'Tis the season!
Looking for that perfect gift? Enter my contest to win a free copy of "Winter's Captive". All you have to do is click HERE to go to my Facebook Author page and click like. Send me a private Facebook message with your email. I will pick the two winners on Thursday and mail out on Friday, December 13th. Hey, it could be your lucky Friday.
This contest is open to Canada, USA, Australia, Great Britain only.
Good luck to you all.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
AM I DONE YET - OH YEAH! THE SEQUEL - CHASING GEORGIA
Finally, the sequel to Winter's Captive is done!
Why is it called Chasing Georgia? Because ever since Georgia's adventure in Winter's Captive, someone wants a piece of her. She's been sought after by journalists, publishers, agents, publicists, talk shows, movie producers, and even the man in her life.
Just as Georgia decides to settle down into a quiet, normal life with her five-year-old daughter, Kaela, she finds herself on another roller-coaster ride.
This time her ex-husband suddenly passes and she's pursued by the mistress who became his second wife, Julie's insistant request forces Georgia to examine all that she learned during the course of her survival five years previous and she's feels impelled to make a life-changing decision that could effect not only her own well-being, but that of her daughter and Julie's daughter, Kaela's half-sister, Shelby.
The pressures of her relationship with Sean Dixon, leaves her in a state of confusion and she must examine her ability and desire to sustain a long-term relationship.
Finally, thrown into the mix, Georgia becomes exposed to a demented stalker, determined to make her his own.
Once again, she finds her life in peril. This time it is not just she who is in danger, but the lives of Kaela and Shelby.
Winter's Captive was written in the first person because it mainly centered on Georgia Charles and her fight for empowerment and survival, alone and lost in a cold northern winter. I felt first person suited the story because it helped create an intimacy with the readers. Georgia could talk directly to them.
Chasing Georgia, on the other hand, is in the third person. The reason I changed the format was because I wanted to carry some of the secondary characters from the first book into the second book. This time, I wanted those characters to have a story of their own. I needed the readers to understand their lives and how they would come to interact with Georgia's life. The relationships between Georgia and these characters could not be developed and understood if the readers didn't have first-hand knowledge into their lives as well as Georgia's life.
Chasing Georgia studies the lives of a blended family. Family dynamics play an important role in this story of love, redemption, and the fight for normalcy in a complicated world.
A large percentage of children today are products of divorce and blended families have become the norm. Single parents, divorced parents, parents of multi-marriages try hard to raise their children. Such families bring on new complexities and my hope is that my readers can relate to this story and the characters within.
Chasing Georgia is in the editing stages now. I will let you all know when it is ready for publication.
Meanwhile, all you writer's out there: Keep on Keeping on Writing!
Monday, November 11, 2013
A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE...
A beautiful day out there on this day of remembrance. Our little town held a Remembrance Ceremony at the Clinton Community Hall for a village of 650 people and a luncheon next door at the Legion. With over 200 in attendance, what a wonderful turnout.
Of course, I always think of my Dad, George Robert Rogers, on this day who passed away almost seven years ago. He was in the Princess Louisa Troop out of Quebec and fought in WWII. So my blog today is dedicated to him.
He was stationed in Hastings, England, for almost two years where he met my mother, Mavis Rogers. The army expected couples to date for a year before allowing their soldiers to marry overseas. My parents had only known each other three months when he requested permission to marry (yes...he lied). They married on March 3, 1943.
My mother got pregnant during that first month of marriage and my Dad shipped out to Sicily, and then moved on to Italy. At Christmas, 1944, he was on recon with a fellow soldier, ahead of their troop. Crossing an open field, his buddy stepped on a mine, which killed him instantly. My Dad was badly injured which resulted in the loss of his right leg just below the knee. Once he was stable, he was sent back to South Hampton, England to a rehab hospital. My mother who hadn't seen him since their first month of marriage, arrived in South Hampton with my oldest sister, Norma, who by now was about six months old.
My father was sent back to Canada on a hospital ship, while mother and sister were placed on a ship for war brides and their children, bringing them to Canada and a new life. So many of those marriages didn't make it and some of the brides refused to leave their families in England, realizing they had made a mistake.
My Mom and Dad had 63 happy years together until my Dad passed away at the age of 87. He never looked at being an amputee as a disability. A strong man, he always laughed at himself and approached his disability with humour. We three sisters grew up playing with his artificial leg. When my Mom would leave us to go shopping, Dad would sit back in his armchair to read his newspaper. But not before he rolled up his right pant leg and stuck his artificial leg out. We girls would lie on the floor and peek in the air hole at ankle level, poking our fingers inside. You see we were told that a little mouse called "Mickey" lived in there and if we were really quiet, he would poke his head out and let us stroke his head. When we got bored with the fact the "Mickey" appeared to be missing in action, we would make funny faces in the shiny metal leg he had at that time.
What a great babysitting tool his artificial limb was. We would lay there on our stomachs for ages, while my Dad read his newspaper in peace.
I, also, had an Uncle Tito, from New York. He was a double leg amputee. His humour matched that of my father.
