NaNoWriMo 2021-A Tale of 50,000 Words in 30 Days-WOW!
Along with millions of writers around the world, (okay maybe not millions, but close) I’m participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWrimo). Twenty-sixth day and I’m at 52,066 words. Yippee!! Another successful year! Thank you so much for your support!
A challenge to
write fifty-thousand words in thirty days. For weeks, our minds have worked out the logistics of the story, our fingers are twitching to tap that keyboard and kick off the race to our latest novel. The National Novel Writing Month challenge is a great confidence builder and something we writers look forward to November 1st every year. 2021 is a bit different with COVID19, social distancing, and write-ins going virtual.
NaNoWriMo as it’s fondly referred to has become somewhat of a tradition for me starting in 2010. I’ve made my goal of at least 50,000 words every year since with the exception of 2013. That year I failed miserably at only 17000 words. My day job was a monster, the hours were long, and by the time I arrived home, I was the monster. Anyone know what I mean? But I digress, at 17,000 I still had a working story, plot and characters. Yeah! Finished it up in the months that followed, polished the manuscript and submitted it. Since that time, I left the monster of a day job and writing is now my full-time job, and I love it. A Witch’s Quandary is my 15th novel since my debut novel, A Demon’s Witch release in September of 2015.
Fifteen novels that NaNoWriMo helped me to create have been published by The Wild Rose Press. Last year’s NaNo project, A Witch’s Quandary was released July 13, 2021. Yippee! Sixth book in A Demon’s Witch Series!
Check out the trailer:
Also another one of my NaNo Projects An Angel’s Wylder Assignment (part of the WYlder West Multi-author Series) will release in January 2022. Something a little different for me, its a historical, western, time travel, fantasy, mystery adventure. Whew! Watch for it!
Psssst…. to help you with your holiday shopping, my e-book of A Magic Redemption (5th book in A Demon’s Witch Series) is on sale beginning November 3th for 99 cents for a limited time at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and itunes. Download a copy today and join the magical, romantic fantasy adventure, you’ll never want to leave!
This year for NaNoWriMo I’ll be working on Merringue Snofwflake Magic, for the Christmas Cookie Series a Paranormal Romance/Mystery. Also working on my first cozy mystery.
I’m excited to share Paul and Trinity’s story in Chocolate Raspberry Magic, 4th book in A Witch’s Journey Series. A return to the world of Pepper and Lathen and wildlife rescue, which are all available in audiobook!
Along with the Romance Writers of America and Pikes Peak Writers group, who gave me the tools, NaNoWriMo gave me the confidence needed to stick my toe in the murky waters of the publishing industry. The 50,000 words, approximately 1,667 per day, usually is three-quarters of a pretty darn good novel. Each year I build on what I’ve learned throughout the year and use it to complete the NaNoWriMo challenge. The camaraderie among participants is phenomenal making the challenge a fun way to kick off the holidays!
Wish me luck! Keep checking back for updates on my progress this year. Will I make the 50,000 words? Only time will tell, but you can bet I’ll do my best! I know you’ll be cheering me on! If you have a chance, I’d love you to leave me comments of encouragement.
Have a fun and safe Thanksgiving! Eat lots of turkey and enjoy family and friends. After all that’s what its all about!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Demon's Witch Series, A Witch's Journey Series, Holiday, magic, NaNoWriMo, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
Halloween Spirit Hunt – Sixty-Four Days
Halloween only Sixty-four days left! Can you believe it? Toil and Trouble are looking for the Halloween Spirit. Isn’t the Halloween count down calendar to the right cute?? I’ve something a bit different for you this year count down to Halloween with a search for the Halloween Spirit.
No, it’s never to early for All Hallows Eve! Halloween is my favorite time of year. Cooler weather, sight and sound of colorful leaves falling or crunching under foot. The smell of fall in the air, pumpkins and pumpkin flavored everything!! Love it! Also Halloween is the only day you can be anyone or anything you want and no one will say a word. Don’t forget it’s the day the veil between the living and the dead is the thinnest!
Yes, I know it’s 27th of August, a stifling 94 degrees which means, I continue my annual countdown until Halloween and should cool things off. One can hope! To help me this year are skeletons, Toil (Unicorn) and Trouble (dragon) they are in search of the Halloween Spirit. This week they crawled up on the truck and found a two pound bag of candy corn. My favorite Halloween treat. Do you have a favorite Halloween treat? Tell me what it is in the comments below. Not much candy corn left when they where done. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the Halloween Spirit. Darn it! So the search continues.
Their friend, Dave (Skeleton), from Texas (thank you Jessica) has commandeered a humane (Matt) to help in the search. They covered a lot of ground on the bike but no Halloween spirit in sight. He still has trouble with what day it is as well. sixty-four days Dave!
