Wanna know what I’m doing to celebrate?
I’m hanging out with my family….
AND…
Giving this book away for FREE!
Help me celebrate my birthday and grab your copy!
Happy Birthday to Me & My Country!
Tag: support
Thankful for You – Finding My Attitude of Gratitude (and a gift)
This year has been hard for everyone. No doubt. Between the Rona, quarantine, politics (which I will not be engaging in discussion about because that’s not my style and everyone’s entitled to their opinion), all the sad and strange happenings that seem to be occurring in everyone’s lives, this world could feel downright oppressive.
If you’re not ok right now, I get it, and I’d like to hear from you because I’d like to show you some love and support (and add you to my prayers–even if it’s not something you believe it it can’t hurt, right?).
But me? I need a different kind of focus…
The reality is most of those things are outside of our control, right?
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you already know “out of my control” is not my bag…so I focused on my controllables.
Like finding pretty purple glasses that make me feel kinda sexy.
Like discovering that the silver in my hair looks hawt enough to embrace growing it out until it’s safe enough to meet with my stylist. (I’m in a state where I could go because we’re not locked down, but she’s the caregiver for her elderly mother and I don’t feel comfortable exposing her to me when I’ve been an “essential worker” and around people this whole time.)
Most of all I’m thankful for YOU–my online family. I’m grateful for the laughter from shared memes, the check-ins, the likes and comments, the messages, the encouragement and feedback.
It meant so much to me that I wanted to do something nice for you, so TODAY and TOMORROW ONLY I’ve made A Way With Words FREE!
I’m spending today at work, but tomorrow both my brother-in-law (the ER doc) and I will be off, so we’ll enjoy our family Thanksgiving then. I can’t wait for all the fabulous food and family time.
What are you thankful for? What’s your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? What about your favorite food?
It’s My Birthday!
💥ON SALE for $.99 & FREE with KINDLE UNLIMITED💥
🎁HELP CELEBRATE MY BIRTHDAY🎂
💥THIS WEEKEND💥
📖GRAB YOUR COPY AND ENJOY!📖
One woman. Two bandmates. Will Kalina come between them, or is between them where she’s meant to be? If love is a song, what happens when the tune of your heart sounds more like a trio? Will outside forces generate discord and sharp notes, or can three unique souls blend to create the perfect harmony? You won’t want to miss a beat of this love ballad.
Praise from Author S. H. Timmins, “Kitt Crescendo has outdone herself with this witty, heartfelt, and smoldering story of three people who find love in the most unexpected way.”
Praise from Author Natasha Blackthorne: “A sizzling hot, fun, contemporary erotic romance that is filled with wit, banter, country music, poetry and love scenes that are emotionally and psychologically satisfying.”
The Lost World
With willful arrogance,
Eyes wide shut,
We rage and hate,
Black and white,
Everyone sure,
Unbending,
They are right,
The other wrong,
Deaf,
Unwilling to listen
And hear
The hurt and fear,
Lashing out,
Ugly,
Dark with rage.
Fingers point,
Blame the game,
Guardians and protectors
Painted with
Bastardized brush.
Good and evil
Undistinguished
By jaundiced eye.
Bitterness watches,
Gleeful with success.
Good people vilified,
Heartsick,
Their calling
A mockery,
Guardians of the castle
No more.
Dreams to dust.
It’s time…
Lance the wound,
Release the infection
Of hatred and enmity,
Letting the blood of humanity,
Finally,
Flow clean and healthy,
Touching hearts,
Re-building our world
Together,
Living
Technicolor lives,
Fair and free.
Isn’t that why
Lady Justice
Is blind?
With willful arrogance,
Eyes wide shut,
We rage and hate,
Black and white,
Everyone sure,
Unbending,
They are right,
The other wrong,
Deaf,
Unwilling to listen
And hear
The hurt and fear,
Lashing out,
Ugly,
Dark with rage.
Fingers point,
Blame the game,
Guardians and protectors
Painted with
Bastardized brush.
Good and evil
Undistinguished
By jaundiced eye.
Bitterness watches,
Gleeful with success.
Good people vilified,
Heartsick,
Their calling
A mockery,
Guardians of the castle
No more.
Dreams to dust.
It’s time…
Lance the wound,
Release the infection
Of hatred and enmity,
Letting the blood of humanity,
Finally,
Flow clean and healthy,
Touching hearts,
Re-building our world
Together,
Living
Technicolor lives,
Fair and free.
Isn’t that why
Lady Justice
Is blind?
Release the infection
Of hatred and enmity,
Letting the blood of humanity,
Finally,
Flow clean and healthy,
Touching hearts,
Re-building our world
Together,
Living
Technicolor lives,
Fair and free.
Isn’t that why
Lady Justice
Is blind?
Life Isn’t Always Beautiful or Fair
It feels like a lifetime ago instead of 8 years. My heart aches for the loss of the beautiful soul taken way too soon. It’s hard to believe that nearly two weeks ago we lost you.
