My brand new love story has been launched!
TEMPEST ~ a story of unconditional love ~ will take your breath away and capture your heart.
March 20th: Kindle publishing date.
March 22nd: Paperback.
Please feel free to purchase a copy and drop me an email. Let me know how you liked Don and Stormie :)
Keep the passion alive,
RR xo
http://www.amazon.com/Tempest-Rochelle-Renee/dp/1508674949/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427158598&sr=1-2&keywords=tempest+rochelle
Monday, March 23, 2015
Monday, March 16, 2015
TEMPEST~ Official Launch ~ March 20, 2015
The death of his wife burned a hole in his heart. He thought he was done loving till she stormed into his life. A story of hope, passion, and the power of unconditional love.
TEMPEST by Rochelle Renee
Read it March 20th on Amazon.com
COMING SOON!!!
TEMPEST by Rochelle Renee
Read it March 20th on Amazon.com
COMING SOON!!!
Monday, March 2, 2015
SALUTE TO A MENTOR (On 6 years of Friendship)
Today, this blog is dedicated to a man who led me out of the darkness and into the light.
I want to thank Kelly Mitchell for helping to awaken the muse in me, the part of my writer's soul that had been sleeping for 13 years.
Suffering from writer's block is never a treat for one who prides themselves on being a novelist; it can be debilitating and downright sad. I can't properly explain how it felt to be so blocked and have my gift of prose completely "mute" for this time period. But I CAN say that it was horrible. Man, I'm sure glad that's over.
On March 2, 2009, something special happened. I walked into a seminar and HE was leading the class: the man who would later become my muse and open the floodgates for my writing career once again. Little did I know that some 2 years and 8 months later, our paths would yet again cross, this time in a writing workshop that he led, and I was hooked. First off, this man was inspiring, mentored people with a charisma I have never known, and he was really real...authentic. Not only that, but I was coming out of a dark era of my life, and I could have really used a strong male mentor at that time, more than anything. This is exactly what he became for me.
Mr. Mitchell is one of my Top Five favorite people. I believe there is a bit of kindred spirit in him, and quite possibly he might note that about me. The Universe sends us exactly who we need, to propel us onward to our dreams and give us the kind of passion that enables us to see the big picture, while allowing our souls to come alive to the most amazing possibilities. Clearly, he has been that for me.
I'll keep this short and sweet, for the sake of not gushing too much.
He knows he inspires me, but I just wanted to thank him once more time, on this 6 year anniversary of friendship.
So, today I salute him. For being the kind of person who takes the time to make people feel special. Maybe it's those Pacific blue eyes and huge warm hands that trigger a feeling of home; could be the soothing voice and kind manners, or the way he answers the phone and always makes the time to listen to me. Whatever it is, he is wonderful.
I'm proud to say that he is a part of my life.
Thanks, KGM.
I'll be forever grateful.
RR :)
I want to thank Kelly Mitchell for helping to awaken the muse in me, the part of my writer's soul that had been sleeping for 13 years.
Suffering from writer's block is never a treat for one who prides themselves on being a novelist; it can be debilitating and downright sad. I can't properly explain how it felt to be so blocked and have my gift of prose completely "mute" for this time period. But I CAN say that it was horrible. Man, I'm sure glad that's over.
On March 2, 2009, something special happened. I walked into a seminar and HE was leading the class: the man who would later become my muse and open the floodgates for my writing career once again. Little did I know that some 2 years and 8 months later, our paths would yet again cross, this time in a writing workshop that he led, and I was hooked. First off, this man was inspiring, mentored people with a charisma I have never known, and he was really real...authentic. Not only that, but I was coming out of a dark era of my life, and I could have really used a strong male mentor at that time, more than anything. This is exactly what he became for me.
Mr. Mitchell is one of my Top Five favorite people. I believe there is a bit of kindred spirit in him, and quite possibly he might note that about me. The Universe sends us exactly who we need, to propel us onward to our dreams and give us the kind of passion that enables us to see the big picture, while allowing our souls to come alive to the most amazing possibilities. Clearly, he has been that for me.
I'll keep this short and sweet, for the sake of not gushing too much.
