With help from some literary friends, we have organized a give-away of Of Grief, Garlic and Gratitude. To enter, you write a post on Facebook about gratitude, with a couple of caveats to formally enter you in the contest. Full rules are listed below.

The post explaining the give-away says:

Good morning all, hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend.

Women’s fiction author Kris Francoeur (aka Anna Belle Rose) would love to share her new memoir, Of Grief, Garlic and Gratitude. This is the story of how Kris faced the loss of her son Sam to a drug overdose and how the practice of gratitude helped her heal.

I am thrilled to have been featured on Clancy Tucker’s blog in Australia — I love the online community of support from other authors!

Here’s the link: Kris Francoeur on Clancy’s Blog

Last night, we went to Middlebury to see a local band, Hamjob, perform. Now, if you follow my social media fairly regularly, I post about them a fair amount, because they write a song about Sam, aptly entitled, “Sam’s Song.” We’ve listened to the song a lot, but missed the official launch party for their first studio album, because I had a book event. Last night was going to be the first time we’d seen the band perform, and therefore, the first time we’d seen the song performed in person.

The lead singer of the band is someone we’ve known a long time. He was friends with Sam in high school, and they shared an apartment the year prior to Sam’s death. But this was the first time we’d seen him in person for a long time.

So, leaving the house to go see them perform last night, about the same time we would normally be getting ready to call it a day, we were a bit emotionally charged. Not nervous, but churning in our own emotions. We were meeting one of our sons, and three good friends there, and we were so glad for the company.

We got there, and got to spend a few minutes before the band played visiting with that lead singer, and then with his bass player, who we’d gotten to know via social media. Then we hung out, listened to great music, waiting to hear “the song,” and in my heart, I wasn’t sure how I would react. Suddenly, we realized that one of Sam’s good friend, one of the ones involved in the great sheep trip, was there. We hadn’t seen him in years! Hugs, a few tears, just the joy of holding the hands of this wonderful young man for a moment was such a joy.

Then the song started. And while the band played this fabulous song, which so many there clearly knew, I realized that Sam’s spirit had made its appearance again. In that room were people who had falling-outs, all of whom love Sam, and (thankfully!) love us — and they were all there, and as that song played, there were hugs, tears, more hugs, and it was as if those angers and hurt feelings disappeared. As that song played, many of the people Sam cared (and cares) about most were in that room, and they were together, and the love he shared so broadly was clearly in view.

The night was perfect. Great music, love, laughter, shared grief, shared gratitude for the community Sam gave through his friendships.

It’s been a bit of a whirl-wind lately. The end of winter (hopefully), all of our work and school schedules getting busier, and then lots of book logistics and events. All of it is exciting, and keeps us busy and looking forward.

This week also saw an uptick in activity about Of Grief, Garlic and Gratitude being released next month in stores. The kindle version of the book vaulted to #85 on the Grief list on Amazon, which was amazing. Then I was interviewed for an upcoming article in VTDigger, booked several radio interviews and several podcasts, and was invited to several more book events.

All of it is so exciting. Obviously, I would much rather have Sam coming home for Easter dinner on Sunday, then preparing for an interview about losing him, but I still hold onto the idea that he is proud of our commitment to love, the earth, great music, and gratitude.

Today I am thrilled to welcome fellow Solstice author Lynne Marino!

Please tell us about yourself. 

I was born in north county St. Louis, which is part of where “Five Things” takes place. My grandparents were German immigrants who had a small bank account and an enlarged work ethic. My father’s side of the family have an amazing sense of sarcastic humor. I lucked in the marriage department, as my husband is a far better cook than I am (it’s an Italian thing). I have two children that we tried to instill a sense of humor into regarding life and all its vagaries.  Like my characters in “Five Things”, I strive to find something good in every day. As Mel Brooks might say, “Hey! You’re alive! Shut up and quit your complaining.”  Oh! And I could easily spend the rest of my life touring Roman ruins. Do you know of any in Ohio?

What are some of your favorite things to do?

