Fresh Start

This is it. The time is here. It’s never…or now.  

After what has felt like nearly two years of having a demonic automatic baseball launcher aimed right on my family and loved ones, I’m—God willing—finally seeing some signs of a light at the end of a very dark, but substantially shiny tunnel. I don’t know why I think the tunnel looks shiny. You’d have to ask Polls…I feel like that’s her influence.

Anyway… 

Sure, that light might be dim…and, you know, flickering…but it’s there, clear as can be, and I’m trusting it wholeheartedly.

True, the whole family has been sucker-punched with amazing accuracy: Mom, Dad, me, my bestie…and, most recently, my sweet, precious, fur baby. I won’t get into the gruesome details (unknown allergy created a complete horror show; then an unexpected flu shot reaction sent him to be tested and sent my sanity nearly over the edge), but I will say the emotional experience shoved my slowly changing outlook and long-overdue reevaluation of things right up the step I’d been struggling to take.

And if the emotional upheaval wasn’t enough of a shove, the universe seemed to concur, sending some absolutely unbelievable, inexplicable, unmistakable signs.  My characters would unleash all fury on me if I failed to pay attention.

So what does this all mean? Though I have no clue how it will unfold, I am certain it’s time for me to take some chances I’ve been debating for a long while now with my writing and other ventures. Not to worry—Jex and crew will be returning with their own tales, and I will continue to work on them until all the novels are darn near complete before starting to release them (Psst: I’m nearly there with the spin-off series).  My goal is to reduce the wait time between books, yet afford the time to gamble on a few other projects. Oh, I know I’ve said that before--about reducing the waiting period between releases--but this time it’s different. This stretch of obstacles and delays has impacted me in ways I could never fully explain, and if I dared to try, I’d just end up sounding like a babbling idiot...more than usual, I mean…

And guess what? I’m actually making a resolution this year.  Not normally my thing, but this one will stick: KEEPING MY SITES UPDATED! Even if it’s just a lame check-in, I’m going to crawl out of my stupid social media shyness shell. If I can do it during LSU games, by LSU Jesus (LSU fans might recognize this name), I can do it every other time.

There we have it—a mini-rundown, revelation, and resolution post to end the year and start a new one. It’s not much, but it is a start…and isn’t that what the New Year is all about? A fresh start? 

For anyone else out there looking to start fresh in this New Year, please know you're not alone. We can do this--conquer fear, kick doubt to the curb, and face obstacles like a superhero. 

Starting line drawn. 

Let’s geaux racing & make this New Year something special no matter what!

Lots of Love to You All, 

Back Now

First and foremost, much love, many thoughts, and countless prayers to the brave people of Houston and surrounding areas devastated by Hurricane Harvey. You will get through this and be stronger than ever before, that much I know. <3

Well, it was a long winter. And spring. And summer. The bottom line: The sinusitis that ultimately led me to some not-so-fun procedures between January and July is still an ongoing thing. Yeah, the infection was really, really bad. Snot monsters. Who knew? Then, from December through March and some of April, my dad could barely walk (and sometimes just plain couldn’t) due to gout and the return of a medical condition that nearly took his life. During the same time frame, my poor mom struggled and is only just now feeling better after going back and forth to the doctor since February.

On the bright side, Dad is pretty much back to form and Mom is doing much, much better. As for me, I’m praying there are two more procedures before everything is back to normal again. I feel horrible for my absence and more so that my writing has been slow going since all of this started. I’m trying like all heck to get back on track, but it is a slower process than I would like.

At the very least, I plan on keeping the blog & FB updated more regularly, even if it’s with a bunch of nonsense (kinda like most of this post, right?). Twitter, however, will be where I release my annual crazy. Yes, it’s that time of year again: LSU FOOTBALL. All sense of reason (what little remains, that is) quite literally flies out the ears when LSU takes the field. Apologies in advance to anyone who may witness my wackiness—you may conclude I need professional help. To those cheering for teams who may take the field against LSU: Nothing but good sportsmanship here & may the best team win…so long as it’s LSU (just kidding…kind of).

Now for the big news: In December, before the chaos unleashed, I became a mama to a precious little angel. Please meet my fur-baby, Crosby St. Nick (yep, he was totally named after my favorite crooner, Bing Crosby, and the one and only Santa Claus). I realize my holiday addiction comes through in his name. Well, I've never hidden my crazy, so...yeah. 

Baby Crosby

And, yes, he's fast becoming a big LSU Tigers fan! 

Okay, I will see y’all soon with new puppy pics and new updates…including one that has been requested a few times from readers. ;) In the meantime, I hope to see you on Twitter for some serious fun on game day & Geaux Tigers.

