Would you rather?

My daughter is eight years old. Most mornings in carpool we usually play the game, would you rather...initiated by her, of course. 

If you're not familiar with this game, one person is asked a question along the lines of, "Would you rather be able to make yourself invisible or be able to read people's minds". 

As we sat in carpool patiently awaiting morning drop of, my daughter presented me with this doozy, "Would you rather only be able to bake or write for the rest of your life?"

I paused for a moment before answering. 

Side note... I own a cottage bakery and am a published author and freelance food writer. So, both tasks are extremely important to me.

After a quick pause, I responded with, "Writing!"

As much as I love to bake, I learned that morning that my true love is, you guessed it, writing. 

It took an innocent eight year old to help me realize what is truly important to me in my life.

NEW book release: The Ultimate Guide To Pies

Not only is today the first day of February, it is also release day for my adorable little book, The Ultimate Guide To Pies!

The paperback is 4x6! It is also available for Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!

Let me tell you a little about the book:

Do you find yourself spending too much money on store-bought pies? Have you tried baking pies to have them turn out overbaked or too runny to consume? The Ultimate Guide To Pies offers you a way out of pie embarrassment and chemical-laden, overpriced pies!

Learn all the easiest tips and tricks to make made-from-scratch pies from the comforts of home. Bake up a fresh pie any time and save money too.

Deanna will share how to bake pies and prepare crusts and fillings to help you create mouth-watering deliciousness. She also includes recipes to get you started.

Pies make fantastic gifts for all occasions. They also make the perfect weekend treat. For just a few dollars, you can put all of her tips and tricks into practice, find your sweet tooth satisfied, and your bank account full.

Your friends and family will adore you even more and may start asking you to bring the pie to all future gatherings.

The Ultimate Guide To Pies on Amazon 

30 Days Of Thankfulness

 

I have been trying to figure out what topic would supply me with daily posts for this blog. I have neglected my author blog and want to give it the attention it deserves. 

30 Days Of Thankfulness it is! Who's in? Would you join me by commenting what you are thankful for today?

November 1

I am thankful for my supportive and helpful husband. He always encourages me to do the things I enjoy and holds down the house and family while I am partaking. Thank you! 

Our trip to Snowshoe, WV: Part 3, The realization

 

I have been having a fantastic, productive trip so far! Yesterday morning, I wrote the outline for my next novella. In the afternoon, I started writing the book. All that after finishing my WIP on Sunday. 

It snowed yesterday and is snowing again today...so many good things to be thankful for.  

As I prepared for my day today, I realized that my book release for Autumn's Wish is just days away! 

March 5th is the official book release on Amazon. Wow! That went fast. 

Autumn's Wish is available for pre-order NOW on Kindle:  

PRE-ORDER AUTUMN'S WISH NOW

 

Book Description:

Newspaper writer, Autumn, wishes on a star, seeking help to discover herself and live a life she considers worth living.

For ten years, Autumn has been writing for the same newspaper, living in the same apartment, going through the same routines, day after day.

One cold November morning, she decides that she has had enough and that change is long overdue.

New beginnings and self-transformation, with a touch of steamy romance, will have you wanting more of Autumn's Wish.

She asked. She believed. She received.
AUTUMN'S WISH

This book was previously published as, Twinkle, Twinkle Christmas Star.

 

Thank you! 

 Our trip: Part 1, The drive

Our trip: Part 2, The walk for coffee

New Logo: Author Deanna Martinez-Bey

 

Check out me new logo! It screams...ME! It has everything I love about being an author: the color pink, books, coffee, and reading glasses! OK, maybe I don't love my reading glasses, but I DO love the logo.

It was created by Missy Farrow and here is her Instagram page for you to follow: Mfarrowsocialmedia

Missy also has a fantastic blog that will make you laugh: Missy Farrow on social 

When she was creating this masterpiece, we discussed how a social media logo should be simple and not contain too many details because the photos are so small on most of the social media sites. I completely agree and am thankful that she pointed that out!  

 

Family history and traditions with Author Deanna Martinez-Bey 

Let's discuss outlining books 

Book release: The Ultimate Guide To Cookies

Author Deanna Martinez-Bey on TicTok

 

 

Having kept a photography channel on TicTok, I decided to start an author channel too! I have to say, it has been fairly successful so far.