The picture above was one of those rare, magical times where we all seemed to be of the same color coordinated mind and it was too perfect not to convert into a photo op. Now I’m just grateful to have this little memento.
These women and their smiling faces held many of my cherished moments in my memory bank of a prior career. They were all smart, kind, well meaning, and with good hearts filled with kindness. They cherished their families, especially their children.
Imagine my shock when two of the ladies here (and one of the men not pictured) reached out to tell me that the lady in the white blouse standing on the far right was dead. Not only dead, but violently murdered. Shot and killed by her ex in what was being called a domestic violence case.
The response from all of us who knew and worked with her was utter devastation. What about her two young daughters who she used to bring by to show off? The ones she couldn’t stop talking about? They were her whole universe! Her reason for being. What was their world going to be without her? Weren’t they teenagers now? To lose a mom at any time is hard, but in this way during this time? My heart still bleeds for them. I can’t begin to imagine their devastation.
The news reports say she’d finally permanently broken it off and had stopped by the house one last time to get the last thing she’d left behind. Her cat. Because that was a big part of who she was. A lover of animals. She shouldn’t have lost her life.
Truth is, we all remember her ex. I remember thinking he was a bit of an ass and way too possessive. Hot headed, too. But never in a million years did I expect this. I knew they fought sometimes, but I never had any inclination that he had been this violently volatile. So many memories tumble out and I wonder what we missed and if there was anything we could’ve done that might have altered this path and then I realize that those thoughts are pointless.
Live in the here and now. Ache for those left behind, and do what you can to live life. Don’t squander it. In my own way I’ll try to do right by her girls as they deserve to be taken care of and to know that their mom was loved.
And if you are reading this and you are a victim of domestic abuse, know someone going through it, or even suspect it… PLEASE, I’m begging you, reach out for help. Call the Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or check out their website HERE!
Yeah… as if COVID, quarantine, and murder hornets weren’t enough, right? Don’t worry, I’m hurting, but ok. My support system is strong and I’m working both my day job and writing my next novel. What’s been going on in your world?
Putting Words Into Your Characters’ Mouths and Feeling Grateful #NewRelease #AmWritingRomance
As many of you know, I recently released my first full sized novel. So far it’s been well received and I’ve been blown away with gratitude. One of my coolest experiences came from a Facebook book club I’ve been involved with for years.
They chose to make my book their January Group Read, and as a newish author that meant everything. What was really amazing was that they decided to a thread focusing in on their favorite moments and quotes…. I was blown away and way too entertained. Seriously. Just when you start to second guess yourself, moments like these come up. Moments where someone decides to share YOUR writing and you’re both laughing hysterically because it’s both funny and you forgot you made a character say that, but also you realize…that was legitimately a great line! And it builds your confidence.
The quote at the top of this post was the “kick-off” quote coming from Drew, one of the male leads in this book.
Other honorable mentions? How about these:
“That’s what best friends do for each other.” Ty raised an eyebrow. “Did you think that would change just because you’ve smoked my pipe?”
Ty to Drew in A Way With Words
The above quote was in reference to Drew and Ty and their first intimate moment with each other.
“If you think it sounds like an uptight douche bustin’ a nut, I’d say ‘hell yeah’.”
Ty to Drew in response to overhearing someone having sex
This quote in particular had me laughing so hard my hubby asked if I was ok.
“… apparently waiting to show you her tricked out twat.”
Kalina to Drew
This quote was made by Kalina to Drew when they discovered a woman had sneaked into Drew’s bed, complete with decorated lady bits…
What has this taught me? That I’m extremely fortunate to have amazing people in my life who appreciate my snarky dialogue and that sometimes I actually am kinda witty.
What has chasing your dreams taught you? What’s something your friends/tribe done to support you that’s blown your mind?
And if you’re looking for my book link…Click the book cover on the side and it will lead you right to it. BTW, it’s FREE on Kindle Unlimited and check out THIS REVIEW!
I Got Brave and Did a Thing! #NewRelease #AmWriting
Last night I finally clicked “PUBLISH” on my manuscript I’ve been working on. Amazon said it would be up to 72 hours, so imagine my surprise when I got home from the day job this afternoon and found it live!
That’s right… A Way With Words is officially up and available for purchase HERE! I’m also in the process of finalizing the format for the paperback copy as well.
In the meantime, I thought I’d share an excerpt from my shiny, new book!
From A Way With Words….
She stood up with the force of her anger, causing him to shift backward, lose his balance, and lay sprawled at her feet, staring up at her in shock. Quickly, he tried to regain some semblance of dignity and get up.
“Lie?” Drew squawked as he rumbled back up to his feet, trying with no success to slap the dirt off his jeans, but only managing to spread mud stains instead. Hurt turned his eyes a honey brown. “I never lied to you.”
