What's in Your 2021 Toolkit? by @MagdalenaScott

Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash

Wow, kids, we've almost made it to the end of 2020. 

A year ago, many of us were planning 2020: choosing our word of the year, using our prettiest cursive in a lovely floral planner book, adhering colored sticky notes onto our Kanbans, or pasting the final magazine picture onto our vision boards.

2020 was to be my Year of Travel. Instead, I had a February of Travel, and I know I was fortunate to have that. Read about my coach trip from Southern Indiana to Key West here:  https://www.sweetromancereads.com/2020/02/solo-travel-florida-in-february-by.html

Since I can't locate a list of my goals for 2020, I can't beat myself up for incomplete tasks. (Woot!) 

But in preparing to write this post, I reflected on the things I have accomplished this year. It was a surprisingly positive experience. I suggest that you take a few moments to give yourself credit for achievements during the toughest months that any of us has experienced. 

I won't include my goals list for 2021 here (you're welcome!) but want to share some of the things that are going into my 2021 Toolkit. (Full disclosure: most of them were also in my 2020 Toolkit.)

Photo by Daria Nepriakhina on Unsplash

Here goes:

• Trello app, physical kanban board, and paper calendar for planning and tracking my writing;

• Vision board;

• Instrumental soft jazz for background writing music;

• Music with vocals for when I'm not trying to focus;

• Singing along, loudly - also when I'm not trying to focus;

• Meditation;

• Prayer;

• Daily walks in nature;

Photo by Jon Moore on Unsplash

• Kitty cuddles;

• Romantic comedy movies;

• Google Meet;

• As little Facebook as possible;

• Even less Twitter;

• Uplifting books to read;

• Healthy food;

• Plenty of sleep;

• Hugs (really looking forward to hugs); 

• Sense of humor;

• Forgiveness;

• Gratitude; and

• Fairy lights.

Photo by Marcelo Matarazzo on Unsplash

What about you? What are some of the things going into your 2021 Toolkit?

Website: https://magdalenascott.com/

Grab that cocoa! by Magdalena Scott

In case you thought January 28th was too late to drink hot cocoa and read a Christmas story, I have news for you.

January 28th is the absolute best time to do those things! 

The ebook version of Small Town Christmas - Book One in the nine-volume Serendipity, Indiana Series - is currently FREE!

iBooks: http://apple.co/1fXJADS

Kindle: http://amzn.to/2eVVxux

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2jbY20Y

Nook: http://bit.ly/1qoHpzo

Grab your favorite splurgey drink and settle into a small town love story that promises a happy sigh at the end.

Until we meet again - Happy Reading!
Magdalena

Try a romance novel on--for SIGHS!

USA Today Bestselling Author Magdalena Scott writes sweet romance and romantic women's fiction. A lifelong resident of Small Town America, she invites readers into her world to find out what’s hidden just below the surface of those tiny dots barely visible on the map. Romance, mystery, and the journey to be one's best self are all part of a day in her neighborhood. Readers have commented that they'd like to move to the imaginary towns Magdalena writes about, which she takes as high praise indeed.

Magdalena is a practicing minimalist, having downsized from a 3,000 square foot house to a studio apartment, where her Giant Closet continues to resist taming. When not writing at home, she loves to travel--carryon baggage only--and is always pleasantly surprised at the kindness of strangers.


Visit her website: http://magdalenascott.com

 

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"Lisa" - A new release by Denise Devine

Twelve friends from the online group Romantic Hearts Book Club decide to finally meet in person during a destination Caribbean vacation to beautiful Enchanted Island. While of different ages and stages in life, these ladies have two things in common: 1) they are diehard romantics, and 2) they’ve been let down by love. As a wildly silly dare during her last night on the island, each heroine decides to stuff a note in a bottle addressed to her “dream hero” and cast it out to sea!

Is it possible to find true love through a message in a bottle?

