When I was around the age of deciding my thoughts about the realism of Santa I remember seeing a look of concern in my father's gaze. As I explained to he and my mother that the other kids at school said Santa and the north-pole were just a myth, they listened but were very quick to quash those "silly notions".
I was still somewhat unsure but as Christmas approached I pondered the question, "if I didn't believe in Santa, would that affect my gift haul?"
As always, Christmas Eve came, all the family arrived and as usual, my dad disappeared for the night. Since it had always been the case that he had to work, I didn't question it. In fact I couldn't remember a time when he didn't have to haul a run (semi truck) on the night before Christmas.
While we unwrapped our gifts, I slipped into my bedroom for a minute to get my moms gift I'd made for her. My bedroom was dark but the curtains were still open. I glanced out into the back yard and against the white snow glowing from the moon, Santa stepped out of our travel trailer!
Ohhhhh my dad was going to be so mad! No one was allowed in there without his supervision!
I wanted to warn the jolly man but just as I tugged on my window, he stopped and looked at me. His head bowed for a moment and felt utter guilt at catching him. He slowly walked toward me and I tingled in anticipation.
I finally got my window open and he stood face to face with me.
"Why aren't you with everyone in the living room?" He spoke quietly.
"I was getting my present for my mom."
"Do you know who I am?"
I looked him over carefully. There wasn't any mistaking the crinkled brown eyes staring back at me.
"Dad?"
He nodded, "Yes."
"You're Santa?"
His head lifted and a glitter twinkled in his eyes.
"Yes I am."
"Does anyone else know?"
"Just you and me."
"Why don't we live at the north-pole?"
His brow furrowed for a long moment and then it lifted, "Schools. The schools are better here."
Since I went to a private Catholic school, it seemed reasonable. After all, when I brought home less than stellar grades, my parents reminded me about the tuition they paid for me to attend and how blessed I should feel at the opportunity they gave me.
He promised we'd talk tomorrow and jogged away into the night. That was many years ago and I still believe as I did then. I'm Santa's daughter and we didn't live at the north-pole so I could attend my wonderful school. Over the years, I've helped the jolly old man with his Christmas clothes and bells. It always excited me. I even saved the newspaper article of Santa being pulled over in our pickup truck for speeding. There wasn't enough snow that year for the sleigh:)
My Santa dad has given of himself many times over his life. Each year he gave part of his Christmas to make a large handful of families happier. He donned his outfit to accompany children on make a wish helicopter rides. Special needs children lit up when he knelt next to them or picked them up from their bed or chair to sit on his lap. Foster kids of all ages whispered their wishes for a family in his ear. I could go on but you see what he has contributed to the season.
I think Santa is pretty special.
Lots of Love
Em
November has been an exceptionally busy month for me. Of course there is Thanksgiving but I've had a plethora of other things to attend to.
I am excited to announce that Eternal Press has contracted my book, All of Me, A McRaidy son! I don't have a release date but I'll be sure to let you know when it's scheduled.
I know that you see the McRaidy's in most of my stories. I'd love to explain the arc that I'm working through. For the McRaidy Clan series, beginning with Her McRaidy Chieftain, this is my historical highlanders. These are the historical McRaidy's. These are stand alone books but the family thread is thick.
Beginning with Only Because it was You, Gus McRaidy, I have introduced the contemporary members of the McRaidy family. Gus is the patriarch and has 5 adopted sons. All of Me is about Den McRaidy, his oldest. These are stand alone books but there is the family thread with the contemporary books.
I enjoy watching the family traits appear in each book. They are definitely their own people, but there are small details that carry through.
Does this mean all I write is my McRaidy series? Absolutely not. I currently have a work in progress that is a historical fiction/historical fantasy that I'm enjoying immensely I'm anxious for its completion and polishing so I can sit back and read it for enjoyment.
I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday:) I spent it with my sister, nephew, step dad and mom. I haven't done that in a good number of years and it was treat. I had a great visit with my mom and I have to say, I forget sometimes how pretty she is. She has the sweetest giggle that makes me smile when I think about it. I love my mom.
I missed my sons and daughter but some years schedules just don't mesh. We will sit down and enjoy a nice meal together when we can. I did have coffee with my oldest son yesterday and it was precious time. My daughter is such a graceful young woman and our phone call was warm and heartfelt. My youngest son called as well and I wished he could have been home.
