tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91993563057997445302024-03-13T16:52:21.532-04:00Stephanie HaefnerSlip into something sassyStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.comBlogger813125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-5922573957338626992018-10-22T12:17:00.004-04:002018-10-22T12:17:59.515-04:00Writing again!I'm back at it!! And it feels great!<br />
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The last two years have been rough. 2016 was basically a shit storm for my writing career. The last book in my Classy n Sassy series released in July and I wrote 5 novellas for Kindle Worlds that released throughout the entire year. I fired my agent that summer and my publisher decided not to offer me a new contract. After that I took a step back and figured out whether or not I still wanted to do this, pursue this career... Did I still even have passion for it anymore??<br />
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Turns out I did. But it was still very hard to find the motivation to actually write.<br />
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Fast forward to Feb 2018. During a burst of "I can do this" energy I registered for the RWA (Romance Writers of America) National Conference that is held every July. The energy faded into "why the hell did I do that?" It's a lot of money to attend the conference and in order to at least make it semi-worthwhile, I needed to pitch a new book. Which meant writing a new book.<br />
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I had one started...about 20K in, so I got to work. It was rough....not gonna lie. It was tough to get back into the writing groove. But I did it and finished it just before I left. It's a cute story and I'm proud of it. It has major series potential. I pitched it and it got lots of interest. I sent it off after I returned home and then I waited.... It's the end of October and I'm still waiting..... But that's how this business works.<br />
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So in the meantime I had to figure out what to work on next. Should I start book 2 in that series? Or work on something else? I have another book I adore that never went anywhere and I might go indie with it. The sequel to that was calling to me...so that's what I'm doing.<br />
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In the last month and a half, I attended a marketing workshop, attended a weekend writing retreat, volunteered to run for my local chapter's board of directors, and signed up to do NaNoWriMo. I feel like I'm on my way back up. I have no clue what will happen in 2019 but I'm excited again. I have motivation and inspiration again.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-91468500145211276052018-09-24T14:44:00.001-04:002018-09-24T14:44:26.541-04:00Hello :)I'm writing this post because I haven't written one in over 10 months and I feel like I need to have something at least a tad newer. Even if I have no clue what to say...<br />
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I've had a rough couple of years. Like fall into a deep abyss, everything falling apart, kind of rough. Practically every aspect of my life was a mess. I'm sure many people can relate. We all go through it at some point in our lives. But things are better. Things are falling back into place. I'm starting to find success at various things in my life.<br />
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But to get here it involved a lot of soul searching and letting go. Letting go of things and people that were not good for me. Finding ways to eliminate and deal with stress. (Which the first thing helped with immensely.) I found a new mindset and it's helped me find peace with a lot of things that used to keep me up at night. I learned to accept things for what they are instead of what I wanted them to be.<br />
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Which doesn't mean I shouldn't still keep working hard to reach my goals...to change the things I can change. Cause I certainly am. I'm working harder than ever.<br />
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One of the things in my life that went completely downhill was my writing carer. Maybe you've noticed, maybe you haven't. I had nothing new to promote or celebrate and I kinda fell off the face of the earth. I didn't write for a while, trying to figure out if I even wanted to do it anymore. I found that I do. But it's still a battle between continuing and giving up. It's a tough business. And right now, even more so than ever...<br />
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But I do have some renewed hope. Hopefully it will last. I'm making plans for the future--even though tentative. I'm crossing my fingers, hoping to find someone else who loves my books and my characters as much as I do.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-29660198760265428072017-11-14T12:00:00.000-05:002017-11-14T12:00:07.054-05:00FriendshipI read a pretty interesting article the other day about female friendships. It was basically a checklist of dos. They all made sense to me but one really stood out. I can't remember exactly what it said, but I'll summarize it you all.<br />
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If you get a text from a friend freaking out about whatever, respond as soon as you can, even if it's only to say, "I hear you, and I'm here for you." And if that same friend, or another, blows up your inbox with twenty messages in a day, be there for her, because someday it will be you who has the drama.<br />
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This really resonated with me. This is the kind of friend I try to be and what I want/need in return. I may not have all the answers, but I'll be there to listen and help where I can. And I need someone who will do the same.<br />
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Life is damn hard and it's even harder when we don't have shoulders to cry on, people to vent to, friends to commiserate with, but also share in all the amazing things.<br />
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-65215247565266705702017-10-30T09:00:00.000-04:002017-10-30T09:00:14.907-04:002017 goals???Only two months left of 2017...how are you doing on your goals???<br />
