The number of words- matters

I can't believe how amazing it feels to finally have the words moving from my head- to my fingers and in record time-I've been setting my goal for at least 2600 words a day, but before Thursday, I'd been sorely lacking. I'm in the groove now- and I'm praying it doesn't stop.  Time isn't on my side. I need to get the last book's revisions finished-and I need to do it soon.  The pressure is on-and that doesn't make for a inspirational environment, but it's my own fault.  I should have done what I've been doing, from the beginning-and that is, putting trust in my own ability.  Writing from the heart-not the head-and not being afraid to put myself outside the box.  I've always dreamed of having the chance I've just been given. Now, if things work out-I will have a publisher who believes in my work-and my talent.
Hoping everyone has a great weekend.  Mine will be spent sitting right where I am-in front of my computer-putting my dreams into action!

Revised book- and cover!

I am so excited!  I have not only made huge changes to the interior/writing- of the series- but also the covers- my fellow bloggers are the first to see it!

Long time no write!

I can't believe I haven't been on my blog since Jan 14th!  Wow!  But, I guess in my defense, I haven't made anything a priority but revisions on the books and basically just surviving. I'm hoping to finish the final drafts to the three books soon.  Of course, once again, I have not met my goal date.  It's been tough this time around.  With all that is going on in life, there are times that it's very hard to focus.
I put aside the interviews for awhile as well.  I delved into them pretty deeply and it took time away from what I need desperately to finish.
I've learned a lot and hopefully when the books are back out- I can once again begin sharing with fellow writers and bloggers.
Hope everyone has a blessed weekend.  It's cold here in Minnesota-but the sun is shining!

New Year not starting off so good!

Why is that I always set myself up every year for disappointment.  I set HIGH goals-and when I fail, I feel like crap!  I just returned from 10 days at my daughter's.  I had planned on getting a lot of writing done-and the first few days I did, but than suddenly I lost inspiration.  I got home last night-bound and determined to get back in the groove-and the mess that was my house-caused me to set it aside once more and go into a cleaning frenzy.  I started a weight loss program at the beginning of the month-and though I've been exercising every day and watching my portions and what I eat-I have only lost 3 lbs.  I could go on and on...tomorrow is another day.  Let's hope my inspiration returns-as quickly as it left.

Happy New Year!

Here's to all my fellow writers and bloggers and dear friends!  Wishing you all- an AMAZING 2013!!!

Christmas is coming!

This is my most favorite time of the year.  It has been since I was a little girl.  My mother always made Christmas special, regardless of how tough times were.  I have done my best to carry on that amazing tradition to my own daughter-and someday, I know she will do the same.  The joy of this season has been less this year-so many tragedies- loss of life-heartache, it does make it difficult to feel happy-when I know so many are suffering.  I wish everyone peace, and the knowledge that their loved ones are with the Lord.  They are angels now-watching over us-and we should all feel blessed that such innocent beings are now doing so.  I will be taking a break from writing-and blogging/interviewing until after Christmas.  I wish you all a joyous Christmas-and my prayers are with all of you that you have the chance to be with family-and share the true meaning of this amazing Holiday!

Interview with author Ron Laughlin-author of "The Deadly Quiet Sea"

 Author Bio:

An Ohio native for the early portion of his life. He then moved to the Florida Keys, where he became involved in the lifestyle of fishing, diving and sailing the Caribbean writing about it. He now resides in New Zealand, where he is a travel writer and photographer.

 

Book Description:

On a quiet night reef fishing in the Florida Keys, Clint McGuire is startled by the sound of gunfire. He hurries to investigate and discovers a boat covered in dead bodies and blood—with one survivor, a frightened young woman named Ericka. He takes her on board his boat, but they soon find themselves pursued by men firing machine guns. Clint knows the area well, so he heads for shallow mangrove islands where they find safety.

They are pursued by a relentless Colombian drug cartel that will stop at nothing to keep their activities in Florida from being discovered. No one that crosses them is allowed to live. Clint, prompted by his honor and his interest in Ericka, decides to help keep her safe—and the pair find that they are both developing feelings for each other.

Clint and Ericka escape to the romantic Bahamas ending up on an isolated island south of San Salvadore, where all hell breaks loose. Clint calls on his old pals—Dan, a former Army Ranger; Bill, a former Navy Seal; Jim, a US Air Force Pararescueman; Glenn, DEA Miami officer, and Andrew, of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force. Together, they form the Fishing Club, and vow to take out the drug lords from the top down. Only time will tell if they succeed in stopping the evil in its tracks—or pay the ultimate price themselves.
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Recently I had a chance to sit down with Ron and discuss his experience as a romantic thriller author, as well as, his new book!  Here is our interview!

Me: Welcome to my blog Ron!

Ron: Thank you. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be here! Your work provides that special help all writers need to be introduced to potential readers. Congratulations to a job well done.

Me: You have several travel books that have been published and now your romantic thriller ‘The Deadly Quiet Sea’. What inspired you to write the novel, and why this genre?

Ron: After living through the 70’s and 80’s in the Florida Keys and the Caribbean during the period of major drug smuggling building to a crescendo I have always felt a need to write a bit about that world and that period of time. Having sailed throughout the area especially the Bahamas I felt using the islands held a romantic canvas to use plus it was definitely a major part of the smuggling scene. The perfect romantic thriller and one I was familiar with.

Me: What was your biggest challenge writing the novel?

Ron: The hardest part was holding back on describing the people involved in the “Fishing Club”. The reason being I wanted to save that story for the next installment of their story in another book or three.

Me: Your book description is very intriguing and certainly inspires someone to buy it, but let’s say that you are out with family and friends and they just found out you wrote a book. What would your answer be if they asked you to explain what the book is about?

Ron: The life and times of that period in history that would more than match the years of prohibition smuggling in the early years. There really never has been a book written that tells what really occurred and this is the start. I have been encouraged to write about that since I lived there during those years especially by many of the people who really were involved. To tell their story I guess.

Me: I talk often on my blog about self-publishing. There seems to be a great deal of controversy between that versus traditional and many new authors struggle with this. Why did you choose self-publishing, and what was your experience like?

Ron: Quite obviously to go traditional provides a writer with quality editing and marketing which when doing it yourself it is all up to you. There are many people out there who are now self-publishing and with e-book format the cost is low for everyone to purchase. If your writing is good enough you will be successful but the key to me people must know about the book before anyone can buy it. Your blog is a major positive contributor to all of us out here.

My publishing experience through all my books has been exciting and revealing. It is a whole new learning curve.

Me: You mentioned another book earlier. Are you working on anything currently or have plans to in the future?

Ron: The next books that will be a part of the series I began with the “Deadly Quiet Sea”

and I have been asked to write another New Zealand travel guide for campervans.

Me:  So is writing a full time job for you, and if so, what keeps you motivated?

Ron: Full time seven days a week. I love it!

Me: What advice can you offer writers that are just starting out?

Ron: Don’t hesitate to check out all the self publishing companies and take advantage of their offers to provide marketing and editing services. Your success depends upon it and don’t expect a top ten seller but don’t be discouraged if it isn’t. Keep writing.

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My thanks to Ron for taking the time to interview with me.  You can find Ron's ebook or paperback at Amazon.com or contact Ron on his website.