I’ve been writing professionally for over three years now (Many, many thanks Rebel Ink Press!) and today I’m trying something new – becoming a hybrid writer. Alien Embrace is available today at most eBook retailers.

Amazon,  Barnes & Noble,  Smashwords

Alien Embrace is a story I’ve thought about for a long time, written and added to off and on for ages. With retirement I was able to give it the attention it deserved, and I’m finally ready to share it.

First my thanks to Wyndell Earles, who helped me immensely with the cover – took him about twenty minutes to do what I had struggled with for several days. I bow to his expertise! And to my trusty beta readers (you know who you are), my editor and my model for the cover. Yes, I know I bugged the crap out of all of you, but hopefully you still love me and will do it again next time.

To avoid spoilers, I’m giving you a small excerpt and hope it drags you in…

Excerpt–

The door opened, the sound waking Lori. She opened her eyes a slit, not remembering when she had returned to this room. She must have drifted off while they ran their tests. They must have returned her here, and left her to sleep. Had she slept through the night? What day was it? She had been in a long tube, and there had been that awful sound.

This man was younger and something about him caused her pulse rate to increase. Did she know him? He did seem familiar. He was taller than the previous man, and a lot younger, with more hair—thick and dark and flopping over his forehead. His body was much more attractive as well, no paunch hanging over his belt like the other doctor. This man had muscles, broad shoulders and a flat abdomen. At least her short-term memory seemed to be working if she could remember things like that.

He looked like the kind of man she would want to know, if that meant anything at this point. Yes, he was very attractive physically, but he also seemed kind and caring. Of course that was nonsense. She had no idea what he was like.

****

Mark Greene stopped short of the bed, not wanting to wake the woman. Dr. Jacobi had asked him for a consult on an amnesia patient. There’d probably been no need to come in today, but he didn’t have plans until this evening. Dr. Jacobi had said ‘young lady’, which didn’t mean a lot. That could be anyone from twelve to thirty.

What the man hadn’t said was “beautiful woman”. She was apparently tall, judging from where her feet tented the sheets. Her hands were graceful with long, slender fingers. His eyes moved up her body. The well-washed hospital gown molded to her full breasts, and left her graceful throat and neck bare except where her hair fell.

Her hair was long and pulled back in a low ponytail. The color was brunette, but not merely brown. Dozens of shades of brown wove through with some strands of red and even gold blended in. His eyes continued to move up, taking in her full and luscious lips. She was wearing no makeup, but her lashes lay long and dark on her cheeks. He startled when her eyes opened, then stepped forward involuntarily. Her eyes were teal—not blue, not green, but a combination of both with a hint of gold at the edge of the iris. He’d never seen eyes like hers.

He forced control on himself, but was stunned at the depth of his interest in this woman. He had never seen anyone like her, but he was an adult and a professional. Where was this, hell, this desire, coming from? Still, he could not deny his attraction to her. He could do a quick consult, and then have her assigned to another psychiatrist, if treatment was indicated. That would be the correct way to handle this.

I’d love to get the ball rolling, so I’ll be giving away three (3) copies – just share this (Facebook, Twitter, wherever) and let me know about it with a comment.  Thanks guys!

First, my thanks to everyone in the Armed Services.  

I grew up with veterans, WWII seemed to be the main topic of conversation around every meal I had with the extended family (Thanksgivings, Christmases, Easters, etc.). Certainly came in handy for history class. But I loved my veterans, still do.

Then came my war and they weren’t so beloved, but thankfully the tide has turned again and people once more appreciate the sacrifices of our too young men, having to grow up way too fast and make split-second decisions in situations where I couldn’t decide after a month of studying it.

These men and women are real heroes and I’m delighted to be able to weave them into stories as my way of saying thank you. I actually hadn’t realized how many times I had chosen them as my fictional heroes but they so easily fit my idea of the wounded warrior, whether or not any injury shows. I wish them all health and happiness today.

If you want to visit any of my heroes, please stop by – Dance Partner, Wraith’s Heart, Red Shoes, Welcome Home, and Nowhere for Christmas, and coming soon Mac’s Family

It’s finally that time – the snow completely gone and the temperatures making us think of the beach. It’s a family tradition for us, that week at the beach. Now that the kids are grown we pick quieter places to go. No more boardwalk and amusement parks, more long walks and sleeping late.  

We take a jigsaw puzzle for the whole family to work on and paperbacks to enjoy and often leave for the next person to enjoy as well. During the heat of the day, I’m on the balcony in the shade while the others cavort, as they will. I already know I’m not going to tan, and gave it up years ago. That’s a great time for a nap, or to work on some scene that’s eluded me earlier. It’s all about the relaxing for me – though we’ll be making new memories this year with the grandson seeing the ocean for the first time – probably not that relaxing – LOL!

What about you? Do you have traditional family vacations or go somewhere different every year? Is it for relaxation or sightseeing and getting some adventure in?

Which ever you prefer, please stop by the 1st Annual Fabulous Spring Giveaway – there’s no telling what you might find that will make your next adventure even better!  Remember – there’s a Rafflecopter at the end – don’t miss it!

Of course I’m loving it – it’s been a month and I think the good habits are beginning to be routine. Still getting up when Hubby does every weekday morning and getting in the pool – not mentioning weight loss because I’m superstitious about it, but heading in the correct direction for a change. A lot less stress eating.

Have cleaned out several corners of the house and thrown away a lot of trash that I didn’t realize was still hanging out. Of course more to come, but even I can see a difference. The guy at Goodwill now waves at me, because I’ve become familiar.  

I discovered I have a lilac bush in  my back yard, and the blueberries are getting ready to pop. One bush is so full it’s incredible. I never had time for that before.

And, I finished two stories that were languishing on my computer. Mac’s Family was accepted by Rebel Ink Press! Don’t have a release date yet, but got to type “The End” and now get to concentrate on the next one until the edits come in. I’m thinking of becoming a hybrid writer with the other one – self pub it and learn the other side of the business. That means creating a cover and all of that, but I have more time of my own now, so why not try it.  

But most important, I got to spend some more time with the grandson. He lives too far away, but he’s the only thing I’ll give up my writing time for. I wasn’t really worried about retiring, I knew I had something to do, but like all my friends that have retired, I have to wonder – how did I manage to get everything done (especially the errands) while I worked???

Many thanks to you guys for helping make this work!