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I wish I were doing better on mine, but I'm okay with where I am. 2017 was a rebuilding year for me, in a way. I worked on myself and worked on being the person I want to be.<br />
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Here are my goals and the progress I've made thus far:<br />
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#1: Make Simon and Schuster regret dropping me.<br />
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Well...they're a huge company with thousands of authors. They surely don't miss little ol' me. And probably never will. Dumb goal to make for myself. LOL<br />
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#2: Publish Lemonade in Hell, either traditionally or indie.<br />
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I've made some progress here...sort of. I had lot of requests for it that I'm still waiting to hear back on. I had some great critiques and was able to work on it and make it a better book. So fingers crossed. But once I hear back from the handful of agents and editors who have it, and if it doesn't go well, I plan to start the process for publishing it myself. It's scary as hell, but I can't put this book on the shelf and aways wonder, "What if?"<br />
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#3: Write book 2 in the beverage series.<br />
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I haven't started book 2 because I didn't know what was going to happen with book 1, so this goal is on the back burner...but it's gonna happen :)<br />
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#4: Reach $100,000 in Disney sales for the year.<br />
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Sadly, I will not reach this goal :( BUT I did increase sales this year by over 30%, so I'm happy with that. My business is growing and I'm starting to get more and more referrals, so I feel optimistic about reaching this goal in 2018.<br />
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#5: Blog 4 times on month on my Disney blog and 2 times a month on my author blog.<br />
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I've been really inconsistent this year with blogging and I did make attempts to be better at it. I ultimately did not post as much as I wanted. BUT I'm working on it and plan to get into a better habit these last two months of the year.<br />
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#6: Lose 20 pounds. Preferably by July.<br />
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I gave it my best effort, but due to underlying health conditions, it just was not possible for me to lose weight. But I think the underlying conditions are managed...somewhat...so going forward, I hope to be in a better place to start losing the weight.<br />
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So that's me. What goals did you make for 2017? Where are you in achieving them???Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-91265309274503678532017-10-19T12:00:00.000-04:002017-10-19T12:00:14.742-04:00Romantic Comedy Spotlight!!<div style="line-height: 19.5px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">I'm a HUGE fan of romantic comedies. It's what I write and what I love to read and watch. One of my favorites is Something Borrowed!! </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">Love love love the book and the movie!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">***Spoilers ahead! So if you haven't read the book or seen the movie...skip this post!!***</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Something Borrowed was the first Emily Giffin book I read and I fell in love with her style immediately. I identified with Rachel right away. I was always a shy girl growing up...still am today. I can see myself letting a bold and outgoing friend steal a guy from me because I was too timid...too self-conscious...to go for it myself. How could such a hot guy <em>ever</em> want to be with <em>me</em>? So I very much relate to what she's going through. The pain of seeing the guy she likes/loves with someone else. And having to pretend like everything's fine. Ignore the feelings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I loved the secret they shared and their intimate meet ups. I loved watching Rachel finally get the guy of her dreams. And I loved seeing Dex get so jealous! So much funny stuff, too.<br /><br />Darcy is a complicated person. She obviously loves the spotlight and is the complete opposite of Rachel. She's a selfish person and uses and abuses Rachel in many ways and even though they share a few moments of sincere friendship, in the end, Rachel is just her crutch. The end of the book/movie gives us a glimpse of a more mature Darcy.<br /><br />Now....I know what most people think when they read this book or watch the movie.....Dex is a cheater. Yeah...he is. And I definitely do not applaud it...but the story is written in such a way that we do understand why he does what he does. Is it wrong? Hell yes! But can we understand why he's doing it?? Again...yes. At least I can. He's a good guy in a tough situation. Sometimes, that's life. Darcy cheats too...and two wrongs don't make a right, but it shows us that these two people are obviously not meant to be together.<br /><br />Now let's talk about the movie and the casting! I adore Colin Egglesfield! So so hot! I've been a fan since his All My Children days. (Any AMC fans in the house????) I love John Krasinski, too. He's hot in a very different way. I never really watched The Office, so this movie was my first introduction to him. I loved him so much and my heart broke when Rachel didn't return his affections! (But if you've read Something Blue...you know he finds his HEA!) Ginnifer Goodwin is a great Rachel. She's the girl next door, everyone's BFF. I'm a fan of Kate Hudson and love most of her movies. This was a different role for her...playing a bitch. But she did it well and I hated her just as much in the movie as I did in the book.<br /><br />And did you guys notice the Emily Giffin cameo in the movie?? So cool!!! If any of my books ever get made into a movie, I am so going to be in it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, what do you think about Something Borrowed? Love it or hate it?? Does it make your list of fav rom coms??</span></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-62768266992343977582017-10-10T16:41:00.000-04:002017-10-10T16:41:07.539-04:00Enjoying Your JobI absolute adore my jobs--both of them. One lets me be creative and fulfills that part of me. The other is like second nature, effortless. I truly love both of them and never thought I'd find one career to love.....but I'm lucky enough to have two.<br />
