Friday Reads: Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin (& My 2016 Goals)

Wow, what a week. First, before I get into today's reading pick, I just want to say a big thank you to all of you who have bought, read, posted about, and/or reviewed OFF THE CLOCK this week. I appreciate all the book love so much! And I'm thrilled that so many of you are enjoying it! I'm really excited to continue the series, and hearing your thoughts on who you're hoping to see in future books and such really gets me jazzed up. And for those asking, the next book is going to be about...Lane! :) I start on his story next and I can't wait. And if you haven't gotten your copy yet? What are you waiting for? ;)

BUY THE BOOK:  Amazon  | Barnes and Noble |Books-A-Million |Indie Bound |The Book Depository 

BUY THE EBOOK: Nook | Kindle  | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play

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Friday Reads

Okay, so onto today's reading pick. I know that not everyone is a New Year, New Start kind of person. My husband definitely isn't. He thinks it's silly to start something because of a particular point in the calendar. "Just start when you want to start." BUT, I am a person that gets that big sigh of ahh... at the beginning of the year. It's a physical and mental sense of having a fresh start, of renewal, and of all this exciting possibility ahead.

And though this year I thankfully don't have to do the official start-a-diet thing because I've been on the wagon with that since fall and am sticking to it, I do have other goals for the year. The main ones being: Less stress. More intention. More joy.

This last year was a crazy busy one. I said yes to too much and ended up feeling burnt out by October. Writing became a slog, my story was fighting me, I was dreading getting to my desk. That is no bueno. I have my dream job. I don't want to work myself into a rut. I LOVE writing. I don't want to lose the joy of that.

So this year, my main action item is to be much more intentional and structured about my time. I'm going to use my fancy new planner (more on that in another post where I have room to fangirl about my planner. :) ) I am going to block off writing time and turn off the internet during that time. (I need a digital detox in general.) And I'm going to say no to things that will crunch my time too much. 

And all of those things require one thing--forming new habits, which is where today's Friday Reads pick comes in. See? I was getting to the point. Eventually. :)

I've been a fan of Gretchen Rubin's work since The Happiness Project. I like her anecdotal and chatty style and how she breaks down big concepts like happiness and, now, habits.

Better than Before is a quick read and will give you insight into how your personality plays into how you form habits. There are Four Tendencies (of personality) that explain a whole lot. You can read more about the four tendencies on her blog. But I've discovered that I'm an Upholder, meaning I respond readily to inner and outer expectations.

October 2016 Update: I have discovered I've fooled myself with the Upholder thing. Turns out, I'm a Rebel, lol. I figured it out after taking her quiz and listening to her podcasts. Rebels are those who resist inner and outer expectations. 

So though I love, love, love my planner, I have to be careful about writing things down on my To Do list too far ahead because then it feels like an obligation and I want to rebel. I'm doing better tackling my plan at the beginning of each day to determine what I "feel" like doing most and in what order I feel like doing it in. 

There's a lot more in the book about different aspects of your personality and how that fits into habits, so I highly recommend you check it you if you're trying to start some new habits this year. 

About the book:

The author of the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers, The Happiness Project and Happier at Home, tackles the critical question: How do we change? 

Gretchen Rubin's answer: through habits. Habits are the invisible architecture of everyday life. It takes work to make a habit, but once that habit is set, we can harness the energy of habits to build happier, stronger, more productive lives.

So if habits are a key to change, then what we really need to know is: How do we change our habits?

Better than Before answers that question. It presents a practical, concrete framework to allow readers to understand their habits—and to change them for good. Infused with Rubin’s compelling voice, rigorous research, and easy humor, and packed with vivid stories of lives transformed, Better than Before explains the (sometimes counter-intuitive) core principles of habit formation. 

Along the way, Rubin uses herself as guinea pig, tests her theories on family and friends, and answers readers’ most pressing questions—oddly, questions that other writers and researchers tend to ignore: 

• Why do I find it tough to create a habit for something I love to do? 

• Sometimes I can change a habit overnight, and sometimes I can’t change a habit, no matter how hard I try. Why? 

• How quickly can I change a habit? 

• What can I do to make sure I stick to a new habit? 

• How can I help someone else change a habit? 

• Why can I keep habits that benefit others, but can’t make habits that are just for me? 

Whether readers want to get more sleep, stop checking their devices, maintain a healthy weight, or finish an important project, habits make change possible. Reading just a few chapters of Better Than Before will make readers eager to start work on their own habits—even before they’ve finished the book.

