An Extra Special Cover Design ~ by Linda Boulanger

Last month, I talked a bit about the process that goes into making a book cover fit the story and the personality of the author, an idea provided by one of my author group members. Chris also asked if I had a favorite and why it was my favorite. That has to be one of the hardest questions I am ever asked. Honestly, I love each cover I design. As much as the books are the author’s baby and a part of them, I feel the same way about the covers, so it’s much like choosing a favorite child when they are all different and special in their own way. It’s nearly impossible!

There is one cover, however, that changed a lot of things for me. It’s Julia Mills’ For the Love of Her Dragon. I can’t really tell you what happened. If you read my last blog post, you might remember me mentioning that I have to have inspiration for my designs. This cover was no exception, but for whatever reason, during the design process for For the Love of Her Dragon, something just clicked and I knew it was special. It felt magical, I was excited about it, and I knew this cover was going places.

It did, winning me an official RONE for the Best Paranormal Cover in 2015.

I’ve had my share of award-winning covers, and have also had other covers as finalists in the RONE Awards, but this one earned my first Winner’s Badge and a beautiful cut-glass trophy. Better than that, I felt this cover helped to raise my confidence level and to increase my skills as a designer. It’s one that I can look at still after almost four years and feel that same giddiness I felt the day I designed it.

Meet our Members ~ Jacquolyn McMurray

Jacquolyn McMurray

Jacquolyn McMurray and her husband live on a macadamia nut farm on the island of Hawaiʻi where they feed a clowder of cats and a flock of hodgepodge chickens.

Jacquolyn is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Greater Seattle Romance Writers and the American Christian Fiction Writers.  

When she’s not writing, Jackie enjoys spending time with her family, reading, sewing, and solving crossword puzzles.  In a past life, she was an elementary school teacher.

To view Jacquolyn's contact links and books, please click MEMBER PAGE

Diversity in Your Sphere of Influence ~ Marj Ivancic

     

In the United States, and probably many other countries, grade school and high school experiences are quite often defined by social cliques. There are the jocks, nerds, cheerleaders, burnouts, and so forth. I’m sure the names have changed in the 20-odd years since I had to remember a locker combination, but you get the point. Regardless of the moniker, the number one rule governing how these groups co-exist has stayed fairly concrete—do not intermingle.
     As we get older, we change; they change; Life forces us to work

together. The social stigmas fall away and that rule bends. But too often, it does not break. We still gravitate toward people who are “like” us. We crave people whose company makes us free safe, smart, and accepted.
     But what are we leaving on the table by staying this course?
     There are a number of studies out there now that show that diversity in one’s sphere of influence is linked to greater creativity, success, and overall happiness.
     Why?
     

It’s the domino effect, really. And it’s beautiful.
     Being around people from other cultures, economic backgrounds, occupations, schooling, and familial situations (etc.) allows you to see experiences through a host of different lenses, not just your own. You are exposed to their thought processes and logic, their viewpoints and rationales, and ultimately their reactions. You begin to learn new ways of thinking. You expand your logic patterns, opening doors that were not only closed before but did not even exist! It gives you so many more ways to remove barriers from you path and to solve problems. (In the world of innovation, many people call that the “beauty of strange connections,” but that’s a topic for another month!)
     This wider exposure has also been shown to lead to an increase in curiosity, flexibility, and willingness to try new things. Consequently, the more new experiences you have, the more comfortable you become with being confronted by the unknown. In fact, the number of “unknowns” in your life decreases, which means the frequency and chances of having such an encounter also goes down. (Hallelujah!)
     AND by broadening your experiences, you learn what you like, what you don’t like, and what you’re willing to tolerate. Essentially, you learn who you really are. Imagine how improved your relationships with others could be if you really knew YOU?
     In all of this, it’s also important to build relationships with people who challenge you. They’re the masters at what they do and can be mentors to you. They give you the hard truth (in a kind fashion) so that you continue to grow and improve. “Yes Men” may make you feel good in the moment, but they won’t advance you as a person.
     I use the term “sphere of influence” because I don’t think you have to be best friends with all of these people. In fact, I don’t think this is limited to one-on-one relationships with people at all. 

