Holiday Craft Bazaar

I just spent a delightful two days at the First United Methodist Church Craft Bazaar and met so many nice people. Of course, my favorites are the readers I talked to. It's always interesting to see what types of books they prefer -- paperback or ebook, and there's lots of both out there. Then there are those that love to read and they will read in any format they can get. Those are people like me. I love books. I love reading books. I have a kindle and love it. But I also love to hold a real paperback book and scroll through its pages just as much.

We had several author friends of mine there selling their books, offering to autograph each one, and it was so rewarding to see so many young people who were thrilled to have a book personalized just for them.

That's me with many of my books. I'm sharing a table with my author friend, Alysia S. Knight. 

As the holidays are approaching, remember books are a wonderful gift to young and old alike. Think about buying a book when you are searching for that perfect gift for a friend or loved one.

And speaking of perfect gifts, my story Lila's Christmas Dream, is a sweet Christmas Story. If you haven't read it, you will enjoy it. If you have, think about buying one for a gift.

Available in both paperback and ebook from Amazon.com

Here's a brief blurb:

“Lila. Lila?” Her mother’s voice echoed from the house.

“Oh, I need to go.”

Munchie jumped up when Lila stood.

“Thanks for talking to me.” He rubbed his hand down Munchie’s back.

Lila scrambled toward the door at the same time he stood. They bumped against each other. Lila’s eyes went wide when he grabbed her shoulders to keep from falling. She lost her balance and fell against his chest.

She gasped.

He remained holding her close, enjoying the way her soft curves felt.

“Are you all right?” He dropped his hands from her shoulders, but at the sight of her bright pink cheeks, he slid his finger down her soft skin.

She stiffened.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t…”

She put her hand to the place he’d touched. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “I need to go.”

He watched her turn.

“Come on, Munchie,” she called.

As she limped from the room, he had to refrain from rushing to help her. When she left, the soft scent of her remained in the tack room making it a much nicer place.

He made his way to the door and watched as Lila stopped to pet the nose of each horse. She then said goodnight to the cow before she left the barn.

Smiling, he closed the door and sat on the cot. He’d never met anyone who took time to talk to a milk cow.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Are You Moving In the Right Direction?

Where you stand is not important -- its in what direction you are moving that counts.
------Unknown

I love that thought. Too often I think people worry that they haven't accomplished their goal, they aren't where they want to be in life, or that they may not be successful. But I think this thought says it all. It doesn't matter where you are. You just have to take small steps each day and one day you'll accomplish your goal and reach your dream. Don't have any? Then take time today and set some goals, identify your dream. The small steps will add up. Believe me, they will.

If you talk to various authors, they have a goal of writing a small number of words or pages each day. They know that eventually they'll complete that story or novel. Christine Feehan says her goal is writing seven pages a day. RaeAnn Thayne strives for three short periods a day to write. They aren't all at once, but throughout her day, she tries to find small increments of time to put words on pages. They are moving in the right direction. I strive to find at least an hour each day on my computer to write and I admit alot of the time it is at midnight after my husband goes to sleep. Another thing that I find helps is to always have a notbeook with me. I am constantly playing with story ideas, developing characters, or plotting my story wherever I'm at. For me it works.

Someone on a diet knows they must lose a pound or two a week and over time it adds up to ten, twenty or more pounds lost. They know small steps lead them to success.

Isn’t it frustrating to want to buy something – a new car, a piece of furniture, even expensive jewelry and you don’t have the money. I found a long time ago, saving just a little bit each payday definitely adds up. If you’re patient, even though sometimes that’s hard to do, you’ll eventually have enough for a good down payment to lower the monthly payments or perhaps even enough to go and buy what you want outright. You just have to do it a little at a time.

You can accomplish anything if you want it bad enough. Just take little steps toward your goal and as long as you do it a piece at a time, you’ll get there eventually. Don't let disappointment or stumbling blocks cause you to slide backward.

Remember: If it is to be, it's up to me!

K. R. Bailey

http://KRBailey.com

A Writer Is A Writer

I'm a member of the Romance Writers of America and in our chapter newsletter last month, I found a little saying and I wanted to share it with you.

