Let’s see how many squares you can fill! Good Luck!
Month: February 2018
Cozy Romance…My Newest Guilty Pleasure!
February 27, 2018– I’m wondering if this happens to you; have you ever stuck to one specific genre for quite a long time when reading? Do you ever feel like you need a break? Lately (I mean for the past five years) I have been completely immersed in the psych/thriller/horror genre of books and I find myself needing something that will allow me to relax and recharge my psyche. It’s funny, because I get this way with movies too! Every now and then I need to throw in a night of Billy Madison or Tommy Boy to balance out the hours of Die Hard or Rocky. I know that none of these particular titles are ones that “make you think”, but sometimes I get sick of all action all the time. That’s why recently I’ve turned to something called “cozy romance.” Now, let me be the first to say that I am NOT by any means a fan of romantic fiction in any way, shape, or form, but there is something comforting about these wonderful books.
Picture this, it’s raining outside, there are two cats cuddled up at the end of your bed, and the only thing you have to do is spend the day relaxing and reading by the fireplace. It’s pure bliss, that’s what that is! That’s what reading a cozy romance feels like to me. They are a particular genre that entertains, but also doesn’t make you think too much, which is something we all need once in a while to just cleanse our literary palettes so-to-speak.
Definition of “cozy romance” according to the Huffington Post: Cozies are fun to read. There’s a formula to the cozies that work very well drawing readers back again and again. The amateurs in such stories are nearly always well educated, intuitive women. Books, especially in series form usually have the story line relate to the detective’s job or hobby. Murderers in cozy mysteries are generally intelligent, rational, articulate people, and murders are pretty much bloodless and neat. Violence and sex are low-key and supporting background characters bring comic relief to the story. Some cozy series are set during holidays such as Valentine Day or Christmas making them more intimate to the reader.
I sincerely hope you’ll check out these adorable little mysteries!
Advice From J.K. Rowling…10 Rules for Success!
Because You Know How Much We Love The King…
What Type of Villain is Yours?
Contest Alert! YOU COULD WIN!
Writing Prompt
February 12, 2018- Today’s writing prompt can be found below. I find this particular prompt very intriguing and I think that I might challenge myself to write a short story about this just to flex my creative writing muscles! Happy Writing:)
Upcoming Events February 2018
I know that this is a bit behind schedule, but I thought that I’d post some upcoming events anyways!
Monday, February 12– Author Visit- I’m excited to present Deer Diary and Panda the Very Bad Cat to the JK to Grade 2 children at two schools in St. Catharines.
Thursday, February 15-Author Visit- I’ll be presenting Deer Diary and Panda the Very Bad Cat in the morning to some students, and then I’ll be attending a literacy event in the evening at another school. I know it’ll be an excellent event and I can’t wait to meet some eager readers.
Saturday, February 17-It’s a Family Affair Event-This event takes place in Burlington at 10 am until 4 pm, and I’ll be there signing copies of all of my books! Stop by and say hi if you’re in the area, I’d love to visit with you.
Friday, February 23-Author Visit-I’ll be presenting a publishing workshop to some students in senior grades seven and eight, and we’ll also be talking about character development and the mechanics of book creation!
Sunday, February 25– Meet the Author event at Nest- I’ll be signing copies of my books at Nest from 1-4 on Sunday, February 25th and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be invited! Robyn Allan is the owner of this fabulous store that supports artists from Hamilton and the surrounding area. Nest is located at 171 Locke St. South in Hamilton. Check out their site at nesthamilton.com.
Wednesday, February 28– Join me at the Terry Berry branch of the Hamilton Public Library as I present a publishing workshop to the Hamilton Mountain Writer’s Circle members from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm. A very special thank you to Professor Barry Gotlieb for the invitation!
March looks like it shaping up to be just as exciting! Stay tuned for upcoming events.