He knows he inspires me, but I just wanted to thank him once more time, on this 6 year anniversary of friendship.
So, today I salute him. For being the kind of person who takes the time to make people feel special. Maybe it's those Pacific blue eyes and huge warm hands that trigger a feeling of home; could be the soothing voice and kind manners, or the way he answers the phone and always makes the time to listen to me. Whatever it is, he is wonderful.
I'm proud to say that he is a part of my life.
Thanks, KGM.
I'll be forever grateful.
RR :)
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
CHANCES TAKEN
Let it be said that the chances we have taken in life are both bittersweet and glorious. Some, undeniably, have been laced with a regret or two. Others yet, have been the best decision we ever made.
What chance have you taken that ended up being the best thing in your book of memories?
I have a few to revel in. They bring a smile to my lips, every time I think of them. The first one was at church in September 1997. It was a warm, sunny Autumn, a golden era that I will never forget. I recall the music then, all the songs on the radio, the way they made me feel, along with the plans and dreams I had for the future. My heart was filled with hope and I felt invincible, untainted with any pain or hardship.
At twenty, I was no longer a teen, but not quite a true adult. I was trying to grow into my own identity, and being a slender, bright-eyed ingenue who had never experienced an adult love, this was a whole new world for me. Until the moment a tall, dark-haired, 20-year-old who looked a bit like Enrique Iglesias appeared in the back row of that church service. I think I was like a deer caught in head lights. It was love at first sight. We both felt it. I'm so glad I took the chance on this love. It led to marriage and the arrival of a blue-eyed baby girl who has made my life more alive and abundant than I could ever imagine. Though the matrimonial union did not last, it nonetheless left its mark on me, in many positive ways.
Chances are meant to be taken. Life presents us with choices, so we must put our cards on the table and take stock of what to do. Only your heart knows for sure, but rest assured, it never leads us wrong. There are no mistakes. Just the blind faith that everything will work out for the best.
In the long run, whether it works out or not, is not the point. You wanted it -- in that moment -- and you whole-heartedly took that chance. Don't let regret sneak in and rob you of that memory you once held dear. There was a reason why it happened. Take the lesson and apply it to your life.
In love, I have taken big chances. Some have turned out great, others not so much. I have suffered heartbreak and debilitating loss. But the chances I took, some ending in pain, were the stepping stones to my future. Now, lying before me, is the golden road upon which I must travel and seek new horizons. If something didn't fit before, then it sure does now. I know who I am, what I want, and what I deserve.
Another chance I took recently was going back to school. It had been a six year hiatus, but I decided to go back and receive my Double-Major in History/Sociology. Was I scared to go back? You bet. Did I love Sociology? Well, not exactly. I'd taken the intro course years ago and barely made it out alive. But this time, I decided to bear down and really apply myself. The intro course was challenging because the professor was a hard marker, but I love his teaching style. He's made me intrigued by the subject matter, and I have learned so much about people and society. This Spring, I will graduate and I have to say, though some of the past year has been a real challenge with the various essay and exams, I am beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
See, it's not so bad after all, right? What chance are you weighing in on right now? Is there a decision you want to make but seem to be having a hard time following through?
Go ahead, take a step forward. What seems scary now might prove to be the best payoff. Standing on the other side of fear, just might be the biggest miracle of your life.
I know another chance I took recently has taken much courage during its revelation. Someone who has impacted my life in a major way needed to hear what he means to me. At first, I wanted to lock it away from the world and not let it see the light of day, but the more I kept it hidden, the more burdened I felt by denying its existence. Here's the thing: people need to know they are loved, admired, appreciated. Someone, somewhere, on any given day, is starving for love and recognition. They crave that simple, pure, affection without any grandiose motives. That is all you really need to extend to them. But for God's sake, if you FEEL it, then just SAY it.
Life is way too short. Take chances, dig deep, bring it to the light, expose it, share it, LET IT ROAR. After all, love is not to be treated like a candle under a bushel, hidden away. Love is meant to be passed between hearts, kindled and stoked, until finally, its radiance is blazing bright for all to see.
