Not to rip off a holiday song, but we’re smack dab in the middle of the most wonderful time of the year. Although my area hasn’t seen any snow or too cold of temperatures (yet), I’m slowing down, spending time indoors and indulging in some of my favorite inside activities. We’re approaching the final days of fall, days are getting much shorter, and it’s necessary to bundle up any time I head outside. I love holiday time, even though it’s really just a blip during the winter season.
While I’m no Hallmark movie junkie by any stretch of the imagination, this time of year, I love to cozy up with a lighthearted holiday or winter-themed rom-com or other feel good story, either in a book or movie form.
Some of my favorite holiday movies include Last Holiday, Four Christmases, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, Scrooged, and The Family Man. Although it’s not holiday themed, I love watching Pride and Prejudice (the 2005 version) during winter. Likewise it’s not holiday themed, but it does take place in winter (sadly, there’s no snow!), I adore the movie Leap Year, which takes place in the Ireland countryside and has an Irish hero (the accent, swoon).
And, while we’re on the subject of accents and swoony heroes, a few other series I like to watch over winter include Game of Thrones, hello, Jon Snow, The Tudors (starring a young Henry Cavil), Outlander, Jamie can call me Sassenach anytime, the Wuthering Heights mini-series featuring Tom Hardy, and Downton Abbey.
A few of my favorite winter reads include A Reliable Wife, (an atmospheric book with erotic undertones), The Fairwick trilogy by Juliet Dark, (moody, erotic, and filled with literary elements), and the Black Dagger Brotherhood (a group of warrior vampires, swooooon) series by J.R. Ward.
I’m always looking for my next read or binge-worthy series, so if there are any other books, movies, or series I should look into, leave a comment and let me know!
It’s truly been a minute, but what can I say? By this blog’s title (and if you follow me on social) then you probably already know I have been a bit reclusive lately. Once a die-hard extrovert, I’ve really settled into my slow down, inner peace, solitude era. And that era thrives being off of social media.
The reality (and downside) to valuing my peace rather than letting my life be ruled by the constant pings and buzzes of my phone when someone likes, shares, comments on my social media accounts or even posts content themselves, is that like may things in life, you take the good with the bad. And while this has mostly been good, there’s a little voice that asks, what if this is bad for my career?
Let me back up so I can give you the full picture.
In mid-June I removed all social media apps (except YouTube) from my phone with the intention of keeping them off until just after Independence Day. Except, shortly after July 4th, I didn’t want to return the apps to my phone. Nor did I wish to do so in late July or early August. Here we are at the end of August and nearing summer’s end and I have no intention at this time to return those apps to my mobile device.
The peace, the return of my creativity and just utter silence I’m able to enjoy throughout my day isn’t something I want to give up.
I’ve struggled with what this will mean for me long term if I choose to stay off social media. It’s difficult to reach new readers without social media. Difficult, but not impossible.
I’m not sure what my social media future holds, but for now I intend to post updates here on my blog and keep focusing on my writing.
I think Elizabeth Gilbert put it best in her book Big Magic, when she described ideas as having a sort of consciousness. According to her theory, ideas float along tapping people on the shoulder trying to get them excited about an idea enough to incite them into action in order to bring the idea to life.
Obviously this line of thinking means that, as a creator, an idea isn’t so much yours, but something you’re being asked to do by some unseen force.
I’m currently working on book four in the Talk Nerdy to Me series, and I’ve hit a big wall, mainly because as I’ve tried to push forward with what I thought the plot should be, I’ve felt this huge resistance from my characters. They’re gently telling me that the ideas I have about who they are and the way they should act in this story aren’t aligning with who they are.
I know. It sounds bizarre to speak about fictional characters in this way, but if you’ve ever tried to force an idea, a project, or any creative endeavor, then you’ve probably experienced this from time to time. I’m not abandoning the idea, but I am reworking the outline, and tuning into my characters this time. And, that reworking takes time, so right now, I’m not projecting a publishing date, but I’ll be sure and share more when the time is right 🙂
Today I’m excited to share an article with you all. Recently, I was interviewed for an article on Canvas Rebel. In the interview, I shared all about my experiences with learning the writing craft, my publishing journey, and advice for anyone pursuing a creative life.
Today I’m sharing a short post that gives you a behind the scenes view of what my writing space looks like. Even though I can write in comfy spaces at home, like my easy chair, my bed or on my back patio, a lot of times I’m more inspired when I’m outside of my house.
As a writer I enjoy the freedom of being able to do my work anywhere. Ideally, I need a stable internet connection and good coffee, but I can write without the internet, it’s just nowhere near as fun without streaming my favorite Spotify playlists.
Although I use my laptop to write 95% of the time, some days I just want to whip out my pen and fun superhero penis notebook my friend gifted me 🙂 and write pen and paper style.
