Before I go forward, one step backward. Last month's question was about whether or not we'd ever been inspired to write something by a photograph. I said no. Um... oops. I was wrong.
[If you're interested, you can find that old February, 2013 post right HERE ]
There. Now I feel better. (I didn't mean to lie to ya!)
Now, moving on to this month's question...
Other than the obvious holiday traditions, have you ever included any personal or family tradition/customs in your stories?
Um, probably. It'd only be natural, dontcha think? But rather than pontificate on this subject, I've got something much better to write about... a new book!
Nope, not mine. Somebody much better. It's a brand new release from the lovely Elizabeth Seckman. If you aren't familiar with her, she's one of the sweetest ladies around, and what's more, SHE CAN WRITE!!! Reeeeeeally well!
A person who publishes a book willfully appears before the populace with his pants down. If it is a good book, nothing can hurt him. If it is a bad book, nothing can help him. [Edna St. Vincent Millay]
I'm sure Elisabeth would feel a teensy bit insecure at the prospect of appearing on my blog with her pants down, but honest... she has nothing to worry about! Her books are ALL good. Really!
Let's check out her latest, About Us, shall we?
Hayden Matthews isn’t looking for love—she’s trying to get as far from it as possible. She's already wasted eight years in a failed marriage and is ready for a good life. A peaceful life. One where she can raise her daughter to be strong, independent, and happy. But to make that happen, she must fix her own life first.
Cam Vorelli has loved Hayden since he was in grade school. Always in the friend-zone, he stood on the sidelines, his heart breaking, as she said I do to the wrong man. A man he knew didn't deserve her, who could never love her as he did. But what could he say? She was marrying into his family. Cam would never break a holy vow, much less be disloyal to his kin.
Until he sees the bruises on Hayden. Abuse is a game-changer.
Leaving a husband like Tag, who has a hot temper, a badge, and a gun, is tricky. When Hayden calls Cam for help, she isn't trying to lure him into any romantic webs. She needs someone she can trust, and knowing her soon-to-be ex fears his former NFL cousin is a bonus.
When Cam comes to her rescue, he isn’t doing it to win her love. He does it because it's the right thing to do. But if she starts to feel the same for him... couldn't it be fate?
Excerpt:
Was she a monster for wanting to be happy? Screw happy. She didn't start the divorce process so she could be 'happy'. She wasn't a child. She knew 'happy' was an elusive, often selfish goal. Being happy was Tag's thing. He wanted every day of his life to be some sort of party. She hadn't asked for anything so impressive. She didn't ask for a big house or a new car. Hell, she didn't even expect vacations. All she wanted was a simple life, a peaceful life. A life where she knew when her husband said he had to work late that he truly was working late, not diddling the bartender or dropping the grocery money into a slot machine. She'd have been content with a marriage that simply wasn't miserable.
Kobo: FREE
Amazon: 99 cents
https://tinyurl.com/u6xcrob
Elizabeth is a multi-published author of books for people
[And she's as cute as a button! sez ME]
Facebook/ Blog/ Website
Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.
How WONDERFUL to see Elizabeth's latest blog featured across the blogosphere. I do love this supportive community.
ReplyDeleteThat photo? It makes my heart ache, as did the post you wrote at the time. I do hope that child was able to shrug off his early teaching, but wonder...
I love how supportive this community is, too. People who aren't in the blogosphere have NO idea how supportive... :)
DeleteYeah, that is one picture I'll never forget. I hope that boy rose above it, too. Maybe I need to do some research...
It is the best sort of community. Susan makes me want to cry with her sweet words. Totally undeserving to say I'm better. But no worries...you will never see me anywhere without pants, unless it's a skirt day.
DeleteNope! No crying allowed here... only smiles!
DeleteFun post, I wouldn't want to appear anywhere with my pants down these days! Good luck to Elizabeth, hope the book goes well. Have a great day, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteNope, I wouldn't want to appear anywhere with my pants down, either, but if I did, I don't think it would bother me as much as it would've years ago. I'd just shrug and pull 'em back up again.
DeleteYou have a great day, too. Hugs back atcha.
Elizabeth is lovely. I don't know how she raised her boys and still looks so young. She's certainly talented and it's kind of you to call attention to her. I'd like to twist my silky brown hair into a sloppy bun. And I'll flash my flesh. Or maybe I'd like to twist my silly hair into my messy buns, while I flash my overabundance of flesh.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I dunno. I kinda think raising a bunch of kids helps keep you young. (If the experience doesn't drive ya to drink...)
DeleteHA! Maybe you should write a romance, kiddo. You seem to have the vernacular down pat. :)
(Janie, the picture needs updated...add a few wrinkles around the eyes. LOL)
DeleteDon't know whether to smile or cry about the pic of the lil KKK tike, friend Sue. I swear, I could write a whole library full of books about him right here, right now and in between snow pants up, snow pants down … Love, cat.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about that picture. It packs quite a wallop.
DeleteSnow pants up, snow pants down? If it's still snowing, I highly recommend keeping those pants ON. :)
Big congratulations to Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteSo, next month you'll come back and tell us that you have used family traditions in stories while avoiding the April question? Is that the new tradition for you?
HA! Yeah, that sounds like a terrific plan. :) Heck, I'm all for starting a new tradition.
DeleteCongratulations to Elizabeth. Yes, that picture takes my breath away, in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteIt takes my breath away, too. It's inconceivable to me that the photographer didn't win some kind of award for capturing it. He certainly deserved it.
DeleteYeh for Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteAnd Alex's comment above cracked me up. :)
HA! Yeah, he cracked me up, too. :)
DeleteTalented writer and darn lovely - plus an excellent blog commenter - I see her everywhere. Funny too - based on comments at Robin's. So good luck to Elizabeth and her book sales.
