Change

All appears to change when we change ~ Henri-Frederic Amiel

Just a delightful quote to start your week!

The Pattern of Life

Success is following the pattern of life one enjoys most ~ Al Capp

I hope you're following the pattern of life you enjoy most this weekend!

Are you progressing towards your 2013 goals?

How Far Have You Gone?

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go ~ T.S. Eliott

Life has been crazy for me. I have a new schedule at work that I'm working with.  I have to be to work earlier, but I get off earlier as well. I focus on getting my workout and writing done in the morning.

At night, I am limiting myself to two hours of TV. That means I have about an hour between dinner and 8 pm when most of my shows start to get my marketing and interacting on social media taken care of.

I haven't started edits on Disappear With Me yet, but I am sure when they start I will have to limit TV even more. Since Thomas is working the weekends, I am enjoying having some time in the evenings together.

The dream journey constantly has me adjusting routines. Everyday, I amaze myself about how much farther I can go.

How far have you gone lately?

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Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from OmniLit today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

Ice Cream

I doubt whether the world holds for anyone a more soul-stirring surprise than the first adventure with ice cream ~ Heywood Campbell Brown

Just a fun quote to make your evening! I hope you're having a great week!

Shoestring

You can play a shoestring if you're sincere ~ John Coltrane

Are you serious about achieving your dream? Do you believe you can make a shoestring play music?

I've shared before that besides publishing, I feel like I've had two other life accomplishments, quitting smoking and finishing my degree before I was thirty. After that I had some other dreams and goals, but they fizzled out.

I truly think it's because I didn't believe that I could do it. I let fatigue and rejection get the best of me and let the guilt eat at me while I did other things. Hence, I never achieved the dreams I had.

I don't know what was different with writing. I set out to complete my first novel and get it published. Along the way, I learned more about the craft and business of writing. I have a list of ideas for at least twenty different novels. I've published one novel, the second will be released in December, and I am working on my third.

Only when I sincerely believed I could, did I achieve.

What is something you've accomplished that took sincere belief in yourself?

______________________________________________________________

Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from All Romance today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

Joy Part II

Joy is prayer. Joy is strength. Joy is love. Joy is a net of love by which you catch souls ~ Mother Teresa

I hope you're spending the weekend doing what gives you joy. When you put joy into your work, I believe that is the net by you catch souls.

Have a great one!

Joy

Surely joy is the condition of life ~ Henry David Thoreau

I believe that joy is the condition of life. Everything we do should lead us to joy.

I achieved a leadership position at work pretty early, at the age of twenty. I couldn't believe the apathy and complaining of the older people I worked with, many of them old enough to be my parents.

Along the way, I've learned that this grumbling has many different roots. Nearly all those roots can be traced to the absence of joy.

About thirteen years ago, I woke up to the idea that vocation and career should be a joy to go to everyday, not a stressful, worrisome place to spend eight to ten hours. Since then I have been in pursuit of joyful work. For the most part, I've found it. I find it not only in my day job but also in my writing.

How are you pursuing joy on a day to day basis?

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Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from Barnes and Noble today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

Greatness

Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame, but greatness, because greatness is determined by service ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

There is not much more I can add to this quote, except to ask, is your dream journey giving back?

Have a great week everyone!

It Costs You Nothing

That's what I consider true generosity. You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing ~ Simone de Beauvoir


So I get it. I am trying to balance:

Writing new material with
Editing submissions for my writing group with
Marketing #APTCTO with
Reading both fiction and non-fiction with
Research and notes for upcoming projects.

Whew! All that before going to work at Noon most days, with some appointments and commitments in the mornings.

So how do you give back to your dream journey community when life is so busy? Here are some of my thoughts:

1. Share an article on social media that pertains to your dream journey
2. Make a congratulatory comment on social media when another person in your same dream journey shares a success.
3. Make a supportive comment on social media if another person shares a frustration.

None of these take that long and can be done once a busy day.

How do you make time to give back when things get crazy busy?

______________________________________________________________

Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from iTunes on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

What We Give

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give ~ Winston Churchill

If you've achieved any or all of your dream journey, what are you giving back?

______________________________________________________________

Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from Kobo today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

I Did It...Again!

I am excited to announce that Disappear With Me has been picked up by Musa Publishing! I just finalized the contract today.

Here's a bit about Musa Publishing:

http://musapublishing.blogspot.com/p/about-us.html

I wrote Disappear With Me last year from March to August, cutting my first draft writing time down to four months. It took me until August to prepare the manuscript for submission.

