A picture, in my mind, is worth a thousand words…

What’s Up Wednesday

marysuehobika — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:44:11 +0000

What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme, started by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk, which helps readers and writers touch base with blog friends to let them know what’s up. Join in by visiting their blogs and signing in on the widget.

This is what I’ve been up to this week…

1. 1. WHAT I’M READING…

I’m going to be reading three books this week…

First up, I have an ARC by my friend Kelly Mooney to read. It’s entitled ‘Affliction’ and promises to be as good as her others. I can’t wait. I’m honored that she sent me a copy.

Next, I’ll be diving into Tabatha Vargo and Melissa Andrea’s “Little Black Book.”

You can get your copy on Amazon.

And I’m continuing to read “Grammar Girl.” I’d like to eventually get her whole collection.

You can get your copy for only $.99 on Amazon.

2. WHAT I’M WRITING…

I’ve started a new novel. I’m only at 13,000 words, so I still have a long way to go, but I’m making progress. I haven’t worked on it much the last couple of weeks because I’ve been busy, but I’ll get there. That’s what I love about writing. I write when I have time or when the mood strikes me, and if not it’s okay.

3. WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW…

I’ve been working on making “NOWHERE” and “SUMMER LOVE” available in print. I’m so excited to be able to hold my books in my hand I have goosebumps. Thanks to my formatter I discovered a cool website for fonts. I’ve been choosing the ones I like. It reminds me of picking paint colors for for a room.

4. WHAT ELSE I’VE BEEN UP TO…

A lot of tears were shed this past week…we said “Hasta pronto” to an amazing girl from Spain who spent the last 10 months living with our family and attending school here in the US. We had so much fun and our lives are richer due to the experience. We will miss you!

P.S. She’ll be thrilled to know she made it into one of my posts. She is one of my biggest fans!

What’s Up Wednesday

marysuehobika — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 13:20:05 +0000

This is what I’ve been up to this week…

1. 1. WHAT I’M READING…

I just finished 2 books…

I loved both of these books. They were unique and I appreciated that they didn’t read like other books I’ve read recently. The writing was great and the characters were refreshing. I read the prequel first and then the second book. The series was hot, steamy, sexy, and filled with true love. My kind of books.

2. WHAT I’M WRITING…

I’ve started a new novel. I’m only at 10,000 words, so I still have a long way to go.I haven’t worked on it much the last couple of weeks because the end of the school year is a busy time, but here’s a quick teaser I posted the other day when I was tagged on Facebook.

He held the car door open for me and I rolled my eyes. I had to make sure Walt understood where we stood, which was nowhere. “I can open my own car door.”
“I know.”
I sighed deeply. “Just because you open car doors for me doesn’t mean anything.”
“I know.”
His arrogant, superior, know-it-all attitude got under my skin. “You’re an insufferable human being.”
“I know.”
I slid into the passenger seat. Walt’s eyes never left me. I wanted to slap him and kiss him all at the same time.
“Tell me how you really feel. Just make sure you tell me in Spanish, because you know how I love that.”
I opened my mouth and sure enough I closed it right before a litany of vulgar Spanish words slipped out.
Walt closed the door and I heard his laughter as he made his way around to the driver’s side. “Luciana, don’t be embarrassed. You know I love it when you talk in your native tongue to me.”
I huffed and sat against the leather seat. I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths. He couldn’t know where my imagination went when I heard him say the word tongue. I shouldn’t even be having these thoughts about Walt. It was absurd.

3. WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW…

Authors, Readers, and bloggers. I couldn’t exist without you! Please leave me a comment–I’d love to hear from you!

Also stop on by and like my Facebook page. I’m going to have a giveaway as soon as I reach 500 likes and I’m getting close.

4. WHAT ELSE I’VE BEEN UP TO…

School is out and today is the first official day of summer vacation. Making a list of all the fun things I want to do with my kids before it’s over, because summer goes by way too fast. And I am not ready to have one in high school next year!

What’s Up Wednesday

marysuehobika — Wed, 28 May 2014 11:58:40 +0000

This is what I’ve been up to this week…

1. 1. WHAT I’M READING…

Recently I bought

It is a collection of 8 full length published novels and it’s only $.99. I’d already read 2 of the books included, which I enjoyed, so for that price I decided to give the remaining 6 books a try. I mean, how could I not? I could read them in any order, but I am reading the first one first–FADING by E K Blair. I believe the proceeds goes to a charity, but I can’t remember which one.