Am I sure glad I did not hold back and keep this to myself. I can now cherish the reward of what it means to be vulnerable and honest, letting my heart do the talking. I am sure he appreciates the magnificent prose that expresses every little nuance of my soul.
You can try it too. Make it happen. Take this chance. No regrets.
Cheering for you.
Keep the Passion Alive,
RR xo
What chance have you taken that ended up being the best thing in your book of memories?
I have a few to revel in. They bring a smile to my lips, every time I think of them. The first one was at church in September 1997. It was a warm, sunny Autumn, a golden era that I will never forget. I recall the music then, all the songs on the radio, the way they made me feel, along with the plans and dreams I had for the future. My heart was filled with hope and I felt invincible, untainted with any pain or hardship.
At twenty, I was no longer a teen, but not quite a true adult. I was trying to grow into my own identity, and being a slender, bright-eyed ingenue who had never experienced an adult love, this was a whole new world for me. Until the moment a tall, dark-haired, 20-year-old who looked a bit like Enrique Iglesias appeared in the back row of that church service. I think I was like a deer caught in head lights. It was love at first sight. We both felt it. I'm so glad I took the chance on this love. It led to marriage and the arrival of a blue-eyed baby girl who has made my life more alive and abundant than I could ever imagine. Though the matrimonial union did not last, it nonetheless left its mark on me, in many positive ways.
Chances are meant to be taken. Life presents us with choices, so we must put our cards on the table and take stock of what to do. Only your heart knows for sure, but rest assured, it never leads us wrong. There are no mistakes. Just the blind faith that everything will work out for the best.
In the long run, whether it works out or not, is not the point. You wanted it -- in that moment -- and you whole-heartedly took that chance. Don't let regret sneak in and rob you of that memory you once held dear. There was a reason why it happened. Take the lesson and apply it to your life.
In love, I have taken big chances. Some have turned out great, others not so much. I have suffered heartbreak and debilitating loss. But the chances I took, some ending in pain, were the stepping stones to my future. Now, lying before me, is the golden road upon which I must travel and seek new horizons. If something didn't fit before, then it sure does now. I know who I am, what I want, and what I deserve.
Another chance I took recently was going back to school. It had been a six year hiatus, but I decided to go back and receive my Double-Major in History/Sociology. Was I scared to go back? You bet. Did I love Sociology? Well, not exactly. I'd taken the intro course years ago and barely made it out alive. But this time, I decided to bear down and really apply myself. The intro course was challenging because the professor was a hard marker, but I love his teaching style. He's made me intrigued by the subject matter, and I have learned so much about people and society. This Spring, I will graduate and I have to say, though some of the past year has been a real challenge with the various essay and exams, I am beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
See, it's not so bad after all, right? What chance are you weighing in on right now? Is there a decision you want to make but seem to be having a hard time following through?
Go ahead, take a step forward. What seems scary now might prove to be the best payoff. Standing on the other side of fear, just might be the biggest miracle of your life.
I know another chance I took recently has taken much courage during its revelation. Someone who has impacted my life in a major way needed to hear what he means to me. At first, I wanted to lock it away from the world and not let it see the light of day, but the more I kept it hidden, the more burdened I felt by denying its existence. Here's the thing: people need to know they are loved, admired, appreciated. Someone, somewhere, on any given day, is starving for love and recognition. They crave that simple, pure, affection without any grandiose motives. That is all you really need to extend to them. But for God's sake, if you FEEL it, then just SAY it.
Life is way too short. Take chances, dig deep, bring it to the light, expose it, share it, LET IT ROAR. After all, love is not to be treated like a candle under a bushel, hidden away. Love is meant to be passed between hearts, kindled and stoked, until finally, its radiance is blazing bright for all to see.
Am I sure glad I did not hold back and keep this to myself. I can now cherish the reward of what it means to be vulnerable and honest, letting my heart do the talking. I am sure he appreciates the magnificent prose that expresses every little nuance of my soul.
You can try it too. Make it happen. Take this chance. No regrets.
Cheering for you.
Keep the Passion Alive,
RR xo
Monday, February 9, 2015
You Without A Lover, Take Comfort This Valentine's Day
Single this Valentine's Day?