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But there seems to be this <i>thing</i> that surrounds me.....I feel it from society, from my family..... That because I actually LIKE my jobs, and it often doesn't feel like "work" to me, that I'm not really working. That I don't have the right to be exhausted, mentally or physically. They think I have fun all day, so it's not really "work". They think they have more right to be exhausted, because they leave the house and go to a job they dislike, and therefore, more right to relaxation when they come home.<br />
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I run two businesses from home, neither of which I can punch a clock for. If I'm on deadline, you better believe I'm working all day, making dinner, then going back to it. If I get client phone calls or emails at 9 am or 9 pm, I'm there for them. I LOVE my jobs, but I work my butt off. I work my butt off BECAUSE I love my jobs.<br />
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And let's just talk a minute about the fact that I work from home. I know many people would kill for that luxury, and I truly know how lucky I am. I am SOOOOOO thankful! Me being home makes my life--and my family's life--much easier. I love the flexibility. But that does not mean I sit home every day and watch TV or fool around. If you see me on social media during the day, it does not mean I'm not working my butt off. Social media is actually a HUGE part of both of my businesses. I can't thrive without it. But sometimes I need a minute to relax and take a break. That's when I go online and watch stupid videos, or read articles about celebrities, or comment on my friend's posts and photos.<br />
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Anyone else out there feel the same way I do?? Do you have people in your life that do not respect your job? That don't understand what it means to actually love what you do?Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-80365756976372240652017-10-02T14:34:00.001-04:002017-10-02T14:34:41.651-04:00What romance means to me...The romance genre means so much to so many people. It's so much more than some books about love 'n' stuff.<br />
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I attended the Romance Writers of America conference this past July and in one of the workshops, author <a href="http://www.damonsuede.com/">Damon Suede</a> said, "Romance is the genre of hope." He didn't say hope for what exactly, but I think it can mean many things. It's hope that love is out there waiting for us. Hope that everyone will find their happily ever after. Hope that the world will find peace. Hope that we can all find strength. Hope the we can all find what we need most out of life. That we can fight for what we need, want, and believe in.<br />
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Romance novels empower us. They show us that the impossible is possible if we work hard and believe it will happen.<br />
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The romance industry is primarily made up of women and I love that. We are out there supporting one another, celebrating each other, doing it, succeeding, living our dreams. There's no on telling us we can't.<br />
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In times of tragedy and hopelessness, people need something to keep them going. They turn to books and fiction. For many it's an escape into something that they know will end happily. Many will minimize the genre for this reason, insisting that this is fiction, fake, never-gonna-happen. But I don't believe them. If we can't believe that love exists, that happily-ever-afters can happen, how else are we supposed to get out of bed each day?Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-34212063445806587162017-08-11T14:07:00.000-04:002017-08-11T14:07:00.670-04:00Energized and Excited!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think all creatives find themselves in very un-creative places from time to time. It's part of the process, part of the journey. We each have different ways of rejuvenating that creativity. For me, the best way is to surround myself with other creatives. People who are like me and get me and support me. For me, the best place to find those people is at the Romance Writers of America annual national conference.<br />
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2016 was a sucky year for me. I lost all drive. I lost all creativity. I was falling apart and lost and I had no clue where my career was going. Many times I thought my career was done. I was unable to attend RWA's conference last year. It just wasn't in the finances.<br />
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I had been planning on going this year, for a long time. It was being held at Disney World. I mean...come on! My two loves and careers combined!! It was a no brainer. But finances were tight and I had nothing new to promote or pitch. I was still unsure if I was even going to pursue writing anymore.<br />
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But then the RWA organization contacted me and asked me to lead a tour of one of the parks. I couldn't say no!! We sat down and crunched the numbers and indeed, we could make it work.<br />
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A few weeks before the conference, RWA asked members on its FB group page what the RWA community meant to them. I replied and forgot about it. Until I arrived at the conference hotel in Orlando and found my quote on a giant poster on the wall!!!<br />
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This conference revived me. After the first two workshops, I texted my husband, tears in my eyes, and thanked him for making it possible for me to go. That just being there had rejuvenated me and my passion for writing. It gave me back a part of myself that I thought might have been long gone.<br />