As we get closer to concluding this year, don't forget to take the time to share of yourself. Even if you can't be together for the holidays be sure to set aside for a nice phone call or even a pot of coffee. I love the phrase, Your presence is my present. Remember, someones time is a gift just for you and vice versa.
Enjoy your holidays!
Lots of Love
Em
Tomorrow is October. Summer is gone and we are fully into Fall. I love the change in the season. First we'll watch the leaves turn a variety of colors, then the remaining branches form spooky outlines in the dark. Halloween comes and we indulge in candy, cookies and society's permission to don a costume for the day. LOL
October will be a busy month for me. The free cookbook, Passionate Cooks, from All Romance Ebooks will be available. I have a yummy Hot Shrimp Dip recipe in there. Remember, it's free so you have to get one!!
Also, October is breast cancer awareness month. A fellow author, Mackenzie Crowne, released a book titled, "Where do you want your nipple" about her journey through breast cancer. Do Not dally around. Take a few minutes to do a self exam and remind everyone around you to do the same. I will have a deeper post this month in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Take a minute and send energy to those battling breast cancer. Regardless of your "maker" beliefs, hold these precious women in your heart and share you power with them. Don't forget their families need love too. It affects everyone.
I'm participating in a Halloween blog hop with my publisher Still Moments Publishing! Be sure to catch up with all the authors and their stories!! Mine is a spooky doozy. This is a great month to read my suspense release in the Moonlight Mysteries series, "Threat to our Forever"!
Keep your fingers crossed for me! I'm finishing self edits and the polishing my current WIP. I've set a goal to have it ready to sub by the end of October. Earlier if I stay on track. It's a contemporary and is sexy hot with beautiful romance! I'll keep you posted!
Have an outstanding day and wave hello to October!
Lots of Love
Em
NEW FUN AT USA TODAY HEA:
I've had a variety of ups and downs over the last couple of weeks. I was privileged to do an article for Romance Reviews by Authors and had an interview with USA Today with my two co-authors in the Anthology, Life's a Beach from Still Moments Publishing. In addition, I've done some promoting for Somer's Rising from Eternal Press.
I was in full mode of juggling it all when everything screeched to a stop.
Not because of anything with my writing but aspects of life snapped my head back and forth. First, my long time friend moved to another state. It wasn't that we managed to see each other here as much as we should have and in fact we both spent our face to face time with other friends. I regretted that the minute her car turned left and mine turned right. It made me wonder why if we were really "BFF's" we didn't make more of an effort. Situations like that make you look at the overall cause and affects. We promised to visit but logically I know we will rarely see each other, very much like we have for years. I concluded that our friendship functioned on texting as we very infrequently called or even got together for a drink or coffee. Maybe we had both let it evolve to a "chatting" friendship because technology made it easier.
As I evaluated the status of that friendship, I truly had my feet knocked out from under me. Another friend was in a coma and died because of a tragic accident. As I wrote that sentence just now, my eyes teared up. The details aren't as necessary as being faced with the fact we didn't keep in touch as we should have. I do know this world is a far lesser place because of her absence. She had the prettiest smile, gentle demeanor and love of her family. I'll always hold her in my heart.
Now that I feel capable of putting words down, I am taking a closer look at the relationships around me. I have a man in my life that I don't spend as much time with as I want. I let other things clog up my day. I'm rectifying that. He is important to me and I won't forget to show him that by making sure I spend time in the same space as him. My son's are older now but I'm still their mom. They still want my attention and I want theirs. Instead of making an excuse the other night when the youngest suggested a milk shake, I got in the car and away we went. I won't always have that kind of opportunity. I also nagged the older son to take time for a quick visit but I also stopped in at his house yesterday while he was home with a cold and spent a little time.
I moved down my list and worked on the details of my cousin coming to visit me at Christmas. Plane tickets and other scheduling needed to be done and there are some loose ends but it will happen. We've tried to do this for years since we live across the country from each other. I admit, I took tremendous comfort knowing she was working with me on this and it was "we" want to spend time together. More importantly, when I spoke with her about my regrets of not spending more face time with those close to me, she understood. We rarely text and make the effort to actually call. We further make our best attempts to save money to buy plane tickets. Yes we are related but we are close friends.
There are a few more on my list that I care about and I'm working on those.
Overall I now see that though technology has made so many things much easier and better, I for one may have let it become too convenient. A phone full of texts or even emails will never replace "in person" time. My books don't have the center of the relationships revolve around electronic communication, they are together. My life should be the same.
