Friday, January 25, 2008

Heath Ledger - The knight of our hearts

A Knight's Tale is one of my son's favorite movies and when he mentioned it yesterday he said, "I just can't believe he's dead." My thoughts exactly. I know this may sound strange to some, because I didn't even know him. But for a few hours, when I watched his movies, I felt like I did.

I just can't seem to get this tragedy off my mind. I suppose it hit me hardest because we were the same age. I had watched his career grow and admired how much he had accomplished in such a short time. It still doesn't seem like reality just yet.

None of us have the promise of tomorrow, but when you're young you like to think that you do. We all want to live to see our dreams come to pass. We want to see the desires of our heart come to life. No one should ever die with their dream still inside of them, waiting to be shared with the world.

I believe that Heath had so much more to share. I don't want to die with my dream still inside of me, nor do I want that for anyone else. As we all continue to mourn his loss, perhaps we can take some small comfort in glimpsing a fraction of that dream when we watch his movies again.

He will always be William Thatcher to me and to so many others, the knight of our hearts.

Scavenger Hunt begins today!

That's right, it's time to start looking for those little devil hearts. The prizes and participating authors are listed in one of the posts below. However, you can also find the information on the news page of my website.

http://www.traceyhkitts.com

Happy hunting:)

Thursday, January 24, 2008

The Dread Moon has a face!

Wow. I was so surprised when I found out two days ago that the latest book in my werewolf hunter series has a cover already! And from the looks of things, this is my hot new vampire:) I'm so excited. The artist really captured the feel of this book, in my opinion, and I can't wait to share it with readers.

Shot Through The Heart - Scavenger hunt begins tomorrow

For those looking for more than chocolate this Valentine’s Day, look no further. Each of the participating authors has hidden a “devil heart” somewhere on their website and it’s up to you to find them. The contest will run from January 25 through February 29.

Here’s what you’ll have a chance to win:

A free download of Object of My Affection by Tracey H. Kitts
A copy of Eros Arrow on cd in PDF format, Annmarie Orgeta
Free PDF of both Valentine's Day Do-Over and VDDO Part II: The Siblings, Donna Michaels
30-day trial to Essence of Romance, Melanie Grant
One .pdf download of Under a Painted Moon, Rayne Forrest
A .pdf of The Drinking Game, Chris Redding
Prize will be a download of choice either from Angelia Whiting or Angel Lynn


Where to begin the scavenger hunt:

Tracey H. Kitts – http://www.traceyhkitts.com/
Annmarie Orgeta - http://www.annmarieauthor.bravehost.com/
Angelia Whiting - http://www.angeliawhiting.net/
Shawn M. Casey - http://www.trevaneandcasey.com/
Donna Michaels - http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/
Rayne Forest - http://www.rayneforrest.com/
Desiree Lee - www.desireelee.com
Chris Redding - http://www.chrisreddingauthor.com/
And Melanie Grant from The Essence of Romance - http://www.eordb.com/


Here’s how to play:

Simply locate the graphic on the author’s site and email the ENTRY FORM to tracey h kitts @yahoo.com (without the spaces)

In order to be considered for a prize you must be 18 or older and have the correct URLs listed.

Winners will be selected randomly from correct entries and should be notified within a week of the contest’s end. The deadline for entry is midnight (eastern time) February 29, 2008.

ENTRY FORM:

Your Name:
Your email:

Participating Authors: Location of graphic:
Tracey H. Kitts
Annmarie Orgeta
Angelia Whiting
Shawn M. Casey
Donna Michaels
Rayne Forest
Desiree Lee
Chris Redding
Melanie Grant from The Essence of Romance


Remember, the contest begins tomorrow:)

Happy hunting,

Tracey
http://www.traceyhkitts.com/

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Catherine Chernow - Featured Author

Tiger's Eye



Resplendence Publishing

ISBN: 14-201-107-405-2

The link to purchase it at Resplendence Publishing is: http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8_view_item.html?m8:item=14-201-107-405-2

WARNING: ADULT CONTENT

Here's the excerpt for TIGER'S EYE. It received a 5 blue-ribbon review from Romance Junkies.

