It's hard to tell if I'm a little crazy in the head because I'm so darn busy or if the business is a result of crazily committing to too many things... I'll bet if you're a writer or blogger or a mommy or a passionate reader, this kind of crazy is a familiar concept to you!

This is my first post as a Romance Trooper. I'm so happy to meet you all. To introduce myself, I'll tell you what I'm up to and why I'm so crazy busy:

1. Birthday celebration

My son just celebrated his third birthday! He requested chocolate cake with blue frosting, marshmallows, and carrots on top. I don't own cake pans, but anyone who knows me knows I'm crazy about cupcakes. In fact, my critique group is called The Cupcake Crew, LOL!

So I made the boy cupcakes yesterday, and he loved them! So did the whole family. Success!

One item checked off my to-do list!

2. Box set

Last month, I was invited to participate in a box set of 10 sizzling contemporary romances. Not only was this a great honor, but it's been a whirlwind of making new friends, learning even more about self-publishing, and gearing up for a huge promotion push as our team hopes to land on a big bestseller list with this exciting set that will be perfect for summer beach reading.

Don't be shy. Mark Passionate Kisses "To Read" on Goodreads, and the good folks at GR will remind you when release date (June 23rd) comes around. Or you could subscribe to my newsletter, and I'll kindly let you know when pre-ordering begins.

3. Redecorating

I painted my son's room for his birthday and ended up with some kind of weird injury to my neck and shoulders that manifests in a constant tension headache. I suspect all the time I spend slouched on the couch (aka my office) using my laptop isn't helping. I'm planning to squeeze in a chiropractor visit this week to see if an adjustment will help. With my luck, it'll be a series of adjustments that are needed, and I will have to find the time for these in between my mommy and writing duties.

The things we do for our little ones, LOL!

There's also a big kitchen remodel on the horizon for my family. We are LONG overdue for a new kitchen. I'll probably be the one handling the remodel since I'm home with the kids, but I'm nervous. It's a lot of money, a lot of permits, etc., and a lot of time. But I'm so excited at the same time. I just hope I can fit the remodel in without having to sacrifice too much writing time.

4. Kindergarten graduation

My daughter is soon-to-be five years old. She is an adorable sweet pea and has just graduated from K4. I took time away from the laptop to go to her graduation. It was so fun. The kids all sang (kind of terribly), and everyone got at least one award (Sarah got 3 for being helpful, doing all her homework, and having a picture perfect smile:-))

5. Awarding Prizes for a giveaway

I have a new release out, The Wolf and the Highlander. It's the second in my Highland Wishes series and features a kilted wolf-man with an enormous axe (and he knows how to use it). Feel free to read between the lines on that little metaphor, LOL!

I just wrapped up a giveaway in which three winners took home free ebooks and gift cards. I love doing giveaways. I get to meet so many wonderful people and I always get new newsletter subscribers. To peek at the prizes and winners of my latest giveaway, hop over to my blog.

David and Goliath illustration by: "David and Goliath by Robert Temple Ayres"    by Fried Dough , Flickr

6. Keeping up with the news

In my pre-writer life, I was a communications major and an audiologist. As part of my communications training, I learned to love the news. I like knowing what's going on. Not a day goes by that I don't read the paper or watch the news on TV so I can be informed about what's happening around the world and in my not-so-little town (Seattle).

In today's Seattle Times, there's an article that I found fascinating not only as an author but as an independently-published author with Amazon. Here's the link to the online version of the article if you'd like to check it out. It's a little scary, a little anger-inducing, a little overwhelming.

Essentially, Amazon is throwing its weight around my making it difficult (read impossible) for customers to buy the latest releases from Hatchet Book Group. This includes JK Rowling's new release published under her pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

I confirmed Seattle Times's claim that you can't pre-order the hardcover of Rowling's latest, The Silkworm. It's true. Here's the link to , and here's the link to it's Barnes&Noble page, where you can pre-order The Silkworm with the click of a button.


 

7. Writing new stuff

This is the thing that keeps getting shoved to the back burner. It's also the thing that keeps me sane. I should make it more of a priority, especially since I have fans waiting for Highland Wishes book 3 (Which I have a pitiful two chapters written of).

So now you know why I'm feeling a little crazy these days. Kids, home improvement, writing, publishing, promotion... There is a lot on my plate. But you know what? I'm having a blast. I wouldn't change a thing about my life.

So what do YOU do to keep yourself sane when your to-do list gets out of control? Leave a comment so I can meet you and chat.

Thanks for reading!

To learn more about me and my books, visit my website or blog.
 

Whew! I've been home from RT 2014 for not quite two days and I am far from recovered. I'm exhausted! It's a good exhaustion--one that comes from spending days with other authors and readers, talking about the things we love: books, writing, booze.  The energy at conferences always works both ways--you feel energized and excited, and at the same time, you are being drained by all the events, chats, and parties.

