3/17/25 It's An Author's Life

It’s not only St. Patrick's Day, but it is also the first day of spring break for Miss Makenna! Even at 17, she dislikes being home alone, which is fine with me. 😊 Now let’s see what kind of mischief I got into last week, shall we?

I decided to add a new feature here on my blog over the weekend. I’m going to post reviews of books I’ve finished reading and then on the first of the month post ten books that are going to be released that month. I hope that you’ll check out the Simon’s Book Treasures and Reviews tab above for my first book review.

Here in Oklahoma, we were under a fire warning last Friday. We also had hurricane-force winds which blew in dust from the west. I did lose a couple of shingles and am waiting for the roofers to get back to me on when they can come out. The town I live in was placed on voluntary evacuation for about an hour or so for a fire that wasn't far from my son's place; thankfully the fire department got the blaze under control fairly quickly and lifted the evacuation. As of today, we are once again under a red flag fire warning with high winds and dry conditions for the next few days.

I have turned the heat off in the house until at least December. Yes, it’s a bit chilly in the morning but nothing sweats and a blanket can’t handle. Oh, and a nice cup of hot coffee for me and hot chocolate for Makenna.

I took some time for myself and played bingo Thursday night at our local golf club. It was nice to get out of the house and around a few friends and away from my laptop. I won a box cutter, which I gave away. I didn’t win the jackpot, which is fine. The point was to get out and about for a few hours.

Speaking of sitting in front of the laptop. I have only 11,000 words to write to finish my Friday the 13^th story by May 1. Need time to get it to the editor, then formatted, and finally upload it onto KDP (Amazon) in time for the June 13 release. I have a few errands to run this morning, but after that, I’ll be working on that story.

Have a great week and open those windows to let the fresh air in when possible.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, other’s lives are never as glamorous as we may think.

May the luck of the Irish bless your e-reader or bookshelf with an overflow of great books to read!

Maxine

3/10/25 It's An Author's Life

How are you doing with springing forward? It always takes me at least a week to adjust. My mind and body aren’t ready to get up at 8:00am (fka 7:00 am) just yet. I’ve been sleeping in pretty late according to my bedside clock. But like all things, this too shall pass. 😊

It was another quiet week for me. I did my usual promos. Tornado season has started in Oklahoma. I don’t remember which day it was, but my son and youngest granddaughter stayed overnight since we were at a level 6 out of 10 for having a tornado. We were blessed, and only had thunderstorms. However, I think there was something like 8 tornadoes in the state that night.

I attended a small local author group meeting Wednesday night at one of my favorite places, Shakespeare Wine Company. This is a new group trying to plant their feet on the ground. It is always nice to be around like-minded people. Will I attend next month? Probably.

I turned the heat off last night since it is supposed to be in the 70s during the day and 40s at night this week. It was pretty chilly in the house this morning (it was only in the 30s overnight) so I turned it back on. I am so ready for warmer temps.

I made a really good and easy stoop/soup that I found on Facebook in the slow cooker Saturday. I added a can of diced tomatoes to the mix and used ravioli since I couldn’t find tortellini in the freezer section. I might also use spaghetti next time instead of the tortellini or ravioli. It makes enough for a family, so if you’re single like me, you’ll have leftovers to freeze for another day.

One final note. I have a re-release coming out tomorrow, 3/11/25. I’m excited for my first publication with Rowan Prose Publishing to finally be available. Simply to Die For is a serial killer suspense and may trigger emotions in some readers, so please keep this in mind if you buy and read it.

Simon, my cat, has decided to get all up in my face and is putting himself between me and the laptop. Guess it means I’m done with today’s blog post.

Have a great week and open those windows to let the fresh air flow in when possible.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, others’ lives are never as glamorous as we may think.

May your Kindle or bookshelf overflow with great books to read!

Maxine

3/3/25 It's An Author's Life

What a beautiful week it has been. I’ve been able to open a window and let the front door screen down as well. I love letting the fresh air in after being shut up for the cold winter months. It reminds me of those warmer Wisconsin winter days when it would get in the 20s and I’d open windows and clean. Breathe the freshness in before the steamy days of summer arrive.