With all of the above said, I've promised myself this. If I need to talk, I'm dialing the phone. If they don't pick up, so be it. Texting will be for quick comments, not conversations. I also accept that friendships evolve and change. Much like a poem I am particularly fond of says: Friendships are for a Reason, Season or a Lifetime.
Perhaps I should focus on those in my life for a "Lifetime" and appreciate that other wonderful people have come for a "Reason" or a "Season" and say thank you.
I shall now end my deep thoughts on this subject and get in my car and go annoy my younger sister. She may not realize it but she's missed me. I'm going to tell her:)
Lots of Love
Em
My newest release from Eternal Press was released! Somer's Rising is Book Two of the McRaidy Clan and the follow up to Her McRaidy Chieftain.
I successfully made it through the edits and I am so pleased with the results. When I did my final proof, I got pulled in by the story....and I wrote it. LOL
I appreciate my editor Kim Richards so very much.
Without further ado....Check out my excerpt page and you can decide:)
Lots of Love
Em
My Sweet-Romance Novella, Threat to our Forever was released today by Still Moments Publishing! It is Book 2 in the Moonlight Mysteries Series. Its availabe at Amazon, Smashwords and Still Moments Publishing. http://www.stillmomentspublishing.com/p/ebook-store.html
Yesterday I attended my best friend daughter's wedding. I've written about my BFF but let me give you a quick review. She is an amazingly intelligent, beautiful, loyal woman who in spite of teeth gritting challenges still manages to be funny and positive. I'm a lucky person to have her as my closest friend for 22 years. We've gone through marriages, divorces, births, child rearing to some pretty stubborn but yet wonderful children and yes, there have been deaths.
As it turned out the wedding was scheduled for my birthday. I'd like to think that's why the day was chosen but really, it just happened that way. LOL I had originally planned a trip out of state to do some gambling but I canceled when I found out the date. I always ask myself, In twenty years, where will it matter more where I was? This time, it was "A's" wedding.
As I drove the hour to the town where the ceremony and reception would be held, I sucked down my coffee. After all it was starting at 10 a.m. on a Saturday. When I got closer my memories started flooding in. I recalled driving to the same church when "A" was born to attend her blessing. She wore a pretty white dress and looked exactly like her mother.
As I drove by the local drive in, I thought about the taco cheese dogs, deep fried mushrooms and nachos we'd eaten far too many times at that place. I passed the old turn where my friend had owned a home and remembered spending the night when we thought "A" was in labor with her first daughter and the cranky phone call the next morning as I drove home because I left before my friend woke up and could make me biscuits and gravy. Its some good stuff I promise!!
Other memories floated around my head and I got a little teary eyed from time to time. When I pulled into the parking lot of the familiar church, I remembered attending her mom and dads vow renewals years ago. I did laugh a bit because during a musical slide presentation they showed my friend being walked down the aisle in a beautiful gown....later my BFF whispered that picture was from her first marriage not the one she was currently in...oops!
When I went in, I saw my friends sister. She is such a pretty woman and has one of the sweetest personalities. I've always been fond of her.
I took a seat in the back and watched her mother dispersing boutonnieres and corsages to those who should have them. Then she looked up and said "Why are you sitting there? There won't be that many people, come down front."
I told her I had a great view and smiled. My heart felt warm that she cared where I sat.
With in a few minutes a hear a "hey Aunt "Em"". It was BFF's second son and he looked all neatly shaven with a hair cut. Now keep in mind he has spent the last several years exploring our country and has used some creative transportation methods such as train hopping and hitching a ride etc. He sat next to me and we dove into a catch up conversation. I was happy to have his company.
Pretty soon her brother wandered over and I had a chance to give him my condolences on the loss of a granddaughter last year. He was very kind and we caught up as well. One by one her family said hello or waved.
Then the music started and I turned around. There was my BFF and her daughter. My friend was a single mom for many years and "A" wanted her to walk her down the aisle. I was so proud of "A" for recognizing the rightness of having her mom take on the honor.
"A" was spectacularly beautiful and the dress made her look like a princess, her smile exquisite and everything was perfect.
During the vows, she choked up a bit and next thing I know, I realize the baby I watched so many years ago was now a breathtaking woman committing herself to a man who loves her very much. I wished my children had been able to attend and I thought of them. Of course classes, work and living out of state prevented their attendance.
The reception was as friendly and as welcoming as every part of the church process.
As I sat in a comfortable chair on the deck of her mothers home waiting for the food to ready, I looked around and thought to myself, I belong. The reason I belong is because my best friend of all these years always included me. A funny feeling came over me. More of a warmth really and I couldn't remember a time I felt so content with life or the journey of it.