Two great men, who have now passed on, I found myself smiling during the two minutes of silence at the Remembrance Ceremony, thinking of Bob and Tito together. And I could almost hear their voices and laughter. I'm sure they are mixing it up and causing chaos on the other side.
In all seriousness, we are very lucky to live in a free country, thanks to the soldiers who went to war to defend our freedom. We need to remember these soldiers every day, not just on November 11th. My respect and thoughts go out to all of the men and women who gave their lives to protect our right of freedom.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD!
Short and sweet blog post today. I had to share this with all of you. I just wish when I'm 88 years old, I can move my hips like she does. You have to watch and listen right to the end and hear what she says to truly appreciate this ladies personality. Enjoy! Made my Sunday.
1
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
A CHANGE OF SEASON
I love the fall. Looking out my office window with coffee in hand, the various shades of leaves from green to yellow, orange, and red set against the surrounding dark green mountains is breathtaking. The warmth and coziness inside my cocoon masks the cool air outside. Today will be a beautiful sunny, day.
What a great way to start this day. The quietness and tranquility totally inspire my creative spirit and is much needed after a stressful week, albeit positive stress, but non-the-less a crazy, full-impact experience.
After fifteen months on the market, we accepted an offer on our home. We are pleased that the couple that want our place are suited to it. Life is so strange and co-incidental. They are both an artist and a writer, just like my husband and myself. Very down-to-earth, they will settle into life in this beautiful little valley with ease. And like us when we first moved here, they have family here. We won't be leaving anytime too soon as the deal is subject to them selling their house, which probably won't happen when the snow starts to fly.
Unbelievably, another party wants our place as well. So much so, that they are waiting to make sure our deal goes through. He, also, is well suited here.
On top of this, we are agents for my sister's house which is rented out at the moment. We showed her house three times last week.
What's our future plan? To downsize, relocate to Vancouver Island where most of our family are, and live in a 33' Silverback Fifth Wheel by the ocean or on the river. Minimal housework, no yard work, and lots of time to write all those books bumping into each other inside my head.
I am also Chair of a committee putting on a fundraiser and talent show on November 8th to raise money for Variety - the Children's Charity in Vancouver. We are holding it at our Memorial Hall here in Clinton as a way for residents to give back for services they have been provided with over the years when their kids on occasion were ill and stayed in Children's Hospital in Vancouver. We are in the throes of rehearsals, gathering donations for a silent and live auction, and handling advertising. Truly an enjoyment, but a worry that all will go according to plan. The students are rehearsing for performances and we are working with them as well. I love to see the kids enthusiasm. Opportunities for them to explore their creative side is limited in our little village.
Meanwhile, I had a breakthough with my sequel and am busy plotting and creating. I expect to finish before Christmas.
We just celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada and I feel truly grateful to be in a safe and happy space in my life. I wish the same to all of you.
Until next time, all you writer's out there, "Keep on Keeping on Writing!"
What a great way to start this day. The quietness and tranquility totally inspire my creative spirit and is much needed after a stressful week, albeit positive stress, but non-the-less a crazy, full-impact experience.
After fifteen months on the market, we accepted an offer on our home. We are pleased that the couple that want our place are suited to it. Life is so strange and co-incidental. They are both an artist and a writer, just like my husband and myself. Very down-to-earth, they will settle into life in this beautiful little valley with ease. And like us when we first moved here, they have family here. We won't be leaving anytime too soon as the deal is subject to them selling their house, which probably won't happen when the snow starts to fly.
Unbelievably, another party wants our place as well. So much so, that they are waiting to make sure our deal goes through. He, also, is well suited here.
On top of this, we are agents for my sister's house which is rented out at the moment. We showed her house three times last week.
What's our future plan? To downsize, relocate to Vancouver Island where most of our family are, and live in a 33' Silverback Fifth Wheel by the ocean or on the river. Minimal housework, no yard work, and lots of time to write all those books bumping into each other inside my head.
I am also Chair of a committee putting on a fundraiser and talent show on November 8th to raise money for Variety - the Children's Charity in Vancouver. We are holding it at our Memorial Hall here in Clinton as a way for residents to give back for services they have been provided with over the years when their kids on occasion were ill and stayed in Children's Hospital in Vancouver. We are in the throes of rehearsals, gathering donations for a silent and live auction, and handling advertising. Truly an enjoyment, but a worry that all will go according to plan. The students are rehearsing for performances and we are working with them as well. I love to see the kids enthusiasm. Opportunities for them to explore their creative side is limited in our little village.
Meanwhile, I had a breakthough with my sequel and am busy plotting and creating. I expect to finish before Christmas.
We just celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada and I feel truly grateful to be in a safe and happy space in my life. I wish the same to all of you.
Until next time, all you writer's out there, "Keep on Keeping on Writing!"
www.facebook.com/june.bourgo
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
THE ZEN OF IT ALL
SO...27 days into my retirement from the traditional working world and it still hasn't hit home.