No matter the way I choose to write, it’s always interesting to say the least to write steamy romance novels in public. I realize most people aren’t looking over my shoulder as I type or scribble in my notebook, but it’s always a fear of mine as I peck away on my laptop that some curious little one may pass by while I’m in Panera, a local coffee shop, or the library and get a glance at the words on my screen.
And yet…after more than a decade of writing in public, the above described scenario still hasn’t happened, so I’m probably just letting my imagination run away with me.
If you write or create, I’d love to hear about the space where you do your best work! Share with me in the comments 🙂
Every now and then we all go through a hard time that can cause our confidence to slip – we go through heartbreak, we get rejected, or we just have a bad day. In 2020 I went through some issues that had me doubting my awesomeness, and being that I’m a “fixer” I decided that I could create a playlist to help put me in the right mindset of remembering my inner light, my gifts, and that I have a pretty amazing life no matter what hardships I may go through.
This playlist is perfect for pumping you up before giving a big presentation, as you get ready to go on a date, when you’re at the gym, or anytime you need to reclaim your Queen (or King) energy. Since the playlist is full of songs by Megan Thee Stallion, Trina, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Beyonce, and others, just know this is an explicit playlist, so if that’s not your thing, don’t click through to Spotify.
If you need a little hit of confidence and booty-shakin’ tunes, listen to my I’m Dope playlist.
I took most of the fall and winter off from writing, but just as the flowers and trees are starting to bloom, my writing is also blossoming. Last week I completed my outline for book four in the Talk Nerdy to Me series, called Nerdy Minds. I’ve gotten into the manuscript and even though it’s just the beginning I am loving creating this story!
It feels good not just to be writing again, but to be submerged in the Nerdvana world again.
If you’re new here, first, welcome! Second, I write contemporary romance and since 2020, I’ve been working hard on writing and releasing books in a series called Talk Nerdy to Me, a six book romance series set in a Pacific Northwest geek-themed bar.
Nerdy Minds is the story of bartender Sara and customer Derek. Sara is a fangirl who loves to ship her favorite characters and Derek works at video game company 1UP and is the host of his own podcast dedicated to geeky pop culture. You just know these two are an epic match, if they can overcome their obstacles and let love takeover.
Stay tuned for more writing updates, and in the meantime, if you’re interested in learning more about the Nerdvana world, read the series blurb below!
Talk Nerdy to Me series blurb
Imagine a bar where the wait staff dress up like their favorite comic book characters, where drinks are served in chemical beakers, where patrons can play a round of Dungeons and Dragons or other table-top role-playing games. Picture how fun it would be to hang with friends in big booths and play video games while sipping on an awesome craft beer. Imagine watching people in a glass enclosed room acting out dramas from their favorite live action role playing story lines. Imagine there’s a space for the folks who want to enjoy a drink while perusing their favorite comic books.
All of that and more await the patrons of the city of Cascade Falls, Washington’s newest watering hole, the ultra-hip, geek-themed bar called Nerdvana. Talk Nerdy to Me is a series set around the romances that blossom between sexy, geeky heroes and sassy, smart heroines who meet in the geek-themed bar.
It’s Wednesday, Hump Day, that midweek slump. Today I’m sharing a short scene from my novella Good With His Hands, a small town romance with a hunky mechanic hero. I hope you enjoy the excerpt!
Blurb
Every woman wants a man who is good with his hands…
He’s a sexy bad boy mechanic with a reputation. She’s a guarded reporter with too much to lose to play with fire. She tries to resist him but one touch from him changes everything.
Recent college graduate Gabby Richards has big plans for her life. At the top of those plans is landing a job for a major magazine in Chicago. While Gabby is busy mapping out her career as a journalist, her father gets seriously injured. Upon hearing of his accident, Gabby drops everything, including her career plans, and heads home to her small, rural town of Clear Lake, but vows to return to Chicago as soon as her father is well.
On her first day back in her hometown she has a run-in with the town’s sexy new mechanic, Jake Harrison, and meeting him turns everything upside-down. Despite her wishes to remain single, she doesn’t see the harm in going on a few dates with him. Soon Jake is helping Gabby confront her past and bringing out a side of her that has remained hidden for years. Even though she wants to remain focused on her career and return to her city life, she begins to wonder if it’s possible to have it all—career, her dream life in Chicago, and Jake Harrison.
Excerpt
She pulled the truck onto a side street and turned back toward Jake’s garage. Knowing town gossip could be voracious she pulled behind the service station and parked. The bay doors in front of the business were closed, so she knocked on the side door that led into the large repair area.
Jake opened the door and her gaze traveled the length of his torso. He wasn’t wearing a shirt. Apparently she’d interrupted him as he was changing into his work uniform. If he looked good with his clothes on, the man was even sexier without them. His muscular chest and shoulders were covered in tattoos. The low light inside the garage caused the silver hoop in his right nipple to gleam.