I don't have any of the details about a release date.  I will pass them along when I get them. Thank you for stopping by and being a part of this important announcement!

Here's a little bit about Disappear With Me:

Love is greater than hope or faith, but can Leander Normal convince a jury that the love he shares with another man is natural?

In 1910, the United Kingdom was in turmoil. King Edward died after only nine years on the throne. The social class system that upheld British society for centuries was being chipped away by social, political, and economic unrest across the Commonwealth. Amidst this backdrop, Reverend Leander Normal is accused of sodomy. After discovering his own self-worth and unconditional love, Leander finds the courage to stand up for what he believes is right and pleads not guilty to the charges. Throughout the trial, Leander’s past is revealed, including the temptations that bring the accusations against him. By the end of the trail, Leander is once again reunited with a romantic interest from the past by the end of the trial; it may be too late to rekindle any love that might remain, given the circumstances of the era and Reverend Leander’s likely sentence.

______________________________________________________________

Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from Musa Publishing today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

Everyone Has the Power

Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame, but greatness, because greatness is determined by service ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

I've blogged before that I grew up reading the Little House books and John Jakes.  When I set out to write, I knew I would be historical writer. When my characters and ideas started forming in my head, I knew they belonged in historical backdrops.

Part of the reason I write historical fiction is because that is what I yearn to read. I want to read more stories about LGBT characters in historical settings. If I had more stories and fictional heros to read about, the coing out process might have been easier. You think we have our issues today, what about 1866 or 1910 or 1933 when it wasn't even talked about?

I am participating this week in Authors Care for Suicide Prevention Week.  I hope anyone reading this struggling with anything, understands that it does get better. No matter what the issues is:  sexuality, love, money, there are viable options. Anyone you know wants you around and nothing can be solved by your exit.

Thanks for joining me this week.  Here's a link to others blogging about this important subject this week:

http://louisabacio.blogspot.com/2013/07/authors-care-suicide-prevention-week.html

______________________________________________________________

Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from Musa Publishing today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

The Gift of Oneself

Love is, above all else, the gift of oneself ~ Jean Anouilh

Whenever you step outside of your comfort zone and share yourself with others, that's the gift of yourself. Whatever you accomplish might be an inspiration for someone else and their journey.

What gifts are you sharing?

Hanging Out With Kerry Frith Today!

I'm hanging out with Kerry Frith, talking about A Place to Call Their Own.

http://kerryschitterchatter.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/kerrys-chitter-chatter-21.html

______________________________________________________________

Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from Kobo today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

Don't be Afraid of a Broken Heart

Here are the real rules: Don't run with scissors, don't leave the iron on, don't cross against the light, and don't be afraid of a broken heart ~ Lisa Funderburg

I'm sure the broken heart reference in this quote is about romantic love. But when you're on a dream journey there's another broken heart, and that's when you don't achieve your goals.  Or if you're in a creative field, it's when others criticize your work.

And you can't be afraid of that broken heart. When you're looking at criticism, you have to peel back the negativity and ridiculousness. Get to the core of the feedback. Filter out the extraneous wrapping to understand the core of the feedback, the gift to make your work better.

For me, it's been a similar situation to figure out why I haven't achieved a goal. For me, it started by peeling back the excuses: I'm too tired, work is too stressful or busy. Then I was able to figure out the core reason: I don't know where the story is going. It boiled down to outlining and making some other notes about the story to get me going again.

When was the last time you had a broken heart about your dream journey?

______________________________________________________________

Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from Kobo today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

Life is Better When You Share It

I've always know that life is better when you share it. I now realize, it gets even sweeter when you expand the circle ~ Oprah Winfrey

I've mentioned before that in my corporate life, I come from a culture of idea sharing. Corporate life was like in at U.S. Bank and in Tupperware and other direct sales companies I've been involved in.

I think that's why I enjoy being a part of the writer community. The number of articles available on Twitter, Facebook, and other communities is amazing and so helpful. With social media I like not only being able to glean information I find helpful, but also to interact with others when questions are posed.

What are you giving to and getting from your dream journey community?

______________________________________________________________

Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from Kobo today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

The One Good Thing

I am on my book review site today talking about Kevin Alan Milne's The One Good Thing.




http://bookreviewsrantsraves.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-one-good-thing.html

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Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?
 
When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from Amazon today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!