2. WHAT I’M WRITING…

I’ve started a new novel. I’m only at 7,000 words, so I still have a long way to go. If you click on the links below you can get an idea of what my MCs look like.
Male MC
Female MC

As far as which direction I’m taking this novel, I’m still undecided. Sometimes I don’t know until the words are on the page. It’s going to be a little bit darker, but there will be love.

3. WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW…

Authors, Readers, and bloggers. I couldn’t exist without you! Please leave me a comment–I’d love to hear from you!

4. WHAT ELSE I’VE BEEN UP TO…

My family and I celebrated Memorial Day this past weekend. I want to thank all the veterans for their service. This country wouldn’t be what it is today without all of you. I’d like to pay special tribute to my Uncle Raymond, who was a POW during the Korean War.

What’s Up Wednesday!

marysuehobika — Wed, 21 May 2014 11:23:38 +0000

This is what I’ve been up to this week…

1. 1. WHAT I’M READING…

2. WHAT I’M WRITING…

Never Far Away

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Never Far Away

I’ve crossed the finished line. “Never Far Away” is complete. It is now available for purchase!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

3. WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW…

Authors, Readers, and bloggers. I couldn’t exist without you! Please leave me a comment–I’d love to hear from you!

4. WHAT ELSE I’VE BEEN UP TO…

Things are starting to wrap up here. I’ve been to two Spring concerts in the past week and I’ll be going to another one tonight. Also sports are winding down. Yesterday I went to my daughter’s last field hockey game. Next, I’ll be going to the final softball and track meets. Go kids! It’s a busy house with three kids and an exchange student from Spain. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

101 Things I Love

marysuehobika — Fri, 16 May 2014 12:29:18 +0000

Life of a Blogger is a weekly meme by Novel Heartbeat. It’s a chance to talk about non-bookish passions and interests so you.

This weeks topic is 101 things you love. Here goes…

1. My husband
2. My kids
3. My family
4. My BFFs
5. My 2 pugs
6. Running
7. Country music
8. My old worn cowboy boots
9. Books
10. Warm Weather
11. Espana
12. Malbecs
13. Date night with my hubby
14. Fruit punch flavored G2
15. Trish McEvoy 9 perfume
16. My duct tape flower pens
17. Hablando en espanol
18. Teaching
19. EOS lip balm
20. my i-Pad mini
21. Pittsford Dairy
22. “Gone with the Wind”
23. “Sweet Home Alabama” – the movie
24. Coffee
25. Hardwood floors
26. A clean house
27. Fall
28. Lilacs
29. Peonies
30. Saturdays
31. Netflix
32. Peanute butter and jelly sandwiches
33. Chipolte
34. Lululemon clothes
35. Art
36. My backyard
37. My sister’s potato salad
38. My daughter’s curly hair
39. My daughter’s
40. My son’s dimples
41. Wegmans
42. “Mis zapatos”
43. My strength training class
44. My Hunter boots
45. Spring
46. Small purses
47. Strawberries
48. Coaching Odyssey of the Mind
49. London
50. Las islas canarias
51. Welch’s Fruit snacks
52. Laura Mercier makeup
53. Pittsford, NY
54. Summer
55. Summer dresses
56. Anthropologie
57. Wine parties
58. Watermelon
59. My tub
60. Snow angels
61. Dandelions (because they were the only flowers I was allowed to pick as a kid)
62. Mendon Ponds Park
63. My computer
64. Pajamas
65. Blue eyes
66. The color pink
67. Jeans
68. Musicals
69. School supplies
70. Winter
71. Candles
72. Hot cocoa
73. The Maple Tree Inn
74. Bracelets/Bangles
75. Lists
76. New york City
77. The smell of ironing
75. Pickup trucks
76. Breakfast foods
77. Ice cream
78. The Village Bakery
79. Dance parties
80. Owls – los buhos
81. Photography
82. Artists
83. The Prado Museum
84. Exchange students
85. A fireplace
86. Chocolate Chip Cookies
87. Twizzlers
88. Quotes
89. Movies
89. Moleskin notebooks
90. Thin crust pizza
91. sweet potatoes
92. Warm blankets
93. Blake Shelton
94. Luke Bryan
95. Kip Moore
96. Graphic T-shirts
97. Concerts
98. Barcelona
99. Hot air balloons
100. Birthdays!
100.

What’s Up Wednesday

marysuehobika — Wed, 14 May 2014 11:12:25 +0000

This is what I’ve been up to this week…

1. 1. WHAT I’M READING…

You can find it at amazon

I’m only a few chapters in, but I can’t wait to find out what happens to Trace and Olivia. And who doesn’t like a hot mechanic? I know I do. Trace has agreed to help shy Olivia with her ‘Live List.’ I can’t wait until they get to the item on the list where they ‘dance in the rain.’

