Fun news! I am a finalist in this year’s Booksellers Best book award.
Until Friday and wishing you a superior day,
Ann
Motivational Monday: Take A Walk
Photo: A section of Burke Gilman Trail, Seattle (developed from an old rail trail)
I love summer, and here in the Pacific Northwest, there is so much to see and do and enjoy. One of my favorite activities is walking in the great outdoors. My preferred walk-time is late afternoon or early evening, when I’m tired and muzzy-headed from a long sit in front of the computer.
As soon as I start moving, my mind and body wake up. It’s great to listen to the sounds of summer: kids laughing and playing, birds calling, dogs woofing. And the smells–the sweet scent of clover and other flowers or freshly cut grass. The slanting sun feels good on my arms and shoulders, and the breeze is light and warm. What a lovely way to end a day of writing. As I write this, I can hardly wait to get out there and go!
Until Wednesday, and wishing you a gentle unwinding at the end of a long day,
Ann
Fantastic Friday: I Am Guest Blogging
I’m a guest at Tawny Weber’s Quick Six Blog. Stop by and learn some new things about me. Let me learn about you, too, by posting a comment–any time after 6 am Pacific Standard Time.
Your comment automatically enters you in the drawing for a free, autographed book!! Here’s the link: http://tawnyweber.com/quick-six-with-ann-roth-2/
Until Monday, and looking forward to seeing you there,
Ann
Hump Day Wednesday: Release Time!
The first book in my Prosperity, Montana, miniseries is now available!
Here’s the back cover blurb:
There is no room in day-care owner Lana Carpenter’s Life for casual things. After all, her dream of adopting a baby is closer to becoming a reality now than ever. So why is she still mooning over the sexy cowboy who makes her forget everything but the strong, sure feel of his arms around her?
It wasn’t supposed to be more than one unforgettable night between consenting strangers. But when Sly Pettit spots Lana’s photo in the local paper, he grabs at the chance to see her again. The guarded rancher is falling hard for Lana, but it can only end in heartbreak. Unless Sly can trust her with the secrets that keep him from believing that, just maybe, they could have a future together.
“The wonderful characters are a delight to get to know and make this story a joy to read.”
—RT Book Reviews
“This is an excellent read! Will keep it in my collection to read again.”
—Ginny Rodenberg, reader
To order, stop at your favorite brick and mortar store or shop at www.annroth.net or any online bookstore.
Until Friday and Happy Reading,
Ann
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Motivational Monday: It’s June!!
It’s June. Already. Seems like last time I checked, it was Valentine’s Day. Wowza.
Summer is such a beautiful time. Everywhere we look, the life that was lush with promise only a few months ago is now buzzing and humming and hatching and growing and living. It pulls me, mesmerizes me, makes me yearn to be in it and of it. I want my life to be the one buzzing and humming along. Enjoying the great outdoors, spending time with family and friends, eating good food, trying new and different things–I want to be in the arms of all that.
Yet at the same time, a part of me longs to hide away and live deep within the creative realms of my mind, that sacred and magical place where I create stories and bring them to life.
And so lies the dilemma. Go out and be in the real moment, or stay in and immerse myself in a world of my own creation?
I want both! My life is a balancing act, a continual battle consisting of which I want more, and when I want it. So I get my work done, and then go out. Or I go out, and then come in and work. What I choose doesn’t matter–provided it comes guilt-free. (Guilt wreaks havoc on the most perfect of moments… but that’s a whole different topic.) The important thing is that I am the moment and truly experiencing whatever happens. Because then, whether I go out or stay in, the experience feeds my soul.
It’s a good way to live. I guess what I’m saying is, work hard, play hard, and whichever you choose in whatever moment, put your whole heart into it.
Until Wednesday, and wishing you a fabulous day,
Ann
Fantastic Friday: Giant Fudge Cookie Recipe
I love to bake, even in warm weather. I made this last week and I’m still lickin’ my lips over it. If you love chocolate, add it to your must try list. And let me know how you like it.
The cookie
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
The fudge
12 ounces chocolate chips
8 ounces cream cheese cut into chunks
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1- 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Flour and grease a a 9 x 12 pan
In the top of a double boiler over water, melt chocolate chips, cream cheese and milk. Set aside to cool slightly. Cream together sugar, butter, eggs, flour, salt and baking powder. Divide dough in half. Spread half evenly over bottom of pan. Gently spread chocolate mixture over dough. Sprinkle remaining dough on top, pressing lightly.
Bake approximately 30 minutes or until done.
Yum! Happy eating and until Monday,
Ann
Hump Day Wednesday: Revisions, Revisions
Some people hate revising their writing, but I appreciate the chance to make my work stronger. So when I received a revision letter from my editor the other day, naturally I jumped at the chance to make changes.
Well…. not exactly. First, I moaned and groaned. Then I procrastinated for a day or two. But the clock is ticking and I need to get the job done. So I pulled up my Big Girl panties, sat down at my desktop and got down to business.
And guess what? The revisions are coming along and definitely making this a better book. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make those changes before you sit down to read it. Thanks, Adrienne!
Until Friday, and wishing you a fabulous day,
Ann
Motivational Monday: Be Proud of the Little Stuff
This saying really speaks to me. How about you?
Reaching a goal always feels good… It means that I did it! I accomplished what I set out to do. Ah…
But often, I forget to be proud as I complete the steps that will eventually take me to the end zone. And there are usually many, many of them, little tiny accomplishments that slowly and steadily add up. Why not celebrate those, too?
Remember those gold stars your teacher gave out for completing a task? Your parents probably used a similar goal chart, or maybe you use one with your kids. Each star is something to celebrate, and a full chart earns a a coveted trinket or treat .
To that end, I have created my own adult “gold star” box. Mine relates to writing, of course. At the beginning of each new project, I set a daily writing goal. Every day, I record the number of pages written, and I pay myself. Not much– $.25 per page written–but it adds up. The money goes into a box. As time goes on, I exchange the coinage for bills and the small bills for larger ones. When I finish the project and send it off, I get to spend the money on anything I want.
It’s fun and it works! Feel free to “steal” the idea and give it a try.
Until Wednesday, and wishing you pride in your accomplishments,
Ann
Hump Day Wednesday: Home!
I’m home from a lovely vacation. And so happy to be here, sitting in my office in my own house. The flights were a breeze–on time and smooth. I even got some work done. Even better, here in Seattle, the weather is warm and sunny. What a perfect welcome back.
I’m a little tired, though, as we had to get up at 4 am (ugh!) to catch an early-morning flight. After a good night’s sleep, I’m sure I’ll be good as new, ready to work hard. For now, though, I’m signing off.
Until Friday, and wishing you joy,
Ann
Motivational Monday: Vacation Ends
As my vacation draws to a close, I am ready to go home. To paraphrase my mom, “If you’re ready to go home, the vacation has worked its magic.” This one has! From the go-go of The Big Apple to the laid-back, lovely beach at Siesta Key, it’s been a terrific vacation.
Now, I’m looking forward to getting home. Yeah, that means opening the mail, paying bills, grocery shopping, doing laundry and all the other stuff that makes up my daily life. But I don’t mind. Most important of all, I’m eager to sit down in my office, fire up the desk top and write!
Okay, but on this last day in Paradise, I’m gonna play. In the Gulf. I’d best get to it.
Until Wednesday, and wishing you a rejuvenating vacation in the near future,
Ann