My Motivation To Write by Margo Hoornstra

Ask any writer why they write and you’ll get a variation of; Because I can’t not write. My reason for writing is much the same and I also write romance because of the happily ever after.

Everyone has a list of life’s challenges, experiences and adversities they’ve faced and, hopefully, overcome. In addition to being slightly older for The Last Rose of Summer line of The Wild Rose Press, the characters in my stories are no different. Not only do they tend to have been around the block a time or two, they are definitely mature and, in some cases, entering the second phase of successful careers and moderately happy lives. They’re everyday people slowing down, pausing to smell the roses, if you will. Who understand, at long last, what’s important in life. Many have been dealt challenges and granted second chances.

In many of my short stories, the heroines especially face, and manage to triumph over, their own adversities. In Forgotten Alliance, Sarah Novak was forced to come to terms with her husband’s infidelity. Greg Novak's journey is to admit to this failure and do whatever it takes to save his marriage.

My first full length book, Honorable Intentions, has single father Chase Canfield trying to rebuild a life for himself and his teenaged daughter. The heroine, Samantha Wells is a retired police officer embarking on the second phase of her law enforcement career.




The three Class of '85 high school reunion books I did, Glad Tidings and To Be Or Not are true second chance reunion stories. Next Tuesday at Two has a going home again theme with a twist. 

My current work in progress, Circumstances Beyond Her Control, has hero Brad Collins, a bounty hunter about to embark on a quest that will affect his life like none other. In this case, he thinks he knows it all and has no idea what’s in store for him. (I'll be totally honest here, neither do I. Yet!)

As is a sign of today’s times, many of my characters end up forming non-traditional families. And, it almost goes without saying the heroines are strong, intelligent and self-sufficient. The heroes are individuals who can eventually acknowledge they may not be perfect or have all the answers.

While, in my opinion, there’s a special beauty in the happily ever after guarantee of romance fiction, also in my opinion, there’s another bonus, the payoff, if you will as we all experience the ups and downs in real life.

In a romance, the hero and heroine find love and acceptance on their own terms and to fit their own lifestyles. Something readers can identify with, maybe even find inspiration in.

They can do it. I can do it. We’re all going to be okay. Which in large part, is motivation in itself.

Links to my books and stories, some for free, can be found on my Blog

Sharing the Love: And Oh What A Party It Was by Margo Hoornstra

My second ever major book promotion tour is now history – and what a party it was.

While my first campaign was a blog tour solo effort, this one I did with some of my author friends and their titles. Lonely Road to You by Jannine Gallant; Promises, Promises by Silver James; Something More by Keena Kincaid; Embraceable You by Kat Henry Doran and To Be, Or Not by yours truly.

Albeit virtual in nature, the idea was to draw attention to the Class of ’85 series published through the Last Rose of Summer line of The Wild Rose Press. Five of us who authored multiple Class of ’85 books each gave one of them away all day on February 2, 14 and 15 through the Amazon KDP Select. Our plan was to use all social media available to us including a blog network, Facebook and Twitter to get the word out.

With a twenty-fifth high school reunion set in a fictional town in upstate New York as the base, over twenty inter-related Class of ’85 stories were the result. When our series first came out in 2011, and we heard from those who had discovered various Class of ’85 titles, the reactions were favorable. Most said they loved our characters and our stories and were going to find and read each and every one.

Music to our collective ears but, as with most books, especially in romance, the novelty of older titles wears off quickly when newer titles emerge to take their place. Add to that dilemma, few people had discovered us in the first place. That was until our Five Free Titles promo blitz.

After the party we threw, they certainly know us now.

Sharing the Love: One Way to Look at Writing a Book by Margo Hoornstra

“If I don’t make a dime on this book, that’s okay, because I truly enjoyed the process.”

That was me about four years ago as I gazed down at my first published novel, Honorable Intentions.

I wasn’t lying, I had a good time writing that book every step of the way.

Who wouldn't love the magic that happens when you combine the concepts of what if and why not.

Or the germ of an idea as it becomes the pages of a first draft.

The reconsiderations and rewrites as characters develop pasts and personalities.

The suggestions of critique partners and editors who see possibilities I never would have imagined.

