Author Interview – Karen Hulene Bartell

Welcome, Karen Hulene Bartell to the Clog Blog.  So Karen, what is the sweetest thing someone has done for you?

After opening my presents on my eighth Christmas, my father asked me if I were satisfied with the toys
Santa Clause had brought. Absolutely content, I nodded. “Yes.” Was there anything I’d wanted that he
didn’t bring me? I shook my head. “No.”

Then he rolled out my new bicycle.

How would you spend ten thousand bucks?

With a ten-thousand-dollar windfall, most people would buy luxuries or travel. I would donate it to the
local animal shelter. Why? Animals were my “siblings” when I was a kid. Now, they’re my four-legged
“children.” Though I can’t adopt all the strays or feral critters, I can support the local shelter.

Where do you get your best ideas?

That’s easy–traveling gives me the best ideas. Airports, cruises, road trips–you name the mode of
travel–trekking inspires ideas like nothing else. Sights, sounds, scents, regional cuisine, local lore, and
history all conspire to inspire.

What comes first, the plot or characters?

The plot must come first. I need the basic story–the what–before I begin thinking about the who ��
Once I have the narrative, themes evolve, then the characters materialize, and the dialogue flows.

What does your main character do that makes him/her special.

We meet Maeve Jackson, the main character of Kissing Kin, as she musters out of the Army after a five-year stint. Starting over after a broken engagement–with no job and no prospects–she wonders, “What
next? Where next?

Then when she spins out on black ice and totals her car, does she despair? Nope. By “listening with her
heart,” Maeve creates her own opportunities, somehow capitalizing on impossible situations. She’s the
friend/sister I would want during financial setbacks, spectral visits, or relationship troubles.

So what makes Maeve special–besides her indomitable spirit? She “listens with her heart.”

 

BLURB:
Maeve Jackson is starting over after a broken engagement—and mustering out of the Army. No
job and no prospects, she spins out on black ice and totals her car.
When struggling vintner Luke Kaylor stops to help, they discover they’re distantly related. On a
shoestring budget to convert his vineyard into a winery, he makes her a deal: prune grapevines
in exchange for room and board.
But forgotten diaries and a haunted cabin kickstart a five-generational mystery with ancestors
that have bones to pick. As carnal urges propel them into each other’s arms, they wonder: Is
their attraction physical…or metaphysical?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

Our shoulders rubbed each time we moved. The downy hairs on the back of my neck tickling
from the electricity passing between us, I shivered as the currents barreled down my spine.

“Cold?” Eyes wide, he caught my gaze.

I opened my mouth to speak but, forgetting what I meant to say, lost myself in his inviting brown
eyes and could only nod.

He reached his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close, sharing his body warmth.
With the faint scents of leather and saddle soap wafting from his jacket, his nearness was
intoxicating, and I was tempted to lean into a kiss. Yet huddled together on the bone-chilling ledge, I gazed instead at the rugged wilderness surrounding us, content to savor the sweet ache
of longing. If more is meant to be, it’ll happen.

Then thoughts of Cody froze me like a blue norther. Why did he come to mind?

****

So close, Luke felt the rise and fall of her chest each time she breathed. Her hair tickled his ear,
raising goosebumps–and possibilities. If she turns toward me or gives any sign…But her sigh
signaled something else. He side-glanced to read her mood, but she stared at the scenery,
apparently oblivious of his rising libido.

“Want…” His voice cracked. Clearing his throat, he tried again. “Want some water?”

“Sure.” She turned her head quickly, her hair brushing his cheek with a citrus scent.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Author of the Trans-Pecos and Sacred Emblem series, Karen is a best-selling author, keynote
speaker, wife, and all-around pilgrim of life, who writes multicultural, offbeat love stories. Born to
rolling-stone parents who moved often, Bartell found her earliest playmates as fictional friends in
books. Paperbacks became her portable pals. Ghost stories kept her up at night—reading
feverishly. The paranormal was her passion. Novels offered an imaginative escape. An only
child, she began writing her first novel at the age of nine, learning the joy of creating her own
happy endings. Professor Emeritus of the University of Texas at Austin, Karen resides in the
Texas Piney Woods with her husband Peter and her “mews”—three rescued cats and a rescued
*Cat*ahoula Leopard dog.