A Writer is a Writer not because she writes well and easily,
because she has amazing talent, or because everything she does is golden.
A Writer is a Writer because, even when there is no hope,
even when nothing you do shows at sign of promise,
you keep writing anyway.

This really hit home for me. I love writing. I enjoy the process, but not everything flows easily. Somedays it would be easier to just give up, throw away my work, and find something else to do. But I can't. I can't explain why. There's just something in me that keeps coming up with stories I want to write and share with my readers, so I keep writing.

Today I received a box of my newest books in the mail. Cherry Wood Place. They look great. I'm excited for you the read them, and then I knew why that saying fit.

A writer is a writer -- and I'm one of them.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

Books - I Love Them!

Isn't it great there are so many types and genres of books. Some are full length, over 100,000 words or about 300 - 500 pages. Others are short, quick reads, about 13,000 to 30,000 words or about 50 - 100 pages. Now we've added ebooks. So many choices in this age of technology.

As I sat at a booksigning this week, it was interesting how many people prefer holding a book when they read. They love the smell - the feel of a book. Holding one brings them satisfaction. These readers wouldn't even consider buying an ebook. The funny thing was, not all of those readers were from the older generation. But they all were adamant that they want to hold a book when they read.

Others were adamant. They only buy ebooks. They love their e-readers. They've given their books away, cleaned out the clutter of books stacked in corners and on shelves.

I've begun moving away from paperbacks and love my e-reader. It eliminates books sitting around gathering dust. Oh, I still love books, and I'm always thrilled to receive one. I have many favorite authors and get excited when I see they have a new book out. It's hard to pass up buying a new book, but with my e-reader, I can buy new books, and they are filed away on my little reader. I don't have to buy more bookcases, and I always have several books with me. My reader is compact and fits easily in my purse so I can take it anywhere. I love it!

It's definitely a new age with so many choices - paperbacks, ebooks, ibooks. Novels, novellas, short stories. Fiction, non-fiction.

Books -- any kind -- I love them!

Happy Reading!
K. R. Bailey
www.KRBailey.com

It's Official!

Finally, I can announce that Dark Secrets will be available for order this week. I'm really excited about this story.

What's it about?
Here's a brief excerpt:

Her fingers tingled when he took her hand and led her onto the dance floor. The heat from his body enveloped her as she slid into his arms. It felt so good nestled against his body. His grasp on her waist was firm.

Electricity arched between them as they danced together, moving as one, her leg between his, her breasts pushed against his muscled chest. His scent surrounded her as she closed her eyes and breathed deep. Beau. She brought his name to her mouth, and it rolled off her tongue like butter.

“I think that blue bottle had some magic potion in it,” she whispered.

“Enjoy.” He smiled and placed a feathered kiss against her forehead.

His lips were soft and left trails of fire on her skin as they traced down her check and to that spot just below her ear. She closed her eyes, relishing his touch as they moved in sync to the slow, sensuous music. Without realizing it, she ran her hand across his shoulders and to that long, curling hair. As she pulled her fingers through it, she heard him groan.

“Wanna get out of here?” His voice was a low growl, and she heard the want – the need – in it. Her heart pounded and she fought to catch her breath at the knowledge that he felt just like she did.

“Okay.” She stepped back, but before she broke contact, he pulled her against him, so close her body was tucked up against him like a tight tee and stretchy jeans. He kissed her. His kiss beckoned for more, and she gasped at its intensity. She met his kiss and dug her fingers into his back with all the passion she held inside. Her heart pounded as he explored her mouth, and all she wanted was more. More of his kisses, more of his touches.

The music stopped, but they remained locked together, lips tasting, opening to allow the warm, moist exploration of tongues dancing.

Someone cleared their throat.

Moira looked up to see three couples watching, grinning at their actions. She ducked her head into Beau’s shoulder, and he led her off the dance floor and to his truck.

The cab surrounded them, making a warm secluded cocoon.

Beau put his key into the ignition, but before he started the truck, he pulled her against him one more time. His lips met her already kiss-swollen ones, and she whimpered with need. They remained pressed against each other. Moira fought to control her breathing and the pounding of her heart.

Beau kissed her once again. His lips lingered. She closed her eyes at the feel of his warm breath against her skin when his mouth slid from her lips down her throat. Her legs quivered at the want of more. Her breath caught at the touch of his lips down her neck.

