I submitted my latest manuscript a week ago and have that mixed feeling that is usual. Glad it's off and starting a new book combined with are they going to take it and how long will it take until I find out. It's a process that personally I think is good for a soul. Just like when you were a student, waiting to see how you did on a test or a big report. Anticipation! That too, is what makes a great book, anticipation of what will happen next. All of my favorite authors include that in their story telling which is what is also known as a hook. Placing these hooks to keep our reader with us is a craft of love.
I have some authors that I read that focus more on the "created world" so to speak and don't utilize a great deal of anticipation...or so I thought until recently. Layering their "worlds" is what keeps readers hooked. They want to know what it becomes.
I'm finishing the sequel to Her McRaidy Chieftain at Eternal Press and will sub it in when it's finished. Weeeeelllll, you know what happened, I was almost finished with it months and months ago and then my "real career" got in the way and I forgot it. Not that I had worked on it but that it was so close to being finished. Then I stopped in to finish Only Because it was You and there you go. I really believe in everything happens for a reason so I'm not angry with myself, just wondering how it will all pan out:)
Ok, I know this was a quick check in but I have to get going. Maybe I can stop later and tell you about my weekend...some fun stuff happened!!
Lots of Love
Em
Monday, March 21, 2011
I'm still on track!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Whew!
I'm so sorry I haven't kept up over the last months. I could and should go into the details as part of my apology but it will come in time. The old adage that things happen in 3's...well somewhere in the cosmic sphere the calculation portion of life became skewed. My best mathematical skills showed the original 3 issues then a multiplication of the square root of said 3 issues which then a rounding up factor kicked in. Without an even divisible, you can see how that happened.
As things seem readily in hand and controlled...well at least the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned back on I have that old feeling back. My characters chatting at me as I drive, reminding me that I'm almost finished with my self edits...just come on!!
That is exactly what I did last weekend (keep in mind the light only turned on a week or so ago) and the foundation piece of my McRaidy series is 75% done with edits and will need a polish and tightening round. Hehehe, I thought that sounded funny...anyway back to my progress.
I posted on my Facebook page (come visit me) that I should set a goal or timeline to complete this manuscript and sub it in. My very good friend (I'll talk about her in a minute) helped me out and next Monday is the day.
Ok, lets talk about my BFF. She has surgery next Monday and I'll be at the hospital worrying. This isn't something minor...they are removing some skull ...that is freaky stuff. The thing about this woman is that she gets some of the freakiest things happening to her health. Like I told her, she will end up with this her whole life and live forever whereas me on the other hand will probably just have some heart attack in my sleep.
I'm worried about her and my way to cope and not ask her to make me feel better, is to take the low road. My solution-Texting her as to what I should wear that will make me look lovely while I worry and stress at the hospital. She of course-because she is my BFF for over 20 years- suggested sweats...........I can't do thaaaaaaaaaaat!!! Entertained with ourselves we agreed on something casual but not overly so. In addition I have her permission to bring my laptop to the hospital and work on my submission. (the surgery is hours and hours long) Isn't she the bomb!!!! Seriously though, whether you pray, keep good thoughts, meditate or any number of other things, keep her in there. I want success and a great recovery for my friend.
Now back to my writing, I'm on it. I haven't really been MIA, just quiet, I've been promoting Her McRaidy Chieftain published with Eternal Press. And I really have been working on things but it's not my usual pace or schedule. Speaking of Eternal Press, I still love them:):) Kim the owner works so hard and the other authors are exquisite. Helpful and supportive. I love reading their books, posts and blogs. I've also been silently keeping up with some of my favorite author friends too. Kim, Lisa and Nicole. Their links are on my blog so go visit them!!
I've chattered long enough, I just wanted to say HI and update you on my plans.
Lots of Love
Em
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
A review from The Lexington Literture Examiner
So humble today. I received another great review. It is from the Lexington Literature Examiner in the Spokane area and J.W. Coffey the reviewer sent it to me with a very nice note.. It was unexpected and a perfect Gold Star to the week! I have high hopes for the sequel to Her McRaidy Chieftain that is nearing completion.