Jake Hunter gripped the steering wheel as he navigated his Jeep on the narrow, winding road that lead to Bride’s Inn. Around him, the snow swirled in a gusty wind, as a blinding blizzard pelted Long Island with snow. A Bluetooth lay imbedded against his ear as he drove through the night. He slid his foot to the brake as he slowed the big Jeep, maneuvering a curve in the road.
A voice came over the Bluetooth, echoing in Jake’s ear. “I think you should come back to the office, this is crazy. To be out on a night like this!”

Jake glanced at the newspaper article sticking out from his briefcase on the seat next to him. The title read, ‘Mysterious Lady in White foils robbery at seventy-year-old Long Island, Gold Coast mansion.”

Gold Coast. Mansion. Those words rang in his head as he inched his Jeep up a steep hill.
“Jake, it isn’t worth it. Turn around and go home.”

He swerved, avoiding something in the road then continued his trek up the hill. “I’m almost there, Mike,” Jake replied, narrowing his eyes when the Jeep cleared the top of an incline. Soon, a large three-story home came into view. The road and surrounding area lay in darkness, but up ahead Jake thought he saw a light flicker in a first-floor window. Like a welcoming beacon, a candle glowed, beckoning him. “I can see Bride’s Inn now. It’s…”

“What?” Mike asked.

Jake shook his head. “Well, it’s dark, but from what I can make out, it’s one of the most beautiful homes I’ve ever seen.” He pulled the Jeep into the long drive, maneuvering through the deep snow. Thank God for four-wheel drive!

Mike sighed. “It damn well should be for all the effort you’re putting into this.”

Jake couldn’t say what made him obsess about Bride’s Inn. Maybe his burning curiosity to see its resident ghost, ‘the Lady in White,’ or maybe he just needed a change. Something to fill the empty void his wife’s death had created.

His eyes opened wide when he saw a tree in his headlights. Jake hit the brakes, his car careening out of control. When it stopped, he realized he had plowed into a deep pile of snow that drifted near the main entrance to the house.

“Jake? You there?”

Jake sighed into his mouthpiece. “Yeah.” He gripped the steering wheel and glanced around. He sat back against the seat. “I’m here. Literally. The front end of my Jeep is sitting in a snow drift.” He shook his head.

“Shit. I knew it. Just—”

“I’m fine, Mike.”

Mike blew out a long-suffering sigh. “You’re nuts. Now what are you going to do? Its three thirty in the morning.”

Jake sat up when he saw the front door to Bride’s Inn open. An elderly woman and a younger, very pregnant one stood in the doorway. Candles glowed in their hands as they peered outside.
“I’m in luck,” Jake crowed. “Someone’s home. I’ll talk to you later.”

Mike yawned. “Make that a lot later.” He ended the call.

Jake ripped the Bluetooth from his ear and opened the driver’s side door, his feet landing in a foot and a half of snow.

The elderly woman lifted a hand, placing it around her candle as Jake approached. “Mr. Smith! We’re so glad you made it. We were getting worried.”

Jake stopped, the snow swirling around him as he gazed at the women.
Mr. Smith? Who in hell was Mr. Smith?
He trekked through the snow, finally stopping at the front door.

“Seth told us to expect you this evening.” The elderly woman with the white hair opened the door, beckoning him to enter. She smiled at him, her round face glowing in the light of the candle. “Would you rather I call you Grady?”

Grady, he thought…Grady. That would suit him just fine.
***
Serena glanced out the front window, her eyes settling on the Jeep outside. She frowned. “What happened, Mr. Smith?”

