Hindsight Will Really Be 2020 Tomorrow!
Happy New Year’s Eve everyone! I will open all my windows and doors tonight night at the stroke of midnight shoving 2020 right out. Hopefully, 2021 will quietly slip inside with promise of a better year. Knowing we will still be dealing with COVID19 but there is a bright spot on the horizon. By summer everyone that wants a vaccine should be able or have gotten one. Yippee! What will our new 2021 normal look like? Share your ideas.
I have to relay this story of just how ridiculous looking back on a certain 2020 event feels. Shortly after there has no toilet paper to be found on store shelves, I opened my linen closet to my meager supply, and quick as a wink my parrot, who was sitting on my shoulder, flew to the shelf grabbed a roll of toilet paper and shredded it quicker than a commercial shredder. Emotions running high, I screamed at her, which I never do because to a parrot it signals a noise challenge. Which at the range of decibels she can produce makes her always the winner. This time however, she merely turned her head eyeing me as if I’d lost my mind. It wasn’t as if this hadn’t happened a few times before. It snapped things in perspective. A destroyed roll of toilet paper was not the end of the world. As I cleaned up the mess, the ridiculousness of the situation had me laughing until tears streamed down my face, garnering another “she’s lost her mind” look from Taco, my parrot. Maybe you had to be there or a parrot owner to appreciate the humor at that situation in a world gone topsy turvy. But I hope the story brought a smile to your lips.
Now a serious look back at 2020. First of every month starting with April, I cringed with one eye open wondering what new and horrible occurrences would be fall us from hurricanes, to mounting Covid death tolls, social unrest, politics gone awry, mandatory mask wearing, and Murder hornets? Did I tell you how a squeal when a hornet of any kind comes near me (I’m allergic)? Locust swarms? The Australian fires was an omen for 2020. Then we have the unbelievable toilet paper and paper towel hoarding just to mention a few of the unexplained unavailable items. I have never washed my hands so much as I have in 2020 and plan to continue to do so. Should have bought stock in hand lotion companies. LOL
My 2020 all things considered wasn’t bad compared to others and I’m thankful. I met all my 2020 goals, but barely. It was sad all the writers conferences were canceled. The virtual ones were interesting, missed the physical get togethers, comparing experiences, and sharing new ideas. Also missed visiting with my readers at craft shows. I raise a toast to all my readers! (Hear the ring of crystal.) Thank you so much for your support in 2020, you made HIdden Gypsy Magic a roaring success with multiple awards and astounding 5-star reviews.. After all you are the reason I write the stores. Bless each and every one of you!
While in 2020 I only had one book published, Hidden Gypsy Magic released Sept.28, 2020, I wrote three more in 2020 Chocolate Raspberry Magic set to release in April 2021, fourth book in A Witch’s Journey and inclusion into One Scoop or Two Series by The Wild Rose Press, watch for it. A Witch’s Quandary, sixth book in A Demon’s Witch Series is contracted and in edits. First draft my book for The Wild Rose Press Wylder series was my NANOWRIMO project this year in November and is in revisions. Yep, count ’em four books written in 2020. Nearly broke my arm padding myself on the back. LOL Gotta celebrate the little things. Right? Sticking my head in my fantasy world to avoid the real world upped my productivity. Though mid March through end of April did shake my psyche. Never in my wildest dreams did I consider a pandemic would happen in my lifetime and derail the real world as it did. Stuff movies are made of, not realty. Yeah right.
By God’s grace, my family was not badly impacted by the shutdowns of 2020. How did you all fair?
Okay on to brighter things. A Look forward to my 2021 goals. Sketched out a few new book ideas. Hopefully, I finally get to my cozy mystery series, first book is done and in the polishing stages with two more books waiting in the wings. Sequel to Mystic Maples is on the agenda joined by a fun Christmas Cookie Novella involving a witch and dragon shifter, along with many more story ideas swirling in my unconventional brain. Word count goal will again be 6000 words per week, an attainable goal but not easy. Make more quality time for family, friends, parrot Taco, pup Mystic, and Sammy turtle. Last but least more travel and CAMPING!
Now that I’ve shared my year gone by and goals for the new year. What stood out in your 2020? What kinds of things are planned in your 2021? Please share in the comments! Wishing you a VERY Happy New Year!
2020 award winner Hidden Gypsy Magic, digital, print or audiobook!