ReplyDeleteTraditions - I've probably included a few snippets in poems and whatnot.
and that Alex is tricky. Cheers my friend
You're right. The lovely Liz has a strong presence in the blogosphere. (And a great sense of humor.)
DeleteCheers back atcha.
Adding Joanna to my best buddy list...
DeleteYou, Susan, lift people up and share other’s success. You are a very special lady.
ReplyDeleteThank you. That's such a sweet thing to say.
DeleteWow, I can see how it inspired you to write. Beyond sad, but wouldn't it be awesome to find out that he turned it around!
ReplyDeleteYay, Elizabeth! She is one great writer! No, you won't catch her with her pants down!
Isn't it an amazing picture? It's been a while since I investigated, so maybe it's time to see if I can find out any more about that little boy... now man. I sure hope he managed to turn it around. I even hope his parents changed. (I'm a BIG hoper.)
DeleteYolanda knows me...
DeleteCongrats to Elizabeth and her new book! There may be worth more than a thousand words in that picture. :)
ReplyDeleteAgreed. That pic could launch a thousand books.
DeleteI do love books that have a happily ever after ending. Fairy tale endings they area called. Hope the new book does well. Must be time for you to write another. Please let us know when you do.
ReplyDeleteIf you like happily ever after endings, Elizabeth's books definitely fill the bill. The challenges she makes her characters overcome to get there make for some very interesting reading, too.
DeleteThanks. I hope to get back to writing again soon. :)
Kind of book I'd like to read! I'll add it to my Kindle.
ReplyDeleteGood! I think you'll enjoy it. (I did!)
DeleteThank you!
DeleteYay for Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteFor sure!
DeletePowerful image, indeed. If you do find anything about that precious child, please let us know?
ReplyDeleteHayden and Cam's story has me intrigued!
Yeah, it is powerful. I can't imagine anyone looking at that picture without having an emotional reaction of some kind. If I find anything out, I'll definitely let y'all know.
DeleteIt's a GOOD story! (with a happy ending..)
Susan, if I had some extra nickels I'd have to pay you as super promoter!
Delete:)
DeleteElizabeth's book sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing here :)
ReplyDeleteIt IS fantastic! :)
DeleteNo money, just hugs?
DeleteHugs are perfect! (Never the wrong size, either!)
DeleteSuch a powerful photo.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth is a terrific writer.
YES! (times two)
DeleteAh, shucks.
DeleteThis sounds like a great book. Alas, I can't bring myself to read about abusive relationships, my personal--what's the opposite of catnip? Kryptonite? But it's great of you to help promote a fellow author.
ReplyDeleteIt's a terrific book, and Elizabeth handles the topic beautifully. But I get it. There are some topics I don't want to read about, too.
DeleteIn some weird way we seem to have the same theme with pants down today lol sadly, I've caught dozens of people with their pants down, among other things off too.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Elizabeth one more too!
A little behind the eight ball is okay, that could be your tradition as you forget and then post the month later. haha
You've caught dozens of people with their pants down, eh? Sounds like there's a hidden side to you... :)
DeleteHA! Yeah, that could be my new tradition. (At least, it's original!)
I hope Elizabeth's new book does very well for her. I'll have to have a look at her blog, didn't know she had one. I think I put little bits of myself in my stories, but not much.
ReplyDeleteIf ya think about it, because the things you create spring from YOUR mind, they do reveal something about you and the way you think.
DeleteCongratulations to Elizabeth! Thanks for letting us know about her book. Hope you have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt's a reeeeeally good book.
DeleteYou have a super weekend, too.
What a haunting photo. Congratulations to Elizabeth on her new release!
ReplyDeleteSending hugs your way, Susan!
Julie
Haunting is the perfect word to describe that picture.
DeleteThanks. Sending 'em right back atcha!
your memes always make me smile....
ReplyDeletecongratulation for a new book publication of Elizabeth....yes, she is cute....
Thanks. :)
DeleteShe sure is.
You guys say that now. You should see me without make-up. Or when I get nervous on front of the camera and have that perfect Chandler Bing smile.
DeleteI LIKE Chandler Bing... :)
DeleteThat picture is amazing!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I am intrigued by Elizabeth's work. I will definitely check some of it out, thank you!
And I still haven't joined the IWSG... Not sure why. But I'm on it!
Isn't it? I think the photographer deserved a Pulitzer for it.
DeleteWhat are you waiting for??? Just add your name and blog info to the list! Come on... you can do it! :)
You definitely need to join the IWSG!! I'll come to your blog and remind you.
DeleteSo very awesome of you to share her book. I hope she gets a lot of new sales!
ReplyDeleteI hope she does, too. :)
DeleteSusan is the most awesome of people and she only lies every now and then. My stuff is not better than hers. I LOVE Susan's stories.
DeleteNope! I'm annoyingly honest. :)
DeleteCongrats to Elizabeth on her awesome book.
ReplyDeleteAlways good to cheer another writer on :-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Elizabeth, may your sales soar!
Susan you are the Queen of Cheer xx
And like most people here, I want to know more history from that child's picture...
Thanks! The Queen of Cheer is a title I'd bear proudly. :)
DeleteHi Susan - I know we can never be late to this fun blogging party .. but I'm running behind. I remember that picture ... it haunts one doesn't it - and where and what has happened since then.
ReplyDeleteI agree amazing supportive bunch ... I hope all well with you and yours ... and I too do wish Elizabeth the best with her book - take care and cheers Hilary
Hi-ya, Hilary.
DeleteYep, you're right. No such thing as being late when it comes to visiting a blog. Whenever you can stop in is always the perfect time. :)
You're right about that picture, too. Very haunting.
You take care, too. Cheers!