Greetings, Readers.
Can you believe how fast summer went by? Yeah, I know...it's still warm outside and we're still doing summer-like things--swimming, cooking out, going to the beach...etc. But let's face it, the days are much shorter now. I realized that last night when Frank got home from tennis late, and I was setting the table for dinner out on our screened porch--the censor motion light came on. And my heart sank.
I'M NOT READY FOR WINTER! Or autumn, for that matter. Boy, have I changed. Back a few years ago when I was still an avid skier, I always looked forward to the cool, crisp weather of fall because I knew in a matter of months, we'd be heading up to Vermont for our annual ski trip. But then my sister, Kathy, had to go and break her leg--on the last run of the last day of vacation, and Frank and I haven't been skiing since. Seeing what Kathy went through in her recuperation put the fear of God in me. A broken leg may not sound like much, but believe me, when you're a woman of a certain age (or a man, for that matter) it's a big deal. Thus, Frank and I (mainly because of me) have given up skiing, opting to take a cruise every couple of years rather than the annual ski trip. I guess that means we're officially old.
So, no, I don't look forward to autumn and winter anymore. It's just another reminder to me that another summer has come and gone, and who knows how many more will be in my future? I know how that sounds. Geez, the woman must be depressed! But no, I'm really not. Really!!! I take full enjoyment out of every day, and I'm grateful for all my blessings--and I have a lot of blessings. I just guess at this point in my life, I'm more conscious of the passage of time, and isn't that normal?
Anyway, I'm looking forward to our annual Myrtle Beach vacation next week, and praying (with all my might) that Hurricane Katia will not be a threat. (The grandsons are joining us, and if I don't get my baby fix, I don't know what I'll do.)
Speaking of hurricanes and earthquakes, can you believe last week? I was standing in the kitchen, unloading the dishwasher when the earthquake happened. Everything started to shake, and my initial thought was that our practically new clothes washer had gone off-balanced again. But it didn't take me long to realize we were actually having an earthquake. I was in a smaller one in Hawaii years ago, but it was nothing like this. I wouldn't say I was scared, but it sure was disconcerting. And then Hurricane Irene--we didn't get much of an effect here in Northern Virginia, but it sure made an impact east of us. And those poor people in Vermont really got hammered! I think one hurricane per season is quite enough, don't you? (Please, Katia, stay away from land!!!)
Hey, guess what? I have exciting news! TANGO'S EDGE, my romantic suspense novel about an American ice dancer helping a Russian ice dancer to defect, will be available in PRINT very soon. Stay tuned for more about that...
Be sure and stop by my website and enter my monthly drawing for a copy of one of my books and a unique jewelry piece from Beautiful Evening Beads. www.CaroleBellacera.com
And have a great September!!!
Blessings,
Carole
Friday, September 2, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Carole Bellacera's June Newsletter
June 2011 Newsletter
Dear Friends & Fans:
Greetings from the Bluegrass State of Kentucky!!! I’m here visiting my beautiful Avon representative sister, Kathy. www.youravon.com/kathyfoley. We’ve been having so much fun, and I’ve been spending way too much money (a lot of it on Kathy’s Avon products—she’s a great saleswoman!)
On my second night here, Kathy hosted a fantastic cocktail party for me with her friends and clients. We had lots of good food and wine, (yes, wine…even though we’re in a dry county here) and she had my books on display for new readers (which was pretty much everyone…except for Linda.) I met some really nice ladies, all of whom are talented in their own right (you know who I’m talking about—Linda, Brenda, Donna, Dorothy, June, Pam.) What a blast!
This whole week has been a blast. You know how I like “junkin,” right? I know I’ve mentioned that. Well, Kathy does, too. And just in case you don’t know what I mean, we like to go to consignment shops, thrift shops, junk stores (and there are a lot of them around here) and just see what we can find. Well, we found some treasures this week, let me tell you! But more importantly, we had some experiences that we’ll laugh about for years. Case in point—we were in Goodwill, me, Kathy and Linda, and I had a wardrobe malfunction. It actually started before we left the house. I put on this blouse that had a cut which made it impossible to hide my bra straps, so Kathy offered to let me borrow her strapless Victoria’s Secret bandeaux. I accepted. My first mistake. I had my suspicions about this thing from the beginning. So, we’re in Goodwill, and I’m moving around, checking out shorts and Capri’s (good news! I’d lost 5 pounds in the past month, and gone down a size.) Unfortunately, I wasn’t the only thing moving around. That damn bra kept…slipping, and the girls were…well, popping out. (How on earth these nubile young women wear these as outerwear, I’ll never understand!) Finally, I’d had enough. I was standing at the back of the store, and in a moment of complete insanity, I reached under my top, pulled that offending thing down to my waist, over my skirt and let it fall to my ankles. Only then did I look up (as Kathy and Linda, a few aisles over, we’re convulsed in laughter) and see this man down at the end of the aisle, his eyes agog, his mouth hanging open in complete astonishment. I quickly stepped out of the bandeaux, and only then did I realize what it must’ve looked like. Let’s just say that I was, no doubt, the subject of conversation at somebody’s dinner table that night.
