My Say What Blog Archives - Page 21 of 54

May 6th #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge- Favorite Holiday of the Year and Why

Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 5-6-20. Favorite Holiday of the Year and Why. Wow, this one is easy. Please have a seat, grab an iced tea or lemonade out of the cooler. Be sure and grab a chocolate chip cookie. Lets get started with My favorite Holiday of the Year and Why.

Halloween, All Hallows Eve, Samhain (Gaelic ) is my favorite holiday. No expectations of gifts, outside of candy, of course. What other time can you dress up and be whoever and whatever you want to be and no one give you a second look. LOL I love decorating our house for Halloween. Lots of pumpkins, witches, scary creatures and sounds. Early in the evening, I have the fog machine on low, dressed up like a vampiress, I sit on the porch handing out candy. Later in the evening, we turn up the fog machine and jump out of the fog to scare the bejeebers out of the older trick or treaters. Keep in mind we’ve done this for years and the trick or treaters we get are kids of parents that trick or treated at our house years ago. Probably dating myself, but we have fun.

We’ve also had Halloween parties where we play How to Host A Murder Mystery Games, where everyone dresses up and assumes the identity of their character. Then with the clues the games provided we attempt to discover who is the killer. In the middle of the game we serve dinner then return to the game to solve the murder. A fun time is had by all!

Hmmmm… maybe my dislike of reality is the reason I write Paranormal Romance/Mystery an escape from the ordinary world on most days.

So there you have it, Favorite Holiday of the Year and Why. I’d love to hear from you. Please share your Favorite Holiday of the Year and why. List them in the comments below.

Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom on a new WIP (very exciting and coming along very well) so let’s see what other authors list as their reasons. L&SR

Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.

Speaking of Halloween, a little about A WITCH’S JOURNEY.

Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.

Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?

A quick peek between the pages of A WITCH’S JOURNEY.

A Witch’s Journey – “I’m going to go check on Ember and Tonk at the mammal habitat. Won’t be long.” Pepper closed the door and sprinted down the path, doubled back and hid behind the greenhouse with a view of the porch. She sucked in a breath when the tarp moved and the bungee cord slipped off the bumper with a zing. A shadow creep out from under the tarp,it slunk to the stairs. A huge reddish wolf advanced snarling and leaped over the railing knocking the figure down the stairs then disappeared.

A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING is the second book in the series. By the end of the summer book three, HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC and book four, CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MAGIC will be released.

Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate it. Next week, May 13, A Villain that I wish could be redeemed and why. A tough one. Do you have a villain that you wish could be redeemed and why?

Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged #L&SR's #Wednesday's Blog Challenge 5-6-20., Favorite Holiday of the Year and Why., Halloween, How to Host a Murder Game, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 14 comments.

Apr 30th Spring is finally bloomed in Colorado – Wear Sunscreen

Finally Spring has arrived in the great state of Colorado. At least I hope so. We could still get snow. Heck to be honest, we’ve had snow on July 4th. But at least the temps are above freezing — way above freezing. Yep its supposed to be over 80 degrees today. Not to complain but that’s a little warm since it was in the single digits only a few weeks ago. Anyway… The first couple of outings of the Spring when it finally arrives, I invariably forget to wear sunscreen and a hat. Not good since I live at nearly 7000 feet in altitude. Yesterday went to the neighborhood park to meet with a couple of writing buddies. It was beautiful, a balmy 69 degrees, a slight breeze. Yes, we practiced social distancing while we ate our lunch and discussed the plight of the world. You know that’s what writers do, besides putting our own spin on the situation. And add in a bit of magic a few paranormal creatures and of course that black moment. We are fiction writers after all. This is what we came up with.

1) We could write this virus out of the plot
2) We could cast a spell and make it go away – I voted for this one.
3) It will kill half the human population but then birds will take over again.
4) We will all become vegans
5) There will be a plot twist- somehow…

Please keep in mind this is done tongue in cheek, have no doubt I am reminded everyday of the seriousness of the COVID19 pandemic. To the first responders and those on the front lines I extend a heartfelt THANK YOU for your service! We will all get through this together.

While enjoying this lively conversation at the park, I failed to notice the down side to enjoying the outdoors without sunscreen. Yes, it was brought to my attention, a bit late. Only do this once a year, but this morning I’m bemoaning my stupidity as both my arms and face look like a lobster. Yes, yesterday afternoon as soon as I got home, I did put sunscreen in my vehicle right next to my mask, gloves, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer. Better late than never! Right? Also I put another tube of sunscreen in a prominent place in the kitchen. No more going outside without sunscreen and a floppy hat. That brings to mind a song that is as true today as it was when it was popular Class ’99, Wear Sunscreen. If you have a chance give a listen. Dance down memory lane with me. That song will be running through my head the rest of of the day.