Oklahoma has gone from frigid temps just a few weeks ago to the official start of tornado season over the weekend. Spring tornado season runs from now until at least June here in Oklahoma before the dog days of summer are upon us.

I attended my first CAAC (Chickasha Area Arts Council) meeting as a board member. I was on the Board 2018-2023, when I resigned to start taking care of my DIL. With her passing last summer, I returned as I wanted to be back in touch with art-minded people. I am known to arrive somewhere early, sometimes more than an hour early if I plan to get some writing done. And last Tuesday was no different. I am happy to say that I got several pages handwritten at CAAC headquarters, as I always was able to when I used to man the Area Arts Store. I am looking forward to finding my muse again.

Speaking of writing, the past week has not really been productive writing-wise, but all that is going to change. I have a book up for pre-order and due for a June 13 release, which I need to get to the editor by May 1! Luckily, it’s a novella and even though it’s out of my wheelhouse, I haven’t written paranormal for many years, I am looking forward to letting this story take shape.

Friday night was “girls’ night out” and we kicked up our heels at Legends Pub House and Venue, for a tribute to The Cars. While I wasn't a big fan of The Cars, I was chair dancing on more than one occasion. I had great fun with Carlotta, Amy, and Lisa that night, and I even ran into fellow local author and screenwriter Anna Kittrell and fellow CAAC & FOL board member Angela. Maggie and Shane of The Imaginaries were back in town and stopped in Legends to listen as well.

Have a great week and get out in the fresh air when possible.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, others’ lives are never as glamorous as we may think.

May your Kindle or bookshelf overflow with great books to read!

Maxine

Carlotta, Lisa, me, Amy

Anna Kittrell (right)

We filled up on Legends pizza and appetizers!

2/24/25 It's An Author's Life

Are you sailing into Monday on warmer winds? Here in Oklahoma, we are going to be in the 60s and 70s after 100+ hours of below-freezing temps. I’m glad I could turn all the faucets off in the house last Saturday, but I won’t be happy to see that water bill. Yes, it will be cheaper than fixing busted pipes, so I’m thankful for that.

Miss Makenna, my youngest granddaughter, didn’t have school for two days because of the ice and frigid temps. She was not happy to go back to school last Thursday when the temps were still a bit cold, but she survived as we all did.

That’s about it. Not a very exciting week in the household.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, other’s lives are never as glamorous as we may think.

May your Kindle or bookshelf overflow with great books to read!

Maxine

2/17/25 It's An Author's Life

Happy Monday! I hope that if you are in the path of the snowstorms and frigid arctic air you stay safe and snug as a bug in a rug this week.

My son’s business trip last week was successful, and his return flights were good. Now because of the ice, snow, and frigid temps expected here in Oklahoma, my granddaughter is staying with me once again for the next few days. This way my son doesn’t need to worry about driving her to school before he goes to work. Also, if the schools either call off school or do virtual learning, she’ll be here. So, this week will probably be somewhat of a repeat of last. My driveway is at the very least at a 25˚ angle and I’ll be pre-treating it later today with salt in case the ice does come overnight. Now, I was raised in Wisconsin but have been in Oklahoma for almost 15 years now, so my driving on ice skills aren’t what they used to be, so if we do get what is predicted I won’t be going anywhere; it’s getting back up my driveway that is the issue here. I have 4-wheel drive, but it’s only useful in snow, not ice.

Attended a full service of church on Sunday without having a coughing incident! We have been studying Exodus since April 2024 and are only on Exodus 14. It’s a very long book, but Pastor said we will be taking a break from Exodus at some point to discuss the different religious denominations in our town.

I’m looking forward to the warmer weather—70’s are predicted—next week! I hope that it gets warmer wherever you are and that you healthy.

That’s it for the installment of my not-so-exciting world.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, other’s lives are never as glamorous as we may think.

May your Kindle or bookshelf overflow with great books to read!

Maxine

2/11/2025 It's An Author's Life

Even though I’m pretty much over the last sickness my family shared with me, that annoying cough in the morning and at night is hanging on. I hope you are all doing well and staying healthy.

