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
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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.

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
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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.

There’s another reason I’m often quiet, and my family is to blame.

What Did You Say?

My family likes to talk…a lot. And when they talk, they like to talk very loud. And all at once. So if you have something to say, you’d better start talking fast, and over the other person who might interrupt you to insert their two cents, or a totally different topic.

Thus, as a person who isn’t very loud, there were times I’d resort to raising my hand to try to get a word in. Then I grew up and married a very loud husband.

The benefit of battling to be heard for most of my life is that I became a very good listener, and I started writing more. As I explained before in this post on Paranormal Romantics, writing is one of the few ways I can talk without getting interrupted.

With that being said, I love my quiet time, and prefer complete silence when I’m writing—but no other time. I find it odd to be with a family that isn’t oversharing their day, and blaring music, while someone might be yelling from the other room.

I suppose I’ve found comfort in this. My girls can be very chatty when they are together, but often resort to my tactic of silence and observation.

Family Matters

Besides my family having a better understand of my quiet nature…

There are other things that only my #family would understand, and there is one thing in particular, Dadisms #MFRW
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I could write the entire blog post, and perhaps a whole book, on famous “Dad Quotes” that only my family would understand—usually. Sometimes we’re even challenged, but when you’ve heard them enough, you figure them out. I’ll share a few here to leave to your imagination since most make absolutely no sense to anyone else but mentioning them to my family almost always brings a laugh or a shake of their head.

• “Looks like you’ve been eating ham.”
• “I’m used to doing without.”
• “Who’s the best?!”
• “Looks like a relief-er.”
• “Is that a pimple?”
• “You’re all head and feet.”
• “What am I, an orphan?”
• “Dough ball.”

It’s a Blog Hop

Check out the other author’s blogs to see if you can understand the little idiosyncrasies that come with a family and perhaps share a few of your own.

Share Something Only Your Family Would Understand—Or Your Own Dadism.

The post If I Could Get a Word In—My Family Would Understand appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

My Mother Inspires Me

If you pop on over to this blog post I wrote in 2012 you can read the post I dedicated to my mother, not long after her second ride in the life-flight helicopter. (Boy was she mad about having to ride it once, let alone twice!)

I don’t think I could write anything more to better express how much I admire the woman who never has endured so much in her lifetime, yet come out stronger each time.

The Trait I Covet Most

There are many things I admire about my mother, but the one thing I struggle with trying to replicate the most is her non-judgmental attitude. So many people fall into the trap of being catty, jealous, negative, spiteful or unintentionally (or intentionally) unkind.

I don’t believe we start out that way, or with that intention. It’s honed from years of exposure to disappointment, failure and negativity. It’s often an infection of negativity and unhappiness spread from others.

I try my best to seek out the positive aspect of a situation, or to turn the other cheek at gossip and unkind words. I think to myself, “My mother would never participate in this kind of talk.” Plus she wouldn’t remain silent. She would rally for the underdog and point out the good qualities that might not be so obvious.

Sometimes it’s so much easier to follow the crowd and join in the nay saying. It takes a bigger person to speak up against the majority. My mother inspires me to be a better person. Especially when I see how my girls love to root for the underdog as well. Here is a poem I wrote for my mother a few years ago. (Keep in mind that I don’t claim to be a poet!) 

A Mother Like No Other

To the woman who taught me about too much blush,

The slowest eater, don’t make her rush.

Burnt my neck with the curling iron,

Nursed me until I was feeling fine.

Made play-dough creatures better than anyone could,

No one can make macaroni salad as good.

Showed me the joy to be found in a book,

Tossing a paper towel roll better than any right hook.

Had vehicles breaking down everywhere we’d go,

Won’t leave the house after a flake of snow.

Be there at 7 o’clock to check that lottery,

Wielding her white hairbrush would make us flee.

She has the kindest soul of all around,

Except when she dropped Gino down.

Made Barbie clothes better than the store,

Now she refuses to sew any more.

If there’s half a bun you know she’s the guilty one,

Gambling and lottery tickets are her idea of fun.

In volleyball she was the queen,

One stoved finger Dad has often seen.

The best Grammy to my girls,

Tortured me with rags when I wanted curls.

The Survivor show, she is a fan,

Used to be Axl Rose was her man.

Her veins are full of Lipton tea,

The movies are a favorite place to be.

Teaching little ones almost all her days,

Coupon-clipping is just her way.

So Happy Mother’s Day to one of the best,

She’s always been a head taller than the rest.

Not just a mother, but my friend too,

Thank you for being wonderful you!