Here is a link to my channel, I would love to have you follow me there (I will follow you back):

Author Deanna Martinez-Bey

I found a Facebook page specifically for authors on TicTok and have found a great deal of support there:

Authors of TicTok 

Between the Facebook group and the apps algorithms, it has not been difficult to find other authors to support. The writing/reading community on social media is one of the most supportive I have found! 

Picture This book review: On Janine's Cool Cats and Reviews

Author interview with GKJ Publishing  

Resolutions Vs. Goals

Author interview with GKJ Publishing

 

 I am thrilled to announce that I have been a featured author on GKJ Publishing's YouTube channel! 

I have embedded the link below and have to say, he did a great job with this interview. I recorded my answers and he added everything else in and I think it looks great! 

I am thankful for this opportunity to share a little bit of my life as an author with the world!

 

Covid-19 writing

What is the first draft? 

Visit GKJ Publishing on Instagram

Blogmas: Family Christmas traditions, Part 1

 

Would you like to start new family traditions this Christmas? Blogmas is here to help! Here are 5 new ideas...

1. Elf on the shelf

Even if the kids do not believe, it's still a fun time!

2. Baking cookies

Spend the day baking.

3. Share with your neighbors

Take some cookies to the neighbors!

4. Take a drive

Hop in the car one evening and go looking at Christmas lights in the neighborhood.

5. Go shopping

 Go out together in search of a new Christmas tree ornament. Maybe get one with the year printed on it so every year you decorate the tree you can remember each one and where you bought it.

 

What is Blogmas? 

Blogmas: Christmas gift wrap alternatives, Part 1 

Blogmas: Christmas gift wrap alternatives, Part 2

 Photo: Happier.com

NEW book release: Picture This

Hello! I am so excited to announce my new novella, Picture This!

Carmen Sloan was married at a young age to a man she knew she would spend the rest of her life. She owned her own home, was attending college, and was quickly moving towards the life of her dreams.

After her husband Joe becomes sick, Carmen finds herself living an unrecognizable life, dealing with guilt and sadness daily. Walking to work at a pizza shop to wait tables, while her husband sat holed up in their home, was not the vision she had for her future.

A series of selfish decisions bring Carmen to a place of darkness. Dark secrets begin to wear on her, so she decides to admit her secrets to her husband, the one she used to love more than herself.

Just as Carmen makes a fresh start and life begins to bring her peace, an ugly part of her past drags her back into darkness. Will a broken heart be the death of her?

Picture This is a story of love, strength, secrets, darkness, and new beginnings.

It will be released on October 9, 2020! Pre-orders are available right now for Kindle: Pre-order HERE 

Author Deanna Martinez-Bey on Amazon

Funny Farm: Why do I love this movie?

Funny Farm: Why do I love this movie?

Have you ever seen, Funny Farm? It stars Chevy Chase and Madolyn Smith and was released in 1988.

Basically, it is about a couple who moves to "the country" so that the husband can write a novel. They have a variety of strange events that occur and make them second guess their decision of moving from the city to the country. The move pushes them apart and then ultimately pulls them back together.

I said all this to say, that for some odd reason, this movie encourages me as a writer. I'm sure we all have certain music, movies, and books that encourage us to do what we do and this is my movie of encouragement.

One of my friends on Instagram proposed a question yesterday, "What songs do you listen to when you write?" To her question, I responded that I will often have, Funny Farm playing in the background, but I prefer to write in silence.

Now it is out...I'm apparently a quirky writer. But aren't we all?

You may be wondering right now... What is the purpose of this post? And to you I say... I have no idea!

Author organization tip: Writing down your ideas 

Christmas Organizing book 

Interview with P.E. Gilbert: Paul's Fantasy Writings

I met P.E. Gilbert through Instagram. After chatting we decided we would like to interview one

another and publish the interviews on our blogs. Paul published my interview on his blog last week, and now it is my turn! Paul's Fantasy Writings: Interview with Author Deanna Martinez-Bey.

1. Please tell us your name and a little bit about yourself...

My name is P.E. Gilbert, and I am a blogger, YouTuber, writing consultant, and the author to the fantasy novella, The Sultan’s Daughter.