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So here's to 2017 and new beginnings!! I've got some awesome things in the works and I hope you guys will join me for where this journey takes me in the future!!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-62886597544414813692017-06-01T09:30:00.000-04:002017-06-01T09:30:31.221-04:00Kindle Worlds!Are you a fan of Carly Phillips, Melody Anne, and Ruth Cardello?? Then I have some great books for you!<br />
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All of these authors have created their own Kindle World. What is a Kindle World, you ask? Basically these authors have taken their own book series and invited other authors to write stories set in their fictional world. Some of their characters make appearances. They're the same town. Same setting and tone. It gives readers the chance to keep enjoying the series and meet new characters.<br />
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I wrote two for Melody Anne's Billionaire Universe, two for Ruth Cardello's Lone Star Burn world, and one for Carly Phillips' Dare to Love world. Check them out!!! (Click the title and read the blurb!)<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Melody-Annes-Billionaire-Universe-Novella-ebook/dp/B01EVZQMN8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1494718772&sr=8-5&keywords=stephanie+haefner">Refuse to Settle</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lone-Star-Burn-Broncos-Bouquets-ebook/dp/B01GSTC3T2/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1494718772&sr=8-10&keywords=stephanie+haefner">Broncos & Bouquets</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Love-Temporary-Kindle-Novella-ebook/dp/B01NAIKLVR/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1494718772&sr=8-4&keywords=stephanie+haefner">Temporary Dare</a></div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-28898790048280619742017-05-24T12:00:00.000-04:002017-05-24T12:00:40.867-04:00Get Fit by Reading!I think most people think reading is a sedentary activity. And it sure can be. I openly admit I find lots of joy in curling up with a great book, a yummy warm beverage, and a fuzzy blanket for hours. But there are ways to read and be active too!<br />
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I go to the gym. I don't love it, like many people do. I go because I need to. Parts of it I really despise. Like cardio machines. (Boooooring!) But I found a way to make it work for me. I take my Kindle! I increase the font size so it's easier to read. I set up the machine and choose a higher resistance. Burn lots of calories, heart rate high, but I go at a steady pace so I don't bounce around too much. Makes it very easy to read! I do most of my reading at the gym. And that 30 minutes on the elliptical flies by!<br />
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Another option is audio books. I have not tried this yet but many people tell me they love them. Then it doesn't matter how much you bounce or what you're doing. You can listen to an audio book while pumping iron or hiking or bicycling.<br />
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The only time I find it very hard to read while working out is if I'm reading a sad scene. I remember one in particular. Me on the elliptical, fighting back tears. I'm sure I looked ridiculous.<br />
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So, what do you do? Do you find ways to enjoy reading while also getting your workout in?? Got tips for me??Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-40334731426900815842017-05-13T13:06:00.001-04:002017-05-13T13:06:26.440-04:00Starting OverIn life, I think we have to start over at least one time. Maybe more than once. The last year and a half of my life has taught me that life is full of ups and downs and sometimes the climb back up the hill is easy. Other times it's just not. You have to start over. And most likely you'll have to do it again. That's life.<br />
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2016 was the year of suck for me. I heard that from many people, actually. Why was it such a horrible year for everyone?? I have no clue, but my life was certainly in a downward spiral. Or a tsunami. Disaster everywhere. Like, every part.<br />
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But I got through it and I'm in the rebuilding phase now. Which included a reboot of my writing career.<br />
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Last year my writing career took several hits. I found it necessary to part ways with my agent. Then my publisher felt it necessary to part ways with me. (unrelated) I was left in a position of not knowing what to do. Or knowing what I <i>wanted</i> to do.<br />
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My last release, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Love-Temporary-Kindle-Novella-ebook/dp/B01NAIKLVR/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494694760&sr=8-1&keywords=temporary+dare">Temporary Dare</a>, came out in December 2016. After that I took a break from writing. I needed to distance myself from it. See if I missed it. If I still loved it. Turns out I did. Which was good. The break helped rekindle some of my enthusiasm. It's been a slow process in getting it back, but I'm getting there. I'm working on a new project. I plan to pitch it to agents and editors when I go to the Romance Writers of America conference in July. Really hoping this is the beginning up the uphill swing for me.<br />
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Wish me luck!!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-85405505911077785592016-07-14T13:21:00.002-04:002016-07-14T13:21:34.945-04:00Lots of exciting stuff!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So much happening over here!!!!<br />
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The 3rd installment of my Classy and Sassy series released on July 4th!!!! ONE SIZE FITS ALL is now for sale!!<br />
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Buy links <a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/One-Size-Fits-All/Stephanie-Haefner/9781501121760">here</a>!<br />
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And my second Kindle World title released in June. I wrote a cowboy romance!! So so fun!! It's part of Ruth Cardello's Lone Star Burn series.<br />