Now, I know I’m a day late but here’s why. First of all, the posting totally skipped my mind until last night. Secondly, my son flew to Arizona yesterday for work and I was on pins and needles until I knew his plane landed safely. I’ll be the same when he returns tomorrow (Wednesday) night as Oklahoma is expecting some nasty weather overnight in the form of snow and ice. Thirdly my granddaughter is staying with me while her dad is on his business trip so there’s making dinner for two, getting her settled for the night (which she does on her own, she is 17 after all 😂), and me being a grandma.

So, I told you I did a thing and signed up to do a Friday the 13^th story this year. Well, I have a story idea and have started writing it!!! Think “Mary Worth” or “Bloody Mary” and you’ll get an idea of it. These stories all have the number 13 in common: 13 chapters, 13,000 words, broken mirror, released on Friday the 13^th, the victim’s name has 13 letters in it, and there are 13 authors. See where this is going?

That’s it for this installment of my not-so-exciting world.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, other’s lives are never as glamorous as we may think.

May your Kindle or bookshelf overflow with great books to read!

Maxine

2/3/25 It's An Author's Life

This week, it feels like I’m writing the same thing over and over again. But this time, I am probably 95% back from the last illness my family shared with me, which may or may not have been the flu but just an old-fashioned cold. Let me just say that going old school and using Vicks (or a generic version) works wonders. Using an expectorant, which managed the coughing, along with lots of rest, helped as well. BTW, peppermint bark tea is the bomb!

I made it to church yesterday and got to witness the baptism of Jordan! The event brought tears to his proud papa’s eyes.

Not much writing was done this past week as my medicine induced brain wasn’t functioning on all cyclinders. But, I think I do have a title and an idea for my Friday the 13^th story, I just have to flesh it out a bit.

I think that’s all I have and I’m off to take some medicine.

I pray you and your family are healthy and have dodged the illness that is affecting so many. Schools are suffering with so many teachers out as well as students.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, other’s lives are never as glamorous as we may think.

May your Kindle or bookshelf overflow with great books to read!

Maxine

1-27-25 It's An Author's Life

Here it is Monday, and my son and youngest granddaughter have felt it only fair that they share their cold/flu with me. When I went to bed last night I started coughing, now I have chills, am sleepy, and have a slight headache. So off to the store I went to replenish my OTC meds because I gave what I had to them. I’ll be missing my monthly book club, Chapter Chat, tonight and possibly the CAAC meeting tomorrow depending on how I feel. Now on to more cheerful things!

I actually made it to church yesterday. I love my little church and lately there seems to be more and more people filling the pews. This warms my heart as the church has gained two families this year so far. One of them (middle school age) is going to be baptized next week. So excited for Jordan!

Not much writing was done this past week due to the fact that Jackie and Shadow (the Bald Eagles living in Big Bear Valley) were getting ready to start their family this year. Jackie laid egg #1 on the 22nd around 7pm (central) and then #2 on the 25^th around the same time. The FOBBV organization has two live cameras on YouTube: one on the nest, and one of the trees where this pair are known to mate. Watching the nest this time of year is my Zen.

So, I did a thing! I’ve stepped outside my comfort writing box and signed up to do a Friday the 13^th story with a group of 12 other authors. The repeated theme for each story on every Friday the 13^th is the following: must have a murder or dead body found on Friday the 13^th, villain or victim must have 13 letters in their name, story must have 13 chapters and a total of 13,000 words, a broken mirror must be somewhere in the story, and the story has to be creepy. Now, the reason this is outside my box is because NONE of my published books have just 13 chapters; there are at least 14 chapters not counting a prologue or epilogue. And also, that this is a horror/creepy type of story, which I normally don’t write on purpose. So, a few ideas have popped into my head and will see how they progress. Mark your calendar for June 13 and the release of this year’s one and only Friday the 13^th collection of stories.

I think that’s all I have and I’m off to take some medicine.

I pray you and your family are healthy and have dodged the illness that is affecting so many. Schools are suffering with so many teachers out as well as students.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, other’s lives are never as glamorous as we may think.

May your Kindle or bookshelf overflow with great books to read!

