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I have been writing nearly nonstop since I was in the seventh grade. It didn’t become a full time job until I was well into my thirties, but by then I had five busy kids and multiple businesses.
Gratefully, I’ve usually run my businesses from my home, which allowed me the opportunity to be with my kids. But, it became a game of making sure I could accommodate everything in my life.
I am a big list maker. Often it has been my lists that offer me time to accommodate everything I need to tend to. I know in order to output the number of books I want per year, I need to stay on track. So, writing usually started before anyone in my family woke up. And even though all of my kids have since moved out, I still keep this schedule. Tending to my words first thing in the morning gets those words into that book before I’m pulled in a million different directions.
I’m not only a big list maker, but I’m a time blocker. I block out my time per week. I know I have 168 hours each week to accomplish as much as possible, and to also take care of myself. I organize my tasks by writing, publishing, tending to my other businesses, family, friends, and myself. (Oh, sure, these are just a few of my categories, but you get the idea.) From there each area in my life gets a certain number of hours in which I work those tasks. It truly keeps me focused on not only getting everything done, but making sure that I have time for myself to exercise, spend time with family and friends, and to just veg on the couch.
I also believe in giving yourself grace. So if I choose to go to lunch with a friend, or go shopping with my mom and sister, I easily move those blocks around to allow myself that time to take care of myself.
When Will seeks to rekindle a flame with his ex-girlfriend, his best friend Monique reluctantly suggests a plan involving secret admirer notes to divert his ex’s attention. In a surprising turn, Monique finds herself infatuated with her new boss, prompting Will to reciprocate with anonymous tokens of affection. However, as the deceptive game unfolds, both Monique and Will come to realize that the heartfelt sentiments expressed in the secret admirer notes were their own true feelings. So, what happens if the plan works? What happens if it doesn’t?
Enjoy an Excerpt
“Happy New Year, sweetheart,” he says, his words slurred from champagne.
“Sure,” I say, letting my eyes close. “Can’t even imagine anything happy about it.”
“Cynical,” he teases, but I don’t have the energy to argue with him.
Lifting my head, I sit back in my chair, and scan a look over him. Will’s hair looks like he just rolled out of bed, but that wasn’t how he looked when he’d brought me home. Alcohol and stress has had him raking his fingers through it until now it stands on end.
Will is a handsome guy, though lacking in any fashion sense. He’s my ride or die friend, has been since middle school, and I adore him.
“Are you going home?” I ask, noticing his eyes blink slower, or maybe my eyes are blinking slowly.
“No. Since you begged me to drink away the old year with you, you’re going to have to let me sleep on your couch.”
I was hoping he’d say that. I don’t want him to leave. Tonight, I want the company.
“Do you think she’s home?” I ask.
Will leans his elbow onto the table, resting his head in his palm, and he watches me. I move to mimic him, placing my elbow on the table, and my head in my hand.
“She’s home,” he says. “I’m just afraid that maybe she’s not alone.”
I reach for his other hand, and lace our fingers together.
“You know your living situation makes no sense, right?” I say.
“I know that more than anyone,” he admits.
“I mean, who lives with their ex?”
About the Author: 
Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie writes contemporary romances and believes in Happily Ever After. The married mother of five believes in love at first sight, quick love, and second chances. An avid martial artist, Bernadette Marie is a certified instructor and holds a third degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. She loves Tai Chi, traveling to Disney parks, and having lunch with friends. When not writing, or running her own publishing house, Bernadette is probably immersed in a Rom Com, from which she will often quote one-liners.
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The 19th century women’s rights movement and the rise of public education intertwine with one woman’s story of struggle, perseverance, and love.
Lisa Ard is the author of the new historical fiction novel Brighter Than Her Fears, which is based on her great-great-grandmother’s experience in 19th century western North Carolina. Her previously published children’s books include Fright Flight, Dream Team, and the Kay Snow award finalist Saving Halloween. When not writing, Lisa enjoys reading, hiking, golfing and sharing her love of history as a bike tour docent with the Palm Springs Historical Society. She and her husband live (and golf) in both Palm Springs and Portland, Oregon.
Alex is twenty and confused. He always is. The world presses on him with its horrors and pain, with scintillating auras that bewilder his eyes and drive the migraines deeper. He hears the cries of the children, sees the brutal images of tortured victims. He feels out of control and his mind slips…
Dianne grew up in one of the older homes in the middle of Los Angeles, a place of hardwood floors and secret closets and back staircases. A house where ghosts lurk in the basement and the faces in the paintings watch you walk up the front stairs. Rooms where you keep the closet doors closed tight at night. It’s where her love of the mysterious and wonderful came from. Dianne is the author of m/m romance, paranormal/suspense, fantasy adventure, the occasional thriller, and anything else that comes to mind.
Move over Susan B. Anthony. There’s an unsung woman asking for the vote 224 years before you, and murderous rebels and bigoted gentlemen can’t prevent spinster Lady Margaret Brent from wielding her power to defend Maryland settlers from plunder and obliteration.
Charlene Bell Dietz lives in the central mountains of New Mexico. She taught kindergarten through high school, served as a school administrator, and an adjunct instructor for the College of Santa Fe. After retirement she traveled the United States providing instruction for school staff and administrators. Her writing includes published articles, children’s stories, short stories, and mystery and historical novels.
How far will you go to save a friend?
In his first life, BRIAN H. ROBERTS worked as a contractor and civil engineer in bustling Seattle. In his spare time he read novels by the greatest names in science fiction: Andy Weir, Frank Herbert, Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, and so many others. As he read these authors’ works, he was inspired to write Sci-Fi Thrillers to engage and entertain readers like him.