Anyway, shopping wasn’t the only thing we did this week. We did a lot of eating—as much fattening stuff as we could possibly stuff into our mouths—and drinking of the nectar of the gods. (We are not good for each other, but we sure have fun.)
Last night we drove to Kathy’s friend’s house out in the country—way out in the country. Donna owns this beautiful farm of 12 acres, pasture and woodlands, with a beautiful creek running behind her house. We met her goats (up close and personal) and her horses, dogs and cats. As soon as I get home, I’m going to put a video on Facebook of Donna’s goats. They are so cool! Did I ever tell you how much I love goats?
Anyway, the week is drawing to a close. I’m leaving for home tomorrow. Oh, and I have some other exciting news! A few weeks ago, I auditioned at my local mall for a singing competition, and I’m one of 20 finalists (out of 100) and will be competing in the finale on June 26th. The grand prize is a $1,000 mall gift card. I’ve decided to sing Michael Buble’s “Feeling Good,” the song I sang at the church variety show a couple of years ago. Wish me luck!
Thanks to those of you who’ve purchased one of my Kindle books. The sales are good, and I’m thrilled. If you haven’t checked them out yet, here’s the link:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=carole+bellacera&x=11&y=21
Hope all of you have a wonderful June. Don’t forget to stop by my website and enter my monthly contest. www.carolebellacera.com.
Blessings,
Carole
Dear Friends & Fans:
Greetings from the Bluegrass State of Kentucky!!! I’m here visiting my beautiful Avon representative sister, Kathy. www.youravon.com/kathyfoley. We’ve been having so much fun, and I’ve been spending way too much money (a lot of it on Kathy’s Avon products—she’s a great saleswoman!)
On my second night here, Kathy hosted a fantastic cocktail party for me with her friends and clients. We had lots of good food and wine, (yes, wine…even though we’re in a dry county here) and she had my books on display for new readers (which was pretty much everyone…except for Linda.) I met some really nice ladies, all of whom are talented in their own right (you know who I’m talking about—Linda, Brenda, Donna, Dorothy, June, Pam.) What a blast!
This whole week has been a blast. You know how I like “junkin,” right? I know I’ve mentioned that. Well, Kathy does, too. And just in case you don’t know what I mean, we like to go to consignment shops, thrift shops, junk stores (and there are a lot of them around here) and just see what we can find. Well, we found some treasures this week, let me tell you! But more importantly, we had some experiences that we’ll laugh about for years. Case in point—we were in Goodwill, me, Kathy and Linda, and I had a wardrobe malfunction. It actually started before we left the house. I put on this blouse that had a cut which made it impossible to hide my bra straps, so Kathy offered to let me borrow her strapless Victoria’s Secret bandeaux. I accepted. My first mistake. I had my suspicions about this thing from the beginning. So, we’re in Goodwill, and I’m moving around, checking out shorts and Capri’s (good news! I’d lost 5 pounds in the past month, and gone down a size.) Unfortunately, I wasn’t the only thing moving around. That damn bra kept…slipping, and the girls were…well, popping out. (How on earth these nubile young women wear these as outerwear, I’ll never understand!) Finally, I’d had enough. I was standing at the back of the store, and in a moment of complete insanity, I reached under my top, pulled that offending thing down to my waist, over my skirt and let it fall to my ankles. Only then did I look up (as Kathy and Linda, a few aisles over, we’re convulsed in laughter) and see this man down at the end of the aisle, his eyes agog, his mouth hanging open in complete astonishment. I quickly stepped out of the bandeaux, and only then did I realize what it must’ve looked like. Let’s just say that I was, no doubt, the subject of conversation at somebody’s dinner table that night.