Sleep! Just joking. I like to walk dogs, dance with my husband, read, read, and read some more. Did I mention reading? I also like to hike, if it’s a flat path. Seriously, one of my goals in the next few years is to walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall, although I hear there’s a bus that will take you to every spot along the wall, so faking it for Facebook is also a possibility.

Why did you decide to write novels?

To empty out all the “wouldn’t it be funny” and “what if’s” running around wreaking havoc in my head. You know, people really stare at you when you laugh out loud in public settings.  

How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

More than I want to think about. My characters do some crazy things.  And, they can never keep their mouths’ shut.

When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?

I won a contest for best story in the fourth grade. After that, I think I was hooked.

Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?

No, I’m half German. There is no flow, there are only schedules.  Really, just joking. I try to write every other day for at least four hours.  After that, I try to put in some time studying marketing.

What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing – or are there constant interruptions?

Are you kidding? They haven’t a clue, but I love them so I will put down anything to help one of them out – if they need it.  And there’s the rub.

What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?

My husband and I do ballroom dancing. No laughing. Seriously (and I really hate being serious), there is not a time when I haven’t come out of a dance class or a dance party when I haven’t felt happier than I did before I went in. I also love to people watch, and walk dogs.

Where do your ideas come from?

I think they’re a mix between watching people, hearing stories, reading the news, and incidents in my own family life.

Do you feel humor is important in your writing, and why?

Humor forms the basis of everything I write. The drama comes second.

What kind of research do you do?

Whatever is necessary. For example, when I wrote the “Cha-cha Affair”, I had to research Medicare fraud and cheating the IRS. That was interesting. With “Five Things”,  I researched public health campaigns and academic tenure, as well as Italian hand signals. Researching the meaning of those hand signals was a blast. It’s amazing the things you can tell someone with those hand signals, and they don’t even know it.

Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?

Frederick Backman is my favorite right now, but he didn’t write my favorite book. Probably, “The Book Thief” is my favorite, and I will confess to loving the Harry Potter series.Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?

Carl Hiaasen, Jennifer Weiner, Markus Zusak, Gillian Flynn, Jojo Moyes, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Charliane Harris, and every author at Solstice Publishing.

What do you think of critique groups in general?

My critique partners are necessary evils. Just joking. You are a lucky writer if you have a small group of writers who will tell you the truth. Sometimes you don’t want to hear it, but if more than one of them is saying the same thing, you’d better listen up.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully, not in the mirror. Seriously, I intend to write several more books that I hope bring tears of laughter and joy to people.

How many books have you written, how many have been published?

I’ve written five novels, and only tried to publish two.  I am half way through a third comedy romance that I like enough to try and get it published. It’s called, “The Third Time’s The Charm”.

After you’ve written your book and it’s been published, do you ever buy it and/or read it?

A one-word answer. No.

Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?

I like all my protagonists, or I wouldn’t have been able to finish the books.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

Ha! Finishing the book.

If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing?

Thinking about writing.

What is your greatest desire?

I’m living my greatest desire.  I’m writing things that make people laugh about life.

Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Make sure you enjoy the agony of writing. Have your writing professionally edited prior to submission. Do a cram course in marketing before your first few books come out.

Please tell us about your latest book.

I had two comedy romances published within months of each other, both by Solstice Publishing. The first was, “The Cha-cha Affair”, and the second was, “Five Things.”

What can we expect from you in the future?

More humorous novels with all too human characters, and a short story collection called, “Tales Of The Tucson Almost-Angel”.

How do we find out about you and your books?

Go to Solstice Publishing online to find out about me, as well as the publisher’s other authors. I also have an author page on Amazon and Facebook, as well as a website.  Click on the links below to find out more.

https://lynnemarinoauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/lynnemarinoauthor/

https://www.amazon.com/Lynne-Marino/e/B07G2Q86FS?ref=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000

http://solsticeempire.com/

This past Saturday, a day I long had dreaded arrived. It was the day to finally take down the old wild apple tree on the side lawn.