Each week, on Friday, there will be new pictures of where Toil and Trouble are searching and how Dave is helping. In the month of October beside their search for the Halloween Spirit, Toil, Trouble and Dave will help me list the most haunted cities in America. A visit to haunted places in Colorado, my own stomping ground, Spooktacular tips to keep your pet safe this Halloween season. Do you suffer from Samhainopobia? I’ll tell you later. These are just to name a few. Please check back!
Only sixty-four days until Halloween! Bwwwaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
Plus a Halloween themed book from my collection will be featured each week: You do know I write paranormal romance/mystery. Right? This week, let me tell you a little about Mystic Maples, part of the Deerbourne Inn Series. So hurry grab your copy and join the #fantasy #adventure! You won’t believe what happens at the Halloween Party! When Mercy discovers the truth, Silvanus’ well-ordered life unravels and they’re catapulted into the past to right a wrong.
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 sneak peek between the pages of A Witch’s Journey!
Lathen put his hand on her shoulder. “Where’d you go? Been sitting there, knife extended above the pumpkin, for fifteen minutes. Are you going to carve it or just threaten it?” He guffawed and wrapped his large callused hand around hers holding the knife, brought it to the pumpkin, and made carving motions, then tried to hand her an erasable marker. “Try using this first.”
She pushed his hand away and frowned at him. “Oh, stop it. I was thinking about this evening after the celebration. I don’t want anything to go wrong.”
“It won’t. We have a solid plan and several powerful witches to bring it to fruition. So relax and enjoy the festivities of your favorite holiday. But the decorations will be lacking if you don’t get to carving. We need twenty-five jack-o-lanterns, by your own count, for the gazebo and surrounding area tables in the town square. I have the candles and holders for each right here.” As he swung the bag in front of Pepper, the tinkling sound of glass clinking together had her frowning.
See you back here next Friday! You won’t believe where Toil and Trouble wound up. And Dave got trashed! Until then enjoy the warm weather, fall is coming bringing with it Halloween Spirit! Yippee!! Now all we have to do is find it!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey, A Witch's Journey Series, Halloween, magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Spirit of Halloween, Tena Stetler, Urban Fantasy, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Friday the 13th 2021, Here it Comes – Be Warned! #Writerslife
Friday the 13th
In a year of “what else can possibly go wrong?” August, Friday 13th, 2021 has arrived. As dawn’s early light swept in my bedroom window, I peeked from beneath the covers hesitantly wondering what the day would bring. Never being one to be overly superstitious, I found this feeling unnerving. The date associated with bad luck, black cats, towering ladders not to walk under, and scary happenings creates a perfect storm for the superstitious! I’m not one of those, at least I wasn’t, I long ago embraced Friday the thirteenth, and all things thirteen probably because it wasn’t done in my household.
My mom was the queen of superstitious. She avoided walking under ladders, tossed salt over her shoulder when she spilled some, never broke a mirror to my recollection, and would walk or drive blocks out of her way to avoid allowing a black cat to cross her path. Until that fateful day I brought home the cutest solid black kitten with the bluest eyes. Named him Panther after my high school mascot. He blessed us with his presence for twenty-two years. I miss that cat! He was my lucky charm.
The irrational fear of the number thirteen has been given a scientific name: “triskaidekaphobia”; and this the fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia, from the Greek words Paraskeví (Παρασκευή, meaning “Friday”), and dekatreís (δεκατρείς, meaning “thirteen”). Yeah it’s probably more than you wanted to know. LOL
Ever wonder what started this Frrday the 13th Fear?
Knights Templar
The predominant 20th-century theory suggests that it stemmed from an event that occurred on Friday, October 13, 1307, when thousands belonging to an influential religious military order called the Knights Templar (officially, the Poor Knights of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon) were arrested for blasphemy and other affronts at the command of France’s king, Philip IV. Many were later tortured, coerced into making false confessions, and executed.
When the knights were burned at the stake in Paris, the order’s leader, Jacque de Molay, cried out, “God knows who is wrong and has sinned. Soon, a calamity will occur to those who have condemned us to death.” The holy warrior’s curse and wrongful death put a hex on Friday the 13th through the ages.
Norse Mythology
Do you know the story of Loki? (No not Thor’s brother) At a dinner with 12 of the Norse gods, Loki was not invited. However, the trouble-maker showed up, fighting ensued, and one of the most popular gods (Baldur) was killed that day.
Now that I’m on a roll, got more Friday the 13th fun facts!
Wonder why the mere mention of 13 is considered unlucky? Look no further than Friday the 13th. Today, modern skyscrapers will often skip the 13th floor–going straight from 12 to 14. Similarly, airlines often avoid the number altogether for airplane rows and arrival gates.
Weddings dates, new job starts, going on a trip, or any other auspicious occasions are usually planned to avoid the 13th day of the month — especially Friday the 13th — to ensure good fortune.