Don’t Forget to Visit the Other Author’s Blogs to See Who Inspires Them

Who Inspires You?

The post She Inspires Me To Be A Better Person appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

It’s been a busy week peeps, so I thought I’d catch you up before I shared some great resources for this week. 

Biking

Some of you may know that I’m a ‘back seat biker’ (aka: the hubs maneuvers the giant beast of a motorcycle and I cling on the back and am free to enjoy the ride.) 

I do enjoy a nice motorcycle ride, and love me a tattooed biker, which is why I often incorporate them into my stories. 

So this week I began writing as a regular contributor for GothRider magazine. You might want to check it out. Lots of cool stuff  (besides my posts, of course )

Things that Go Bump in the Night 

Now that we’ve rolled into September, everyone (okay, lots of people, including me!) is starting to think about Fall and Halloween. My post at Paranormal Romantics this week was about some true ghost stories—with a dash of humor, of course. Check out Things that Go Bump in the Night—Or at Least Like to Change Your Favorite Television Show.  

My Babies Birthday

But, before we closed out on August last week, and started the new school year, we celebrated my babies birthday. Fifteen years old! Where does the time go? 

Book Stuff

Before you move down to check out the resources for this week—remember when you helped shape the cover for Moon, Mist & Magic with your fabulous input? Right here. (Or on Facebook)

Well, Moon, Mist & Magic is in a Cover Contest. Go vote right here for that cover you helped create!  

Cool Stuff I Found This Week 

As promised, here are some great resources, and tips, that I’ve gathered from all my hopping around in cyberspace this week. Because I know how fast time goes, and how valuable it is, so let me save you some time by sharing my favorites.

HubSpot

When I become aware of a phrase, or a word, I, or someone else, uses consistently it stands out like a beacon in conversation and can drive me crazy. I don’t know if these tips will help, but they’re interesting and something I can apply.

How to Permanently Stop Saying “Um” and Other Filler Words

How to Blog a Book

Don’t let the title fool you for what I’m sharing, this is about blogs- although you could use it for a book. Ironically, I was just planning out to start organizing my blogging in larger batches.

Make Your Blogging Time More Efficient by Batching Posts

Freelance Morning Coffee

Calling all Freelancers- this is one of my favorite free resources for discovering new freelance writing opportunities.

Freelance Morning Coffee Newsletter Job Updates

Speaking of Freelancing- Gina Horkey is reopening sign up’s for the course I took that got me started. She’s updated things, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s new. I highly recommend it—and not just because I’m an affiliate. I’m an affiliate because I love it.

Here it is if you want to check it out.

Until next time— Have a Magical Week! 

The post Biking, Birthdays & Bunches of Bodacious Resources appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

High School 

If I heard it once back in the day, I heard it a hundred times. Enjoy high school, these are the best years of your life! 

I disagree. 

High School was hard. Not the courses, but the awkward teenage years. Everything and everyone changes. You feel like you don’t fit in anywhere. Every little inadequacy feels as if it’s spotlighted into a massive flaw.  

At the time, I’d blamed much of my social ineptness on not being rich enough to afford the latest social fashions. Or losing my childhood friend. Because apparently once you hit high school you couldn’t have a best friend who was a boy—unless you were a couple. 

I was wrong.

We aren’t rich by any means, but my girls were able to buy brand name and wear the latest fashions in junior high. But it made no difference in their social ease or popularity. It didn’t stop them from losing long time friendships as girls became catty and hormones separated the strong from the weak. 

I’ve never once told my girls these were the best years of their life, because that’s a lie.

Believing that would mean we peak at a young age and the rest of our lives are endured on a downhill slope. What would there be to look forward to? Despite how many times I tell my girls not to worry about these little things that seem so big. That there are so many more things coming. That they’re so much more wonderful than they realize. To enjoy these years but don’t fret about them— they can’t hear me.

I’m just Mom.

The woman who won’t really know anything for another handful of years. 

As I reflect back over my life I can finally assure my teen self that these things had nothing to do with happiness and popularity. I’ve long ago accepted the stunning truth that popularity doesn’t = happiness.

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You require one thing to achieve happiness. Once you have it, you'll no longer care about popularity.
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It’s a little gem that can’t be bought or shared…you must discover this magic within. Sometimes you can’t unearth it. Then you just have to fake it until you make it your reality.

Confidence

Despite the pain at not being able to wave my Mom-magic-wand and make everything better as I could when they were small, I’ve discovered something blossoming within my young teens.

As they maneuver the senior high years, they’ve finally shed the chameleon shell. The one where they blended into whatever they felt was expected from their friends. They’ve found their true selves and embraced their heart.

