Hi {{ subscriber.firstName | default('Friends') }}, I hope Mother's Day was a special one for you. A mother's love comes in many different forms, and that's why the holiday can get complicated. Some of us are grieving our moms, disconnected from our moms, have sisters or aunts or friends who are more like moms, or have a dad who takes on the role of both. However you spent your day, I hope you felt loved. Read my Instagram post to hear how I honored my mom and this photo of her with her four kids. Wow! The songs you all sent last month….so many good ones. And I especially loved the stories you shared. Here were some of the guesses: Ed Sheeran's Perfect, James Taylor's Something In The Way She Moves, Brad Paisley's Little Moments, Jim Croce's Time In A Bottle, Hall and Oates' Sara Smile, Phil Collins' Against All Odds, and Aerosmith's I Don't Want To Miss A Thing. Now you might understand the power of words and song and why my next novel captures the essence of both. I'll be sharing more about the book and the inspiration soon. There's a bunch of new followers here, so I'm going to take a moment to share a little about me, things you won't find in my bio. - My first novel was rejected no less than fifty times by agents; the second the same. I eventually self-published, book one hitting the USA Today Bestseller list, before finding that agent and pub house (Lake Union). I often say my path to publishing is one of my best stories.
- I suffered from a severe anxiety disorder from the age of eight and wasn't diagnosed until the age of twenty-one. This is a topic I discuss regularly because I believe it can help others.
- I'm happiest surrounded by nature and authenticity.
- Is there such a thing as an introverted-extrovert? That's me.
- You can catch me on Miami's NBC 6 in the Mix each month recommending great reads.
- Random dislikes: discrimination of any kind, people who don't clean up after their dogs, close talkers, cigarette smoke, entitlement, superficial bullshit, hypocrisy, letting someone down, roller coasters, turbulence, and cabbage.
- Random likes: nachos with extra jalapenos, reading, long walks/hikes, sunsets, Friday Night Lights, Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple Cheesecake, real, genuine people, music, photography, the ocean, mountains, fresh flowers, and dogs.
- I am a bit of a tech nerd and have an Android, so if you understand the first part, you'll understand the second.
- I am terrible at grammar.
- I've always wanted to write in another genre. YA or Thrillers.
- If I wasn't a writer, I'd want to be a sideline reporter for the NFL.
- My mom died 12/10/12 of pancreatic cancer. She single-handedly raised four kids and taught many more in the classroom. I miss her every day of my life.
- My husband and I call each other "Bear" and we have no idea how it started.
- I worry a lot.
- I feel things deeply.
- I'm scared the Internet, with all its strengths, is going to be our downfall.
- I'm a napper.
- I've become addicted to Audible books. Send recommendations!
- I've never had coffee in my life.
- I love giving back.
So to thank you for being here and reading this far, I'm giving away FIVE (5) great books to ONE (1) lucky winner. A few weeks ago I attended a Friends & Fiction event in Charleston featuring Patti Callahan Henry's release, The Secret Book of Flora Lea. There I met Patti, Kristy Woodson Harvey (finally, in person!), Kristin Harmel, Mary Alice Monroe, and Mary Kay Andrews. And, yes, they are as lovely as their books. For a chance to win their signed novels, reply to this email with something about you that most people don't know. I want to know! Winners will be chosen Monday, June 5th, 2023. US ONLY. |
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