Connect with Karen:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenHuleneBartell
MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/karenbartell
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HuleneKaren
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/karenhulenebartell/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/611950.Karen_Hulene_Bartell
Website: http://www.KarenHuleneBartell.com/
Email: info@KarenHuleneBartell.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/karenhulenebartell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenhulenebartell/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/karen-hulene-bartell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenhulenebartell/
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Kissing-Trans-Pecos-Karen-Hulene-Bartell-
ebook/dp/B0CRJ6P13V/ref=sr_1_1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE
A randomly drawn winner will receive a $25 Amazon/BN gift card.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4830

AuThursday – Lisette Blythe

Welcome Lisette Blythe to the Clog Blog!  Lisette, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Hello there, I’m Lisette Blythe! This is my second year of being published. Last year I released four books. This year looks like it will be the same. My background is in technology. Up until recently my bread and butter had been infrastructure (servers, routers, and switches). Two years ago I made the leap to a less technical role as an IT business analyst. My writing career kicked off by writing fan fiction. It was a moderately popular one in a particular K-pop fandom.

How do you make time to write?

When you have something you like to do, it’s easy to find ways. Sometimes on my lunch break at my 9-5, you can catch me writing on my phone. In the evenings when I have a bit of time to myself, I’ll go back to edit what I wrote.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Oh yes, very much so. Prior to 2020, it had been over ten years since I’d written anything. I didn’t have it in me. I used to write all the time in high school but the well just dried up.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

My genre is considered new adult romance. Think college-age love. That time of your lives is about figuring out who you are. We all know that you evolve as you age, but this is a very poignant time in your life when it can mostly be about you and who you want to be.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I’m published under a boutique publisher called Three Fortnights Press. They are currently up for an award with AAMBC (make sure you cast your vote! https://theaambcawards.com/vote/). I like having the support of a publisher behind me. Shai (the owner) has done all of this before and has no qualms guiding me through it. Also, she puts up with my general foolishness.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

I’m an introvert with bursts of extroversion. A lot of my main characters will be introverted. In the second book that comes out this year (September 30th), the main character is incredibly extroverted. It wasn’t difficult to write because I just drew on what happens when I’m around my friends with good music and booze.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“I don’t work 40 hours a week to not be able to afford lotion in my tissues.”

It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? I’m making a point. I work hard. I’m a wife and a mom. I have a 9-5 and write. On top of all of that, I go to conventions to sell my books. At the end of the day, all of that allows me to do the things I want to do, so I’m going to do them!

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Just write. Write what you know, write what you don’t. You can always edit.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

I am what is known as chronically online. Comes from being in technology (though my husband, also in technology would say the devil is a lie.) Catch me on TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter as @lisetteblythe.

Instagram is lisetteblythe5 because whoever owns lisetteblythe won’t give it up. I have a discord where people come and talk about the most random of things. We also talk about the books we’re currently reading. You can find that here: https://discord.gg/TKDFJmK3CZ

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Actually, if you are so inclined, you can get the first four chapters of my book which comes out in June for free!

Glory: A Sorority Rejects Tale is the story of understanding you aren’t what everyone tells you that you are. Grab those chapters from here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/bev73s5svs

AuThursday – Karen Hulen Bartell

Please welcome Karen Hulene Bartell to the Clog Blog!  So Karen, what else do you have coming out?

Kissing Kin is being released three weeks prior to Fox Tale’s release. Both are paranormal romances, but other than that, they are so dissimilar. 

Kissing Kin is set in Texas. It’s about a woman starting over after a broken engagement—and mustering out of the Army. No job and no prospects, she spins out on black ice and totals her car.

When struggling vintner Luke Kaylor stops to help, they discover they’re distantly related. On a shoestring budget to convert his vineyard into a winery, he makes her a deal: prune grapevines in exchange for room and board.

But forgotten diaries and a haunted cabin kickstart a five-generational mystery with ancestors that have bones to pick. As carnal urges propel them into each other’s arms, they wonder: Is their attraction physical…or metaphysical?

Fox Tale is set in Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan. It’s about a woman who’s terrified of heights. When a stranger saves her from plunging down a mountain, he diverts her fears with tales of Japanese kitsune—shapeshifting foxes—and she begins a journey into the supernatural.