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.
A peek between the pages of Hidden Gypsy Magic:
In the soft light he’d left on, he could just make out both pupils were the same size. He breathed a sigh of relief. I can rule out head injury, so far anyway. The bird toppled over hitting its injured side against the enclosure and screeched.
“Its okay girl,” he cooed. “No one is going to hurt you.”
Gwen sucked in a breath behind him. “What a beautiful bird. And huge.”
Only Gwen could see the beauty in the blood matted feathers of an injured owl. He shook his head. It was the reason he was drawn to her. There was no way he was going to let her get away.
“Never saw one up close before.” Her gaze was full of compassion and understanding as she turned to him. “You’re going to need a bigger enclosure. That one’s not even big enough for her to spread one good wing. She does have one good wing. Right?”
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Hidden Gypsy Magic, Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Tena Stetler, Time travel, Witches by Tena Stetler with 3 comments.
Hidden Gypsy Magic Wins
Happy Holidays to all! For #MFRWhooks this week HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC. Winner of N.N. Light Book Heaven Book of the Year in the Paranormal Romance category! WooHoo! Happy dancing! Okay, catching my breath, I have a couple of sweet treats for you! HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC is on Audiobook! Yippee! AND your complimentary recipe book, 2020 Holiday Garden Gourmet (Yummy cookie recipes) is here! Continue reading to find out more.
Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick your choice of a Snicker-doodle, Chocolate Chip or Peanut butter cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Continue reading to find out more.
2020 Holiday Garden Gourmet – A holiday gift of yummy recipes from the Authors of The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
This is a complimentary recipe book compiled by The Wild Rose Press and is available online for a free download here. The recipes are provided by myself and other TWRP authors. Please enjoy!
My contribution to the recipe book is Old Fashion Peanut Butter Cookies with a Kiss, page 170. Feel free to try all the recipes in the book. They’re YUMMY!!
Now the MFRWHooks!
A little about HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC –
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.
A peek between the pages of HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC – available in audiobook (the hook)
Carefully, Gwen took the poppet and eased her hand into the painting. A vortex sucked her arm then her entire body into the painting swirls of red, blue, and yellow swam around her then she was falling. She gulped in air as her stomach flipped threatening to spill its contents into the void. Her throat hurt from screaming, yet there was no sound. Something hard hit her backside, then it was quiet, she blinked and rubbed her eyes. Finding herself sitting in a rocking chair that squeaked announcing her arrival, she straightened and several pairs of eyes peered at her with interest. The room was familiar— it was the living room of Brock’s soon-to-be house, only the furnishings were quite different. The dragon staircase…
Before she could grasp what was happening a swirling portal of colors opened up in the center of the room again.
Available in audiobook. Take a listen!
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
Thank you for stopping by! Stay safe and have a happy holiday season! Don’t forget to wash your hands!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, Audiobook, fantasy, ghosts, Hidden Gypsy Magic, magic, Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Tena Stetler, Time travel, Witches by Tena Stetler with 7 comments.
Christmas, My Favorite Things About the Holidays!
With the holiday season in full swing, Thought I’d mention a few of my favorite things. I love Halloween, it’s by far my favorite holiday and decorate for the All Hallows Eve almost as much as I do for Christmas, which comes in a close second. Did I mention, I LOVE to decorate! LOL At Thanksgiving the aroma of turkey, candied sweet potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie made the house smell so inviting. My mouth waters just thinking about it. But Christmas…well… Bright lights adorning neighborhoods, Christmas Carols playing in the malls, and Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays on everyone’s lips makes the holiday season special. Here’s what makes my family’s holiday special.
1. Decorations. First of all, we start decorating the Friday after Thanksgiving. First the outside decorations go up. Then the tree, it’s lights, especially the bubble lights they are mesmerizing to watch. Several years ago, I brought the cutest colorful lifesaver shaped garland that I wind up the stairway banister. The tiny Precious Moments nativity is one I found years ago, along with Sam’s town, the soft lights from their windows are my 
parrots night light during the holidays. 
