Escape With A Writer

Hello, Everyone! Time again for another version of the Round Robin Blog tour!! This month's topic is: What type heroine(s), traits, personality, in particular always  draw you into the story? Has it changed with time? And do you write this type of heroine? (Next month we will cover heroes) I hate wimpy heroines!!   If a book starts off with a woman who can't stand on her own two feet then manages to turn her entire life around and take control of things, I'm happy. If she gets smacked down by circumstance and other characters time and time again and never figures out how to duck, I stop reading. My heroines always start off in a sticky situation of some sort, their lives dictated to them by the men they have chosen to have around them. I love to have them evolve and discover they can take care of themselves. They can be strong, happy, and loved. Best of all, they can follow their passions and succeed. I hope my heroines can inspire my reader to change someth

Something magical happens when you tell people about your New Year's Resolutions. Some scoff and roll their eyes, some remind you of how you tried to accomplish the same goals last year and failed miserably, the there are the friends who pitch in an join you. This year I've set three goals to accomplish: 1) earn my blue belt in karate 2) publish 2 books 3) run a 5km race Nearly a month into my resolutions, I can say I'm making progress! a) I'm working hard at karate doing 3 classes per week. b) I'm editing the second book in my Wild Blue Mysteries series and awaiting edits from my agent on the first book of my newest series. (two possible books!!)  I am also doing a read through of the proof of The Bookstore Lady and having copies printed this year. Finally, a book launch will be possible!! c) I'm getting on the treadmill and power walk or run every second day. A friend and I are seeking a fun 5km to run and I have friends organizing a group 100km run i

This charming first book in a new cozy mystery series from debut author Mary Marks is set in San Fernando Valley, California, where the heroine, Martha Rose, and her coterie of quilters are enjoying life on the good side of retirement-until a murder pulls a stitch out of their plans... "Martha and her besties Lucy and Birdie are set to expand their Quilty Tuesdays by inviting newcomer Claire Terry into their group. Though at forty Claire's a tad younger than their average age, her crafty reputation could perk up their patchwork proceedings, especially as they prepare for the fancy quilt show coming to town. But when they arrive at Claire's home and find her dead inside the front door, and her exquisite, prize-winning quilts soon missing, Martha is not one to leave a mystery unraveled. Especially if she wants to stop a killer from establishing a deadly pattern."            I was so excited to read a galley copy of Mary Marks' cozy mystery Forget Me Knot. W

Christmas is over, the New Year has begun and the decorations are on their way back to storage for another eleven months. It's nearly time to settle back into routine and take control of the things I want to accomplish this year. I am looking forward to working on my newest novel and returning it to my agent over the next couple of weeks. I plan to grade for my next belt in karate early this year. Green to Blue! My sensei (and boss!) even gave me a new uniform for Christmas! Talk about incentive. I am doing research to get my current e-book into print. I want to get my eating and exercise habits back on track. Those are only the goals for the first few months. There are so many other things I want to do this year! The other night, I watched Eat, Pray, Love. Wow. I love Julia Roberts! I also loved some of the messages the story offered: to relax and enjoy the food we eat and keep a sense of awe, to allow ourselves to become unnerved from time to time in order to live life to