Holiday Stress

 

Are you like me on the holidays? Do you have a long list of things to get done? Or several lists? Yes, I'm a list maker. I have them at my desk, on my kitchen counter, and I even use my Notes folder on my phone. Lately that's become the most reliable, because the other ones seem to get displaced once I remove the sheet from the tablet.

1. I have a general list for shopping. At this point it's last minute grocery items.

2. The gift list is complete; I can breathe a sigh of relief with that one, but I still keep it around, just in case.

3. And then the list of things to be done in order. Today, I'll make this dish to pass, tomorrow bake cookies, or fudge. Next I'll wrap presents.

4. Then the day before Christmas, I begin the final house cleaning and plan out my plates and dishes to be used.

See what I did there? I can't help myself. I made a list of my lists.

And all of this is for my very small family. Only two more will be present on Christmas Eve, but I still want to follow our traditions no matter how many people are here.

Are you like me? As you age do you hate to give up your normal Christmas routine? Maybe you have a young family and are just getting started in your annual traditions. Maybe you're trying to do things the way Mom always did; you just want everything to be perfect. All of this is written to the women in the house, of course. The men seem to merrily float along and take it all in their stride. Go ahead and vent. Tell me about your stresses. I'll listen. I can handle it.

Christmas Sale

 On sale for a limited time only.  Pinecones and Promises is only $.99 on Kindle! If you haven't read this sweet Christmas romance, get it while you can at this great price.  Only a few days left.  And there's still time to order a paperback gift for your friends on Amazon. 

Pinecones and Promises.

Nate Finnegan has never been a fan of Christmas. His homelife as a child did not include pine trees and holly wreaths. It was not that he disliked Christmas; he just didn't have an opinion one way or another. When he decides to move to Michigan to work on a pine tree farm while going to college, he meets the Sparks family. For them Christmas is not only an occupation, it is the best part of the year and what family is all about. Soon their enthusiasm becomes infectious, and Nate has a big change of heart.
Molly Sparks, the pine tree farmers' daughter, is exactly the girl Nate has dreamed about falling in love with, and having a family like the Sparks is something Nate has been waiting for his entire life. But as the young couple soon begin to discover, things aren't always as easy as they first seem. Will the promises they make to each other ever be fulfilled? Or will Nate be left forever hoping for something unattainable? It takes a Christmas miracle to work out the details of this sweet and tender love story.

It's Cover Reveal Time!

 I finished my book two days ago and am in the editing process now.  I'm hoping to get it to you soon, but in the meantime here is my cover.  I absolutely love it.  Does it tempt you?

Stick around.  I'll give you a small sample of what this is about in a few days. Hang on to your hat, it's another bumpy ride for Rem and Skye.

It's Christmas Time!

 

Did you get enough shopping done on Black Friday? I did my share, but I have a little ways to go. But never fear, there's still Cyber Monday tempting me.

While you're on the computer looking for good things to buy for your family or friends, consider my two Christmas Novellas. They're both sweet little romances with a lot of heart.

Pinecones and Promises is a standalone story set at a Christmas tree farm. Where else would you expect it to be if you live in Michigan?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1719947937

A Kindred Christmas can be read as a standalone, but you will get more out of it if you have already read The Kindred Spirit Bed and Breakfast in The White Pine Trilogy. I list it as number 3.5 in the series.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1798013894

These two together can make a perfect gift in a basket with some hot chocolate packets, tea bags, a mug, and some warm socks, suggesting a cozy evening of reading by a fire.

Happy shopping!

Black Friday Deal

 

Guess what? I joined in the Black Friday frenzy!

For ten days only the Kindle edition of Yesterday's Tears has been marked down to $.99. If you haven't started the A Slip in Time series yet, here's your chance to give book number one a try. I promise you, you'll like it and you'll come back for more.

If you have read this series and enjoyed it, could you share this post and the great deal with your reader friends? I would appreciate it. The more the merrier on the train ride to Twin Lake! Thank you.

Here's the link:

Yesterday's Tears, A Slip in Time, Bk #1

Doubts

 I'll let you in on a secret. I often had doubts about becoming an author.