I studied history at Birmingham University, before spending the next ten years writing a fantasy series (not The Sultan’s Daughter, as it happens). Nowadays, I give writing tips on my blog and on YouTube, plus interview authors and lend advice where I can. I do these things to help writers/authors write more engaging stories.

2. Tell us about your book: Title, genre, page count, blurb

My book is called The Sultan’s Daughter. It is a fantasy novella, targeted for fantasy lovers and women. It is a short book of 121 pages and it is fast-paced and full of suspense.

The story is from the sole POV of Princess Nalini, the Sultan’s daughter, who must do everything she can to save her father’s kingdom, despite having two older brothers and several advisors around her who are supposedly more competent than her. The blurb is as follows:

Victory means life and furthering everything that her father has built. Defeat means death, destruction, and ruin.

The choices could not be starker for Princess Nalini after a curse is placed upon her family. Untrained for rule and war, she must adapt quickly. For who else can stop the armies of frightening fanaticism marching toward the capital if not the Sultan’s daughter?

3. What is your writing inspiration?
   

In general, my desire to write stories comes from my love for great books and films. I write in order to give back to the industries that have given me so much joy since childhood.

More specifically for The Sultan’s Daughter, my inspirations come from history, fiction, and historical fiction. I got the idea to write the story after I read a biography on Saladin by Professor John Man in 2019, around the time (coincidentally) that the new Aladdin film came out. Yes, Princess Jasmine is an inspiration for Nalini, but I would not say that they are alike in personality at all.

Other inspirations for this book include my general knowledge of Ancient Egypt and the Middle East; the deaths of the three French kings Louis X, Philip V, and Charles IV in the early-14th century (all of whom were brothers and died heirless, which in turn started the One Hundred Year’s War with England), and Margaret Beaufort as depicted by Philippa Gregory in The Red Queen.

4. Are there more books in the works?

Yes! I am planning the sequel to The Sultan’s Daughter as we speak. I do not have a title for it yet, and it will be a while before I start it (let alone finish it). But I intend to start writing it in the autumn, and I am excited to continue the story.

(I must say that I have been overwhelmed that people, who have read The Sultan’s Daughter, have asked me if there is going to be a sequel. It is wonderful to know that people enjoyed my story so much that they want to read more. That is a dream come true, honestly.)

5. What are some tips you can provide for other writers as far as networking their books?

Yes, I have a few tips on this front, all of which I do on a regular basis. First, I would advise writers/authors to use social media platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, so that they can: a) regularly post content to show their expertise, and b) make connections and promote other people’s works. 

Second, write a blog and interview authors or other forms of content creators. This second point links into my third tip, as I urge authors to focus on getting promotions rather than sales for their books. The more promotion you can get, and the better name you can get for yourself, the more sales will come your way.

Fourth, if you want to go to the next level, start a YouTube channel or TikTok account. Video content will give you a greater profile online. And the greater your profile online, the more chance people will have of coming across your books, which can mean more sales. (I will be setting up a TikTok account very shortly in order to give myself a greater profile online.)

6. Can you please share your contact information with us? (Please include social media links)

For sure. I am on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, plus I have a WordPress blog (Paul’s Fantasy Writings) and a website. Here are my links, so that you can view my content and/or contact me:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pegilbertauthor
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pegilbertauthor/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZmdBbHzNlod4EkcyNGsw/featured?view_as=subscriber
• Blog - https://paulsfantasywritings.com/
• Website – www.pegilbert.com

Lastly, I would like to say thank you, Deanna, for this opportunity. I really appreciate it and I wish you only success and joy going forwards.

It was truly my pleasure to work with Paul. He is kind, professional, talented, and knowledgeable. I look forward to working with him again in the future. 

Wordy Writer: Workbook Review 

 Flannery O'Conner: How she impacted my life

My interview with POC magazine

My interview with POC Magazine

I am happy to announce that I was chosen to provide an interview with a local magazine!

I was asked about my work routine, how I began writing, how I started copy editing for other authors and social media management.

Several of the questions were thought-provoking and required me to take a few extra minutes of reflection in order to answer to my liking.