When my BFF sat next to me and said "thanks for coming, I'm glad you showed up" I almost choked. Where else would I be? The adorable bride mattered enough to me 22 years ago that I came for her blessing, why wouldn't I be here for this happy moment too. I even thought, "its my right to be here" :):)
My only regret is once again, we were all dressed up and didn't get a picture of the two of us! That always happens. Oh and the small incident when I tried to take the macaroni salad from my BFF's plate when she left the table for a minute. In my defense, if you've ever eaten her moms mac salad, you would have done it too. I'm addicted to it and even request leftovers if I know my BFF is going to her moms house for a family get together.
Any way, to sum up how I felt, it was a feeling of peacefulness. Belonging lets you know, you matter even when the day or moment isn't about you, you're still wanted there. Even though it was "A's" day and wedding, it was a pretty good birthday for me too. At least I won't forget her anniversary!
I wish many wonderful days for "A" and her new husband!
Lots of Love
Em
Review by Rebecca Minto!
Are my characters real?
Very Exciting! My suspense story, Threat To Our Forever that is Book 2 in the Moonlight Mysteries series from Still Moments Publishing will release in just a few more days!
Heres a little enticement:
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I'm excited to have Only Because It Was You, Gus McRaidy from Eternal Press releasing today! It took a bit to get this manuscript polished and out. I want to share a little of the back story about it. When I first started writing it, it was mostly for myself to help me with the stories of his sons, Den, Johnson, Mike, Kevin and Sean. The more I wrote, the more his story evolved and Ann appeared.
It was instant chemistry on the pages. Now the interesting thing was it didn't seem to matter what I thought, they had their own story and whispered in my ear. That's the kind of story I love to write. The characters take on a life of their own and I just type it for them. LOL
I know that sounds a little strange but there are other authors who have the same process happen:)
Gus is the contemporary decedent of Liam McRaidy from Her McRaidy Chieftain. They just seem to have a kindred connection.
Later this summer, Liam's son Conner and his lovely Somer will be meeting you. Also, one of Gus's sons is frothing at the bit to be finished. Over time, the arc between the medieval McRaidy's and contemporary will grown together as it seems to be destiny... or my authorism kicking in. hahaha.
I hope you enjoy Gus and Ann and feel free to drop me a note at EmEpe@clearwire.net and give me your thoughts!
More personally, this month is my grandmothers birthday. She's passed many years ago much to my hearts sadness but she is always with me. This woman made sure I knew that I mattered to her and as equally important Grammie knew that I adored her. Grammie was who got me interested in romance oh so many years ago and she gave me my first romance novel to read. Her bookshelf that I know have sitting right next to my desk was always full of books. I know she'd be proud and would love the stories I create. So today I'm thinking of her and missing her but I'm pretty sure she's stretched out reading my work.
Happy Easter everyone and thank you for loving my characters as much as they love you!
Love Em
My little darling Somer's Rising was contracted by the incredible Eternal Press! The tentative release date is September! It is the sequel to Her McRaidy Chieftain. I think you're going to love Somer and Conner:) Don't forget, Only Because It Was You, Gus McRaidy is releasing on April 7th. I'm a happy girl!
Have to run but I'll be posting soon...
Lots of Love to All
Em
Happy March! It's been a rough last month. My computer gave up on me so now I'm using a borrowed one from my best friend of twenty plus years. It made me stop again and think about the value of friends, not so much what they give or lend but that they are just simply there. Especially one that you've had for many years. It gives a sense of roots so to speak. They are with you good and bad and many times outlast marriages, jobs and a plethora of other life events.
I think for me, it keeps me grounded and calm. Hopefully I do the same for her. If you haven't recently, then take the time to show some appreciation to the friend or friends that can turn the day into something a little more palitable when things seem hopeless. Make sure they know they matter.
I have a release next month from Eternal Press for my book Only Because it was You, Gus McRaidy. I'm excited and can't wait to read it. I know, I know, I wrote it, I know how it goes but there's something different about lazing around and reading a story you love. In May I have a release with Still Moments in their anthology. My piece is called Threat to our Forever. Its a sweet vs spicy romance. Make sure you check out both releases and let me know what you think.
That leads me back to friends. Mine are supportive of my books and writing but most heart warming to me is when I discuss a WIP they can usually tell me when I started it, when I reworked it and when I submitted it for publication. What does that tell me? That I matter:) Who doesn't want, need or love that?