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Check it out <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lone-Star-Burn-Broncos-Bouquets-ebook/dp/B01GSTC3T2/ref=pd_sim_351_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51pQkFmRKFL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_OU01_AC_UL320_SR200%2C320_&psc=1&refRID=EWH24E3BHSRPC6BXY53M">here</a>!<br />
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I then signed on to write another in each of the Kindle Worlds, as well as another for a Carly Phillips Kindle World!! SQUEE!! I'm a busy girl!<br />
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Hope you're all having a fabulous summer and reading lots of sexy books ;)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-67613124148015926502016-04-29T08:56:00.001-04:002016-04-29T08:56:39.089-04:00A new book, a new adventure!!So so excited to finally share this with you all! I signed on to do a Kindle World!! What is a Kindle World, you ask? Basically, an author creates a virtual "world" with her books, a series. Then they invite other authors to write books that connect to their world. Super fun!<br />
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My first is called Refuse to Settle and it's part of Melody Anne's Billionaire Universe.<br />
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Pretty, right??? I just love this cover!! And I helped design it!<br />
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Check out Refuse to settle and all the rest of the world here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melody-Annes-Billionaire-Universe-Novella-ebook/dp/B01EVZQMN8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1461932320&sr=8-4&keywords=stephanie+haefner">Refuse to Settle</a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-55515932596112518542016-03-08T09:00:00.000-05:002016-03-08T09:00:30.450-05:00How to Be ProductiveI think most of us today have trouble being productive. There are so many shiny things that grab our attention. And some not so shiny. For those of us that work from home, it's especially challenging. The Internet is a black hole that sucks us in. Piles of laundry and dishes stare us down. The phone rings, the mailman arrives, and the kids ask for a snack or drink or toy every other minute.<br />
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My key to productivity is Out of Sight, Out of Mind!<br />
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<b>The Internet:</b> There are apps you can install on your computer that block the Internet when you need it to. I haven't gone that far yet, but I know they are helpful for a lot of people. Luckily, just closing out the browser is enough for me. If the browser is open, it's very easy to just flip over. If it's not, I have to actually click on it, wait for it to open, go to the website I need. It only takes seconds, but still...it's a lot more than it being open already.<br />
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<b>Household Chores:</b> This one I have no problem ignoring! Piles of laundry and dishes bug me, but for some reason, during the day--my work day--I can ignore it...just as if I had left the house and was at work in an office. But I can't have clutter in my line of vision. I currently work at my dining room table. Which sucks. I can't wait to have an office. But if the table is littered with junk and I can see it on either side of my laptop screen, it bugs me. So I need to take a few minutes to clean it up. But the rest, if I can't see it while I'm working, I'm good!<br />
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<b>Interruptions:</b> Hard to put some of these out of sight, especially the kiddos. Mine are a little older, so most of the time, they don't need me for much. If the hubby is home I will go work in the bedroom and close the door. That helps. The phone is easy. Shut it off and put it out of reach...out of sight. Mailman and other deliveries...not as easy to ignore. Especially when you have a dog that goes nuts whenever anyone comes within 200 feet of your property. I don't have solution for that...anyone? But usually those interruptions are short and then you can get back to work.<br />
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<b>Writer's Block/Lack of Inspiration:</b> I grouped these two because I think they go together, and I wanted this post to be more generic...not just geared toward writers. Many don't believe writer's block exists. I don't know for sure, but I know there are times I come to a scene and I just don't know how to write it. I think it has more to do with inspiration. And I think we can all relate to having a lack of inspiration at times, regardless of our task. And the only way to work past is to push through. I take whatever is giving me trouble and put it out of sight...out of mind. If a certain scene is not working for me, I move on and tackle another. Usually the inspiration comes back. And I think that trick can work for anyone in any line of work.<br />
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<b>New ideas: </b>Kind of the opposite of the last problem. Many of us in a creative field are often tantalized with a shiny new idea, mainly because we're getting sick of dealing with the current one and it's problems and challenges. The new idea sounds so fun and exciting. My solution: get it out of sight and out of mind! When I get new ideas, I know I need to write them down or I will forget them...gone forever. If I don't write them right away, my brain won't stop...trying to remember every detail. So I stop for a minute, jot down my ideas, and continue on. I get it out of my head (out of mind) and then close the notebook or close the computer file (out of sight).<br />
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Good luck with your productivity in 2016! Got any other tips on staying productive???Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-54816308617494713322016-02-29T16:05:00.000-05:002016-02-29T16:06:01.796-05:00Live and Let LiveEveryone has their "thing" that they are passionate about. Hobbies, a certain genre of music, books, movies, sports, etc. They shout their love from the rooftops. Everyone knows about their passion. And that's great! I think we all should celebrate the things we love, the things that bring us joy. Even better if we have people we can share them with.<br />
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But what bothers me is the people who criticize those who do not share their passion. They can't understand how anyone could not like what they like. It's narrow-minded and wrong and toxic.<br />
