Little Disasters

Most of those little disasters that happen at a wedding go unnoticed by everyone else except the bride. They aren’t even close to the level of a disaster, but may feel like it on that day.

Since I’ve been married for many years now, perhaps my perspective has changed. #MFRW #wedding
Share on X

But I don’t think I felt it was a disaster on that day. I was stressed, as most brides are, but I don’t think I let it ruin my day.

The Best Laid Plans

Things started to go awry right from the get-go on my wedding day. I got up earlier than the rest of the house to have some quiet time to prepare. Especially since my parents’ house only had one bathroom. I’d no sooner gotten into the shower when someone started pounding on the door. So, in summary…

• My young nephew was sick, and needed in the bathroom, so instead he vomited in the hall
• The hairdresser got backed up so the bride (me), bridesmaids, and my Mom were all running late and half were unhappy with their hairdo
• My Mom focused her stress on desperately wanting to make a detour to get a new lipstick—which we had no time to obtain
• The flowers arrived but some were missing, or incomplete
• The photographer was early and none of us were ready
• By the time we arrived at the reception after photographs, we were already running out of some of the booze which lead to…
• Some people had overindulged a bit too much
• My Dad invited more people than we were aware of and we were packed in like sardines
• The groomsmen didn’t realize their role in preparing for the bridal dance (see overindulging)
• I didn’t get any of my favorite cookies since someone ate the plate saved for me—from the bridal table

And I’m sure there was more. That’s just what I can recall all these years later…Sounds like a disaster, huh? Not to me.

Magical Wedding Memories

I’ve shared stories about our wedding for years, and we all laugh at how the best laid plans go awry.

Those are the memories I have in addition to walking down the aisle, and dancing with my husband, and all the other special moments from that day. In other words, this wasn’t a disaster, but only wonderful memories.

It’s a Blog Hop

I hope you hop around to the other authors to read about their wedding disasters and share in the memories.

I also hope you’re enjoying a wonderful holiday season and preparing for a spectacular new year.

Do You Have a Memory that Seemed Like a Disaster at the Time?

The post Memories Are Made from Wedding Disasters appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Have You Met Me?

If you’ve been around the blog for a while, you might have heard me talk about traveling before. I mean, what’s not to love when you’re introverted, aren’t a fan of traveling, and turn into more of a hermit as the years go by?

Not that I don’t like to see new places and enjoy new things. I’ve been to many beautiful places and there’s more I’d like to see.

It’s the whole traveling to get there that I don’t enjoy.
Share on X

The Ultimate Destination

Oh, that got your attention? I apologize, because there is none. I’m always ready to come home at the end of the trip, no matter how beautiful the place may be. Because it’s not the destination—or where I’m going— that makes the vacation fabulous to me, it’s what I’m doing. Here’s what I like to do…nothing.

Yep, you heard me right. I’ve talked about my quest for doing nothing before, and usually it remains elusive to me.

Although the hubs and I have found a place in Florida where there isn’t a whole lot to do but just “be” and that suits me just fine. The problem is, well, it’s Florida, and usually when we go it’s about a bajillion degrees. This pale, Irish gal doesn’t do well with the heat.

It’s a Blog Hop

I could go on about my fantasy of having nothing to do, nowhere to go unless I felt like it, and no clock to be a slave to, but I think you get the point.

Doing all that nothing is even better when it’s a beautiful place.

What’s Your Dream Vacation?

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate! I hope your holiday season is magical!

&nbsp

The post My Dream Vacation Isn’t About the Destination #MFRWauthor appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

I feel that there should be several obvious answers of family, friends and health, etc. I could write that and be done with the post, and I think many would share the same sentiments. I also participate in Thankful Authors each year and wrote a post in November about something a bit off the wall that I’m thankful for—the Internet and why it has redeeming qualities. But there are other things I’m grateful for. Often, they’re the little things that are really the big things.

Conflicting Waves of Gratitude

I have a love/hate relationship with time. I’m always wishing it away, and wishing I could turn it back for various reasons. There are things I would change, other things I’d like to revisit. Other times I just want to make it stop. None of these are within my control.

One reason is because time seems to steal away youth and vitality. Not just for me, but those that I love. So on one hand I’m bitter when I see how time has robbed the ones I love. But then I feel grateful that time has given me these years to enjoy when others haven’t been as fortunate.

But when I feel the weight of time on my back, sometimes resentment bubbles up within me, but then I remember all there is to be grateful for. I mean, literally, my back.