Jake eyed the tall, cool redhead. She was something, and pregnant, to boot. He schooled his features. “I swerved. The front’s stuck in that drift, but I think everything’s okay.”

Serena nodded. “I’m glad. You should have waited until the snow let up to come out here.”
Jake looked around. The large house was dark and quiet and…freezing. “Seems like I got here just in time.”

“Yes, well,” Clarice held up a candle. “The electric’s out. I called the power authority, but the recording said to expect delays.”

“You have a generator?”

“I uh, what?” Clarice frowned. “No, we don’t. Seth said we’re going to get one, but,” she shrugged. “As you can see, we don’t.”

Jake wondered who in hell Seth was and how he could let two women stay unprotected in a drafty old house—one that was now freezing cold.

“Seth told us you know a lot about old houses. That’s why he hired you.”

Oh yeah, he sure did. Like how much the land was worth that this old inn sat on.
“I’m glad you’re here.” Clarice patted his arm. “And so is Seth. He says it put his mind at ease to know you would be here to look after everything.”

He played along. “I’ve worked on lots of old houses. If you want, I can check out the boiler and…”
“We can attend to everything in the morning. For now, I think we should all get some rest.” Clarice told him.

He glanced around. “You sure the pipes in this old place aren’t frozen?”

Clarice shrugged. “I’m sure. I think Seth wrapped them or something.”

Okay, so this Seth wasn’t a total asshole.
“My nephew does what he can.”

Jake’s eyes flew to hers. What was she, a mind reader? But this was good. Now he knew that Seth was the old woman’s nephew. And he obviously wouldn’t be back for a while. Perfect.

“I’m sure he does, ma’am.” He nodded at Clarice. The woman named Serena kept her big green eyes fixed on him.

“Well, I for one am off to bed. Serena, you should be, too. Here’s a candle for you, Grady. Now, you really don’t mind if I call you Grady, do you?”

“That’s fine, ma’am.”

“Your room’s on the third floor,” Clarice told him. “Second one on the right.”

He grabbed the candle from the woman named Clarice and followed them through the darkened kitchen and hallway, then onto the staircase. Jake’s feet skimmed across the treads on the stairs, his step quick and light. What a staircase! The graceful, carved banister curved upwards, the stair treads wide and welcoming. If only it wasn’t snowing, he’d love to see the view from the second floor.

“Good night, Grady,” Clarice called out as she and Serena made their way to their rooms on the second floor.

“‘Night,” he replied as he trudged up the stairs. Man, it was a long trek! His earlier adrenaline rush had disappeared, leaving fatigue in its wake.

“Second room on the left,” he muttered, as his mind surrendered to an all-encompassing feeling of exhaustion. “Second room on the left,” he repeated around a yawn. Finally, he stopped in front of his room and entered. He lifted the candle, his eyes adjusting to the darkness, its glow lighting the walls. The candle sputtered as a breeze kicked up, then the flame died.

“Shit,” he muttered. His eyes scanned the darkened room. Jake started forward only to bump into something hard and solid. “Son of a bitch,” he growled, rubbing his knee. He kept walking. When his knees bumped something soft, he reached down and patted what felt like a mattress.
Thank God. A soft, comfortable bed. He stripped out of his cold, wet jeans then lifted the coverlet, sliding into bed, amazed at the warmth. He sighed blissfully.

He drifted into a deep slumber, feeling something warm and soft next to him. Jake inhaled a wonderful odor. The floral fragrance filled his nose, relaxing his body even more.
He dreamt of a woman: a soft, fragrant woman, a woman with long dark hair, a woman whose legs brushed his as they slept together, cocooned in the wide bed, her fanny nestled in his groin, rubbing against his cock…

He shifted, feeling his shaft harden and swell, his body restless and wanting.
Jake woke that morning to bright sun streaming in through his windows. Then he heard the sound of breathing, and a soft little snore. He looked down onto a dark, shiny head. Long, black, silky hair drifted across his arms and chest, some of the strands tickling his nose. It twitched in response, as well as the aroused organ jutting out between his legs.

