Monday, November 21, 2016

Thanksgiving 2016 and a bonus Giveaway!



2016 has been a turbulent year for most of us and I'm glad it's almost over. That being said, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the good things--people, places, and events--that have enriched my life and made me grateful to be alive. 

January-I started on the Paleo Diet and increased my visits to the gym. Now I'm ten pounds lighter and in better physical shape than I've been in years. You don't realize how important it is to be able to walk for miles until you can't do it any more. Problem solved.

Also in January-My historical novel Yesterday was released. 

February-My historical novel Mayon was re-released under the DSP P imprint. 

March-I attended the annual Dreamspinner Press conference in Orlando, Florida. Aside from seeing old friends, and making new ones, I was energized. I left the meeting feeling confident in my publisher and the future of our growing genre. 

April-I made a short trip to North Carolina to visit my granddaughter. She's the first female to show up in our testosterone-heavy family in a gazillion years. Not only is she beautiful (I'm not biased-see for yourself) she's smart, loves animals, speaks her mind, and has a small army of doting relatives at her command.  She might be the one to break the glass ceiling. No lie. She's something else.       



May-I fell and hurt my neck. It doesn't sound like a positive thing BUT there were no broken bones. At my age, that's a very good thing. I'm grateful to have made a full recovery in a short time.

June-Open Seating, the first book in the Open Series was released 

July-I left for Spain and spent almost six weeks with my family in the Basque Country. It was great fun and I left with plot bunnies bouncing happily in my head. The result is a long novella that will be a part of the Dreamspinner "World of Love" collection representing Spain.  

September-The One Pulse Anthology was released.  I'm grateful to have contributed in my small way to benefit the members of the LGBT organizations in Central Florida. 

October-Open House, book #2 in the Open Series released.  

November-The Chicago Cubs won the World Series! OMG! I'm grateful to Naomi Grant, Elizabeth Noble, and all the members of DreamReaders of Dreamspinner Press for inviting me to participate in the nail-biting, hair-pulling, group watch. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the sport. Let's hope for a repeat next year! 



I'd like to acknowledge and thank my editor, Erika Orrick. Despite the many challenges she's faced this year, Erika has found the time to help me in every way possible. I'm also grateful that I have a diligent and super efficient publicist, Joleen. She's a wiz at handling my blog tours and anything promo-related.

I'm very grateful that Elizabeth North and Lynn West are a part of my life. They continue to encourage my writing endeavors, guide our publishing home with a steady and reliable hand, and pass along their high standards to everyone behind the scenes at Dreamspinner Press. I couldn't ask for a better group of people to work with.

I'm super grateful to the bloggers, reviewers, loyal readers, friends and fellow authors who have supported me in one way or another this year. Thank you for letting me be a part of this community. 

To all the authors who have kept my Kindle loaded--thank you! I appreciate all your wonderful stories. They've kept me sane throughout this election year.   

Upcoming in 2017-Open Case book #3 in the Open Series will release in early February. Son #3 gets married at the end of March and presents me with granddaughter #2 in May! So excited to welcome another female into the family. I'm hoping to repeat my Spanish vacation in August and join a good friend on a Baltic Cruise in September. Meanwhile, I write, and write, and write some more... Chyna Doll fans. I'm 50% done with the sequel. Crossing my fingers and toes that my muse keeps me on track. 

Giveaway: Leave a comment on this blog for a chance to win a $20.00 DSP gift certificate. Winner to be announced on December 10. 



                                       


  


21 comments:

  1. You seem to have quite a lot this year, don't you. 2016 has been quite an eventful year and we still have over a month to go. Here's wishing only good will come on what's left of the year, shall we. And more books for you to publish, too!
    Happy Holidays, Mickie - wish you fab time with your loved ones. :)

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  2. I didn't think so until I listed everything:) Enjoy your holidays as well. Thanks for your support, Dee.

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  3. How do you find the time? Living your life to the fullest I suppose. Mickie I'm looking forward to the sequel to China Doll and I hope you and yours have a wonderful Holliday season.

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  4. Thank you, Claudia. Enjoy your holidays!

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  5. What a year, Mickie. You do seem to have had a successful and interesting year... Only the prelude to many good things to come, certainly. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! I hope next year brings at least as many good things as this last one.

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    1. It's been busy but I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you so much for stopping by today. May the holidays bring you the best of everything!

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  6. What an eventful year! Thanks for all your writing and for sharing your positivity today.

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    1. Thank you, Jillian! I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

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  8. Wow, your year has been just full of adventures and unintentional mishaps. I am glad that the fall wasn't serious. And SPAIN, omg, I bet that was truly amazing!May the next year be filled with fun, adventure and loving family moments. Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. It's been an interesting year, that's for sure. Thank you so much for stopping by on this busy day. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  9. Happy Thanksgiving Mickie you've had such a busy year and I'm looking forward to reading more fab books from you.

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    1. Thank you, ShirleyAnn. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

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  10. I had a tough year but one highlight was seeing family and spending lots of time with them (I haven't seem them in over 10 years) now we are close ahain. Otherwise 2016 was crappy. Lol lets,all hope for everyone's success and health in 2017

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    1. A lot of us had a rocky 2016. Here's hoping the new year brings good things all around. Thank you for commenting.

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  11. You had such a busy year. I hope you get some rest during the holidays.
    Happy holidays Mickie.

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    1. It was a productive year, to be sure. Thank you so much for stopping by. Have a wonderful holiday season!

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  12. Ohhh, Spain! I'd LOVE to go back. On mom's side of the fam. they originate from two parts of Spain. It's such a lovely country! I hope you make it back next year and enjoy the gorgeousness, both in nature and the gorgeous people there!
    You've been quite busy this year. Bussy is a good thing, though. No boredom, that's for sure! ;)
    taina1959 @ yahoo.com

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    1. I hope to go back to Spain this summer. It's nice to have family who'll let you camp out with them to cut down on costs.

      I have been busy but it's the good kind. Thanks for stopping today.

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  13. Wow! Super busy! I wish I could travel. I want to see Italy

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    1. I haven't been to Italy in a long time. I'd love to go back some day. Thanks for commenting, Rebecca.

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