BONUS FRIDAY PICK:

In addition to Better Than Before, I've also gone through this workbook this week -- Your Best Year by Lisa Jacobs. This is more geared to those who are running a small business or blog or writers like me. But I found it helpful in setting up goals for the year and for looking back at 2015 and analyzing what worked and what didn't. The link is to the paperback, but you can also go directly to her site and pay for a download and print it out yourself to fill out, which is what I did.

 

Reminder:

If you haven't gotten your FREE reading journal (especially designed for romance readers) for the new year, be sure to sign up for my updates. The printable journal will come to your inbox after sign up. :) Click the banner at the top or click here to sign up.

So have you set any goals for 2016? Has anyone read either of these? 

The Push Your Boundaries 2016 Reading Challenge

Happy New Year's Eve! Hope everyone is having a great holiday break!

I turned in a book at the beginning of December, so I've been taking a much needed writing break these last few weeks. But that doesn't meant I haven't been getting up to things. If you missed it earlier today, I put together a free reading journal specifically designed for romance readers (yay!). All you have to do is sign up for my newsletter to get the download. (And if you're already signed up, check your inbox and spam folder if you haven't gotten it.)

So after that, I got to work on this next thing--putting together my reading challenge for the year. Since 2008 or so I've been doing annual reading challenges. But in 2015 I was so busy with other things that I never got around to setting a specific goal beyond "Read 60 books", which I did meet.

But what I noticed when I was going through my list to choose my Best Books of 2015 was that I'd gotten kind of homogenous in my reading choices this past year. Not necessarily a terrible thing. I love what I love and read what I want. BUT there are also a ton of great books out there outside of my beloved subgenres that I know I'm missing out on. AND as a writer, it's important for me to put all kinds of fodder into the creativity pot. If I only read within a narrow scope, it's going to affect my writing. I need to read widely and out of my comfort zone.

So I pulled out a challenge I created in 2014 (The Push Your Boundaries) and revamped it. Because when looking back, I found that I read a much bigger variety in 2014 because of the challenge. This is a challenge specifically designed to encourage you to read widely and to step outside of your normal reading zone (though not to give up what you love--there's a column for your favorites too!)

So, I thought I'd share it with you guys in case any of y'all want to join in. The key to this challenge is that it is PERSONALIZED. Other challenges are pretty specific: Read 5 Classics or 10 Mysteries or whatever. This is a lot more flexible. You know which categories you need to venture out in.

Below you'll find my chart that I've filled out, but then I'm also including a download for a blank chart. This is a Word doc that you can download and either print to fill out by hand or use electronically. What I do is type in my categories on the computer, then I print it out and use that sheet to either X out boxes as I read books or I'll write the name of the book in the box under the genre. Do what works for you. 

In the doc, I've also included a list of possible categories to put in your columns. These are only suggestions. Feel free to add whatever you want or to make up your own categories.

If you decide you want to join in the challenge, leave a comment below! If you want to keep track of your reads online on a Pinterest board or something, feel free to leave a link to it. Here's my Pinterest board where I'll be keeping track.

Okay, ready to join in?

Here's my board.

Here are BLANK CHARTS FOR DOWNLOAD along with a list of category suggestions. Click links to download:

• Word doc (Note: If you have different fonts from me, this may format a little off in your Word. Adjust as needed. Or download the PDF.)
• PDF download

And if you just want to see the category suggestions. Here they are:

So who's with me? And if you're not doing this challenge, do you have any other reading challenges planned?

BREAK ME DOWN is here!

It's release day! Whee!!!!

So many of you asked for Gibson and Samantha's story and even more of you have asked me when I'm going to write a full story with a female domme and submissive hero. Well,  I'm so happy to finally bring it to you both in one package. : )

This was a story I was a little nervous to write because I like my heroes uber alpha and I knew Gibson was an alpha kind of guy. But he also had all these secret submissive desires. How was I going to incorporate both of those sides of him in a story? Well, turns out, I just needed to trust the characters. This story was more than a little fun to write and these two had chemistry in spades (something I as the author can't always control. Some characters don't mesh. But these two were hot for each other on page one, lol). And don't be fooled by the "novella" designation. This is a 55k word story, which is the length of a short novel not a novella. :)

So I hope you'll pick it up and let me know what you think even if you think--hmm, I'm not the the male submissive/female domme story would be my thing. :) Here's what some reviewers are saying:

"...well written and intense" --Heroes and Heartbreakers blog

"I need more FREAKING STARS dammit! WOW! Just wow." --Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads

"A deliciously kinked out treat. Loren, once again, simply wowed. If you're looking for a series that perfectly captures the beauty and passion of erotic romance at its absolute best, this is the series to grab. If you haven't picked them up.... Go. Go now!" --Anna, Herding Cats Burning Soup book blog

About the book:

The New York Times bestselling author of Call on Me invites you to discover the thrill of control as one couple wrestles for power in and out of the bedroom…

Samantha Dunbar needs to forget Gibson Andrews. When he trained her to be a domme, she experienced just how hot things could get with the sexy executive. She was ready to hand him everything—including her heart. But Gibson backed away, declaring them incompatible. He’s a dominant, and Sam’s no submissive.

But after an attack shakes Sam to her core, Gibson tracks her down at her family’s rundown farmhouse and makes her an offer. He’ll stay the week and be hers in every way—a helping hand for the renovation and a willing lover in her bed. He swore he’d never give up control to anyone again, but he hasn’t been able to touch another woman since Sam. Maybe a week alone with her will cure him of his relentless craving. 

But one taste only makes them want more, and Sam and Gibson are drawn in deeper than ever. The man who won’t give in has just met the girl who won’t give up…

BUY THE EBOOK: Nook | Kindle | Kindle UK | Kindle Canada | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play

READ CHAPTER ONE

Note: The UK Version will be out Nov. 12 since it is being released by a different publisher.

Happy reading! And thank you!

Thirteen Writer Woes and the Books to Cure Them

I'm a writing book whore. I can't deny it. I know every how-to-write book says this one is "the only writing book you'll ever need". But yeah, whatever. Not true. Every book on craft that I pick up, I learn SOMETHING new. A new technique, a new way to look at things, an a-ha moment on something I was having trouble with. These books feed your writer brain like Reese's chocolate easter eggs feed your soul. So I figured I would compile a list from my personal stash of writing books to recommend.

*This is an old post that I have updated and added new books to. 

Thirteen Writer Woes and the Books to Cure Them

Problem #1:You're a pantser and are dying to figure out a way to SIMPLY plot without having to become something you're not. 

Though I have a little nerdgasm looking at pictures of people's plotting white boards with all their notes and post-its and color-coding and index carding, the idea of actually doing that to one of my stories makes my throat close up. But, at the same time, I crave some organization, some rough map of where I'm going. Enter my favorite book, *pets its cover* Seriously, life-changing. I can now write entire synopsis (to sell on proposal) before I've written any of the novel. Don't worry that it says screenwriting, it totally applies to novels as well.

Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need by Blake Snyder

This was another life-changing book for my writing life. I always had plotter envy. Some part of me thought that was the "right" way to write a book and I was just cheating. Well, this book helped me embrace my pantser-ness and learn ways to work with some of the downfalls of pantsing. I recommend this to any writer. I've had plotters who have read it an gotten a lot of out of it too. Highly recommended. 

Story Trumps Structure by Steven James

Another book that goes with the screenwriting method of writing is My Story Can Beat Up Your Story by Jeffrey Alan Schechter. This one has some great techniques for that loose style of plotting. Lots and lots of good stuff. I've made worksheets from some of his stuff that I use with every book.

Problem #2: You keep getting partial requests but not follow-up full requests. So, you may, um, suck at openings. 

Hooked: Write Fiction That Grabs Readers at Page One and Never Lets Them Go by Les Edgerton

This is a tiny little book with a lot of great information.

The First 50 Pages by Jeff Gerke is also a great one for analyzing your opening pages and getting a reader hooked.

Problem #3:  You're writing your first book and are absolutely overwhelmed by the process.

Your First Novel: An Author Agent Team Share the Keys to Achieving Your Dream

Problem #4:  Your stories seem to lose focus or meander during the process.

Or maybe you're getting feedback from critters saying--I'm not really sure why your character is doing this or this scene doesn't seem to have a focus/point. This means you need to get down to the bones that hold a character and story together. This one is a classic you'll hear recommended over and over.

 Goal, Motivation, & Conflict by Debra Dixon

Problem #5:  You know you can write, but your books still aren't getting that agent, publisher, or enthusiasm from readers. 

You get feedback like, "You clearly have talent, but the story or characters just didn't resonate with me or reach out and grab me."