His body leapt into overdrive when he felt the brush of a feminine mound against his cock. Jake looked down to see a tiny, pink toe run up and down his leg, sending a shiver of longing down his spine. She shifted, her mound brushing his groin. Jake’s member swelled in response. He maneuvered his body, being careful not to wake the nymph that laying sleeping in his arms.
He gritted his teeth, holding back the urge to rub the tip of his hardened shaft against her clit. She moved restlessly, her toes curling against his legs. With each pass of her body against his, he felt his mind spin out of control, awash in carnal thoughts. Sweat beaded on his forehead when she slid against his now rock-hard shaft. The flannel gown she wore rose above her knees. His eyes crossed when he felt the silk of some very skimpy panties slide across his thighs.

The lovely black-haired nymph he cradled in his arms moaned, her soft sigh of pleasure making his entire body hard as stone. A jolt of pure lust tore through his body like a lightening bolt. He wanted to push into her, imagining the feel of her hot, slick wet center as he slid inside, her walls squeezing around his member.

Sweat trickled down his back. He didn’t want to wake his lovely nymph, but the need to drive into her grew powerful. Jake shifted once more in an attempt to dislodge his body from hers. The aroma of her essence, combined with her sweet, floral scent, sent his senses into a tailspin of sensual pleasure.

The next thing he saw was a pair of violet eyes, their namesake color shown bright as the woman who lay nestled in his arms stared up at him.
***
Miranda had the most wonderful dream about a man whose lean, hard body held hers captive. She ran her toe up his calf, marveling at the muscled feel. Like a sleek jungle cat, his legs felt long, sleek…firm. He entwined his legs with hers, his muscled thighs pinning hers to the bed, yet she had no fear.

He moved, shifting his sleek body to accommodate hers. Miranda felt something hard and stiff nudge the cleft between her thighs. Soon, she felt the hard, hot length of him pulse against her mound.

Her jungle cat’s arms held her close to his chest, a chest, she noticed as she slid one eye open to gaze at it through the opening of his button-down shirt, which had a dusting of golden hair across its hard angles and planes. A chest she wanted to kiss.

Miranda pushed his shirt aside and nuzzled her face against his pecs, her tongue snaking out to tease and taunt the tiny copper tip of his nipple. As he moved against her, his stiff member nudged her opening. Instead of driving into her like her ex-husband did, causing her immeasurable pain, her dream man held back, kissing her face slowly, lazily, like a giant feline, his lips soft and warm. They grazed her chin, the corner of her mouth, before sliding across hers.
Miranda’s eyes popped open to see a pair of golden eyes staring back at her. A bronzed face held a cat-like grin as he moved against her, causing a deep, throbbing ache to form at her very center. Tawny, shaggy blonde hair lay swept back from what she considered to be a high, noble forehead.

“Well hello, there.” His deep, languid voice shot through her.

“Oh my God!” she cried out, shoving against him. Miranda managed to disengage her body from his, but felt bereft as she slid away from him.

Who was he, she thought wildly, and what was he doing in her room?
He rolled to his side, propping his head in his hand, his body rising up on his elbow. The man watched her, as though she were his prey.

Her breath hitched when her eyes met his golden ones. They had a glow, a…

“No, oh, no, no.” She placed a hand over her mouth when she realized she gazed at a half-clad man. A beautiful, half-clad man. In her bed. The bed sheet dipped below his waist and hips, where her eyes landed on the pair of briefs. She could see the outline of his swollen shaft and the large sac between his bare, muscled thighs.

From the corner of her eye she saw a pair of jeans on the floor next to the bed. His gaze followed hers, then his eyes settled on her once more. “They were wet, I uh, didn’t want to sleep in damp clothing.” He raised one tawny brow and grinned. “I guess introductions are in order.”