Do not despair. You're probably sitting there alone, staring at your computer screen and dreading the proverbial day of hearts and flowers that is fast approaching. I know the feeling, so let me help you out a little.
February 14th is truly a wake up call for those who feel alone or face the pressure of consumerism ramming the festivities down your throat. Valentine's Day feels like it's on steroids this year, right? Everywhere you turn, red candles, big helium balloons, candy cinnamon hearts down every aisle or heart shaped boxes of chocolates. Do NOT walk into a Dollarama store; you will face a rude awakening!
To make matters worse, there's Suzy on her social media, boasting of the fabulous lover's weekend in Niagara Falls she has planned with her husband. Or Mitch and his girlfriend celebrating an epic one year anniversary, and they've announced publicly their plans of a steamy getaway to a popular ski resort. All across Facebook and Twitter, you see romantic posts, pics of couples kissing, or status updates of "In A Relationship." The deluge of people suddenly pairing up can be hard to handle, right? Doesn't that painful twinge of envy hurt?
Now. take a deep breath and relax. I am going to ease that dread in your heart. The impending Day of Love is not as bad as it seems. Yes, you heard me. Being single this weekend will not kill you. Let me tell you why. It will be my 7th year without a date/lover/lifemate, and truthfully, I am still ALIVE AND KICKING! As a matter of fact, I am HAPPIER THAN ANY OTHER ERA OF MY LIFE, because of this single status.
I bet you're REALLY gawking at the screen now, scratching your head and wondering "what the hell is a romance novelist happy being single for? Why is she not swinging off chandeliers during hot passion with a stud, firing up the hot tub jets, cracking champagne with a lover, browsing the internet singles ads, cruising the bars for fresh meat..."
You get the picture. Well, honestly? Being single is not all that bad. I have had the most freedom (no ball 'n' chain), adventures, memories and a barrel of good times...all while being solo. Along my fantastic journey, I've met some amazing people, laughed til my sides hurt, filled my journal with an abundance of gratitude & blessings, and just enjoyed the scene along the way.
Perks to being single? No one to check in with; I can talk to whomever I wish without someone making me feel guilty, or lavish myself with a sexy new body lotion, perfume set or beautiful new ensemble from my favorite ladies boutique. If I want to head to karaoke and belt out a Shania song or croon to Mary Wells ("My Guy") then so be it. I'm not a party animal by any means, but this romance queen needs to get out of her cabin once in a while, kick up her heels and go dancing on a fun-filled girls' night out.
Hey, don't get me wrong. I'm a sincere advocate for coupledom. Twice married, I'm a die-hard romantic and I LOVE to give love and receive it back. The man who is lucky enough to share romance with me is spoiled as a king on a throne. I'm creative, fun, sensual, sentimental, like to conjure up new things, places and ideas. Love is my playground, and I fully enjoy it to the heart's content.
Can you feel the mercury rising in this cyber page? Whew...pass me a cold drink, please.
Finally, I wish to leave you with some encouragement. Do not be disheartened because you haven't found that life partner/soulmate/kindred soul just yet. He or she just hasn't found their way to you, and that is alright, because each progressive moment in your life is being orchestrated by Divine Timing. Take courage in knowing that each of us have a soul's purpose on this planet, and our journey is painted with pivotal steps along the way, all leading up to the Grande Moment of meeting the best match for us.
Getting tired of waiting? Yes, I know. It's downright frustrating, right? You swear there will be NO ONE to dance with this coming Valentine's Day...no romantic text message lighting up your cell phone, no warm body heating that vacant side of the bed...but it's coming. You will be glad you waited. I know that moment will be golden, and I can't wait to hear that it truly is, when it finally happens.
For those readers out there looking for love, or if you have already found YOUR ONE, drop me a line...share your story here. I'm all ears. I'm truly stoked to hear about your blissful journey of love.
I'll be here, as always, cheering you on.
Remember also to keep the fires burning. XO
RR
Do not despair. You're probably sitting there alone, staring at your computer screen and dreading the proverbial day of hearts and flowers that is fast approaching. I know the feeling, so let me help you out a little.