The con hotel was a Marriott, meaning mileage may vary. lol. For me, it was the BEST Marriott I've stayed in, service-wise. Every single staff member I interacted with was kind, attentive, and happy. I can't begin to tell you how much that impacted my stay. Here's the view from my room:
The party I enjoyed most was the Mardi Gras party at Mardi Gras World. The event was sponsored by several publishers, including Ellora's Cave. We got our own float and we tossed beads as attendees came in. So much fun! Here's a photo (me in the black and white stripes):
The pub crawl was fun, too. We had a list of ten pubs (each sponsored by a publisher or author group) and each one handed out beads. You needed to collect 7/10 of the beads and return to pick up your prize (a super-cool RT shot glass).
And of course the food was amazing! I really enjoyed NOLA!
Conferences can be a lot of fun--especially for readers. If you haven't been to one, check out your local area--there's likely a small conference nearby. Other reader-friendly cons are: Authors After Dark (in Charlotte NC this year), Romanticon, and GayRomLit.  I will be at all three this year!

thanks for reading my post-RT post!

Kerry Adrienne

I'm so boring right now.  Between baseball games/practice, getting my 3rd grader to not have an anxiety attack over a state mandated test and life in general...yes, I'm boring.

I used to not be boring.  My 20's were wild as hell.  A sometime marvel at how I manage to survive them at times.  At 47, I look back now and realize that my 20's were a romance book.  But without the HEA...just a HFN.  Some people have asked me to write a book about it but I promised my brother that I wouldn't until after our parents are buried.  They don't need to know just how wild I was.  I was considered the good kid.  Never got in trouble, went to church, taught Sunday School, never missed a family event.  Underneath all that, yep, I was wild.

The stories I could tell about hanging out with the regional rock bands of the 90's in the Dallas music scene.  Yes, ladies and gents...it would make your toes curl.  Plus, just not at this time.  Yes, hanging out with Zak Wyde from Ozzy's band, watching my friends from Drowning Pool finally make it and then the lead singer and friend of mine dying of a weak heart.  The stories I could tell you about Pantera.  Yep, lots of stories.  Great guys but I couldn't hang.  LOL!

Why am I telling you this right now?  Well a couple of reasons.  The biggest is that I'm writing again.  I know, shocker.  I'm taking the summer off from reviewing (still blogging and promoting) to finish some stuff that I've started.  This is what I have to finish:

1.  An anthology call for a publisher.  Its a Bad Boy story at least 5k.  So far, I've written 2k and my hero/heroine haven't had sex yet.  Word count limit is 12k.  Woot!  Oh and the hero might be a "bad boy" but the heroine is the one that takes the lead in the bedroom.

2.  Finish the outline to a YA/NA crossover series.  I've outlined book #1 (YA/high school).  Book #2 is the college based book (mature YA) and then the NA after college story.  Need to finish the last one and polish the second one.  Hint:  these books are semi-autobiographical.  At least the first one is and the characters are based on real people that I grew up with.  *sigh*  Nothing worked out, so this is my way of making it work out.  LOL!  But I will tell you, the hero and heroine stay the same.  Each book will be able to stand alone.

3.  Finish a short romantic suspense w/paranormal elements.  I've waited too long to NOT finish it.  Think Andrew Dice Clay (don't judge) as the hero as an angel.  Yes, as an angel.  But he doesn't smoke (much) or treat women like dirt.  ;)  But he does drive a 1985 Black Trans Am with t-tops.

4.  If I have time, write some on the small town contemporary that has some people interested.  This one is a tough one for me.  It deals with my uncle's death and the fallout but with different occupations.  I've already cried during one scene.

So there you have it.  What I planned for the summer in terms of writing.  Yes, reviewing has to take a backseat.  I can't be put under that much calendar restraint right now.  I don't have an assistant anymore, just me so it was a decision that I had to make.

Meanwhile back in Lindale...Only 3 more weeks of regular baseball and then the month of June is All Star baseball.  Yes, baseball takes over from February until the end of June.

And since yesterday was Mother's Day my little minions decided to match for me for the day. (They don't care to do that much.)


So that's what has been going on around here. On top of trying to write, publish, and oh yeah the day job. lol.

Quiet Your Mind is one of my favorite Zac Brown Band songs. These are the lyrics:

There is much more to the song that a beautiful melody, great lyrics, and Zac’s sexy voice! I find great comfort in the meaning to this song. Quiet Your Mind.

Whenever I’m feeling a bit stressed over deadlines, book covers, plots, appearances, or daily living (dishes, dinner, dust, laundry, bills, remodel, kids… the list is endless), I play this song. I repeat the words Quiet your mind over and over in my head. Sometimes I say them out loud to give them more power. I’m a firm believer in that you bring about what you think about.

If I’m over stressed, I’m not listening to any of the sweet sounds going on around me. I don’t hear the birds chirping or the sounds of the little neighbor kids outside playing. I don’t hear the breeze as it caresses the grass and trees. I don’t feel the sun or the beauty that is life. This happens to all of us at one time or another. For some of us, stress is a daily occurrence and for whatever reason, we can’t quite get rid of it.