Maxine

1/20/25 It's An Author's Life

 Seems as if most, if not all, of us are in the deep freeze once again. Here in Oklahoma, it was in the 60s on Friday only to fall into the 40s on Saturday and the temps kept falling. At the time of this writing, it is 19˚F with a wind chill of 8˚F. The faucets in my home have been dripping/streaming since late Saturday afternoon, there is warmth coming in a few days as temps will be on the rise starting Wednesday.

If you are in the US, today is our country’s inauguration day. That’s all I’ll say about that subject, except that I hope all goes well for the next four years.

Both my youngest granddaughter, Makenna, and I have recovered from the stomach bug. It took a few days to get my taste buds back to normal, and no it wasn’t COVID. Just being sick makes your body out of kilter.

Since I was feeling better, I got caught up on my weekly writing schedule. Every author writes differently. Some do X number of words a day or week, but I give myself a minimum of a chapter a week. That way, I’m not stressed when life throws curve balls like being sick.

Speaking of writing, I thought I’d give you a peek into Simply to Die For which is currently available for pre-order here with a March release:

I turned and surveyed the room. It had been easier than I first imagined. None of them put up a fuss. Well, except the one I’ve left in a dark corner of the room that is, and he’s not a threat. Even his crying and whimpering have ceased. I only hope he’ll live long enough to give them my message. If not, well, I’ll think of another way to get her back and get that damn list of hers. Her royal highness, Kandi Kyses. What made her think she could quit the business and go into hiding? No one gets away with crossing me, as she’ll soon discover. Did she think for one minute that she wouldn’t be found no matter how far away she was? I have to give it to her though, these damn chocolates of hers are divine. I placed the pink and white striped candy box in position carefully with my gloved fingers and chuckled.

Her handmade candies were… Simply to die for.

S2D4 has been getting some good vibes on Bluesky and TikTok, and I am looking forward to its release to everyone.

I will leave you here as I consider whether to venture outside today.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, other’s lives are never as glamorous as we may think.

May your Kindle or bookshelf overflow with great books to read!

Maxine

1/14/25 It's An Author's LIfe

I’m a day late, but I have good reason. I ended up with that nasty stomach bug Sunday night and have spent the last 36 hours pretty much in bed. Shoot, I even forgot to feed Simon until around 11:00 Monday night. Now that I’m feeling better judging by the fact that I did a load of laundry and dishes, I’m glad to be back to being more myself again.

Now on to some more pleasant things that happened over the past week.

Saturday was the CROW (Central Region Oklahoma Writers) Christmas party. It was so much fun, and the hostess's house is a beautiful historical home! We played Dirty Santa and all the gifts were writing-related items such as blankets, socks, candles, coffee cups, pens, notebooks, etc. I always look forward to our informal gatherings. Thank you to Anna for taking the photo and Tina for opening your home to us.

My youngest granddaughter didn’t have school for two days last week due to the 4” of snow that fell Wednesday night and the icy roads that occurred when the slush refroze overnight Thursday. But she did have virtual learning both days, so those days are not lost or have to be made up on pre-scheduled snow days.

So that’s the excitement for this past week. I hope that you and your family are healthy and haven’t been hit with this bug.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, other’s lives are never as glamorous as we may think they are.

May your Kindle or bookshelf overflow with great books to read!

Maxine

01-06-25 It's An Author's Life

Happy New Year and Welcome 2025!

I totally missed posting last Monday, so here’s a quick recap since Christmas:

On the 27^th, I got a call from my local animal shelter to do an emergency foster for a 4-month-old puppy. “Whisper” is the cutest guy with front paws as big as the palm of my hand. Luckily, the shelter found a rescue for him, and he left on Thursday to find a family with kids who will love him as much as my granddaughter and I do.

Christmas was quiet so not much to report there. My son and his youngest were over and we watched football most of the day. It was the first since his wife’s passing in July, so there was an empty chair at my table. Everything was yummy and there were hardly any leftovers for them to take home.

I stayed in on New Year’s Eve and had a glass or two of wine. I almost never go out to celebrate anymore as I have no patience for people my age acting like totally idiots LOL … yes, this former party animal and social butterfly is anything but these days. I hope you had a safe New Year's Eve.