February 14th is truly a wake up call for those who feel alone or face the pressure of consumerism ramming the festivities down your throat. Valentine's Day feels like it's on steroids this year, right? Everywhere you turn, red candles, big helium balloons, candy cinnamon hearts down every aisle or heart shaped boxes of chocolates. Do NOT walk into a Dollarama store; you will face a rude awakening!
To make matters worse, there's Suzy on her social media, boasting of the fabulous lover's weekend in Niagara Falls she has planned with her husband. Or Mitch and his girlfriend celebrating an epic one year anniversary, and they've announced publicly their plans of a steamy getaway to a popular ski resort. All across Facebook and Twitter, you see romantic posts, pics of couples kissing, or status updates of "In A Relationship." The deluge of people suddenly pairing up can be hard to handle, right? Doesn't that painful twinge of envy hurt?
Now. take a deep breath and relax. I am going to ease that dread in your heart. The impending Day of Love is not as bad as it seems. Yes, you heard me. Being single this weekend will not kill you. Let me tell you why. It will be my 7th year without a date/lover/lifemate, and truthfully, I am still ALIVE AND KICKING! As a matter of fact, I am HAPPIER THAN ANY OTHER ERA OF MY LIFE, because of this single status.
I bet you're REALLY gawking at the screen now, scratching your head and wondering "what the hell is a romance novelist happy being single for? Why is she not swinging off chandeliers during hot passion with a stud, firing up the hot tub jets, cracking champagne with a lover, browsing the internet singles ads, cruising the bars for fresh meat..."
You get the picture. Well, honestly? Being single is not all that bad. I have had the most freedom (no ball 'n' chain), adventures, memories and a barrel of good times...all while being solo. Along my fantastic journey, I've met some amazing people, laughed til my sides hurt, filled my journal with an abundance of gratitude & blessings, and just enjoyed the scene along the way.
Perks to being single? No one to check in with; I can talk to whomever I wish without someone making me feel guilty, or lavish myself with a sexy new body lotion, perfume set or beautiful new ensemble from my favorite ladies boutique. If I want to head to karaoke and belt out a Shania song or croon to Mary Wells ("My Guy") then so be it. I'm not a party animal by any means, but this romance queen needs to get out of her cabin once in a while, kick up her heels and go dancing on a fun-filled girls' night out.
Hey, don't get me wrong. I'm a sincere advocate for coupledom. Twice married, I'm a die-hard romantic and I LOVE to give love and receive it back. The man who is lucky enough to share romance with me is spoiled as a king on a throne. I'm creative, fun, sensual, sentimental, like to conjure up new things, places and ideas. Love is my playground, and I fully enjoy it to the heart's content.
Can you feel the mercury rising in this cyber page? Whew...pass me a cold drink, please.
Finally, I wish to leave you with some encouragement. Do not be disheartened because you haven't found that life partner/soulmate/kindred soul just yet. He or she just hasn't found their way to you, and that is alright, because each progressive moment in your life is being orchestrated by Divine Timing. Take courage in knowing that each of us have a soul's purpose on this planet, and our journey is painted with pivotal steps along the way, all leading up to the Grande Moment of meeting the best match for us.
Getting tired of waiting? Yes, I know. It's downright frustrating, right? You swear there will be NO ONE to dance with this coming Valentine's Day...no romantic text message lighting up your cell phone, no warm body heating that vacant side of the bed...but it's coming. You will be glad you waited. I know that moment will be golden, and I can't wait to hear that it truly is, when it finally happens.
For those readers out there looking for love, or if you have already found YOUR ONE, drop me a line...share your story here. I'm all ears. I'm truly stoked to hear about your blissful journey of love.
I'll be here, as always, cheering you on.
Remember also to keep the fires burning. XO
RR
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Snowfall Inspiration
Don't you just love a good snowfall? Not the one that is hurried, windy and whipping at your face, but the slow, peaceful, romantic one that conjures up images of sitting by the fire with a hot brew and the company of your loved one.
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, I sit here with my Toshiba Satellite laptop, amid the company of a nice Oriental stir fry, a hurricane lamp of flickering candlelight, and a hot Tim Horton's Chai. Outside my window, snow is gently falling, and my little town looks like the vision of a Marshmallow World, as Dean Martin once sang.
