Fly with a Rogue, my new Regency-set historical romance, is now out on Kindle and Nook. (You can learn more and read an excerpt here.) The paperback version and other e-book formats are still in progress, coming next week. I’m also busy reviewing the audiobook version of Lady Dearing’s Masquerade and taking my daughters back-to-school shopping, so it’s been a crazy week. But how blessed I am to be buried under so many happy tasks!
Those of you who’ve followed this blog for a while know that my husband suffered a severe stroke over four years ago. For several years, I couldn’t write at all and even once I started to schedule time for it, the writing often had to take a back seat so I could deal things like challenges to my husband’s disability status, episodes of bullying in middle school, and times when I thought we should be getting a frequent customer discount from the plumber.
There were times I felt like a fake. Real writers are supposed to write every day, right? So I need to thank everyone here for taking my aspirations seriously, or at least pretending to. I wouldn’t blame anyone for wondering if this story would ever get done!
But here it is, and in celebration I’d like to give away 5 copies of the e-book version. Please share something or someone you’re grateful for. Comment by Thursday, 8/29, and I’ll pick 5 winners at random, to be announced on Friday, 8/30.
Gorgeous cover!
Thanks, Patricia! The design is by Kim Killion, who’s done other covers for me. I’ve been delighted with her work.
I’m grateful for my education. There would be so much books I couldn’t read if I hadn’t studied foreign languages. I just read Lady Dearing’s Masquerade and really enjoyed it. Selection of books is much more limited in Finnish, my mother tongue. Also ebooks are so handy. I can buy them from anywhere in the world and start reading without waiting for shipping. I can have a library with me anywhere I go. That’s something to be grateful for too.
Judiuni, I’m so glad you enjoyed LDM! Yes, ebooks are handy. My daughters and I are total bookworms and we used to have to go on vacation with three stuffed totebags full of books. So much easier to take 3 e-readers.
And so interesting that you are from Finland. I am second generation Lithuanian (and have a few relatives in Finland, too). I can speak and read Lithuanian some, but found that the selection of books is limited.
I am grateful for my brother. He takes great care of my dad who is blind.
Having a husband who is a stroke survivor has made me appreciate the challenges of being a family caregiver. It’s good that you appreciate and support your brother’s efforts.
Congratulations, Elena. I’m so pleased to see this book available.
Thanks, Myretta! It feels weird to have it done. I haven’t even thought about what to work on next.
Love the cover. I cannot wait to read the book. Thank you for the contest
Thanks, Margaret! Yes, I’m delighted with the covers Kim Killion designed for me. I hope you’ll enjoy the book.
I’m grateful for the doctor who said, “Let’s just have a specialist check this” and the team who fit in some potentially life-saving surgery a few days before Christmas four years ago.
Congratulations on thriving and writing.
So you’re a survivor, too. Mistakes were made in my husband’s original treatment but he had wonderful therapists afterwards who not only helped him but taught me and supported me in my caregiver role. We like to think of ourselves as strong and independent, but sometimes we have to depend on the diligence and kindness of others. And then try to pay it forward in whatever ways we can.
I’m grateful that I live in a democratic country (Great Britain) and that when I was growing up there were proper grants for university education. I wish that was still the case, but I’m also grateful that I am free to criticise politicians.
I remember when your husband had his stroke, and I’m pleased that you are able to write again!
HJ, thanks for the kind words. I am blessed that caregiving is now a part-time and not a full-time job as it was for the first few years. Being able to write again has been so healing.
When we’re born with a talent, it’s like a free gift. When we use that talent to enrich the world, we pass that gift to others. The rewards come back to us a hundredfold. I am so grateful for the writers of all of the books I’ve read. I have been to more different times and places than I ever thought possible, and my life is richer because of it.
I’m grateful for other’s talents, too. Now that the push to get this book out is nearly over, I’m looking forward to getting back to my To Be Read pile.
Grateful for books
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
I think we need a “like” button for that one. Totally agree.
I am greatful for my family and friends. I don’t always remember that but I do treasure them.
Me too, especially the friends who acted like family when I needed them.
I’m grateful for my little 8 year old, redheaded granddaughter. She keeps us laughing and gives us lots of love. She is near & dear to my heart.
She sounds wonderful. My girls are teenagers now but I remember them at that age. They’re still wonderful though occasionally testing the limits a bit!
Elena,
I’m so glad you are back into your writing. You do so much for others eg The Beau Monde and I’m grateful that you take the time to share your amazing Regency knowledge with aspiring Regency romance authors.
Thanks, Suzi! I haven’t been around the Beau Monde as much as I’d like, but I’m glad to be back at least in a small way. As for research, I learn a lot there, too. That’s the beauty of the group.
Congrats on your new release, Elena, and I’m glad things are going better for you these days. These things make us stronger even though we mightn’t appreciate it at the time.
I’m totally grateful to my husband. He’s my rock. He’s always there for me, he’s totally supportive, and he cooks!!
Thanks, Shelley. And have to love a man who cooks. A few years ago my husband got back to grilling. I’m not sure how he manages it one-handed, and once in a while he gets burns. It seems to be therapeutic for him, so I don’t scold. Much.
I’m so very grateful for my job – 2 1/2 years ago I was unemployed for six months and was afraid I’d never find anything, let alone a fantastic one. I went from a stressful, overworked, underpaid job, to a wonderful place with a great boss, lovely people to work with, and awesome benefits, including a full gym for all employees to use. I’m thankful every day that I get to go to work there.
Barbara, that sounds great, especially the good coworkers. That along can make such a huge difference.
I’m looking forward to reading this story, Elena! I didn’t realize you were still writing Regencies, so now I need to search to discover if I’ve missed any.
Thanks, Susan! My last Signet Regency was Lady Dearing’s Masquerade. After Signet ended their line, I started this balloonist story (which isn’t a traditional Regency but a longer Regency-set historical) but had to set it aside for years because of my husband’s stroke. So there’s been a long gap but that’s OK, I’m fortunate that he recovered enough that I can write again.
Elena!!!
I’m so thrilled the book is out at last!!!
And grateful that I can buy it.