#Book #Promotion #Kindlecountdown – Words We Carry

September 22, 2015September 24, 2015 / D.G.Kaye / 4 Comments

Starting Thursday September 24th until the 30th, my book Words We Carry will be on kindle countdown in the U.S. and the U.K.

For those lucky enough to be able to take advantage of this promo (countdowns are only available in the U.S. and U.K.), don’t forget to get your copy of W ords We Carry if you haven’t already read it.

Please consider leaving a review if you’ve read it. I know it’s been said many times but ~ Reviews are an author’s gold~

“I have been a great critic of myself for most of my life, and I was darned good at it, deflating my own ego without the help of anyone else.”

What do our shopping habits, high-heeled shoes, and big hair have to do with how we perceive ourselves? Do the slights we endured when we were young affect how we choose our relationships now?

D.G. takes us on a journey, unlocking the hurts of the past by identifying situations that hindered her own self-esteem. Her anecdotes and confessions demonstrate how the hurtful events in our lives linger and set the tone for how we value our own self-worth.

Words We Carry is a raw, personal accounting of how the author overcame the demons of low self-esteem with the determination to learn to love herself.

Get your copy HERE

http://www.dgkayewriter.com

http://www.about.me/dgkaye7

Amazon Update

September 20, 2015 / Marcia Meara / Leave a comment

It seems Kindle books are back again, ready for download. KDP Sales, Bookshelves, Dashboard, whathaveyou, is not. Now, the message is that KDP is down for “scheduled maintenance.” So, no uploading new books, or checking your sales at the moment. Hopefully, that will be back soon, as well. 🙂

Aaaahhhhh…that’s better!

September 12, 2015 / Marcia Meara / 8 Comments

Thankfully, last week’s problems seem to be sorting themselves out satisfactorily, which is nice, because it frees me up to deal with THIS week’s problems, as they arise. And they are sure to arise. 😉

Swamp Ghosts, it all its forms, seems to be looking correct once again. Finding Hunter has been corrected on Kindle, so that the formatting is prettier, and I have just ordered a new proof of the print version from CreateSpace. So Hunter Painter’s distressing tale seems resolved, at the present time.

I can breathe again. And possibly even sneak in some reading this weekend. (I’m close to the halfway point in Lee Child’s latest Reacher book, Make Me. OH, how I love watching Jack Reacher tug on threads one at a time, as he slowly unravels the latest mystery he’s uncovered.) And I can even catch up on my Bookin’ It reviews, perhaps.

However, I can’t dawdle for long. Rabbit has a story to tell, and when that boy gets to talking, there’s no stopping him. So, I plan to start Harbinger in the next day or two. I’m already putting together my inspiration board, filled with gorgeous images of the North Carolina mountains. *sigh* Makes me want to load up my car and go!

But…here’s the biggest news of all. Starting on Monday, here at The Write Stuff…we’re going to have an EVENT! Nothing earth-shattering or difficult, but it should be fun. Stay tuned for details shortly.

And that’s it for me today. What wonderful things are you guys up to this weekend?

Happy Ending Almost In Sight!

September 7, 2015September 7, 2015 / Marcia Meara / 5 Comments

Even as I type, the correct version of Swamp Ghosts is being restored to its rightful place between the alligator infested covers of same! Woohooo. And the Usurper, Finding Hunter, has been sent back to his OWN book, with firm instructions never to stray from within those covers again! Ever!!

Like many of Life’s Learning Experiences, this one wasn’t fun. But it did teach me to be very, very careful in the future, and not let anything cause me to rush, or to work when I’m too tired to think straight. But, when everything’s said and done, all’s well that ends well. (I made that up. No, really. I did. Okay, I didn’t. Not a bit of it. So sue me. *grin* )

By tonight or tomorrow, this whole thing will be nothing but a memory, and me? I’m movin’ on! I have stories to tell, books to write, and self-marketing to . . . to . . . to try and palm off on somebody else! 😀

Have a great week, you guys! I think next week, we’re due to have an event around this place. Maybe an Excerpt Week. Haven’t had one of those in ages, and I’m sure you all have books you’d like to promote. Stay tuned!

Finding Hunter, Swamp Ghosts, and Amazon Headaches!