     Take “Originality by Design,” for example. It seeks to inspire

the creativity in us all. It’s structured to bring together a group of people to share their assorted experiences and knowledge. Through its mission, it supports this diversity of thought. It’s open and obligation free—all you have to do is read.
     So with that, I’ve decided to put two challenges before me during the next year:
   

 1) to regularly read/watch/listen to something on a topic that doesn’t interest me or directly impact anything I’m working on or that is happening in my life
     2) to keep the proverbial seat at the table beside me open. Who knows who might sit there and what they might teach me!
     I’m sure I’ll fail here and there—I am an introvert, after all—but it’s the effort that counts! Perhaps in a later installment, I’ll report back on what I’ve learned!    

 

Magical Places by Author Victoria Zak

Have you ever been to a place so magical that when you left, you felt as if you left behind a piece of your heart? I have.

Back in September of 2018, Mr. Zak surprised me with a trip of a lifetime, two tickets to Scotland. I've always wanted to experience the Highlands firsthand but never thought I'd do it. I'm so glad we did because there's something to be said about Scotland’s luring magic. From rich in history to the people of today, Scotland is a real treasure.

We covered much ground in two weeks touring Glasgow, Glencoe,

Loch Ness, Inverness, Isle of Skye, and Edinburgh. To know exactly where I left a piece of my heart is hard to tell. There were many magical places I visited--castles, Abbeys, battlefields, and local pubs (the best fish and chips I've ever had.) 

However, nothing comes close to the Highlands. That’s where I left a piece of my heart. One of our firsts stops was in Glencoe. Deep valleys and towering mountains, I was speechless. Mr. Zak had pulled over so I could take in the moment. I hiked up a wee bit of a mountain to make sure I wasn't dreaming.
Next stop was the Isle of Skye. When they say that Skye is the jewel of Scotland, they’re not joking. So many beautiful iconic landscapes; The Old Man of Storr, Kilt rock, Dinosaur footprints at Staffin Beach, (No, we didn’t see any magical prints), Fairy Pools,

and The Quiraing, which is the most beautiful place I've seen with its misty soaring cliffs, green plateaus, and jagged rocks. Welcome to the wild Highlands. Again, a piece of my heart stayed behind.
     Once we had our fill of magical scenery, we toured Dunvegan castle and Eilean Donan castle. In one day, I found myself inside castles of warring clans. Yikes! Good thing I’m a Bruce😊
     Even though most of the time there was rain and wind, which wasn't bad, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Maybe sparked a few story ideas. The whispering voices of Scotland will call me back one day, and I can't wait to return.

Victoria Zak is an international bestselling author of Scottish historical/paranormal romance. She weaves magic into her timeless tales, reminding readers anything is possible, especially with a dragon by your side. Raised in Dunedin, Florida, the sister city to Stirling Scotland, it’s no wonder she grew up fascinated with anything Scottish. Add the ocean into the mix, and it’s easy to see where Victoria finds inspiration for her stories.

     When not writing, she enjoys historical research and hanging out at the nearest coffee shop. Currently, she resides in Maryland with her real-life heroes, her husband and two children. 

     Victoria loves hearing from her readers and may be reached at:

     WEBSITE   AMAZON   FACEBOOK  TWITTER

     INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS

Home School to Holistic by Author and Entrepreneur Andrea Johnson-Beck

     Each journey is filled with trials and triumphs, blood and tears. No matter the age, it doesn’t get easier, but we must keep moving forward. Continue to evolve and grow. Each phase of life holds change and the unknown. 

     I never saw myself as a home school mom, but God had other plans. Same went for my author career. Then the time came when my son, Logan, was graduating and moving on. The writing voices ceased. I felt lost. Disconnected from who I was. Being a home school mom was my life, ensuring Logan had a solid educational foundation, but now what? I struggled for months. Struggled to search for Andrea. Exhausted and emotionally shredded.      In a breath, I stopped.

 

     

Courtesy of Pexels.com

I sank to the floor in my closet, closed my eyes, and stopped. I was silent. I was still. Unsure of how much time passed, I stood up, walked into the kitchen, and started to rummage through my spice cupboard. I mixed herbs and spices. I purchased seeds to grow herbs. I dried flower petals. I love to cook and felt this was a healing extension. Each creation was a balm for my soul.
     I took herbalism and aromatherapy classes. I bought books upon

Photo courtesy of Pexels.com

books to study and understand every plant, flower, elements, healing properties, and medicinal remedies. The more I learned and connected with others, the more I felt a sense of community and belonging. 