Others, I answered swiftly, without any hesitation.

Please take a couple of minutes to read my interview and please share with others who may be thinking about starting their own business.

When Writing is a Passion 

I have also been featured on a local podcast: The Average Joe. Here, I tell my story of how I overcame physical abuse in order to become the person I am today. 

Battered But Not Broken

Weekend in Snowshoe, West Virginia: The things I did and saw...

My long weekend in Snowshoe...

It has been an enjoyable weekend of writing for me. I have been warm and cozied up in the condo, which happens to reside on top of a mountain. It has snowed and has been below freezing, but I have gotten thousands of words written for novel number four!

On the way, I observed:

A rooster coup? There were at least fifty roosters, and each had their own little house. Something I have never seen before.

A man, riding a bike, talking on his cell phone, riding the wrong way down the highway. This was also a first for this New Jersey girl.

And last, but certainly not least... as we were driving literally THROUGH a mountain, this psycho in a compact Chevy car, rode our bumper so closely we could not see his headlights in our rear-view mirror! I kid you not. We drive a Jeep and were taking the curves pretty nicely, but it wasn't fast enough for this guy. Talk about stress. Finally he passed us and we then enjoyed the windy roads once again.

Talk about a jam packed weekend!





More from Author Deanna Martinez:

Using owned media as an author

Social Media course reveal

New book release! Stephanie is a domestic violence survivor...

How Cocoa Green Tea And The Man Who Sweetened My Heart is due to be released on December 1, 2017!

Take a look at the book trailer:

Pre-order your Kindle copy here:

Hot Cocoa, Green Tea And The Man Who Sweetened My Heart

Stephanie had been held hostage in an abusive marriage for nearly twelve years. She was manipulated, controlled and abused by her mentally unstable husband. The last physical altercation drove Stephanie to begin a new life, alone, just her and her ten-year-old son, Ray.

Stephanie made an exit plan. She would find a new school for Ray, a full-time job and a place to live and just when she thought that life would be calm and peaceful, her monster of a husband, soon to be ex-husband would rear his ugly head.

Stephanie winds up meeting a new friend through work. As time passes, they find that they are developing feelings for one another. After the divorce is final her ex-husband stirs up trouble yet again.

Would Stephanie and her new friend become an item or would all the trouble from her ex-monster have him packing his bags and running? Would Stephanie finally be awarded full custody of her son or would her ex sabotage that from ever happening?

Hot Cocoa, Green Tea, And the Man Who Sweetened My Heart, is a compelling story of love, fear, hatred and self-transformation with a touch of humor, intimacy and a hint of the paranormal. 

Deanna has always aspired to be a writer. She started writing poetry and short stories and the young age of seven.

Born in New Jersey, Deanna currently lives in a suburb of Raleigh, North Carolina. She says. “I will always be a Jersey girl at heart.” Which is why she came up with her own recipe for, New Jersey coffee cake, that she shares at the end of this book. She has had several of her original recipes published over the years. They have been featured in publications such as: Taste of Home Magazine, Taste of Home “Best Of” cookbooks, Gooseberry Patch cookbooks, local magazines and Women’s Day online, to name a few.

Deanna’s other published works:

Twinkle, Twinkle Christmas Star

When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee!

Deanna’s contact information:

Website:         www.deannamartinezbey.com

Facebook:       Author: Deanna Martinez-Bey @deannamartinezbey

Instagram:      writer_deanna

Twitter:            Cookrunwrite

Blog:                https://bookwriterdeanna.blogspot.com/

YouTube:         Author Deanna Martinez-Bey

There are many great Domestic Violence organizations that help people every day. 

Interact helped me when I was in need.

http://www.interactofwake.org 24 hour crisis line 919-828-7740

Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence is where I am currently a volunteer.

http://www.breakthesilencedv.org Survivor Helpline 855-287-1777

Photo shoot for back cover of, "Hot Cocoa, Green Tea and the Man Who Sweetened My Heart"

We are officially in October now and the leaves are starting to fall. Cool mornings are a welcome treat as are the pumpkin spice offerings being sold in stores.

I decided to host my photo shoot for the back cover of my new book, OUTSIDE this time. I do not regret this decision!
Check out what I have to say about the photo shoot and a few added bits about the next book in the making...

