Saddle Up Cover

Woo Hoo, here's the cover for Quick Silver Ranch: Saddle Up

Guest Blogger: Liz Arnold

Today is my guest Liz Arnold.

Marie: Tell us a little about yourself.

Liz: Thanks for having me “over” today, Marie. Love your blog!

I am a wife, mom, editor, writer, and teacher. I live in the mid-east with my husband and the assorted cats and dogs my daughters have left behind while they are in college ordering pizza at 11:00 at night. I love books, journaling, and yoga. I started writing in grade school, wrote for the school newspaper, and got a degree in journalism which I use to write freelance and edit.

Marie: What do you like the most and the least about writing?

Liz: I love that I can work in my pajamas. When I go shopping for clothes, I usually end with a new pair of pajamas and matching house slippers. Everybody knows that pajamas are always at the top of my gift list. They can’t go wrong getting me a new pair of pajamas! I dislike that there is so little money to be made in the industry. But I’m compelled to write and I get better and better at it and even if I connect with only a handful of people with my writing, that’s enough. But next life time I want to be mega-million, New York Times bestselling author!

Marie: Give us a peek into your latest published work?

MESSAGE TO LOVE

LIZ ARNOLD

THE WILD ROSE PRESS

www.thewildrosepress.com

Blurb

Audra Wakely’s father has been seized by Spanish authorities and imprisoned for sympathizing with Cuban rebels. Raising the money to bribe officials if necessary, she sets off for Cuba to rescue her father. She doesn’t bargain on the interference of any U.S. officials—that is until she meets Rollins McBride.

Lt. Rollins McBride of the newly designated U.S. Naval Intelligence service is assigned to track Audra on her journey. He’s to arrest Greg Wakely, a U.S. citizen, for treason and gun smuggling. His mission and his heart are taken by surprise by the feisty beauty who sets a stubborn path toward finding her father and proving he isn’t a traitor—no matter what or who gets in her way.

Sizzle, spice, and intrigue heats up the Spanish American War in MESSAGE TO LOVE.

Excerpt

“It was a dream, just a very bad dream.”

She stepped back out of his hold. Clammy spots of moist heat lingered on her arms where his hands had been.

“I’m all right now.” Audra reached for the door and noticed the sickly sweet odor of liquor on his breath. “You can leave now. I want to go back to bed.” She pulled open the door and gestured into the hall.

“Sorry, but this time you’re going, too.” Rollins strode over to the dresser and pulled out a drawer. “Better pack. We have just under two hours.”

“I’m not in the mood for comedy, Rollins,” she sighed. “I’m really very, very tired. I’ve got to get some rest. Now—”

“Let me make myself clear.” He sounded gruff. “I said we’re leaving, and unless you want to get on a ship bound for Santiago with your shirttails hanging out, better change and get ready.” He made to leave the room. “I hope you have a shawl or something. It’s gotten cooler out, and we have half an hour in a wagon to get to port.” Then he vanished into his own room next door, leaving Audra gape-mouthed in the hallway.

“Who does he think he is?” She growled as she stamped her foot against the cold hard floor. “Infuriating! He is absolutely infuriating!” Audra heaved the door shut with gusto. “These are not my shirttails, either!”

Amazon buy link (print and digital) click here

The Wild Rose Press buy link (print and digital) click here

Marie: What’s next on the writing horizon for you?

Liz: I’m working on another historical romance set in pioneer Ohio after the Revolutionary war. A female doctor arrives in Marietta, Ohio in the spring of 1790 to a smallpox epidemic and Indian raids. The bravery and fortitude of the people who settled our country fascinates me. Falling in love amidst the challenges of pioneer American is amazing in my opinion.

Is there anything you want to tell readers?

Liz: I would love to send everyone a free bookmark! Send a SASE to P.O. Box 1322, Parkersburg, WV 26102

Editing Woes

This last week I needed to finish up some edits for my editor. I'm usually pretty good with track changes in Word, but this week I seemed to be technically challenged.

I was sending the first 67 pages to my critique partner to make sure I re-enforced the conflict at the beginning of the book. Not too hard.

No, but I made the mistake of forgetting track changes was on when I went to delete page 68 on, it did a line strike out. I realized the second it happened what I had done. So the mouse goes scrolling across the screen and....I hit the save button.

Why would you put the undo button next to the save button. Head hits desk.

Oh what a mess I created. I thought well I can just back it out and tell it not to accept the changes. That didn't work, while it restored all the file, all the changes I had just made to pages 68 to 140 were now gone.

I spent close to 8 hours redoing the file, thankfully one of my critique partners could be on instant messenger with me, so I didn't slit my wrists while I wrangled with the document trying to make it do the impossible, then to brainstorm with my when I couldn't think of another word.

All the changes are now made and the book back on its way to my editor. Lesson learned, keep multiple copies of editing progress just in case I make another track changes mistake.

Publishers Press Releases

A fellow author has created a blog where publishers can reach authors. And what a great idea this is.

It's a place for publishers to post their press releases and call for submissions.

So if you're looking for a spot click here and check out the blog.

Spread the word, this is a great resource for writers.