“Gotta stop,” he growled.

Cold air whooshed between them as he pulled away and started the truck.

“Hurry,” she urged as they drove away from the pub and into the mountain. Moira marveled at how right it felt being with Beau, holding his hand, their thighs touching, her body trembling with need.

The inky sky lit up like a million twinkle lights as the stars glowed in the heavens as if fireworks exploded along with her pounding heart. Excitement flashed through her when she looked at Beau.

He glanced at her and his eyes were dark pools of gold. He smiled and all she could think about was his full lips kissing her  ̶  everywhere. He squeezed her hand, and she glanced down at the long fingers and anticipated their touch. All memories of the wild mountain man escaped her as they traveled up the dark, winding road that she knew would lead to his cabin. Their hideaway. His bed

Dark Secrets will be available in ebook format exclusively from Amazon this week.  The print book should be available shortly.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

 

Kate's Song - A Great Read

I just finished reading Kate's Song by Jennifer Beckstrand.  It's a sweet, easy read that pulls you into the Amish Community of Apple Lake. 

 

 

 

 

Her heroine - Kate - has a beautiful singing voice and has been offered an opportunity of a lifetime, but it goes against everything she's been raised to believe.  Now she has a decision to make that will affect the rest of her life -- follow her dream or choose the only life she's ever known. 

 

Her hero - a young Amish Man - Nathanial - has loved Kate since they were youngsters, but is his love enough?

 

You'll find yourself rooting for them both, and the story will keep you reading right up until the last page.  You'll definitely enjoy this book -- it was a very enjoyable read.

 

For more about Jennifer Beckstrand's books, check out her website at:  www.jenniferbeckstrand.com

 

 

 

I Love Fall!

Today we drove up to our cabin, and it's breathtakingly beautiful. The colors aren't as vibrant as they are some other years, but the sky is a robins-egg blue with only a few wispy clouds. The temperature is balmy, a relief from the unusually hot summer we've had.

We took a drive through the mountains and saw several does with their fawns milling about, probably enjoying the moisture from last night's rainstorm as it sits on the leaves they feed on.

It's beautiful and peaceful -- a perfect way to spend the day.  I hope you're enjoying your day as much as I am mine.

And while you're enjoying your day, don't forget my newest story -- One Stormy Night -- will be available September 25 exclusively on Amazon.com

Have a great day.

For more about K. R. Bailey, check out my website at:  http://KRBailey.com

One Stormy Night

My newest novella - One Stormy Night - will be released September 25, 2013 exclusively for Kindle!

Here's a short blurb:
How can a hunting trip go terribly wrong?

Evie loves to hunt, and she's a better shot than any man. Scott is fun-loving and sexy -- the perfect companion. But what starts out as a wonderful date turns deadly when they witness a terrible crime and must flee for their lives.

Evie and Scott begin their day laughing and teasing, but car trouble and a freak blizzard force them to seek refuge in a deserted farmhouse.  Once they get a fire started, the farmhouse seems like the perfect -- and perfectly romantic -- place to wait for help until three strangers arrive carrying assault weapons.

When they witness a murder, Evie and Scott must escape back into the frigid, snowy darkness to hide from the criminals. Only by relying on each other can they survive.


One Stormy Night is an action and suspense-filled story with enough spice to keep things interesting and enough suspense to keep you turning the pages.

One Stormy Night was a fun story to write.  I think you'll enjoy it.  And for anyone who doesn't have a kindle, One Stormy Night will be available in January in all electronic formats.

For more about K. R. Bailey and other books, go to:  http://KRBailey.com

Happy Reading!

The Next Big Thing Blog

A good friend and fantastic author, Cindy Christiansen, asked me to participate in this blog hop, and I'm thrilled to join her.

My newest story is still a work in progress, but here's a few fun facts about it.

What is the working title of your book?  A Perfect Catch

Where did the idea come from for the book?
Early this spring, I was driving with my hubby and when we drove past Pineview Dam (up Ogden Canyon), there were a bunch of ice fishermen, and I thought it might be fun to have a heroine who loves fishing.  At that time, the story was going to be a light romance, but my characters seem to have a life of their own and the story has become a bit of a mystery.

