by Angela Smith | May 9, 2014 | Introspective
Last year, my boss of fifteen years decided to retire. Doesn’t seem like a big deal unless you work for a politician. When he leaves, the chances the new guy doesn’t keep you is pretty high. He was a longstanding District Attorney, (30+ years of which I worked with him half of those). When the next DA came into being, I was lucky enough that he decided to keep me. I am the longest-running employee there, with the others a couple of years behind me. Not bad, all things considering.
I was happy for my former boss, but also nervous. We’ve grown close over the years, and I respect the heck out of him. I was concerned for myself but also concerned because I know he likes to stay busy and I was worried about what in the world he would do now that he retired. He wasn’t getting any younger, and his ranching wasn’t easy on him anymore. I should also mention that my sister worked for his wife for fifteen years until she met a man she wanted to be with and moved away. She and my boss’ wife were very close.
The other day, I was going to work as usual. His other office, his title office wherein my sister worked, is two doors down, so I see him often. I knew something was wrong as soon as I saw my coworker talking and crying with one of the girls at his office. I approached, demanding to know what was wrong, and learned his wife had died in her sleep.
My world was devastated, as I know many people’s world had changed. She was so full of life and energy, so much a part of the community, that I thought she’d outlast everyone. And now, just over a year after my boss retires, she died peacefully in her sleep.
Grief is something I’m familiar with but not something I understand. I continue to be disheartened and unsure how in the world I’m supposed to get over this. A sudden, unexplained death is never easy, and as I walk up to the door of my office and glance over to where this wonderful woman used be, I question why in the world these things happen and how life will go on for her family. I question how I can be there for my former boss, a family I greatly respect. I question how this could have happened, why it happened and especially why it happened now, and what in the world I can do to make sure every moment of every day counts for something. It’s so easy to get lost in the everyday minutiae of life that you stop appreciating the small things. I’m convinced life was never supposed to be this hard—too much work and not enough play—but it is what it is, and we have to learn how to deal with it to the best of our abilities.
It was a week ago, and my life has since been changed. I count many sad losses in my life but continue to find hope in the small things. I think that’s the best we can do. That, and appreciate every moment we are given.
by Angela Smith | May 6, 2014 | Introspective
Diabetes is a misunderstood disease and a disease that, no matter how informed we are, isn’t something we’ll ever really understand or 100% control. I was diagnosed at a young age and next year will have had it for thirty years. I’ve got my twenty-five year medal and am working toward a fifty-year medal. I refuse to believe that isn’t possible.
Many people think I must have done something to get diabetes. Many people think anyone who has diabetes must have done something. They ate too much sugar or didn’t exercise enough. That simply isn’t so. Most of my husband’s entire family ended up with Type II no matter what they did or how they took care of themselves. And me? I was a nine-year old who ate just like the rest of my family when the disease attacked.
It annoys me when diabetes is blamed on the person, like we did something wrong. Type I diabetes is especially misunderstood, and I face constant judgment when people find out I have it. I’ve done everything I could to understand and control it, but a young diagnosis like that isn’t fair or possible to understand.
When I was growing up, I longed for a better understanding of the disease. Research and compassion toward something that seemed so hopeless but something I wasn’t about to let control me. Now, every May, Brenda Novak has an auction to help fund diabetes research, especially in juveniles. It is something I am so grateful for and something I wholeheartedly support. Diabetes has come a long way since I was first diagnosed. Back then, I only had two syringes to choose from, two insulin choices, and not much hope. My insulin pump has changed my life, but isn’t something that would be possible without research.
I’ve always wanted to do something to change the world, at least in a minor way. What Brenda Novak has done and what she is continually growing because of her child is amazing and something I truly respect. That’s why, during this month of May, I have decided to donate any proceeds of my books to diabetes research. Half to the American Diabetes Association, because I believe in that cause, and the other half to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Why have I chosen two? Because I believe they both offer opportunities for diabetes advancement, and I’d like to support both.
Not only will I donate my proceeds, but I will donate the entire amount of my book. That means if you bought my book for $3.82 (as is Amazon.com ebook price), I will donate that entire price to diabetes research. If I sell 100 books in the month of May, I’ll donate each amount, i.e. $382. Why am I doing this? Because I want to make a difference. And now, if you buy my book, you can make a difference by reading a good book for very little cash and donating to a good cause without forking over several hundred dollars.
Thank you for supporting diabetes research!
by Angela Smith | Apr 15, 2014 | Introspective
I often hear writers say they can’t read for enjoyment anymore because they try to edit/critique/rewrite the story. I cringe when I hear this because I just don’t understand why. First and foremost, I love to read. When I read, I read for enjoyment. Sometimes I might catch a misspelled word but if the author is doing a good job, I don’t care about those things. In an 85,000 word novel, one misspelled word isn’t going to make or break my opinion.
Reading is so important for authors. Reading for enjoyment and reading to learn more about the craft of writing. Everybody thinks they can write a novel, but if they don’t read for enjoyment, they will likely have a harder time.