They might not see it yet, but I’ve noticed this little growth of confidence…these little changes inspiring them to follow their own path…and it’s beautiful. 

So tell me, what little piece of advice would you give your high-school self? 

Leaving a comment will enter you in a random drawing for a copy of your choice of one of my books in ebook format. Winner will be announced by April 6th. 

The post How to convince my shy teens the truth about popularity appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

The Wild Rose Press is putting the catalog on sale from Thanksgiving day through cyber Monday! Who to say that while you’re picking up gifts for everyone on your list that you can’t shop for your yourself for the holidays? 

Sneak away while the pie is baking, or when you need a few minutes to yourself to escape from your family into a good book.

Who knows what you like better than you!

Happy Holidays!

The post Holiday Sale at The Wild Rose Press appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Back in the Day…  

Ahh, my favorite expression utilized to elicit eye rolls from my twin teens, prompting me to delve deeper into stories of my youth…

But it’s true, trick or treating has changed over the years. Probably for the better, yet I still feel all warm & fuzzy when I reminisce and ponder how children survived to become parents today.

Because you see, Halloween wasn’t the same…compared to today, back in the day, what we used to do might be considered…

HARD-CORE HALLOWEEN-IN’  

• Plastic masks- scratchy, cracking, couldn’t see, barely breathe and you’re sweating like a m—
• Mummy costumes, ghosts and home-made ho-bo’s using your mom’s babushka she used to cover her rollers with when she went to the store. Just tie that kerchief to a stick! None of these store bought costumes prompting most women to look like a wh—
• Who heard of flame retardant costumes back then? Heck most jack-o-lanterns had a real candle barely providing enough light to find the door at the creepy old house down the street that you dared your friends to knock on. Back then parents didn’t limit the houses you were allowed to go to, not worrying about the mo—
• Monster movies of the ‘people kind’ were just coming out. No more Godzilla, Swamp Thing or The Blob. Instead Jason, Freddie, Michael Meyers filled the nightmares of our youth, terrorizing us. All contributing to why parents today are afraid to let their kids trick or treat at night because of Fr—
• Freakishly dark streets with barely a flashlight to lead the way. The only glow sticks were the unfortunate fire flies/lightening bugs the sadistic kids would cr—
• Cram as much candy as you could into your pillowcase. No plastic pumpkins for us, we were in it for the long haul. Even without the healthy eating guidelines candy really was a treat when half the houses gave out homemade popcorn bags, raisins and apples that could potentially conceal a r—
• Running to the house first that supplied the full size candy bars. You knew who they were and you weren’t missing that house no matter how f—
• Freezing with your threadbare plastic costume on a cold October night. Ain’t no way you’re covering up that ghost-sheet-costume while your Dad chases down the kids  ‘corning’ your house as they flee for the b—
• Bobbing for apples. Who wouldn’t want to horrify child welfare by binding kid’s hands and having them dunk or drown in a cesspool of water for a water-logged apple. Who needs a flu shot? Parents must’ve been in—

….In love with the spirit of Halloween…or on a sugar-high from eating too much of their kids candy. No taking your candy for an X-Ray, instead your candy withstood the Mom Inspection. Tasting your chocolate…you know, just to make sure it’s safe to eat.

Tell me one of your old school Halloween memories in the comments for a chance to win a $5.00 Amazon gift card.

(Don’t forget to leave your email so I can give it to Chucky, err- contact you if you win)

  She’s a witch hunting a spell. He’s hunting witches and falling for her.

Carman has worn out more towns and last names than impractical shoes protecting the secret of her magic blood. But when a friend goes missing, and another is infected with a deadly spell, Carman must choose. Expose her magic blood by curing the spell—or stop the infection from spreading by killing the source…the grandmother.

Magic bounty hunter Dylan has scoured libraries of banned magic paraphernalia seeking a method to distinguish genuine witches from impersonators. He suspects unorthodox librarian Carman might hold this information tighter than the hair he’s dying to unleash from her bun. With a past as hidden as his sleeve of tattoos, Dylan discovers he’s been used to gain Carman’s trust and their passion risks     more than mixing mortals and magic.

Get Your Magic Today:

Amazon:

The Wild Rose Press:

Barnes and Noble:

Kobo:

IBooks:

Follow the hop RIGHT HERE for more fun, great books & awesome prizes

Enter for a chance to win:
(1) $100 Amazon or B&N Gift Card or
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(1) $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card

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Have a wonderful holiday filled with reading, relaxing and family fun

                                       Image courtesy of satit_srihin at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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