It’s the Little Things

I’ve had several herniated discs over the years, and spend much of my time working sitting in a chair. Neither bode well for my back. When aches and pains slow my step, and make me wince, I’m a bit bitter as I remember the time when I never felt a flicker of discomfort. But then I recall when it was much worse. When I couldn’t turn over and the effort to get out of a car took me ten or more minutes. Those things come to mind now and then and I’m grateful that it improved.

It truly is the little things that are the big things that are important in life.

Time, meaningful conversations, a beautiful day, a shared laugh. For those memories, and more, I’m #grateful. #MFRW
Share on X

I’m Grateful for You

I’ve always been writing stories, and I don’t know that I could ever stop, even if I didn’t share them with anyone. Writing is just part of who I am. It’s what I do. Whether people love or hate my stories, or my characters, I must release them and find out what’s going on in their world.

To know there are others—readers—who’ve met my characters, or shared their journey, and want to know more—I’m forever grateful.

Because readers help make my characters come to life and share in my dreams.

It’s a Blog Hop

Don’t forget to hop around and see what the other authors are grateful for. It is the reason for the season, but hopefully we can all carry this feeling of gratefulness with us all year long, and not just during the holidays

What Are You Grateful For?

P.S. If you haven’t had a chance yet, don’t forget to enter for your chance to win a Kindle Fire or Echo Dot. Plus, remember that books make great gifts—I know I’ve stocked up on some for the gift that keeps on giving.

Enter Here for your chance to win a gift for yourself this holiday.

Check out this holiday gift guide right here. It’s perfect for any book lover.

The post There’s A Lot to Be Grateful For appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

This week the Marketing for Romance Writers (#MFRW) 52-week Blog Challenge topic is The Best Dish I Cook. Although my hubby loves to cook and does the brunt of the cooking, I’m not completely absolved from whipping up grub for the family a few times a week. I’ll share my not-so-secret-method of gettin’ er done when the writing is waiting. Plus I have a special holiday gift for you.

Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That

Is pretty much my attitude when it comes to cooking.

• If I see a long list of ingredients—I’m out.
• There’s a ton of dishes involved—that I’ll have to clean up—Nope.
• Measurements which need converted and other math-ey stuff—heck no.
• Ingredient list that requires me to run to the story—no way Jose.

Put it all in a #crockpot and let it cook—you had me at crockpot. #MFRW #recipes
Share on X

The Early Bird Loves the Crockpot

My energy level peaks in the morning and the supply dwindles from there for the rest of the day. Thus, I try to get all the chores that require concentration and thought early on, since by the end of the day even basic tasks feel overwhelming. Therefore, a crockpot recipe is my favorite thing ever. Plus, you get the bonus of smelling it cooking all day if you’re home slaving over words.

But, unfortunately, I’m not someone who can craft my own recipe. I might toss in an extra ingredient here and there, or tweak the recipe after I’ve made it a few times, but I don’t have ‘original’ crockpot recipes to share. (No worries—I’ve got your recipes at the bottom).

But I’m good at directing you to some of my favorite places to score a quick crockpot recipe if you don’t want to Google it.

If I’m not flipping through the binders of recipes I’ve printed (gotta love a binder!) Or the crockpot recipe books I have (yes I still have actual books!) Then I Google for a recipe or go to Allrecipes and check out—you got it—the reviews. (Which is why authors always have reviews at the top of their Christmas list.

Got Recipes? Here’s a Treat For You

I’m not the only writer who’s trying to cut corners on cooking and cleaning to escape into the writing cave. Check out my extras page to see the We’d Rather be Writing book which features a multitude of recipes and timesaving tips— I contributed a tip.

Plus, there are several free books with all kinds of recipes courtesy of my publisher and The Wild Rose Press authors for your free holiday gift.

This year, the recipes focus on baking—yes! So I’m sharing Ruthie’s Kuka recipe. You remember, Aunt Ruthie from Destiny Calling and Not A Chance, right? Then you know she knows how to make things delicious like this coffee cake. If you’re already subscribed to my newsletter, you would’ve found out about this free recipe book sooner to get started on your baking early.

Fill Your Belly with More Recipes

Get your fill of recipes with the other authors on the blog hop as they share The Best Dish I Cook.

But before you go, don’t forget to check out this months contest where you can enter to try to win a gift for yourself. Scroll down for all the details.

Enter Here for your chance to win a gift for yourself this holiday.

The post You’re Gonna Have to Look for The Best Dish I Cook appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

But no worries, I have some recipes to share with you.

Favorite Food or Foods?

