Romance Beckons

Thorne Brewing Now Open #webserial RING AROUND ROSIE

2018-10-11T18:28:00.002-04:00

The newest installment in my web serial RING AROUND ROSIE is ready!

EXCERPT
Rosie was an unexpected treat. Erik had been prepared to meet older shop owners. Based on their initial inquiries, primarily baby boomers nearing retirement owned the local businesses. Thorne Brewing would be riding the crest of a revitalization, bringing in fresh and young blood while the boost in tourism was just beginning.

Well, he'd have words for his brother. Brandon assured him this was the place for them. How could he be expected to hold to his "no women" policy knowing sweet Rosie was right there for the picking?

TO READ THIS WEEK'S FULL INSTALLMENT, CLICK HERE.

Meet Erik. READ my Web Serial. #ReadingRomance #WebSerial

2018-09-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

The newest installment in my web serial RING AROUND ROSIE is ready!

EXCERPT

Her eyes fixated on his big hands stroking her cat. Then her eyes took a field trip up his exposed forearm and bicep with its tattooed sleeve of vines. He was fair skinned but muscular, and obviously not a man who worked with his hands. Clipped short, his fingernails were neat as they drew long sweeps down Zoe's back. Damn cat, getting all the attention. Rosie shook herself from her perusal and saw the man watching her. How long had he been watching her? Shoot, how long had she been ogling him?

TO READ THIS WEEK'S FULL INSTALLMENT, CLICK HERE.

Meet Rosie. Begin Reading my Weekly Serial.

2018-09-19T18:55:00.001-04:00

Only in art will the lion lie down with the lamb, and the rose grow without thorn. (Martin Amis)

Rosie knows three things for certain. One, she was born Rosemary Katheryn Elizabeth Carson. Two, she never learned how to live up to that name. And, three, she would never let others tell her who to be again.

She was Rosie now, just Rosie.

TO READ MORE, CLICK HERE...

#WWoW! Do You Have Common Writing Mistakes? Here's Mine... #MFRWauthor Blog Challenge

2017-01-27T00:30:00.000-05:00

My Most Common Writing Mistake.
The worst writing mistake I make is moving from present to past tense throughout my manuscripts. In the beginning, I'd go back and fix it with every scene and it bogged down my writing time. I've recently begun proofreading by chapter, editing the tense and other errors I find. If I had a penny for every time I made this mistake, I'd be a rich woman.

I've made this same mistake since I can first remember. I still have papers from my high school creative writing class where the teacher pointed it out. Then in college, I struggled with correcting the habit. Now here I am, years later, making the same mistake.

Any ideas how to fix it?
Despite writing a monthly editing post -and working as an editor for some years- I've never come across any tips of the trade for this error so I'd love to hear any ideas you might have. This time, I'm looking to you for tips on the Author's Craft.

What a fun blogging opportunity! Marketing for Romance Writers (MFRW) hosts a 52-Week Blog Challenge... and I've joined in. Each week, they post a writing prompt and you sign up to participate as often as possible - the ultimate goal is to do all fifty-two weeks. Follow this link if you'd like to join in!

Read other author's posts too...

Two Men and a Baby on #TantalizingTuesday

2017-01-24T01:00:00.000-05:00

"She's perfect," Trent says over my shoulder.
I smile without taking my eyes off the baby I hold in my arms. I haven't stopped staring since the nurse handed her to me. The fragile little piece of me, now born and in my arms, has shaken me to my core. Her dark lashes lay against her chubby pink cheeks. Her soft skin is warm against mine as I cuddle her to my chest.
Trent bumps my shoulder with his own, growing impatient with me. "Stuart, let me hold our daughter."
My hands tremble as I place her in his arms. A wave of peace rushes over me seeing her tiny body in his strong hands. Together, we will care for this sweet girl. No harm will come to her. She'll want for nothing. We overcame insurmountable odds to get her here, and now she's the most important thing in our lives.
"She looks like her mother," I whisper.
But Trent is mesmerized. He's not taking his eyes from her. I know the feeling all too well so I stand near him and watch as she finally opens her beautiful eyes. They're the color of the sky just like our Lilly.
(c) Paloma Beck, 2017

1 Photo. 200 Words. 1 Story.
Tantalizing Tuesday Authors use a photo prompt to write a two-hundred word teaser every Tuesday. Read all the participating authors' stories... Ray Sostre | J S Morbius | Angelica Dawson |
Doris O’Connor.

