Happy New Year 2023! #AuthorUpdate #WriterGoals #Resolutions

 

Happy New Year!

Another year is over, and a new one has begun!

Do you have any goals or resolutions?

I always make lists throughout the year with projects I want to work on and complete. While I've learned over the years not to overwhelm myself, I still give myself lofty goals hoping to inspire me.

This year, I want to keep it simple.

I want to have fun.

Somehow, during these last few years, I've pushed myself so hard that I started to not get excited about my writing time. Writing was becoming work. And that mindset wasn't helping me get my word count goals. I was becoming too concerned about what others wanted from my writing that I lost focus on what I wanted.

I started writing because I had stories to tell. Somewhere along the way, I became too concerned about the process of writing and the marketing that followed.

I realized recently, that writing wasn't feeling fun anymore. It was becoming a chore.

And like my kids, I'm not a fan of chores.

So, this year, I want to bring more fun into my writing. I want to enjoy losing myself in the worlds I create, going on adventures with these characters, and falling in love with the heroes and heroines of my stories.

My goal this year is to feel joy with creation!

If it's not bringing me joy, then skip! I don't need it.

I'm not going to compile a list of books that I'm going to write this year. I'm going to take it one project at a time and see how it goes. From a business viewpoint, that's probably not ideal, but I want to have fun.

Hopefully, my readers will enjoy this journey as much as I do!

So, instead, I'm adding a list of books I completed in 2022! It's not as impressive as some previous years. I didn't get as much writing done as I'd hoped. But, I'm still pleased with my accomplishments!

Some of the boxed sets were limited-time collections and are no longer available.

Here are the links for the books still available at this time...

Paranormal Unbound

Shifter Christmas Howlidays

Love Never Dies

A Haunting for Christmas

Into the Dark

2021 Year in Review #AuthorUpdate

 

Well, it's that time of year when people reflect on the year's progress and successes. 2021 has swept by in the blink of an eye! While I didn't get all of my goals met (I had a lot of them!), I did achieve quite a few successes that I'm grateful for, and I'd like to share them with you. After all, I wouldn't be anywhere without my readers. I can't even express my gratitude in words! That's how much you mean to me!

So, here's a list of my published books this year. Some of the boxed set collections were only limited edition and are no longer available, but I plan to re-publish the stories I contributed when the time is right (meaning when I get covers that I'm satisfied with!).

Her Haunted Valentine (Oops! I forgot to add this to the graphic!)

The Alien and the Elf

The Lunora Chronicles

The Ghost of Morley Manor

Tis the Season for Romance

Into the Dark

Of those books published, one of them made it onto the USA Today Besteller's List (a first for me!), as well as an Amazon and International bestseller!

This happened in August 2021, but I am still so excited that we achieved this! It's been a dream of mine to make this list and to see it finally happen was more than wonderful! Again, my many, many thanks to the readers who helped make this happen!

I also keep track of my word count, made easier since I began writing with 4thewords! This is an online game where you battle monsters by writing to hit word counts. It's very effective at increasing your word count as I like to earn tokens to buy my avatar new clothes. My kids help me dress my avatar so it's almost like a family game. And now we have a house to decorate, too! And outside land, too! It's really fun! :)

Here are a few looks for our avatars!

You can find more on Pinterest. I wanted a way to save some of the ones we really loved!

Well, I think that's it! Here's hoping for a fantastic year for 2022!

I wish you a happy, safe and healthy New Year!!

 

Author Update ~ Autumn 2021 #amwriting #pnr

If you've been keeping up with my newsletter or my blog, then you probably know that I've been a busy little author for the last several months. I've really ramped up my writing and excitement about publishing.

And the hard work has paid off!

In August, one of the collections I was in hit the USA Today Bestseller list. I'm still over the moon about that one! In addition, I became an internationally bestselling author in the process. A dream come true!

Because of these multi-author projects, I'm flexing my writing muscles and reaching more readers. Two of the things I've been wanting to do for quite some time.