The value of their fresh eyes on a manuscript I’d read over and over and over again was invaluable. They caught everything from typing mistakes to erroneous descriptions. (The hero’s eyes were brown when he was introduced then somehow turned to green later on.) To incomplete story arcs. (The heroine had issues with her father that needed to be resolved.)

And my work was made better as a result.

What I really enjoyed were the occasional and coveted WOW! comments from an editor who had read and re-read my many, many writes and re-writes as we neared the finish line.

Receiving the jpg file of cover art is another kick. A combination of my descriptions and the artist’s skill.

And that wonderful experience of the book going ‘live’ as it’s introduced and available for public consumption.

Yes, sir, I certainly did enjoy the process of writing my first book. But, now that I have three more books published for the Class of '85 series, one contracted and soon to be released for a new Dearly Beloved series and with more in the works, getting a dime or two for all that effort would be nice.

And on that note, a gentle reminder: Join me and four other authors - Jannine Gallant, Keena Kincaid, Kat Henry Doran and Silver James - who are Sharing the Love with FREE DAYS for our Class of ’85 reunion series books, February 14 and 15 exclusively on Amazon KDP Select. So mark your calendars and join us over at Amazon on those days. Check out my blog for the links.

By the way, my contribution is To Be, Or Not.

Hope to see you there.

MY WEBSITE

MY BLOG

Breathing New Life into an Old Series with FIVE FREE BOOKS by Jannine Gallant

The tendency of people to live for the moment then move on to the next new thing makes me nuts. We publish our books, promote like crazy for a month or two, bask in a few weeks of decent sales - then watch our babies fall off the face of the publishing cliff into a wasteland of old releases that have had their brief moment of glory. Many of these books were barely a blip on the radar screen of buyers. The Class of '85 Series with The Wild Rose Press falls into this category. These are terrific stories with a reunion theme written by talented authors. But for some reason, few people (except me LOL) bought them. I can attest to the fact that they're all winners.

So, I put on my thinking cap. I have three books in this series. Four other authors also have multiple books published with the Class of '85. Maybe as a group, we could make something happen. So I approached the authors and our marketing guru at TWRP with a proposal. We each offer one book in the series for free and hope that people will buy the others. After a little shuffling to follow the rules we came up with a plan. Five books from the Class of '85 will be offered on KDP Select exclusively through Amazon. This means free days to use for promotion! And today is the first free day - our big ONE DAY SALE. We're sharing the love. I hope everyone will download our books and spread the word for us.

Download Lonely Road To You by Jannine Gallant for free here.

Kate Abbott isn’t looking for excitement and is perfectly content with the secure life she’s built in Seattle, even if her son thinks she’s in an uninspired rut. Former rock star Tyler North has no intention of shaking up his life on the Montana ranch where he fled years before to escape the ravages of fame and fortune. Neither plan to attend their 25 year high school reunion in Summerville, but fate throws them together on a lonely road, leading them on a journey of discovery.

From the majesty of Yellowstone to the shores of Lake Ontario, Kate and Tyler fight unexpected attractions and old insecurities. Their journey is full of surprises and odd twists. From bison and bears to a deep crevasse and a crazy old man, they work together to overcome the obstacles in their path. But will these two opposites be able to put aside fear of change and rejection to take a chance on the promise of love?

Download To Be, Or Not by Margo Hoornstra for free here.

Barry Carlson had it all, a successful career in professional baseball and the adoration of any woman he wanted. Except one. Forced to retire in his prime, Barry returns to his hometown of Summerville, New York to coach the Minor League Hornets.

Twenty years ago, Barry broke through Amanda Marsh’s trust issues. He melted her ice, won her love, then walked away without a backward glance to survey the wreckage. Now Amanda is the head of public relations for the Hornets and happily single—until Barry slides back into her life.

Still reluctant to trust, Amanda gives Barry another chance. But the announcement of their twenty-fifth high school reunion leads to an asinine bet between Barry and his old buddies, and threatens to ruin their newfound relationship. As scandals of the past and present converge, can Barry and Amanda get beyond their differences to find their second chance at love?

Download Embraceable You by Kat Henry Doran for free here.

