Quest complete. And Then You Fall now available for your holiday reading consumption!!!

I did it.
I really did it.
I self-published my 3rd book.
It's on the Amazon.
Right HERE! 

The third, and final, book in the Maguire's Corner series is out in the world!!

Here they all are!

I'm feeling pretty good about them. They're not the best books out there, but they're definitely not the worst, cause I've read some of those and they really suck.

Just wanted to say a quick thanks to all of my blog friends who've stuck by me while I poorly navigated this journey. Your support is always appreciated.

While I'm at it...Happy Merry Festive and a big Happy New Year!

The And Then You Fall cover reveal is here!!!

I'm going to try, going to give it a shot, determined to release this darn book before the end of this year.
It's got to happen.
It's going to happen.
I'm going to make it happen.

There. That should be all I need to fuck it up. 

BUT!!!

The least I can do is show you the awesome cover.

Welcome And Then You Fall to the Maguire's Corner Series!!

And Then You Fall

After a tumultuous year, the last thing assistant police Chief Bobby Maguire needs in his small town is more problems. But, between his stalker ex-girlfriend and a drug-dealing cult, that’s exactly what he gets. It’s real bad timing to get propositioned by the intriguing new bartender, but once he gets a taste, he can’t forget her.

Cassidy has finally found her happy place. As the brew master of the new local bar she’s excited to share her beer brewing talents with Maguire’s Corner. Getting involved with the infamous Bobby Maguire should have been a momentary, albeit intoxicating, distraction. However, it puts more than just her heart at risk - it puts a target on her back.

When Bobby gets accused of murder it begins a chain of events that will leave him broken down, hollowed out, and rubbed raw. With the whole town now the focus of the cult leader’s anger, will Bobby be able to save himself, help his family, and get the chance to prove to Cassidy he’s more than his reputation?

 ***

 

Already Home

A Maguire's Corner novel

  

Coffee shop owner Maggie Maguire doesn’t trust the new police chief her father hired to protect Maguire’s Corner. He’s a stranger, cold, bossy and annoyingly handsome. But, Maggie’s witnessed a serious crime and now someone’s trying to kill her. The man that aggravates her most might be the only one that can help her.

Police Chief Jack Munro likes his new job and his new town, and unfortunately he also likes the stubborn but beautiful town sweetheart. His self-imposed hands-off Maggie policy is about to be put to the ultimate test when he must keep her close to protect her while he tracks down a ruthless killer.

Determined to ignore Jack’s charms, Maggie attempts to help him unravel the mystery but when their lives hang in the balance she must decide how much she’s willing to risk to save the man she suddenly can’t resist.

This book’s original title was Maguire’s Corner. The name was changed to Already Home when it was published a second time. This is its third venture out into the market.

***

One Good Catch

A Maguire's Corner novel

Ignoring a recent trauma that is affecting her everyday life, ER Doctor Kate Maguire engages in some high risk activities, but putting herself in these dangerous situations isn’t enough to feed her edginess. She needs something more. When her brother’s high school best friend comes back to town, it’s her chance for a ‘no strings attached’ fling with the man who still headlines in all her best dreams.

Rhys MacGrath’s days of one-night-stands are long over. The pro-football player might be side-lined at rehab for a shoulder injury, but that doesn’t mean he can’t admire and desire the all-grown-up, so-damn-hot, version of the tomboy he once knew. His sudden interest in Kate might be aggravating his best friend, who doesn’t approve, but it’s her indifference that’s driving Rhys crazy.

Everything heats up when Kate’s nosy nature sets her in the line of fire of an arsonist forcing them to deal with more than just the sparks igniting between them.

----
Included with your purchase of One Good Catch is a free short story,  Before We Break.

#IWSG - December - We've got Anthology Winners and so much more!!!

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

The awesome co-hosts today are Tonja Drecker, Beverly Stowe McClure, Nicki Elson, Fundy Blue, and Tyrean Martinson!
Please note – since the next first Wednesday falls on New Year’s Day, we will be posting for the IWSG on the following Wednesday, January 8!

December 4 optional question - Let's play a game. Imagine. Role-play. How would you describe your future writer self, your life and what it looks and feels like if you were living the dream? Or if you are already there, what does it look and feel like? Tell the rest of us. What would you change or improve?

Announcing the winners of the IWSG Anthology Contest!