What genre does your book fall under? Contemporary Romance

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Reece Witherspoon would be great as my heroine, Erin.  She’s sassy, determined, and all woman. 

 I can picture Matthew McConaughey as Justin.  He’s loveable, but when he suddenly disappears, Erin learns he hasn’t been totally honest. 

 K.C is searching for Justin and the last thing he wants is to fall in love.  I think John Lucas would be perfect as K.C.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

When Erin goes fishing for the love of her life, she’s going to have to sift through the lies, look closely into her heart, and be willing to accept love before she finds her perfect catch.
 
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I’ll probably publish through an e-publisher like Bookstrand Publishing or The Wild Rose Press.  They design my covers, provide knowledgeable editors, and format my stories into both e-books as well as print books. I love working with them.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?  It’s still a work in progress.  It’s nearing completion, but it keeps growing, and the characters keep doing things I hadn’t planned for them.  So far it’s taken me about six weeks.  Hopefully, I’ll find the time to get those characters doing what I’d planned so I can get my manuscript finished in the next few weeks.  Cross your fingers for me!

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? There’s so many wonderful authors out there that it’s hard to compare myself to them.  I'd love to be included in the same class as authors like RaeAnn Thayne, Nora Roberts, and LaVeryl Spencer.
 

Who or What inspired you to write this book?  I’m married into a fishing family.  I like fishing, but they won't get me out on the ice.  My husband used to ice fish, my son and grandson still love going ice fishing.  It’s not the cold that bothers me, it’s the cracking of the ice that keeps me off.  (I'm a chicken about that!)  I also love books with a bit of intrique and mystery and a small mountain town in the middle of winter seemed to be a perfect place to create a story.  

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?  If you love quaint, small towns nestled in the mountains and a lovely old bed and breakfast, you’ll want to read my story.  My heroine loves to fish, often catching enough for supper at the inn.  There’s two handsome men that she must choose between, one who has had her heart for over two years and one who shows up and shakes up her life when he convinces her she’s been lied to.  There's a fun-loving Pub where the town loves to meet, laugh, dance and tell fishing tales. There’s some intrique when strange things start happening at the inn, and there’s love.  I’d say, there’s a little bit of everything a romance needs to keep you turning the pages.
 

Want to learn more about another great author?  Check out the link below:

Cindy A. Christiansen - http://www.dragonflyromance.com

Life Is Like A Book

Life is like a book
Some sad, some happy, some exciting
If you never turn a page,
You will never know what the next chapter holds.

My niece posted this on her facebook page.  I don't know who wrote it, but I love it.  As we travel through life, we have to experience a myriad of emotions, and hopefully, at day's end, it will be worth it.  As an author, all of these things are needed to make my stories interesting and keep the readers involved.  Sometimes we have to struggle to accomplish that, but don't you agree it takes all types of emotions to keep you reading?

In my newest book, You Complete Me, my heroine, Whitney, has had to overcome some really sad things - loss of a child, a terrible divorce, tension with her mother.  Life is hard to juggle all these types of things, and I've tried to put her emotional pull in this story.

My hero, Dante, has lost his wife and is struggling to make a new home for his son.  His son, Jeffry, misses his mother and is trying hard to understand what has happened.  We can all understand these types of things, right?

When Whitney and Dante reunite, there's happiness and excitement, new feelings, and love.  What they have to overcome becomes a struggle.  Okay, I won't tell you more, but I hope you'll check out my newest book on October 4 -- You Complete Me.

You Complete Me will be available in all e-book formats through Bookstrand.com and I hope as you read, it will make you want to keep turning the pages to find out what the next chapter holds.

For more information about You Complete Me or any of my other books, please visit my website at:
http://KRBailey.com

Happy Reading!

Great Review - Murder and Lies

Don't you love getting a message with a wonderful surprise?  I got just that - a great review for my newest book, Murder and Lies.  4.5 stars from The Long and Short of It Reviews - woo hoo!

Here's a little bit of what they said:

"A matter of trust, a matter of the heart.  Murder and Lies does deliver on the suspenseful mystery, but doubly so on the feelings of the heart.  This is an absolutely gripping romance.  A must read for sure."

Here's the link - check out the entire review.

http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2012/01/murder-and-lies-by-kr-bailey.html

I'm having a great day.  Hope you are too.