Now that summer is over (where did the time go?) and we're heading into autumn, I'm taking a look at what's ahead.

I have a paranormal romance scheduled for release on October 16 called The Ghost of Morley Manor. I'm a sucker for a good ghost story. Adding a love story to the mix is a wonderful bonus. Gothic romance has always been my first true love in fiction, so my novella this month is a reflection of this.

I'm giving my sci-fi aliens a rest this month and focusing on my paranormal romances. It is Halloween season after all, so that seems appropriate.

For October, I'm going to share several excerpts of my previously published paranormal romances with you. And maybe a few true story ghostly tales. 

I've had some eerie experiences with the unexplained. But I don't think I've really delved into those for my blog readers. So expect to see that sometime this month. In the meantime, I'd love to hear ghost stories from you! Share in the comments!

And I may make a list of my favorite spooky movies or books to read during this spectacular season. Would you be interested in that? I can put it on my ever-growing to-do-list. :)

If I have time, I might have another surprise for you. I've been working on a long-time project. It's a paranormal romance that's really different from anything else I've written to date. I'm looking into possibly publishing it on Kindle's new platform, Vella, as it seems it might fit there nicely. It's another way to flex those writing muscles! 

That's all for now. But I do have upcoming books to watch out for this winter! I'll keep you posted! Until then, if you haven't already, please check out my most recent releases!

Happy Reading!

~ Tricia

Alien Embrace: A Limited Edition Collection of Alien Romances

The Lunora Chronicles: A Dark Fantasy Fairytale Collection

Alien Seduction: A Limited Edition Alien Romance Collection

 

Sneak Peek 2021! See what's coming soon! #AuthorUpdate #romancebooks #amwriting

Since 2020 threw me several curve balls (well, who would have thought we'd live through a year such as this!), my New Year's resolutions and goals changed considerably throughout the year. I still accomplished way more than I thought possible (see my New Year's Eve post), but I decided I'm not going to make a list of resolutions and goals in quite the same way as I did before.

Instead, I'm going to let readers have a sneak peek at what I'm planning for 2021. Of course, these plans might change. I'm a single mom of 4 kids, I've learned to be flexible in making plans because inevitably something goes awry. Sometimes, I've found, it's better to be spontaneous!

However, I'm really excited about 2021! I want to share some of the projects that I'll be working on.

First off, I have a short story releasing January 6th! A great way to start the year off with a bang! If you haven't already, you can hop over to Amazon to pre-order Captured and Captivated: A Limited Edition Collection of Alien Abduction Romances.

This year, I'm focusing primarily on shifters and aliens. I'm still working on The Cougar Shifter series. Book 2 was delayed due to the pandemic and I found myself struggling to complete it. Readers have asked about when it will be released and while I don't have a date set at the moment, I can say it will be in 2021.

I also have 2 sci-fi romance series in the works. These have been on my list of things to do for a long, long time. This is the year, I think that they need to be written. Aliens are all the rage, as shown by the fans of Stolen and Seduced with over 200 ratings on Goodreads! I'm excited to venture into sci-fi territory. It's always been a passion of mine. I'm a huge fan of shows like Doctor Who, Farscape, Firefly and the Stargate and Star Trek Universes. I've always wanted to write stories like these. I feel like 2021 is the year to take my writing in a new direction.

But, that doesn't mean I'm giving up on my paranormal passion! Far from it! This year, along with shifters, I have stories planned with vampires, witches, demons and maybe even angels! And I have a post-apocalyptic story that is itching to be told. I'm not sure if anyone is interested in that particular sub-genre with the way things are right now, but I really love this story! I might sit on that one for a while, or I might just throw it out there to share with you. I haven't decided. What do you think? A post-apocalyptic romance? Too soon?

I've also got several contests lined up for 2021. I know my readers love those contests and giveaways! If you want to get those notices, you can join my newsletter. Every month, I send it to let readers know about my new releases and contests.