She swallowed hard, the scream lodged in her throat.

“Ja…I uh…Grady…Grady Smith.” That name sounded familiar.

He patted the empty space next to him. Miranda noticed his long fingers and clipped nails on his large hand. She shivered, but Miranda couldn’t be sure in that moment if it was from the chill in the air or the heated look that came from his golden tiger’s eyes.

“Come back to bed.” Again he patted the empty space. “And tell me your name.”
She shook her head, no.

He grinned. “Does that mean ‘no you won’t come back to bed’ or ‘no you won’t tell me your name?’”

She inched away from him, the coverlet and sheets tangling around her legs.
“At least tell me your name.”

Miranda saw the glint in those golden eyes and the light dusting of tawny, early-morning stubble around his sculpted chin. “I told you mine, it’s only fair.”

His deep voice was like an elixir, a balm for her troubled mind. Her body relaxed, including her hands, and that’s when the sheet slid from her breasts.
A deep, golden glow lit his eyes from within. Miranda caught him staring at her breasts, her body reacting to his perusal, her nipples peaking beneath her gray flannel gown in response to his scorching look.

“Lovely,” he muttered thickly, reaching out to touch them, but he snatched his hand back. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice sheepish. “But you have to admit, this is a rather um, embarrassing situation we’re in.”

She inched further away then lost her balance, falling over to land in a heap of twisted linen. When she tried to rise up off the floor, she fell over again, her face heating when her gown twisted in the bedcovers, causing the gray flannel to rise up her legs, completely exposing her bottom to his prying eyes.

Run! Run and get help…

Here's a little more about the author:

I sank my writing teeth into my first romance novel after years of reading my favorite authors...Linda Howard, Karen Robards, Kat Martin (just to name a few!). Those ladies inspired me to write my own romances and now, it's my passion.I'm fascinated by the paranormal...I love to be scared. Ghost stories are my favorite. As a child I read 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson (it was made into a movie a couple of times...a good one to watch with your favorite honey...and cuddle up to when it gets real scary!). That book made me want to write ghost stories and heightened my interest in the paranormal. Read more at http://www.catherinechernow.com/AboutMe/index.html

And...come visit me at Catherine Chernow's Heart of Romance: catherinechernowsheartofromance@yahoogroups.com
Check out www.myspace.com/catherinechernow
Visit the first hero of 'Bride's Inn' at http://www.myspace.com/sethmastersli

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Jamaica me crazy

I was looking through some pictures last night (in search of relaxing wallpaper) and thought I'd share some memories from our trip to Jamaica. We went last summer and I can't wait to go back. The heat was oppressive (even for a Floridian), but the water was cool and clear, the music was good, and the rum was even better. This sunset was captured by yours truly while we were all sipping drinks at Rick's Cafe.



Sunday, January 13, 2008

The Dread Moon and Brain Dead

These are the two new titles that I've just signed with New Concepts Publishing. I thought I'd share a little more about them:)

The Dread Moon: Book three in the Lilith Mercury: Werewolf Hunter Series.
Lilith's reputation as the best in the business has spread, and not just to the lycanthrope population. She's just been hired to find the original vampire. The vamps want what everyone else wants, equality. However, she will soon realize that the original vampire isn't just out for blood, or the return of rights to his people ... he wants Lilith too."

Brain Dead
Jane Masters has no idea she's a necromancer. Luis Phillippe is the vampire responsible for the power mingled in her blood. Though her love life improves dramatically after meeting Luis, Jane faces a more urgent situation than dating a vampire; her boss is a zombie and it might be her fault. As Luis reveals the details of her past life and the source of her power, they learn there's a killer on the loose and Jane is next on the list. As for her newly discovered past with Luis, her heart remembers him. But will she survive to love him this time?

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Good News!