BUT FIRST, tell me what you think.
Sometimes I use this weekly meme to try out characters for potential future books. Your feedback helps me and I appreciate it.

Author's Life: #MenieresDisease and Anxiety, Living in a War Zone

2017-01-23T01:00:00.000-05:00

I was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease in 2015. I likely developed it in 2002 with the initial onset of vertigo, but went undiagnosed because I was outside the normal range of diagnostic criteria. Since my symptoms were mild, life went on in a haze of normalcy until I began losing my hearing and experienced severe vertigo episodes twelve years later.

Two statements that were spoken in the midst of several important medical discussions stuck out to me like booming thunder. "Meniere's Disease is one of the worst diseases you can have that won’t actually kill you." and "Meniere's is a disease of random punishment."

I've heard Ménière’s Disease compared to living in a war zone, i.e. you know that you'll be under fire at some point but you just don’t know when. Having a disease that makes you feel as if you could be attacked at any moment causes psychological distress. A study conducted by Dr Kirby and Professor Yardley at the University of South Hampton found that those with Ménière’s Disease have a much higher incidence of post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), health anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty to distress than non-sufferers.

My last severe vertigo attack occurred over five months ago, thanks to finally finding a medication that helped. My restricted activity level has been lifted, I have only mild background vertigo and I can resume normal activity. Most days I’ve been vertigo free, but still I haven’t been able to fully enjoy these days. I'm constantly anticipating an impending attack. I’m on edge which leaves me irritable, anxious, argumentative and insecure.

I realize its the anxiety... the worry that an attack will occur is nearly as debilitating as the actual attack. While I'm trying to take advantage of these good days, I'm also on guard waiting for the onset of more vertigo. The fear of vertigo, of this random punishment, prevents me from living a normal life. This is what is meant when the symptoms of the disease include anxiety.

Seeking help for the anxiety is important. Each Meniere's Disease sufferer is treated through a wholistic approach since the symptoms vary for each person, but all should be sure to address the reality of anxiety. I find relief from the anxiety by journaling and quiet meditation. I also challenge myself to do something every day I couldn't do while on restricted activity. Anxiety may not go away entirely but it can be manageable.

My Name is Paloma Beck and I'm a Binger. #MFRWauthor #binging #AmazonPrime

2017-01-20T00:30:00.000-05:00

I Must Confess... I'm A Binge Watcher.

I don't watch tv often but when I get the inkling for idle distraction, I'll binge watch shows and watch entire seasons in a few days. I like how immersed and connected I feel to the show when I watch it this way.

Some of my favorite binge-worthy shows I've discovered have been:
Sons of Anarchy - The Tudors - Ray Donovan - Vikings - Kingdom - Reign - Game of Thrones - Nashville - True Blood - The 100

Thanks to Amazon Prime -and my Amazon Fire Stick- I can watch nearly anything I desire any time I want. Tack on a basic subscription to Hulu and Netflix, and my busy schedule doesn't stop me from binge-ing whenever I get the chance.

What a fun blogging opportunity! Marketing for Romance Writers (MFRW) hosts a 52-Week Blog Challenge... and I've joined in. Each week, they post a writing prompt and you sign up to participate as often as possible - the ultimate goal is to do all fifty-two weeks. Follow this link if you'd like to join in!

Read other author's posts too...

#WWoW! Author's Craft: Hyphenate Modifiers #AmEditing #AmWriting

2017-01-16T03:00:00.000-05:00

Tighten Your Copy Yourself

Hyphenate modifiers.

RULE
Whenever you modify a noun with more than one word, you need a hyphen. Modifiers precede the noun and describe it in further detail.

EXAMPLES
You need to use a hyphen if you’re writing about a part-time waitress.
But you don’t need a hyphen if she's working part time.

EXCEPTION
Don't hyphenate modifiers that end in “ly.” These are okay on their own... so save it.
Your newly hired waitress doesn’t need that hyphen.