Award-winning photojournalist Dru Horvath doesn't stay in one spot for too long. Her vocation of documenting abuses against women worldwide prevents her from risking her heart. Every day working stiff Rory McElroy is a two-time loser when it comes to women—and he doesn't plan to take a chance on a relationship again, thank you very much.

But when Dru comes back into his life, he's not sure which poses the greater risk: protecting her from third world thugs who want to silence her permanently—or allowing the one woman who captured his heart years ago to embrace him for good.

Download Promises, Promises by Silver James for free here.

Betrayed former society wife Kelly Kincaid only wants to make things right. Paying off her ex-husband’s debt of honor is tough when a minimum-wage job back in her hometown is the only one she can find. Could the answer to her problems be right in front of her?

The moment pub owner Michael Doogan sees Summerville High School’s former golden girl at the train station, he loses his heart. Again. He’d give Kelly Kincaid the world on a platter, but the stubborn woman is intent on going her way alone. A threat to her safety provides him the incentive to stand up for what he wants, but will he have the patience to win her love?

Download Something More by Keena Kincaid for free here.

If she could, Nora Emerson would demand a "do over" of the last twenty-five years. An emotionally abusive marriage, failed fertility treatments and a nasty, public divorce have left her bruised, skittish and determined to remain independent at all costs.

With an all-consuming business and a furious teenage sister on his hands, Nora is a complication Nick McPherson doesn't need. It's one he wants. Her vulnerability and kick-ass competency intrigue him, and the sexual sparks between them could set Summerville on fire. The more she insists the sex is just for fun, the more determined he becomes to turn their fling into something more.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you read and enjoy each of these books. And I hope my post gives you some inspiration. How can you breath new life into your older releases? Put on your thinking caps!

Say It Isn’t So By Margo Hoornstra

Happy day after Thanksgiving Everyone. For those of you who are now 'turkeyed out'. Here's a totally different meat dish to try. Anyone who knows me is well aware I don’t like to cook. In fact, based on many past culinary efforts of mine, my family prefers when I don’t even try. Which is fine with me. I’m a firm believer in the credo; Why make something from scratch when you can buy it already prepared and delicious.

However, to fulfill the recipe requirement of this particular post, here’s one compliments of my late grandmother.

Easy Pot Roast

1 package dry onion soup mix
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 soup can water

Mix together in a bowl. Pour over roast. Cover and bake at 300 degrees for three hours.  This is a great one to simmer all day in the crock pot too.

(Mashed potatoes would be good with this since it makes lots of gravy. You could make them from real potatoes, but I’d go for instant.)

In the excerpt that follows this blurb from my Class of ’85 novel, To Be, Or Not, Barry Carlson is trying to convince Amanda Marsh to accompany him to his sister’s for dinner. As it turns out, she’s making pot roast.

Back Cover Blurb of To Be, Or Not

Barry Carlson had it all, a successful career in professional baseball and the adoration of any woman he wanted. Except one. Forced to retire in his prime, Barry returns to his hometown of Summerville, New York to coach the Minor League Hornets.

Twenty years ago, Barry broke through Amanda Marsh’s trust issues. He melted her ice, won her love, then walked away without a backward glance to survey the wreckage. Now Amanda is the head of public relations for the Hornets and happily single—until Barry slides back into her life.

Still reluctant to trust, Amanda gives Barry another chance. But the announcement of their twenty-fifth high school reunion leads to an asinine bet between Barry and his old buddies, and threatens to ruin their newfound relationship. As scandals of the past and present converge, can Barry and Amanda get beyond their differences to find their second chance at love?

In this excerpt, Barry is still trying to get Amanda to take him seriously.

Sunlight glinted off her long, dark hair like strings of sapphires. Then the wind fluttered a few strands over her face and Barry had to shove both hands in his pockets. It was that or raise one hand to brush the hair away for her. And probably end up kissing her until they were both forced to come up for air.

“So, you doing anything tonight?” he asked. “Going anywhere for dinner?”

“Just home to warm up some cold pizza.” She drew her lower lip between her teeth as her full attention went to digging for her keys. “Or maybe just eat it cold.”

“You’re giving me a complex here.” He produced his most charming smile which was wasted when she didn’t bother to look up at him.