Winter has finally hit Oklahoma as an Arctic Blast overnight on Saturday. It went from 63 at around 3am to in the 30s around 8am in just a matter of hours Sunday morning. Luckily, I had already started to drip/stream all the faucets in the house and the doors under the sinks were propped open. It was a bit chilly going to church this morning, but nothing compared to the wind chill of 2 at 8:10pm. It should be in the 40s by the end of the week.

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions anymore because I rarely keep them, even with good intentions. So, for 2025, I wish you all love, success, happiness, and joy.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, other’s lives are never as glamorous as we may think they are.

May your Kindle or bookshelf overflow with great books to read!

Maxine

12/23/24 It's An Author's Life

It has been another quiet week. Come tomorrow night, many children will start to have those visions of Santa and wondering if he will bring them their greatest Christmas wish. To all those littles, may all your Christmas dreams come true.

Sunday, I had the privilege of watching our/my church littles practice their program in preparation for Christmas Eve service Tuesday night. Our little congregation is grown with youngsters, and it is wonderful to see.

Now, I won’t keep you any longer as I am sure you still have many last many things to accomplish.

I pray you have a glorious Christmas, and remember that it is the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ, as well as a day we watch as wonderous eyes grow big when they unwrap a gift.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, other’s lives are never as glamorous as we may think they are.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

Maxine

12/16/24 It's an Author's Life

It has been a week of an unexpected blessing and a profound sadness.

My sister-in-law, Sandy, received good news on Wednesday after her PET scan came back showing she is currently cancer-free. A few months ago, she was diagnosed with both stage 4 liver and lung cancer. Through prayers and rounds of chemo, which will continue until scheduled rounds are completed, my family is celebrating.

I received a call Friday morning from the daughter of a good friend, a sister really, telling me her mother had passed the day before. Carla was more than a friend; she was a confidant, sister, muse, critique partner—she was many things to many people. Carla and I had been through many ups and downs together throughout our lives since the mid-1980s, our kids are the same age, and we shared our heartaches and our triumphs. In a dream on Saturday morning between 7 and 9 (I have a morning routine so I know the timeframe), I tore down a huge wasp nest on the inside of a door causing honey to stream down the walls and drip from the ceiling on me. Dreaming about honey represents many things, in this case, I believe it was Carla letting me know she is with her mom, whose nickname was Honey. To say I miss my friend tremendously is an understatement. 

Please keep both families in your thoughts and prayers as they venture on their healing journeys.

My message this week is to keep your family close. Push those bad feelings aside. Love one another. Cherish every moment with loved ones, because we never know when God will call them home.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, other’s lives are never as glamorous as we may think they are.

Maxine 

Carla in Nashville, TN (circa 1990s)

(July 15,1952 - December 12, 2024)

12/9/24 It's An Author's Life

Overall things were fairly quiet this past week.

Since we are now in Advent, I attended church Wednesday night. It is an early service, with a potluck supper beforehand; it’s nice to get together with members of the congregation and share a meal. We do this all through Advent.

Saturday night our local Christmas parade took place, and it was over 40 minutes long. As a Chickasha Area Arts Council member, I helped at our hot dog and hot chocolate table, which parade goers loved. The CAAC does this every year because believe it or not, it does get “cold” in Oklahoma. This was my first official event with the CAAC since rejoining and I must say that it feels good to be surrounded by creative types again.

I attended the 2^nd Advent Sunday service and the continued Bible study on Exodus. It is always interesting how one question can lead Pastor in a different direction, which can happen often. I like that he feels he needs to address that question right then and there. While Pastor was teaching Bible study in the Fellowship Hall, the children of our little congregation were in the sanctuary practicing their Christmas Eve service program.

Writing-wise, I revamped the first couple of chapters of my WIP, yet again. I’m really trying to make this story work and I’m getting to the point where I may have to let it sit for a while and move on to another story. But I’m not ready to table it just yet.

Stay safe and warm as you venture out to your local Christmas parades and celebrations.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, other’s lives are never as glamorous as we may think they are.

Maxine

Photos found on Chickasha Chamber of Commerce FB Page *Here*

Photo credit: Cassie Poole

12/2/24 It's An Author's Life

It was a busy week with getting ready for Thanksgiving, and like many of you, it took up most of my time. My son came over and not only cooked but also cleaned up the kitchen. Then he and my youngest granddaughter put the decorations up on the tree and it looks so pretty.