So, that's what I've got brewing so far. As I said, things may change. I don't ever write anything in stone these days. In the meantime, there are some books that are currently up for pre-order. You can take advantage of pre-ordering them and adding them to your TBR list now!

I wish you many blessings and good fortune in this new year! I hope you all live healthy, happy and your dreams come true!

Happy New Year!

~Tricia

Available for Pre-Order!

 

Year 2020 In Review Author Update #NewRelease #amwriting

I've been taking some time to look back at the year 2020, searching for some good things that happened this year. While it's been an extremely trying year, I am happy to see that I succeeded many of the goals that I'd given myself.

This year, I pushed myself like no other. It's been challenging, but I made it! This year, I took my first step into self-publishing. While I've been traditionally published with small presses for ten years, I knew this was the next step in my journey as an author.

Loving Boone was my debut self-published novel. I'm incredibly proud of all the work I put into it. I'm also very grateful for those who helped me make it a reality! Self-publishing is not a solo path! I have a team of people who help me and I never would have made it without them. I am incredibly grateful to Ash Krafton for all of her help and encouragement along the way. I never would have taken this step without her guidance.

I've also discovered I have a slight addiction for multi-author projects. I enjoy writing stories for calls for submissions that I might not otherwise write. These projects push me in new directions and keep my writing fresh and exciting. 

New projects, new directions, new challenges. It's been an exciting year in regards to my writing.

At times, I didn't think I'd be able to do it. No one planned for a global pandemic when we were writing our New Year's goals and resolutions last January. Somehow, through sheer force of will I think, I managed to keep writing despite the depression and anxiety that came along with learning about Covid-19. Add to that the struggle of being a single mom of four children. Homeschooling (which I freely admit, I did not go to school to become a teacher and there is a reason for that!) as well as self-isolating and taking every precaution and more to keep my children safe, educated and entertained. It was a lot to take this year.

Taking my writing to that next level is both exhilarating and frightening. But, I would never be able to do it without readers. I've been shown such kindness and encouragement from readers that it truly brings tears to my eyes. For every email, comment and review I've received this year, I am so grateful for everyone who has turned a page in one of my books and read those words that I worked countless hours on.

Thank you! Seriously, I cannot thank you enough! I appreciate every one of you!

For more about my books and writing, check out http://www.TriciaSchneider.com.

Summer Writing Blues #AuthorUpdate #amwriting

Summer is in full swing! Many of you are currently on vacation or have plans for a nice summer escape whether its traveling somewhere or staying at home to simply turn the pages of a good book. Or maybe both!

My favorite part of summer is lounging outside on a comfy porch swing and reading the day away. Honestly, though, I haven't had much opportunity for such luxuries. My kids are keeping me rather busy this summer. Busier than most other summers.

And, oh, how my writing has suffered as a result! I barely wrote a word for the entire month of June! It's been constant chaos and noise (varying from laughter to crying, depending on which of my  children are getting along and which are fighting). I have 4 children (ages 2, 6, 9, & 11). Then there's swimming lessons, kid's craft workshops, Scouting activities, trips to the library and local museums and summer camps. I'm also working with my oldest this summer to prepare him for the upcoming school year. Last year, he struggled with his grades and I don't want him to suffer the summer slide that the teachers tell me often happens to students during vacation.

Needless to say, my typical writing during the baby's nap time schedule has gone with the summer wind. I resorted to writing at night again, after the kids go to bed, but I continue to struggle with this time frame since I tend to fall asleep early. Really, I love them dearly, but my kids exhaust me! Since writing at night isn't working to my liking, my next option is negotiating with them.




Maybe this will work...

"If Mommy doesn't get any writing time, 

then kids don't get any PlayStation time."

I haven't dared implement this...yet. It's my secret weapon. I'm still trying to figure out which part of the day I'm going to squeeze in a writing hour or two before I make my demands.