When blogging was a big thing, several years ago, I wrote four blogs at a time, and then I realized I was wasting my time writing articles when I really wanted to write stories. I recently came across this article I wrote about myself for my blog called Bits, Tales, and Yarns. It reflects what I was feeling at the time. I decided to let you see it, even though it expresses some of my insecurities. I'm not sure of the year but I think it was around 2010. I wrote my first book in 2014.

I Always Wanted To Be a Writer

I've wanted to be a writer since I was in 5th grade, but I also wanted to be a lot of other things then, too. I started taking piano lessons when I was 5 and continued until I was 19. My parents had a plan for me to be a music teacher, and since I was an obedient child, I did what was expected of me. When I was 15, I gave my first piano lesson and continued to do that for 45 more years, with just a little time off for babies. It was a good way to earn a living, and I was happy with it. The challenges were tough but the rewards were huge! I had a great sense of satisfaction watching my students grow up to become pianists -- well some of them anyway. But writing was always calling to me.

In the 5th grade, I actually wrote a book which I passed around to all of my friends to read. My cousin folded and stapled pages into a book form and then I wrote out 10 chapters with a pencil. It was a young girl's idea of a love story about the Rose Bowl game, the handsome quarterback, and the beautiful young woman who was chosen Queen, with the chance to ride in the parade perched royally on the back of a convertible. There was no such thing as color TV then, so the beautiful colors of the Rose Parade with the flowers and seeds on the floats were all in my imagination. I wrote descriptions of floats that I conjured up in my mind and told about the wonderful bands that were seen marching down the street. At that point in my life, I had never been out of the state of Michigan, but I pretended I knew all about California living. It was pre-computer so there was no way to do instant research. I was way too young for a driver's license and my father refused to let me ride my bike downtown; therefore there was no way to get to the library. I'm sure the details were quite inaccurate, but I didn't care and neither did my friends. My book was a big hit, and I was proud of it.

I've always been the kind of person who has many hobbies, and writing was just one of them. Being bored is a concept I know nothing about. There's always something to do; the question is what will I do with my time and how will I make the best use of it. I forged on through the years, writing in diaries (as we called them then) sending long letters home when I was living out of the country, and writing personal notes to my husband and daughters at various times in their lives when bits of encouragement were called for.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I've never been disciplined enough to set aside time during the day to practice the craft of writing. I often wake up in the morning and the first thing that comes to mind is an idea for a story or a great first line for a book. I will jot those down on scrap paper only to lose them later; in other words, I do nothing with my great ideas. I don't know why I do that because it is not my true personality. I'm actually a type A; I am a perfectionist in all things -- well let's say I strive for perfection. I like neat, tidy lists for everything I do. So I have now come to believe that the reason I never found time to write is because I'm afraid of failure.

I started this blog dedicated to writing, completely separate from other blogs I write about gardening and cooking. I promised myself that this time would be different. I would open up my heart and pour out my soul. After a few attempts, I see that it is not going anywhere, either. I seem to create stumbling blocks, purposefully blocking my efforts to put on paper what is in my head. Now I'm wondering, do I really want to be a writer or have I been kidding myself for many, many years? If I do, it's time to do something about it or else stop saying "I always wanted to be a writer."

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A Work in Progress

 I got a new app on my phone called WordElf. It helps to encourage me to write every day by keeping track of my stats. Do you see that? I'm 50% through already with Visions of Gold! Of course, 70,000 words is just an estimate, but I usually write between 68-80, so it's probably pretty accurate. Only the characters know for sure how much they have left to say and do. Sometimes they take right over! Can you believe it? They can be real buggers, if you know what I mean.

Anyway I'm on track for a January release. Just thought you might want to know.

My World

 This is what my world looks like today.  I love Michigan this time of year, especially on sunny days, which we have had a lot of for the past month.  What is your world like today?  

Book Signing

 

Are in or near Muskegon, Michigan?  If you are I would love to see you at my book signing on Wednesday October 2nd where I will be celebrating my new book release for The Absconders. We'll have giveaways and treats also. Bring previously purchased Jane O'Brien books to have them signed.

Where is it, you say?  Go to 2245 Darley Dr. Muskegon Michigan 49444. turn left and follow the curve to the leasing office/coffee shop entrance.  Cash and Credit card only.

And don't miss the Amazon New In Box sale at 50% off retail sale.  Cash Only.

It's Ready For You!!