Anyway, shopping wasn’t the only thing we did this week. We did a lot of eating—as much fattening stuff as we could possibly stuff into our mouths—and drinking of the nectar of the gods. (We are not good for each other, but we sure have fun.)
Last night we drove to Kathy’s friend’s house out in the country—way out in the country. Donna owns this beautiful farm of 12 acres, pasture and woodlands, with a beautiful creek running behind her house. We met her goats (up close and personal) and her horses, dogs and cats. As soon as I get home, I’m going to put a video on Facebook of Donna’s goats. They are so cool! Did I ever tell you how much I love goats?
Anyway, the week is drawing to a close. I’m leaving for home tomorrow. Oh, and I have some other exciting news! A few weeks ago, I auditioned at my local mall for a singing competition, and I’m one of 20 finalists (out of 100) and will be competing in the finale on June 26th. The grand prize is a $1,000 mall gift card. I’ve decided to sing Michael Buble’s “Feeling Good,” the song I sang at the church variety show a couple of years ago. Wish me luck!
Thanks to those of you who’ve purchased one of my Kindle books. The sales are good, and I’m thrilled. If you haven’t checked them out yet, here’s the link:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=carole+bellacera&x=11&y=21
Hope all of you have a wonderful June. Don’t forget to stop by my website and enter my monthly contest. www.carolebellacera.com.
Blessings,
Carole
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
SPOTLIGHT & TANGO'S EDGE AVAILABLE ON KINDLE
I'm excited to announce that two of my novels are now available on Kindle. SPOTLIGHT & TANGO'S EDGE.
http://www.amazon.com/SPOTLIGHT-ebook/dp/B0052ENA74/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1306334385&sr=1-3
On January 6, 1972, ten-year-old Devin O'Keefe takes part in a peaceful demonstration march through the Catholic ghetto of Bogside, Northern Ireland-never suspecting that the demonstration is doomed to become Bloody Sunday, and that he will watch the British Army kill his brother along with twelve other defenseless marchers. Wounded in the arm himself, Devin vows revenge on his British oppressors-and steps into a cycle of violence that will leave him with a shattered family and an empty heart.
Eighteen years later, Devin has become an earnest rock-n-roller who uses his songs to relate the horrors he's seen to an international audience of millions. His American tour photographer, Fonda Blayne, is falling in love with him-but she has no idea that his brooding silences may be rooted in a very real danger. Devin hopes that he's left the violence of his homeland in the past-but some very powerful and deadly forces are hoping to take advantage of his life in the spotlight...
"...an exciting contemporary tale that uses music and romance as a means to provide insight into the complex Northern Ireland issues. The story line is enjoyable and the lead couple is a dynamic pair. The support cast provides focus to how complicated the issues in Northern Ireland really are. With this tale and BORDER CROSSINGS, the SPOTLIGHT is sure to fall on Carole Bellacera." -- Harriet Klausner, UNDER THE COVERS, Affaire De Coeur
"...Bellacera's riveting and romantic suspense shows the seamier side of the fight for Northern Irish independence, and the toll that has been taken on its people." -- Patty Engelmann
"...at once sensuously romantic and edge-of-the-seat suspenseful, this is a book to savor." --Maudeen Wachsmith for Romancing the Celtic Soul
"Carole Bellacera, author of last years' award winning novel BORDER CROSSINGS, a gripping novel about terror, death, hope and love in Northern Ireland, has done it again! ...an excellent thought-provoker." -- Peg Gaabo, for the IRISH CONNECTION NEWSPAPER
"This beautiful and poignant tale of trauma and triumph is written with such style I found myself held captive with each word. SPOTLIGHT is an engrossing tale of horrifying proportion and bittersweet victory. Carole Bellacera has an impeccable talent as a story-teller with writing skills to match." --Karen Williams, Rhapsody Magazine, July 2000
"Rarely has a book about the pop music scene grabbed me from the prologue and held me so totally immersed through the epilogue...This is one wonderful, awesome book...Ms. Bellacera showcases her wonderful skills as a writer with her dialogue, plotline, and characters. This author's talent is extraordinary and her obvious love of the Irish puts her storytelling on a par with the likes of Nora Roberts." --Betty Cox, Writers Club Romance Group on AOL
Friday, May 6, 2011
Carole Bellacera's May Newsletter
Hello, Readers.