My PSA for the day…. WEAR SUNSCREEN. You can bet I’ll remember at least this year. Have a terrific day!

Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged Fun times, Neighborhood Park, Spring, Sunburn, SunScreen, Tena Stetlerf, Writer's lunch by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.

Apr 29th #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge. Reason Why I Stopped Reading a Series I Loved.

Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 4-29-20. Reason Why I Stopped Reading a Series I Loved. Wow, this one is easy. Please have a seat, grab an iced tea or lemonade out of the cooler. Be sure and grab a chocolate chip cookie. Lets get started with Why I Stopped Reading a Series I Loved.

First series that comes to mind is the Shannara Chronicles Series consisting of The Sword of Shannara, The Elfstones of Shannara, and The Wishsong of Shannara by Terry Books. In particular The Elfstones of Shannara was the reason I stopped reading the series. In the book there is this small fuzzy creature that I simply loved. Terry Books had the audacity to kill off the creature toward the end of the book. I was so furious that I threw the book across the room and it crashed into the wall. HARD! This was at two in the morning. Woke my hubby out of a sound sleep. I never read another book of Terry Brooks. Why? I didn’t trust he wouldn’t do such a thing again. Now, I happen to know that I am not the only reader Terry Books pissed off due to killing that creature. How do I know this other than talking to other readers? Because…. he has been known to start his interviews, appearances, and signings by apologizing for killing off that fuzzy creature in The Elfstones of Shannara. Must have had an impact. LOL I know I wrote and told him about it.

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Another reason would be, and I not going to name names or titles. Once the books become a boilerplate and the plot is nearly the same with different characters, doing nearly the same things in the same place, I mark that author and his/her books off my TRB list.

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Well, the other obvious reason you would quit reading a series you loved is that the series ended. Sad situation but it happens. LOL

So there you have it, Reason Why I Stopped Reading a Series I Loved. I’d love to hear from you. Tell me why you stopped reading a series you loved. List them in the comments below.

Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom on a new WIP (very exciting and coming along very well) so let’s see what other authors list as their reasons. L&SR

Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.

Click on the cover to read more or purchase!

CHARM ME AGAIN is a paranormal romance/mystery set in the Colorado Rockies with a Scottish Highland Ghost that won’t go away and Fae Warriors that try to save the day. Not to mention the enchanted blacksmith tools that are at the root of one problem. The ancient curse is a whole nother problem.

For several months a Scottish Highland Ghost has haunted Daylan, in his personal life, his professional life and at his forge. Yet, being a talented warlock, he is no closer to discovering what the ghost wants or why he chose Daylan. A trip to his estranged sister’s home in Colorado may have unforeseen consequences especially when family history leads him to a shocking discovery.

As his attraction blooms for Josie, a yoga instructor in his sister’s studio, he realizes there may be more to Josie than he can imagine. When an ancient rogue Fae Warrior set on revenge kidnaps her in an attempt to claim her as his own, a devastating curse comes to light.

Daylan’s world spirals out of control as he searches for Josie. Can he break the age old curse to save her and their future, or will she be lost to him forever?

A Sneak Peek into Charm Me Again!

Four striking creatures, sharp-angled features with fierce expressions on their inhumanly handsome faces appeared. Gleaming swords hung at their sides as they slipped out of the cloud and stepped onto the ground not more than fifty feet from her and Daylan along the tree line of the property. Holy shit. This can’t be happening.

She rubbed her eyes but when she opened them the men were still there. Dressed in heavy boots, jeans, and formfitting leather vests, shimmering silver bands adorned their muscular upper arms. Two of them had thick shoulder length blond hair, the others had jet black hair hanging in waves past their shoulders.

She jumped up and opened her mouth to scream. But Daylan reacted faster clapping his hand over her mouth while still facing the advancing creatures. To her surprise, a soft giggle escaped from her lips. They look like a group of medieval bikers. Their apparent leader, his reddish sable hair hung well beyond his shoulders in waves, paused a few yards in front of them.

The others flanked the leader in a V formation. Her heart beat a tattoo against her chest. The vision taking place in front of her wavered and spun. I will not pass out. I will not faint. I absolutely will not. She pried Daylan’s hand away and sucked in a deep breath then blew it out slowly.

The wind settled down to a light breeze that flipped strands of her hair over her face and eyes. Raising a hand, she brushed the hair out of her face and licked her lips nervously.

In the distance a door banged, a dog growled, then eerie silence prevailed.

“You can see the Fae, the cloud, and feel the change in temperature?” Daylan whispered, his voice tinged with surprise.

