Why did I Begin to Write? By Connie Vines

Why did I begin to write? 

I, like most writers, am asked this constantly.

I don't mind, people are naturally curious.

Yes, like most novelists, I penned stories at a young age, had the ferreting instincts of a seasoned reporter, and possessed a quirky way of looking at life (my writer’s voice).  I know it annoyed my family, friends, and teachers.  However, when anyone needed unbiased information, or a detailed replay of an event which had taken place in the long-ago-past, I was, and I still am, the go-to person.

As I’ve written before, I grew up in a nomadic, career naval family.  Attending an average of three schools per year, made me an observer of people.  So, it was only natural for me to have the building blocks for future fictional characters stored away in my subconscious. Knowing the life of a reporter was not a career for me (calls at 3:00 AM to drive to who-knows-where and see who-knows-what), I decided to write for magazines and other publications instead.

When my children were young, I wrote for Jr. Medical Detective, Humpty Dumpty Magazine, religious publications, and I had a column featuring writing-tips.

I joined Romance Writers of America when a close friend of mine (Thank you, Shirlee), suggested I attend a meeting in Orange County where her sister was co-president of the Romance Writers of America's local Chapter.  This was during the ‘golden-age’ of romance writing. Fabio was the must have cover-model of the day, "Romancing the Stone" was the must-see at the movie theaters.   I attended talks, workshops and screen writing classes—wonderful training grounds for genre fiction. And was mentored by wonderfully talented and nurturing published romance novelists.

This is what brought me into the world of writing a 55.000 + word novel.

I still write short-stories and novellas, but the challenge of plotting a novel is something I enjoy.  The opening hook, character motivation, plot-twists are exciting, even though the mental energy often results in sleepless nights. Still, the characters continue to speak to me.  I am compelled to tell the story.

My first romance, under a pen-name, was published by Kensington Publishing under the Precious Gems imprint. We, Precious Gems, have kept in touch over the years.

We also have a blog titled, “Romance Gems” that we each contribute to (my blog is the 13th of each month).

Currently, I'm working on an anthology, set in New Orleans, tilted Gumbo Ya Ya, to be released by my publisher BWL Publishing, Inc. August, 2020.  The 2nd in my Sassy and Fun Fantasy novella, Bell, Book, and Gargoyle, will be released, October 2020.

Books 3 and 4 of my Rodeo Romance series will be available in early 2021.  After all, what woman doesn't love a cowboy?

Happy Reading!

Connie

Our summer mini-heat wave turned into several cold, windy, and surprisingly rainy days.

While I'm composing this blog post, I'm indulging in teapot of Early Grey English Tea.
One lump of sugar, no milk, please.

My ebooks are on sale!  It's a BIG, BIG SALE at Smashwords!

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/vinesbwl

Also available at these find online vendors:

  Books 2 Read

Bookswelovepublishing

Walmart.com

Amazon.com

I'm Blogging at Romance Gems

I'm Blogging Today at Romance Gems Blogspot.com

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The Scents and Memories of the Holidays

Please stop by and sign up for Candy Cane Kisses Giveaways!

November Romance Gems Contest and Raffelcopter Drawing

November Romance Gems Video

The Contests being November 4th and run until the November.

#RomanceGems #Raffelcopter #RomanceGems Blog


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LIFE LESSONS

November is the month for Gratitude, Appreciation, and counting your Blessings if you are religious and/or philosophical. Grateful, Thankful, Blessed—that's what many of us are, but we probably don't think about that often enough.

Most of us have lived long enough that we've made a lot of mistakes. From those mistakes, we've learned. After all, wisdom comes from learning from mistakes.

With that thought in mind, we decided to make our November Promotion about the Life Lessons we've learned and want to share with you.

On every daily post, feel free to leave a comment about a Life Lesson you learned along the way. You may help someone who is confronting a similar issue.

Our November Rafflecopter has 5 Amazon Gift Cards as prizes. Be sure to enter often to improve your chances of winning, and, please, tell your friends about Romance Gems—our Authors, our books, our blog posts, and our Giveaway every month.

Sunday Poodle Talk #3

Poodle breeds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Aside from the Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles, other kinds are sure to catch your eye and your love. If you’re the type who likes Poodle mix breeds, there’s a lot of Poodle mixed breeds that you can find. To get a mixed Poodle dog you have to know which Poodle crossbreeds you can choose. Here is a list of cute Poodle mix breeds to make your choice easier.

Today we are discovering the top 3 mixes.  If you own one of these poodle-mixes, feel free to add your personal experiences in the comment box.

1. Cockapoo = Poodle + Cocker Spaniel

If you want a sweet small dog that is funny and likes to clown around the Cockapoo is that dog for you. Cockapoos were some of the first designer dogs in the 1960s when Poodle dog breeders were cross-breeding Poodle breeds with other dog breeds. A Cockapoo is a lap dog so expect this breed to be intelligent, easily trainable and affectionate. So a dog of its size, it is agile, and it is superb at its role being a therapy dog.

2. Maltipoo =  Poodle + Maltese

One of the more attractive Poodle mix breeds to choose. This breed is the dog of choice for an individual or families that want a dog pet that can fit right in their homes. The Maltipoo is very attractive due to its charming persona, and it can be a very active dog. Because of its loving and fun-loving nature, grown-ups, as well as kids and elderly, will love this adorable dog.

3. Labradoodle = Poodle + Labrador

The dog’s original purpose was to be a guide dog that has a hypoallergenic trait. The breeders who originally bred this Poodle crossbreeds were members of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia. The result of such a cross-breeding was the Labradoodle. This dog breed is affectionate, sociable and smart as well possessing the expertise of being a guide dog. These traits and role of the dog are the reason why the Labradoodle’s popularity is high.

Rodger A. Caras

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."

I can't wait, It's Almost National Paperclip Day!

National Paperclip Day is observed each year on May 29.  Yes, even the paperclip has its own day of honor. It is about that well-known piece of curved wire that keeps our papers together and helps keep us organized.

The Gem paperclip, which was most likely in production in Britain in the early 1870s by The Gem Manufacturing Company, was never patented.  It is the most common type of wire paper clip and is still in use today.  It was introduced to the United States around 1892 and in 1904, Cushman & Denison registered a trademark for the “Gem” name in connection with paper clips.  Paperclips are still sometimes called “Gem clips.”

Today, paperclips come in various sizes, shapes and colors and can make your paperwork look more fun and lively.

As you know, multi-colored paper clips, mini-clamps, and pens in bright-gel colors are my current favorite item(s)--along with calendars.  Yes, my love affair with calendars continue.

Remember:  There is still time to log on to RomanceGems Blog for our May Contest!

June will begin a new contest with more prizes!

Happy Reading,

Connie Vines