#QueenOfMyKingdom Survival Guide for Families of #Writers (#MFRWauthor 52-week Challenge)

2017-01-13T01:00:00.000-05:00

My Family's Survival Guide
I asked my boys what it's like having a mom that's an author. There was discussion about the secret of writing with a pen name, which they were thankful for since I write about sex! Did I mention I have three teenage sons? And the very idea of me writing about sex makes them blush - even when I remind them its romance, not just sex!

When we moved on to talking about day-to-day life, they were more insightful than I expected. They knew my routine! Noodle, my 13yo, says everything is normal when I stop working at three o'clock (that's when they get home from school) but when I don't come down from my office right away, that usually means a scene isn't going so good. Had I said that to him before? He shakes his head. Hopper, my 17yo, explains they know because those are my quiet nights when I'm "all up in my head." Those are the nights they leave me alone and sometimes they find me back at my computer after dinner time. Hmm... that is something to think about.

Peanut, my 18yo, brings up deadlines. He's not so keen on the frozen dinners I make ahead of time and keep in the freezer for those crunch times when I'm trying to finish a manuscript. When Peanut is home (he's away at college now), we use the same method we've used since I first began writing... if my door is closed, writing can't be disturbed. An open door means I can stop whatever I'm working on if they need me. I'm careful to leave the door open as much as possible.

So survival (at least for my family) boils down to these tenants... secrecy, quiet, food and routine.
What a fun blogging opportunity! Marketing for Romance Writers (MFRW) is hosting a 52-Week Blog Challenge... and I've joined in. Each week, they post a writing prompt and you sign up to participate as often as possible - the ultimate goal is to do all fifty-two weeks.

Follow this link if you'd like to join in!

Read other author's posts too...

I Joined a 52-Week Blog Challenge... You Can Too! #MFRWauthor

2017-01-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

A Few Of My Favorite Things
I surround myself with my favorite things. I can look around my home and every piece of art or any decorative piece has a meaning. I can sit in my home and remember where each piece came from, and it evokes a memory. It's what I love most about my home.

One of my favorites is two framed paper flags made by my oldest sons. On September 11, 2001, they were with a babysitter since I still worked a 9-5 job. The sitter helped them make flags with construction paper. The stripes are terribly uneven, the stars don't have five points and there may even be some jelly on a corner of one flag. But they are so precious to me because it reminds me my children were safe.

Another of my favorites is a set of framed Disney pins. Yes, I'm a pin trader! My family loves Disney World. One year, my sons gifted me with this ultra collector's edition Disney pin set. Now, I love it because I love the pins but, more importantly, is that they thought of something so meaningful on their own. It reminds me my children are thoughtful.

Another of my favorites is my bible. I have others but the bible I received as a teen is highlighted, bookmarked and notated. I thumbed through it so often, it's comfortable and lies open when I read it. Although I don't spend as much time with it as I once did, it reminds me that my faith is strong.
What a fun blogging opportunity! Marketing for Romance Writers (MFRW) is hosting a 52-Week Blog Challenge... and I've joined in. Each week, they post a writing prompt and you sign up to participate as often as possible - the ultimate goal is to do all fifty-two weeks.
Follow this link if you'd like to join in!

Have You Been Naughty or Nice? Tell Us on the #MistletoeHop! Read, Engage, #Win!

2016-12-16T01:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Mistletoe Hop!
Sometimes being naughty is so much more fun than being nice... as long as you know when to let your naughty out, and when to hide it away. Wouldn't you agree? I'd like to say I've been naughty but there's this inner good girl that lives inside me holding me back from the edge of naughty. Damn her!

Whether you've been naughty or nice, you can still WIN two AUDIOBOOKS (my prize). In the comments, just tell me which it is for you... NAUGHTY or NICE... and leave your email.

The first two books in my contemporary romance series are now available on audiobook, read by the talented narrator Kim Parks.

Coming Home, Porter Brothers Book One
Rachel Porter, a romance writer, has told her three sons tales of finding their true soul mate since they were just boys. She lives with the belief that there is but one match for every person. Now as men, they have yet to discover their soul mates. That is, until they come home…

Ryan Porter, Rachel’s oldest son, needs a change from his busy city lifestyle. After five years of living in New York and establishing his own real estate firm, something is still missing. When a family tragedy brings Ryan back to his family’s rural home, he meets Tyra. She just might be the catalyst for the change he needs, redirecting the course of his life. But first he must accept his relationship with his parents and embrace Tyra’s secrets.