Coming May 5, 2020 -

Voyagers: The Third Ghost

Middle grade historical/adventure

Featuring these stories and authors:
The Third Ghost – Yvonne Ventresca
Winter Days - Katharina Kolata
Feathered Fire – Roland Clarke
The Ghosts of Pompeii – Sherry Ellis
Dare Double Dare – Louise MacBeath Barbour
The Blind Ship – Bish Denham
A World of Trouble – Rebecca M. Douglass
The Orchard - Beth Anderson Schuck
Return to Cahokia – L.T. Ward
Simon Grey and the Yamamba - Charles Kowalski

We’d like to thank our amazing judges:
Elizabeth S. Craig, author and honorary judge
Dianne K. Salerni, author
Lynda Dietz, editor
S.A. Larsen, author
Rachna Chhabria, author
Lindsay Davis Auld, agent - Writers House
Tonja Drecker, author
David Powers King, author

And a big thanks to everyone who entered! There were some great stories.

Previous IWSG anthologies -
Masquerade: Oddly Suited
Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime
Hero Lost: The Mysteries of Death and Life
Parallels: Felix Was Here


Nominations for best writing website are now open at The Write Life!
Please go nominate the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

The WEP Challenge for December – Footprints.

And the theme came from our very own IWSG Admin, Tyrean Martinson!

Footprints in the sand...Footprints in the snow...and they don't have to be human - alien, monster, unknown creatures...all up for grabs.

The next #IWSGPit will be in January 15, 2020, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  Don’t miss it!

 

Did you know the IWSG has a Goodreads Book Club?

#IWSG - November - What's in your search history?

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!

Twitter hashtag is #IWSG.

Goodreads Book Club: http://bit.ly/2mWvhZ0

IWSG Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bM8oHL

IWSG Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheIWSG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theiwsg/

November 6 optional question - What's the strangest thing you've ever Googled in researching a story?

The awesome co-hosts for the November 6 posting of the IWSG are Sadira Stone, Patricia Josephine, Lisa Buie-Collard, Erika Beebe, and C. Lee McKenzie! 

***

I'm convinced that I'm on an FBI watchlist. Okay, maybe I just really hope that if the FBI has been following my crazy Google searches they're fully aware that I'm a writer and not a serial killer.

Honest.



So, what are you Googling?


I thought we could use a few funnies!

Make sure you visit a bunch of blogs to make someone's day!

***

#IWSG SWAG makes a great gift for the writers in your life!

              

Check out all the awesome merchandise we have for sale HERE and get some stocking stuffers for yourself and your friends today!!!

***

 

NOTE:
The first Wednesday of January 2020 falls on New Year’s Day, so we will post for the #IWSG on Wednesday, January 8, 2020.

***

The next #IWSGPit  will be in January 15, 2020
8:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time

Create a Twitter-length pitch for your completed and polished manuscript and leave room for genre, age, and the hashtag. On January 15, Tweet your pitch. If your pitch receives a favorite/heart from a publisher/agent check their submission guidelines and send your requested query.
Many writers have seen their books published from a Twitter pitch - it’s a quick and easy way to put your manuscript in front of publishers and agents. 

Click HERE for all the details!

#IWSG - It's Spook-tober and I've got news!

 

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

 

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

 

 

 

Goodreads Book Club: http://bit.ly/2mWvhZ0

IWSG Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bM8oHL

IWSG Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheIWSG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theiwsg/

 

Optional October 2 question - It's been said that the benefits of becoming a writer who does not read is that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand, how can you expect other people to want your writing, if you don't enjoy reading? What are your thoughts?

Alex's awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor! 

 

  One one hand, I love the fall. It's my favorite time of year. On the other ... fall brings winter and I really hate that time of year. Winter in NY...sucks.

 

Don't believe all that dime-store greeting card crap. NY ain't like the post cards in winter. Okay, maybe a little, but its more about grey snow, and frozen car door locks, and shoveling. Lots and lots of shoveling.

Well, you may have heard that I finally hit the button, pulled the lever, flipped the switch?

 

I don't know where I'm going with that, but I finally self-published my first two books in the Maguire's Corner series and they're back up on Amazon. YAY!!!

Already Home

One Good Catch

I know! It's about freakin' time. As for book 3, And Then You Fall, I'm working on edits now and I will hopefully have it up on Amazon soon w/ it's own awesome cover.