The past four weeks have been filled with a week away on vacation, a week with the grandkids visiting, visits from great nieces, sisters, brother-in-laws, and surprisingly a slew of people interested in seeing our home (which is up for sale). Surprising because the market has been quiet here in our sleepy village. With so much happening all at once, it feels like an extended holiday. Summer is such a wonderful time to see family, enjoy swimming, and BBQ's. Last Sunday was our wedding anniversary and we went to Seton Lake for a last swim of the year and a picnic dinner in nature. Saw a hawk hunting, had to pull over for a cattle drive to bring the cattle to winter pasture, and deer. See pics below:
I still wake up at the same time my alarm clock used to go off at. I don't have to set it anymore (bonus). I expect as we move into fall the realization "that the working outside the home part of my life is done" will sink in.
What I have noticed is that my list of things to do is getting done and there are more hours in the day. If not, there's always tomorrow. I have more time with my husband and my cats. And...the opporunity to say "Hey, let's go do this" at the drop of a hat...and we have. I see myself adopting a "zen" way of life. Don't stress, don't rush, and above all meditate for mental and physical health.
I haven't had much time to do a lot of writing what with visitors and cleaning up for perspective buyers . But I have done some research for my sequel and some editing. A definite plus and a good start. Even spent some time thinking on my next project...new story, new characters, but still a woman heroine. Love those empowerment plots.
Once immersed into a writing frenzy...which I'm about to jump into head first...expect my sequel to be finished finally. At that point, decisions will have to be made as to how I wish to continue my writing course of action. But more on that later.
As I write this, my retirement from the working world IS beginning to sink in...AND I LIKE IT.
The past four weeks have been filled with a week away on vacation, a week with the grandkids visiting, visits from great nieces, sisters, brother-in-laws, and surprisingly a slew of people interested in seeing our home (which is up for sale). Surprising because the market has been quiet here in our sleepy village. With so much happening all at once, it feels like an extended holiday. Summer is such a wonderful time to see family, enjoy swimming, and BBQ's. Last Sunday was our wedding anniversary and we went to Seton Lake for a last swim of the year and a picnic dinner in nature. Saw a hawk hunting, had to pull over for a cattle drive to bring the cattle to winter pasture, and deer. See pics below:
I still wake up at the same time my alarm clock used to go off at. I don't have to set it anymore (bonus). I expect as we move into fall the realization "that the working outside the home part of my life is done" will sink in.
What I have noticed is that my list of things to do is getting done and there are more hours in the day. If not, there's always tomorrow. I have more time with my husband and my cats. And...the opporunity to say "Hey, let's go do this" at the drop of a hat...and we have. I see myself adopting a "zen" way of life. Don't stress, don't rush, and above all meditate for mental and physical health.
I haven't had much time to do a lot of writing what with visitors and cleaning up for perspective buyers . But I have done some research for my sequel and some editing. A definite plus and a good start. Even spent some time thinking on my next project...new story, new characters, but still a woman heroine. Love those empowerment plots.
Once immersed into a writing frenzy...which I'm about to jump into head first...expect my sequel to be finished finally. At that point, decisions will have to be made as to how I wish to continue my writing course of action. But more on that later.
As I write this, my retirement from the working world IS beginning to sink in...AND I LIKE IT.
For all you writer's out there: Keep on keeping on writing!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
I'M STILL HERE...AND MY EBOOK IS FREE FOR THE MONTH OF JULY ONLY
It's been a few months since I posted. Just thought I would say hello and give you an update on my author status. I'm still writing and selling. Life has been busy...too busy.
I have two big news items to share with you.
First, my ebook for "Winter's Captive" is FREE for the month of July, 2013. That's right. So get your copy by clicking HERE. Follow the instructions for purchasing a copy and use the following code SW100 in the Coupon Box. Please leave some feedback.
Secondly, I'm retiring from my job in local government in two weeks. I will truly miss the work and the people I work with but it's time for me to do for me. All the advice for retirees say the same thing. Have a hobby or part-time work lined up when you retire or you will go crazy with boredom.
Well I have no fears in that department. My time will be spent WRITING, WRITING, WRITING. So excited to reach this stage in my life where I can dedicate my free time to something I love to do. Empowerment! Just like Georgia, my protagonist.
Don't forget to download my free ebook. If you don't have an e-reader you can download Kindle for PC - free software for your computer or laptop. Then you can download a .pdf copy right onto your desktop.
So get ready to hear from me more often and get reading
I have two big news items to share with you.
First, my ebook for "Winter's Captive" is FREE for the month of July, 2013. That's right. So get your copy by clicking HERE. Follow the instructions for purchasing a copy and use the following code SW100 in the Coupon Box. Please leave some feedback.
Secondly, I'm retiring from my job in local government in two weeks. I will truly miss the work and the people I work with but it's time for me to do for me. All the advice for retirees say the same thing. Have a hobby or part-time work lined up when you retire or you will go crazy with boredom.
Well I have no fears in that department. My time will be spent WRITING, WRITING, WRITING. So excited to reach this stage in my life where I can dedicate my free time to something I love to do. Empowerment! Just like Georgia, my protagonist.
Don't forget to download my free ebook. If you don't have an e-reader you can download Kindle for PC - free software for your computer or laptop. Then you can download a .pdf copy right onto your desktop.
So get ready to hear from me more often and get reading
For you writer's out there, Keep on Keeping on Writing!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)