Never Coming Home, Porter Brothers Novella
I have a story to tell, a story I promised never to tell. Hell, it isn't even one I wanted to live through. I just can't keep it inside anymore... now that they're both gone. I have to tell My Story.

Rachel Porter tells her sons about the love of her life, about their father and about their life together. This novella tells the story of the beginning of the Porter family through the Vietnam War, too many losses and a new beginning. It's a tale her sons won't forget, and one that could change them for all time.

Keep Warm and #WIN #Kindle FIRE with Decadent Decem-brrr Reads #MFRWauthor #BlogHop

2016-12-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

BLOG HOP STOPS:

I spend as much time as possible during the cold winter snuggled up in my reading chair with as many books as possible. Writing a holiday book has always been a dream of mine. When I wrote HOLIDAY GEM as part of my Seven Sin Sisters series, I focused on the Solstice since that was the winter holiday the witches and vampires celebrated but mirrored the activities much like a human Christmas.

Christmas traditions span the entire month for us -well, five weeks actually- from Thanksgiving to New Years. Our traditions are so much a part of our family, we don't even question whether we will do them... a night of traditional Christmas movies, a drive to see Christmas lights along with a stop for cocoa, cutting our own Christmas tree, caroling at the senior community, baking cookies and so much more.

WHAT ARE YOUR TRADITIONS?
Share your favorite tradition and be entered in a drawing for a free copy of HOLIDAY GEM, along with the first two books in the series. That's a total of three books for FREE!

Holiday Gem

Seven sisters are entwined in a legacy, one originating back from the time of the Italian Wars in the 1500s. One by one, they will find their mates from the immortal Valendite Breeds and secure their place in history.
Gemma has spent her adult life consumed with researching the Valendite Breed history, constantly greedy for knowledge about their race. Until she meets Seamus and she's no longer able to hide in her world of books and theory. Now is her time to live.
Seamus has found his gem and he wants nothing more than to treasure her. But his best friend is missing and he needs to locate him. Torn between his mate and his brother-in-arms, Seamus may be forced to choose one over the other. Will he sacrifice a lifelong friendship for the love of his life?
THIS SERIES IS NOT INTENDED TO BE READ AS STAND ALONE STORIES. PLEASE READ IN ORDER TO FULLY ENJOY.

Also be sure to enter to WIN the grand prize -a Kindle Fire- by using the rafflecopter link.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tis the Season for Scandalous Stocking Stuffers – 50+ free and 99c books! Today Only!

2016-12-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Just in time for the holidays. Treat yourself or buy for others on your holiday shopping list.

STUFF YOUR E-READER with Scandalous Stocking Stuffers

TODAY ONLY!

50+ FREE books and $0.99 BARGAINS

Download Here for complete listing!

Seasonal/Holiday Reads, Contemporary, BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Menage, Paranormal, Shifters, Science Fiction, Fantasy and more!

Download Here to see full list of books along with direct purchase links.

Look for NEVER COMING HOME by Paloma Beck, as well as other books from my backlist!

On the download page, please visit our author sponsors:

Allyson Lindt, Angela Kay Austin, Anita Philmar, Ashe Barker, C.P. Mandara, Caitlyn Lynch, Candace Laville, Carmen Fox, Catherine Taylor, Cherie Claire, Cherime MacFarlane, Dariel Raye, Demelza Carlton, Diane Rinella, Eden Summers, Elianne Adams, Elli Everson, Eva Lefoy, Giselle Renarde, Heather Anastasiu, Ines Johnson, Iona Findley, Jacintha Topaz, Jade Onyx, J.F. Holland, Josie Jax, Kathryn R. Blake, LaVerne Thompson, Lilah E. Noir, Lily Harlem, Lucian Carter, Lucy Felthouse, Maggie Carpenter, Marie Tuhart, Melissa Stevens, Mira Stanley, Miranda Lynn, Moctezuma Johnson, Monica Corwin, Muffy Wilson, Natalie Rios, Nia Farrell, Nikky Kaye, Normandie Alleman, Paloma Beck, Pandora Spocks, Raven Anxo, Robin Stone, Rosalie Redd, Sara Daniel, Sotia Lazu, Teresa Noelle Roberts, Tori Dean, Wendy Lynn Clark, Wren St Claire