I’ve thought about a new series called Letters to Santa. I can envision this series being multi-genre, and if all goes well, I hope to have the first book ready for Christmas 2025. I’ve spent most of my creative time since Thanksgiving designing book mockup cover options for the series. I know I should be writing, but this is at the forefront of my creativity.

I did put my ebook The Gingerbread Inn on sale for 99¢ the entire month of December. Watch for Nikki and Seth’s story to be available at more online retail outlets this spring.

I didn’t finish reading 11/22/63 by Stephen King, I do recommend it if you like historical time travel with an alternative ending to history.

And finally, I saw Wicked with my friends Carlotta and Amy on Saturday at our local theater in 3D. We all loved it and have agreed we are all Team Elphaba! If you haven’t seen it, I recommend you do. I didn’t see the stage production so I have nothing to compare it to other than the book Wicked which I read over 20 years ago.

That’s it for this week. If you were out shopping for those bargains, I hope you found everything you were looking for. If not, I know you’ll find what you need to put under your tree.

Stay safe and warm as you venture out.

Thank you for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, other’s lives are never as glamorous as I may think it is.

Maxine

It's An Author's Life

What a way to start last week! It’s mid-November and Mother Nature was waking Oklahoma up Monday morning to storms and/or tornadoes. Schools were either on a delayed start, virtual learning or closed completely. So, Miss Makenna was dropped off by her dad (my son) at 7:30 so I could take her to school at 8:30. Evidently there were at least 6 tornadoes in the state, making the total 22 for the month of November. Hopefully, the second tornado season is over now.

Watched a couple of AutoCrit videos on YouTube this morning. The first one was good, the second was all over the place and I couldn’t follow it. Maybe I need more coffee when I watch a certain presenter. This is a service for authors/writers that has a free option with limited abilities. The other two tiers have all the bells and whistles. I’m thinking that I just might subscribe to one of the paid tiers and see just how much I actually use all the features.

Miss Makenna decided on Tuesday that it was time to put up the Christmas tree after school, but not to decorate it yet. Let’s see if I can get her to start on it by the end of the week. LOL

On #BookQuoteWednesday (#BookQW) I posted the word of the week on my social media places: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, Threads, and TikTok. I still have my X/Twitter account but am not using it now.

It was in the high 30s this morning! Not sure I’m ready for cold weather yet. This former #Wisconsin girl has truly become an #Okie at least where the weather is concerned. Cold in the morning, warmer in the afternoon—typical Oklahoma fall weather.

Miss Makenna and I ended up going over to T-Mobile on Thursday to see why her hotspot wasn’t working. Come to find out, between her and her dad they used up their 4G allotment; he slips down to 4G while she slips down to 3G, and nothing was working for her. So, I ended up going to their Go5G plan, which was only $6 more a month and the hotspots go up to 5G then fall to 4G as they use it up. Now that her hotspot is upgraded, she’ll be happy to stay home next week as school is closed for Thanksgiving.

My 90-year-old mother called in the morning to say that there was a “blizzard” outside her window. She’s in assisted living, has a big picture window in her living quarters, and was watching the first Wisconsin snow of the season fall.

Started checking up on my favorite Bald Eagle pair *live* on YouTube. Shadow and Jackie are getting ready for another egg-laying season by bringing sticks and fluff to the nest. As mating and laying season heats up, there will be more nest activity to watch. They live in Big Bear Valley in California and are an interesting pair full of personality. There are two cameras set up for the nest and their roosting trees. This is a great tool for the kiddos once Jackie gets ready to lay her first egg. Follow Jackie and Shadow here: FOBBV CAM - YouTube

Guess who used up all her allotted space on her hotspot? Yep, had to explain to her that she can’t use it like the internet. Consequently, she’s opted to have her dad drop her off in the mornings this week for Thanksgiving break.

Football Saturday was yet another disappointing game as my son and I watched the Badgers lose to Nebraska.