The sun has set, and drivers are making their proverbial crawl home from work on the snow-covered roads. Inside my rustic farmhouse, I revel in the comforts of home life, daughter and faithful dog.
As usual, I've got love on my mind. Well, after all, isn't that what EVERY romance writer has on her mind 24/7?
Recently, I went to a Dollarama and stocked my basket full of Valentine's Day decorations. Shoppers eyed me, completely puzzled, wondering what grande shin dig I was hosting that consisted of this red hearts decor that overflowed from that basket. There was huge, pink and red shaped heart candles, a red table cloth, silver and red votive holders, a red sign that said LOVE, and red candy dishes shaped like a heart.I had chocolates with cute, brown labs on the box, heart gummi's, and fuzzy pink socks. Perhaps I went overboard, but I don't care; I justified it as the most important date on my calendar so far this year. Red hearts and romance are at the core of this old soul's existence.
Love, inherently, is the most important thing one can have on their mind. Cozy like a blanket, love warms the heart, renews the soul, and gives a writer plenty of inspiration for the next great novel. Love and a romantic snowfall are two great aspects that complement one another well, don't you agree? There's a good reason why the hot tub suite's are sold out in the winter months at all the romantic hotels and getaway spots. Winter time is a cherished haven in which love is born, and I'm sure this season has spawned some fantastic real-life love stories.
Snowfall has a way of getting to me. It always kick starts my next novel, puts me in the mood, and gives me a glow from the inside out. I cannot begin to express what bliss I find in the midst of a good snowfall. Some of my best characters have been created during a good ole blast of the white stuff.
I am actually jealous of the folks on the eastern seaboard who got up to 90 cm this past week. Send some MY way? Yes, please, Mother Nature.
While I write this, I ponder all the good that has come to me in 2015 so far. Yes, it is premature to judge the year on just a scant 29 days into the annual calendar, but I can't help it. Each New Year, I embark on the tradition of creating a "Blessings & Miracles Jar" that will encompass that entire year. The last two jars from 2014 were filled to the brim!!! I can't help it, I'm just grateful.
We, as humans, have a LOT to be grateful for. I know I certainly am. While living in a country known for its vast freedoms, clean drinking water, good food, and amazing people, I also take into account the simple things of life that matter most. I've got a teenage daughter who loves me and thinks I'm a hero; my dog is madly in love with me (can you blame him?), I have friends who've got my back, no matter what. They don't care whether I look like a Victoria Secret model or not, live in a palatial home in Rosedale or a simple, 100 year old farmhouse, or if I make $1 million dollars a year as opposed to $77,000 annually. No, these friends embrace the real, authentic woman who has taken the hard knocks of life, and turned them into gold. Within the pages of these novels, you will find the tears, the tragedy, the laughter and the triumphs of a conscious woman who fully knows her worth and who she is.
Gratefully, I honor the men in my life who've inspired my writing and shown me that life gets better, that not all men are A-holes, and good people are abundantly in our Path at all times.
To the dear friends who have stood by me when marriages crumbled and backstabbers slandered, I salute you all today.
My wish for each of you is that 2015 will be richly abundant enough to fill your Blessings & Miracle jars to the brim, and then some.
Hopefully, this evening you are sitting by the fire with a loved one, watching the warmth of the flames dancing in the grate, or enjoying a candlelight dinner and smiling fondly with the radiance of love in your hearts, knowing how blessed you truly are to have this love.
To those of you out there who are single and still searching for that ONE GREAT LOVE, please do not give up your search. Love is waiting in the wings, it has heard your call. It knows what you want.
Love is infinite. Love is worth the wait.
Remember, to always keep the passion alive,
RR xo
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, I sit here with my Toshiba Satellite laptop, amid the company of a nice Oriental stir fry, a hurricane lamp of flickering candlelight, and a hot Tim Horton's Chai. Outside my window, snow is gently falling, and my little town looks like the vision of a Marshmallow World, as Dean Martin once sang.
The sun has set, and drivers are making their proverbial crawl home from work on the snow-covered roads. Inside my rustic farmhouse, I revel in the comforts of home life, daughter and faithful dog.