September 7, 2015 / Marcia Meara / 2 Comments

Let’s see…good news first:

The CORRECT version of Finding Hunter is ready to download from Kindle, and seems to be working fine. I haven’t officially “Launched” this one yet, but if you are wanting to read Book 2 of my Riverbend series, it’s ready.

The semi-good news is that the INCORRECT version of Swamp Ghosts is now LIVE in my store, which means I can start the correction upload shortly.

The BAD news is, while it’s up on the Amazon Book page, it is NOT live on my Amazon Author Bookshelf, and therefore, I can’t access it to start making the swap back to the correct content. I guess I’m stuck checking every five minutes until I can do that, and then, I’ll cross my fingers that it goes through without a hitch, and this horrible nightmare will be resolved by tomorrow. Hopefully no one will have downloaded a bad version during that window between versions.

Let this be a lesson to all of us. Check, recheck, and double check before you click ANY upload button on Amazon, because once you do, you’re pretty much at their mercy. If I sound a bit disgruntled, it’s because I am. I think there should be a failsafe button somewhere that says “STOP this action IMMEDIATELY.” But alas. It is what it is, as a wise man once said, and we just have to muddle through the occasional calamity as best we can.

In the meantime, if you’ve already read (and enjoyed) Swamp Ghosts, why not take a look at Finding Hunter? It’s a very different kind of story, but one I hope most readers will enjoy. Thanks!

TA-DAAA! Cover Reveal for Finding Hunter!

August 28, 2015August 29, 2015 / Marcia Meara / 8 Comments

I have used what energy I’ve been able to muster (beyond the healing process from my surgery, which seems to be dragging out forever) to finish up Book 2 in my Riverbend series, and I’m happy to say, Finding Hunter is DONE. All that remains is to format for Kindle & upload–and to share the absolutely perfect cover my wonderful friend and graphics goddess, Nicki Forde, designed for it. My also-wonderful friend, Doug Little, of St. Johns River Eco Tours, turned his wildlife photography skills to subjects such as a journal, a teacup, and a Tiffany lamp, providing Nicki with beautiful images to choose from. And here you see the gorgeous result of their combined effort.

Those who have read Book 1, Swamp Ghosts, will know this book focuses on a character introduced therein as Gunn’s friend, Hunter Painter. The cover is a perfect blend of Hunter and the woman he adores, Willow Greene. I couldn’t be happier!

Please feel free to share this everywhere you can. With luck, the eBook will be published in the next two days or so, and the print version will follow soon after.

And below is the blurb for Amazon.
***************************************

Before, I never thought about taking a life. Not once.
Now, the thought fills my mind day and night, and
I wonder how I’ll hide that terrible need,
As an old car swings to the shoulder,
And stops.
~ Traveling Man ~

Hunter Painter’s darkest fears have shaped his offbeat personality since he was a child, crippling him in ways invisible to those unable to see past his quiet exterior. In a sleepy Florida town known for its eccentric inhabitants, he’s always been a mystery to most.

Only one person sees beyond Hunter’s quirky facade. Willow Greene, the new age herbalist who owns the local candle and potpourri shop, has secretly loved him since they were in high school. When, sixteen years later, she discovers Hunter has loved her just as long, Willow hopes her dreams are finally coming true.

Willow soon learns, however, that Hunter fears happiness at her side isn’t in the cards for him. With her natural optimism and courage, she almost convinces him he’s wrong—that they can really have that life together they both long for—but even Willow can’t stop what Hunter knows is coming.

One by one, his worst nightmares become reality, culminating in an unthinkable tragedy, which devastates everyone it touches. Willow’s battle begins in earnest as Hunter is plunged into a bleak, guilt-ridden despair, threatening to destroy not only their love, but Hunter, himself.

Finding Hunter is the story of a lost man’s desperate struggle to make his way home again, and one woman’s unshakeable faith in him and the power of their love.

Update & A Smile For You!

August 22, 2015 / Marcia Meara / 6 Comments

Just wanted to let you good folks know I’ve managed (knock wood) to beat the heck outta the infection I developed, and am walking pretty well (with a cane), so life is improving day by day. Still some pain issues, especially at the end of the day, but I’m not going to complain. Even with the setback, I’m light years ahead of where I was with the other foot, so all is well.

Still haven’t had time to catch up on my blogs (or yours!) since I’m trying desperately to get Finding Hunter wrapped up. Formatting, Author’s Notes, Acknowledgments, and those types of things being finished, now. And waiting on my cover proof. (You’ll see it here, first!)