She’s attracted to Chase, yet primal instincts urge caution when shadows suggest more than meets the eye.

She’s torn between Chase and Rafe, her ex, when a chance reunion reignites their passion, but she struggles to overcome two years of bitter resentment. Did Rafe jilt her, or were they pawns of a larger conspiracy? Are the ancient legends true of kitsunes twisting time and events?

When are you going to write your autobiography?

Excellent question, but until enough people care to read what I’ve done during and with my life, I’ll continue to simply put off writing my autobiography until “someday.” Guess I should refer to it as an “ought-to-biography” 😉

Are the names of the characters in your novels important?

I always choose names that are prevalent with the age of the character. For instance, I would not choose Mildred—my grandmother’s name, who was born in the 1880s—for a character who was born twenty-two years ago. In 2002, Madison, Hannah, and Emma were the top female choices for baby names.

Sometimes my character names evoke physical descriptions. For example, if the heroine is a volatile redhead, consider naming her Cayenne. It sounds like a woman’s name and conjures images of a woman who’s either hot or hot-tempered.

For Belize Navidad, a novel set in the Caribbean at Christmas time, I named the heroine Carol, as in Christmas Carol, and named the hero Nick, as in good old Saint…

The protagonist of Sacred Gift was angelic, so I named her Angela. The antagonist was Develyn, short for Debra Evelyn, suggesting the girl was devilish. You get the idea.

I chose the name Keya for the turtle-loving, Native American protagonist in The Keys: Voice of the Turtle. In the Lakota Sioux language, Keya means turtle. The setting of the paranormal romance was the Florida Keys, and the theme was protecting the sea turtles’ nesting beaches.

Selecting evocative names for protagonists and antagonists reinforces their characterizations and enhances the story. I research online for significant words in foreign languages, then use them as the characters’ names or nicknames, as shown above with Keya. The names capture the story’s essence.

If characters’ names still don’t seem important, consider the following scenario. 

Four clergymen and their wives were flying back from an interdenominational conference when the plane crashed, and the four couples arrived at the Pearly Gates.

Saint Peter took the first preacher aside. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let you in. You were addicted to food and had a sweet tooth. In fact, you loved chocolate so much you married a woman named Candy.” Off they went to hell.

Saint Peter then addressed the second parson. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let you in. You loved the almighty dollar more than the Lord. In fact, you loved money so much you married a woman named Penny.” Off they went to hell.

Saint Peter spoke to the third minister. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let you in. You loved demon rum more than the Lord. In fact, you loved alcohol so much you married a woman named Brandy.” Off they went to hell.

The fourth preacher turned to his wife. “We don’t have a prayer, Fanny.”

What about the titles of your novels?

I keep a running list of titles that come to me at odd times–when I’m walking the dog, driving, or shopping for milk. (I admit to loving alliteration: Seven Summers, Cats and Cactus, Sacred Stone.) Each time I begin another book, I scour that list for ideas, then wordplay, using those words as the basis for the next title. 

For a series title, for example, I might use Saline Series–think salt–briny–brackish. Then I brainstorm.

TITLE: Salt of the Earth

TITLE: Worth His/Her Salt

TITLE: [With a] Pinch of Salt

TITLE: Salt and Pepper–Differing Couples: old/young, different races/types/personalities

TITLE: Salt Away

TITLE: [Rub] Salt in the Wound

TITLE: [Throw] Salt Over His/Her Shoulder

TITLE: Old Salt–Brackish Mariner

Excerpt

“Ava, are you all right?”

“Yes…” His anxious eyes cleared my mind like fog lights cutting through mist. “I am all right…no thanks to you.”

“I deserve that.” His chin dropped on his chest.

“That and so much more.” This time, anger rose in my throat like acid reflux.

After the breakup, I couldn’t mention the bastard’s name for a year. Always questioning what I’d done wrong, I finally realized his leaving was his flaw–not mine. Then I fantasized telling him off, rehearsing what I’d say and how I’d say it…

But now, face to face, the bluster left me.

Worry lines radiated from his glistening eyes. 

Mute testament to what? Grief? Remorse? Like drops of water eroding stone, what thoughts etched those furrows? His face was haggard. His looks have changed, but has he?

“Your behavior two years ago was unconscionable.” I pressed five, and the elevator doors started to close. “I shouldn’t have come.”