 

I've been keeping a secret, but today is the day I can finally tell you! The Absconders, Book 5, in the Branches of Time series is ready for you, on both Kindle and Paperback. I can't wait for you to see what happens to Skye and Rem next. There are more twists and turns in West Michigan in the Branches of Time.

Here's the link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGXY1HDW

Feel free to share with your friends. And don't forget to leave that all important rating or review at the end of your journey. Let's push this one to the top!

September Morn

 

The song September Morn by Neil Diamond popped into my head this morning. How fleeting the month has been and just like the previous month it promises to slip away just as quickly.  Is it me, or has the world been spinning out of control lately?  It was only yesterday that it was Christmas, then summer, and now we're into fall again.  I have no doubt that Christmas will be over and done with in a blink of an eye. 

So the question is, how do you slow down time, if we can't time travel back to another era as so many of my characters have done? 

I have been trying to take more time for myself by enjoying the little things.  I know it sounds cliche but it does make me feel better.  I want to enjoy every last moment of these warm days.  This week we will find some time to visit Lake Michigan again (my favorite place) which is only 15 minutes away.  I just don't get there as often as I would like.  I need to remember the warm sun on my body, the fresh breeze dancing across my nostrils, the sound of gulls calling, and the hum of boats across the waves.  I love to watch the boats go through the channel from Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan.  I often wonder about the passengers.  Where are they going?  Are they with friends and family?  Are they looking for sun and relaxation or a day of fishing?  Or maybe both.  

I'm a people watcher.  This is how I gain information for my books.  And my 'happy place' offers more valuable insight on human behavior than anyplace else I've ever been.  

Watch for some new characters that I have created in my new book coming out later this month of September.  The Absconders, Book 5 in Branches of Time by Jane O'Brien

A New Song

Time’s Passage by The Shore. A theme song for Cade and Skye. What do you think?

New Cover

 I know it's early for this, but I so love this cover that I couldn't wait to show you.

Most authors don't name their books until they're finished writing, but I have to name my book first. I like to have a sense of what the story is about at all times. And the same goes for the cover. I like to look at it from time to time to get inspiration. I actually begin planning it out before I start to write. In fact, I'm already thinking about the next one!

I was with one company for the entire time I've been writing but when they sold out things were not to my liking. I now have a great graphic artist to help me with my projects. It's my very own brother at JMK Graphix We wonder why we didn't collaborate earlier, but I was established with the other place and he had not started his business yet. It's nice to work with family, and we communicate very well. What do you think of our latest creation?

Beach Time!

Did You Know?

 It’s beach time here in West Michigan. I love reading with my feet in the sand and the warm sun on my body (although usually I sit under an umbrella). But the last time I went, I forgot to take my Kindle. No problem. I had the Kindle App on my phone and it syncs to the last page I read on the Kindle at home. Yes, the screen is smaller but it works in a pinch. And it’s free!

Favorite Book

 It's been a few days since I posted anything. Here's why.

I'm working very hard on Book 5 of Branches of Time . I already have the cover and title. It's almost killing me to hold it back, but I want it to be a surprise for you, so you'll have to wait a bit longer. In the meantime, I'm also trying to plan book 6. So yes, in answer to some of your questions, there are a few more to come in this series yet. But I'd like your opinion on how I'm doing so far. I'd really like to know what is your favorite in this series? This will help me to figure out in what direction I should go next.

How My Time Travel Works

 

Are you fairly new to reading time travel? When I started writing it, in 2019, I was new to writing it, but not new to reading it. I was a big Diana Gabaldon fan, not just on the TV series, but I've read every one of the Outlander books. Since I was a child I found the idea of going to another time fascinating, but I noticed that every author had a different vision as to how it should work. By know you know that, in my mind, it happens through DNA and family connections, and not with machines.
Recently there was a discussion about the ages of my characters and how it all works. I can tell you this. In my time traveling world, the years are parallel, and by that I mean, they are continuously happening at the same time. Confusing? It is to me, too, which is why I keep a family tree on each line and detailed dates and places. Here's how it goes for the main character, Francine Clark, in the A Slip in Time series. Fran was born in 1994, so at the beginning of the series in 2019, she is 25 years old. When she pops back to 1875, she is still 25 years old. She will age according to her original birth year, but they are always 144 years apart.
In 2025 she is 31
In 1881 she is 31
In 1882 she is 32
In 2036 she is 42
In 1929 she is 79 --that would be 2073-- which is why it would be such a disaster for her to return to her own time.