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I can appreciate all things in life. I may not love everything or even like it--just not my preference--but I can appreciate it. I don't like super hero movies, for example. I'm just not into them. But I appreciate them and love to see others enthusiasm for them. I also don't particularly enjoy most country music. It's just not my thing. But I can appreciate it's artistry and the talent that goes into creating it. I don't go around telling it's fans that they need to give my preferred genre of music a chance. I don't go around telling them my passion is better than theirs.<br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-41420336899184960222016-02-02T10:31:00.001-05:002016-02-02T10:31:41.460-05:00#AuthorLifeMonthI had no clue this was a thing! But it sounds super fun! I'm a little late to the party, so here's days 1 and 2!!<br />
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Day 1 was my books. I don't need to post them all but I do have a new cover.....so COVER REVEAL! Here is my shiny new cover for ONE SIZE FITS ALL- due out July 4th!!<br />
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Isn't it pretty?????? It fits right on with the others in the series :)<br />
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Now on to Day 2! Today is author photo day! Here's one of mine from my author photo shoot!! She did such a great job! If you're in Buffalo or NYC and need a photographer, call <a href="http://www.shweddingphotos.com/index2.php#!/Home">Sarah Heidinger</a>!!<br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-60086321926679691012016-01-15T10:00:00.000-05:002016-01-15T10:00:01.024-05:00Finding career happiness!I'm pretty lucky. I've found a way to make money doing something I love. TWO somethings to be exact. They feed my soul in different ways, using different sides of my brain. For the first time in a long time I feel secure. I feel like I've really found my path....two paths that run along-side each other.<br />
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As you all know, I'm an author. I started writing years ago--like 10--on a whim and it just blossomed. I couldn't stop. I needed to do it. I took baby steps and eventually got to a good place. I love creating these wonderful worlds. I love creating these sassy characters and putting them into crazy situations. I love the love. I love when readers love my stories. I love that I create something that gives people an escape from whatever they need escaping from.<br />
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And I guess my other job is all about escape too!<br />
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I recently started a travel business. Some of you may know about my love for Disney, especially the parks. I took my first trip to Walt Disney World when I was 22. It was on my bucket list of things to do before we had kids. So we did it. It was a spur-of-the-moment budget trip but it was fun and I had a great time. Fast forward 5 years. We had a 2-year old and my mother-in-law had suggested we go to Disney World at Christmas time, and as our Christmas gift, she'd pay for our flights. Sounded like a good plan to me! That's when all the fun started!<br />
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I'm a planner by nature, so I jumped right in. I bought planning books, I got online. I learned everything I could about the Disney World property, for our first ever stay at one of their resorts. Our trip came and it was so much better than that first time. It was more magical. We were immersed in Disney, and that was it. I had caught the bug. We spend the next 10 years going back as often as we could, usually once a year, but twice a couple years. I learned all I could...I couldn't get enough! I became the go-to gal for everything Disney!<br />
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Then one day last fall it just hit me. I could help people plan their own magical trips and GET PAID for it! So I once again did my research, applied at a couple online travel agencies that specialized in Disney vacations, and before long, I was taking classes from the College of Disney Knowledge and on my way to becoming a certified Disney Travel Planner!<br />
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Never before in my life have a felt so happy and secure about my career/s. Many of you know writing was not my first career. I started in the floral industry and worked in it for about 14 years before giving it up to pursue my writing. I didn't have passion for it anymore. Writing had taken over. And now, even though I have taken on a second career, my passion for writing is still just as strong. Who knew you could have passion for two things???!!!<br />
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Check out my Disney Blog <a href="http://imdisneydreaming.blogspot.com/">here</a> and my Disney Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ftjbystephaniehaefner/">here</a>!<br />
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My two careers fulfill me in different ways. The writing nurtures my soul, my creativity. It's my outlet for my thoughts and feelings. But it is a roller coaster, as any artist knows. I often doubt myself, but then later that day, I feel like a million bucks! I have very few answers and I don't think I will ever feel like an authority. But that's okay. I love what I create. I love what I give to others. I love the journey. And I can't wait to see where it takes me.<br />
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The travel planning is very different. I know all the answers, or at least know where to find them. I feel very in control, which is a feeling I rarely have when it comes to writing. And actually I think that's good for me. It's good to have control, but also good to know when you have to give it up. I love helping people create memories for their families. Life is so full of must-dos and I think families often run out of time for togetherness. When I help families plan a Disney vacation, I'm giving them peace of mind. I'm helping them create opportunity for quality time with their family. I'm helping them create memories they will cherish forever.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-18887244734852430602016-01-13T10:30:00.000-05:002016-01-13T10:30:00.210-05:00Location, location, location.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Setting is a HUGE deal in any book, especially romance. It's a character all it's own with strengths and weaknesses, quirks and personality. It helps your characters, and hinders them, too. It can cause tension or help lessen it. Setting can cause conflict. It can save a character. No book can survive without a vivid setting.<br />
