Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Who loves new books?

 


I love new books! 

Just last week, I went book shopping and came home with four new ones to add to my ever-growing, to- read pile. 


NEW RELEASE

I have a new release scheduled for March 25th! The name is 3 Cabins... check out what it will be about...


3 Cabins

Have you noticed that one "over-the-top" mom at school who you know is a stay-at-home mom but always wears makeup, jewelry, and high heels to drop her children off in carpool?
You know, the one who looks like she would rather be at happy hour but attends every PTA meeting, event, and volunteer activity?

That mom is me, Leaha Singleton. Welcome to my not-so-glamorous life.

I have lived this glamorous lie for quite some time now. That is, until a couple of weeks ago. Saying that my past has finally caught up with me is the truth, but an understatement.

My life has begun to change! And it all started when I ran upon two secret cabins.
The Leaha Singleton roller coaster is on fire, so have a seat and strap yourself in tight. 

 

Coming soon to Amazon!

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

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.

Sunday, January 9, 2022

Should a writer be a reader?

 


What are your thoughts on reading books? Should a writer/author be a reader as well? 

I think so. Please allow me to explain why:

1. It helps us to know what has already been written

2. It keeps us up to date on current plot trends

3. Reading will help keep us inspired

4. The more we read, the more we can learn about the craft of writing

 

For me personally, reading takes me away to a far-off place. It allows me to escape my current reality, even if it's for 15 or 20 minutes. That reason in itself keeps me turning the pages.

Sometimes we all need to escape for a while...do you agree? 

Do you write when you're not in the mood?

Family history and traditions with Author Deanna Martinez-Bey

 

 


Friday, October 15, 2021

Newest cookbook release: The Ultimate Guide To Easy Desserts


Do you find yourself spending too much money buying store-bought desserts? Have you tried baking desserts at home to find they require too many ingredients that you don't have on hand?

The Ultimate Guide To Easy Desserts offers you a way out of store-bought, expensive, chemical-laden desserts. Learn simple recipes you can make in a snap. Discover desserts you may have never heard of before, what they are, and how to make them.

Deanna will share with you easy dessert recipes along with tips and tricks that make baking fun and easy. Enjoy baking alone for your family and friends or enjoy baking with family and friends, creating memories that will last forever.

Check out my new book...just in time for Holiday baking:

The Ultimate Guide To Easy Desserts 

 

Other cookbooks:



 

Friday, April 23, 2021

Book release TODAY: Cook On The bright Side

 


 

TODAY IS THE DAY!

Cook On The Bright Side is live on Amazon! You can purchase it in paperback or for Kindle. It is also available in Kindle Unlimited.

Cook On The Bright Side 

 Three young, driven girls gathered at a coffee shop to study. Chloe, Cora, and Callie called themselves triple C. Out of over 4,000 people at UNC Asheville, these three bonded over a mean panini and hot drinks.

Years passed, they each graduated and grew, but their friendship remained intact. After a tragic Covid-19 incident, their lives quickly changed, and a promise was made.

Will they be able to keep their commitment or would it be the demise of their friendship?

Cookbooks, recipes, and blogging change the course of their lives forever. Join these ladies as they feel the highs and lows of friendship, family, and love.

Recipes from the story are included at the end of the book.

 

Autumn's Wish book release 

The Ultimate Guide To Cookies book release 

Picture This book release

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Recipes: Did you know?

 


Did you know that each of my fiction books end with recipes from the book? Yes, all of my books have a cooking or baking thread running through them.

For example: In Autumn's Wish, Cindy makes amazing peanut butter cookies! So, I added that recipe, among others at the end of the book.

 

Cindy’s Peanut Butter Cookies


1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

¾ cup peanut butter

 

 Cindy also shares her Sausage, Peppers, and Onions recipe! 


Cindy’s Sausage, Peppers and Onions


1 package of Italian sausages

1 green bell pepper

1 large onion


Chances are, if the recipe was worth mentioning in the book, it is shared with you at the end! 



Autumn's Wish book release 

The Ultimate Guide To Cookies book release  

Picture This book release 

Friday, March 12, 2021

How Not To Die: Book review

 


 I gave this book 5 stars! 