He intercepted, and the doors reopened. “Please stay…” 

I took a deep breath, debating. Then rather than hold up the car again, I stepped into the vestibule.

“Can you forgive me?” A deep V showed between his red-rimmed eyes.

“No. Standing me up on my birthday was bad enough, but eloping…That was unforgiveable–and crocodile tears won’t help.”

“Yet here you are…” A light flickered in his moist eyes.

“I know.” I glared at my nemesis in a silent standoff, annoyed as I stifled a sigh. “What I don’t know is why.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Author of the Trans-Pecos and Sacred Emblem series, Karen is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, wife, and all-around pilgrim of life, who writes multicultural, offbeat love stories. Born to rolling-stone parents who moved often, Bartell found her earliest playmates as fictional friends in books. Paperbacks became her portable pals. Ghost stories kept her up at night—reading feverishly. The paranormal was her passion. Novels offered an imaginative escape. An only child, she began writing her first novel at the age of nine, learning the joy of creating her own happy endings. Professor Emeritus of the University of Texas at Austin, Karen resides in the Texas Piney Woods with her husband Peter and her “mews”—three rescued cats and a rescued *Cat*ahoula Leopard dog.

Connect with Karen: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenHuleneBartell

MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/karenbartell 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HuleneKaren 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/karenhulenebartell/    

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/611950.Karen_Hulene_Bartell   

Website: http://www.KarenHuleneBartell.com/  

Email: info@KarenHuleneBartell.com 

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/karenhulenebartell  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenhulenebartell/ 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/karen-hulene-bartell 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenhulenebartell/  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

A randomly drawn winner will be awarded a $25 Amazon/BN gift card.

 

Enter to win a $25 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Release – Arresting Alan by Amber Daulton

Arresting Alan 

Series: Arresting Onyx (book 4)

Release Date: April 9th, 2024

Publisher: Daulton Publishing

Cover Designer: Satin Rose Designs

ASIN: B0C887HXK9

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: 85k

Heat Rating: 5 Flames

A hacker, a federal agent, and a crime boss. The time has come to fight.

Computer technician Alan Harding is no saint, but his squeaky-clean image is unshakable in the eyes of his family and especially his young son. After he agrees to assist a drug lord-turned-snitch and hack into a criminal database, he’s faced with an impossible challenge—keeping his hands and heart away from his sexy-as-sin bodyguard, DEA Special Agent Hannah Adler.

Hannah would rather go hand-to-hand with an assailant than go undercover as Alan’s girlfriend, but she’s determined to keep him safe and his illegal activities on the down low. The handsome man and his adorable child, however, are more than she bargained for.

Once their enemies learn the truth and retaliate by kidnapping Alan’s son, they’ll have to race against the clock to save the boy and bring a dangerous empire to its knees.

~ Book 4 in the sexy romantic suspense series, Arresting Onyx.

Excerpt

She flexed her hands, determined to take the high road. “I’m sorry about this morning, flipping out on you and all. What happened last night was a mistake. It won’t happen again.”

“Bullshit. I know your job is tough. Your bitchy façade is what you want the world to see, but I’m not the world. Keep your apology and tell me what’s in your heart. It’s not the chunk of frozen coal you pretend it is. You burned like liquid fire when I touched you and clung to me as we slept. Don’t deny it. You owe us both better than that.”

She pursed her lips and dropped her gaze. The heart in question ached from his astute assessment.

“Forget it.” He turned back around and jabbed his fingers at the keyboard.

A long string of letters, numbers, and symbols popped up in the black window.

She cursed and seized the steps between them to gently squeeze his shoulder. “My heart’s not frozen, but you’re a temptation I can’t afford. I won’t deny what happened or how it made me feel, but don’t expect a repeat.”

He halted his tirade on the keys and stared straight ahead at the computer with glassy, unfocused eyes behind his black-rimmed glasses.

“Are you okay?” She swished her hand in front of his face and snapped her fingers.

His Adam’s apple bobbed like he swallowed a marble.

He half-turned and grasped her hand so quickly that she jumped. Her stomach clenched from his suddenly sharp gaze on her face. Oh yes, she was in trouble. Alan had breached her defenses, pierced her soul, and reached her vulnerable side. That ended now.