 

As always...thank you for all your support and encouraging words.

 

***

 

The next #IWSGPit  will be in January 15, 2020
8:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time

Create a Twitter-length pitch for your completed and polished manuscript and leave room for genre, age, and the hashtag. On January 15, Tweet your pitch. If your pitch receives a favorite/heart from a publisher/agent check their submission guidelines and send your requested query.

Many writers have seen their books published from a Twitter pitch - it’s a quick and easy way to put your manuscript in front of publishers and agents. 

***

October Challenge - Horrible Harvest

Guess what? I did it again! One Good Catch is available on Amazon!

The self-publish button was hit again the other night and One Good Catch is back up on Amazon!!

Included w/ the purchase of this book is my short story about Jack and Maggie called Before We Break.



One Good Catch
A Maguire's Corner novel
Book 2 in the Maguire's Corner series

Ignoring a recent trauma that is affecting her everyday life, ER Doctor Kate Maguire engages in some high risk activities, but putting herself in these dangerous situations isn’t enough to feed her edginess. She needs something more. When her brother’s high school best friend comes back to town, it’s her chance for a ‘no strings attached’ fling with the man who still headlines in all her best dreams.

Rhys MacGrath’s days of one-night-stands are long over. The pro-football player might be side-lined at rehab for a shoulder injury, but that doesn’t mean he can’t admire and desire the all-grown-up, so-damn-hot, version of the tomboy he once knew. His sudden interest in Kate might be aggravating his best friend, who doesn’t approve, but it’s her indifference that’s driving Rhys crazy.

Everything heats up when Kate’s nosy nature sets her in the line of fire of an arsonist forcing them to deal with more than just the sparks igniting between them.
----
Included with your purchase of One Good Catch is a free short story,  Before We Break.

I did a thing...I hit the self-publish button. Already Home is back up for sale!

I've self-published/re-released Already Home and it's great to see it back up on Amazon, w/ a new cover I made myself!

I'm giving One Good Catch a quick once-over and then it will be back up for sale as well, w/ its own hot new cover!

Bobby's book, And Then You Fall, may take a little more time to have a final edit, but I want to get that one published before the end of this year. (Maybe if I put it in writing, I'll get it accomplished).

I've made my peace with going it alone. I don't write stories to fit certain parameters, I write stories that I love.
 
So, if you want to read the story that started the Maguire's Corner series, check out Already Home today!


Already Home
A Maguire's Corner novel
Book 1 in the Maguire's Corner series

Coffee shop owner Maggie Maguire doesn’t trust the new police chief her father hired to protect Maguire’s Corner. He’s a stranger, cold, bossy and annoyingly handsome. But, Maggie’s witnessed a serious crime and now someone’s trying to kill her. The man that aggravates her most might be the only one that can help her.

Police Chief Jack Munro likes his new job and his new town, and unfortunately, he also likes the stubborn but beautiful town sweetheart. His self-imposed hands-off Maggie policy is about to be put to the ultimate test when he must keep her close to protect her while he tracks down a ruthless killer.

Determined to ignore Jack’s charms, Maggie attempts to help him unravel the mystery but when their lives hang in the balance she must decide how much she’s willing to risk to save the man she suddenly can’t resist.
----
This book’s original title was Maguire’s Corner. The name was changed to Already Home when it was published a second time. This is its third venture out into the market.

#IWSG - September - I'm barely getting this post in on time!!! :)

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click HERE and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month and encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

 The awesome co-hosts today are Gwen Gardner, Doreen McGettigan, Tyrean Martinson, Chemist Ken, and Cathrina Constantine!


Last day to enter the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Annual Anthology Contest! Don't miss the deadline.

We need co-hosts! If you can co-host October 2, November 6, December 4, or January 8, please let us know. Leave a comment or send an email to the IWSG email.

September 4 optional question - If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be and why?

Thank you for your patience! I almost didn't get my post done today!

I've been working hard on trying to format my books so I can put them back up on Amazon myself. I figure they're not doing me any good on my computer, so maybe I'll just give this self-pub gig a shot. I even made some covers for them! I still need to have edits done on book 3, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. So, I'll let you guys know when they're back up!

I'm off to participate for a few more minutes in Tara Tyler's #wedwrant on Twitter! It's for writers to get together and chat! Check out the hashtag for more info!

Happy September!