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Recently I've become kind of obsessed with the small town setting. Small towns just have a vibe of their own. A slower pace, a simpler feel. And there's always a fun cast of quirky characters to go along. Gotta have a gossip mill! The best conflict comes from it! Small towns have problems that become your character's problems. I didn't grow up in a small town, so it kind of fascinates me. The workings of a small town are so different from that of a city setting.<br />
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Do you love a small town setting? Or do you prefer city? Or is there something else??Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-9160814453832747432016-01-08T08:30:00.000-05:002016-01-08T08:30:18.766-05:00"I just don't like to read."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've heard that many times. And I guess I understand. Not everyone enjoys getting lost in another person's world. Not everyone enjoys laughter, suspense, romance, edge-of-your-seat excitement or drama. Not everyone enjoys a good story.<br />
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Oh...wait a minute. Movies are stories. TV shows are stories.<br />
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How can people not enjoy reading a book, but spend many many hours watching Netflix, going to the theater, watching DVRed shows? Why does the format of story-telling matter?<br />
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I guess I don't understand after all. Is it the time? I mean, yes, it does take a lot longer to read a book than to watch a two-hour movie. Is today's society just too pressed for time? Do they need the quickest form of story-telling possible? Is it something else?<br />
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Or maybe they just haven't found the right book yet. :)<br />
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The right book will suck you in and close you off from the rest of the world. The right book will keep you up til wee hours of the night, vowing "just one more chapter." The right book will grab you by the heart and pull you along on it's wacky roller coaster ride. No matter what kind of story you like, there's a book out there for you. More than one, actually. You just need to look ;)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-59686788005482040622015-11-11T11:00:00.000-05:002015-11-11T11:00:03.979-05:00What's your favorite thing about romance novels?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently asked readers why they love romance novels. What keeps them coming back for more. </div>
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Eris Field said, "I read them to be taken away." I think that's a popular answer. All of us want to go somewhere else when we read. That's the point. For most, reading is an escape. It enables us to leave our troubles behind and lose ourselves in someone else's world...someone else's love story. Whether you have your own love story in real life or not. As Sarah Carol said, "I love romances because I hope to find my happily ever after someday." And I think we like to lose ourselves in someone else's problems, too. Maybe it helps us cope with our own. If they can do it, so can we! </div>
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"I want realism. I want stupid problems. I want humor and sarcasm. I want to not see everything always so back and white. I want flawed heroines and heros." This is what Karen McClive likes in a romance novel. I agree. I don't want to read about a super model who never gains a pound and never has a pimple, whose life is perfect in every way. Or a hero who always says and does the right things. How boring is that??? I want real characters. I want characters who I would totally hang out with in real life. I want to care about them. I want to root for them. Linda Smolarek likes "quirky characters in interesting settings." Me too. :)</div>
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Pat Poreda wants "to fall in love with that hero- with his soul, his mind." She likes the nerds ;) Heros are so so important to a romance novel. He's gotta be the perfect match for our heroine, though definitely not a perfect person. He needs to be sexy, but not always in the obvious way with bulging muscles and washboard abs. Romance has evolved past Fabios. (Not gonna lie though, I like me a nice muscular hero, too!) But it's more about him inside...how he treats her. </div>
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So tell me....what brings you back to romance? Do you agree with my readers??</div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-67499077327866635462015-11-03T09:00:00.000-05:002015-11-27T12:09:18.717-05:00Hero love!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We can't have a romance novel without a hero! (Well, technically, we can....in F/F romance!) But today I'm talking about the guys!<br />
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I know many authors don't like to give too much description of their heros and don't often post celebrity inspiration photos because they like the reader to envision him for themselves. Not everyone has the same idea of sexy. And I agree. There have been times I've read a book and the hero wasn't exactly my idea of yumminess. Like a guy with long hair. It's just not my thing. So.....I kinda just nix that part as I read and fill it in with a picture of a guy I find more attractive ;) It works for me :)<br />
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But there is no denying that certain jobs or clothes make a hero unbelievably sexy. Can you resist a man in uniform? I don't think many women can! Cowboys are super hot, and right now, I hear the biker heros are way delicious.<br />
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And tattoos?? Oh yes!!!! The bad boy with a heart of gold......<br />