I can’t say that when the holidays come around that I’m looking forward to one particular food or meal. It depends on my mood, and the time of day, whether I’m seeking out the main course or dessert.

There are many things—too many—that I enjoy eating this time of year. I’m assuming that’s like many people who also overindulge this time of year only to start the new year off contemplating how to get rid of all that holiday weight. But, I digress.

Since I can’t narrow it down to just one food, I’m going to share some of my favorite recipes for the holidays (or all year long). I’ll warn you that most are deserts (yum!) because if I’m cooking, I prefer to bake.

Because otherwise my hubby is the star in the kitchen as I point out right here when I talked last year about how my favorite recipe usually isn’t made by me.I do some cooking, but only if I must.

But I do share one there that is my favorite to make (no-bake cookies) so check it out.

I like to eat and my hubby likes to cook, so that makes us a perfect pair. #MFRW #recipe
Share on X

Hop on Your Sleigh

I’ve shared some of my other favorite foods that usually make an appearance, and their recipe if you hop your sleigh and fly around the blog here a bit you can get recipes for:

• A few holiday cocktails- you don’t want to miss these special cocktails that the elves can whip up
• Peanut butter pie is one of my favorites. I try not to make it because I want to eat it all. My niece made it this year at Thanksgiving and I must admit that I ate the bulk over the leftovers. It was calling to me louder than my characters—and that’s saying something. Get the easy recipe right here my fellow peanut butter lovers.
• Appetizers anyone? I love vegetable appetizers. They also made an appearance on Thanksgiving courtesy of my sister. Getting your vegetables in the right way—on a crescent roll with some cream cheese. You might even get some picky kids to eat these. Check out the recipe right here.
• My girls and I make sugar cookies almost every Christmas. This recipe is pretty awesome and the icing makes it (yes, that’s my sweet tooth talking) but my favorite part about them is making the memories with my girls.

Hungry for More Recipes?

Check out my page with freebies and extras to download one of the free cookbooks courtesy of my publisher, and the authors of The Wild Rose Press.

Don’t forget to follow the hop to check out the other authors for some of their favorite holiday foods to get your appetite, and your menu, set for the holidays.

Psst! Speaking of baking…

Have you met Aunt Ruthie? If you read Destiny Calling, you’ll recall her ability to know how to make anything delicious (oh, how I wish I had this magic!) but something goes awry with Ruthie in book 2- Not a Chance– will Ruthie still know how to make things delicious? Grab your copy right here and find out.

Already read Not a Chance? I’d love your more than peanut butter pie if you leave a review! (Okay, almost more…)

The post My Favorite Holiday Food Depends on My Mood appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

There are a few things I’m prone to brag about now and then, and those are my favorite people.

Being Thankful

With the Thanksgiving holiday still in full force in the United States, it seems like a good time to take a moment to appreciate a few people in my life who I love to brag about.

• My mother- I’ve written about her before, right here, and how much she’s inspired me with her stoic, strength, and endless patience. A woman I aspire to be more like.
• My husband– With all the feasting this week, I’m lucky enough to have a hubby who loves to cook. No canned cranberries, or boxed stuffing, for this dude. It’s all the trimmings homemade with love.
• My twins– As the girls wrap up their senior year, they’ve given me so much to be proud of. Their tireless dedication to their studies, and their kindhearted nature, assure me we’ve raised some wonderful ladies.
• My family- My favorite thing about the holidays is the extra time I get to spend with my family. I love having most of us together. Having a close bond with family is definitely worth bragging about in this busy world.
• My readers- Readers are awesome. It saddens me when I hear so many people who seem to act as if they’re bragging when they say, “I don’t read.” When in reality, they’re depriving themselves of a much richer, fuller life that can be gained through books.
• My publisher- The Wild Rose Press (#TWRP) is a pretty awesome publisher. If you ask any of their authors (like me) they’ll tell you how much TWRP cares about their authors. And they care about their readers, that’s why you can visit their site for their holiday sale, right here.

My Book Babies

As an author, marketing should be foremost on my mind. But like many authors, it doesn’t come naturally to brag about myself and my stories.

Getting up before the crack of dawn to make time to write, giving up my lunch break, television and social gatherings doesn’t feel like a sacrifice when it’s something I love.

I’m #thankful to get to share my stories, and my characters, with the world. That's something to #brag about. #MFRW
Share on X

It’s a Blog Hop

Check out what the other authors are bragging about.

Maybe they’re better at tooting their own horn and I can learn a thing or two from them.