Roping the Roundup: Merworld Men, Wave Five, & Computer Woes

Computer Woes. Well, my computer has turned into a massive drama queen. Her ‘attitude’ started over the summer. Initially, I wrote it off as computer PMS, but, alas, her bitchiness just raged on. Thanks to the saga-coaster my computer strapped me into, I’m limited with my time online. Fortunately, I’m able to borrow a computer on weekends, just in time for game day—I need to vent my LSU crazy on Twitter…it’s therapeutic. ;)

With all my claims of technology idiocy, you probably know by now that my brain doesn’t exactly skew to the techie side (oh, how I wish it did). Frankly, it makes me uncomfortable. As a result, I haven’t brought myself to try the whole phone-to-tweet or phone-to-email thing. To me, that’s beyond my scope of comprehension. Maybe I’ll try eventually…one day…possibly.

The whole thing kinda sucks because I love my little drama-happy computer! You get to know your computer, and it gets to know you, you know? The one I’m borrowing is an uber-sensitive jerk and clearly doesn’t ‘get’ me. So, there’s that. 

Wave Five, the final book. Is the computer drama affecting Wave Five? To some extent, yes. I’m doing a lot of handwriting, which is a bit slower. BUT I’m still on schedule for a summer 2016 release. I will definitely keep you updated.

Wave Five hints. I can tell you that the final wave in The Merworld Water Wars series is shaping up to be one wild, emotional ride. Huge secrets will finally be revealed. Think I’ll leave it at that for now. ;)

Spin-off series: The first book in the spin-off series featuring the plane full of characters you met in DOWNDRIFT begins the editing process next week! The new series will consist of 3 books full of wacky, crazy fun. 

Men of The Merworld Water Wars. Speaking of merps and an impending water war, the men of the Merworld recently dropped by Bookish to answer a few fun questions for Tiffany! Some replies were sweet, some sexy, some severe, and some were downright saucy.

Due to my computer issues, I’m behind in posting this, but if you have a minute for some hot supernatural men, stop on over for the naughty Q &A session with Troy, Jex, Trey, Kyle, and Doctor Tenly! 

Visit the Men of the Merworld Water Wars here. 

Lots more updates to come! Many Mer-Hugs~

Roundup: Racing, Writing, Random, & Contest Peek!

Well, I finally did the thing I dread doing: changing my blogger background from Christmas to something non-Christmas. I know, it's pathetic, but I hate seeing all the Christmas goodness disappear for another year. You should see me with the tree and decorations--most depressed self-professed elf EVER. 

On the plus side...RACING IS BACK! Yeehaw! I geaux ('geaux' is an LSU thing for those who haven't witnessed the circus sideshow that is me on Twitter during football season) kinda blah between the end of football & holidays until now, when NASCAR returns. Dale Jr. finished 3rd. Great race. Very glad Kyle Busch is safe after that horrific accident yesterday. Scary, scary thing to see. I felt so bad for his wife--she must have been absolutely terrified. Safer barriers should be everywhere. Just my less-than-two-cents opinion. 

The writing cave has been a busy place. Book 4 of The Merworld Waters Wars is coming along steadily. I'll be kicking it into high gear here soon. I'm still looking at a summer 2015 release date. And...we have a cover!!! It definitely sets the tone for the fourth book, especially since the story really leads to the fifth and final book in the series. I'm a crazy mix of excited, nervous, and sad to be so close to the end of this series. Oooh, can't even think about how finishing the last book will feel! Nope, can't think about that right now. No, no, no, just no.

Anyway...on top of that, I've been working like mad on my first New Adult Contemporary Romance/Suspense trilogy. There will be danger, love, deadly secrets, betrayal, and some, um, steamy-sexy grown-up fun. It's been really fun to write. I've had these characters nagging me for a looong time--kept notebooks in an attempt to keep them at bay while writing Merworld Water Wars, but they finally lost their patience and came bursting out of my brain. I'm not absolutely sure about a release date for the first book, but I'm aiming for the end of summer, maybe sooner.

Oh, and Mother Nature can take the cold away any dang time now. Seriously. Getting just a little tired of having to leave the faucets on a drip and shivering and brrr and blah! Elsa, I most definitely am not, despite 'Let It Go' being a theme song and my love of snow for the holidays. Pre-Christmas snow & Christmas snow...yeah, totally different from after-Christmas snow. This made a lot more sense in my head than it does now, staring back at me. :/ 

Lots of things coming up, including a big contest taking place in False Key...details coming this week! 