She straightened, taking full advantage of her superior height with him in the chair. “Grow up, Alan, and forget about your little crush on me. Whatever you have going on in your head where I’m concerned is ridiculous.”

“Crush?” He feathered his thumb over her knuckles and tightened his grip when she tried to pull back. “Go ahead, fight the draw between us all you want. You won’t win. I said yesterday I’d wait for you. Now I’ve tasted you and felt you shatter in my arms. If I have to wait a lifetime to hold you again, fine. You’re worth the wait.”

A sob burned in her throat. She’d waited so long for a man she cared about to claim her. Now that it happened, she itched to run away. “Believe what you like, but nothing will come from it.” Again, her stomach twisted.

“We’ll see.” He released her and commenced typing with a much lighter touch. As she retreated across the room, he cleared his throat with a cough. “But know this, Hannah baby—I’m not giving you up without a fight. If you don’t want me, you’ll have to prove it.”

Add it to Goodreads – https://bit.ly/ArrestingAlanGoodreads

Check it out on BookBub – https://bit.ly/ArrestingAlanBookbub

Only 99 cents for a limited time! 

Universal link – https://books2read.com/arrestingalan

Amazon – https://amzn.to/3CQFCuh

Apple/iBooks – https://apple.co/3PE4vAA

Barnes and Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arresting-alan-amber-daulton/1143584871?ean=2940160981956

Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/arresting-alan 

Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=d2vCEAAAQBAJ 

About the Author

Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print-on-demand, audio, and foreign language formats. 

She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats. 

Social Media Links

Universal link – https://linktr.ee/AmberDaulton

Exclusive Newsletter (free ebook to new subscribers) – https://amberdaulton.com/newsletter-signup/

4 Cup Review from Coffee Time Romance

https://coffeetimeromance.com/bookreviews/how-to-marry-a-major-by-tina-holland

Second Friday Lunch

Cover Reveal – Land of Ashes

Title: Land of Ashes

Series: Savage Lands, Book 7

Author: Stacey Marie Brown

Release Date: March 27, 2024

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

Tropes: angst, one bed, touch her and d*e, forced proximity, revenge, impossible love, forbidden, action packed, connected series

Cover Designer: Jay Aheer, Simply Defined Art

When there is nothing remaining in your soul, there is nothing left that can be taken away.

Ash has always been the rock, the one everyone turns to. That was before devastation took everything from him, leaving his soul dead on the ground, along with his heart.

Not able to face his sorrow, he drowns himself in alcohol, sex, and drugs. Turning away from everyone who loves him, he sinks further into the darkness, where he feels nothing.

The only thing important to him is seeking revenge.

Tracking down those who destroyed his life and killing them.

One night, saving a girl from an attempted kidnapping, Ash’s world changes. Entwining their lives on a dangerous journey across the lands of Romania, where political unrest tears at the country and hides terrifying discoveries.

Scarlet should have been a blip on his radar, a girl he helped and forgot. Except her secrets tie their fates together.

Where the danger might be closer than he thinks.

And the darkness comes from within.

Click photo to Vote!

USA TODAY Bestselling author Stacey Marie Brown is both a PNR and Contemporary Romance writer of hot cocky bad boys and sarcastic heroines who kick ass. Sexy, cheeky, and always up to no good. She also enjoys reading, exploring, binging TV shows, tacos, hiking, writing, design, and her fur baby Cooper. Loves to travel and she’s been lucky enough to live and travel all over the world.

HOSTED BY:

Cover Reveal – Scars on my Heart by S.L. Sterling

Title: Scars on my Heart

Series: Willow Valley

Author: S.L. Sterling

Tropes: Single Dad, Single Mom, Friends to Lovers, small town romance, second chance at love, only one bed scene

Cover Design: Thunderstruck Cover Design

Release Date: March 28, 2024

Willow Valley had become like home to me and my two boys, Dylan and Noah. Everyone knew everyone in this small town, and they helped us heal from our devastating loss.

Once I knew my kids would be okay, I started looking for work. Bluebird Books hired me almost right away. I was to run the new kids program that Trinity was starting. That was where I met Zach and his daughter, Grace.

Zach was the new owner of the Willow Valley Inn. He’d come in to return a book his daughter had borrowed from the program. We exchanged pleasantries and that was when the computer had gone down. Zach lost his patience, and that was when our pleasant conversation turned sour. I wasn’t worried about it because I figured I’d never see him again.