Multi-author deals include stories from:

A.C. Nixon, Abby Hayes, Abi Aiken, Airicka Phoenix, Angelica Dawson, Ashen White, Bernard Tristan Foong, Bethany Shaw, Blak Rayne, Crystal Dawn, Danielle Gavan, Dawn White, D. F. Krieger, Elvira Bathory, Erzabet Bishop, Gale Stanley, Gemma Parkes, Gina Kincade, Isis Pierce, Jacqueline Sweet, Kiki Howell, Maddie Taylor, Pablo Michaels, Paige Matthews, Phoenix Johnson, P.T. Macias, R.B O'Brien, Rebecca Lorenson, Rozlyn Sparks, Sky Purington, Tara Crescent, Tierney O'Malley, Tricia Owens, Tanith Davenport

Have You been Naughty or Nice? #Authors: JOIN the #MistletoeHop

2016-11-23T01:00:00.000-05:00

Romance Beckons is hosting The Mistletoe Hop again this year!
Have you been a naughty author or a nice author? Which is more fun?

There's Romance in the Season.

December 16 -20, 2016

Participation is Simple.
JOIN the hop. Sign up through the linky list. WRITE a creative post answering those two questions. Include your book information, a giveaway, the linky list and hop banner. PUBLISH post from December 15 midnight through December 20 midnight. PROMOTE across social media using #MistletoeHop. Then CELEBRATE with readers online.

This event is OPEN to all authors with a blog who want to celebrate the romance of the season.

QUEEN of My Kingdom: #ChildrensBooks I'm Thankful For #ReadtoChildren #LovetoRead

2016-11-21T03:00:00.000-05:00

Books have been a part of my family's life since the very beginning. I'm thankful for all the joys, smiles and lessons some of our favorite books gave us while the boys were little. If you have little ones, here are some "classics" I remember fondly and recommend. Enjoy some time cuddled up and reading together this winter.

Bear Snores On
by Karma Wilson (Author) with Jane Chapman (Illustrator)
One by one, a whole host of different animals and birds find their way out of the cold and into Bear's cave to warm up. But even after the tea has been brewed and the corn has been popped, Bear just snores on! See what happens when he finally wakes up and finds his cave full of uninvited guests -- all of them having a party without him!

This book has elements of friendship, diversity, and caring for others. There are several more books in this "series" that are just as good. I especially liked the addition of the holiday book.

Bear Stays Up for Christmas
by Karma Wilson (Author) with Jane Chapman (Illustrator)
Bear's friends are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas! So they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, and sing Christmas songs. Bear stays up -- by discovering that giving is one of the best Christmas presents!

Is Your Mama a Llama?
by Deborah Guarino (Author) with Steven Kellogg (Illustrator)
Lloyd the Llama discovers what kind of animal his mama really is in this delightful guessing game picture book, filled with whimsical riddles and endearing illustrations. Rhyming questions and answers will charm and amuse children. Full-color illustrations.

My boys would giggle the whole way through this silly book. It's sweet to see the world through the eyes of a baby llama who doesn't see the differences in the animals all around him.

Duck for President
by Doreen Cronin (Author) with Betsy Lewin (Illustrator)
My fellow Americans: It is our pleasure, our honor, our duty as citizens to present to you Duck for President. Here is a duck who began in a humble pond. Who worked his way to farmer. To governor. And now, perhaps, to the highest office in the land. Some say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he is a duck. We say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he will be the next president of the United States of America. Thank you for your vote.

Duck is hysterical, and this book is great after the election season we just had. Each book in Farmer Brown's Barnyard Tales gets sillier and sillier as the antics of more animal characters grow more outrageous. There's even a fun holiday book!

Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho!
by Doreen Cronin (Author) with Betsy Lewin (Illustrations)
It's the night before Christmas and all through the farm, not a creature is stirring, not even a...duck?
Farmer Brown is busy decorating his home in preparation for Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve! All seems calm in the barnyard, but Farmer Brown isn't the only one who is getting ready... Ho, Ho, OH NO! Once again, Duck has gotten the whole barnyard STUCK in quite a predicament! Will anyone be able to un-stuck Duck and save Christmas?

ENTER to #WIN the Scandalous Stocking Stuffers STUFF YOUR eREADER @Amazon GiftCard

2016-11-18T01:00:00.000-05:00

Scandalous Stocking Stuffers are going to help you STUFF YOUR eREADER!

Multiple Authors are hosting a STUFF YOUR eREADER Campaign on December 7th!
Includes both FREE and $0.99 BARGAIN books.

To celebrate, we're offering you the chance to WIN a $450 Amazon Gift Card.
All you need to do is answer one simple question when you enter the giveaway.

Enter the giveaway here.
No purchase necessary to win. Void where prohibited.
Contest ends December 7, 2016. Winner will be notified on December 8, 2016.

#WWoW! The Author's Craft: Promoting #Audiobooks

2016-11-15T03:00:00.000-05:00

With my first two audiobooks released this year, I changed up my marketing strategy. Locating audiobook readers in a place specifically for them brought me to new facebook groups, promoters and marketing services. The best experience has been with Audiobook Boom. Potential reviewers sign up for the email that provides a listing of audiobooks available FREE with REVIEW.

As an author, I paid a small fee to have my new audiobooks part of the email blast. Reviewers place their requests through the company. Then authors get a link to a database that includes links to the reviewers' audiobook account. Using this information, authors determine whether to share the book's free audio code in exchange for a review.

It's simple and it's effective. Within one day, I received nearly a dozen requests.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE

If you love audiobooks and are an active reviewer on Audible.com...

If you are interested in my two book on audio...

EMAIL ME.

Author's Life: #NaNoWriMo Update... #AmWriting Island Refuge series @BeccaLayne

2016-11-07T03:00:00.000-05:00

NaNoWriMo is going strong this year. Fortified with coffee and comfy clothes, I've been a mad word scientist. I began the month with a rough "outline" for the full series, and for the first time I'm using Scrivener entirely. And I'm loving the organization the program provides. I've spent more time writing instead of playing with the structure of the story. It's great to feel accomplished at the end of every day.

I'm working primarily on one book in the Island Refuge series while also adding scenes to a few other books in the series. With overlapping story lines of multiple couples, I'm trying something new. The books will flow in time sequence and tell the stories of each couple along the way. Each book will end in a Happily Ever After for a different couple but it will also include part of the other couples' stories.

This series is Contemporary New Adult, and will be written in my pen name Becca Layne.

My Three Goals for NaNoWriMo:

I will finish book one, Ring Around Rosie, which will continue to be released as a web serial.
I will re-work book two, Ivy Intertwined, into the new format.
I will complete several scenes in Holly and Ivy, the Island Refuge holiday novella.

Queen of My Kingdom: The Princes Grow Up #mothering

2016-11-04T01:00:00.000-04:00

My youngest son turns thirteen today! Noodle is a teenager, and my baby is a baby no more. It's no surprise really. It's been coming since his first steps of independence. As the third child, his stubborn determination to grow up has been ever-present. Over the past few months, Noodle has begun to separate. Not on purpose. It's that unconscious way teens pull away to transform more fully into their own person. He's spent less time with me and more time in his room. Baking cookies with mom is a thing of the past. Video games with friends on headphones is the new thing. There's fewer accompanied trips to the grocery store, and less conversation without prompting.
Setting aside the pangs of remembering a past now gone by, I decided to focus on what Noodle is becoming. His strong independence means he's capable and responsible. There's no doubt in his self-reliance. He's brave and creative. He's not afraid to just be himself. Noodle is kind and quirky. And while little boy cuddles have become a thing of the past, big guy hugs are also great.

My Baby on #TantalizingTuesday. 1 Photo. 200 Words. 1 Story.

2016-11-01T01:00:00.000-04:00

With his arms wrapped around me from the back, gently cupping my growing belly, I could almost sense an excitement stirring within me. Still, the nerves hold me back. What if I'm not a good mother? What if I can't do this?

