Holidays With Beachwalk Hop

In our house, Christmas is an especially busy time. DD#1 celebrates her birthday on the 30th December and DD#2 celebrates hers on the 23rd December. Not the best timing considering in Australia it's summer. So for the first 3 Christmases we didn't travel to family. The first year I was very large and on bed rest. The second year I was still in hospital. The third year, DD#1 broke her arm and was only out of hospital on Christmas Eve.  Given that we lived nearly 20 hours away from family at that stage, well... you can no doubt guess.

So we created our own family traditions. Ones that continue to this day. (DD#1 turns 18 this year, so they've been going a while.)

In November, I design our annual Christmas Card, order everything and cut out whatever is required. Then one night, we set up at the table and make our cards. It's precision but fun. Everyone jokes about their particular card. It's also a nice way to share the lead up to the festive season.

Last year we made these natty little Plum Pudding Cards. Alas this year, I think we may need to forgo that.

Our Christmas build up starts on the 24th, when we clean like mad things. Everything (and I mean everything) is washed and we have been known to even approach the dog with the vacuum (Just kidding!). Sides and windows sparkle like glass.

By five in the afternoon, I'm ready to settle in with a glass of wine downstairs and salad and chicken, ham and prawns. We decided many years ago that we couldn't face making a mess on Christmas eve after all the cleaning so it's throw away plates and only enough to use in one go.

The kids watch the NORAD Santa Tracker (http://www.noradsanta.org/) But by about 10.30 we all just want to go to bed. Mind you, the parents need to hang out just a little longer. Cherry Ripe, Cherries and Coke go on the side for the Jolly Father Christmas... We want him refreshed but still within the legal limit! 

Now over the years, we've found Father Christmas to be a seriously mucky man. He comes in, shedding "snow" everywhere that has magic properties... But there is a rule. Santa Sacks first, so as we settle in with coffee and glasses of icy orange juice, around the lounge, the sacks are handed out. 

We still live a long way from family, so we video the presents, talk to the viewers (usually family) and share the tidings.


For us, it's a cooked lunch of roast duck, pork and our favourite veggies. Brussel Sprouts, Potato, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, peas and carrots. The meats Mr Nix cooks on the BBQ (I'm in charge of breakfast only... consisting of Croissants, Bacon, Eggs, Tomatoes and Fried Mushrooms.) Of course, in Australia, there are a multitude of ways to celebrate Christmas and I hope you've enjoyed looking in the window of our Christmas celebrations. 

But I can't help wondering... I wonder how Johnathon and Davina would spend their Christmas? Maybe that's a story for another day? Would they be in Paris? Or London?  It's interesting to think how the characters that we create would pass the special day? 

Anyway, don't forget to check out my latest title - In fact, if I get say 30 comments, I might write a short vignette about their first Christmas and upload it to my blog here on Christmas... as a gift to you, my readers.

A Bar In Paris

Ever considered a naughty weekend?  A “Hook-Up” with no strings?

What does a woman do when she’s turning thirty? She takes a sexy weekend trip to Paris looking for commitment-free sex. Or, that’s what Davina Chalmers does, anyway.

Enter Johnathon a tall charming Englishman. How can she possibly resist his charm and that dimple?

But what starts out as a lark quickly becomes so much more. But how does

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Sacking Austin by Lori Beth Johnson

Sacking Austin by Lori Beth Johnson

Recently divorced pro quarterback Austin Cook isn't looking for love. After finding his serial-cheating wife in the arms of his biggest on-field rival, Austin vows to never trust a woman again. From now on, all relationships will be on his terms. Yet, when he meets a mysterious artist unlike any woman he has ever known, he finds himself forgetting about the past and living in the moment.

Tara Lee had only been looking for new brushes when she visits the art supply shop, but when she runs into the tall, dark, and delicious football star she can't deny the immediate attraction. Sparks fly over small talk, and she knows she's in trouble. When a one-night stand turns into so much more, Tara is torn. If Austin knew the truth about who she is, he'd never want her. Should she deny her feelings and walk away, or take the chance and risk her heart?"