I figured a smile might go a long way towards redeeming myself (from my serious neglect), so here’s a little thingie I found yesterday that made me laugh. Oh, how I identify with this!

Good News and…GOOD NEWS!

August 18, 2015 / Marcia Meara / 16 Comments

(My inspiration for the Painter farmhouse,
taken right off my Inspiration Board.)

You can’t go wrong with that, now can you? 🙂

First, let me apologize for being MIA for so long, but after a week of better than expected progress from my foot surgery, I hit a snag when I developed an infection in the incision. 😦 Back to ground zero, and feeling lousy on top of it. Saw the doc again today, though, and while the infection isn’t clearing up as fast as we’d hoped, it looks much, much better, and is far less painful than it had gotten. Changing to a new antibiotic, lots of new instructions, and after some minor debriding, it looks and feels MUCH better. I’m allowed to do a lot more things, and just have to remember to stop and elevate my foot when it’s bothering me. At least two more weeks in the surgical shoe, until the bone is healed a bit more, and then I’ll be able to take another step forward, pardon the pun.

And now for the really good news. In spite of not being able to sit at the “real” computer, my makeshift office around my Comfy Chair and my ASUS tablet did the trick. I was able to keep editing with Caitlin, and I’m very happy to announce, we finished our work on Finding Hunter yesterday. Thank you, Caitlin, for your patience as I muddled through this inconvenient recuperation, and for all your hard work as well. I would never try this without you!

I have to do some final tidying up, then a last read-through, then format the book for Kindle and upload to amazon. Once that’s done, I’ll format for CreateSpace, and get that print version out there, too. (I have local folks asking for that one already, and want to be sure it’s in their hands by September.)

So…steel foot-pins or no steel foot-pins, I’m ahead of my schedule right now, and really pleased about that, and I plan to try to catch up around here very soon. I’ve missed you guys! And that’s it from me. For now. 🙂

(Also from my Inspiration Board,
my idea of what Hunter Painter looks like.)

AWOL…and More of the Same Coming.

July 27, 2015 / Marcia Meara / 10 Comments

So sorry to have been missing in action these last two weeks or so, but I’ve been working like a thing possessed to get caught up and ready for my impending foot surgery (this Friday). Sadly, I will be undergoing a long recuperation afterward, which might limit my time online, too. They are doing bone surgery and putting in a steel pin, and I won’t be able to put any weight at all on that foot for several weeks. I’ll spend the first two stuck in the Comfy Chair (or bed) with it elevated and iced, so can’t sit at the computer at all. Then I’ll gradually be able to use a wheelchair and slowly transition to crutches or a walker. But I’ll pretty much be stuck at home for the next six weeks, and it will take a full three months or so for it to heal completely.

The good news is, if all goes well, once it is healed, I will be able to walk without pain for the first time in several years. YAY! (I had this done to my other foot seven years ago, and knew this day was coming.) I have bought a tablet, and set up working space around the Comfy Chair, where I can sit with my foot elevated in front of me, and hopefully, keep up with my blogs, and do a bit of work on the last edits of Finding Hunter. Plus, I’m hoping I’ll have time to catch up on my reading, too. After a couple of weeks, I’ll be able to sit at the computer in the wheelchair for short periods, IF my foot doesn’t swell too much in that position.

I will definitely be able to keep in touch via email, and will do my best to post here somewhat regularly, too. I need to wrap up Finding Hunter, in time for a September release, and get started on Harbinger (Book 3 of the Wake-Robin Ridge series), aiming for a spring release. So…no rest for the weary…or the foot-impaired, as the case may be.

You guys keep on keepin’ on, and please remember to tweet and share everyone’s news while I’m gone. (I’m guessing I’ll be pretty much out of things this weekend, what with all the good drugs and all. But I should be back in a limited way by Monday, at least.)

As you were, folks! See you soon!!

No Wonder…

June 19, 2015 / Marcia Meara / 4 Comments

…I’ve been craving my tea ICED all day! We have now had our first “official” day of this summer where we hit 100 degrees! And we’re only midway through June. I shudder to think what July and August are going to be like. Urk. And THIS is why I love Florida so much more in the winter, when I can garden every day. 🙂 Hope it’s cooler where you are!