As usual, I've got love on my mind. Well, after all, isn't that what EVERY romance writer has on her mind 24/7?
Recently, I went to a Dollarama and stocked my basket full of Valentine's Day decorations. Shoppers eyed me, completely puzzled, wondering what grande shin dig I was hosting that consisted of this red hearts decor that overflowed from that basket. There was huge, pink and red shaped heart candles, a red table cloth, silver and red votive holders, a red sign that said LOVE, and red candy dishes shaped like a heart.I had chocolates with cute, brown labs on the box, heart gummi's, and fuzzy pink socks. Perhaps I went overboard, but I don't care; I justified it as the most important date on my calendar so far this year. Red hearts and romance are at the core of this old soul's existence.
Love, inherently, is the most important thing one can have on their mind. Cozy like a blanket, love warms the heart, renews the soul, and gives a writer plenty of inspiration for the next great novel. Love and a romantic snowfall are two great aspects that complement one another well, don't you agree? There's a good reason why the hot tub suite's are sold out in the winter months at all the romantic hotels and getaway spots. Winter time is a cherished haven in which love is born, and I'm sure this season has spawned some fantastic real-life love stories.
Snowfall has a way of getting to me. It always kick starts my next novel, puts me in the mood, and gives me a glow from the inside out. I cannot begin to express what bliss I find in the midst of a good snowfall. Some of my best characters have been created during a good ole blast of the white stuff.
I am actually jealous of the folks on the eastern seaboard who got up to 90 cm this past week. Send some MY way? Yes, please, Mother Nature.
While I write this, I ponder all the good that has come to me in 2015 so far. Yes, it is premature to judge the year on just a scant 29 days into the annual calendar, but I can't help it. Each New Year, I embark on the tradition of creating a "Blessings & Miracles Jar" that will encompass that entire year. The last two jars from 2014 were filled to the brim!!! I can't help it, I'm just grateful.
We, as humans, have a LOT to be grateful for. I know I certainly am. While living in a country known for its vast freedoms, clean drinking water, good food, and amazing people, I also take into account the simple things of life that matter most. I've got a teenage daughter who loves me and thinks I'm a hero; my dog is madly in love with me (can you blame him?), I have friends who've got my back, no matter what. They don't care whether I look like a Victoria Secret model or not, live in a palatial home in Rosedale or a simple, 100 year old farmhouse, or if I make $1 million dollars a year as opposed to $77,000 annually. No, these friends embrace the real, authentic woman who has taken the hard knocks of life, and turned them into gold. Within the pages of these novels, you will find the tears, the tragedy, the laughter and the triumphs of a conscious woman who fully knows her worth and who she is.
Gratefully, I honor the men in my life who've inspired my writing and shown me that life gets better, that not all men are A-holes, and good people are abundantly in our Path at all times.
To the dear friends who have stood by me when marriages crumbled and backstabbers slandered, I salute you all today.
My wish for each of you is that 2015 will be richly abundant enough to fill your Blessings & Miracle jars to the brim, and then some.
Hopefully, this evening you are sitting by the fire with a loved one, watching the warmth of the flames dancing in the grate, or enjoying a candlelight dinner and smiling fondly with the radiance of love in your hearts, knowing how blessed you truly are to have this love.
To those of you out there who are single and still searching for that ONE GREAT LOVE, please do not give up your search. Love is waiting in the wings, it has heard your call. It knows what you want.
Love is infinite. Love is worth the wait.
Remember, to always keep the passion alive,
RR xo
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
The Polar Vortex and Cabin Fever: Writing Passages
While this part of Canada has been hit with a heavy Polar Vortex, I sip my Starbucks Holiday Blend in a white teddy bear covered robe at my desk in the cozy country living room, making plans for February and March publications.
Two of my books will be in print soon, from amazon.com and I could not be more proud.
This announcement gets me a little hot under the collar, I must admit. TEMPEST, my latest work, comes from a labor of love very near and dear to my heart. It's the powerful story of unconditional love between a ranch girl and a city slicker who's lost his wife and is raising three teens alone.
Stormie McClelland is a woman to be reckoned with. She is smart, sassy and headstrong, but under her prickles burns the warm heart of an Empath.