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Excerpt:

“I had a good time tonight,” Austin said as they walked to her building. She maintained a two-story town home in an older neighborhood that attracted an eclectic group of residents. Artists, musicians, and writers were everywhere, but also many young urban executives had moved into the area.

She leaned back against the front of her door. “You wanna come in?” Her eyes flashed. “For coffee?”

One side of his mouth raised and he inched toward her placing his hands on either side of her head, resting them flat against the wood. “Coffee, huh?”

“You like it hot, don’t you?"

Even though he had been on the sidelines, Austin still understood how to play this game. “Girl,” he said, his southern drawl more pronounced as he moved even closer. “You are driving me crazy.”

She let out a moan as he pressed against her, the large expanse of his upper abs skimming against her breasts. She snaked a hand onto his neck. “You aren’t my type,” she whispered as his lips neared hers.
“You aren’t mine, either.” Before Austin could seal the kiss, Tara had turned and slid the key into the doorknob.

“Come on,” she said, taking his hand. “Get in here.”

About the Author:

If Lori Beth had to choose one word to describe herself, it would be dreamer. Beginning with the daydreams of her youth, she has spent her life spinning stories of love and family. After spending many years on a winding career path that began in retail management and included three-fun years teaching middle school English, Lori Beth decided to get serious with this thing called writing. She now works part-time in higher education student services so that she can devote as much time as possible to her craft.

Lori Beth has a B.S. in Elementary Education and is ever so slowly pursuing a M.A. in European History. She is a fervent believer in lifelong learning that can, but doesn't have to, include formal education. Music is her muse, books are her passion, and she is an avid sports fan. Go Colts! Go Reds!

Family, friendships, and social issues are central to her character-driven stories. Sometimes steamy, sometimes sweet, and often set in small towns, her tales will surely find a way into your heart.

Lori Beth and her husband reside in southern Indiana and have three children: two sons in college and one daughter in high school.

Author Links:     Facebook    Website

Tour Dates: November 29th - December 13th

This Tour is for Spotlights Only

Book Blast 11/29

Romancing The Pen Today

New Age Mama

Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews

Book Reviews by Xunaira J

Bookworm Bridgette's World

Deal Sharing Aunt

December

12/2 - Booklover Sue

12/3 - Sexy Between the Covers

12/4 - Kristy Centeno

12/5 - Musings of an Addicted Reader

12/6 - Imogene Nix Blog

12/9 - Reading, Writing, and Roses

12/10 - Viari Rose

12/11 - The eBook Promotions

12/12 - To Pen a Dream

12/13 - That Bites-Book Talk Reviews

Guest Post:

Today we welcome Laura DeLuca to my blog. Laura is the author of Brigid's Flame from The Celtic Tapestry anthology. She's sharing a simple spell that you too can do at home..

Brigid’s Flame was inspired by my patron goddess, Brigid. She is the goddess of poetry, smith craft and childbirth.  In my story, a struggling writer invokes Brigid on the sacred night of Imbolc to help rekindle his creativity with her eternal flame.  The chant my hero uses in one I wrote myself and have used many times to help overcome writers block.

“Brigid, I call you on this sacred night.

I summon your flame. I invoke your might.

The words will come. My mind will soar.

My strength and confidence will endure.

Goddess Brigid, fill me with creativity.

As I will it, so mote it be.”

Here is a simple spell anyone can use along with the chant to help bring some inspiration into their lives.  All

you need is a candle (preferably orange or yellow, but white can also be used), a bowl, and a few ice cubes. If available, snow or icicles would be even better.  Set the items up on your altar or some other space where you have privacy. Place the ice cubes or snow into the bowl and light your candle.  Star into the flame and focus of what you are trying to accomplish. Imagine that the ice is your creativity. Right now it’s frozen and blocked.  Now see that flame warming the ice, melting away those blocks. Continue this visualization as you chant the spell.  Once the ice has melted it, drink the water. This is your creativity flowing freely back into you.

Celtic Tapestry Anthology

The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.

Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry

  

Crimson Beat--Elle J Rossi

In Nashville, Ostara night is filled with monsters...and only one woman can take them on.

Beltane Fires--Livia Ellis

Deep in the Irish countryside, a witch takes over as Mother of her coven. Will a 'wink at the moon' love spell give her what she most wants?

Blade's Magic--Carolyn Wolfe

Midsummer celebrations are going as usual for one magical young woman, until she comes into contact with Max Blade--a man from another dimension.

Shore's Edge--Tara S Wood

Lammas beckons in Ireland in the year 1170, bringing with it war. Will one feisty young woman have to marry the man she hates most, or will the Gods bring her another answer?

The Picnic--ElodieParkes

The woods near Morgan's home are under threat. But will salvation come for the woods--and himself--in the form of a beautiful environmental officer?

Shadows in the Dark--Miranda Stork

A surprising past life regression opens up a new world for one young woman...but it also throws her at the mercy of an unknown Shadow Man.

Magic in Memphis--Hunter S Jones

Memphis. The favourite place of a hard working public-relations employee, whose life is good, but without surprise...until she has a chance meeting with James Wellington on Yule night, throwing her world upside-down.

Brigid's Flame--Laura DeLuca

A writer, depressed at the turns of his career and losing his relationship with his girlfriend, looks to the Gods for inspiration at Imbolc...and finds the goddess Brigid answers his prayers.

Buy Links:  Amazon     Amazon UK     Barnes & Noble   Moon Rose Publishing

Tour Dates: November 13th - December 6th
This Tour is for Spotlights and Guest Posts

November
11/13 - Reading, Writing, and Roses
11/14- Tamaria Soana
11/15 - CU's eBook Giveaways
11/16 - To Pen a Dream
11/18 - Book Reviews by Xunairia J
11/19 - Not Everyone's Mama
11/20 - Melissa's Ecletic Bookshelf (Guest Post)
11/21 - Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews
11/22 - Viari Rose
11/23 - The eBook Promotions
11/25 - Bookworm Bridgette's World
11/26 - Reader Girls
11/27 - Booklover Sue
11/28 - Paulette's Paper
11/29 - Imogene Nix (Guest Post)

December
12/2 - Intriguing Reviews
12/3 - Sexy Between The Covers
12/4 - Queen of the Night Reviews
12/5 - Romancing the Pen Today (Guest Post)
12/6 - Harlie's Books (Guest Post)

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Waiting Waiting Waiting... Arrrgh!

Okay, in case you haven't yet worked it out, I'm not very good at waiting. (Gee, I bet that was news to some of you out there, right?)

At this very moment in time, I have a book out for submission. It's only been just over a week, but ... nothing yet. A week isn't a long time. Not really. But.... I just want to know, right? You get that, don't you? (I have always said if I can keep reminding myself, it might just come true!)

So what do you do while you wait to hear from a publisher, a crit partner or anything...

There are lots of things we can do - and yes, I'm working my way through my list at the moment! It's not comprehensive. It's not meant to be... But it's a start. And I bet you could add another 3 or 4 things off the top of your head.

• Take a break and read a book. Recharge your creative batteries. 
• Start a new story. Argh, I have so many to work on at the moment, including some that are started and others that are little more than a plan in my brain.
• Research. If you know the concepts for your next book, start on the research.
• Go have lunch/dinner with friends. This is your downtime. Embrace it.
• Chat with other authors. Remember most of the time we are "bums on seats, hands on keyboards" which makes us almost anti-social. Get out there and socialise, you never know, it may lead to lifelong friendships!
• Spend time with the family... Kids, husbands and even wives will appreciate your attention. So go on, lavish it on them!
• Stop fretting (This is something I do very poorly - and have to keep working on it.)
• Clean the house... (Oh dear, this is something I like to avoid as much as possible - Cause by this time it's really built up)

"Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net".

At the end of the day, there are plenty of ways to avoid stalking your inbox. I make myself only look hopefully at the beginning of each day. It helps me to contain my own anxieties.

Until next time, 

Happy Writing

Imogene