It is loaded with valuable information and is written in a way to keep you connected. The author's personality shines through in the writing.

I have been following his plant-based plan for five weeks, and feel great! I lost weight without trying and the inflammation in my body has decreased significantly. I am still striving to hit all twelve points each day, but I know that when I get there, I will feel even better!

So many of us feel like crap and try different medications to help us feel better. I am more of a natural type person, so this style of healing (or masking) does not appeal to me. 

I highly recommend eating a plant-based diet and living a healthy way of life. You are worth it!

Click on the photo to read about or purchase this book. 

Autumn's Wish 

Point of View: Book review 

How To Make A  living With Your Writing: Book review


Tuesday, February 23, 2021

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

Monday, February 22, 2021

Our trip to Snowshoe, WV part 2: The walk for coffee

 


Yesterday, I mentioned that today, I would be venturing out into the cold. Well, this morning, that is exactly what I did!

 If you have TicTok...

Watch me walk though the snow...

I bundled up, which you can see in the above photo and ventured out. It has been snowing for hours and has yet to let up. The icy snow was pelting me in the face at one point and made me giggle while recording my video.

I walked over to the Starbucks, that I point out in my recording, and got cup of decaf to warm me up. They have no tables and only allow 8 people in at a time. But, I got my coffee!

 

More fun news... I completed writing my WIP which was a novella. I will do the final edit when I get back home. Today, I am starting on the outline for another book. 

This trip has been relaxing and productive so far! 


My tall, decaf, caramel macchiato with almond milk. 

 

Our trip to Snowshoe, WV part 1 The drive

Last years weekend in Snowshoe post

 

 

Friday, January 22, 2021

Book review: Point of View (Writing Lessons from the Front Book 3)

 


I have been reading books about writing and when I found this one on Amazon, it caught my eye. 

I have to say,  Point of View (Writing Lessons from the Front Book 3), was a fantastic book. It explained the different POV's in which one can write and it explained them in great detail so everyone can understand. 

I rated this book on Amazon and Goodreads and gave it 5 stars! 


Here is the Amazon link and description:

Point of View (Writing Lessons from the Front Book 3)

 Unlocking the mystery behind POINT OF VIEW: why is point of view important to a novelist, and how can we make sure we're using it correctly? Which serves the story better--first person, third person, omniscient, or the quirky second? Using thirty years of writing experience, Angela Hunt presents a brief lesson on point of view that should answer all your questions in practical, simple terms. You don't need an entire book to understand it--you only need these thirty pages. These lessons, Hunt says, "are brief for a reason—I don’t want you to spend most of your time reading how-to books. I will give you what you need so you can put what you’ve learned into practice. That’s the best way to improve." Enjoy this writing lesson for a fraction of the cost of attending one of Angela's writing classes--your writing will never be the same.

Best hashtags for authors on Twitter  

Book review: Picture This 

2021 Resolutions Vs. Goals 

Monday, January 18, 2021

Book review: How To Make A living With Your Writing

 


I purchased: How to Make a Living with Your Writing: Books, Blogging and More (Books for Writers Book 3) by Joanna Pen, in hopes of learning tips and tricks of the trade.

Unfortunately, that is not what I found. I am not saying that this was a terrible book. I am saying that the information it contained was basic and rather than delve into details as to the, "how to's" it quickly skimmed through the basic ideas with minimal explanation as to how to make them happen. 

I was looking for more in depth information.

If you are a beginning writer, it is a great book to give you ideas as to how to make money. But, be prepared to do research as to how to make them happen. 


Picture This book review

Resolutions Vs. Goals 

Author interview with GKJ Publishing

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

On Strike for Christmas book review: 12 Days of Bookmas / Blogmas

 

I read this book every year! On Strike For Christmas by Sheila Roberts has something for everyone. I laugh and I cry every time I read this book. There are many relatable characters that keep me wanting to read it over and over again.

It may be an older book, but it is one I will keep forever.