Here is September’s IWSG Instagram:

#IWSG - August - Lots of great IWSG news & our new member!!

 

The Insecure Writer’s

Support Group

 

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day.

 

August 7 optional question - Has your writing ever taken you by surprise? For example, a positive and belated response to a submission you'd forgotten about or an ending you never saw coming? 

 

***

Sorry for the late post! The day got away from me! No personal news to share today, but there is plenty of IWSG news! Read on!!

***

The 2019 Annual IWSG Anthology Contest is open for submissions!

Guidelines and rules:

Word count: 3500-5000

 
Genre: Middle Grade Historical – Adventure/Fantasy

Theme: Voyagers

Submissions accepted: May 1 - September 4, 2019 

Need some clarification on the genre?
Middle grade – suitable for 9 – 14 year-old children.
Historical – it must have historical aspects and be set in a time before 2000 or earlier. It just needs to be set in the past. Adventure/fantasy – the subgenre can be either adventure OR fantasy. The fantasy genre is acceptable as there are many ancient cultures and times that believed in supernatural occurrences.

The next #IWSGPit  will be January 15, 2020
8:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time

So much depends upon a red wheel barrow....so begins the famous poem by William Carlos William -  the inspiration behind this prompt. Which can be taken in myriad directions. It can be purely a prop. A part of the setting in a garden? A construction site? A factory? What depends upon it? 

It can be used to carry away debris from a broken home. Or bricks for a new one. Maybe a skeleton, or a heist. Anything is possible. Will it turn out dependable or feckless? That's the question ... and you get to decide!

Please welcome Juneta Key to the IWSG admin team.

Juneta Key writes SPECULATIVE FICTION, and loves fantasy and all its subgenres, the paranormal, mythological and space opera. In 2019, she entered into a partnership with another Indie author as co-owner of Stormdance Publications, to create fun, quality themed anthologies, especially about grumpy old gods. She’s one of seven founders of the Storytime Quarterly Blog Hop founded in 2015. 

Also let's give a round of thanks to the awesome co-hosts for this month's posting. Renee Scattergood, Sadira Stone, Jacqui Murray, Tamara Narayan, and LG Keltner!

Tara Tyler is here to talk about binge-watching and her new release Windy Hollow!

I love having friends join me on my blog, especially author friends that bring great news! Like another book to read.
Please, join me in welcoming Tara Tyler today!


  Thanks for having me over, Heather! Heather was one of my first blog friends. She drew me in with her hilarious voice and no-holding-back honesty. Ever since, we've been there for each other. Some day I'll meet her IRL!

Now on to my post...

Do you BINGE?
To binge used to be a bad thing. Probably still is (too much of a good thing and all), but binge-watching TV is just too easy. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Youtube, and now AppleTV, and many more coming are giving us TV OVERLOAD! Too many choices and all at once.

I admit, I've done my share of binge-watching (don't laugh at my list!):

• I started with Netflix - Sherlock (twice), the Flash, the Arrow, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Riverdale.

When I caught up with all those, I moved on to my DVR...

• House, Perry Mason (I spent some time with my parents and got hooked!), and more recently Big Little Lies.

I've also binge-watched Movie series: Marvel, Pirates of the Caribbean, Matrix, and HP. We watch the faves over and over...

Most of the Netflix shows were by recommendations from my son. They know no shame of binge-watching! Speaking of, together we binge-watched GOT before the last, pitiful, season. And all my sons binge on Friends, the Office, How I Met Your Mother, and Walking Dead.

The bad thing is, after binging on a great series, the rest of the thousand TV shows seem lame--There's nothing on TV! We don't even have Netflix anymore.

So, what makes a show binge-worthy? (This holds true in writing too. It IS writing!)

• the Characters - they have to be surprising and worth rooting for, even the not-nice characters-- which I find are the most fun to write because they do things most people wouldn't.
• the Interactions - secrets, deception, misunderstandings, assumptions, contradictions, suspense--these are the best scenes! Am I right?
• the Plot - this matters the least. Though some prefer one genre or another, the plot doesn't matter in a TV show because if it runs long enough, the goal is never attained... Look at How I Met Your Mother--wasn't really about anything. And the ultimate show about nothing, Seinfeld. Mic dropped.