The number 13 has been associated with bad luck since the time of Christ, when the Last Supper was attended by Jesus and his 12 apostles. Judas, who would ultimately betray Jesus, was believed to be the last and 13th member to arrive.
Famous people born on Friday the 13th include actors Christopher Plummer, Steve Buscemi, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, director Alfred Hitchcock and Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
Franklin Roosevelt had such an irrational fear of Friday the 13 that he would avoid traveling on Fridays.
For Stephen King, (the famous horror author) the number 13 is scary. Yep he has triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13). But when the date falls on a Friday, it’s horrifying. Such a double-whammy of fears has its own name: paraskevidekatriaphobia. Imagine that!
Jack the Ripper claimed his final victim on Friday the 13th in 1888.
Bet you didn’t know months that begin on a Sunday will always have a Friday the 13th. I kid you not,
To sprinkle a little good cheer on this Friday the 13th, heaven knows we need it, take a peek at A Witch’s Journey Series. There are twists, turns, elements of mystery but this is a story about magic, power, love, second chances, and redemption. Not to mention several 5-star reviews!!
In A Witch’s Journey, The McKay Magic is legendary. But when Pepper inherits the property little known secrets emerge.
A heart warming tale, A Witch’s Holiday Wedding, Pepper and Lathen are torn in too many directions, with a covert mission thrown in, will they make it to the alter?
As wildlife rehabilitator, Gwen and veterinarian, Brock at Salem Sanctuary discovery the consequences of Hidden Gypsy Magic, the series continues.
Join the magical adventures, pick up the series today! https://buff.ly/2p28qJU UK links https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tena-Stetler/e/B014E0PEPM
One more good thing about this Friday the 13th is the Paranormal Romantic’s Celebration. Come join in the fun, games, giveaways at Paranormal Romantic’s Fan FB Party.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog, My Say What Blog and tagged A Witch's Holiday Wedding, A Witch's Journey, A Witch's Journey Series, black cats, Friday the 13th, Hidden Gypsy Magic, ladders, Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Tena Stetler, Time travel, Timetravel by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
Hidden Gypsy Magic, #99cent sale #MFRWHooks
It’s a #99cent celebration at #MFRWHooks reads this week. Yippee!! Celebrating HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC, third book in A Witch’s Journey series, my paranormal romance/mystery. WooHoo! !
Discover the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic!
Pull up a chair and get comfy, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC sixth book in A Demon’s Witch Series (all books can be read as a stand alone).
Lets start with what is HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC is all about.
The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor’s life work. Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care. But even her magical skills can’t help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care.
The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen’s sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter’s lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide.
Touring the only “non-haunted” house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic. A trip to his family’s cabin uncovers a heritage he didn’t know existed. If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs.
Sneak peek between the pages of HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC:
It was like stepping back in time. A carved mahogany newel post formed a dragon’s body complete with an intricately detailed dragon head, the banister curving upstairs was a tail of the dragon complete with etched smoothed scales. Brock closed the door behind them.
Gwen stood in the entryway turning in a complete circle. “Wow…just wow. This house is beautiful.” Walking to the staircase, she touched the individual balusters. Each one was intricately etched to look like a tree or had vines and leaves carved around it. She turned her gaze to the ceiling, then tugged on his shirt sleeve and pointed. “This house may not be on Salem’s haunted house list, but it’s filled with magic.”
The crown moldings were carved to depict a fairy garden in the main room off the entrance. “You know I didn’t notice any of this when I peered in the windows, only the spacious rooms and the feeling it gives off if that makes any sense.”
“It does. Let’s tour the rest of the house.” She reached for the light switch. “Is the electricity on?” Her question was answered as she flipped the switch. A warm glow lit up the room from a sparkling chandelier hanging from the center ceiling. Upon closer inspection, the chandelier was a bit dusty, but she stood in awe. “This place will cost a fortune.”
“May be out of my price range.” He took her hand and towed her up the stairs to the second story landing. In the top half of each wooden door was an oval carved to depict either a dragon, fairy, moon and star scene, or flowers. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say an old hippy decorated this house. But it dates back to the 1700s or so the title records claim. A few hundred years before the hippies.” He chuckled. “The craftsmanship in the woodworking seems authentic to the time period.”
Running her fingers lightly over the wall, she murmured. “The cream-colored walls need a little paint maybe a bit of plaster or drywall, in contrast with all the woodwork.” She shook her head in amazement. “I don’t see a nick or sign of wear. Do you?”
“No.” He walked along the hallway pushed the first door open and his jaw dropped. The crown molding was carved in a moon and star pattern matching the oval in the door. “Look at this.” He pointed to the ceiling molding.
The air whooshed out of her. She paused for a moment then sprinted to the next door with a dragon carved in the oval and pushed open the door. “Brock, you’re gonna want to see this.”
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey Series, fantasy, ghosts, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler, Tine Travel, Witches by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