“How so?”

He ticked off the times he’d asked her out and she’d refused. “I’m surprised you haven’t used the excuse you need to wash your hair.” Ducking his head, he tried to study her face. If she felt any remorse at all turning him down so many times, he wanted to see her expression reflect it. Chin directed downward, she took great pains to avoid his scrutiny.

When she glanced up at last, he caught her faint smile. “That’s tomorrow night. You should have asked me last night. Tonight, I have to brush the dog.”

“I didn’t think you had a dog.”

The keys retrieved, she reached for the door handle of her car. “My neighbors do.”

He put his palm flat against the top of the panel. “I asked you to share a beer at Doogan’s with me last night.”

“The team’s in training. You’re not supposed to drink.”

At her next attempt to open the door, his hand slid down to cover hers. “The no booze mandate doesn’t apply to me any more. I’m a coach now.” He closed his fingers over hers. “I’ve changed from when I was a player.”

She lifted a skeptical gaze to him. “Interesting turn of phrase, Barry.” Before he could ask what she meant, she said, “I went to lunch with you last week.”

He shook his head. “Pizza and pop in the upstairs conference room with the admin staff and coaches doesn’t count.”

“We were together,” she teased, and he cherished her weak smile. She was less uptight than the night he drove her home from Doogan’s; he’d consider that a victory.

“With Donaldson and Trudy between us,” he reminded her.

“Together is together,” she insisted while the hesitancy in her voice suggested she’d temporarily run out of arguments.

He pressed his advantage before she could regroup. “As it turns out, today, you’re in luck.”

“Trudy enjoys your company,” she said before he had a chance to tell her what she was in luck for.

“And I like her too,” he agreed, then lowered his voice. “But, I like you more.” When she didn’t offer an immediate response, as in invent another reason to turn him down, he stayed on message. “I get the feeling your recent avoidance of me has to do with not wanting us to be alone.” Though his gut tightened as he verbalized what he hated to admit to, he made himself smile. “Marcy invited me to dinner tonight,” he said and dropped his hand from hers. “Why don’t you come along?”

With the car door now open, she paused before climbing inside. “Thanks, but I don’t want to drop in on her unannounced.”

He had his cell out before she’d finished yet another refusal. “So, I’ll call and announce you.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Too late. I already hit speed dial.”

When his sister’s voice mail picked up, he acted as if he actually had her on the line. Desperate times required desperate measures.

“Yeah, Marcy. Hi. It’s me.” He glanced up at Amanda and smiled. “Amanda’s with me. Yeah. We’re just leaving work. I invited her over for dinner like you wanted me to.”

Amanda reached out with one hand. “Let me talk to her.”

Stepping back, he lifted the phone away. “What’s that? Your potatoes are boiling? By all means take care of them first. We’ll be there soon. Bye.” He put the cell in his pocket.

“Are you sure about this?” Though a frown marred her mouth, there was no mistaking the slightest acceptance in her eyes.

To Be, Or Not my final book for the Class of ’85 series, is available at:

 

The Wild Rose Press

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more stories, some to download for free, please visit my blog or website.

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To Be, Or Not: An Interview With the Hero’s Sister

Barry Carlson, Major League Baseball’s former superstar is the hero of Class of ’85 release To Be, Or Not. Marcy is his wise and wonderful big sister. As he’s done for most of his life, Barry defers to her to help with this interview.

Where are you from?

Me or Barry? I guess that’s an unnecessary question. Being siblings we were both born and raised in Summerville, New York, where I stayed, married and am raising my family. Little brother Barry, on the other hand, left Summerville shortly after he graduated from high school, and didn’t get back home for any length of time until a couple of months ago, after being gone for over twenty five years. He had a huge and successful career as an All Star catcher in Major League Baseball, you know.

What brought Barry back home?

A job with Summerville’s own triple A farm club, The Hornets.

He left the majors by choice?

Not exactly. Some yahoo opponent crashed into him at home plate, broke his hand. (Sniffs.) I’m angrier about it than Barry. But, of course, that’s how he is. Very accepting.

The love of his life, Amanda, just came home to Summerville too. After spending close to twenty years working on Madison Avenue in New York City.