I signed two book contracts Thursday night! I just wanted to share the good news with everybody. I’m still flying highJ I’ve also been trying in vain to upload my happy dance to youtube. LOL I don’t know if something is wrong with my computer or their uploader. Oh, well. When I finally have it, I shall subject you all to my happy dance. LOL

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Allie Boniface - Featured Author

Lost in Paradise



The Wild Rose Press
ISBN 1-60154-183-X

When high-society Harvard grad Ashton Kirk moves to the sleepy town of Paradise to escape a family scandal, Eddie West, the town’s most eligible bachelor, takes notice. In one steamy summer, two people from different worlds discover that, sometimes, you can find your soul mate in the place you least expect.

Reviews:
“Well written, with well-developed characters…Lost In Paradise explores more than living life, but figuring out what one actually wants out of it…Ms. Boniface has given us a delightful contemporary romance.” (4 Books from The Long and the Short of It)

“Lost in Paradise follows a young woman's journey of discovery, of herself, what she wants, and the young man harboring his own tragedy who wants her…a terrific combination for long lasting love…This is the first story I've read by Allie Boniface but it won't be the last.” (4 Hearts from The Romance Studio)

“Lost in Paradise by Allie Boniface is an emotional love story that draws the reader in and keeps the pages turning as the couple overcomes obstacles on their journey to true love…[it] was a delight to read. I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a love story that brings an unlikely couple together—a couple that overcome all odds to find the love they both deserve.” (5 Angels from Fallen Angel Reviews)

Readers can visit Allie's website (http://www.allieboniface.com/) or her blog (http://www.allieboniface.blogspot.com/) - where she gives away a book each month to one lucky reader!

You can purchase Lost in Paradise at: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=630

Monday, January 7, 2008

The Shoes

This short, yet thought provoking story was given to me by someone who wished to make an anonymous contribution to my blog.

The Shoes

There once was a young man, looking for the right pair of shoes. He had worn shoes, but they were ordinary shoes.

One day this young man saw a wonderful pair of shoes. A few days later he had the chance to talk to the shoes.

The shoes agreed to be his. After a few weeks the young man fell madly in love with the shoes. He did everything within his power to make the shoes happy.

As time passed he knew that these shoes were very special. But he soon learned that even these shoes had flaws.

Every time an old acquaintance came to town the shoes would discard the young man. Soon the shoes left in search of other feet.

After being passed from foot to foot, laced and un-laced many times, the shoes longed for the young man again.

The young man had found another pair of shoes, but he still loved the wonderful shoes with all his heart.

After the shoes reunited with the young man, he knew he loved the shoes very much, but they were no longer special.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Donna Grant - Featured Author

A Warrior's Heart


ISBN: 978-1-60394-091-7
Publisher: http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/

Regards Reader -

There are those who would love to rid themselves of painful memories, to forget nasty pasts and mistakes. They say its hell to live with those memories. I say its hell to live without them. I have no memories of my past, my friends or family.

I owe my life to the Fae who discovered me bleeding and nearly dead at their doorway. They saved me and offered me a new life, regardless of my past. So I’ve served the Fae and the Shields since that day. My special knowledge of herbs and healing has been needed to save the Shields countless times. They are my brethren, my family, yet I am alone.

No matter where I search or what questions I ask, I discover nothing to open a doorway in my mind of locked memories. Until I catch a glimpse of a woman who seems as familiar to me as breathing.

Danielle.

Though she claims to not know me, our bodies know each other. Yet, I agonize over what she keeps hidden in the depths of her haunted hazel eyes. I fear the dark thoughts that lurk in my heart, and wonder at any black deeds in my past. If what I dread comes to pass, death will not come swift enough.

Above all, I must keep Danielle safe. She is the only one that has quieted my soul and shown me what serenity was.