PS...the picture you see is one of the photos taken during the photo shoot! (But, not the one chosen for the back cover.)

New book release and domestic violence volunteering

Happy Autumn! I am excited about cool weather and changing leaves! I am also excited to share that novel number three will be released before Christmas this year.

I have created a new video with more information...

Please take a few minutes to listen to me share about the new book and domestic violence. I have decided to share a piece of my heart with the world!

Thank you for your support :)

Follow your heart...even if the world doesn't think of you as "normal"

For many years I often thought that because I enjoyed many different things, that made me different and not normal. What is normal, anyway? That question is loaded and sounds like an entirely different blog post.

I have been thinking and have come to the conclusion that if I am not what this world considers, "normal" then I am one step ahead of the game when it comes to being happy and reaching my goals. Let me explain...

I enjoy writing, baking, cosmetology and personal training as well as being an administrative individual. I have always said, and I quote, "I don't like putting all of my eggs into one basket". I have noticed that so many people place all of their eggs into one basket when it comes to their income. Most people have one job that they depend on to pay the bills. Not me! I have three or four different avenues that bring income to our family. Know what? I love it this way!

For so many years I thought that something was wrong with me because I was not conforming to the standard, "normal" in this area. But, I am thankful now, for who I am and what I have chosen to do with my life.

Ultimately, my goal is to be a full time author. I will get there, but in the meantime I am having fun doing ALL of the things that I love.

Follow your heart and do you...no matter what the world may have to say about it.

 

 Click here to purchase: When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee!

Janine's Cool Cats and Reviews: review of my book

I could not be more excited about this book review for: When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee! 

I absolutely love Janine's thoughts and what she wrote about my book. What a humbling experience it has proven to be to be a published author. My readers make me successful and honest, professional bloggers like this help get the word out about my work.

Not only has Janine written a lovely review about my book, she also gave me a great rating on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Goodreads!

Please take a look at her blog and read her heartfelt review about my latest novel: Janine's Cool Cats and Reviews: When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee! by Deanna Martinez-Bey - review

Finally, a personal post!

Last week, I posted a picture of my new writing space...in our new house, from my Instagram account (as you can see in the picture). I have been posting so many interviews, book reviews and other posts having to do with the release of, "When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee!", that I haven't shared very much about me. Well, that is ALL this post is going to include...what is happening with ME!

Things are going well. We did move into a beautiful new home. I absolutely love it! We all do...even the dog. He is a 90 pound lab and having a considerably large amount of space to roam, stretch out and sleep has made him a happier pup.

I am working at a local gym as the manager as well as a personal trainer. I absolutely love where I work and who I am working for. In addition to my job responsibilities, my boss encourages me to work on my writing. How many people can say that? "Oh, yes, my boss encourages me to work on my personal business while I am at work", probably not very many.

Take a look at the writing within the frame in the picture above.  Here, let me tell you what it says, "The writer is only free when he can tell the reader to go jump in the lake. You want of course to get what you have to say across to him, but whether he likes it or not is no concern of the writer. ~Flannery O'Connor

This is absolutely my favorite writing quote of all time. This lady knew something about being an author. She also knew something about living life. I have come to learn and accept that not everyone is going to like me. Not everyone is going to understand me. And you know what? That is OK. I am me. I like who I am and ultimately that is all that matters. It has taken me years to realize this and come to the point of, "not caring what other people think". People will continue to judge us and talk about us (good and bad). It's life. How we deal with it (or don't deal with it) is what will give us or take away our peace in life. Not sure why I shared all that, but I hope it helps someone!!!

Happy Thursday all!
Be who YOU want to be! Don't live a life that is pleasing to those around you and lose yourself in the process. Take it from me...been there, done that, not doing it again.

Author Interview #2 Deanna Martinez-Bey: The Book Adventures of Emily

 This interview by: The Book Adventures of Emily asked a few questions that I had to really think about before answering! She asked me what inspired me to write this book and which character I could relate to the most.

My favorite questions was: What does my writing environment look like? I make sure I create a special place to write because I want to look forward to that time.

Thank you, Emily for taking your time to create space for me on your blog!

Official book trailer...