Roundup: Shells, Writing, & Unleashing My Crazy

Um, under a rock…or the bed…or in a cave. Okay, not really, but I might as well have been. This summer has been kind of a rough one; I think, in part, this summer’s ups and downs have made me a little extra shell-bound lately. Lots of worry, tears, and fears. My mom means the world to me, so seeing her not doing so great sends me even deeper into that darn shell.

Of course, it’s no secret that my social media skills need a lot of work. For whatever dumb reason, I’m seriously social media-shy. It’s stupid, I know. But every single time I started to write a blog/FB post, I'd just clam up and think, ‘Okay, this is going to sound stupid and pointless. Literally no one will be interested in my babble.’ I realize how foolish that sounds, believe me, I do…I really do. Reckon I just didn’t want to further highlight my inner idiot, not that it needs any help—it does a fantastic job of rocking the stupid all on its own.

Anywhoo, I’m trying to crawl outside the shell I tend to retreat into, which means…expect babble. Apologies in advance. :/

Anthologies.

I’ve had the great privilege to work with several groups of tremendous authors, and all I can say is…get ready for boatloads of AWESOME! And for anyone who has read my Merworld Water Wars series...you’re in for some extra crazy fun in a couple of these anthologies. 

I’ll have special posts detailing these phenomenal books in the very near future. For now, here’s a brief introduction to three upcoming anthologies:

Celestial. In Celestial, readers will see how the presence of a comet influences life, love, relationships, and beyond. For my contribution, Comet Cotillion, I thought it might be cool to give you a glimpse into Marina’s life before arriving in Saxet Shores. You’ll visit Madame Helena’s institution while Marina, Trey, Polly, and Meikle were patients there. Expect wackiness, some rather unfortunate ball gowns, Polly’s bizarre suitors, a glimpse into the strength of Meikle and her bag…and hopefully lots of fun.

Somewhere South of Normal. Here, readers will vacation on an unknown island…where leaving may not be an option. When you visit False Key, you can expect sun, sand, surf…sex…danger…mystery…and pretty much anything and everything you can and can’t imagine. ;) As for my stories (Oversplash & Overbite-Me), well, let’s just say there’s a freaking hot, naughty, Aussie sorta-angel awaiting you. And, yes, he’s working his sexy…oh, Dear God, is he working it. ;)

Candy Cane Kisses. OH HOLY RUDOLPH! I’m going to be part of a Christmas romance anthology! I'm trying to decide whether to write a sexy or sweet story. Hmm. Naughty or Nice. Just can't decide, but I'm totally ready to put on my elf hat!

Author Appreciation Month.

Oh, oh, oh, I’m SO excited to hold my first ever Author Appreciation Month. I will feature four spectacular authors who I feel so blessed to know. Each week will spotlight a different author—we’re talking reviews, character interviews, author interviews, and…a big ‘ole GIVEAWAY! Stay tuned for the next post detailing everything! 

Character voices, that is! And, oh, man, have the characters been talking! I'll have tons more details to come, but basically, there's a little of everything: NA/Adult Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, and, of course...

Book four/Wave four of The Merworld Water Wars! It's  underway! However, there’s an issue—books four and five really should be one book. But, Dear God, it would be absolutely massive! So, I’ve decided to write books four and five back-to-back. The idea is to publish book four when I’m about halfway done with book 5. It may be a longer wait between Rifted and book four, but the wait between four and five will be much shorter.  I just don’t think it would be fair to make anyone who's reading this series wait ages for the final book. I dunno. I just want to do what's right for readers and my characters. Maybe I'm over-thinking. Wouldn't be the first time. lol :/

And finally… If you’ve read my books or any of my blog posts, you know I’m a little wacky. Wacky, crazy, goofy, dorky, or gorky, as Mom says—call it what you want, but whatever it is, it tends to be my comfort zone.

Starting Saturday, I will elevate the weird to a whole other level as LSU takes the field for their first game of the season. I’m a sports fanatic. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’m a total girly-girl, but trust me when I say I can scream the stripes off a referee better than half the guys I know. If you’d like to come see the circus, drop by my Twitter page during an LSU game. I’ve been told it’s an unfiltered sideshow. Yeah. Like I said, just point and laugh. I won’t mind.

Roping the Roundup, Part One

Clearly, I need to improve the whole blogging/Facebook/twitter thing. This is nothing new. Eventually I figure the power of super savvy will kick in and transform me into a social media guru (and this would be the definition of delusional…or wishful thinking…think I prefer the latter, yet realize the former is more accurate).

