Writing Update

Happy New Year! Doesn’t the beginning of a new year feel hopeful. Perhaps 2013 will be a year of peace, prosperity and good luck to all. Well I can hope, can’t I. I’m hoping you all survived last night’s new years eve party without too big a headache this morning.

For 2013, I have slightly different goals than I had for previous years. I’m usually good at pursing what I want so I’ve always reached my goals when they’ve been reasonable. In 2010 I challenged myself to do better, as in more words written, than the previous year. Check. During 2011, I embarked on Indie publishing and learning lots about the process. Now I can help others. During 2012 I wanted to slow down, concentrate on a few areas only and not be spread quite so thin. That’s worked out ok.

For 2013 I’m hoping to improve my work/life balance. I still want to write lots of stories but maybe I need a bit more me time. I definitely need to improve my fitness. In my previous careers, I’ve gone out to work, run around on errands, but I don’t do that much moving anymore since I work from home full-time. I love writing, but sitting down for long periods of time, for the rest of my working life, is not in my best interests. I’m getting all kinds of new aches and pains in places I shouldn’t have them at my age. I need to find more excuses to get out of my chair each day if I want to be healthy.

So, what’s my plan for 2013?

* 12 writing projects of varying lengths (list pinned beside my computer)
* daily exercise of ANY kind
* 52 books read — I really did not read enough last year and I’ve missed a lot of good stories

It’s only a short list, but that’s what I’m aiming for during the coming year. Achievable? I think so. Wish me luck!

Happiness is . . .  a few hours spent in Officeworks. With a weak excuse of gathering school supplies for my son a whole month early, I’ve spent my Sunday morning in stationary heaven. Pencils, exercise books, lever arch files — Once I’ve settled on my goals for the year, I’ll be ready for 2013. Just waiting on the year to change. I hope you’re all set for the new year, too and have a great New Years Eve.

I’m continuing with my wip, In Her Image, last week Doris was faced with a new and unpleasant view.

***

The riding crop clenched in his hand brought her to her feet as panic hit her. “Marcel?”

When no reassuring voice answered her call, she blanched at the prospect of this meeting. Cautiously, she faced Lord Ramsay, viscount and bothersome pest.

“My dearest, Lottie.” His jowls quivered as he caught his breath, but his eyes scored her skin as if she was standing naked before him.

***

 I really appreciate everyone who reads and comments each week, and those visiting my blog for the first time. If you’re new, each Sunday a great bunch of writers publish a short six sentence excerpt from a work in progress or a published story. You will find amazing authors participating in Six Sunday by visiting the host site, Six Sentence Sunday and by searching for #SixSunday via Twitter.

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I wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and send out a huge thank you to the wonderful people who read my stories. Your continued support means a lot to me.

Eat lots, talk heaps and be merry this festive season and especially take care on the roads!

Heather

Hello everyone. Christmas is just a few days away so Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday. Hope you have a good one and create some awesome memories with those you love. I’m continuing with #SixSunday 41 In Her Image and the next black cloud to ruin Doris’ day has just arrived.

***

She knew what loss felt like and had no wish to reacquaint herself with those gnawing sensations. Alone was better. It hurt less. There was nothing so wretched as to pretend that your heart wasn’t breaking before a strangers’ gaze.

She scanned the park, looking for another scene to hold her attention. Marcel was still out of sight, but a broad figure strutted along the path in her direction, his belly swinging slightly with each step.

***

I really appreciate everyone who reads and comments each week, and those visiting my blog for the first time. If you’re new, each Sunday a great bunch of writers publish a short six sentence excerpt from a work in progress or a published story. You will find amazing authors participating in Six Sunday by visiting the host site, Six Sentence Sunday and by searching for #SixSunday via Twitter.

My Regency Romance Books

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Hey there. Welcome to my blog. I really appreciate everyone who reads and comments each week, and those visiting my blog for the first time. If you’re new, each Sunday a great bunch of writers publish a short six sentence excerpt from a work in progress or a published story. If you’re a frequent visitor, this is #SixSunday 40 – In Her Image post. You will find amazing authors participating in Six Sunday by visiting the host site, Six Sentence Sunday and by searching for #SixSunday via Twitter.

This week I’m continuing with six from In Her Image, my newsletter serialized story.

***

The man hunkered down to the child’s level and he appeared to be speaking earnestly. Surprised by his patience and calm approach, Doris sat forward, wishing she could hear the exchange. The little girls head dropped low, possibly at a rebuke, but the man chucked her under the chin to raise her face and she smiled again.

A pretty blonde infant wrapped in lavender cotton and fine lace.

It was then Doris noticed the whole family was clothed in varying degrees of mourning colors: somber lavender and grey for the girls, seriously dark for the boys. Feeling uncomfortably aware that she might be spying on a grief stricken family engaged in a brief moment of levity, she looked down.

***

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December is the month of fun, joy, and redecorating the house. So, in honor of the silly season I’ve been tweaking my online home, new widgets, colors, and I’ve even mastered an image slider for my future home page. What do you think so far?

But you’re here for another snippet from my newly named serialized story, In Her Image. Enjoy.

***

Doris glanced around but could not see her footman, Marcel, close by. Wretched creature, he’d likely spied someone pretty and been lured away by her come hither smiles. She would speak to him again later, reminding him of his responsibilities and the generous salary she paid him.

She faced the family again, just in time to see the little girl throw her kite to the ground, clench her fists, and turn her face up to show her displeasure. The man was patient; he ignored her howls of inarticulate outrage. From what Doris could see the little girl had so knotted the kite strings she was sure they would need repair before it could fly again.

***

I really appreciate everyone who reads and comments each week, and those visiting my blog for the first time. You will find amazing authors participating in Six Sunday by visiting the host site, Six Sentence Sunday and by searching for #sixsunday via Twitter.