I was wrong. It turns out in a small town, everyone sees everyone almost daily, if not twice a day. At the grocery store, the gas station, the elementary school and as luck would have it, the bookstore. Soon, our conversations turn pleasant again, and without even trying, I find myself drawn to him. Then he asks me out on a date.

Despite my reservations, I decided to take a chance on love again. But just when things start to look up, Zach’s ex-wife suddenly reappears, causing chaos in his life once more. Which somehow causes chaos in mine when my children begin acting out.

Leaning on one another for support, we navigate obstacles that life throws at us. As time passes I begin to wonder if another chance at love will bring us closer together or make each one of us run the other way?

S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs. 

An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel “It Was Always You” was born. 

When S.L. Sterling isn’t writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader. Her favorite authors include Kendall Ryan, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Lauren Blakely, Alessandra Torre and Willow Winters. 

In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.

HOSTED BY:

I’m going on Retreat…

This weekend I’ll be participating in Writer Zen Garden’s Spring Forward Retreat. I believe this is our 3rd year. It’s an event that I look forward to every year. I get to see old friends and meet some new ones. Our first year we called it the Low Key Retreat, but we scheduled it on the Time Change weekend here in the US, so someone mentioned we should call it the Spring Forward Retreat! The name kind of stuck and we’ve held it every year on the Time Change weekend. This year we’ve opened up beyond our core group and you are more than welcome to join us. Here is our Syllabus for this year.

2024 Writer Zen Garden Spring Forward Retreat!

Friday, March 8, 2024  

5 PM Pacific, 6 PM Mountain, 7 PM Central, 8 PM Eastern 

Cocktail Party with Evey 

Join us for the Annual Cocktail Party!  We’ll chat about the upcoming Retreat and what to expect. The dress code is as casual or as dressy as you’d like it to be. This is all about having fun as we kick off our Annual Retreat. Our Mixologist Evey will share options for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to make – or come with your own favorites!

Saturday, March 9, 2025 

8:30 AM Pacific, 9:30 AM Mountain, 10:30 AM Central, 11:30 AM Eastern 

Morning Pages with Tina  (Tools: Pen & Notebook or a Laptop)

Morning pages are a journaling habit developed by Julia Cameron that involves writing 3 pages longhand in the morning.  The goal is to write every thought that comes to mind. If you aren’t used to writing by hand, please bring your laptop or favorite writing device and spend some time with your inner muse.

9:30 AM Pacific, 10:30 AM Mountain, 11:30 AM Central, 12:30 PM Eastern 

Journal Journey with Jonni (Tools: Journal, pens in a few different colors, 2-3 sheets of 8 ½ x 11 paper, scissors) 

Journal Journey: Write your intention statement and follow the path to attainment.  Including:

1. A better understanding of what moves us toward our destination and validates ourselves and our dreams.
2. How values inform our goals.
3. How goals and values differ.
4. A step-by-step guide to writing an intention statement that works.
5. More than another “vision board” exercise,  this activity is based on proven research methods.
6. The real feels: living in alignment with your values. 

11 AM Pacific, Noon Mountain, 1 PM Central, 2 PM Eastern 

Write-In with Pomodoro Kitty 

Tina Holland will host as we do a write-in using Pomodoro Kitty (https://pomodorokitty.com/).  This is a variation of the Pomodoro method (25 minutes of work & a 5-minute break).  We will do 15 minutes of Writing and a 1-minute break. Those of you who attend our weekly Monday write-ins will recognize this format. Join us and GET SOME WORDS!

15 Minute Break 

Noon Pacific, 1 PM Mountain, 2 PM Central, 3 PM Eastern 

A Good Yarn Craft Salon (Brown Bag Lunch) with Writer Zen Garden and Knoontime Knitting 

Join the weekly craft group as we work on our projects. Whether you’re a knitter, writer, painter, or other creative we would love to have you join us.  This is an open format with no set structure, conversation flows as we talk about whatever strikes our fancy. You do NOT need to have ANY crafting experience to come hang out!