Roundup time (I chose 'roundup' over 'update' because it fits better with my Texas roots...and reminds me of cowboys):

* My parents: It’s been a twisty road up a steep hill with rough terrain, but my parents are doing better. I still worry about them…don’t think I’ll ever stop worrying. It’s a wonder I don’t manufacture worry.

* Cover for Book Two (Wave Two): The book cover for Wave Two is ready!!! SO exciting!!! It’s absolutely beautiful! I’m so, so, so in love with it!!! Seriously, who needs a man when you can fall in love with a book cover, right?! (Um, ignore that one. What can I say? It’s my way of comforting my perpetually confused, single gal heart)

I can’t wait to share the cover with anyone out there who might be reading. I hope you’re out there somewhere. Hellooooooo out there. Ooh, I hear an echo. That can’t be good. :/

* Progress on Book Two: I honestly thought I’d have the second book published by now. Everything was cruising along SO smoothly and quickly that I just figured…well, wrong, apparently. :/ Between my OCD’ing and fruitless attempts at perfection, time tends to slip by me. Then there’s the little problem with my emotional involvement with my characters and their story—sometimes, I’ll just cry through scenes and end up with a headache and blurry vision. I know I’m ridiculous!!! Still, progress is moving at a steady pace and I anticipate releasing this summer (aiming for June or sooner).

And then there’s this…

* Think there’s a very good chance I was a hermit crab in my past life: Okay, Mom laughed to the point of snorts when I mentioned this random brainwave, but check out the evidence:

Exhibit #1: Social Media Shy (Seriously, who's shy when sitting behind a computer?! I’m working on it. Literally. I’ve been researching my eyes out, trying to familiarize myself with everything and figure out a way to be less silly).

Exhibit #2: When using social media, I instantly take the Dolorean back to junior high school and once again enter the Island of Misfit Toys.

Exhibit #3: Birds, especially seagulls (creepy, right?!), have an unusual fondness for me, which is sort of disturbing ever since I saw The Birds.

Part Two of the roundup to come…

Elevator Eliminator

WOW. Okay, so I've been M.I.A. for a while, huh? It's been a pretty intense holiday season. My family has been going through so much lately. Some days, I've actually wondered if we didn't accidentally step into some alternate reality...but it just turns out we ran right through a big 'ole pile of BLEEP.  Life, right? Stay strong, have faith. That's what we do...well, I may add some crying...and worrying...and panicking...and all the good stuff that falls under the anxiety umbrella. Always an adventure when you combine worrywart and an emotional waterfall. 

Anyway, Book Two is underway!!! My characters are making me laugh HYSTERICALLY (yeah, I know that sounds slightly insane, but I guarantee anybody who has written anything with characters and dialogue will totally get it...I hope). I see every facial twitch, hear every elevation in their voices...they're REAL to me. I just love them so much! And, again, I illustrate my dorkdom. Sigh. 

I got to thinking about elevators the other day. No idea why. So, here's a little blip about elevators...and me: 


Confession: I like elevator music. There, I said it. There’s just one tiny catch…I hate elevators. Scare. The. Ever-loving. Snot. Out. Of. Me. No joke. Of course, this is probably because my trouble-causing dad chose a glass-enclosed elevator facing the outside of a seriously tall building to “bounce” with little me inside. Yeah. Haven’t been a fan since.

No one likes to admit they enjoy elevator music, right? I mean, it’s practically a universal rule that you make fun of people who like the stuff. *points finger at self and chuckles* The worst part (oh, there is one, believe me)? If I’m forced to ride within a death box on cables, I find my only solace is in the music…which means I start to hum (dead giveaway)…and that inevitably leads to whisper-singing or, worse yet, full-blown karaoke (just slap my forehead with a giant ‘L’ for loser because I have outed myself as an elevator-music-loving loser).

So. Yeah.  My brain is running on random today. I’ll probably regret admitting to this tomorrow.

Hello, Crickets

I feel like I’m talking to the air. Technically, though, I’m not talking…I’m writing…and to be more specific, blogging…which is writing. I’m confusing myself.

Isn’t it weird to have a blog and wonder if anyone ever reads it? I’m guessing no one reads my little slice of the blogosphere pie. Maybe if I posted a picture of Joe Manganiello and his seriously perfect abs…hmm, must think on that.

Did I mention I have a fear of crickets? Well, crickets and grasshoppers (never really got the difference there). They literally terrify me, and, as luck would have it, they seem to always find me…and hop on the chair next to me…or directly on me. Absolutely NONE of them are ever wearing a top hat, carrying an umbrella, or singing “When You Wish Upon A Star.”

So…okay…this was a completely random post, prompted by a very quiet little blog…quiet apart from the crickets…which are getting louder. Scary. Very scary.