Now this tree was there long before I met my husband. One of the earliest memories I have of going to his house when we were dating, was sitting on the edge of the sandbox under that tree while Ryan played with his cars and trucks in the sand. Over the years, all four kids played there. The box had to be replaced, so Paul built a new one, then that one was replaced with plastic turtle sandbox with cover. The swings were under that tree. Each fall we picked the apples, and in the winter, the deer came and ate the drops. That tree was part of the family.

Last year, the tree was almost dead, but we kept it. Then a wind storm last month ripped a large branch off it, and even I had to admit it was time.

Saturday morning came, and I walked outside to look at it one more time. In the gray, cloudy, damp weather, it looked tired and old. It was time for it to come down. As I went to do some raking, tears flowed as I heard the crack of the branches as they dropped to the ground.

Later in the day, as we started to clean up the branches, and bring the larger pieces to be split for firewood, our oldest son and I realized that a big piece of the trunk made a nice seat, and we all decided to keep it there, as a place to sit and rest for a while. Our son made a comment that it was our very own Giving Tree, just like the book we read to him as a child. The tree had given us shade, apples, beautiful flowers, and now firewood and a place to sit.

Even as I sat, I couldn’t quite explain why I was so sad about the tree coming down, then it hit me. Early on in our marriage, I had operated a small daycare. Each day, the children played outside under that tree, laughing, talking, creating, sharing. Two of the children from that daycare have passed away since that time, and then our Sam played there too. Three young lives enjoyed the tree, enjoyed the sandbox, enjoyed life — and they are all gone.

Then, I cried. And as I cried, I also remembered the good times. I remembered Jenna, who so loved her friendship with Ryan, so much that when I saw her as an adult, she always asked how he was. Jenna who always was kind to the younger kids, who always offered to help me cook or clean. And Frankie, who I later had the pleasure and honor of teaching in middle school and high school. Frankie who had a such a temper, but was so very loyal and protective. Frankie who would sit with our daughter each day at lunch time when she was struggling in high school, and who so carefully protected Sam when he played basketball (at five years old) with the high school students. I thought about how Sam loved that tree, climbing up in it to pick apples, even when we told him the tree wasn’t safe. I remembered when Sam was so proud and excited when Paul built the boys a playhouse on top of the swings, and named it Camp Sbeckles (after their cat).

I remembered the laughs under that tree, the nights snuggled up watching movies eating apple pie made from those apples. And I mourned for those lost, and mourned that we don’t get to make more memories with those three young people who we love so much.

A couple days have passed, and the lump in my throat isn’t quite as big now as it was on Saturday. Now we will make new memories there, and tell the stories of what was before.

Today, I am so excited to introduce fellow Solstice Publishing author Marie Lavender! I as so happy to share Marie’s thoughts about her own writing journey, as well as information about her books.

An Author’s Identity

by Marie Lavender

Who am I? First of all, I’m a fiancée, a daughter, a sister, and the proud mom of two fur babies. I am also the great-granddaughter of a full-blooded Cherokee Indian, a woman who married an Irishman. Diversely, on my father’s side, there’s a mix of cultures, French and Norwegian among others. But I digress.

Identity is everything to a writer, and being a writer is at the core of my being. Writers define themselves a certain way. They may stray for a while at times, but they’ll always come back to writing. This is my habit as well.

I write to give a voice to the characters who want their stories told. I write because I can’t imagine any other career that suits me more, or anything that would be as satisfying. I write what the muse leads me to – all the unknown paths. I write fiction because it’s as naked as my heart can get, when it’s conveyed on the page through the actions of the characters I represent.

The call has always been there. As a child, I portrayed stories through the interactions of dolls. Later, when I could finally string a sentence together, the pen was scrawling across my one-subject note books and decorative journals until my hand ached. I had something to say, and this was the only way I knew to accomplish such a task. From the time I was nine, I wanted to be a novelist. To see one of my books in a bookstore someday. It was never about fame or fortune. No, this was about passion. Pursuing the one thing that felt so natural, and I just knew I could never walk away.