When you started the new series Branches of Time, Skye, did you notice that Ginny and Daniel were not as old as they were in Yesterday's Memories, Book 12 of a Slip in Time? That's because Skye began in 1907, so they were only in their mid fifties then. In other words, I went backwards twenty-two years to when Skye was only twenty. 2051(future)-144=1907(past)

When you read my books it's best to watch the year changes within that story line, but please don't get too bogged down in the family details and years. I'll keep it straight for you and try to remind you along the way. And I keep a list of characters and their relationships at the back of the book, just in case you need to refresh yourself, but beware of spoilers.
Hope this helps for those of you who have been asking.

Branches of Time

 

I love seeing all four books of my newest series together.  I can't wait for you to see the next cover I have planned for book 5! In the meantime go to Amazon.com/author/obrienjane for a list of all of my books. Be sure to read any of my series in order for the full romantic experience. 

New Release!

                                                           

 My newest book, Finding Cade, Branches of Time, #4, has just been released in both Kindle and paperback!

Read the description to see what exciting words are about to come your way, then click on any linked title to take you directly to the Amazon page.

Cade Kent Kestler has been a caring and protective brother, always watching out for his daring sister, Skye, since the day she was born.  But this time he had to take care of himself.

Cade and Skye only recently learned that their parents had time-traveled with them from 2035 to 1885 as children, in order to find a safe way of living.  Now that the secret is out and they have learned how to time travel themselves, the adventurous Skye was eager to seek out her ancestors and immerse herself in their lives, but Cade was against this practice, saying it was dangerous and would only lead to trouble.  Unfortunately, the time has now come when Cade has no choice.  He has to use their secret power in order to save himself from a fight that was about to prove deadly.  Escaping the only way he knew how, he pressed his secret button and discovered he had gone farther back than he had planned.  He was now in 1831 in a Potawatomi village along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Who are these people, and how will they receive him?  Why does he feel so comfortable here?  How is it possible that he can understand their language?  And why does he feel a close connection to the lovely Kewaunee, the native woman who saved his life?

When Skye discovers her brother is missing, the frantic search begins.  She turns to the love of her life, Remington Hart, a man from the future who first came to take her back to the year where she belonged.  Remington has a tracking device which should be able to find Cade, but it has failed.  Rem has promised Skye he will do all he can to find Cade, but will it be enough?  Will Cade be lost to them forever?  Will Skye and Rem’s love survive the turmoil?

Continue this family saga with Finding Cade, Branches of Time, Book 4.  There is danger everywhere as the future encroaches on the past.  Who will survive and who will not?

If you’re a fan of Diana Gabaldon and the Outlander, you will love this series.

Giveaway Time!

 It's almost time to release a new book, which means it's time to give away something.  If you'd like to win, head over to my Facebook page, join my page if you're not already a follower, and then simply leave a comment and tag a friend who also likes to read.  Hurry!  You only have until Sunday. 

Go to Facebook -- Jane Obrien Author 

or click Here

Spring, here we come!!

     I hope you had a wonderful Easter. It's a time of hope for the future and reflections on the past.

I already have a list of things I want to accomplish this season, now that we are able to move about more easily here in the Midwest. How about you?

First and foremost is publishing my next book, Finding Cade. I have a deadline in my head for sometime in May. I think I"m on track if I don't spend too much time writing here. Ha ha. And I'm so excited because I now have the title for the book after that!

But really, my list is for time with my family, especially my husband. We are going to do small day trips once a week to local tourist places within our state that we tend to overlook because they're always there. My city is growing, but more importantly it seems to be updating at warp speed. Everything is shiny and new downtown. There are so many new restaurants to sample, small shops, and a few new parks to walk. I look forward to picnics at Lake Michigan and to watching the boats go through the channel from Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan. That last one probably sounds silly to anyone who does not live near water, but to me it is one of the most relaxing things I can do. Just find a bench and watch the boats go by. And it's even better with a book in hand. The sounds of the boat motors putting slowly along ( channel speed is 'no wake') and the lapping waves does me a world of good.

What are your plans for spring and summer? Do you like to sit outside and read? Favorite authors? Do you have any new titles you'd like to suggest? Let's call this a sharing day. I'm truly interested.

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