Last I blogged I a new bathroom door was on the to-do list. Well its in but nothing ever goes as simply as one would hope. Had to trim the side and the bottom. I guess that comes from living in a house that was built in the 30's. LOL
Today and for the next couple of weeks I will be working on a manuscript to submit for another anthology. I'll keep you posted!
Well I'm off to let my creative flow begin!!
Much love to you all,
Em
I'm not sure if I mentioned this because it all went very quickly but I submitted for an anthology with Still Moments Publishing for their Moonlight Mysteries to be out in May. Well bless my day I received an offer from them on Tuesday. They are so friendly and helpful, I am excited to be a part of their author team!!! So watch for it. My book is called Threat to our Forever.
It's Friday and I'm going door shopping tonight...I'd love something elaborate but think it will pretty basic. After all, its for the bathroom.
Love you all!
Em
Well, I got Somer's Rising submitted. Now I wait to see if it is accepted. Always a lip biting time but I just move forward with my next manuscript to pass the time. Soooooo, you'll wait with me??
Somer's Rising is Book Two in the McRaidy Clan. I really like her and Conner McRaidy is all man*sigh*
I'm anxious and excited about Only Because it was You, Gus McRaidy. Amanda Kelsey is doing my cover as she did the one for Her McRaidy Chieftain. She is such a gifted artist! Gus and I are in great hands!
I wanted to give a little peek a boo of Gus. He is what you would expect from a McRaidy. Strong, passionate not only in love but family and life. The woman who gives him a challenge is Ann. She is a confident, accomplished woman who is worth the effort. I like her and when I wrote Ann, she had great things to whisper in my ear. Like I've said before, my characters tell their story and I am just the note taker. LOL
Hmmmm, what else am I working on....Just finished writing the first chapter of Book Three of the McRaidy Clan. The heroine is outstanding, I can't wait to see what she wants to have written:) I finished a 13k novella submission that is a sweet romantic suspense. A little different for me as far as romantic heat goes but we'll see what the publisher thinks of it. We'll have to wait a few weeks so add that to our waiting list also:)
A christmas story idea that has simmered in my mind for a while is flowing out also aaaannnnddd I am doing some clean up on my very first manuscript I completed. Editing, polishing, some rewriting, fixing those naughty POV changes in the middle of a scene....this could take a while.
As You can See I am working on several manuscripts at the same time. That's pretty typical of me which is why I have several done at the same time and then a longer period without a completion...Just my style I think. Multi Tasking sounds so much better.
I'll close for now but as soon as I have my approved Blurb and Excerpts for Only Because it was You, Gus McRaidy, I'll be sure to post them!
Take care and Lots of Love
Em
Hi All!!! I have exciting news, Only Because It Was You, Gus McRaidy received a contract from Eternal Press! The scheduled release date is April 7th. This is the contemporary in my arc of the McRaidy Family. Her McRaidy Chieftain started the medieval footing in the Highlands of Scotland and Gus McRaidy is the footing for the contemporary.
Authors will understand my next comments and readers perhaps too but the McRaidy's in their entirety just line up and have a lot to say. I will be starting the edits for Gus and prepping Somer's Rising (medieval highlands) for submission but I have several characters from different time era's tapping on my shoulder. For me it's a fun process and that feeling you get when you read a book, you know how you are glued and keep turning the page, well when my characters began speaking, it's that way for me. I just type the notes:)
We are in the New Year finally and I have to say, I love January. Everything feels fresh and alive. As though opportunity and adventure will occur at any moment. It's also one of my favorite times to think about myself. That sounds weird huh? If you think about it, you don't really think about yourself as much as you think about what you need to do or accomplish. It's like paying your monthly bills, you just pay them most of the time but when do you really think about why do I owe these and how do I feel about owing them? For instance lets discuss my phone bill. Now the amount is agreeable to me but what I was getting for my money seemed to be far less than what everyone else is getting. So I looked around and realized for what I was paying I could have unlimited talk, text and web browsing where as previously I had unlimited text, 500 mins of talk and zero web browsing. It paid off to make the change and no I didn't have to get a new contract either. That's what I mean about thinking about myself versus thinking about what I'm suppose to do.
I'm sure we all have made goals or resolutions and some we will keep, others not so much and a few we may modify but no matter how we go about it, at least we've thought about it:)
For now I need to run but as part of MY resolutions I will write more often on my blog instead of thinking about it!
Lots of Love
Em