The tiniest flutter of wings brushes inside and I can feel it in the palms of my hands. I press gently to the swell that grows larger every day and feel the movement. I feel the new life in my hands and wonder again if I am worthy.

"Was that the baby?" he asks. His voice full of awe and a joy I still can't fully embrace.

"You felt that?" It hardly felt strong enough but with his hands wrapped in mine, it shouldn't be a surprise. "That was the baby. It must be kicking."

"That's our baby, sweetheart. We are having a baby," he whispers in my ear softly.

The words are unnecessary because I've been experiencing the impeding moment for months now. But it isn't the words that matter. It's his unwavering certainty that this baby is a blessing. It's his delight in the gift we've been given.

It's those truths that I'll cling to until I can believe them for myself. Until the day I can believe in myself, grow confident in the idea that I could be a good mother, I'm going to hold on to his belief in me.

This man -the father of my child- is my rock. When his arms surround me and his warmth seeps into my skin, I am safe and loved and whole.
(c) Paloma Beck

1 Photo. 200 Words. 1 Story.
Tantalizing Tuesday Authors use a photo prompt to write a two-hundred word teaser every Tuesday. CLICK the LINK to read all the authors' stories.

BUT FIRST, tell me what you think.
Sometimes I use this weekly meme to try out characters for potential future books. Your feedback helps me and I appreciate it.

October MONTHLY READS... #AmReading @KatieMcGarry @AutumnJLake #MCRomance

2016-10-31T01:00:00.000-04:00

The Theme This Month seems to be Motorcycles. I discovered two series through Instagram posts this month. One series was by an author I've read before - Young Adult author Katie McGarry - and the other was a new-to-me author, Autumn Lake. Both pulled me into their world and held me captive. Sleep went by the wayside as I stayed up late flipping pages on my tablet. These series are so worth checking out, especially if you already love MC romances. Even if that's not your thing, both series are still worth a try.

The Thunder Road series is a four book Young Adult series by Katie McGarry.
The Lost Kings MC series is a lighter, less gritty MC romance series by Autumn Lake.

The Thunder Road series is a four book Young Adult series by Katie McGarry. It was pitched as West Side Story meets Sons of Anarchy which is what grabbed my attention. And I'm so glad I read the books because they were great. I've read a lot of MC romances but never a series that focused on the kids of the bikers. This is a truly unique series but also equally enthralling as your adult MC romance.

Nowhere But Here is book one. Walk the Edge is book two. I haven't read Long Way Home, book three yet - it will be released in 2017.

The Lost Kings MC series is a lighter, less gritty MC romance series by Autumn Lake. The slow, methodical world building and introductoion to characters pulled me immediately in. By the final book available, I feel as if I know the members of the MC personally and am dying for the next book. There aren't many series that leave me feeling this way. I can't wait for more!

The first three books focus on one couple, though there's a lot of interaction with other characters. Slow Burn (book 1) - Corrupting Cinderella (book 2) - Strength from Loyalty (book 3). Then the series changes up to other couples, though the first couple are heavily involved in the other books. Tattered on My Sleeve (book 4) - White Heat (book 5) - Between The Embers (book 5.5) - More Than Miles (book 6). More to come in 2017.

Have You Read Any of These Books? Or Do You Have Others to Recommend?

#WWoW! Planner or Pantser? Doesn't Matter. #NaNoWriMo is for You!

2016-10-27T01:00:00.000-04:00

Writing isn't easy. Nobody tells you that when you say "I want to write a book." The idea of writing and the actual process of writing are two entirely different things. If you want to write for a living -not a hobby- writing is work. I keep a schedule and use my word count to measure my work day, but each year, for just one month, I push myself to write more. It's NaNoWriMo!

Are You NaNo-ing? November is National Novel Writing Month, also known as #NaNoWriMo. It happens each November and many authors, including me, find it motivational. It pushes my word count higher for the month and typically spurs on higher word counts for a few months afterwards too.

It doesn't matter if you're a planner or a pantser? NaNo can work for you!

You believe in rigorous preparation.

You’ll spend the months before November carefully fleshing out characters, building worlds, and plotting your story.

On November 1, you’ll have an outline—or at least lots of helpful notes.

