Welcome to the weekend. I hope you are all staying safe and well. There are two books on sale this weekend. I have all those details (not that there are too many details) below in the Book Promotion section.
Writing News
The craziness and uncertainty in the world around us continues this week and seems to be becoming a way of life for many – at least for a time. We have had new closures and protective measures put in place daily this week where I live.
My husband, who has his own cleaning business and is a cleaner with the school board, has been put off work with the school board until schools are allowed to resume and his cleaning contracts are also dwindling to zero as businesses and churches close. We’re still waiting to hear what happens with his paycheck from the school board and if he will need to apply for unemployment. My youngest son works with my husband so he is out of work presently, and my eldest son, who is a manager at a restaurant, has also had his job affected already and is looking at an uncertain future as the closures strike at the restaurant’s bottom line. And my business, well, we shall see what happens there as exchange rates shift and all that. I am sure I will need to make some adjustments as time progresses based on how the market moves.
HOWEVER, we are all still well and have a home in which to take refuge with food and freshwater, and, for the most part, we are good at self-entertainment. (My husband struggles with that the most. He’s a bit of a Bingley 😉 ) And for those things I am excessively grateful and know that I am blessed. I am not telling you any of this to complain. I simply wanted to let you know how I am doing.
I will admit that settling into a routine of writing with my husband home has been a bit tricky, but it seems we are finding our rhythm and my productivity was still very good this week. [He’s really very supportive. I married a good man. A very good man. As I said, I know I am blessed.] Here is an update on my current works in progress (both writing and editing):
His Irreplaceable Belle: I am up to chapter 13, and this is how that chapter starts:
Music was once again swirling around Fritz as he tripped his way lightly through the steps of a dance in the Assembly Rooms. However, this time, he was not searching for a replacement for the lady he loved. This time, he had a marriage license just waiting to be used when their appointment with the minister finally arrived. Two more days was all that was needed. In two days from right now and less than ten from when he had secured Belle’s agreement to marry him, he would have the lady he loved at his side as his wife for the remainder of his life. Six years of separation and the pain which had accompanied them dimmed in comparison to the happiness that was before him.
“I cannot put my finger on it,” Miss James said as her hand joined Fritz’s, “but you seem not just happier tonight than the last time we spoke but something more.”
“I am,” Fritz said before they were parted.
“At peace,” Miss James said when they next met several steps and turns later. “That is what it is. You are not just happier. You seem to be at peace.”
“I am. I very much am.”
Matching Mr. Darcy: This story is still on my to-do list tonight (Friday). I hope to work on it tomorrow.
Protecting Miss Darcy: Remember how I said I was going to write chapter 2 of this story before the end of last weekend? Well, I didn’t make it. I ended up writing that chapter on Monday, and another chapter on Thursday. 🙂 Here is how chapter 3 begins:
What had possessed him to take her hand? Alfred rested his head on the wall against which he was leaning rather than knocking it against the plaster as he wished to do. He had never taken anyone’s hand when speaking to them about a sensitive subject. Why had he done so just now with Georgiana?
He sighed. That was likely why. He thought of her in familiar – nearly familial – terms. Yes, that was it. In his mind, she was like family – a sister. He scowled. No, not a sister. One did not think of how pretty a sister was in the way he thought about how pretty Georgiana was. A cousin? Perhaps a distance one who visited and wrote often enough that she was distant only in family connection. Yes. Yes, that would do. She was a distant cousin, and as such, he felt at ease offering her support by holding her hand.
He grimaced. That was still a bit unacceptable, but it would have to do because his taking her hand could not be because he, unbeknownst to himself, wished for her to be more than a friend. He closed his eyes and shook his head. No, that most certainly could not be it.
Cherishing Kitty: I have made it to the halfway point with my first round edits. By the end of next week, I should be done or nearly done with this round of edits and ready to send it off to my first reader who checks all my stories for things that make her go “what?” so that I can clarify things.
Book Promotion
On March 18, 2015, I published my first book, Oxford Cottage, and in May of that same year, I published my second book, For Peace of Mind. To mark the anniversary of publishing that first book, I decided these two books would be the ones I put on sale this weekend. If you haven’t added them to your ebook library yet, this would be a great time to do so. Just click on the image of the books below to be taken to a landing page that shows all the vendors where these books can currently be found.
Book Review
This week, I’d like to thank Cyndi for leaving this review on Oxford Cottage. I’m happy to know you enjoyed the story. I really like that you found it to be a fresh take.
Oxford Cottage began in my mind with a simple question: What if Darcy and Elizabeth met before the assembly? And the reason for why they met, the place where they met, and all the rest of the story spun off from there.
Something Extra
This week, I am sharing a screenshot of one of the pages I follow on Facebook. The page is called Miss Lily Bliss, and she always shares such beautiful things — such as the collage of dress and teacups below. I find it is very important for me to find things of beauty to take pleasure in on a daily basis — it’s just so good for my mood. However, when times are trying, finding beauty becomes even more important. I know I can count on Miss Lily Bliss to share something that will activate my creative side and put a smile on my face.
You can find Miss Lily Bliss’s Facebook page at this link.
If you are not on Facebook or you’re just avoiding it for now, Miss Lily Bliss is also on Pinterest and Instagram (as miss.lily.bliss).
In case you missed it, Protecting Miss Darcy started posting this week. And that is it for this week’s news and updates.
Have a good weekend! I’ll see you on Monday.
MAILING LIST | PATREON | SOCIETY6
Thanks for the offer, I already have both books, and many more of your titles. Happy Anniversary and stay safe!!
You’re welcome and Thanks. I’m happy to hear you have so many of my books. 🙂 I hope you are also staying safe and well.
I love that screenshot of Miss Lily Bliss, what a calming picture. I can see why your like it. I have responded to your other posts so I will just say… be safe during this trying time. Thank you for your generous gift at reducing the price on those books. I shared it with friends and hope it helps. Blessings, Leenie.
I actually thought of you when I saw that post on Facebook — not sure why I thought of you, but I thought “J.W. might enjoy this.” 🙂 So, I’m glad to know I wasn’t wrong. 😀 I hope you are safe and well, and you’re in my prayers.
Today and yesterday, i reread both of these books.
How fun! That’s awesome to hear.