2. WHAT I’M WRITING…

I’ve crossed the finished line. “Never Far Away” is complete. I sent it off to the formatter last week.

I’m planning a release date of May 20st.

Here is my beautiful cover designed by Regina Wamba at www.maeidesign.com

3. WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW…

Authors, Readers, and bloggers. I couldn’t exist without you!

4. WHAT ELSE I’VE BEEN UP TO…

This past weekend I celebrated other’s Day by running a 5K to benefit Breast Cancer. I dedicate this post to everyone who has been touched by breast cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Breast Cancer 5k

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“STAY FIERCE”

“STAY FIERCE”

Book Blitz and Giveaway – Rocked!

marysuehobika — Tue, 06 May 2014 10:39:51 +0000

Make sure you click on the rafflecopter link to enter the giveaway!

AUTHOR BIOS

TARYN ELLIOTT comes from the great state of New York—upstate, thank you very much. She’s usually busy making up stories with her best friend until the wee hours of the morning, or fangirling over her favorite TV show. She falls in love with each and every one of her leading men as she writes their book, and there’s always a soundtrack to match.
She loves talking to readers, so if you’d like to reach her, please visit her website: tarynelliott.com and sign up for her newsletter, or drop her a line at: taryn@tarynelliott.com.

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR CARI QUINN saves the world one Photoshop file at a time in her job as a graphic designer. At night, she writes sexy romance, drinks a lot of coffee and plays her music way too loud. When she’s not scribbling furiously, she’s watching men’s college basketball, reading excellent books and causing trouble. Sometimes simultaneously.
Visit Cari at http://www.cariquinn.com to sign up for her brand new newsletter, or drop her a line at:cariquinnauthor@gmail.com.

Rocked by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott
(Lost in Oblivion #1)
Publication date: April 9th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

Synopsis:
Book 1 in the NA rock star series, Lost in Oblivion

Love definitely wasn’t on the setlist.

Opening for their idols on their first tour, Oblivion is living the dream. Mostly. Frustrated at being shoved out of his mediator role by their new manager, Deacon McCoy loses himself in brutal workouts. He only comes up for air long enough to refuel—and to tease the deliciously cute chef who makes him crave a lot more than what she’s offering on her serving plate.

As the child of roadie parents, Harper Pruitt has heard every pickup line twice. To her, musicians are one step above the scraps on her cutting board. All she wants is to get enough experience to run her own catering company, but Deacon and his bottomless stomach are too tempting to resist. He’s far from the typical rock star and before long, she finds herself experimenting with him, inside and out of the kitchen.

Apron – and panties – optional.

When Harper sees that Deacon’s dream band with his best friends may be turning into a nightmare, she can’t walk away. Deacon’s so much more than just a peacemaker and the man behind the bass. But she has her own dreams to chase…even if she’s starting to think what she’s building with him might be the biggest one of all.

You met Deacon McCoy in SEDUCED, now you can watch just how far a big man can fall.

Excerpt

The air was heavy with the scent of lemongrass and magnolia blossoms. There was a stillness to the moment. Deacon closed his eyes and let it all in. He blocked out the conversations and the sheer size of the venue. Instead he focused on their music resonating through the amphitheater and Simon’s powerhouse vocals shredding the air.
He opened his eyes just in time to see Simon jump into the pit and past the startled security. He ran up the aisle with a whoop of delight. The gasp of surprise from the crowd turned to a murmur of response that spread through the pavilion. People on the lawn stood to see what the commotion was about.
“You like cover songs?” Simon shouted. “Okay, so you may not know our stuff, but everyone knows David Coverdale. At least you should know Whitesnake. And if you don’t? Shame on you.” Deacon shadowed his eyes against the spotlights. Christ, was all the way at the back of the house? He squinted—yep, he was climbing the railing. Son of a bitch. ”Guys…how about a little Tawny Kitaen anthem?”
“Oh, shit.” Jazz hopped off her drum riser and zipped over to the keyboard. “Here I Go Again” was their cover song for the night, but it was later in the set. The drawn out keyboard solo filled the bowl of the venue. The soundboard tech scrambled to catch up, punched the keyboard’s sound up and equalized Simon’s microphone to match it.
Nick and Gray flanked the stage, and the spot in the center where Simon belonged felt too empty. Deacon moved forward and did backup vocals like they’d rehearsed.
The guitars showcased the strengths of Gray’s classical abilities and Nick’s raw edge. Not to mention the song had a built-in guitar duel thanks to David Coverdale’s penchant for two guitarists with egos the size of their hair.
Deacon watched the people warm to Simon. Evidently the jump-in-the-crowd deal worked in the large venues just as thoroughly as Frenzy a few months ago. By the end of the song, there was an uptick in people who were standing and singing along. When the band moved into their current single, the crowd showed a little more interest.
Thank you, radio hit.
Simon crawled onto the stage and owned the next three songs. By the time their thirty minutes were up, they got the all good signal to play the full forty. With “The Becoming”, they held the crowd by the balls.
As his bass resonated through the end of the song, Deacon looked out into the crowd. People were on their feet. They were actually cheering, for fuck’s sake. He felt a small hand grip his and couldn’t stop a smile when Jazz dragged him out to the front of the stage to make their bows.
Himself, Jazz, Simon, Nick and Gray. This was what they’d gone through hell to find. His heart tried to beat its way out of his chest as he sucked in a breath. Exhaustion and adrenaline battled it out through his bloodstream.
They bowed as a unit, waved, and ran to the side stage. Deacon looked over his shoulder one last time at the crowd still cheering for them and laughed.