I think that’s why I have such a hard time editing novels and having critique partners. I love to read, and yes books do exist that will put me to sleep, but I’ve often read the back of shampoo bottles (at least before cell phones existed) when taking care of business and I didn’t have a book nearby, LOL.
Did you know you should shampoo, rinse, and repeat? LOL.
Seriously, though, I love hearing other authors talk about how important it is to read. Some of my favorite authors (Sandra Brown included) take time out of their writing schedules to read. Read. That doesn’t mean edit or critique or judge what you’re reading. Not that you won’t be judgmental or offer your opinion or a review when it’s appropriate, but just enjoy a well-constructed story without going into editing mode.
I’m strongly opinionated (just ask my father) but one of my greatest strengths and weaknesses is to see ALL sides of a story. It’s a positive and negative trait, but one I urge other people who don’t have it naturally to try to consider. In real life, there are many sides to a story, even from one person’s POV. I don’t try to change things or circumstances to fit my reality. Except maybe my cat when she isn’t behaving the way I want her to behave because I want hugs and she doesn’t.
My favorite part of the story is a character. You might often catch me screaming on a television show that that isn’t how things work, but mostly I can enjoy a story when the characters are important to me. Some people—men are great at this—remember lines from movies that I haven’t seen in twenty years. I can construct a kick-ass character assessment that some people might never have thought of, but I can only repeat two lines out of two different movies …
“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn (even though the book ended differently). And “take me to bed or lose me forever.”
by Angela Smith | Mar 27, 2014 | Introspective
I received a very special phone call from a former supervisor, whom I hold great deal of respect for. She said she read my book and it was wonderful. (And she gave me reasons for why she felt it was wonderful, commented on my descriptions, etc). She gave it to someone else to read who said it was the best book they’ve ever read. I truly believe she meant what she said and wasn’t just saying that to make me feel good. Sometimes those types of reviews are better than any I’d see written.
You know, I wrote doing the time I worked for her over 15 years ago, but never shared that fact with anyone else. I wasted a lot of years not following the dream I had imprinted on my heart for many reasons, and I regret that. I regret not trusting others to believe in and support me. But as much as I regret that, I truly feel it has made me a stronger person, and a better writer.
Judy Reeves, a writer and teacher, says: “Those of us who are marked a writer (or as musicians or painters or dancers) but have pushed aside the calling of the Muse might as well surrender and do the thing we’re meant to do. Otherwise, that longing inside our hearts will never be stilled.”
I love that quote, and I know it to be true. It applies to anything in your life, whether you want to bake pastries, build an airplane, or raise your children. My husband used to talk about writing this story idea he has, but he has never followed through because he never had that push, that feeling that he must write (or else he’ll go crazy). If you’ve ever had the feeling you must do something and it doesn’t go away, I believe it is God’s calling (or the universe, your muse, or whatever you choose to believe.) Although you can ignore it, something will always be missing in your life.
So stop ignoring it! Now is the time, and time is short.
by Angela Smith | Mar 25, 2014 | Introspective
The other day, I was organizing my home office (mostly because books were taking over my writing space) and I came across the baby book my mom had preserved for me. This baby book is the type of book that grows with me, a place for me to add insights, information, and even pictures as I age. Thumbing through it, I stopped at the “Plans for the Future” page, wondering if it would give me insight into the day I discovered I wanted to be a writer.
I only had three dates written down. The first was when I was about nine or so and said: “I want to be a secretary (or business woman), a movie star, or a model like Christie Brinkley.” What young child doesn’t want to be a movie star or model, right? And I thought secretaries got to design and create fun and interesting things! I always loved to create fun and interesting things! By the time I was fourteen, my love for fashion (as for many children) blossomed and I thought I wanted to be a fashion designer. When I was fifteen years old, I finally admitted these words: “I am very interested in writing. Hopefully someday I will have published a popular novel.”
I can say with pride that I am a published author now, and I let so many things get in the way of those dreams for so many years. Almost twenty years if I’m counting! My one piece of advice to would-be writers is to never ever ever give up!
As Judy Reeves, a writer and teacher, says: “My grandmother used to tell me that when we’re born God puts His big thumbprint in the middle of our forehead and says, “You’re a musician,” “You make pottery,” and so on. To some of us, He says, “You, you’re a writer.” Those of us who are marked as writers (or musicians or painters or dancers) but have pushed aside the calling of the Muse might as well surrender and do the thing we’re meant to do. Otherwise, that longing inside our hearts will never be stilled.”
It’s a longing I never should have ignored. I wasted a lot of years ignoring the calling, hoping it would go away because I already had a fulltime job and didn’t have the emotional energy it takes to pour into my writing. There are still days I question my sanity, but I love what I do.
“Writing is the only thing that when I do it, I don’t feel I should be doing something else.” Quote by Gloria Steinhem.