“Hey,” she said softly. Her mouth watered and she forgot the apology she’d been rehearsing in her mind.
“Gabby.”
He took a step back so she could walk in. His gaze flicked over her face and he reached out for her hair, letting a few of the strands slip through his fingers. She walked toward him, closing the distance between them. His mouth was on hers in an instant. A low purring sound emitted from her throat as he breached her lips with his tongue.
Recently I was scrolling on YouTube, as one does, and a suggested video popped up in my feed. The video was a TED talk by actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I’m not one to sit and watch TED talks, but the title of this video intrigued me, plus it was a short talk, so I thought why not?
In the talk, Joseph chats about how craving attention, which is a natural human desire, actually makes you less creative. The reasoning behind the argument is that when you’re making something with the intent of gaining attention, you tend to be more outcome focused, rather than remaining in the open, receptive state you need to be in to create.
Joseph speaks from personal experience both from an example from childhood and how as an adult his attention seeking can interfere with how he shows up online. This talk really hit home with me because for the past year or so, I’ve been reluctant to post consistently on social media.
And it stems from not wanting to put my focus, which I believe is best served fostering my creativity, on trying to gain followers. I realize that a writer needs readers, at least in theory, but I’m not writing to gain readers. I write for me, because I’m a writer, and that’s what I do.
If you create, no matter what you create, I hope you do it just for you, because it brings you joy, peace, and a sense of fulfillment. Don’t do it to get eyes on it, because that will always lead you to a place of emptiness, turmoil, and a feeling of not being enough.
It’s Wednesday, Hump Day, that midweek slump. Today I’m adding some zing to your week by sharing an excerpt from book one in the Talk Nerdy to Me series, Nerdy Words (which is on sale for 25% off at Smashwords until March 11!).
Talk Nerdy to Me is a book series set in a nerd-themed bar in the Pacific Northwest where the staff and customers end up falling in love over drinks, larping, comic books, and video games.
Blurb
When Olivia Sands walks into the hottest bar in Cascade Falls, she’s swept away by the cosplayers, gamers, and larpers. The atmosphere at Nerdvana is truly a haven for geeks, and Olivia can picture herself spending every weekend at the nerd-themed hangout. Or at least, she could before she finds out the bar’s owner is none other than Dustin Bradshaw, her first crush and the man who fled her life with no explanation four summers ago.
Of course, the years have done nothing to eliminate the magnetic pull between them, and now that they’re thrown together again they’re helpless to fight their attraction. Between working on her bespoke costume business Cosplaymates, attending grad school, and planning her future, Olivia doesn’t have time for dating. But Dustin will stop at nothing to finally make her his, once and for all.
Nerdy Words is book one in Talk Nerdy to Me, a series centering around the romances that blossom between bar staff and customers at Nerdvana.
Excerpt
“Okay, I think I finally get why this place is called Nerdvana. It’s like a damn nerd wet dream in here.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
At the sound of the deep male voice close to me I jumped, nearly dropping my beaker in the process. I turned my head to address the speaker but had to drag my eyes up at least a foot to look him in the face. Once I met his stare, my mouth wouldn’t work anyway.
Momentarily stunned by his arresting pale blue irises, I opened and shut my mouth several times before any sound would finally come out. It’d been several years, but I’d never forget that face. I started to greet him, but he broke eye contact.
Before I could string together enough syllables to form a coherent sentence, he turned his attention to Jamie. It figured. Between her sparkling personality and brown almond-shaped eyes men—and women— constantly hit on Jamie. The fact that she was a D-cup probably didn’t hurt her chances either. But still, I wished the spark of recognition I’d felt when our eyes had connected had gone both ways. Of course, maybe he just didn’t recognize me. I’d changed a lot since that summer.
“Are you Jamie? My business partner let me know she gave you an impromptu interview earlier. I’m Dustin Bradshaw,” he told her and thrust his hand out toward her.
Dustin Bradshaw.
As if I could ever forget that name. I dropped my gaze to their clasped hands. It was only a professional handshake, nothing more, but I felt like an idiot, just standing on the sidelines watching the two of them. I shifted my gaze to the ink on the outside of Dustin’s right forearm. In what looked to be an homage to the original 1UP gaming system, he sported a tattoo of the gray square controller on his flesh. My brother was a gamer and I had to appreciate the details of Dustin’s tattoo. The depiction of the controller was accurate down to the twin green circles and blue cross-shaped button. Seeing it made memories come back in a rush.
I’d used my fingertip to trace the details of that tattoo on a warm summer night four years ago. God damn it, why was I thinking about what had happened between us when he hadn’t even bothered to spare a second glance at me? All this clearly one-sided reminiscing made me uncomfortable, like every inch of my skin was exposed under a microscope. The fact that Dustin hadn’t acknowledged me made it all that much worse. I wanted to run from this bar like the building was on fire. Of course, I wouldn’t.
Ariel Storm 