I’d always wanted to find a traditional publisher on my writing journey, but in 2010 I decided to try my hand at the indie approach. It took a few years to get the hang of it, to figure out that editing, compelling cover art, and a good book description were a must. In 2011, I finished a historical romance manuscript. I began querying literary agents and publishing companies. By August of 2012, I’d landed an official book contract with Solstice Publishing, and when February of 2013 came along, the Victorian romance was released to the public. I’ve been with the same publisher ever since, but I haven’t given up producing books on my own. To date, I have 24 published titles in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, dramatic fiction, fantasy, science fiction, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry.

Was it easy? Not at all. I would be nothing without the ups and downs that pushed me to persevere despite the naysayers and moments of discouragement. All of it made me who I am.

Recently, the cover for my Victorian maritime romance boxed set was updated! The Heiresses in Love Series has a special place in my heart, with characters that readers have loved again and again. I hope you think so too…

So, who am I? A writer with more works in progress than I can count on two hands.

Why do I write? It’s because I’m following the call of the muse. Beyond that, I write for the readers who could use a unique character to root for. Maybe they’re reminded of themselves , or someone else in their lives.

Through my work, I just hope to touch people in some way.

Blurb for Heiresses in Love Trilogy (boxed set)

An unforgettable, sweeping saga of romance, passion and history rooted in tales of maritime suspense…

Three heiresses…three novels like no other.

UPON YOUR RETURN

Fara risks her heart every time she’s with him, but she cannot deny him.

UPON YOUR HONOR

Chloe never imagined that the man she deceived would be the one man she can’t stop loving.

UPON YOUR LOVE 

Adrienne must decide whether to succumb to desire or fight for love.

…Will these remarkable women at last find what they’ve always wanted, or lose more than they can bear?

Genre: Historical Romance – Victorian, maritime, family saga

Book Links:

Universal reader link: https://books2read.com/u/4EMMPe

Publisher: http://www.solsticeempire.com/products.aspx?categoryid=262

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43819892-heiresses-in-love-trilogy

I am thrilled to announce that the first of our “Do A Sam” items are now posted on the “Do A Sam” Products page on this site. Here’s the link: “Do A Sam”

There, you will find our rainbow and black/white buttons, and our rainbow magnets. Each item ships free of charge, and the profits will go to our “Do A Sam” fund.

Right now, when you add the products to your cart, it shows two shipping options, “Flat Rate” and “Free Shipping.” Please check “Free Shipping” so you won’t be charged for the shipping.

More items will be added soon!

Yesterday we reached another milestone, 5.5 years since the day Sam died. 66 months. That seems like such a long time.

As I have said before, I rationally know that one day shouldn’t hurt more than any other, but I fully admit that I cried as I drove to work yesterday. 66 months. 5 years, six months. It hurt. It hurt a lot.

Each time we hit one of these milestones, I try to reflect on what I have learned, and remember to be grateful for the good things. So here it goes:

• I have learned that we are stronger than we ever knew. Those first days, I thought it might break us all. Not only have we not broken, we have found inner strength that I didn’t know we had.
• That inner strength shows in so many ways. Yes, I wrote a book about my grief, but I have watched my husband, our children, our parents, and our closest friends come to my book events and support me, even as they smile through their tears. When I decided to write this book, I made my own decision, but wasn’t always cognizant that I was asking all of them to go along on my journey. Their strength inspires me daily.
• As I’ve said before, I have learned that love doesn’t die when a heart stops beating. I can feel Sam’s love for all of us on a daily basis.
• There have been days when I have lamented that people I thought would be there for us, haven’t been. Instead, I want to focus on the amazing number of people who have stepped forward, out of their comfort zones, to surround us with love.
• I have learned that living life with a “Do a Sam” view is a great way to live.

And gratitude? I am thankful for our families, our friends, our creatures, our gardens, the beauty of Vermont, our health, our sense of humor, our love of music, our creativity. I am thankful for all the people who support and celebrate our journey.

More than anything, I am thankful for those who love Sam and keep his memory alive, and I am thankful for the new people who are getting to know him through the book.

66 months.