Helped with Christmas decorating church after service followed by a lunch in the fellowship hall. It was a glorious Sunday with temps in the high 70s; summer’s latest attempt to hang out before true fall weather settles in this week.

One more day left until I have to finish reading 11/22/63. I’m looking forward to hearing what the other members of Chapter Chat have to say about this Stephen King book. I don’t think I’m going to finish it. However, I am halfway through it.

Turkey went into the refrigerator after church giving it about 4 days to be ready. Hoping it is thawed out by Thursday morning to be popped into the roaster.

Thank you for continuing to read these snippets into life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much. 😊

Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels from my family to yours!

Maxine

It’s An Author’s Life

I hope you’ve had a great week, I know it’s been a busy one for me. As the Christmas romcoms start broadcasting, I always remember that even though a big piece of my heart will always belong to my late husband, sometimes it would be nice to have a gentleman in my life after all this time. Maybe this year Santa has one on his list for me that fits all my criteria. That being said, are you ready to dive into my author life that is far from resembling a Hallmark movie? 

Back-to-back meetings on Tuesday night. The first one was with the Chickasha Friends of the Library where I was asked to give my input on the recent local author event. The event, while small as there really is only room for about 16 authors, was a success and the authors who attended, including myself, had good results. A few were first timers and the feedback from them was good. We discussed marketing earlier for Fall of 2025, which we all agreed was a good time of year. Meeting number two was with the Chickasha Area Arts Council, which I am once again a member of, to discuss a couple of upcoming major events next month. CAAC was one of my artistic tribes a few years ago and I’m glad to be back among them.

I got out early in the morning on Wednesday and did my Thanksgiving dinner shopping. Went to three stores before I got a reasonably priced turkey. Started off at Walmart where I got several everyday items (water/vitamins) and checked the price of ham and turkey. Then I went to Homeland because they are having a “but a ham get a free turkey” promotion. Well, paying between $30 and $40 for a whole ham is not in my budget, even if a free turkey comes with it. My last stop was Aldi and BINGO! I got a 12# turkey (Honeysuckle) for under $10; also got several other items needed for Thanksgiving Day dinner. I’d forgotten that I can get more bang for my buck at Aldi and may have to rethink my shopping routine. How’s your shopping going?

I’m making progress on this month’s reading assignment for my book club, Chapter Chat, through my local library. I renewed it for the end of the month since it is such a long book. I’m invested in it and my writing has taken a backseat this month. Given that I’m on page 269 of 849, I HIGHLY recommend you read 11/22/63 by Stephen King.

I also jumped on the Bluesky bandwagon and so far, am loving it. A lot of people are jumping from X (fka Twitter) over to it. There are several authors you love there, and you can make your own Starter Packs, which I don’t fully understand yet, although it would be a great way for a reader to gather their favorite authors and offer a place for readers to come together. If you decide to create a profile, look me up here: Maxine on Bluesky

My youngest granddaughter decorated my fireplace mantel after school on Thursday. She arranged the Christmas village with 4 buildings including a church, a couple of snowmen, kids having a snowball fight, and flocked pine trees. This is the first time in 6 years since my late husband’s death that I’ve put up more than just a tree. I’ve got ideas for the tops of the windows, so it’ll be interesting to see if I get them decorated or not. All the pieces were stored among my craft items when I fell down the DT craft rabbit hole several years ago.

The weather is about to change, and boy has my knee osteoarthritis been letting me know it. I’ve had to use my cane more than usual this past week and I hate it. Been spending a bit of time on the stationary bike to work those muscles behind my knees and get them stretched out. In the process of moving things around in my office (which is where the bike is), I found my chair lumbar support which I am now using in my recliner, and I can already feel the difference walking with the way it positions my hips and back.

It’s Big 10 football Saturday in my house and it’s the day my son and I watch the Wisconsin Badgers together. Made an Aldi run this morning to grab a few things I forgot the other day and to get munchies for today and stuff to make taco casserole today. I picked up a 32 oz Stanley dup for $7.99 while I was there as well. Score!! Have you ever tried the Aldi brand Clancy’s Turkey Stuffing ruffle chips? You know what? They aren’t half bad; I’d buy them again.