2. Food. Christmas is turkey, homemade cranberry sauce, rolls, candied yams and pumpkin pie swirled in whipped cream. Yummmm! The leftovers are even better. Sometimes we freeze the turkey leftovers and weeks or even a month later, yummy turkey sandwiches are wonderful. I’ll be putting one of those sandwiches together for lunch today. Left overs from Thanksgiving. LOL
3. Music. While we decorate the tree, we play a wide variety of Christmas Carols from the traditional to Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer. The carols are sung by rock and roll artists, county western or classical renditions. It has been a family traditional as long as I can remember. We reminisce where the beloved tree decorations passed down generation to generation originated and the funny stories each spark.
4. Movies. It’s officially the Christmas season when we watch Miracle on 31st Street and How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carey. He is such a hoot. Then its Scrooged with Bill Murray. Afterward most nights we enjoy watching the variety of Christmas movies collected. Yep, get my Christmas movie fix. Then of course there is always the Hallmark channel heart felt Christmas movie magic.
5. Christmas Light Looking. It isn’t Christmas without getting in the SUV and driving through town admiring everyone’s decorations. Some lighting displays are synchronized with popular holiday music wafting through the crisp night air as you drive by. It’s beautiful and we enjoy it every year with a mug of hot chocolate and Christmas cookies we pack with us for the drive.
6. Family and Friends. The best part of the holidays is connecting with family and friends, whether it’s a long over-due phone call to catch up or a board game with friends. Years ago, I started writing a Christmas letter with our family’s actives for the year, complete with pictures. Since then it’s become a tradition. Friends and family look forward to that letter and make sure updated address are in my hands by Thanksgiving. There have been scary times, happy times, sad and in-between times, but keeping in touch seems to help everyone weather the preverbal storms. It’s been a rough year for many.
One last favorite thing of mine is to curl up in front of a crackling fireplace with a good book and a mug of homemade hot chocolate. Speaking of good books, have a look a couple of feel good books and a holiday tale, Only 99cents each. Lets start with A DEMON’S WITCH The adventures of Bruce, Angie and friends are an entertaining escape from the ordinary world. Be swept away into a magical romantic fantasy adventures, you’ll never want to leave. These spicy tales have it all intrigue, humor, thrills, danger and a splash of magic to keep you on the edge of your seat. and the heartwarming holiday story A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING. Tales of redemption, magic, wildlife rescue, true love and paying it forward will leave you breathless. A Witch’s Journey and the sequel A Witch’s Holiday Wedding.
If you already have these, you are going to want to check out CHARM ME AGAIN audiobook. Two families long divided brought together through love and understanding. But there’s more, breaking the curse is only the first step to forever.
New on audiobook, HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC. The consequences of awakening hidden gypsy magic could forever alter life as they know it! A trip to the past added a twist to the Salem Witch Trials. Be sure and take a listen.
So there you have it, a few of my favorite things along with a few gift ideas. What are yours favorite things?
With that, I’ll wish you all Love and Laughter. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Got any resolutions? Come on, you know you do. LOL What do you plan to change and what do you hope to see in 2021? I look forward to hearing from you! See you next year. I know it’s an old cliché, but couldn’t help myself!
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Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged Charm Me Again, Christmas, Food, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Light Displays, magic, Movies, music, Paranormal Romance, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Audiobook Release HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC & Sunday Snippet
I am so excited! WooHoo!!! Just in time for Christmas, HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC is out on Audiobook. Don’t you love audiobooks? You can listen on a long car ride, or running errands or even doing house work. Nikki’s narration is friendly, cheerful and relaxed. I know you have family or friends that would love to find an audiobook in their stocking or under the tree this year. A feel good book with a happy ending is such a great gift any time, but especially this year. 2020 has been a difficult year for most.
Lets take a look at the gem of a narrator. Give a holiday welcome to Nikki Zakocs, audiobook narrator. She recently completed narration of HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC just released on audiobook. Pssst… she also narrated, CHARM ME AGAIN (available now) She’ll be working on Chocolate Raspberry Magic (due out April 2021) 4th book in A Witch’s Journey plus it’s one of the One Scoop or Two series from The Wild Rose Press.
Working with Nikki to bring my books and characters alive was an absolute blast. She is professional, courteous, and a talented narrator. Scroll down to the bottom to learn more about her.
Below are the audio samples of HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC and Charm Me Again. Sit back grab a hot chocolate and a snicker doodle cookie and enjoy.
Hidden Gypsy Magic – Available Now- Discover the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic!
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.
Snippet of HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC – Audiobook:
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.
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.”
Tearing his gaze from the first room, he bolted to the next where she stood in the doorway, one hand held to her mouth the other pointing to the ceiling. Inside the light streamed in the dirty windows to reveal walls in need of paint, but again the crown molding was delicately carved in dragons and castles.
Quite a contrast from the walls to the perfectly maintained moldings.” He glanced at the baseboards. “They’re carved in the same wood, but in rounded edges fit flush to the wall. “Bet I know what is on the next door and molding.” Catching her hand, he strode to the next door, a fairy was carved into the oval. She peered up at him as he twisted the knob and pushed open the door. Releasing her hand, he pointed toward the ceiling. “Yep, as I expected. Carved images of fairies dance amongst the flower garden.”
“This house may not have a history of magic, but I’d bet it’s magical.
Charm Me Again – Audiobook– Breaking the curse is only the first step to forever.
Daylan, a warlock, is being haunted, but what the ghost wants is a mystery. His magical powers bring him no closer to an answer—until he encounters Josie, a Yoga instructor.
But when she is kidnapped by an ancient Fae Warrior set on revenge Daylan must rescue her before the rogue claims her as his own. During his quest, his world spirals out of control, and a devastating curse comes to light. Could the ghost hold the answers he needs?
Can he break the age-old curse to save Josie and their future, or will Daylan lose her forever?
A little about Nikki, my favorite narrator.
- I was a teacher by profession, but have always loved the Arts. Theatre, film, music. I stayed at home with my kids when they were young and came upon audiobook narrating through a casting call for my son. He was a child actor. When I realized it was something I could do on my own schedule and it involved reading and acting, it was a no brainer.
- I am a full time narrator.
- I did theatre as a child and teenager. I do not think it is essential. But a love of story telling and performing is what is important, in my opinion.
- Yes, I am an audiobook listener. I have been listening to books on audio for years, way back when they were books on tape. I love hearing a story. Especially on long car rides or walks. I love that you can do something else while being transported to another place and time.
- I don’t think I am suited for books with a lot of violence in them. I have turned down a couple of books because after I read the entire book, it just wasn’t a good fit for me.
- I love to work closely with authors. I feel it it’s a team effort and the closer we work together the better the finished product will be.
- I have not yet been recognized for my voice, but I hope to be some day!
- I always connect with at least one character in a book. I find something I have in common and I become that character. This is how I really get into the book and it makes it easy to tell the story.
- Yes, I read reviews. I love the good ones, and the not so good ones are taken with a grain of salt. I know not to take it personally. I can’t be everyone’s cup of tea. The comments I find most constructive are the ones that give details of why they like/dislike my narration.
- My dream author would be Phillipa Gregory. But I will have to work on my British accent a lot. That is why it is a dream.
SPEED ROUND for a little added fun: Take it away Nikki-
Favorite movie: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Favorite book: Kane and Abel
Last Book Read: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Favorite Color: Midnight Blue
Stilettos, Tennies or Flipflops: Flip Flops
Coffee or Tea: Coffee
Ebook or audio book or paper back: Love all 3
Pencil or pen: Pen
Favorite Song : Stevie Nicks, Landslide
Streak or not: Streak – after a couple glasses of wine
Favorite Dessert: Tiramisu
Favorite Junk Food: Cheese Popcorn
Favorite thing to do to relax: Lay in the sun with a drink and a good book
Champagne or gin: Champagne
Paranormal or Historical; Tie between paranormal and historical
WonderWoman, Superman, Aquaman, Batman, Top Model: Wonder Woman
Favorite TV Show: Big Bang Theory
Hot or cold: Hot
POV: 1st Person
I’d die if I don’t have my pets
Review or not: Always Review
Nikki Zakocs Biography
Nikki lives in sunny Arizona where she records in her professional home studio. A love of learning, reading and the arts has created her passion for narrating books. With a Master’s degree in Education and Literacy, she spent many years reading to her students, many who were English language learners. Nikki is passionate about education, child advocacy and a true animal lover with a home full of pets. When she is not a party of one in a small padded room, she enjoys travel, photography and a good cup of coffee with a piece of cake.
Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikkiZakocs
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NZakocs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkizakocs/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-zakocs/
Thank you so much Nikki for stopping by to chat with us. I look forward to working with you again very soon on a new audiobook.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Audiobook, Charm Me Again, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler, Time travel, Urban Fantasy, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