What Do You Like to Brag About?

The post I Feel Like a Drag if I Brag appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

I’ve written about this topic before right here and and focused a lot on how time is a priceless gift. But apparently my list for this year is not correct, because everyone else is writing about how their family survives their writing. Although I’ve written about that too, right here. So, since it’s hard to pick just one gift, I’m going with that today. I’m sharing a few other best gifts I’ve received—and a few that really surprised me.

What You Least Expected

Often the best gift is one that isn’t expected. It’s not a holiday, or you haven’t prepared a wish list that you’re hoping to get exactly what you want. This year on the hubs and my anniversary in March, he got my one of the best gifts I ever got. It had me speechless.

Sure, often I’m a quiet person and don’t always feel as if I can adequately display my appreciation with the right words. But that doesn’t stop the words in my head, this did.

I knew hubs was going to get a tattoo. As a musician and a lover of all things music, he was conflicted as to which tattoo he wanted to get and had shown me several ones from albums he was considering.

Imagine my surprise when he returned and I asked him which one he got and he showed me a tattoo of my first novel, Destiny Calling. The first book of The Enchantlings series.

Speechless doesn’t begin to describe my feelings. Hubs has always supported my writing but he doesn’t read my books, so I felt he couldn’t understand what my books meant to me, but apparently, he could.

Two for One

I know when most people list the best #gifts it’s often things that aren’t of material value. #MFRW
Share on X

Things like family, friends and health. I’ve often felt it goes without saying that my twins are one of the best gifts I ever got. Definitely something we weren’t expecting. Well, I was expecting, but it wasn’t until my sonogram at 5 months that we discovered we were getting double.

Then to later confirm we were having girls made my heart swell since I have three sisters (and one brother) and my relationship with my family, and especially my sisters was a wonderful gift, and still is. I’ve often felt it was a gift to have a healthy pregnancy, two healthy babies who were born with a best friend—and the gift of being a mother.

It’s A Blog Hop

If you check out the other author’s blogs you’ll find out how their family survives their writing.

Think the holidays are challenging with families? Try living with a writer all year long. (Here’s an older post of mine on that topic)

Started your holiday shopping yet? Me neither, but here’s your chance to get some gift ideas if you scroll down and check out the Holiday gift guide if you’d like to give the awesome gift that keeps giving all holiday season and then some—a book.

Then check out the new contest below to win a gift for yourself! Us paranormal and fantasy peeps want to help you put the magic back in your holiday season.

What’s The Best Gift You Ever Got?

PARANORMAL ROMANCE

& URBAN FANTASY GIVEAWAY

November 15 – December 5

Kindle Fire 7 • Ebook Prize Packs • Multiple Amazon Gift Cards

Paranormal romance, fantasy romance, and urban fantasy fans, we’ve got a giveaway just for you. Enter and you could take home a Kindle Fire 7, Amazon gift card, or ebook prize pack where you get to choose the books you want to win on Amazon, including that latest PNR bestseller you’re lusting after.

And though Halloween may be over, those of us who love witches, vampires, fae, demons, and dragons can never get enough. Feed your fiction addiction (here) with our page full of tasty ebook bargains. All books 2.99 or less, some free!

The post The Best Gift Is One You Never Expected appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

But I know just how frustrating it can be to have allergies, because you see, two of my family members have allergies. So, I realize how hard it can be to give up things you love.

The Hubs- Allergies Are Nothing to Sneeze At

The hubs makes up for my lack of allergies by having a plethora of his own. Most are seasonal, and result in him sneezing enough to result in me forgoing my manners because after blessing someone three times or more in a row, it seems as if it’s not going to stick.

Hubs is also allergic to most animals.

This lead to the time we had our first pet being limited. You see, hubs is an animal lover, so he brought home the kitten that he thought didn’t aggravate his allergies—he did—and no amount of vacuuming and cat-bathing helped alleviate it.

Therefore, either the kitten, or the hubs, would have to find a new home. It was a painful decision, but ’m still with hubs, so…seems he lucked out. Although it’s starting to look as if he’s passed on his seasonal allergies to one of our daughters. It seems that the seasons will have our house full of two sniffle-uf-o-guses.

This led to our future pets being what I liked to call, ‘hypo-allergenic’. First a lhasa apso (Bummy) and now our boy, Scruff, a shih tzu.

The Boy- Allergic to Everything, or Nothing

Scruff, or ‘the boy’ as we sometimes refer to him, may be allergic to all manner of things—or nothing at all. It seems the

Vet said it could also be due to anxiety, stress, or boredom.

