Tena StetlerAuthor of Paranormal Romance/Suspense & Cozy Mysteries With Magic Spark!

Dec 31st 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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