Author Archives: S.J. Maylee

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About S.J. Maylee

S.J. Maylee fell in love with storytelling at a young age and with it came a deep-seated desire for everyone to find their happily ever after. She’s finding the happy endings for her characters one steamy story at a time. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her caring for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband’s music. She’s a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and coffee addict. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together

Six Sentence Sunday #14

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Happy Six Sunday. Thanks for visiting and I’d love to know what you think!! I’m continuing this week with another 6 from my Novella WIP. It has been a couple of weeks, here’s my last six to refresh your memory. I left Jake stumbling in his attempt to keep his thoughts on the job. He’s left the room with the excuse of ordering them lunch, instead he’s set out for a cold shower.

“Hey there, Jake, how’s it going with the little betty?” Keller jabbed.

“Just great”

“I’ve got the towels set out for you, go on, take a quick shower and calm yourself. I’ll have Anne order you two up some lunch.”

“Thanks Keller, I want to strangle you, but thanks.”

“Hey, don’t mention it, just remember to invite me to the collaring ceremony,” Keller joked.

Thank you so much for stopping by today!! I’d like to know what you really think of my 6. I need the advice, I’m a newbie and have much to learn. Don’t forget to check out the other Six Sunday authors. Lots of good stuff at Six Sunday. Try to find a new favorite today. happy hunting!

ROW80 check-in #15

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This week I tried out a new strategy: get the hard stuff done first. It worked fantastic! I got some stuff on my list done that I have not yet this round, plus a few things not on the goal list, score! However, some of the easier stuff on my list became harder to get too. I guess there really are only 24-hours in a day. Did I learn something from the experience? Yes! I CAN get the hard stuff done, but in the end I still need balance. I still need to work on my focus and cut the crap out of my week.

The Goals – week-3 results

  • Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters- done
  • Write 2,000 words each week– 1246, bummer, WK 4 PRIORITY
  • Spend time editing at least 2-times each week– done!
  • Finish reading current craft book and start another– made no progress again, WK 4 PRIORITY
  • Participate in Before You Hit Send Self-Editing Workshop in April– the workshop is almost over and the day it ends I’m going to revisit each lesson in an effort to make sure it all sinks in.
  • Turn 2nd-draft chapters to my writer friend for her critique– maybe after I finish reviewing my workshop notes I’ll be able to push this goal out.
  • Workout a minimum of 200-minutes a week and round it out with plenty of water, sleep and my calorie limit– I got them all this week! Finally!
  • Study one of the Nia 52-moves each week (the 52-moves is like the ballet bar for Nia lovers): Cross Front. Start in Open Stance. Step out diagonally and face the corner, pointing both feet in the direction you want to go. Let your arms and hands swing freely. Benefits: strengthens your inner thigh muscles, which helps you develop greater stability when stopping suddenly.
  • Finish the Sanjana bars and start the Opal bars (i.e. studying the song/movement structure)– I revisited the Sanjana bars this week, yeah! Would love to see progress on this goal two weeks in a row. WK 4 PRIORITY
  • Listen to the Nia sound track for the Sanjana routine each week and add Opal when I get to their bars– done
  • Plan out and start participating in the last of my needed continuing education credits for PMP certification– no progress and I’m ok with that…as long as I start participating by the end of the round.

More progress, but still more room for improvement. This week I’m NOT going to shy away from the hard stuff AND I’m going to work on my focus. It’s time to hit a groove and really start moving forward. Have a great week everyone.

Links of the week #15

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My list isn’t as long this week. Dear husband is out of town, gigging in Hawaii without me. Bummer. I’m staying home with the kiddos and my mother arrived yesterday…can you say time suck. Anyways, my list is shorter, but each one is a gem.

Kristen Lamb’s post from Monday struck a big cord with me, The Secret to Success–Quitting. As a pre-published writer (love this) I’m working on a million different things: getting words on the page, plotting, editing, character arch, my skills, my organization…and many times over the last few months I feel like I’m hitting a wall. Now, instead of thinking about persistence , I’m going to think about quitting and starting again.

Another week and still a lot going around about the the 50 Shades of Grey (my mom actually mentioned it yesterday :D). Kathy Kulig posted 50 Shades of Grey: Hot Lessons for Authors. Love this post, because there is something to learn here and Kathy gets to it. Oh, and she has the coolest header on her site.

Lots of RT recaps this week and each one deepened my ache from not being there myself. I had to link to Jeaniene Frost’s two posts this week, simply because they were entertaining and funny. RT recap, days 1 and 2 & RT recap, Day 3

Jennette Marie Powell tells a little tale with a happy ending, must read: The Book I Waited Years to Read

Aimee L. Salter over at Seeking the Write Life posted a topic I needed right now and you do too if you have any fears with your writing: Give Yourself Permission

Synopsis

Roni Loren provides some insight to her process and tips too The (Not So) Dreaded Synopsis  #atozchallenge

Prep

Janice Hardy explained why some days are easier to write and others I stare blankly at the page. Prep Work: Ways to be a More Productive Writer, Part 2

Social Media

Yesterday Kristen Lamb posted about hashtags and automation with twitter. I’ve actually been a bit worried about my twitter stream lately, ever since I joined tribes on Triberr. I love Triberr! Not only do I have quick access to many blogs I love, but I get to easily share them with my followers too. BUT, now if you look at my twitter stream on any given day, chances are you’ll see a slew of Triberr tweets before you’ll find one of my live tweets. Urgh. Okay, thank you Kristen for this timely post: Hash Tags—The Trouble with Twitter Tribbles

Thanks for stopping by. Come back tomorrow for my SixSunday offering and, if you missed it, don’t forget to check out my Flash Fiction from Friday.

Flash Fiction #4

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Thanks for stopping by for my 100 words.

“Eric, I thought your mom was going to hate me?” His ribs still hurt from the bear hug he received an hour ago.

“I know, Justin. I can hardly believe her reaction myself.”

“Is she really going to throw us a big wedding?”

“My guess is yes. These engagement pictures are only her warm-up.”

“Aren’t you going to tell her we’re already married?” It felt odd to take off the ring he’d been wearing for the last year, but he was thankful for the tan line.

“Ah, no. And I’m not telling her about the little girl we’re adopting either.”

 

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!! Don’t forget to follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday.

ROW80 check-in #14

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Last week I identified a problem: my focus. This week I poked and prodded my focus and it’s getting better. However, it has become obvious that my focus will remain a nagging trigger ready to throw me off track, IF I let it. Kristen Lamb’s post this week, Stress Less, Write More, came at a perfect time for me.

There are items on my list that give me more problems than others. So, here is my new approach. Problem items will be given a priority of early in the day or early in the week. The approach is certainly worth a try. Who knows how my day or week could open up if I get the hard stuff out of the way FIRST.

The Goals – week-2 results

  • Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters- done
  • Write 2,000 words each week– done! 2,054 :)
  • Spend time editing at least 2-times each week– I didn’t edit at all this week! Total bummer because that means I’m falling behind in my workshop assignments. WK 3 PRIORITY
  • Finish reading current craft book and start another– made no progress again, WK 3 PRIORITY
  • Participate in Before You Hit Send Self-Editing Workshop in April– the workshop is 1/2 over. I’ve already learned quite a bit and I am looking forward to the topics up next. I have been studying each lesson, but I have a backlog of assignments to finish.
  • Turn 2nd-draft chapters to my writer friend for her critique– not going to make progress here if I don’t spend time editing.
  • Workout a minimum of 200-minutes a week and round it out with plenty of water, sleep and my calorie limit– I got all but one again this week. Daily water intake has been spot on, hopefully it will flush away some bad restaurant choices, but I did get plenty of sleep this week and I nailed my workout minutes, 200!
  • Study one of the Nia 52-moves each week (the 52-moves is like the ballet bar for Nia lovers): Sink and Pivot Table Wipe. Start in “A” stance. Make a quarter turn to the right, bending at the knees and sinking slightly. Pick up your left foot, pivot your left thigh as you place the ball of your left foot on the ground. At the same time, use your left hand to wipe off an imaginary table, moving your hand from back to front. Keep your shoulders and the unused arm relaxed. Alternate sides. Benefits: keeps the feet, ankles, knees, and hip joints agile and the upper body mobile.
  • Finish the Sanjana bars and start the Opal bars (i.e. studying the song/movement structure)– I made no progress again this week WK 3 PRIORITY
  • Listen to the Nia sound track for the Sanjana routine each week and add Opal when I get to their bars– done
  • Plan out and start participating in the last of my needed continuing education credits for PMP certification– no progress and I’m ok with that…as long as I start participating by the end of the round.

More progress, but still room for improvement. I’m stressing a little and I’m searching for my groove. Specifically I want the week to not feel so hard, but I have a plan for that. I’ll let you know next week what happens.

Not sure about the following, but I am curious about how future technology will help ease our stress

Links of the week #14

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All kinds of good stuff this week and a fantastic book trailer

Writer’s Life

This post hit home for me, it’s from the Round of Words in 80-days blog: The Number One Way To Reach Your Goals: Write! by Belle DiMonte

Big thanks to fellow ROW80er Barbara McDowell who provided great links in her check-in this week Ali Luke over at Aliventures posted in January of last year: 7 Habits of Serious Writers, Ali has a great site and I’m having tons of fun there.

Gabrielle Bisset had Ginger Simpson Guest Post this week: Write with Purpose

Kristen Lamb hit the nail on the head this week with her post Stress Less, Write More

Backstory

Roni Loren gives us some tips: How To Dish Out Backstory In Digestible Bites #atozchallenge

Janice Hardy at The Other Side of the Story provided additional tips for dialog: Your Words Are Dead to Me: Infodumps Through Dialog

Characters

Leia Shaw was at Nights of Passion this week with a list of characteristics your leading lady will need to, well, please all the picky bitches. The post made me giggle, but it’s some serious stuff. Pleasing Picky Bitches by Leia Shaw

Carrie Ann Ryan was over at Louisa Bacio’s this week Getting into the Mind of My Characters with Carrie Ann Ryan

Descriptions

Two of my favs came together this week. Janice Hardy was at Writers In The Storm!! 5 Ways to Bring Your Descriptions to Life by Janice Hardy

Plotting

Holy smokes Janice hit out of the park twice this week. This time on her site, The Other Side of the Story: Clarifying Thoughts: Revising Your Outlines to Make the Writing Easier

Social Media

Jenny Hansen is here to help again with Triberr. Her post this week has links to all her past posts on Triberr and this week she covers the most recent changes: If You Can’t Find Anything in the New #Triberr, You’re In the Right Post! #AtoZchallenge

Giggles

Karen Rought over at the Midnight Novalist wrote a post this past Monday that made me giggle: Word Wisdom: Phrases I’ve Misinterpreted

Here at my blog you might have missed Spotlight: Demonically Tempted by Stacey Kennedy you can also click here to go to Stacey’s site, once there you’ll find a Teaser (Chapter 1!) and the Buy links. I’m leaving you with Stacey’s trailer b/c it rocks and not many trailers do. This trailer is totally worth a watch.

Flash Fiction #3

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Welcome back to Flash Fiction Friday. Thanks for stopping by and please follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday. Don’t forget to let me know what you think of my 100. Isn’t she fantastic!

Her latest assignment made for a typical Friday, except the man behind the camera. Eric was her crush and until now he’d never been her photographer. She stared into his lens trying to keep her mind from his body. Warmth pooled in her center causing her hips to flex. Embarrassment flared heating her face.

“Keep that thought going, Rach.” He lowered the camera and stalked toward her. His hand griped her thigh and crept to her hip. She rose, exposing herself and met his dark eyes.

“Eric—“

He grabbed her nape, lowered his lips, and claimed all of her.

Spotlight: Demonically Tempted by Stacey Kennedy

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 DEMONICALLY TEMPTED

 Frostbite Book Two

 Release date: April 13, 2012

 Urban Fantasy Romance

 Length: Novel

 Heat Level: Sensual

Blurb:

Tess Jennings, now a member of the Memphis Police Department, is on her first cold case. The suspected suicide of Lizbeth Knapp ten years ago isn’t a theory her family accepts—they believe she was murdered.

But the case is only one of Tess’s worries. Ghosts are talking, and word of her abilities rapidly spreads. A dark ghost is terrifying the spirits of Memphis, and she must force the entity to cross over.

Tess doesn’t have to do this alone. Not only does she have her ghost-lover, Kipp McGowen, but the department has brought in a medium. Dane Wolfe might answer all her questions, but he also brings a world of trouble. Will Tess finally have all she’s ever wanted, or will everything she’s vowed to protect be ripped away?

I know you want more, believe me, I understand. Click here to go to Stacey’s site, once there you’ll find a Teaser (Chapter 1!) and the Buy link.

Six Sentence Sunday #13

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Happy Six Sunday, thanks for visiting and commenting!! I’m continuing this week with another 6 from my Novella WIP. Lydia has gotten excited enough to lean forward and point something out to Jake. Lydia is working hard & Jake well, you’ll see…

“Right here, Jake, we need to add a screen print right here so they don’t get confused.”

She was beautiful in her convictions, but it was the slope of her neck to her shoulder that captured his attention. It would not take much effort to hold her to the spot and lick the junction into his greedy mouth.

“Do you agree, Jake?”

Was she begging him? “Lunch,” he choked.

Something tells me lunch isn’t going to cool this guy off. Thank you so much for stopping by today!! I’d like to know what you really think of my 6. I need the advice, I’m a newbie and have much to learn. Don’t forget to check out the other Six Sunday authors. Lots of good stuff at Six Sunday. Try to find a new favorite today. happy hunting!

ROW80 check-in #13

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Another week has said bye, bye. My time management skills are improving, but there are still areas for improvement. A zillion things need to get done everyday and on top we heap on the goals. Is it all a recipe for trouble and stress? Nope, recipe to keep adjusting until we figure it out. If my goals have any hope of completion, I’m going to need to train like an athlete. No, I’m not talking physical fitness. I’m talking about keeping my eye on the ball. Distraction is an evil word and there are many we battle with daily.

In the last few weeks I’ve been taking different approaches to my time management. I seem to be having some success with a certain theory: get a little done all day long. I do a little here…stop…do a littler over there…stop… I think this is working for me, because when I start a new task I’m staying focused. As soon as my focus lapses I get sucked into things that I should not get sucked into. There are not enough hours in a day, but there are 24, and I want to make sure I’m using them wisely.

My problem: it’s easy to get off track, but here is where the training comes in and I will try, try, try again. I’m hoping my goals will get easier over the course of this round. It will be interesting to see how my training goes. How did I do this week? Let’s take a look see

The Goals & week-1 results

  • Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters- done, easy peasy and effective this week, since I got some needed plotting accomplished
  • Write 2,000 words each week– done! 2,015 🙂
  • Spend time editing at least 2-times each week– I actually worked on edits 4-days this week
  • Finish reading current craft book and start another– made no progress here, but see the next line
  • Participate in Before You Hit Send Self-Editing Workshop in April– the workshop started this week and so far I’m lovin it!!
  • Turn 2nd-draft chapters to my writer friend for her critique– I did get some editing done this week, but there is much more to do before the 2nd draft is ready. I’m hoping to have a several chapters to her by the end of this round.
  • Workout a minimum of 200-minutes a week and round it out with plenty of water, sleep and my calorie limit- I got all but one this week. Daily water intake has been spot on, which always helps with the calorie limit and I did get plenty of sleep this week. Unfortunately I fell short on the workout minutes, only getting 160.
  • Study one of the Nia 52-moves each week (the 52-moves is like the ballet bar for Nia lovers): Stepping back onto the ball of your foot: start in Open Stance and keep your head, chest, and pelvis upright. Step directly onto the ball of one foot and keep the heel high. Practice walking around the room, stop, step back onto the ball of your foot. Benefits: improves mobility and stability in the foot and ankle, which helps you move with precision and sensitivity
  • Finish the Sanjana bars and start the Opal bars (i.e. studying the song/movement structure)– I made no progress this week 😦
  • Listen to the Nia sound track for the Sanjana routine each week and add Opal when I get to their bars– done
  • Plan out and start participating in the last of my needed continuing education credits for PMP certification– no progress

Progress, but lots of room for improvement. This week I’m going to concentrate on recognizing my lack of focus and attempt to be preemptive and save some time in the process. I am off and running, which is a good place to start, and did you see I made my word goal!!

I’m going to be gone all day visiting family, but I will be checking up on the other ROW80ers this evening and tomorrow.

Happy Sunday and happy week everyone.