When we’re stressed, we miss out on so much. We miss out on those near perfect days, those near perfect moments that life has to offer. We can’t see the forest for the trees.

I believe we need to take time for ourselves, even if its just a few minutes a day, to take a deep breath and quiet your mind. I know it can be next to impossible at times, especially when you’re a mom. I remember the days of not being able to pee without an audience or someone banging on the bathroom door wanting to know what I’m doing.

But that is life. Its chaotic, beautiful, aggravating, sweet, trying, lovely, tiring, and wondrous. And in any given day, if we’re paying attention and take those few precious moments to quiet our minds we can see the beauty, the sweetness, the loveliness and the wonder in the midst of all the sanity. It can be difficult, but it is necessary if you’re going to keep your sanity. Even if you have to play the parental version of Hide and Go Seek with your kids (you have them hide and you only pretend to look for them), take those few moments every day and listen.

Listen to what your heart is telling you. Listen to the birds, the breeze, children laughing… listen to life.

Its much cheaper than a day spa.

Quiet your mind and listen to the near perfection that is taking place all around you. You can hear it, see it, feel it.

Life is a blessing. Even the crazy, chaotic, noisy moments. Its those moments that can make us appreciate those quiet, still moments. Soak up those peaceful moments and use them as a shield against negativity and stress if you must. I hoard those moments like the crazy lady across town who collects cats. They’re more precious than gold and can cure nearly every stressful moment that comes along. The quiet moments - not the cats. :D

I was having a discussion with someone the other day, and the topic of BDSM came up and misconceptions people on the outside have, and sometimes on the inside.
A lot of people equate BDSM to abuse.
There is one word which places these two practices on opposite sides of the spectrum.
CONSENT
If two or more consenting adults agree to a scene, or a dynamic or a relationship what happens inside that relationship is consensual.
That one aspect changes it from abuse.
You may not understand it, but that doesn't make it any less valid.
It's no different than a couple who cuddles every night before they fall asleep.
It's just a VERY different form of cuddling.
It might not be for you, for the people on the inside of that bubble want it, some might even need it.
The same misconceptions can happen even on the inside.
People fully involved in the lifestyle can make judgments on others involved in a scene. Most scenes are fully negotiated for before, during and after a scene.
It's just one more case of letting people have their own space and NOT JUDGING!
:)

My latest BDSM novel in the Members Only series is below.
***WARNING***
It's REALLY REALLY REALLY dirty. :-P


Buy Links
Orgasm University on Ellora’s Cave



Jennifer Kacey is a wife, mother, and business owner living with her family in Texas. She sings in the shower, plays piano in her dreams, and has to have a different color of nail polish every week. The best advice she’s ever been given? Find the real you and never settle for anything less.

Website - http://www.jenniferkacey.com/
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It's May.... wow. Where has the year gone?

Life as a SAHM doesn't really go any slower than working full-time. I think somehow I thought that by staying home things would just magically slow down and be easier. HAH! FAT CHANCE! "High Five" to all you stay-at-home-moms. I just didn't know until I joined the ranks, LOL.

Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't go back to working full time unless we were going to starve. I so appreciate my husband and how hard he works so that I can be at home. I LOVE being at home with my daughter and it's exactly where I need and want to be.

She's doing so great with her PPCD class at school. We hear new words every week. She's growing up so fast. Her teacher is a Godsend. Monday I go in for her ARD (it's a fancy acronym for something I can't remember, LOL, has to do with her goals) Isn't that sad. I was a public school teacher for eight years, don't have a clue what ARD stands for. Anyway, in addition to her class, I've also implemented a ABA Therapy curriculum that will hopefully help her start noticing some social behaviors she doesn't comprehend yet. Its going really well and I'm so proud of her. We started learning our letters and sounds too and she is doing fabulous. I'm so proud.

It's a lot. Being a stay at home mom, especially a mother of a child with special needs. I'm often overwhelmed and would very much like to drown myself in a box of Godiva truffles some days. Ok, maybe more than just one box, LOL, especially after a major meltdown where I just can't seem to figure out why she's upset. Those are the worst. If she could just tell me what was wrong. I WOULD move heaven and earth to fix it. Thankfully, hugs usually soothe away her frustrations and we can move on. But the frustration lingers for me, because I couldn't solve the problem because I couldn't identify it.

She is the sweetest child on the face of the planet (yes, I am biased) and I love her so much. I wish I had been able to stay at home with her from the beginning, but I'm making up for lost time now and we are developing what I hope will be a long-lasting bond. Some of my favorite moments every day are her coming into my room and climbing in to bed with me in the morning to snuggle. She tells me "good morning" and pats my head and I just thank God for such a gift. She turned 4 last month and I look forward to as many years of "morning snuggles" as I can get.