Also, to encourage me to buckle down and make this work, I've joined Camp NaNo. With the summer Nano, I can choose my own word count goal to suit my needs and change it as I see fit. I can also choose my own type of writing project. I've started a new novel. Realistically, I know that I won't be able to churn out 50k so I've shaved that in half for a goal of 25k this month. I'm hoping that will give me a nice chunk to begin and I can continue on in August.

I did well enough last week. This week, I've faltered. The Summer Writing Blues hit.

No time. No quiet. No escape. 

However, I know I won't give up. I've tried to in the past, it just doesn't stick. So, I'll figure it out. It might take me all summer, but I'll find my precious writing time. Even if I have to resort taking 5 to 15 minute sprints I used to write when my two oldest boys were toddlers.

I'll make it work. 

That's what writers do. 

Happy Reading!

Tricia

New Contract, New Opportunities #HistoricalRomance #WIP

I'm super excited to announce that I've recently signed a new contract with The Wild RosePress to publish my historical romance tentatively titled, The Pirate's Lady.

This is a step in a new direction for me.

My books are primarily paranormal romances, however The Pirate's Lady will be straight historical romance without even a hint of supernatural goings-on!

Shocking, I know!

My readers and friends know that I am a huge paranormal lover, so what's with the change of scenery?

Well, it's exactly that. A change of scenery. A chance to let my writing muscles grow and perhaps to reach a new audience. I'm avidly interested in history. I've done immense amounts of research into many time periods that I've yet to dip my publishing toe into. I have several works-in-progress stories set in various time periods and locales. This just happens to be another one.

And pirates are fun! 

This is also an amazing opportunity for me to work with a new (to me!) editor, one who works in the historical department of TWRP. I hear those ladies are very serious about historical accuracy! I'm eagerly looking forward to learning more!

But, that doesn't mean that my paranormal romance editor won't be busy anymore. I have two more romances in the works with supernatural elements that I hope to send her soon. Despite branching into a new genre, that doesn't mean I'll abandon my first love!

If you'd like to keep up with my upcoming stories, 

please join my newsletter! 

Or if you'd like to catch up on my paranormal romances, 

check out my website.

Another Reason to Celebrate Mother's Day!

I have another special reason to celebrate Mother's Day this year! A brand new baby! Yep! I was blessed with another baby boy on April 15th. He measured 7lbs 14oz. and 20 inches long. He's the smallest of my babies, so itty-bitty tiny like a little baby doll! My oldest son was born 9lbs 5oz. which makes quite a difference in size especially when he couldn't even fit in some of the newborn clothes given to me for his baby shower! Lucky for me, I kept all those unused outfits, so now his baby brother has the perfect sized clothing.

My children are thrilled to have a new sibling. My 4 year-old daughter has become like a second mommy to him. She helps change his diapers and gets clothes for him to wear. She's a wonderful helper. My older boys are just as helpful. They hold him for me while I try to get some work done around the house (which hasn't been much lately!). I took some time off of house-work to recover from my c-section.

I also intended to take some time off of writing. Since this is my 4th baby, I was aware of how exhausting it is to care for a newborn. To my complete surprise, my son has been very kind to me. He's a great sleeper! So much so that I couldn't sleep much at all those first few nights since I was constantly waking to check on him. And when he's awake, he's content to sit and look around, taking in his surroundings and listening to the constant noise of his brothers and sister playing in the same room.

I haven't gone back to my daily writing schedule yet, but I have worked a little here and there. Originally, I thought about giving myself a month or two away from writing, but even my husband laughed at that notion! I was talking about my stories with the nurses in the hospital. There was no way I could take a vacation from writing. The day after I came home from the hospital, I'd written about 2 or 3 pages of a brief outline for a story idea that I came up with from a dream. So, yes, even if I'm not working on my daily word count or edits as of yet, I'm still working on my stories. Even when I'm feeding the baby around 1am, I'm working through the plot of my current WIP. Just another way to prove that writers never take vacations!