Break (15-30 minutes) 

2:30 PM Pacific, 3:30 PM Mountain, 4:30 PM Central, 5:30 Eastern

Prompt Circle with Noony (Tools: Pen & Notebook or Laptop)

A prompt circle is a place to create, share, and discover prompts. NO WRITING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. Just come as you are and be ready to be inspired. We’ll have a prompt that we can write from or, if you have something specific in mind, use it as a time to make some progress on your own project.

4:30 PM Pacific, 5:30 PM Mountain, 6:30 PM Central, 7:30 Eastern 

Dinner Break 

5:30 PM Pacific, 6:30 PM Mountain, 7:30 PM Central, 8:30 Eastern 

Pajama Party with Tina 

Get snuggly with cozy pajamas, blankets, and your favorite beverage.  Maybe line up some snacks and popcorn as we watch a movie. 

Daylight Savings Time for the US – SPRING FORWARD! (Move your clocks forward one hour.)

Sunday, March 10, 2024 

8:30 AM Pacific, 9:30 AM Mountain, 10:30 AM Central, 11:30 AM Eastern 

Morning Pages with Tina  (Tools: Pen & Notebook or Laptop)

Morning pages are a journaling habit developed by Julia Cameron that involves writing 3 pages longhand in the morning.  The goal is to write every thought that comes to mind. If you aren’t used to writing by hand, please bring your laptop or favorite writing device and spend some time with your inner muse.

9:30 AM Pacific, 10:30 AM Mountain, 11:30 AM Central, 12:30 PM Eastern

Morning Movement with Tina 

We’ll broadcast a video and move together. Gentle movement, no experience required. 

Office Break Yoga with Adrienc LINK 

10:30 AM Pacific, 11:30 AM Mountain, 12:30 PM Central, 1:30 PM Eastern

Write-In with Pomodoro Kitty 

Tina Holland will host as we do a write-in using Pomodoro Kitty (https://pomodorokitty.com/).  This is a variation of the Pomodoro method (25 minutes of work & a 5-minute break).  We will do 15 minutes of Writing and a 1-minute break. Those of you who attend our weekly Monday write-ins will recognize this format. Join us and GET SOME WORDS!

11:30 AM Pacific, 12:30 PM Mountain, 1:30 PM Central, 2:30 PM Eastern 

Pray Rain Journaling with Noony (Tools: Pen & Notebook) 

Learn how to do “future visioning” with a journal and a pen. You are encouraged to handwrite, and we’ll discuss why. (If you have a learning difference that makes handwriting challenging, then use your favorite journaling method including keyboarding.) NO JOURNALING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. If you’ve never heard of the technique, come with an open mind and be prepared to play with some new tools.

1 PM Pacific, 2 PM Mountain, 3 PM Central, 4 PM Eastern 

Lunch Break 

1:30 PM Pacific, 2:30 PM Mountain, 3:30 PM Central, 4 PM Eastern 

Spa Time & Meditation (Tools: Face Mask Brand of your choice) 

It’s time for some self-indulgence and relaxation.  When was the last time you treated yourself?  Even if you don’t want to put on a mask, you are welcome to join us for 10 -15 minutes of meditation using the Calm app. If you don’t have any face masks, you can use your favorite or find one at your neighborhood store. Need ideas? Here’s a link for some on Amazon: link.  (Rachel has even found some of  these at Dollar Tree in the U.S.) 

2:30 PM Pacific, 3:30 PM Mountain, 4:30 PM Central, 5:30 Eastern

Intro to Squirrel Academy 

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!! At LONG last, we are ready to launch the long-awaited, never-duplicated, amazing, and awesome, PATREON! Many of you have asked me how you can support the work that we do, and this is how we have answered. IMPORTANT: the things that are currently free will stay free. But, if you have the resources and would like to support us, then this is for you.

Besides. We worked hard on this, and I’d love to be able to share the fruits of our labor with you even if you don’t decide to become a patron. We’ll discuss the three tiers how they work, and the benefits that come with each. (Note from Noony: I’M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS!!!)

4 PM Pacific, 5 PM Mountain, 6 PM Central, 7 PM Eastern 

Closing Lounge 

That’s a wrap, folks.  Come talk to us about what your plans are for the rest of 2024, what you liked about the retreat, and if you’d be willing to help host one or more of the events at next year’s retreat!

If this is something that would interest you, you can sign up here

https://forms.gle/bzBxARLQJCXFpifS7

First Friday Lunch – Marketing