Blog Archives

Sequel Update: Writing in the Sky

9/24/2016

I LOVE writing in-flight! I make the most of airplane tray tables and the times when I am trapped in the air. These are the times when I can maintain uninterrupted focus for several hours. Give me earphones, my Mac, a little elbow room (maybe a plastic cup of wine) and you’ll get thousands of words!

I recently had the most spur jingling Southwest Airlines flight ever!! I made some new flight attendant friends who became In The Reins fans during our time together in the sky.

It all started with my panic over finding a seat. Even though I had checked in right on time, I still came up with a boarding spot (waaaay back!) in the second tier to board the plane a.k.a. the B group. My heart was racing not only at the fear that I wouldn't be able to find a spot for my carry on but the fact that I might not find an aisle seat. Aisle seats are where I do my best in-flight writing. Then fate stepped in ...

Announcing Galloping Graphics Giveaway Winner!

9/15/2016

Galloping Graphics In The Reins Swag Winner is ...

I am happy to report that the results of the Galloping Graphics BIG Reveal are in! I want to send a big thank you to everyone who participated in my poll. You helped me decide what items to make and which graphics to use! You are looking at YOUR winning graphics!

Receiving the most votes to earn the position of favorite swag item was the T-shirt! Runner up items included bookmarks, stickers and pens so I decided to make some of those too! My spurs are totally jingling over these goodies! Are you ready to find out who won the very first swag items ever made with the winning graphics?

Drumroll Please! The Winner of the Swag Prize is ...

Equestrian Author Spotlight: Meet Sydney Scrogham

9/9/2016

In this fourth spotlight edition, I talk with author Sydney Scrogham about writing (you'll love her response to being self-published vs. being traditionally published) and equestrian life! I met Sydney through social media. Her Twitter feed is filled with wonderful insights for authors.

One day a tweet of hers was particularly interesting to me so I retweeted her words of wisdom. That single RT caused two authors to unite because moments later I received an invitation from Sydney to join her over on Facebook too. Of course, I accepted the invitation! From there, I learned she was a fellow equestrian with a lovely horse named Snowdy. I was hooked (and learning a lot from her posts) so I read and reviewed her book, Chase. When I launched the Equestrian Author Spotlight on my blog, Sydney reached out. That's how history is made!

So saddle up and get ready for a great ride with author Sydney Scrogham because she writes her horse books in the fantasy world Agalrae where the horse-like Alicorns live!

Recap! It's Been A Busy Summer for 'In The Reins'

9/1/2016

As the long Labor Day weekend approaches, I am taking a moment to celebrate the outcomes of my self-published labor of love! Reflecting back, it has been such an amazing summer for In The Reins. I wanted to share some of the spectacular highlights of my author journey all in one place.

It isn't always easy being a self-published author with a sequel in the works! There's a lot of heavy lifting involved in getting a dream underway. I am responsible for running my own business and that includes so many different facets from time management (that's right actually finding the time to write!) to deadlines to running promotions to generating publicity to website development to creating marketing materials to attending events to running social media channels to writing a blog and so much more.

Sometimes my head feels like it might actually spin!

In addition to all that goes along with owning my own business, I have a "real" job, a patient spouse waiting to spend time with me, two dogs and a horse always looking for my love. I do what it takes to fit in my much needed barn time. In the saddle is where I get to finally hit refresh and have some me moments (although it feels as if it is never for as long as I'd like). Somehow though, I always make everything work and feel so fortunate to be able to have the life that I do. I am really proud of the creative life I'm inventing for myself too!

There has been a very real magic coursing through all the people that have come together around my book. I am overflowing with gratitude for all the passionate people (especially the readers) who have come on this journey with me.

So in no particular order (because they were all incredibly awesome!) I'm listing my favorite moments ...