Swapping Blogs with author Dawn Luedecke ~ and a #Giveaway

Today's guest post is by one of my fellow authors at The Wild Rose Press - we swapped blogs for the day, and I'm over at her blog talking about finding inspiration in the everyday.

Dawn is on her BLAZING THE WEST blog tour, and I'm happy to be one of her stops! In addition to writing steamy cowboys, Dawn's a busy mom and thought she'd share some of her writing tips with us. She's also giving away an autographed copy of my upcoming release, MIDNIGHT ROOM, so be sure to leave a comment to be entered into the contest!
 

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Time Saving Tactics, by Dawn Luedecke

One of the most difficult things for a working mother is to find time to work, but for those writers who want to make a career out of writing, it is essential. In fact, while I write this I’m feeding a newborn while my year old takes a nap, and my two older children play outside. All while living in an RV during a move from the East coast to Alaska. To top it off I am going on tour and have a book release.  

 While I certainly don’t claim to be an expert at writing (and let’s face it, with the ever changing rules of fiction writing, no one is), I can definitely claim to be an expert at finding time to write. So, I’ve decided to share my time saving secrets for those word count struggling authors.

1. Invest in a tablet

One thing I have invested in that has been a lifesaver for me is an iPad (any tablet with a writing app would work). I take my iPad with me when I run errands and any chance I get I pull it out and write.

2. Turn off the television or any other distractions

Many times I find myself side tracked by television, internet, and other electronic distractions. I simply turn those diversions off and I can focus better. Although, I have heard of others authors who use the television to set the mood. To each her own.

3. Listen to mood setting music

One of my focus tactics is to put on a headset and listen to music that sets the mood and helps me to focus on my words. This, to me, is not a distraction as the television is.

4. Write between nap time or while children are playing or at school

Naptime, playtime, and school are my favorite times of the day. I try and get all of my chores done early so that when I have those blessed few hours of silence, I can concentrate on writing.

These are a few tactics I use in order to write and keep up with my career as an author. Many authors have different strategies that work for them. The key is to find what helps you out, and use it.

What do you do to help you write? Leave a comment below for a chance to win ~ the prize is an autographed copy of my upcoming release, MIDNIGHT ROOM!

Here is a preview into one of the books I have written using my time saving tactics.

About the Book:

Running from a past of privilege, deceit, and danger, Travis Simms is ready to settle down. What better place to forget all he left behind than the quiet little Montana town of Lolo Hot Springs? His goal is clear — build a hotel and his own destiny without complications —until one of the town’s most troublesome women captures his attention.

Dusty Larson is hell bent on independence, helping her sister run the Triple D Ranch. She can do anything a man can, and do it better, so she certainly doesn’t need one in her life. The only problem is she seems to attract bad luck and danger...and Travis. Can he tame her wild ways and keep his bachelor status intact — or does he risk losing his heart?

Excerpt from To Tame a Montana Heart, by Dawn Luedecke

She watched him with care. “I don’t know if I love you. I like you, a lot, but I don’t have the slightest idea what love feels like.”

Travis’ smile grew slowly across his face. “I understand. I’m not sure if I love you or not, but I also don’t think I could live without you. So you will always have that.” His voice was almost a whisper when he said the last.

“Truly?” Her voice cracked and she had to force herself to breathe easy.

“Truly.”

She inclined her head and took two brisk steps toward him. She leaned over and kissed him with all the fever of a thousand fires. He reached up and intertwined his hand through her hair to hold her still as he plundered her mouth.

She released him with a shaky breath and jumped back to turn on her heels. “Put something nice on. I’ll be back with a preacher man.”

“You know, I heard you only have to say ‘I marry you’ three times and then you’re hitched.”

She threw him a sassy look and slammed the door shut.

About the Author:

A country girl born and bred, Dawn Luedecke has spent most of her life surrounded by horses, country folk, and the wild terrain of Nevada, Idaho and Montana. As a child she would spend many afternoons reading books, watching western classics, and Rogers and Hammerstein movies. When she grew up she decided to leave the quiet country life for a chance to find adventure by serving a successful tour in the United States Coast Guard. During that time she found her soul mate (and alpha male) and started a family and writing career. She enjoys writing historical and paranormal romance and spends as much time as she can working on her current manuscript. For more information visit www.dawnluedecke.com.

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Book Review: COWBOY ON THE RUN by Devon McKay

Cowboy on the Run by Devon McKay
Published by The Wild Rose Press, January 2014

About the Book:

Running from a final fight with his drunk and abusive father, Nate had never planned to return to the town where the only good thing had been a brunette beauty with more compassion than he deserved. But finding himself on a ranch for boys facing the same issues not only taught him how to be a man, it taught him that there was more to life than running.

Nate Walker always did know how to make an entrance, once again turning Jessie Calhoun's routine life upside down. Unfortunately, he'd also had the same impact when he left her mending a broken heart in a cloud of dust and taillights.

But this time would be different.

No longer that gullible, naive girl he left behind, she'd be a fool to fall under his spell again. Especially now that she had more at stake--two very important reasons.

MY TAKE:

First,  can I say how much I love this cover? Really, really love. If I wrote cowboy romance, this is the cover I would wish for. Dreamy, pensive sunrise with the cowboy silhouetted on his horse... 

And luckily for me the cover isn't even the best part of this book! Full of intrigue, romance, hidden agendas and emotions that have been bottled for way too long, this book kept me reading well into the night and rooting for true love to conquer all fears.