Gabriel the Hollow

You can read an excerpt of A Warrior's Heart at http://www.donnagrant.com/

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Release Anxiety

This post was originally written for a feature on The Raven Blog. However, it has gotten such good response and helped so many writers that I thought I would re-post it here:)

Press Release. Just those two words are enough to send some authors straight into a panic attack. But they don’t have to be. This post will focus on just how simple writing a press release can be. It doesn’t have to take hours, or make your hair turn gray. I don’t profess to be an expert, but I have had some success with writing my own.

My first release, which I will share in this article, has earned me coverage on two local morning shows with an invitation to return, two feature articles with local newspapers, which I interviewed for, as well as several other papers which chose to print the release exactly as is.

The first, and really good thing, about a press release is it needs to be short and simple. Journalists are looking for a story, not a biography. So, your release should read like a headline. Pick up your local paper for some examples.

Second, it should be written in third person. This is just as simple as pretending someone else is writing about you.

Third, include a brief statement about your book, you may even use your blurb if sounds good with the rest of the release.

Lastly, include a brief statement about yourself followed by where they can obtain more information about your book. (like your website)

Here is my press release as an example. Word has many formats you can choose from. At the top I included contact information, name, address, and a number where I could be reached. This is what I included below my contact information:

Local author announces debut novel

Graceville, FL, August 11, 2007: Tracey H. Kitts, a local author from Graceville, FL, is happy to announce the release of her debut novel, Red. It is being released through New Concepts Publishing (www.newconceptspublishing.com).

Red is a paranormal romance novel. It is the first book in the Lilith Mercury: Werewolf Hunter Series. Lilith Mercury is a werewolf hunter whose love life is nearly as dangerous as her job. She’s torn between the man who saved her humanity and the one who makes her want to embrace the beast.

According to Ms. Kitts, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this series and look forward to continuing the story.”

The second book in the series, Object of My Affection is also under contract with New Concepts Publishing with the release date to be announced.

Red, ISBN: 978-1-60494-049-8
-End-

Also, be sure to say “End” at the end of your press release. Then, take a deep breath and relax. That’s all there is to it.

Tracey H. Kitts is the author of the Lilith Mercury: Werewolf Hunter Series with New Concepts Publishing. Her debut novel, Red was released in August 2007 with NCP. Book two, Object of My Affection was release in October 2007.

For more information on Tracey and her books, you can find her at www.traceyhkitts.com or www.newconceptspublishing.com

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Resolutions? Not exactly.

For the most part, I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. I mean, if you are going to make a positive change in your life, why wait? If you think you would benefit from changing your diet or not smoking anymore, then why do you need to wait for the New Year?

I bet there are more people working out today (just the second day of the year) than any other time all year long. Hey, if you can stick with it, I'm all for it. I'm all for people feeling empowered enough to make positive changes in their lives.

Here's my suggestion, take it or leave it. Don't think of whatever you would like to accomplish as a "resolution." Think of it as a goal. Doesn't that sound better already? Goals don't necessarily have a time limit. They are something that we stretch ourselves to reach. Say, (for example) that you want to lose 100 lbs. and by the end of the year you've only lost 50. Does that mean you haven't met your goal? Hell no! It means you're halfway there! Congratulations, that's wonderful:)

If you haven't accomplished everything you thought you should have in 2007, so what? Don't focus on what you didn't do. Focus on what you did do. What did you accomplish? What steps did you take to bring you closer to your goals?

Please don't take this the wrong way, because I don't say it to brag. But, I had two books published this past year. I am thrilled! Those are two steps closer to me becoming a full-time author. That is one of the goals I have set for myself, to be able to pursue my dream full-time. That is a life goal, not a resolution. Each day (and month, year, etc.) I try to come one step closer.
So have I set any new "goals" this year, even after saying that I don't believe in New Year's Resolutions? I sure have. I want to be better. That's it. That's all there is to it. I want to be better. A better writer, a better spouse, a better parent, a better friend, and confidant. I simply want to be better.

So, how about you? What goals do you hope to accomplish or to take another step toward in the New Year? Whatever they are, I wish you success.