Come to a party!!!!

My publisher, Vanilla Heart Publishing is really getting into Love this year. On Valentine's Day, they are hosting their own first Annual Love Festival of Books in the forum.

Drop by between 12:01 am and 11:59 pm February 14, 2009, start a discussion (or add to one), introduce yourself, leave a favorite recipe, chat about favorite characters - just about anything, really - and win an entry to the 1st Annual VHP Love Festival of Books Gift Basket drawing!

I'll be there too. My second book in the Soul Series, Tormented Soul, is being released that day with many other VHP titles!

Erick McAlister is known as London's Most Dangerous Bachelor; he enjoys scotch, women, and spending time in the London underground club, The Skunk's Den. He s never had a real relationship; women only want him for one thing- he desires more. When the one he vowed he would never toy with, Lynn Westmore, gives him an unexpected proposition, his life takes an enjoyable turn. Just as he is beginning to find happiness, tabloids headline him, a woman from his past announces she s expecting his child, someone is trying to kill him, and he finds himself questioning his relationship with the young courier he s hired to teach him to ride his new motorcycle. Even though his life is in torment, he begins to believe in love, something he never thought he d feel. Unfortunately, Lynn doesn't think Erick could ever be faithful to one woman, let alone be in love with her, so when she finds herself in love with him she runs. Erick falls into a spiral of depression, and it takes his brother and closest friends to bring him to his senses. When he finds out a magazine has rated him as the World's Most Dangerous Bachelor, he agrees to do the interview only if Lynn is the photographer and he uses the opportunity to let Lynn know how he feels; he offers his heart to her one more time...


To purchase books of the Soul Series visit Amazon.com for special prices today

Hot Soup for the Soul... and the body!

On cleaning day, this writer doesn't like to cook. I'm simply too whipped out to slave in the kitchen so I usually find a nice recipe for my crock pot. This not only adds nourishment to the body but also adds a wonderful calming scent into the air. In today's busy world that is full of the "take a pill" mentality, it's nice to know that we can still find peace and comfort in a simple pleasure our ancestors also enjoyed... soup.

Today, I woke up ill at 3am. When it came time to put the boys on the bus, I knew I wouldn't get much cleaning done, perhaps just the laundry, so I immediately reached for the crock pot and some beef soup bones. Through my weary eyes, I couldn't find a recipe that struck me. I put away my cookbooks and thought of how Grandma would put it together.

A couple large soup bones with water. I added a can of beef broth and a can of fire roasted tomatoes. Chopped up an onion. Added basil, oregano, sage, parsley, garlic, a bay leaf and six peppercorns... wait, I think I added seven. Then I dropped in a shot of whiskey; figured that would help my soar throat. The pot is set on low. I'll add some freshly cut veggies later in the day. I might even throw in some barley too.

On cold winter days the boys like a cup of soup for a snack when they get home from school. I look forward to sipping the broth throughout the day as I "taste test". It will rejuvenate my soul and aid my body in healing. Thanks Gram!

Perhaps I'll cut up some oranges as well... hmmm...

Humpday Help - Hugs

Writing is a solitary profession. It's nice to go to work in pajamas on a bad hair day, but it still gets lonely. However, the Internet now keeps us connected and a writers' community is alive and thriving to dole out ample amounts of advice, support, laughter, and hugs. Yes, even hugs can travel through this network. Even though we don't feel arms wrapped around our bodies, our hearts are touched and soothed.

Hug therapy is an antidote to stress and loneliness.

Studies have shown babies who are touched, loved and held will thrive. While babies who are not hugged or held enough do not grow as quickly. Adults need that loving touch just as much as babies do and unfortunately that is often forgotten.

Look at your own family and close friends. Make sure they get a fair share of your hugs. Children are wonderful huggers and can even teach a person who isn't "touchy feely" into a hugger. Volunteer to help sick children and newborns in hospitals that could use hugs.

When you are online and your friend is in obvious need to "let it out" reach out with a *HUG* There is even cute little icons that will give the hug for you. Trust me, when that little icon or the words pop up on the screen... the hug is felt in the heart.

Remember as a kid signing letters with X's and O'x. Kisses and hugs.

So....try to give at least one hug a day. Cuddle a child, hug a loved one, hug a friend, send a hug over the Internet... just do it.

Hugs,
Mary

Heck with the laundry! I have a new book coming out!

I'm not in the cleaning mood today, I'm simply too excited about my book's release next month. Tormented Soul is the second book in the Soul Series. I spent a year writing it and loved every minute of it. There are so many twists and turns in the story, and I love how the characters develope.

Erick McAlister is my mom's favorite character so I dedicated the book to her. She insisted I tell his story. The poor fellow, such a sexy, erotic, passionate, sensual bachelor... he deserves to find love, she'd say to me. Well, Mom... the characters don't always cooperate with the writer. But Erick definately has a great story to tell!

Check out the video trailer released over the weekend. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpVdlSE6A2w The laundry is just going to have to wait! It's Hunky Monday!

Humpday Help - Think About the Moment

It's a busy week but take a moment to refresh your spirit. Here's a little exercise that will help you slow down, even if it's only for a moment.

Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and sit down. If you are a writer, I challenge you to write this exercise down. But I want you to sit still, even for five minutes and look around you. Now think about the moment.


Silence is golden, or at least something to be cherished. Even though I have some smooth jazz flowing into my ears, the lack of the playful noise of my three boys is music to me. I feel my mind sigh in relaxation.

The morning went unusually smooth. No arguments or temper tantrums. Trevor and Devin go up easily, dressed and ate. Devin completed his homework willingly. Both boys boarded the bus on time.

Nathan is still sleeping and even the dog is napping. The guinea pig shuffles quietly in his cage as if he doesn't want to interrupt the moment. Perhaps he is lost in his own thoughts. I am in my own little piece of heaven.

This is my moment.

I’m sitting at the dining room table that is covered with an antique cloth purchased for $1 at a garage sale. A cup of polluted coffee cools next to a carob chip muffin resting on a plate. Fading flowers lay in a tarnished urn on the center of the creamy cloth.

The table is uncluttered like my mind at the moment. Both are a rarity. Everything is smooth, creamy, peaceful. I know the moment is fleeting but it feels so good.