You believe in hardcore spontaneity.

You’ll spend the months before November stocking up on inspiration and mayyybe a vague idea or two (if you’re ambitious).

On November 1, you’ll have a blank document and your imagination.

NOW is the time to sign up. You can do that here. You will definitely want to set up a profile and bookmark it because this is where you will go each day or so to update your writing stats. You'll also earn badges and be able to see your writing progress which I admit is a crazy good motivator for me.

Let's CONNECT.
1. After you register, find me on the NaNo website and we can be buddies! Even though I'm writing as Becca Layne (my alternate pen name), I'm registered as PalomaBeck.

2. Find NaNoWriMo on these social media sites:

On Facebook: @NaNoWriMo
On Twitter: @NaNoWriMo
On Tumblr: @NaNoWriMo
On Instagram: @NaNoWriMo
On Pinterest: @NaNoWriMo
On YouTube: Use the hashtag #NaNoWriMo

NEVER COMING HOME #Audiobook Now Available @Audible_com

2016-10-20T03:00:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to announce the audio release of NEVER COMING HOME, The Porter Brothers novella has been brought to life by narrator Kim Park.

I have a story to tell, a story I promised never to tell. Hell, it isn't even one I wanted to live through. I just can't keep it inside anymore. Now that they're both gone. I have to tell my story.

Rachel Porter tells her sons about the love of her life, about their father and about their life together. This novella tells the story of the beginning of the Porter family through the Vietnam War, too many losses and a new beginning. It's a tale her sons won't forget, and one that could change them for all time.

BUY LINK

Audible members use 1 credit or $4.86.

New members can get their first audiobook purchase for FREE.

Are you a reviewer?

If you'd like a FREE COPY in exchange for an honest review, leave your email in a COMMENT. Also available - FREE COPIES of book one.

#WWoW! Author's Craft: Cut the Extra Words #AmEditing

2016-10-17T01:00:00.001-04:00

Tighten Your Copy Yourself

Cut the Extras.

Avoid “very” and “really.”
They add nothing to the meaning of your sentence.
Don't write: "He saw a very beautiful woman across the bar."
It means the same thing as "He saw a beautiful woman across the bar."

Eliminate “in order to.”
You never need it.
Don't write: "She’s going to the bathroom in order to take a bath."
It can be tighter as "She's going to the bathroom to take a bath."

Reduce “that.”
Very rarely does “that” makes your idea easier to understand. Mostly, it's useless so get rid of it when you can.
Don't write: “He discovered that Sarah was good for him.”
It reads better as “He discovered Sarah was good for him.”

Nix “currently.”
“Currently” is redundant. It builds a barrier between reader and story.
Don’t write: “Josie is currently in the garden.”
If Josie is anywhere, she’s there at that moment so you don’t need “currently” to clarify.

READ The Orchard on #TantalizingTuesday

2016-10-11T01:00:00.000-04:00

Carter chased Janie through the orchard, the same route they ran as children a million times. Except they weren’t kids anymore. Still, how could she resist this playful side of Carter? How could she not allow him to catch her, spin her, and pull her to the ground?

The only sound was the leaves crunching beneath them as they lay on the ground under an apple tree. Janie ran her fingers through his short hair, using her hand to pull him in for a kiss. Carter looked down at her, paused when his lips were a breath away, and smiled. His eyes gleamed with mischief as his fingers stroked Janie's long locks.

She couldn’t read his expression, and the worry she was holding inside bubbled up. Janie had never kept a secret from Carter. Could he know she was hiding something?

"Why are you smiling at me like that?"

Carter rubbed his nose along her nose as he answered, "Because I know."

Furrowing her brow, Janie tentatively smiled back at Carter. "And you're smiling about it? It's not too soon?" She couldn't hold back the concern that laced her words.

Carter shook his head and touched his lips to hers.
(c) Becca Layne

1 Photo. 200 Words. 1 Story.
Tantalizing Tuesday Authors use a photo prompt to write a two-hundred word teaser every Tuesday. CLICK the LINK to read all the authors' stories.

BUT FIRST, tell me what you think.
Sometimes I use this weekly meme to try out characters for potential future books. Your feedback helps me and I appreciate it.