Nate Walker left town years ago,  his restless spirit searching for something more than his alcoholic father could offer him. His only regret was the girl he left behind, his best friend since childhood and the love of his life. He's finally back in town for his father's funeral and determined not to lose her a second time.

Jessie Calhoun never stopped loving her reckless cowboy, but her heart was broken when he left the first time. Will she get past her fear of being hurt again and be able to let Nate back into her life? And, oh, how to tell him that he's the father of rambunctious twins?

The author throws plenty of obstacles and misunderstandings in their way, but I breezed through this story and enjoyed every minute -- even when the characters were being so obtuse you just have to yell at the page in frustration. McKay keeps you rooting for that HEA and doesn't disappoint.

Great summer reading!

BOOK REVIEW: DEAD MAN'S RULES By Rebecca Grace #TWRP

Dead Man's Rules, by Rebecca Grace

Published January 2014 by The Wild Rose Press

About the Book (from Goodreads):

A woman on a mission, a man with secrets to hide...

When tabloid reporter Cere Medina decides to dig into the mysterious cold case death of Marco Gonzales, she hopes it will save her career. Instead, she unearths enough secrets to make a small town explode. Not to mention putting her on the wrong side of the town's fascinating sheriff.

Sheriff Rafe Tafoya doesn't need anyone digging up the past. He's come back to his hometown of Rio Rojo, New Mexico seeking peace and quiet. But Cere's arrival puts his town--and his heart--in danger.

Behind it all lurks the ghostly presence of Marco, who has everyone playing by a dead man's rules..

MY TAKE: 

Dead Man's Rules is a complicated ghost story, a cowboy romance, and an intriguing mystery, rolled into one complex package.

Cere Medina is an L.A.-based broadcast journalist for "Scope,"  a locally syndicated tabloid television news program. (Think Access Hollywood, or something akin to that.) When she gets a little too close to a story, the powers that rule send her on a forced "vacation" from her job. She decides to take the unwanted time off to visit her mom, who recently retired to the small New Mexico town where she grew up.

The local sheriff is a man Cere met once, years ago when she was in town visiting her cousins. Cere had a crush on him then, and the sparks fly when they meet in the present day. All Cere wants out of this vacation is a solid story and a shot at getting her old job back - or an even better job with the network.

Sheriff Rafe Tofoya is a single dad with  big chip on his shoulder. Even though he's attracted to the fiery reporter, the secrets he holds aren't his to divulge. Especially to a woman who just wants to use them to get ahead, not caring about any consequences.

The romance works well and the small town intrigue rings true, but some of the plot twists felt too convenient and the mother's character felt hollow. Despite a few minor flaws, I enjoyed the story and it kept me reading through to the satisfying conclusion. If you like gruff cowboys with some murder and intrigue thrown into the mix, you'll enjoy this easy summer read.

About the Author:

Rebecca Grace is an award winning former broadcast journalist who writes romance, mystery and romantic suspense. She also teaches writing classes and is a writing coach and mentor. Look for her next Core class at www.SavvyAuthors.com.

BOOK REVIEW: PROMISE MADE, by Mitzi Pool Bridges

Promise Made, by Mitzi PoolBridges

(The Callahan series, Book 4)
Published 2014 by The Wild Rose Press

About the Book (from Goodreads):

Five years after leaving Sheriff Dugan Callahan at the altar, defense attorney Kate Maroney is back in Oaktree, Texas. Her boss has proposed, and she's come home to figure out what to do. When her grandmother falls and Kate stays on to care for her, Kate starts accepting clients, hoping to keep her mind off of the fiery attraction she still feels for Dugan. 

Dugan wants to know: What is Kate running from now? And why does she fight the obvious feelings between them? Kate's agreement to represent a battered woman's murder case pits them against each other even more.

After the biggest trial in memory, half the town is rooting for them to get back together, while the other half would rather see Kate return to Austin and leave their sheriff alone. 

Who is right? Who is wrong? Will Kate run again, or will love win out in the end?

MY TAKE: 

Kaitlyn Maroney fled Oaktree, Texas five years ago, leaving Dugan Callahan standing alone at the alter on their wedding day. She's back in town to visit her grandmother,  running away from another marriage proposal, trying to figure out what it is that she's so afraid of. In every other way, she's a strong, competent woman who can stand on her own and doesn't need a man. But does she still need that macho cowboy, Dugan? Her heart isn't sure.

Five years ago, Dugan's heart was torn in two when Kate didn't show up on their wedding day. Now he's the sheriff of Oaktree and about to propose to a nice, sweet woman and settle down. So what's up with the roller coaster of emotions caused by Kate's arrival in town?

This is a sweet Western-flavored romance about two people who fell in love too young and got overwhelmed by the emotions. They're both older now, with more life experience under their belts, but still struggling with past hurts and how to get passed their past. Throw in a murder trial that keeps forcing them to spend time together and soon the passions are flaring. 

The author shows us both points of view, both Kate's and Dugan's, so the reader knows that both of them are confused about their own feelings as well as wondering what's in the other persons head, while the townsfolk take wagers on whether there will be wedding bells or more heartache. This is a fun, fast read and a sweet romance with a strong, feisty heroine and a cowboy. 

This is the fourth book about the Callahan brothers of Texas, but I hadn't read any of the other books...yet. This one can definitely stand alone. I've  never been a fan of cowboy romances, but after finding Dugan a truly swoon-worthy hero, I might have to try a few more.

The Kindle version is on sale now for $2.99 (bonus!)