Spending a week on a Caribbean island with the members of the Romantic Hearts Book Club is like a dream come true for Lisa Kaye. On their last night, each woman writes a personal message to her “dream hero,” stuffs it in a bottle and tosses it out to sea. Lisa’s real dreams crash, however, when she returns home and loses not only her job but her boyfriend in the same day. Determined to start over, she returns to Enchanted Island, the idyllic place of her childhood to manage her aunt’s bed and breakfast hotel.

Fifteen months pass without a clue to the fate of her bottle. Then it happens. She receives an email from the man who found it and she doesn’t know what to do. Should she ignore it or take a chance at finding true love?

Lisa (Beach Brides Series) is $2.99 on Kindle, FREE in Kindle Unlimited.

www.amazon.com/dp/B071F9P1W7

Meet all of the Beach Brides at Amazon!

https://www.amazon.com/Beach-Brides/e/B071HW8F9H

MEG (Julie Jarnagin)

TARA (Ginny Baird)

NINA (Stacey Joy Netzel)

CLAIR (Grace Greene)

JENNY (Melissa McClone)

LISA (Denise Devine)

HOPE (Aileen Fish)

KIM (Magdalena Scott)

ROSE (Shanna Hatfield)

LILY (Ciara Knight)

FAITH (Helen Scott Taylor)

AMY (Raine English)

~ * ~ * ~ *

 

Denise Devine is a USA TODAY bestselling author who has had a passion for books since the second grade when she discovered Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder. She wrote her first book, a mystery, at age thirteen and has been writing ever since. If you’d like to know more about her, you can visit her website at www.deniseannettedevine.com.

 

 

 

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 Sweet Romance reads is having a party! Join us for fun, games and lots of prizes at the pre-launch party of Sweet Christmas Kisses 4

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1736548013027579

 

 

RE-Introduction: Magdalena Scott

Hi there! Here's installment number (I have no idea) in our group's April re-introduction theme. 

I’m a lifelong “small town girl,” having grown up in a corner of the Midwest that most people have never heard of, let alone visited. I’m also a USA Today Bestselling author of small town sweet romance and women’s fiction.

If each of our lives is a book, I’m in the second chapter of mine.

In the first chapter, I grew up in a loving family, made lifelong friendships starting when I was one year, two months, and three days old. (That's when the next girl cousin was born. I'm an only child, and my cousins are super important to me.) I fell in love with writing stories as soon as I learned cursive. My first publishing credit was in second grade–a haiku in a national Sunday school magazine.

I was blessed to live my own small town love story, and during 30 years of marriage to the smartest, most unique man I’ve ever met, became Mom to a wonderful son. The end of chapter one was becoming a widow when my husband died from a brain tumor.

Add Minimalist-in-Training to my Resume

My second chapter has included downsizing from the big family home to a studio apartment, writing full-time,  and becoming mother-in-law to an amazing young woman. I also found a second chance romance. (It's good to know those don’t just happen in novels!)

I love to travel, and in autumn 2015 took an unexpected, dream-come-true trip to Ireland with one of those lifelong friends I mentioned. But my full-time residence is still in small town America, where life in the slow lane includes plenty of heartwarming, simple pleasures–concerts, plays, festivals, street fairs, and old-fashioned family recipes shared at reunions or backyard barbecues. I’ve seen my town be at its best when family, friends, and often the entire community pull together as life’s challenges threaten.

I currently have two small town contemporary romance series available for readers. All the books are wholesome romance (also known as clean, or sweet).

The heartwarming stories of SERENDIPITY, INDIANA: This series is set in, and around, the Standish family Christmas tree farm. Each Serendipity story includes one or more instances of the life-changing magic of Love. (More concrete thinkers may see these as random coincidences.) The Serendipity series contains sweet romance, and also romantic women’s fiction (Emily’s Dreams, The Blank Book). The Blank Book and A Piece of Her Soul also have a light paranormal element. Seven books are available now, with the eighth scheduled to release on June 1st.