Love you best
Em
Sunday, June 20, 2010
New Review from Book Junkie
Brande from Book Junkie blessed me with a wonderful review! I was thrilled that it brought out emotions for her. Stop by the Book Junkie site to read the review. In part Brande said;
Her McRaidy Chieftain by Em Epe released from Eternal Press this last April. I didn't know whether to be happy or cry towards the end, but I couldn't stop the tears from flowing!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
My Birthday, heartbreak and my new work in progress!
My birthday is getting closer and as I do every year, well most years anyway, I started looking back. Evaluating how that last year or even couple years have been for me. Did I accomplish any goals, are the people important to me still in my life, who is new in my life and what do I want to do over the next year.
This last year has been eventful to say the least, the last 2 really. That led me to thinking about heartache and heartbreak. Several friends and acquaintances have ended relationships. Some short and fun but others were long term marriages that ended without much warning. A few have fought their way through the impending doom and saved the relationship.
A family member lived through the end of a 24 year marriage. She had no warning. The thing I tried to tell her but maybe not so eloquently was "its him not you". Since I had quite the list of opinions about his pathetic, selfish, cheating, moronic self, my message may have been a bit jumbled at times. People say it takes two AND that is true. It is hard to end a relationship no matter how long or short it may have been. You don't want to hurt someone and when you picture yourself without them, it can be scary....
People change and not always in the same direction. Though its just my opinion, I think the person who has been left with heartache needs to remember something, "its not you". The other person changed. You aren't a horrible person and there are a million things about you to love. But the first thing you should do is love yourself.
How do I know this, I've had more than my share of heartbreaks and done the heartbreaking. Several marriages and divorces had led me to know that marriage isn't my thing. But it doesn't make me less. I still have some very wonderful people in my life and I have been blessed to meet some new ones. Yes, I am divorced again, have downsized from a 4 bedroom 2 bath home in the suburbs to a 1 bedroom cottage (It makes me feel better to call it that) in downtown. I can walk anywhere I need something. Sure the neighborhood is a little....ghetto...but the trees are huge and throw some beautiful shade and the railroad tracks are but a mere few houses away. Keep in mind, I think trains are very cool! My neighbors are friendly, more so than in the suburbs. Well, to be honest, they could be a little snoopy too. LOL
My point is, I'm happy because I'm comfortable with myself. I'm not an ogre but also I'm not a victim. I have healed and so will others who have broken hearts.
I am working on the sequel to Her McRaidy Chieftain published with Eternal Press. It is coming along nicely and I should be able to polish it and send it in for submission soon. My friend and upcoming author Kimberly Sells-Tipton (Her link is on my page here!!!) has helped me pick a title for it and has blessed me with beta reading the first 4K words.
Enjoy your day and week!
Love you best
Em
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
New Review for HER MCRAIDY CHIEFTAIN
I was thrilled to hear from Happily Ever After Reviews about Her McRaidy Chieftain! Ah but I'm noticing something, the ending to my Sexy little Scottish Historical gets a definite response...good and bad..it shows my readers have a vested interest in the characters! That's what I strive for, to say thank you to my reader by evoking some emotion. I hope my sequel gives my readers an opportunity to feel some emotion while they're reading.
LynnMarie reviewed my book and said this in part:
For a short story, this book packed a lot of punch in character development! I enjoyed Em Epe’s writing style which flowed smoothly.
To read the entire review, pop over to Happily Ever After Reviews and have a read and maybe go get a copy for yourself and let me know what You think.
http://hea-reviews.blogspot.com/2010/05/her-mcraidy-chieftain-by-em-epe.html
Love you best!
Em
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
HER MCRAIDY CHIEFTAIN NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT!!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Earth Day
I was busy at work this week and I hear a coworker mention "Green Day". I popped off my ear phones and did the "huh?" thing. Well shoot, I thought, I better do something for Green Day so we chat about it for a minute and I decide to call my man with the news. His deep voice answered the phone and I got my usual tingle and smile. He is a gorgeous man. Dark hair perfectly cut, incredible dark brown eyes, a smile that make women glow when they receive it, graceful but manly hands that feel so good rubbing my arms, strong muscles and his butt and chest...add all that with a brilliant sense of humor and an intelligence that I am in awe of, sprinkled with a warm heart, dabbled with a solid protective nature...Oh my! After I got my focus back, I dove in...