But before the coin toss happened, I attended a Google Meets of CROW (Central Regional Oklahoma Writers) online meeting since I couldn’t go today. The program was entitled “Murders Follow Me Around” by Lisbeth L. McCarthy; it was an interesting topic. The CROWs are my writing tribe and friends in my life that are cherished.

A day of worship with Bible study followed by worship. Read more of 11/22/63 all last week. Also took time to watch a bit of the Packer Bears game. The weather took a turn overnight and the cold weather is about to set in. Glad I turned the heat on a few days ahead of time to help my 1950s brick Craftsman-style home stay warm.

Thank you for your continued support, you’re very much appreciated for jumping into the stories that weave their way through my mind.

Maxine

 Welcome to #MondayMusings with a review of my #authorlife this past week

Where shall I start? It has been a relatively quiet week really. The weather is still determining if it wants to still be summer or shift to fall. It is nice in the afternoons with the nights being cool enough that I have the heat on to keep the chill out of my brick home.

I belong to my local library book club, Chapter Chat, and this month everyone is reading the same book. Stephen King is not an author I’ve ever read nor had any desire to, BUT I have to say that this one is right up my alley. 11/22/63 is a time travel leading up to the assassination of JFK. It’s a very long book at 800+ pages, I’m only on page 119, and since Chapter Chat meets the last Monday of the month it may seem like I have plenty of time. However, this library loan is a library loan, which means my library borrowed it from another library so it could loan it to me. I have to have it back on the 18^th (not sure if this one can be renewed or not given it’s loaned to my library) so I’ve been spending most of what would be my writing time reading. I have found the characters engaging and I’m now invested in their journey.

Family life wise, my beautiful youngest granddaughter took a tour of the local tech school last week for Advisory class. She’s decided that she either wants to be in the hospitality field or a graphic designer/artist. I was surprised by the first one as she’s not overly outgoing or social, but the artist side of her is leaning more towards her second choice. My oldest granddaughter and her husband is expecting their second child around Easter! Finally, my great-granddaughter gets her wish for either a baby sister or brother.

On the writing side of life, I do have a good start on the next chapter of Deceitful Promises (a Gilded Age romantic mystery/suspense). I probably won’t get fully back to writing it until next month. As of last night (11/11/24) I am now on Bluesky, an alternative to X (fka Twitter). I’m still figuring out how it works but if you’re a social media person, pop on over and follow me.

I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving and pray that you can spend it with the ones you love.

Love,

Maxine

Let's Catch Up!

 Hi Everyone,

Yes, it has been a long minute since I last posted here, but I have rectified that starting today!

My newsletter has been as silent as my blog, hopefully that will start to liven up as well.

In the meantime, let me give you a brief idea of what life has been like since 2022.

My DIL was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease about 6 years ago shortly after my late husband passed. Huntington's is genetic and hereditary. I had been caring for Ashley while my son was at work since May 2023. It is with deep sadness I say this: Ashley passed on July 22 at the age of 39.

The only comfort we have is knowing that she has gone home to the Lord and is without the pain this disease causes. I won't go into the specifics of its horrible symptoms and what it does to the person who has it.

Now for some good news!

During the past two years, I have been writing and publishing. Today I updated my Romance Bookshelf tab above, so you can catch up.

I have two previously published books that have been re-edited and are being published by Rowan Prose Publishing in 2025. I'm excited to have these two stories available and their stories told once again. 

I also have several stories on my to-do list and can't wait to write them for each of you.

I hope you have all been well. Thank you for your support during my absence. 

Love,

Maxine

Coming Soon

 New feature in Maxine's Affairs of the Heart newsletter.

 Starting Tuesday, September 6, 2022, a different book featured weekly.

Here are a few of the things the author will share with you about their book: 

·       Author’s latest news!

·       A sneak peek including tagline/blurb, excerpt, and buy link(s).

·       Genre the book is written in.

·       Heat Level, i.e., sweet, clean, wholesome, etc.

·       How much research the author had to do for the book plus maybe sharing any cool tidbits they unearthed.

·       Learn where you can find out more about the author and their books. 

Sign up HERE to receive Maxine's Affairs of the Heart newsletter and discover a new author and book to fall in love with.