What is To Be, Or Not about?

My brother Barry finally coming to his senses and asking the one woman he’s always loved to be his wife.

What did you think the first time you saw Amanda and your brother Barry together?

Oh, wow! That was when they were in second grade. Mom made me go with her on a field trip. I’m twelve years older than Barry. He’s the youngest, I’m the oldest, with three more sisters between us.

What was your second thought?
I had no second thought. Barry and Amanda were made for each other. Period.

Did you think it was love at first sight for them?

As much as I’d like to say yes, I have to say no to that question. My brother is your typical out of touch with his feelings guy—jock guy at that. Let’s just say he’s a little slow to see the obvious. Though I can’t speak for Amanda.

What did/do you like most about Amanda?

Everything. I mean, what’s not to like? She’s attractive, smart, loving oh and patient. She has to be to put up with some of the crap—unintentionally, I’m sure—my little brother dished out over the years. Did I mention they dated in high school?

How would you describe your brother?

Most people have the wrong idea about Barry. They think he’s a big star egotistical yada, yada. They assume life’s gifts, fame and fortune, came easy for him. He’s really a very nice, very sensitive human being. And loving. Very loving. His nieces and nephews mean the world to him.

How would he describe you?

His most ardent supporter. After Amanda, of course.

What do you think is your brother’s greatest fear?

Growing old alone. A lot of people don’t know it, but my brother is a very sensitive person who desperately wants to be cared about for who he is—not what he’s accomplished in, as he calls it, the Big Show.

How do you relax?

You mean Barry, right? He’s always enjoyed watching his nieces and nephews—my kids and those of my sisters—have a good time. Barry’s a giver not a taker like so many sports stars today.

Who’s your favorite fictional character and why?

Cinderella. Oh, you mean Barry, don’t you? He’s always been a fan of Robin Hood.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

There have been so many. Where do I start? One piece of advice that bears repeating I happened upon when I turned the page of a calendar the other day. “Even when you don’t know what you’re doing, do it well.” That idea resonates with me. I’m sure Barry would agree. Especially now when he has to work so hard to get Amanda back. Oh, wait. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to say that.

Anyway, here’s the blurb and an excerpt.

Blurb:

Barry Carlson had it all, a successful career in professional baseball and the adoration of any woman he wanted. Except one. Forced to retire in his prime, Barry returns to his hometown of Summerville, New York to coach the Minor League Hornets.

Twenty years ago, Barry broke through Amanda Marsh’s trust issues. He melted her ice, won her love, then walked away without a backward glance to survey the wreckage. Now Amanda is the head of public relations for the Hornets and happily single—until Barry slides back into her life.

Still reluctant to trust, Amanda gives Barry another chance. But the announcement of their twenty-fifth high school reunion leads to an asinine bet between Barry and his old buddies, and threatens to ruin their newfound relationship. As scandals of the past and present converge, can Barry and Amanda get beyond their differences to find their second chance at love?

Excerpt:

The surrounding conversations, laughter and loud music filtered to the background as Barry watched Amanda stop to take off a beige jacket before she sat. With her backside turned briefly his way, he contemplated how he’d never seen a pair of jeans look half as good as hers, then figured he’d best bring his attention off the lady’s physical attributes and come up with some sort of brilliant conversation starter.

“Hey, ladies, you here for dinner?”

“No, we’re looking to get drunk and pick up one night stand,” Marcy deadpanned.

Barry flipped a chair around he made sure to set a bit closer to Amanda before straddling it.

“Dollar drafts tonight for ladies only,” Maggie said as she handed out menus.

Marcy gave her brother a run-down of the whereabouts of her family, two young daughters staying with another sister and a husband who would be joining them when he got off work. All Barry wanted to know about was if her dinner companion had anyone coming to meet her after they got off work.

“I talked Amanda into coming with us because I know how hard Roger’s been working her lately and didn’t want her to spend the evening alone.”

Ask and it shall be given. Barry could have kissed his sister for telling him precisely what he wanted to know.

“The overtime isn’t bad. But this does beat going home to an empty apartment.” Amanda clamped her mouth shut as if she’d just revealed too much.