With the process of elimination, we’ve changed his food, reducing or eliminated grains, chicken etc.

But then it might also be grass or other things in the environment that cause him to lick his feet until occasionally they puff up like tiny pink balloons. As a lover of all-things-food, with a fear that I’ll make good on the threat to get him a cone to wear…

Scruff will be the first to tell you that #allergies stink. #MFRW #author
Share on X

The Book – Real or Unrealistic

If you’ve picked up my new release, Not a Chance, you might’ve met up with Ritchie again. We get to know him a little better in this book and find out that Ritchie is allergic to peanuts—or not. Guess you’ll have to read it to judge for yourself.

It’s a Blog Hop

Hop around the blogs and check out if the other authors have the usual, or unusual allergies.

What About You? Allergies or Not?

Who’s Ready for the Holidays?

I’m not! But if you’re starting your holiday shopping, books make great gifts. Need a holiday shopping hand this year?

I’ve teamed up with over forty-five award-winning/bestselling authors to bring you the ultimate holiday gift guide for any booklover. The best part: it’s an online store. Scroll away and do all your holiday shopping in one place. Who knows? You might even find a few books you’d enjoy for yourself.

The post No Allergies for Me— but My Family’s Not So Lucky appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

But I’m Not Done Yet

A line from the show Ozark finally put into words what I’ve been trying to wrap my mind around since my twins were born over 17 years ago. The main character, Marty, was talking about when his first child was born and how one of his first thoughts was that, “I can’t die.”

Because once we have children, in my opinion, it’s our responsibility as parents to ensure that we protect them and set them up for success in the world. As the years have passed, each milestone and accomplishment my girls have achieved brought me closer to ensuring that they are safe in this world to the best of our ability.

This has also motivated me to take better care of myself, and to more aware of safety for myself and our family.

Clock’s a Ticking

My fear of running out of time leaks into other aspects of my life. You’ve heard me babble about it before. The overwhelm I cause myself by overcommitting my schedule.

My driven personality pushing me to say yes to every writing opportunity and new story idea that comes my way. I’m constantly pushing against a freelance deadline, or weighed down by the burden of stories that need completed and sent out into the world like my baby girls. Part of it’s the fear of missing out on an opportunity, or a challenge. But saying yes to so much has me always fearing that there’s never enough time.

Fear of Leaving Life on Hold

The long list of responsibilities has most people like me following the practical responsible route in life. While this is a good thing, sometimes it means that some dreams are put on hold for later, or for when we reach this goal, or get to this age, or are this way financially.

It saddens me when I see so many people reach their golden years when they’re finally ready to take their dreams off hold and live the life they’ve dreamed of, but that’s stolen when they run out of time. Either through death, illness, or other physical ailments that make following that dream impossible. They’d left it on hold for so long that the line was disconnected.

Don’t Succumb to the Fear

I must apologize for such a deep, and slightly distressing (at least to me), post when you’re used to some lightness and humor. But the world is full of so many things to fear that it can take over our lives if we let them. That’s one reason I read, and I write, paranormal and fantasy.

The world is so serious so much of the time, escaping with a #book into another world helps melt that #fear. #MFRW
Share on X

(Psst- did you hear that my new book baby, Not a Chance, released this week? Check it out and don’t be afraid to grab your copy here!)

It’s a Blog Hop

Hop around and check out what the other authors are sharing about their biggest fears. Hopefully some writing time, and a good book, can help us all slay those fears so they can’t hold us back.

What’s Your Biggest Fear?

The post My Biggest Fear Is Running Out of Time appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Happy Halloween

While the fall nights are getting colder, you might need something to keep you warm!

If you love heat like we do, you’ll love the fantastic romantic fiction that can be found on the blogs of this hop.

From sweet to downright sizzling, you’ll be sure to find something that you will fall in love with!

Thank you to the authors who are in the hop, and a special thank you to you, our readers!

Now go on…. get your hop on!

Are You New to My Blog?

Thank you so much for stopping by! If you enjoy reading fantasy and paranormal romance, I hope you stick around. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter right here and get my free story Witch You Were Here.

Check out my New Halloween Release

I’ve got lots of chances for more treats for you on the release party page for Not a Chance. Check it out right here for more chances to enter to win gift cards, books and more.

Take your chance to win a #kindle and #giftcard at the #spooktacular blog hop! #authors
Share on X

Order your copy of Not a Chance right here.

The post Join the #Spooktacular #BlogHop and have a Howling Good Time appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.