Ana clears a hurdle!

Ana clears a hurdle!

Normally, I am not a hurdler. I am nowhere near a sprinter. But a few weeks ago, I finally reached a new plateau: 

I received an offer for my western historical from Soulmate Press.

(squee!)

The acquiring editor requested a full after judging my first three chapters in the Pages of my Heart contest. (She was raised on a cattle ranch in South Dakota and loved my setting.) More importantly, she loved the characters and the story.

I just submitted the cover art information form (took two tries to make it succinct.)

I wrote a 68-word bio and a 111-word bio. 

My first stab at a blurb missed the mark, so I am still on that.

Soon, the edits will arrive. (I'm excited to see her suggestions!) 

I embarked on my publishing adventure after I read a western historical by a well-known author. The ending was awful, as if she'd crashed into a deadline. Or someone had deleted the second to the last chapter, so there was no connection between the black moment and the lovers' reunion two thousand miles away. I said, "I can do better than that!"

Fast forward eleven years. My story may not be as good as that famous author's, but it is better than the first two drafts. 

And it's mine.

Recent Travels

I recently spent a week in the Caribbean on our annual Spring Break cruise. (And apparently my brain is still on vacation, because I totally didn't realize it was my week to post until late yesterday...my apologies.)

Last year's cruise was one of those that if something could go wrong, it did. We had so many troubles. We seriously considered not taking a cruise this year, but I'm so glad we didn't follow that impulse because this year...everything went swimmingly. It was smooth sailing (no pun intended) the whole way. Although we did actually have one REALLY rocky day at sea. Luckily I was prepared this year with my seasickness meds, so it wasn't too bad. We had only one brief spot of rain (for about fifteen minutes while we were shopping), and all of the other days were gloriously sunny.

It was one of those vacations where I could literally sit and look out at the waves and do nothing and be perfectly content. I brought my Kindle, but didn't read much at all. I brought a notebook in case inspiration struck, but I didn't write anything in it. At home, I would be bored out of my mind just sitting around. On this cruise, it was the perfect thing to do. Most years, we can't wait to get off of the boat and back home. This year, neither one of us wanted it to end.

So, I thought I'd share some photo highlights of our trip. As you know, I'm very fond of armchair traveling, so I invite you to sail away with me from the comfort of your own home!

Conquest at anchor in Grand Turk

The turquoise waters and blue sky of Grand Turk

Plaza Independencia in the Dominican Republic

The view from San Felipe Fortress in the Dominican Republic

Sunset off the port side as we headed toward the Bahamas

Lighthouse at the entrance to the harbor in Nassau

Last night at sea with my virgin daiquiri

Air boating in the Everglades

We certainly had a lovely time. The total picture count was 599 (It was REALLY tough to narrow it down to the ones posted here.) so we'll be able to relive all of the memories we made and the sights we saw for many years to come.

Until next time,

Happy Traveling!

Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com

Video of Paula's books

A couple of weeks ago, Rebecca, my publisher, asked me to send her some of my favourite photos of Ireland.

The reason was that her granddaughter, Taylor, enjoys compiling videos, and Rebecca had decided to let her make a video about my books.

My first reaction was 'How do I choose my favourites?' I've been to Ireland about a dozen times in the last 10 years, and taken hundreds of photos!

I started to go through them all, choosing the places that featured in my Irish novels, rather than photos of places like the Giant's Causeway or Derry. I wished I could pop over to Ireland to take more photos of some places like the wonderful views from the Sky Road near Clifden, or even Clifden harbour.

My first list contained over 50 photos but Rebecca only wanted between 5 and 10. 

Gradually, I whittled them down. Yes, that photo of the Cliffs of Moher was better than that one, and yes, that was definitely my best shot (out of about 6) of Killiney Bay.

In the end, I went mainly for scenery rather than cities or towns, even though I was loath to abandon all my photos of Dublin, Galway, Clifden, and Dalkey (and various other places).

Eventually I was down to about 20, and ran them past a friend who was very honest and said things like 'That one' or 'No, that doesn't do anything for me.' Her objective eye helped me to pick out my final ten photos.

A day later, Rebecca sent me the first version. I made a couple of suggestions which her granddaughter then incorporated in the video.

So here is the end result which is now on YouTube. Hope you like it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWwmgljBNzQ&feature=youtu.be

Jennifer’s New Cover

Filling out cover art forms is always stressful for me. Despite the fact I’m a writer and use words to convey thoughts all the time, I still get those words wrong. When I’m trying to explain my vision for a cover to someone who doesn’t know me, hasn’t read my manuscript and has his or her own ideas, no matter how clear I may think I’m being, a lot can get lost in translation.

So I was thrilled to receive this cover for my upcoming book!

And here’s the approved blurb:

Dan Rothberg struggled after an accident killed his wife and he nearly lost custody of his daughter. He can no longer allow himself to get attached to anything or anyone. Until he meets Hannah.

Hannah Cohen is a young executive with a meddlesome grandmother and a troubled brother. She’d like nothing better than to find her own Mr. Right, after too many Mr. Wrongs. A sexy older man with a teenage daughter was never in her plans.

As they navigate their relationship through adolescent attitudes and grandmotherly interference, they realize age is just a number and love can be right in front of them. But when the terrible truth of Dan’s former struggles is exposed, Hannah must decide if she can get past his deception and allow love to conquer all.

Now all I need is a release date!