Writing Retreat

I’m off to a writing retreat with one of my favorite people, author L.K. Magill. We’ve been friends for over a decade, and now we’re going through this author journey together!⁠

Sure, our genres are completely different: She writes sexy sci-fi romance, and I write sweet contemporary and fantasy romance. But having someone who understands AND can relate to every emotion of this author journey has been beyond priceless.⁠

I can’t imagine going through this without her.⁠

We’re spending two nights in a beautiful San Diego hotel. Sunshine. Coffee. And writing. Can’t get much better than that! My amazing husband is staying home with the kids, so I’m very excited to have hours of un-interrupted writing time.

My weekend goal: 15,000 words.

Now let’s see how much actual writing we can get done over the weekend while lounging poolside!⁠

What is Fantasy Romance?

Basically, it's a romance set in a fantasy world. If you take out the romantic plot, there's no story. It's all about the romance. When I discovered this genre, I knew I'd found my perfect niche.

My favorite books are fantasy with a heavy dose of romance. Too little romance and I'm disappointed. Sure, I enjoy other romance sub-genres like contemporary or historical. But fantasy romance is my jam.

As a hopeless romantic, I'm all about love. In books, movies, songs. I love reading (and writing) romance that is sweet, heartfelt and magical. Romance that makes you yearn for happily-ever-after, that makes you believe in soul mates, and gives you all the feels from beginning to end.

Sweet. Fantasy. Romance.

What is your favorite genre?

First Day of Kindergarten

We started our homeschooling journey this year! After spending months preparing for this, it's gone better than I could have imagined. I love teaching again, and Addison loves learning!

We keep it simple. Every day we focus on Language Arts, Handwriting and Math. Then I let Addison decide if she wants to do Art or Science, and we use aspects from life for Social Studies.

Here's the curriculum we chose:
The Good and the Beautiful - Language Arts
Math-U-See - Math

And we love these subscription kits:
Ivy Kids - Science & Art & Literature
Kiwi Co - Science & Art
Kidstir - Cooking

Progress Update - Legend of The Celtic Fey

Book 1 in my YA fantasy romance series is titled Aurelia Falling.

I have 24k words written so far, and am in love with how the story’s coming along. It’s going to be a little different than my previous books. I like to write in first person point-of-view, but this book is also written in dual perspective, his and hers.

It’s been a challenge learning to write from a male perspective, but it brings added depth to the story and allows for a better glimpse into the mindset of both main characters.

Do you enjoy reading romances in dual POV?

Book Review - Echo in Time trilogy by Lindsey Fairleigh

Echo in Time trilogy by Lindsey Fairleigh is a time travel romance.⁠

**Heat Level Warning: These books are not clean reads!⁠

Summary:

Their love is destined to shatter the boundaries of time…

Archaeology grad student Alexandra Larson’s world is turned upside down when her mother shares her deepest, darkest secret–that she doesn’t know the true identity of Lex’s father. The revelation sparks a change within Lex, and her dreams become far too real. She sees things she shouldn’t be able to see…knows things she couldn’t possibly know. Terrifying things. Deadly things.

To distract her from the surreal changes taking over her life, Lex leaps at the chance to join an Egyptian excavation run by Oxford’s enigmatic Professor Marcus Bahur. But the distraction might be more than she bargained for. While deciphering the secrets of a mysterious stone tablet, Lex falls headlong into a prophecy created by a dying god over four millennia ago. She must rely on her frightening new psychic powers to dig up the truth. And it doesn’t take long for her visions to convince her that both Professor Bahur and his excavation are much more than they seem…

My Review:⁠

Echo in Time: 4 stars = I really liked it!⁠

Time Anomaly: 4 stars = I really liked it!⁠

Ricochet through Time: 3.5 stars = I liked it!⁠

This book series wasn’t exactly what I expected, but I still enjoyed it. I liked the unique twist on Egyptian mythology, and the mystery factor that kept me reading until every question was answered. It was a somewhat slow-burn romance with fated mates, who’s love really was “destined to shatter the boundaries of time.”⁠

If you enjoy fated mates, Egyptian mythology and mystery, this book is worth the read.

Progress Update - YA Fantasy Romance

My current WIP is a 3-book series about fey princes, folklore, and of course, swoon-worthy romance! The series title is Legend of The Celtic Fey.

I’m 18,000 words (or, 11 chapters) into the first book and have the entire series plotted out from start to finish. I’ve had so much fun researching Celtic folklore and creating a brand new world with Scotland-inspired landscape, legendary creatures, and ancient prophecies of true love. 

It’s the perfect blend of mythology and romance.

New Writing Project

I have exciting news!

I’m working on the early stages of a new writing project! It’s a 3-book YA Fantasy Romance series that takes place in a gorgeous Scotland-inspired setting. Folklore, fey princes, and true love make this an epic romance. I can’t wait to share it with you!

More details coming soon!