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And what about personality? I'm not a huge fan of alphas. Again, just not my thing. I don't write alphas, but I don't consider them betas either. Somewhere in the middle?? LOL Sensitive guys.<br />
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So, what's your idea hero??? Pictures welcome ;)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-78780814754171479242015-10-26T10:00:00.000-04:002015-10-26T10:00:06.572-04:00Tomorrow isn't a guarantee.....Very often we hear- "Life is short...make the most of it." And I think we all plan to, but responsibilities get in the way. We resort to- "I'll have time later...." But nothing drives home the fact that there isn't always time later like a young person being robbed of their life.<br />
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I have always been a Live Life to the Fullest kind of gal. We are always doing fun things with our kids and just hubby and me, with our friends. I want to be 80 and say, "Man, I did a lot of cool stuff!" I don't want to be 80 and have regrets....wondering what I did with my time on earth.<br />
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If given the choice between doing housework or doing something fun with my family, fun and family always wins. Dishes can wait. The laundry can pile. If we run out of clean underwear, then we have a problem....but otherwise, we're good!<br />
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We're not rolling in dough, but our bills are always paid on time. We spend the rest of our money enjoying life. We just aren't huge savers and we never will be. When given the choice of putting $100 in the bank and saving it, or spending it doing something fun with my kids.....I'm sure you know what wins. We rarely buy our kids "stuff," but we sure spend money on experiences and fun. I know many people need the security of a hefty bank account and I can respect that. But that's not us. We'd rather have a small nest egg and spend the rest on us, doing things we love, with the people we love...making memories.<br />
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I have also hear people say, "I want to (fill in the blank) someday." Write a book, learn to play an instrument, travel to a certain place, run a marathon, take an art class..... Why is it always "someday?" Someday might not ever come. If there's something you want to do in your life, then do it. Make it happen!<br />
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Because there are so many people who were never given the chance to make things happen for themselves. Because their lives were cut short. Their tomorrow never came. And I guarantee you they are looking down from wherever they are, yelling at you to get off your ass and just do it.<br />
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Rest in Peace Emily. Your vibrant light will be missed.....<br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-50131600308637382252015-10-23T12:00:00.000-04:002015-10-23T12:00:06.684-04:00XOXO Reader Event!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am soooooooo excited about this event!! It's an all day readerfest filled with special guests, sexy fun, surprises, games, and more, all from the comfort of your home!!!!!<br />
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I'll be playing a game of Dirty Telephone at 1:30 pm EST. That promises to be hilarious. ;)<br />
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Check out <a href="http://xoxoafterdark.com/xoxoconnects/">this link</a> with details and the event line up!! You won't want to miss this!!!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-13253164451481929222015-10-13T13:39:00.000-04:002015-10-13T13:39:00.097-04:00Yay! I'm finally doing a reader/author event!!I'm always looking for new ways to connect with readers and I'm learning that face to face is an awesome way!!<br />
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Unfortunately, my city is not very supportive of the romance genre. We get snubbed often. :( Once I did a local book fair and oh my the looks I got! I was shocked. I never expected that kind of reception from a community that is very supportive of all art forms. I left feeling extremely defeated. I've done other events as well, with the same reactions.<br />
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So I knew I needed to look outside my community for romance novel fans. I have friends who did the Lori Foster event earlier this year and said it was fabulous! Registration for that won't open for a couple months yet. I'll have my fingers crossed that I get in. But in the meantime, I signed up to do a reader/author event in Pittsburgh in March! There will be more than 70 romance authors for an all day book fair. Then in the evening, the VIP guests get to attend a fabulous dinner with all the authors! It all sounds so fun! I can't wait!!<br />
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If you're in the Pittsburgh area, check it out! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/353482244859112/">Click here</a>!<br />
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Have you ever been to a reader/author event? Thoughts?Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199356305799744530.post-36882709263007033852015-10-08T16:19:00.002-04:002015-10-08T16:19:48.344-04:00So much for relaxing!I finished book 3 in my lingerie series- ONE SIZE FITS ALL, Penny's story, and got it in to my editor on time! Woo hoo!!!! She emailed me back to confirm and said she was a little behind so she probably wouldn't get me my revision letter until the end of October. Fine by me!! That meant a month off. Which I so desperately needed. (See my last blog post!)<br />
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But somehow that month of time...which I'd planning on lounging and relaxing and catching up on some books I wanted to read, etc.... Not happening. My to-do list grew by the day! Which was my own fault. That's what happens when you decide to start a new business! ;)<br />
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So how's your life going?? Is it busy and hectic? In a good way? I actually thrive on being busy :) But I need downtime too.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17401931638397651614noreply@blogger.com0