Hello, friends! Thank you for joining me again for a bit of meandering. It’s bluebonnet season time in Texas and this is an actual photo someone took. They are so amazing. A sea of purple.
It’s been a busy week on the literary front. I’ve gotten a good start on the new Christmas story and I think it’s going to be fun to write.
And I have some news! Readers Favorite reviewers have given FRINGES, HEARTSTRINGS AND LYRICS 5 stars! I’m so grateful. Here’s what one reviewer said:
This little book is still on tour and next week, we’ll be heading east to visit with Dan Antion!
In case you haven’t heard, my sister, Linda Broday, has a brand new book in the McIntyre Series that is up for preorder! I got to beta-read this story and it is SOOO good! Jess’s Reckoning will be released May 12th! If you love a good western with unforgettable characters, high-stakes tension and a smidgen of romance, you’ll not want to miss this story!
Remember when I told you about teaching the writing workshops through the store where I work part time? Yesterday, I got together with some of those students for a critique session. I feel like a proud mama to see how they are progressing with their stories. 🙂 It makes me think of Pete Springer and how his students called him Mom.
Because of that workshop, I have now been invited to present a workshop at the Frisco Public Library on June 20th. It will be a condensed version of the original workshop, but I absolutely love doing these. I enjoy getting budding writers excited about storytelling!
I have a couple more things to share.
Yesterday, Sally Cronin featured me in her series about someone who has influenced you. When I first saw the concept for the series, I knew immediately who I’d write about. Some of you may remember when I lost my oldest sister. She played such a big part in my early venture into trying out adulthood. I’d love for you to take a look, if you haven’t already seen it.
To pay it forward, I want to share Sally’s new book release! It’s up next for me on my TBR list and I know it will be a treat. Laura Lyndhurst created this meme for Sally and I love it!
I mentioned last week about the lady who came and took photographs for a feature on her site, Rooted and Radiant. Well, she got the post up and while there is no place to leave a comment, I’d love it if you’d head over. You can share it out on social media and of course, leave a comment here for me, if you wish. She captured the essence of the story – my story – our story, not only in words but photographs. I am deeply grateful.
Not much news with the grandkiddos this week. My theater kid got cast in a new role where she has to play the part of a woman who has been pregnant for three years. 🙂 Should be a hoot. Just a few more weeks until school is out. The months have flown by!
I’ll be posting my April book reviews soon and am so excited to share them! I’m amazed at how many fantastic books are out there!
Maybe this is an odd bit of inspiration to share, but I remember this feeling so well! How about you? I hope we never evolve to the point that libraries go away.
And lastly, the tarot inspiration for the week ahead.
Swords represent the mind or intellect and the first thing that hits me with this card is giving the mind a rest. It works overtime, doesn’t it? Notice how there are three swords above and one below. Those represents both the conscious and subconscious minds. It’s a gentle nudge to rest a bit more to avoid burnout. Well, for me, it really hits home. I seldom give myself a time out. So, I’m thankful for this reminder. I’ll try to take it a bit easier this week and rest more. Will you join me?
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Jam-packed Monday, Jan.
Thanks for visiting, John! Yes, lots going on!
I just finished Tales from the Irish Garden. I enjoyed reading it and hope to post my review on Amazon today.
Fantastic, Pat! I know Sally will be thrilled that you enjoyed it. Thank you for visiting!
Your new tarot deck has some pretty amazing art.
I agree, Craig. When I saw it, I knew I had to take it home. 🙂 Plus it helps that I get a store discount.
Thank you for sharing all of your good news with us, Jan! (It does my heart good.)
Mine too, Liz! And I love sharing good news. Thank you for visiting!
You’re welcome, Jan!
Congratulations on the review! I would be cheering after that one. I’ll check out Broday’s when it’s available (and I can grab it as KU).
Thank you, Jacqui! I am thrilled with the Readers Favorite reviews. I know Linda will be happy to hear her new book interests you!
Hi Jan, I’m glad you enjoyed the workshop. It is very hard to find time to rest even when you aren’t working. Isn’t that strange. I’ve had April off work and I spent the first week in Paris, which was very nice, but I’ve been at home for 2 weeks and all I’ve done is run around trying to get all the neglected things done that I haven’t done because I was working so much from Jan to March. We live a very funny life, really.
That is a strange thing, Robbie. Somehow it’s hard to give ourselves downtime without feeling guilty. 🙂 I’m glad you got things tended to that had been neglected. It will make returning to work a bit easier when it’s time. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I agree – it’s a funny life. Rick and I had a friend who was always saying, “Life, she’s a strange old train.” 🙂 I always thought that would make a good book title.
That is exciting news about your workshops Jan and we need more storytellers in our world. I was very touched by your post about Jean and she sounds like an extraordinary sister…Thanks so much too for the plug for the next book and I hope you will enjoy reading about the inhabitants of the magic garden.. ♥♥
I’m excited about the workshops, Sally. I believe everyone has a story to tell and I love helping them get started. Thank you for your kind words about my beautiful sister and you are most welcome for the book boost! Hope it gets a few more sales!! Have a great week and thank you for visiting.
Pleasure Jan ♥♥