The small town charm of THE McCLAINS OF LEGEND, TENNESSEE: This series invites readers into the lives and loves of the large, sometimes exasperating, and always entertaining McClain family, to whom Legend has been home for generations.

If you want to learn more about me, please visit my blog and/or my website. To get all the latest news, and the occasional nifty perk, sign up for my monthly-ish newsletter.

Until we meet again–happy reading!

Magdalena

Gratitude and Sweet Romance

I hope you’re enjoying the opportunity to meet the new author-members of Sweet Romance Reads.

I sure am!

There’s even more excitement and enthusiasm than usual around here, and I’m super grateful for it!

Since I’m not new, and cannot think of a single thing that's new in my little bitty life, today I’m shifting gears to let you know about sales on some of my books.

In the Serendipity, Indiana series, book #1 (Small Town Christmas) is just 99 cents.

You can find it here:   iBooks ~ Kindle  ~   Kobo   ~   Nook

In the McClains of Legend, Tennessee series, book #1 (Midnight in Legend, TN) is free, and #2 (Christmas Collision) is 99 cents.

You can find them here: iBooks ~ Kindle ~ Kobo ~ Nook

Looking ahead a few days, we hope you’ll join us for the February 9th Valentine’s Party on Facebook. 

You won’t want to miss the fun, games, and prizes! Click here to join, and I'll see you there!

Magdalena Scott
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter    <=Maybe I'll see you in one of these places, too!

What a difference a year makes - by Magdalena Scott

Exactly one year ago I was packing and re-packing my tiny suitcase and shoulder tote, in preparation for a trip of a lifetime: A ten-day coach tour of Ireland with a longtime friend.

So much has happened since that fabulous trip.

For instance, more trips! In March, I spent a week with friends in Tucson. July was a long weekend in the Lancaster, PA area with high school girlfriends, one of whom was my roomie in Ireland. In August my son, daughter-in-law, and I went to Los Angeles, CA area to visit family and do some sight-seeing.

Friends ask when I'm heading out again, and I shake my head. Not any time soon. Can't afford it, plus I am so happy to be home, and in my quiet routine. Some would call it boring, and they'd be right.

I've taken better care of myself this year, or at least I'm trying. I try to eat well (see fruit smoothie dinner), sleep well, and exercise daily. Not great, not perfect, but better than twelve months ago, when I was a year younger.

A year ago I had been in two USA Today bestselling boxed sets, and now I've been in three. Wow!

A year ago, I had released three books in my Serendipity, Indiana series, and yesterday I released number seven--the intended end of the series. I'm not even sure how I feel about reaching this goal--maybe I'm in shock.

I love autumn, and October is my favorite month. Maybe the turning and falling of the leaves makes me think about change.

This year has brought some interesting experiences, and opportunities. I guess the question might be, "What's next?"

~*~

Magdalena Scott is a USA Today Bestselling Author. Her most recent release is a light paranormal sweet romance, A Piece of Her Soul (Serendipity, Indiana - Book #7). You can learn all about Magdalena at her website: http://www.magdalenascott.com/


A PIECE OF HER SOUL - Serendipity, Indiana Book #7

Small town romance with a light paranormal twist. Don't miss Autumn in Serendipity!

Nick Marshall has a hole in his soul, and Jacqueline must help him find the missing piece. Their teenage history in the gossipy town of Serendipity compounds the situation, as Jacqueline’s visit to help her injured mother (Reba Markland, EMILY'S DREAMS) turns into something more.

The little town hasn’t changed much--the gossip tree still has branches and roots everywhere, most folks remember the town’s past better than they can imagine its future, and the autumn colors are more beautiful than anywhere she’s traveled in the years since she left.

Jacqueline's gift is needed here, but she won’t risk her heart, or put her family in the spotlight, by staying.

Amazon (US) ~ Amazon (UK) ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ Nook 

Depends on your point of view - by Magdalena Scott

I'm nearing the end of a series. It's a misty-eyed time for me, because I've put a lot of myself into these books. As far as I know, putting a lot of yourself into your stories is the way to write the best tales possible.