In this hyper-instant-gratification age with TV literally in the palm of everyone's hands, it's super hard to keep a show going. Many promising shows get cancelled after one or two seasons, especially on the webTV channels. I think Netflix is dumb putting an entire season up at once. Binge-watching a new show doesn't give the public a chance to talk about it, create some buzz and new interest, or build up anticipation for the next show in a week... I think that's one of the many reasons GOT became so immensely popular. Back in the Day (sounds better than Back in My Day!) we used to have weekly parties to watch Melrose Place. A Binge-watching party would take an entire weekend!

BTW, in case you didn't know, I also write screenplays. My start-at-the-surface style lends itself to shortening stories into script format... So I wrote a sitcom pilot for a show called EMPTY NESTERS. It's about a couple who sends their third child to college, but the older two end up coming back with major issues. It's quite hilarious, based on my own and some friends' experiences, and there's an endless supply of stories! I entered it in a contest, but never heard anything--shocker. So if you see a show like that, let me know. It's been happening to me a lot lately! (I'm also working on turning Christine Rains's 13th FLOOR stories into a TV script... such an awesome series!)

Next show I want to try: GOOD OMENS (on Amazon Prime) based on the book by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett. Heard it's great and I bet it is, the book was hilarious! I'd like to hear more "based on the book!"

Do you binge-watch anything? Yea or Nay for binge-watching? Ever write a script?

I know Heather has a few shows she binge-watches... I love her Maguire's Corner series, I recommend you binge-read it if you haven't yet. Thanks for helping me out, Heather!

Of course I think Beast World is binge-read worthy. And a quick set to read at that!

WINDY HOLLOW
Beast World MG Fantasy Series, book #3
by Tara Tyler
Available NOW!

This summer, Gabe and his friends fly over the Great Sea for the wedding of the century: a dragon prince and a beautiful harpy. But Gabe can't relax on this vacation. Besides competing in rigorous wedding events, he overhears the nearby human village WINDY HOLLOW is in danger from an evil human scientist and a vengeful were-ogre experimenting on beasts. Gabe and his friends risk crossing the mountains to help, despite several warnings. 

Maybe he's going too far this time, but he's in too deep to quit. It's do or die, hopefully not die!

Paperback ~~~ Ebook

Goodreads

Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over the US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her husband and one boy left in the nest. She has two series, Pop Travel (sci-fi detective thrillers) and Beast World (fantasy adventures), plus her UnPrincess novella series where the maidens save themselves. She's a commended blogger, contributed to several anthologies, and to fit in all these projects, she economizes her time, aka the Lazy Housewife—someday she might write a book on that... Make every day an adventure!

website: Tara Tyler Talks

twitter: @taratylertalks

facebook: Tara Tyler - Author

Instagram: taratylertalks

newsletter: tara tyler news

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!


Thank you, Tara!
My son and I just binged watched Season 3 of Stranger Things in two days! Okay, it was only 8 episodes, but it was great! I highly recommend the show.

Thanks for the visit, everyone!

#IWSG - July - FB Funnies & IWSG info!

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day.  

 

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

July 3 optional question: What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?

The awesome co-hosts for the July 3 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, Natalie Aguirre, Jennifer Lane, MJ Fifield, Lisa Buie-Collard, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor! 

 

 

It's summer. I don't know about you, but I get even less writing done at this time of year due to The Teen (FKA The BOY) being home from school. He has completed Middle School and heads to High School this September. No, I don't know when that happened, either.

 

He's cute an'all, but he can drive you right crazy if you let him. :)

I'm just going to share some Facebook funnies in the hopes I make you laugh today! For US folks...have a great 4th of July.

 

***

 

Interested in our next Twitter event? Use this LINK to get more information!

The next #IWSGPit  will be in January 15, 2020
8:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time

 

***

 

Our annual anthology contest is now open! Use this LINK to find all the details!

The 2019 Annual IWSG Anthology Contest is now open for submissions!

Guidelines and rules:

Word count: 3500-5000

Genre: Middle Grade Historical – Adventure/Fantasy

Theme: Voyagers

Submissions accepted: May 1 - September 4, 2019  

Need some clarification on the genre?
Middle grade – suitable for 9 – 14 year-old children.

Historical – it must have historical aspects and be set in a time before 2000 or earlier. It just needs to be set in the past.
Adventure/fantasy – the subgenre can be either adventure OR fantasy. The fantasy genre is acceptable as there are many ancient cultures and times that believed in supernatural occurrences.