Don Castle, oozing with money, status and charm, meets a roadblock in Stormie. She is the first woman who can't stand him, and that spells excitement for any strong alpha male who is bent on winning female adoration. He sets out to win her over, not knowing what adventure he is being pulled into.
My second book, THE PERFECT STORM, was written during last winter's Deep Freeze. I am equally proud to be launching this one, as it contains a self-fulfilling prophecy in the hero, Rhett Steele.
Just 35 days after penning the first chapter, the real life Rhett Steele showed up -- IN THE FLESH -- on my doorstep! As a romance author, you can imagine the profound significance of such an event. The very hairs on the back of my neck are standing up now, just thinking about it.
In THE PERFECT STORM, heroine Rose Wilder flees an abusive husband who leaves her for dead one night, so she skips town with her teenage daughter, Beth, and rents a Kinkade-inspired cottage in the middle of nowhere.
While healing from the aftermath of that incident, Rose is caught in the ice storm of the century. High winds and freezing rain cover the town in a sheet of treachery, knocking out power region wide and uprooting trees.
Enter tall, hunky Rhett Steele, the hydro lineman, who comes to restore the power at the Kinkade cottage. The last thing Rose needs is another man to add to her heartache. But something about Rhett slowly starts to break down her walls...
In this Deep Freeze of the Great White North, I find the most inspiration comes during the winter months, beginning with November's annual NaNoWriMO contest, where a novel must be completed in the 30 day allotment. Tempest was written in that month. I have now started working on another, called PEARLS, and I am stoked to see how this story unfolds.
Stay tuned for the exciting launch of my two books, TEMPEST and THE PERFECT STORM.
As always, stay warm, grab a hot beverage, and sit by the fire. I will be posting excerpts of these books soon to make your fireside reading more enjoyable.
Until then,
Keep the passion alive,
RR Xo
Two of my books will be in print soon, from amazon.com and I could not be more proud.
This announcement gets me a little hot under the collar, I must admit. TEMPEST, my latest work, comes from a labor of love very near and dear to my heart. It's the powerful story of unconditional love between a ranch girl and a city slicker who's lost his wife and is raising three teens alone.
Stormie McClelland is a woman to be reckoned with. She is smart, sassy and headstrong, but under her prickles burns the warm heart of an Empath.
Don Castle, oozing with money, status and charm, meets a roadblock in Stormie. She is the first woman who can't stand him, and that spells excitement for any strong alpha male who is bent on winning female adoration. He sets out to win her over, not knowing what adventure he is being pulled into.
My second book, THE PERFECT STORM, was written during last winter's Deep Freeze. I am equally proud to be launching this one, as it contains a self-fulfilling prophecy in the hero, Rhett Steele.
Just 35 days after penning the first chapter, the real life Rhett Steele showed up -- IN THE FLESH -- on my doorstep! As a romance author, you can imagine the profound significance of such an event. The very hairs on the back of my neck are standing up now, just thinking about it.
In THE PERFECT STORM, heroine Rose Wilder flees an abusive husband who leaves her for dead one night, so she skips town with her teenage daughter, Beth, and rents a Kinkade-inspired cottage in the middle of nowhere.
While healing from the aftermath of that incident, Rose is caught in the ice storm of the century. High winds and freezing rain cover the town in a sheet of treachery, knocking out power region wide and uprooting trees.
Enter tall, hunky Rhett Steele, the hydro lineman, who comes to restore the power at the Kinkade cottage. The last thing Rose needs is another man to add to her heartache. But something about Rhett slowly starts to break down her walls...
In this Deep Freeze of the Great White North, I find the most inspiration comes during the winter months, beginning with November's annual NaNoWriMO contest, where a novel must be completed in the 30 day allotment. Tempest was written in that month. I have now started working on another, called PEARLS, and I am stoked to see how this story unfolds.
Stay tuned for the exciting launch of my two books, TEMPEST and THE PERFECT STORM.
As always, stay warm, grab a hot beverage, and sit by the fire. I will be posting excerpts of these books soon to make your fireside reading more enjoyable.
Until then,
Keep the passion alive,
RR Xo
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