I Give Up

Seriously, I just give up. I've been fighting depression brought on by Seasonal Affective Disorder over the last two months, and my writing is showing it. No one wants to read something by someone who doesn't have the ability to entertain them.

I had a similar issue when COVID lockdowns began while I was writing the first three Millersburg Magick Mysteries. So, I'm taking a break for the next ten days. I've got cooking and other prep to do for the rest of the winter holidays. So what I'm trying to say...

I am sincerely sorry that Feline Navidad and A Cup of Conflict won't be done before the end of 2024.

Even if by some Christmas miracle I get them both done tonight, I AM NOT going to interfere with my formatter and cover artist's time with their own families over the next ten days. That's just not right by any stretch of the imagination.

For those who may be worried that I won't finish with either series, DH has been gently attempting to prod me along. A few of my older readers aren't the only ones who are concerned about me not finishing the Justice series before they die. I'm concerned about writing them before I die, too.

First of all, I turn the big 6-0 next year, just like the rest of the eldest Gen-Xers. Second, I've worked too hard to regain my physical health over the last few years to throw it all away now. Third, DH and I have attended more funerals than usual this year. As he said, we are simply in that age.

But I know things will get better. I'm taking a writing class in Vegas in three weeks, and a lot more sunshine than I've been receiving will help. Also, we're past the solstice, so the days will get gradually longer. Between Groundhog Day (Imbolc) and Valentine's Day, I'll start feeling a lot better.

To everyone reading this, please take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Depression is an insidious disease that takes too many lives. If you need help, for Goddess's sake, please get help. There's nothing to be ashamed of, and the people who love you want to keep you in this world.

To everyone, may you have blessed holidays with the people you love no matter which holidays you celebrate!

Typing Furiously

All of the short stories have been submitted to the requesting editors except for the one that isn't due until December 31st. Yesterday, I started back on Feline Navidad. However, I didn't get as far as I wanted.

On the plus side, Darling Husband put up his Christmas tree with no help from me (I was struggling with words on my travel laptop in an empty Starbucks), and I must admit it's cute.

As of right now, I have approximately six days to finish writing and then publish this year's holiday story for my readers. Can I do it? I think so. All presents have been sent except for two I need to mail and one more I need to select. I have a few holiday cards to send to older relatives who love getting that type of thing.

My goal is to get all this holiday stuff done before DH and I watched It's a Wonderful Life over our Christmas Eve dinner of chicken spinach phyllo and watch football next Wednesday.

Go Steelers! Go Texans!

I hope y'all have a wonderful holiday, no matter which one you celebrate!

Mismatched Eyes

I didn't get Chapter 4 of A Cup of Conflict done prior to the cataract surgery on my right eye last Wednesday. Nor did I get my Christmas short story done either. And a private invitation to submit to an anthology had to be set aside as well.

 Unfortunately, I'm not getting much done in regards to writing or publishing this week. The visual acuity of my eyes is severely mismatched at the moment, resulting in double vision. It means I can't stay on my laptop more than a few minutes at a time. That problem will remain until I get my bionic left eye next Wednesday. So, by New Year's, fingers crossed, I'll be able to resume writing and editing.

The really sucky thing is I can't drive the week before Christmas. Thankfully, most errands have been run, and online ordering and delivery exists! On the other hand, DH has to drive me to my follow-ups with the eye surgeon and other end-of-the-year medical appointments.

I really don't like turning into one of those helpless little old ladies. Not that I will ever be little. LOL However, it's nice to hear the surgical nurse say I'm too young to be having cataract surgery.

Thank you to everyone who has bought and enjoyed my books. And to all my readers, I wish you a joyous holiday season!

Updates and Notices

If you haven't read the current Free Short Story, you have until midnight EST tonight before it comes down. If you want your own copy, The Trickster Priestess and the Demon will be released on August 15th. You can pre-order it on Amazon, and pre-orders will be set up on other retailers soon.

Also, Blood Magick will be free until the midnight on January 1st. If you liked it, please recommend it to your friends.

Holiday stories abound!

The Yule Switch was released on November 15th. It's available at all major retailers.

Amazon, all countries
Apple
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
Kobo
Smashwords

And A Very Hero New Year will be released tomorrow!

Want Something Extra? Be Nice to the Clerks

For the Day Job, I work in a retail shop. With the advent of Black Friday, the Christmas Crazies are in full swing.

Now, trust me I understand how stressful this time of year is, how you want everything to be perfect, how your MIL is never satisfied with what you carefully selected for her no matter how many hours you've spent. But taking your frustrations out on the clerk who's trying to help you won't solve your problem.

So I'm asking, Gentle Reader, to please keep the following in mind.

1)  Retail clerks don't set the prices. Grumbling, bitching or screaming at them won't magically give them the authority to give you a lower price. If it truly troubles you, ask for the manager. If you're still not happy, ask for the name and number of the district manager or even the owner.

2)  Retail clerks cannot magically pick out the perfect gift for your significant other.  If you don't know their tastes, that should be a red light that something else is going on in your relationship.

3)  Which brings me to--we're not being nosey when we ask you questions. We don't know your significant other, and we need more information in order to make appropriate suggestions.

4)  If you don't like the selection of the store or there's a particular item you'd like to see stocked, please take the corporate number the clerk gives you and call.  I work at a Hallmark franchise, and trust me, Hallmark Inc. WILL listen to the customers.  Two years ago, corporate replaced the beloved musical snowman they put out every Christmas with Snoopy. Should have been a no-brainer substitution with the popularity of the Peanuts characters, right?

Oh, heck, no!  Long time customers wanted their snowman, and this year, he's back!

5)  When a clerk has been on her feet for six hours straight, a smile and a kind word from a customer will make her day.  And those are the people who will get the extra effort.  As my grandmother said, you can attract more flies with honey than with vinegar.

I hope everyone has a safe and pleasant holiday season!