If someone knows an easier way, I'd be glad to hear it.

The series I'm finishing is called "Serendipity, Indiana." The setting is a small fictional town, in which the powerful magic of Love creates unexpected events that lead to happy endings. (Or, if one is more of a concrete thinker, a bunch of random coincidences happen to people, and inexplicably, a happy ending appears.)

In recent years, instead of typing The End when finishing a manuscript, I use The End...or is it The Beginning? I love this change. After all, don't we all want our favorite characters to have more happily-ever-after than is seen on the page?

It's all in the point of view, isn't it? End of a series, or beginning of new opportunities? End of summer and super hot weather, or... Okay, I'm not going to try to predict that. Ouch.

Do you like long series, or prefer a stand-alone novel, or maybe a trilogy? Serendipity will have 7 books, and my McClains of Legend, Tennessee series has 8 plus three bundles. Is less truly more? Or is more waaaay better? I'd love to hear your opinions. Here's a graphic with all the covers of my Serendipity, Indiana series...

Magdalena Scott is a USA Today Bestselling Author, and writes sweet romance and women's fiction with just enough spice, but the lid's still on the jar. Visit her website: http://www.magdalenascott.com/

Work in Progress: Me! - by Magdalena Scott

In an effort to rediscover my waistline, my weekday menu changed drastically this summer. I've also increased my daily walking mileage. I have lost a little, mostly where I wanted it to disappear. One of these days I might even find my hipbones.

I've also been working to wrap up my Serendipity, Indiana series. THE RING, Book #5, releases TODAY. Book #6 has a cover and is partly written, and #7 won't be far behind.

The great part about all this is that I love it. Healthy food tastes better to me now than high-calorie meals or desserts (yes! me, the girl who always liked the frosting better than the cake). I'd rather walk than do any other exercise, and I read somewhere that the best exercise to choose is the one that you'll do. And writing, while not always easy, is worth the groaning and hair-pulling. There's no feeling like re-reading a story and enjoying it.

If I'm lucky, I'll continue to be a work in progress. And I hope I'll be producing works-in-progress in the way of books for a very long time.

Is summer a good time for your works in progress? Do you have projects waiting for cooler weather?


***
Magdalena Scott is a USA Today Bestselling Author of small town sweet romance. Visit her website to learn more about her books, sign up for her newsletter, et cetera:
http://www.magdalenascott.com/

Buy your copy of THE RING here:

Amazon (US) ~ Amazon (UK)  ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ Nook

Summer Foods by Alicia Street

Aside from having more daylight hours to sneak off and get in some reading, summer is a wonderful time to enjoy eating outdoors while taking in the warm sun and fresh air. 

My husband calls these watermelon days. That’s because we both love watermelon and while it is in season we go through melons with ravenous delight. Aside from their sweet, wonderful flavor, they are loaded with great things like, lycopene, Vitamin C, potassium and other fantastic nutrients.

Some of my other summer favorites are potato salad, juicy tomatoes, avocados, corn on the cob, blueberries and cherries.

Here is a recipe for my go-to summer sandwich! 

Avocado, Tomato and Turkey Sandwich

1 large salad tomato, sliced

1 medium avocado, peeled, halved

4 ounces roasted turkey slices

Handful of arugula leaves

1 tspn mayonnaise (optional)

2 pieces rye bread

Toast the bread and spread on mayonnaise. Slightly mash the avocado and spread it thickly on one piece of the bread. Lay turkey slices on top, followed by the sliced tomatoes and arugula. Add second piece of bread to form sandwich.

What are your favorite summer foods?

Alicia Street is a USA Today bestselling author and a Daphne du Maurier award-winner.

A compulsive reader of every genre, she writes both sweet and steamy romance. She spent many

years as a dancer, choreographer and teacher. You can connect with Alicia at her website or visit her on Facebook or Twitter.

                                                          ~*~

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