Thought for the Day

The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this ---- decide what you want!
          Ben Stein, Actor and Author

Isn't this just so true? How many times do we wish we had something, but then when we get it, we really don't want it?  I know I've heard, the grass is always greener on the other side, but then when you get to the other side, you want to go back.  We humans are like that, aren't we?  It's hard to decide just what we want.  So I challenge you, decide what you want in life!

Take that first step and make a decision.  It's the hardest part.

Then, and only then, can you start making a plan and taking small steps to accomplish what you want.  Be the person you want to be.  Decide what you want.  Do it today -- I challenge you.

   

Heart of the West Annual Conference

The leaves are changing to the bright, bold beautiful colors of fall in our Utah Mountain.  That means it's conference time.  I just got back from attending our annual RWA Conference in beautiful Park City at the Grand Summit Hotel in the Canyons Resort.  It was a superb conference where I got to meet with other writers, good friends, publishers, editors, speakers, and attend wonderful workshops.  There was so much information provided that it's hard to take it all in, but everyone who attended definitely got their money's worth.  If you didn't attend this year and love writing, learning and networking, put it on your schedule to attend next year.

I had a wonderful surprise the first morning.  We had a brunch with other published writers and to my great surprise, one of our guest speakers was author, Anne Stuart.  I just started reading one of her books and it was great to meet her and talk to her and gain from her wealth of experience.  I also had the opportunity to meet Lisa Mangum, Editor, Shadow Mountain Publishing.  What an interesting young woman who also has several books published and available at Deseret Books.

One of the great perks of this conference is getting loads of free books, many by new authors, some by long-time published authors.  I love reading these books and finding new favorite writers.  

It was two days full to the brim with information, great food, wonderful networking and time spent with good friends and fellow authors.  If you are a writer, or want to be one, definitely plan to attend the Utah RWA Conference next year.

My Newest Book, Dangerous Deception

I just found my book, Dangerous Deception, on sale at Amazon.com -- if you haven't gotten your copy, now is the time to download it. If you don't have an Amazon Kindle e-reader, it's still available in most all electronic formats at http://bookstrand.com/dangerous-deception

I had my first book signing and my friend, Marie Higgins, just sent me a picture of us sitting together at Barnes and Noble in Layton.  I signed my book, Never Too Late, My Love.  It turned out great and I want to thank all my friends and family for coming out and supporting me. 

Marie has a new book out titled, Hearts Through Time.  It's available at Amazon, Deseret Book and probably your local book store.  If you've not read her work, you're missing out.  She's an awesome writer.  I bought her book and can't wait to read it.  You should too.

Here's a thought for the day:

Success is not the key to happiness.
Happiness is the key to success.
If you love what you are doing
You will be successful.
                ----Albert Schweitzer

Have a great day -- read good books -- fall in love over and over again.

I Have News

I just got word from Bookstrand Publishing that they want my next story, Murder and Lies.  It's scheduled to be released in electronic formats in January 2012 and in print format in May 2012.  I'm excited.  It is always so nice to know that someone likes your story and wants to publish it.  Watch for it.  It's another mystery and I think you'll like it.

I also received an e-mail from a reader of my story, Never Too Late, My Love. She says: "This was a awesome book.  I couldn't put it down....It was great."  Thank you so much Joslyn for letting me know you enjoyed my story.  That's why I write.  I love creating stories and especially love it when I hear from a reader who enjoys reading them.

Here's a thought for the day:
Remember yesterday
Dream about tomorrow
But live for today!

Have a wonderful day -- dream lots of good dreams. 

Dangerous Deception

My newest story, Dangerous Deception is on sale.  If you haven't gotten your copy, now is the time to go to Bookstrand Publishing and buy it. 

My stories, Never Too Late, My Love and Can You Trust A Cowboy? are also offered at a sale price for a short time.  Now is the time to get your copy if you haven't yet.

Go to:  http://www.bookstrand.com/k-r-bailey

While you're looking for great reading, my friend Terri J. Lynn's book, Out of the Past, is available at Bookstrand Publishing also.  Check it out!

Great Reading - great romance!

Open Your Heart and Love Again!

My Newest Story

I just got home from a fun weekend with my husband, son and his family.  We spend a long weekend fishing and enjoying the outdoors, stayed in a quaint little cabin at Fish Lake Lodge, and caught so many fish my arms were tired from reeling them in.  I knew that my newest book, Dangerous Deception, was to be published in August.  I've completed the first round of edits and have been waiting for the next set.  Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised to find the e-mail with the cover.  I had to show it off.  Dangerous Deception is a romantic suspense which takes place in the beautiful northern Utah mountains.

If you love sleek Morgan horses, rodeos and ranches, handsome cowboys and murder and suspense sprinkled throughout the story, I think you'll enjoy my newest book.

Here's the cover.  What do you think?

Where Did My Day Go?

It's been over a month since I last blogged, and I don't have any idea where my time has gone.  Oh, I can think of a few things we did -- a small vacation to Yellowstone with some great friends which wa super relaxing; a concert to see The Oak Ridge Boys and they were fantastic; and, of course, visits with family and a couple dinners out, but it doesn't cover the entire month.  Do you ever wonder where your days go?

A friend of mine - a great author, Cindy Christiansen - interviewed me for her blog and one of her questions was what I had learned in the writing process.  Isn't it sad that the first thing that came to mind is I let too many mundane things take over my hours and days?  That got me thinking, and once again I made a new resolution to take more advantage of my time and write.  I have alot of stories running around in my head -- I'm a writer, a published author, and I think all of us have stories that are begging to come out.  So I've made a few goals:

1.  Write something every day.  Now, I have to admit it may not be a new story, and it might be some e-mails staying in touch with my friends, developing marketing items, even blogging.  But I need to write.  Once I start writing, I want to continue and that's how I'll figure out how to finish my current story and get started on another one.

2.  Write down what I need to accomplish.  I'm a note maker.  It really helps me when I get to cross an item off my list.  So, I have a notebook by my chair in our family room, by my bed in the bedroom, and of course by my computer. Each day I'll work to cross off things from my list.

3.  Quit chastising myself when I don't get some writing done.  Yes, I tend to get disappointed in myself very easiily and the sad part is, that doesn't seem to help.  So, I refused to let myself get depressed and, instead, will keep striving to get my writing accomplished.

4.  Reward myself when I complete another goal - okay, I'll probably reward myself more than I should, but I think it is very important to pat yourself on the back when you accomplish someting you've been working on.

5.  Read.  Okay, I love to read, so this won't be a hard goal to achieve.  But I have met so many wonderful authors and have so many books on my to be read list, that I think it is very important for me to read, keeping up with what is new on the market.

6.  Write up reviews and send to my author friends.  I know I love to hear that people like my stories. I spend so much time creating characters, putting them through so many challenges, taking them on a journey to love and happiness, that it is so fulfilling when someone says to me, "I loved your story," or "I couldn't put your book down."  I want to do that for others.

I hope you are better at using your time than I am, but even if you're not, be happy, do what you love, and it will workout.  If you have other things to add to my list that seem to work for you, I'd love to hear from you.

Have a great day!