The Fire in Fiction: Passion, Purpose and Techniques to Make Your Novel Great

Problem #6: When you go back to edit your book, you have to cut a ton of scenes because they just aren't moving the story forward or adding anything.

Make a Scene: Crafting a Powerful Story One Scene at a Time

Problem #7 You need to write some hawt scenes, but whoa, shock of all shocks, sex isn't that easy to write! Who knew?

*I do a workshop on writing love scenes, so if you're ever around when I'm doing one, I encourage you to attend! :) You can see where I'll be on my Events page.

Passionate Ink: A Guide to Writing Erotic Romance by Angela Knight

Problem #8: You've been told you need to "tighten" your writing or you need a refresher on grammar.

I'm not sure how you can make a book about grammar engaging, but somehow, Constance Hale makes it happen. I actually enjoyed reading the book, and it's a good refresher for the basics but also the not-so-basic intricacies of grammar. Sin and Syntax by Constance Hale.

Want to write tight?

The Book on Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Well by Paula LaRocque

Problem #9: You just want a kickass book on writing and want to hear Stephen King talk about what adverbs have to do with hell. 

On Writing: 10th Anniversary Edition: A Memoir of the Craft

Problem #10 - Your characters jump off the page and readers instantly feel connected to them, but your plot is weak or downright absent.

This book has been a life saver for me because plot is always my biggest struggle. It's one of those books you want to read slowly and more than once because there's a brilliant nugget on every page. Pretty much anything James Scott Bell writes about writing resonates with me. I don't plot ahead but this helps me analyze structure after the fact. I also made worksheets from some of his questions to use when I'm brainstorming a book.

Plot & Structure: (Techniques And Exercises For Crafting A Plot That Grips Readers From Start To Finish) by James Scott Bell

Problem #11 - You can come up with the most twisty-turny, compelling plot ever, but your characters are cardboard players stuck in there just to serve the plot or are completely unbelievable.

The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes and Heroines

Problem #12 - You're writing is "good" but you can't seem to make that draft sing and stand out. 

I had the privilege of seeing Margie Lawson speak at a local conference on fresh writing and it really was a revelation. (When you read MELT INTO YOU, the prologue was totally inspired by that class. I came home and wrote it the night after her lecture.) Her editing system and focus on taking the clichés out of your writing is amazing. She doesn't have a book, but she has lecture packets. And though twenty bucks may seem pricey for a packet, I can assure you these packets are THICK and chock full of awesomeness. Check them out here.

So those are some of my faves. Every time I open one of these books, I learn something useful. It's like my prescription when I have writer's block.

Problem #13 - You're running out of ways to describe expressions and ways for characters to express certain emotions. 

The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi is a great reference source listing all kind of emotions and then the physical expressions of them.

So do you suffer from any of these above afflictions? Which one? Do you have any of these books? What's your favorite craft book and why?

Launch Day for my New Website!!!

It's been a long time coming. I've known for a while that my original site wasn't mobile friendly and was going to have to be rebuilt. But I wanted to be able to take my time with it and I'm always under book deadlines. So last week I decided to just dive in and go for it.

You'll notice that this one is a lot brighter and cleaner, which I like. But I've also added features that were not on the other site. So go ahead and poke around. There's lots to dig into and lots of fun photos. But if you want a guide of some highlights, Here you go:

Want to pick a book based on type of hero, type of story, or type of BDSM? Here you go! Find it on the Books page or click the picture above.

And have fun clicking through to the individual pages because there are fun pictures for each topic. Like the Male Dom page: 

He wants you to come visit.

Want to see what the heroes look like? I now have yummy photos of all my guys!

Find your hero! Gibson says come visit him. ;) Click here or on the picture above to see all the guys.

Want to hear the music that matches the books? Check out the Playlists page and listen in.

I have playlists for books, for characters, for special scenes, and an over Dark and Sexy list. Click here or the pic above.

And just for smiles, the Coming Soon page. ;)

There's also all kinds of other things to dig through:

Photos of The Ranch

Join the Fearless Romantics

A page just For Writers

What I've Been Reading

I'd love for y'all to let me know what you think! And please, if you find a mistake, let me know. I've built so many pages over the last week that I can't see straight, so I'm sure there are typos or broken links here and there. Ping me if you find one. :)

And if you have suggestions for what else you'd like to see on the site, let me know!

Happy exploring!