I am a huge supporter of following your dreams, and I think that is true of any calling that you have which is inscribed upon your heart.
by Angela Smith | Feb 13, 2014 | Books, Introspective
I was feeling a little discouraged and restless today. Dealing with a sick hen, a sick cat, and me still being somewhat sick on top of work-related issues. Work issues are never fun. And just having too much to do, you know? I mean, too much personal stuff on a day where the sunshine is beautiful and the weather is a perfect 70-something degrees while I’m stuck in a stuffy office building with no windows.
But I received a message that a reviewer had posted her review to Burn on the Western Slope and that she LOVED it. So I click on the link and reading her review made my day, week, and year. It’s a great feeling when a perfect stranger says such nice things about the story you put so much hard work in!
Then I come home to receive a beautiful package from a dear friend (a late birthday present) and I got to visit with my aunt whom I don’t see but for once or twice a year.
And of course I have to mention Valentine’s Day. Whether you love it or hate it, I like that it gives couples who otherwise don’t express their love enough to have a day for themselves. I also love that it can be a day for kids, and for you to express your love to your kids. Yes absolutely that love should be expressed every single day, but it’s nice to have a day set aside, even if it has been overrun with commercialism. So whether you hate it or love it, I hope you enjoy it.
Crimson Romance is celebrating Valentine’s Day throughout the month of February by offering all their first and second year titles for $1.99!
Burn on the Western Slope is part of that special. The story has a Valentine’s Day scene and, to celebrate my awesome review and the fact Valentine’s Day is on a Friday for the first time in years, I have a special excerpt to share with you! Unless you’ve read the book, this is the first you’ve seen this! I hope you enjoy and remember, it’s $1.99 all month long! This excerpt also features Chayton and Naomi, and we see more of them next month in Fatal Snag!
Read the excerpt and don’t forget to head over to Romances with a Little Kick to read from a reviewer who says: “I am excited to have read a new author that has so much power in her writing skills she gave me chills”. Burn on the Western Slope is a recommended read!
EXCERPT:
The décor wasn’t set for sweet. It was set for sexy.
Chayton stood behind the bar with a bright red jersey shirt advertising the number sixty-nine. Only he could look good wearing a shirt like that. With extra help, he tended a flurry of customers. The other bartender was the woman she knew as Simone. The lights flickered off blonde and cherry streaks to make it appear outrageous in an appealing way.
Just the kind of woman Chayton would like. Reagan perceived Naomi’s sigh more than she heard it.
“Ladies, ladies, welcome.” Chayton retrieved two glasses hanging above the counter. “What can I get you? You want to try my Valentine Rose?”
“What’s that?” Naomi asked.
“My specialty. You have to try at least one.”
“Hit me,” Naomi said, and glared when Chayton winked. And here Reagan thought they were getting along.
“And you, Reagan?”
“I’ll try it,” she said, trying not to be too conspicuous as she searched for Garret. Even if it was best he didn’t come, she longed to see him. It wouldn’t be hard to blend in here. Masses of people swarmed the bar and the dance floor brimmed with patrons.
Reagan watched Chayton concoct the beverages. Naomi focused her attention away from the bar.
“I thought you and Chayton were friends,” Reagan said.
Naomi nodded. “We are.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Chayton returned, furnishing their requested beverages.
Reagan popped a couple bucks in the tip jar. “What’s going on tonight?” she asked.
“Entertainment night. Tourists and locals play music, tell jokes, karaoke, whatever they want to do onstage as long as it’s legal. Gets pretty crazy but it’s loads of fun.”
“Where’s Garret?” Naomi asked, as if she knew Reagan was dying to ask but wouldn’t.
He nodded behind them before turning to another customer.
Reagan swiveled her chair to look. Garret stood on stage, a guitar strapped around his neck. The loud music overhead stilled and Garret sat on a chair in the middle of the stage. The lights dimmed.
Reagan swallowed. The pulse in her throat ached. A bright flash of panic seared her eyes. She blinked.
His hair, mussed to perfection, coasted across his forehead and curled at his neck. She resisted the urge to jump him, right there on stage. Her thoughts grew naughtier as she imagined the stage lights illuminating their bodies as they made love.
Reagan gripped Naomi’s hand. “Ohmigod. He sings.”
“That’s yet to be determined,” Naomi said.
“He’s a Greek God.”
“Yes, he is.”
“And I haven’t slept with him yet.”
Naomi coughed as her drink sputtered to her nose. Reagan slapped her back with the palm of her hand. Okay, not the best move if her friend had been choking, but whatever.
“Yet?” Naomi asked.
“I should live a little dangerously, right? I can’t help that the first guy I see is fine, intelligent, and sings. Remember, I’m being wild? Leaving my safe little past behind?”
“Okay, so you’re ready to make the first move?”
“Give me a few more of these,” Reagan said as she held up her drink, “and I will.”
Link to $1.99 Amazon Burn on the Western Slope Page