"Hon, it's Green Day!"
"Ya, I know. So?"
Not the response I expected...
"Well, we need to plant something, you know to help the earth."
"Baby, that's Arbor Day"
Now at this point I'm hearing his desire to sigh at my latest "idea" but I plowed ahead. Maybe he didn't understand Green Day.
"Well...it's all the same. We should plant something." I insisted "and we should eat salad."
"Baby...you plant a tree on Arbor Day." he patiently explained.
What the hell! Wasn't Green and Arbor Day the same thing?
"I want to plant something!"
"And why the hell would I eat salad? If we have to eat salad tonight then I want cheese, sour cream and replace the lettuce with taco meat." He laughed.
"That's not a salad, that's a taco."
I started to lose some steam at this point because Green Day started to have a different meaning than I originally thought...
"Green Day is for recycling." He patiently explained
Ooops, I was going in the wrong direction
"But we can plant something. What do you want to plant?" He saved me.
My smile finally came back. I was going to get to plant some flowers in those two beautiful sandstone pots by the front door. Thank goodness for his patience and indulgence! We picked out the plants when I got off work and I tucked the pretty little flowers into my pots. They will hopefully grow but who knows...
We didn't have salad that night either, ended up at our favorite Mexican restaurant. LOL
I think we all try to do the right things by the earth no matter how small or large our efforts. I don't like sorting my trash but I give my best. I cringe when I see trash strewn about and wish that I didn't have to drive everyday to work since there isn't any public transportation going there. My 12 tiny plants won't change the earth but IF they grow, they'll brighten my day. Make me a little happier! And just maybe when I see them, I'll remember to be a little more earth friendly that day.
I hope you do a little something of your own for earth day. Maybe plant a little something for yourself!
Lots of Love
Em
Friday, April 16, 2010
First Review is Back for Her McRaidy Chieftain and an Authors Spotlight today at Dark Diva Reviews!
WoooHooo, Her McRaidy Chieftain received 4 1/2 Diva's!
Dark Diva Reviewer, Stacey said in part,
Her McRaidy Chieftain was a short story that packed a lot of punch. Christiana and Liam McRaidy are from two different worlds, but when together, it’s clear they are made for each other. The dialogue was fun and sexy.
To read the rest here is the link:
http://ddrreviews.blogspot.
Have a great day!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
The first week of my book and lots of other things and links!!
My book Her McRaidy Chieftain http://www.eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781770650565 was released on the 7th at Eternal Press and we had a fun chat for all the authors who had releases that day. I'm getting to know the other authors and their work at Eternal Press and I all I can say is WOW! Not only do these authors write incredible books but they are just simply wonderful and supportive people! We are all on the readers loop for Eternal Press and I encourage everyone to come over and get to know us. Catch up on their blogs and sink into their blurbs and excerpts. EternalPressReaders@yahoogroups.com
Technology is a great thing. Think about it, before E-books, the web and chat loops, if we wanted to know more about an author we had to wait for a book signing or sift through publications hoping for a chance to get to know a little more about the author. The beautiful thing about the technology age, we can now go to an authors site, find out what will be coming, what books we may have missed and how to buy the books. Most authors give you a bio so the author and the person start becoming familiar to us. And of course, I love a picture of the authors, don't we all get a mental image of what we think some one looks like? My suggestion, get to know your favorite authors, and meet new ones. Your virtual and wooden bookshelves will start overflowing in no time!!
Imagine my thrill at seeing my book on the Eternal Press site, then over to Amazon and then I started checking out the other distributors to see my book. It made me wiggle all over my chair in excitement!
Another fun thing that came out of this week, the model for Her McRaidy Chieftain, Jimmy Thomas contacted me. Well since I think the man on my cover epitomizes Liam in Her McRaidy Chieftain, it was a rockstar moment for sure. He was a friendly man who wanted a high resolution of my cover for his portfolio and to display at RT in Columbus. It took me a few questions to understand the cause and effect ratio but he gently and with good humor explained to me that he wouldn't be cropping out my name or the book title. LOL Ok, I get it now!!! If I can specifically request a model for my future covers, it will be him. Not only because he is beautiful to look at but really is a friendly and approachable person! You can find more about him at