Enter to win A signed copy of Seduced by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott , a $10 iTunes gift card, plus swag.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18140422-rocked?ac=1

Purchase:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rocked-Lost-Oblivion-Taryn-Elliott-ebook/dp/B00JKMLD8M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398959636&sr=8-1&keywords=Rocked
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rocked-taryn-elliott/1119140357?ean=2940149314393

What’s Up Wednesday

marysuehobika — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 10:17:35 +0000

What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme, started by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk, which helps readers and writers touch base with blog friends to let them know what’s up. Join in by visiting their blogs and signing in on the widget.

This is what I’ve been up to this week…

1. 1. WHAT I’M READING…

I have put off reading this book because I knew it was going to be sad, but finally I was in the right frame of mind to read it, and I am so glad I did. I think it will turn into a classic and it’s too bad kids can’t read books like this in school. It was a great book filled with deep messages that I can’t stop thinking about. Imagine the effect on kids when they read it. It opens the world up for heavy conversations.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is by Hazel,“life is not a wish-granting factory.” Ain’t that the truth?!?!?!?

2. WHAT I’M WRITING…

I’ve crossed the finished line. “Never Far Away” is complete. I sent it off to the formatter yesterday.

I’m planning a release date of May 21st.

Here is my beautiful cover designed by Regina Wamba at www.maeidesign.com

Never Far Away
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Never Far Away

3. WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW…

The same as last week…Teaching Spanish. I’m thinking about a new character who is bilingual…

One of my favorite quotes, and I apologize that I don’t know who said it other than my professor in college, and if you know who said it please leave a comment, but here goes…

“To speak two languages is to have two souls.”

4. WHAT ELSE I’VE BEEN UP TO…

I’ve been driving my kids all around town this week and in a few short days it’s about to pay off. They are preforming in this year’s Sing-Out show. It’s always a huge success. The kids work so hard. It’s all about kids raising money for kids. It doesn’t get any cooler than that! My two daughters are playing in the band and I plan to attend the show both nights to support them and a great cause. I’m so proud!

What’s Up Wednesday–a day late. Oops!

marysuehobika — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 19:24:30 +0000

What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme, started by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk, which helps readers and writers touch base with blog friends to let them know what’s up. Join in by visiting their blogs and signing in on the widget.

This is what I’ve been up to this week…

1. 1. WHAT I’M READING…

I am reading kelly Mooney’s latest novel, book #2 in her Southern Comfort series.

Beautiful Innocence
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Beautiful Innocence

2. 2. WHAT I’M WRITING…

I just finished my New Adult/Contemporary Novel entitled, “Never Far Away.”

Tagline: He’s the only boy she’s ever loved, but she pushed away.

3. WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW…

Teaching Spanish. I’m thinking about a new character who is bilingual…

One of my favorite quotes, and I apologize that I don’t know who said it other than my professor in college, and if you know who said it please leave a comment, but here goes…

“To speak two languages is to have two souls.”

4. WHAT ELSE I’VE BEEN UP TO…

I have to confess, I’ve been watching a lot of TV lately. Something I rarely do. We recently got Netflix and I find myself addicted. I can’t seem to stop myself from watching one more episode.

Just for Fun!

marysuehobika — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 22:15:24 +0000

Look what I put together today. You can watch my first vlog on youtube! Please leave a comment!