On Strike For Christmas 

At Christmastime, it seems as though a woman's work is never done. Trimming the tree, mailing the cards, schlepping to the mall, the endless wrapping—bah humbug! So this year, Joy and Laura and the rest of their knitting group decide to go on strike. If their husbands and families want a nice holiday—filled with parties, decorations, and presents—well, they'll just have to do it themselves. The boycott soon takes on a life of its own when a reporter picks up the story and more women join in. But as Christmas Day approaches, Joy, Laura, and their husbands confront larger issues in their marriages and discover that a little holiday magic is exactly what they need to come together.

Sheila Roberts gives the best gift of all in this funny, heartwarming novel that touches the very core of Christmas spirit.

What is Blogmas? 

Book release: Picture This

Monday, December 21, 2020

Quacker Factory Christmas book review: 12 Days of Bookmas / Blogmas

  


This is the most entertaining cookbook I have ever read! I remember seeing her, full of life, on QVC, selling her sparkly clothing line. 

When I saw years ago, that she had a cookbook, I purchased it right away. I still have it and read it often, It is a cookbook that reads like a biography. Jeanne tells stories of her life throughout the book. 

She also filled it to the brim with easy, comforting recipes. Definitely a MUST have!

Amazon has no description. I hope I did it justice:

Jeanne Bice's Quacker Factory Christmas: Simple Recipes, Fabulous Parties and Decorations to Put Sparkle, Not Stress, Into Your Season by Jeanne Bice (15-Nov-2006)

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Christmas in July book review: 12 Days of Bookmas / Blogmas

 


Let's look at Christmas in July by Debbie Mason for 12 Days of Bookmas...

Grace Flaherty had given up hope of ever seeing her husband again. After all, it'd been over a year since he went missing in combat. So when he strides through the door of her bakery in downtown Christmas one sunny afternoon, she can hardly believe her eyes. But her happily-ever-after is going to take some effort - because Jack has no memory of his family.

All Jack Flaherty remembers about Christmas is that he couldn't wait to leave town. Now he's a local hero with a wife and son he doesn't know. Even as he struggles to rekindle the romance with his wife, he knows in his heart what he wants: a second chance at love.

Christmas in July on Amazon  

 I read this book years ago and never wanted to put it down. After all, any book pertaining to a bakery and love is right up my ally! 

 

 

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Christmas Get It Organized book review: 12 Days of Bookmas / Blogmas

 

Ready to get organized and have a relaxing Christmas? It's not too late! This book will help guide you and provide you with recipes to make it happen!

Kindle

Softcover 

Do you find yourself dreading the Holiday season? Does the word Christmas make you cringe? Christmas…Get It Organized by Deanna Martinez provides easy steps to be ready for the Holiday without all the stress, crowds and expenses. Learn easy ways to stay organized, spend less and have more time to spend with the people you love, doing the things you love. 

Deanna will show you how to make lists, shop ahead of time, have parties, bake treats, create drinks, add new family traditions and much more. Gifts do not have to be things we buy. They can be things we make or time we can give.Put Deanna’s organizing ideas into practice this year and find yourself laughing instead of crying this Christmas. Simply click to purchase and download your copy of Christmas…Get It Organized, now!

What is Blogmas? 

Book release: Picture This

Monday, October 5, 2020

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?

Friday, July 24, 2020

Christmas in July: Christmas Organizing Book


https://www.amazon.com/Deanna-Martinez-Bey/e/B00N4O44QK/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1


Are you enjoying all of the Christmas in July posts? I have been! Let me introduce you to a book I have written, it's called, Christmas, Get It Organized. I wrote it several years ago and just updated it on Amazon.

It is now available on Kindle or soft-cover. Both are super affordable!

Christmas, Get It Organized: Kindle 

Christmas, Get It Organized: Soft Cover 

Let me share a description of my book:
Do you find yourself dreading the Holiday season? Does the word Christmas make you cringe? Christmas…Get It Organized by Deanna Martinez provides easy steps to be ready for the Holiday without all the stress, crowds, and expenses.
Learn easy ways to stay organized, spend less, and have more time to spend with the people you love, doing the things you love.
Deanna will show you how to make lists, shop ahead of time, have parties, bake treats, create drinks, add new family traditions, and much more.
Gifts do not have to be things we buy. They can be things we make or time we can give.
Put Deanna’s organizing ideas into practice this year and find yourself laughing instead of crying this Christmas.
Simply click to purchase and download your copy of Christmas…Get It Organized, now!