“Oh no?” Her eyes narrowed as she poked him hard in the center of his chest. “You said you weren’t a country star. What the hell are you if not the country star?”
His eyes warmed, remembering her and that moment fondly, even as he wrapped her delicate hand in his for self-preservation. “Now darlin’.” He was afraid if he didn’t stop her she’d poke all the way through his ribs, right into his bruised heart. “That’s not exactly how that went down. If I recall correctly, your exact words were, ‘don’t tell me you’re a country artist’. What I said was, ‘okay, I won’t’. An omission, for sure. But not a lie.”
Damn him. She could already feel herself softening. Getting pulled into the vortex that was Drew. She didn’t want to talk this out. Angry was easier. Angry hurt less. Made her less vulnerable. Because if this is how she felt now, when she barely knew him, she wasn’t sure she’d survive being invested in him.
“Semantics,” she snapped. “You knew what I thought.”
Drew put his hands up in surrender. “Okay, yeah, I did. But to be fair, it was a little white lie. I was just agreeing with you, but honestly, did you really think we were ever going to see each other again?” He raised an eyebrow. “I know I didn’t. Hell, if I had, I’d have done so many things differently.”
“Like?” She crossed her arms over her chest, curious against her will. He had a point. She was self-aware enough to admit, at least to herself, that there were a lot of things she’d have done differently, too.
“Well, I’d have at least asked for your name.” The beginnings of a grin began to spread across his face. “And maybe told you mine. Well, my first name, anyway. Honestly, part of the appeal for me was that you didn’t seem to know who I was. You treated me like I could’ve been any hot, charming stud.”
Her snort turned into a belly laugh. Damn him. He was still funny. “All that, and you sing, too? Why ever are you single?”
“I ask myself that every day.”
I hope you enjoyed this little tidbit and decide to check out my book. I had a blast writing Kalina, Drew, and everyone else. Now to work on the next story….
Heart Storm
Destroyed, gutted,
Knocked down and weak.
Holding back tears,
And fighting to breathe.
Digging deep for center,
She tamps down her turmoil,
Dons a cloak of inner peace
Slides on her masquerade.
She’s fitted herself for battle,
Fierce warrior to arms,
Unaffected, not untouched,
She battles strong and true,
Sharing hope, giving strength
Even when she’s nearly empty
Unrelenting, ever protecting
Unflinching, she faces loss
Vulnerable, yet powerful
She powers on,
To be the backbone,
A pillar of strength to lean on
For those who own her heart.
She hides away,
They need not see
When she breaks,
The tsunami that sweeps through,
Wrecking her.
Standing amidst destruction
She finds renewal,
Rebuilding herself…
…to start over.
Thankful for Friendships and Feedback
This last year has been a challenge for me. I’ve had a sexy scene written for years, but knew it was incomplete. There was a story marinating around in my brain, but I didn’t feel up to writing it yet.
One thing I’ve learned in my writing journey as that pieces come together when you’re ready. Sometimes this is a mental thing. Sometimes it’s skill development. Either way, I’ve learned to trust my instincts.
With the love and support of my family and critique partners, I finally finished, got my edits completed, and have the book to my awesome Betas….which means….
Release day is COMING SOON! (Like December, soon.)
Several of my author and blogger friends have known what I’ve been up to and have rallied to show their support by offering to share and/or review my book, and I’m so grateful! I could use all the help I can get. So if you’re interested in helping me out, please let me know! I’d be in your debt and thrilled to do what I must in whatever capacity you’d like to help.
Can you tell I’m EXCITED? IT’S MY FIRST FULL SIZED NOVEL!
What are YOU grateful for this year?
Damn You, Dorian!
Hurricane weather can be hell on productivity.
First, I’m so excited to share with you all that I’ve completed writing my first full length novel (100K words) and that I’m in the pre-editing stages. Second, I’m thrilled to share that I had brunch with my editor today and I gave her a firm date with which to expect my finished product. This has me both excited and anxious as my deadline is mid September, just in time for my wedding anniversary.
The issue? This damn hurricane may make me late. The last hurricane that rolled up this way was Irma, and we lost power for nearly a week. That would put a huge crimp in my plans should history repeat itself. Icing on the cake? My current day job is in alarm dispatch monitoring. Natural disasters have a way of fucking with jobs like that…and we’re all on call in case an all-hands-on-deck situation occurs.
But this is the one getting to me… My beautiful senior fur baby, Izzy, somehow managed to injure a back paw and is now limping pretty heavily. Normally I’d just be worried about her anxiety in a storm, but now that she’s started taking doggie CBD (bacon flavored) that’s more of a non-issue. But the paw injury? Breaking my heart. So, with a hurricane bearing down, we have a vet appointment for her tomorrow.
And if you think I’m crazy to give her CBD tinctures for storm anxiety, consider watching this video of this afternoon’s storm (which isn’t even hurricane stuff yet). I know humans who would be anxious. Sorry in advance for the sideways video….
theinnerwildkat 