent on strike two will be out. Teamed with a beautiful park ranger, the cowboy agent with the gritty past has to trust sexy lone wolf Alexis Finch. But as their investigation takes them through dangerous terrain and an outlaw motorcycle club's turf, Casper will do anything to keep Alexis—and what they've ignited—alive.And a little excerpt!