Christmas in July: Tips for writers

Christmas in July: Christmas folders

https://bookwriterdeanna.blogspot.com/2020/07/christmas-in-july-christmas-folders.html

Monday, June 29, 2020

COVID 19 decluttering: Organize your books



Are you sitting home bored out of your mind with nothing to do? Even if you're not, chances are you do have more time on your hands.

Let's make the most of being home by purging and organizing!

Let's talk about all those books we've accumulated over the past several years. Now is a perfect time to go through and let some go and get the rest organized. 

I ask for books for my birthday and any Holiday that encourages giving gifts; from anniversaries to Christmas,  books, books, books. So, I have a few! 

What books should I get rid of?

1. Cookbooks with difficult recipes
You know, the ones you bought, but NEVER use. Yes, those. Time to lighten the load.

2. Books you read and wouldn't rate with 4+ stars 
You know you won't read them again, so pass them on.

3. Old textbooks 
You've held onto these in the event you need to refer back to clarify what you once learned.  But, all they do is collect dust and take up space. Pass that learning forward.
  • You can donate these books to a local library or thrift store. 
  • You can also sell them on an online marketplace. 
  • Offer them to family and friends who need or want them.
Fun idea:
Organize a virtual book exchange! Use social media or your contact list to get a list of people who are interested in taking part. 
Post the books you have available and have them picked up from your front porch. Social distancing...check!

More from author/copy editor Deanna Martinez: 

Sunday, March 29, 2020

How to start your fiction writing career

Prepare your writing environment: click here

Have you always dreamed about becoming an author in the fiction genre? Do you sit and daydream about doing book signings and seeing your handiwork being sold in book stores all across the world? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this article will help get you on the path to obtaining your goals!

Writing Down Your Ideas
Go out today and buy yourself a notebook that will only be used for your story ideas. While you are at it, buy the matching pens, sticky notes, and page tab holders to go with it.

Set Aside Some Time
After you have your notebook and accessories all set and ready to go, pencil in about thirty minutes to an hour on your busy calendar to sit down and write out your story ideas.

Consider Taking a Free Writing Course Online
Chances are you already have some type of writing skills or you would not be interested in writing a fiction book. However, one is never too old or established to learn! Take an online writing course to sharpen up your writing skills. One course in particular that will get you ready to write is The Crafty Writers Creative Writing Course. This course will teach you how to take your story ideas and turn them into the fiction novel you are dreaming about.

Creating Your Characters
This is a very important part of creating an enjoyable novel. You have to breathe life into each character as if they are real people living real lives. A good idea to achieve this task is to take bits and pieces about people you know and combine those traits with your fictional characters.
Not all characters can be good guys. You should have your “good guy” characters, but you also need to have the antagonistic characters (the “bag guys”). The antagonist will help to bring the struggle into your story.

Proper Story Layout
A book, as well as a movie, should have three main sections: The introduction, the struggle and the overcome. Think about your favorite movie. It has a short beginning, a lot of drama in the middle and the happily ever after in the end. Now, think about a movie that you did not like, chances are this movie started off way too slow and that made it feel boring. Ever watch a movie and after it ended you thought, “It ended just as it was getting good?” The reason for that is because the introduction was way too long and the struggle and overcome were way too short. Writing books work the same way. The introduction and the overcome are to be shorter than the actual struggle (the meat of the story).

Now that you have some really good and basic ideas about how to write a fiction book, take them and run with them. Get started today. Do not delay. The quicker you get started, the quicker you will get your first book completed.

Setting Reasonable Goals
Always remember to set reasonable goals for yourself. Writing a two hundred and fifty to a three hundred page novel is going to take you more than a week to write. It is good to have goals, but make them reasonable. If after looking at your calendar you feel that you will be able to dedicate three hours a week to writing, set your goals accordingly.

Some of the bold headlines in this article have links attached. Click on the links to learn more about that particular subject.

Sunday, January 26, 2020

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