     My journey through Adenomyosis, eating disorder, outpatient recovery, IBS, and emotional turmoil brought me to this place. Through the pain and doubt, the shame and anxiety, I managed to dig out my path with dirt and grit.
     The Rustic Woman allowed me to share homemade recipes, especially those with food allergies; I have soy and dairy allergies. Going out to eat can be a challenge. I wanted others to see there were delicious alternatives. I understand the cringe of alternatives, I do the same thing, and not everything is created equal. I promised I’d never post anything below my high taste standards. Also, my recipes will never be linear; it’s not who I am. I encourage people to make it their own. I know that’s not for everyone; however, creeping outside of the box can be a good thing.
     A year and a half into The Rustic Woman I decided to create The Rustic Apothecary. It was important for me to share what I’ve learned and created through herbalism with my roll-on oil fragrances. Each fragrance is made to order through my knowledge of which essential oils and botanicals blend together. My kitchen most days looks like a mad scientist's lab, but I love creating these oils.
     

Logan

Logan jumped in on it and created a scent for Autism Acceptance/Awareness Month and named it Quirky Soul (he is on the Autism Spectrum). When your world is heavy, the mind is full, your soul stirs and reaches for comfort and grounding. Allow sage, lavender, and chamomile to calm and heal. Fragrance profile: ease, renew, and settle. Fragrance notes: amber woods, citrus whisper, and tender blossoms. Ingredients: Fractioned coconut oil, Vitamin E, and parabens, phthalates, alcohol-free essential oil blend.
     Another favorite creation and one we use often is Tranquility.

Tranquility

Allow whispers of lavender, rose, and jasmine to calm your mind. The botanical blend will bloom within and bring forth divine dreams. Fragrance profile: peace, soft, and light. Fragrance notes: fields of lavender, sweet floral gardens, and fresh spring breeze.
     Who knows where this new journey will take me, but I’m blessed to have been able to help others--whether it be a recipe for soy-free bread, home school guidance, or oil to ease anxiety.
     The unknown doesn’t need to be terrifying. It’s about perspective. It’s about taking one step at a time. One breath at a time. Where we belong and who we are... messy and beautiful, bizarre and lovely.

     The journey is worth it.

     Here is a recipe from The Rustic Woman.
     Before my hysterectomy, I had Adenomyosis, which is a condition in which the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus. Adenomyosis causes extreme menstrual cramps, lower abdominal pressure, and bloating before menstrual periods and can result in heavy periods. This is a painful condition and would trigger IBS symptoms.
     During my herbalist training, I learned much about different herbs that would aid in relief. I created different teas to calm my symptoms as much as possible. The four dried herbs I found most significant help from are red clover, burdock, lavender, and yarrow.
     
     

Red Clover

Red Clover - Delicate & sweet, studies have shown it lowers cholesterol, helps with indigestion, hot flashes, and PMS.

Burdock

Burdock - The root has a distinctive smell and is known to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, heal a damaged liver, and detox the blood.

Lavender

Lavender - Studies show the herb aids in digestive distress, nausea, and stomach cramps. It is an antispasmodic and reduces gas and bloating.  

Yarrow

Yarrow  (a favorite of mine)- This is an anti-inflammatory, reliefs menstrual cramps and pain, heals, detoxes, and lessens stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea. 

                  

All that is stated above is from my studies. 

     Holistic medicine is portrayed as false, but many disagree, myself included. I have witnessed first hand the aid from herbs and oils. As a society, we are all for taking many pills, and some are needed to survive, but we never honestly ask questions. We are willing to take on the side effects, which could lead to more problems, but when I mention holistic healing, I’m bombarded with skepticism and negativity. 

     I was on many medications in the past for my IBS, Pelvic

Adhesive Disease, anxiety, and depression. Once I began my herbalist journey, my mind changed immediately. When I have an IBS flare-up this tea is the first thing I make. The lovely aroma alone calms me down. This beautiful and healing tea brings comfort, relief, and solace. I make a medium size batch that fills a mason jar. Equal parts of the above herbs. Mix. A little goes a long way. I use a stainless steel mesh tea infuser strainer, but any tea steeper will work. Steep for 10-15 minutes. Lemon or honey is optional.

Andrea Johnson-Beck is a veteran home school mama, bestselling author, and an Autism Spectrum advocate. She has successfully created a line of chemical-free fragrances for men and women. Along with her son, Logan, they are planning to create an aromatherapeutic rollerball fragrance for those on the Austism Spectrum. Her educational journey with herbalism has taught her much about homeopathic medicine, healing foods, and intuitive eating. You may contact Andrea at the following:

ETSY STORE

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK