Finding My Way

How to start this? I've sat down so many times and tried to put my thoughts together, but I think that the best way to do this is to just share and move forward. It's been a really long time since I've posted anything. I'm sure that hasn't been very noticeable, because it's not as if there are tons of people reading this little blog. Still, I feel like it's time to get back in this chair and begin to write again and that starts with sharing what's happened.

I've had a good reason for being away. My husband of nearly 37 years lost a long battle with the big "C"  this past April. From the moment we found out he was sick, I focused all of my energy on caring for him, and that didn't leave any room for writing (or much else).  It was a long and valiant fight, and if anyone could have beat it...it would have been him. I always believed he would. It still seems like a mistake that he didn't. Like a glitch in the matrix or something. How could he be gone when he's my whole world? I know I'm not the only one whose been through this, but I'm not ashamed to admit it nearly broke me. 

Now, I'm doing my best to figure out how to live in this world without him, and finding my way hasn't been easy. Most days I grit my teeth and put on my best brave face, because that's what he would expect of me. He'd also expect that I get back to writing, and I'm going to do my best to honor that expectation. 

If you're still here, thank you for your patience and understanding while I work to find my way.

Much love,

Dena

Prolific Writers Life Conference

I am beyond honored and excited to share that I will be a panelist at this year's Prolific Life Writer's Conference. On Saturday, May, 22, 2021 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST. I will be a part of the Movies for the Ear segment, because there is nothing better than the audiobook revolution! Plus, my amazing audio story-teller partner, Kendra Murray knows how to take a book to the next level. Bring your popcorn!!

2:25PM-3:25PM Pacific

5:25PM-6:25PM Eastern
60 minutes

Movies for the Ear: The Audiobook Revolution

Audio is king in this presentation, where husband and wife team (and business partners) talk about how audio books can bring your writing to life and expand your audience.

Join the tribe!

 If you'd like to stay up to date on the latest works in progress, and get access to exclusive content, take a minute to join and sign up for our newsletter. 

I promise not to spam you...and if you are among the first 100 subscribers, you will automatically be entered to win signed copies and other goodies! 

Alice, I'm not listening...

So, a little thing about me...my office is my special place. My personal haven. I designed every little nook and cranny to inspire my creativity, and I think that it's a true reflection of who I am. A little dark academia, a little traditional, a dash of geek, and a smattering of weirdo with some French influences on the side.

I say all of that to share my newest treasure. A vintage head statue that I found in an antique shop last weekend. I can't tell you how many times I picked this up, and then put it back. I bought an antique desk lamp, a small brass figurine of a golden retriever (because you always have to have at least one brass figurine in my opinion). It wasn't until I was at the counter that I realized I had to pause my transaction and rush back to grab her. I wasn't even sure why until I got her home and sat her down on the book shelf above my desk. I mean, look at her eyes. She's kind of creepy, right? Like a gothic Alice in Wonderland. It wasn't until I sat down to write and found myself stuck that I realized why I like her so much.  My head was full of other thoughts. Things I need to do, things I want to do, worries over this or that...the sound of the television coming from the other room. All of it pulling me away from what I sat down to do. Write. So, like I often do, I paused. Fingers on the keyboard, eyeballs roaming the room in search of a creative bone to get me back to the process. Then, my eyes land on her. Alice, with her hands over her ears. "Don't listen." That's when it hit me. I stopped listening to all that inside and outside noise and began to write. 

Now I think I really like her. She's kind of creepy...like the outside noise.  Alice, I'm not listening. 

Back to writing...

Audio Blog Tour for Good Girls Curtsy

 

Hi Crickets!

Just wanted to pop on and share that today is the first day of our audio book tour for Good Girls Curtsy.  Thank you all so much for your support of my venture into the Women's Fiction genre. This is a big step away from my previous works, which typically include some sort of super-natural powers, or sci-fi elements. 

The truth is, I love to tell stories, and I don't always know where they will take me. I refuse to be limited by genres, because every story that comes to me decides on it's own if it needs to be told. The one constant that will always remain is a strong female lead.

It is my hope that every story I tell will find the right audience, and satisfy a particular need. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on MayVee. She was a delight to write...and, if I am being honest,  I chipped of a piece of myself to create her. At any rate, I hope you enjoy. 

Follow the tour

Best,

Dena

New Release Announcement: Good Girls Curtsy

 Hi Crickets,

This is an announcement that I've been so anxious to share! Good Girls Curtsy is my newest release and it's available on Amazon today! The print version will be coming soon. If you've read any of my other books, this is something completely different. There's no magic, no futuristic sci-fi elements, no special abilities...unless you count the ability to rise up and find yourself. It does share one common theme with my other works - a strong female lead. Though MayVee doesn't start out that way.

This is really a work of passion, and I hope that you - my readers will enjoy it. Even if it does deviate from what I'm known for writing. I debated publishing this under a pen name, but so many of my friends and family encouraged me to own it. After listening to them, I decided they were right. As a writer, why should I be confined to one genre? My imagination goes where it wants and so do the characters that live in my head. So, I'm adding chick lit to the list! 

About Good Girls Curtsy

MayVee Baker has lived by the rules that shaped the edges and sharpened the corners of her existence since the earliest days of her childhood. Common courtesies, pleasantries, etiquette, and smooth manners formed her behavior and served as her compass. Even if it meant silencing her voice and sacrificing her own needs. She lost herself along the way. Now she will need to challenge everything she knows to find herself, live the life she deserves, and raise her daughter to know how to slay her own dragons.

Acceptance, understanding, forgiveness, and grace open a pathway to finding our true selves.

I had a lot of fun with MayVee, and a big part of her has, and always will live in my head. I hope that a little part of her will stay with you too. I'll be doing a print version giveaway to celebrate this release in September. If you'd like to be entered for a chance to win, sign up for my mailing list! I promise, I'm not the spamming type.

The Weaver Series Book One - Remember Me is now on Audible!

The Weaver Series was my first publication and I'm excited to share that the first book in the series is now available on audio! Kat Maxwell has done an amazing job at bringing Joey to life. Check it out here.