Everything snapped into focus and she nodded her eyes went wide. “Fae?” I’ve lost it. This isn’t happening. For god sakes one of them has a pointed ear sticking through his hair.

Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate it. Next week, May 6th, Favorite Holiday of the Year and Why. Boy that’s easy peasy! Anyone that knows me at all can identify my answer. What is your favorite holiday of the year and why?

Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged #L&SR's #Wednesday's Blog Challenge, magic, Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Reason Why I Stopped Reading a Series I Loved, Tena Stetler, Urban Fantasy by Tena Stetler with 20 comments.

Apr 22nd #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 4-22-20 – Silliest Pet Peeves

Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 4-22-20. My Silliest Pet Peeves. Wow, going to strain my brain on this one. Please have a seat, grab a hot chocolate also got lemonade and chocolate chip cookie. Lets get started with my silliest pet peeves.

People that talk through the movie or a television show. while you trying to watch it.

People that don’t put their dogs on leash when it is required, like neighborhood parks and regional parks. Especially now with social distancing. If you want to exercise your dog off leash, go to a dog park. Don’t spoil other’s walking their dog on lead obeying the rules. Your dog may love everyone and every dog, but there are dogs or people out there that don’t appreciate uninvited attention from an unknown dog. (Putting my soap box away now.)

People who don’t pick up after their dogs, at the park, in other peoples yards or public places (sidewalks). Can you believe it?

FYI – I do own a dog, she is very well behaved and well trained (Spent her first 2.5 years in various dog training classes. Still she is always leashed and by my side when we go for a walk.

People that don’t make their children behave in public places.

A can opener that doesn’t open the entire can. Leaves the last quarter inch uncut. Silly isn’t it?

Reading a book that ends in a cliff hanger. I think those should display a warning “Cliffhanger”. I guess you’re supposed to buy the next book to find out what happens. But there is no guarantee it won”t end the same way. I don’t mind a happy for now ending, but cliff hanger, I usually won’t continue reading the series. Yep that’s why I write Paranormal Romance/Mystery, I like a happily ever after with lots of magic. If I want cliff hangers, all I have to do is turn on the TV news.

So there you have it, My Silliest Pet Peeves. I’d love to hear from you. Do you have silly pet peeves? List them in the comments below.

Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom on a new WIP (very exciting and coming along very well) so let’s see what other authors list as their silly pet peeves. L&SR

Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.

Click on the cover to read more or purchase.

A Demon’s Witch started it all is on SALE FOR 99 PENNIES for a limited time. It was my debut novel, and the first in A Demon’s Witch Series which has grown to five books and I am working of the sixth as I type. The series has gotten several awards as well as being a best seller.

Undeniable attraction and dark secrets between demon and witch promises to tear apart their professional and personal worlds.

Keeping a lid on all the paranormal beings inhabiting Washington D.C., is a daunting job. Bruce, a six hundred year old demon and the Territory Overlord of the Western Hemisphere, keeps his finger on the pulse of DC’s power players through the activities at his highly successful Wycked Hair Salon. His movie star good looks and body builder physique keeps his dance card full and the rumor mills running. Within these walls, his anonymity is safe, mostly.

Bruce’s world spins out of control when Angelique, a pint size, gorgeous witch, with an attitude breezes through the doors of his salon. She is the younger sister of Tristian, Bruce’s long time trusted enforcer, whose professional skills are second to none. Tristian is furious at the relationship between Bruce and Angelique, a dangerous situation, but something darker awaits them all. Yet undeniable attraction between demon and witch promises to tear apart both their professional and personal worlds.

A Sneak Peek into A Demon’s Witch!

Suddenly, he felt the magic aura shift and switched his attention to the front door. She breezed in, hair like spun gold flowing to her waist, with a seductive yet regal body and a sway to her hips that should be illegal even in DC. She wore a snug rose and cream colored sweater, cut low enough he could see the swells of her rounded breasts, tailored black slacks that fit her cute ass like a glove and four-inch spike heels. She paused in the center of the salon, wet from the sudden spring storm, and lowered the briefcase she’d used as an umbrella. Her sparkling violet eyes glanced up to the mezzanine where Bruce stood watching. Blatantly her gaze wandered over his well-muscled body, undressing him piece by piece, until he felt naked. He shook his head slightly and smoothed his shirt and slacks with his hand, just to make sure he was still wearing them.

Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate it. Next week, April 29 topic is Reason Why I Stopped Reading A Series I Loved. Boy that’s going to be interesting and fun! Why Did You Stop Reading A Series You Loved? ?

Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged #L&SR's #Wednesday's Blog Challenge 4-22-20., A Demon's Witch, My Silliest Pet Peeves, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 19 comments.