I hope you're enjoying the beautiful spring weather (unless you're one of my fans in Australia, and in that case, the beautiful autumn weather.) :) I hope you're not suffering from allergies like I am. This has been a rough spring for me. I swear, I can't remember what it's like to breathe through my nose. I hope to do it again someday.
Other than not being able to breathe, April was a great month. We went down to Charleston to spend Easter with Leah and Zac--and our two darling grandsons, Luke and Zealand (ZZ for short.) I've come to realize that there's nothing more beautiful in the world than the sound of Luke saying, "I love you, Grandma." (He's two, and since Christmas, has started to speak in full sentences. And he's quite the chatterbox.) ZZ , at 17 months, is my laid-back, always smiling little sweetheart. A real cuddle-bunny. :) As you can see, I'm slightly enamored of my two little guys. I wish I could figure out how to insert photos into this newsletter, because I'd love to share some with you (besides the one on my main page.) But I can give you a link where you can see some recent videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/CaroleBellacera#p/u/2/Tg9NkWrxUkE
I hope you all have been enjoying my chapters of TANGO'S EDGE. I just posted Chapter 5 this morning. INCENSE & PEPPERMINTS is progressing well. I'm starting on Chapter 11 today. I've been getting positive feedback on the book from some colleages, and by the time I finished writing Chapter 10, I had tears in my eyes. And that's a good thing. If I can generate emotion in myself when I write, then I'm bound to generate it in my readers.
I'm still shopping LILY OF THE SPRINGS around--looking for an agent and/or a publisher. I have two agents reading it, but I've pretty much given up on the first one because she's had the manuscript since October, and I haven't heard a thing. Besides, I'd rather go with the second agent because she's in New York. Anyway...bottom line--I'm not quite ready to go the self-publishing route yet. I think I'll know when it's time.
Well, that's about it for this month. Have to get back to work on INCENSE & PEPPERMINTS. Don't forget to go to my website and enter my monthly contest to win a copy of one of my books and a custom-made necklace set from Beautiful Evening Beads. You can check out my a sampling of my jewelry pieces at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Beautifuleveningbead. I have my first craft fair tomorrow at the Culpeper Street Festival. Wish me luck! :)
Have a great May!
Carole
I hope you're enjoying the beautiful spring weather (unless you're one of my fans in Australia, and in that case, the beautiful autumn weather.) :) I hope you're not suffering from allergies like I am. This has been a rough spring for me. I swear, I can't remember what it's like to breathe through my nose. I hope to do it again someday.
Other than not being able to breathe, April was a great month. We went down to Charleston to spend Easter with Leah and Zac--and our two darling grandsons, Luke and Zealand (ZZ for short.) I've come to realize that there's nothing more beautiful in the world than the sound of Luke saying, "I love you, Grandma." (He's two, and since Christmas, has started to speak in full sentences. And he's quite the chatterbox.) ZZ , at 17 months, is my laid-back, always smiling little sweetheart. A real cuddle-bunny. :) As you can see, I'm slightly enamored of my two little guys. I wish I could figure out how to insert photos into this newsletter, because I'd love to share some with you (besides the one on my main page.) But I can give you a link where you can see some recent videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/CaroleBellacera#p/u/2/Tg9NkWrxUkE
I hope you all have been enjoying my chapters of TANGO'S EDGE. I just posted Chapter 5 this morning. INCENSE & PEPPERMINTS is progressing well. I'm starting on Chapter 11 today. I've been getting positive feedback on the book from some colleages, and by the time I finished writing Chapter 10, I had tears in my eyes. And that's a good thing. If I can generate emotion in myself when I write, then I'm bound to generate it in my readers.
I'm still shopping LILY OF THE SPRINGS around--looking for an agent and/or a publisher. I have two agents reading it, but I've pretty much given up on the first one because she's had the manuscript since October, and I haven't heard a thing. Besides, I'd rather go with the second agent because she's in New York. Anyway...bottom line--I'm not quite ready to go the self-publishing route yet. I think I'll know when it's time.
Well, that's about it for this month. Have to get back to work on INCENSE & PEPPERMINTS. Don't forget to go to my website and enter my monthly contest to win a copy of one of my books and a custom-made necklace set from Beautiful Evening Beads. You can check out my a sampling of my jewelry pieces at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Beautifuleveningbead. I have my first craft fair tomorrow at the Culpeper Street Festival. Wish me luck! :)
Have a great May!
Carole
Friday, April 8, 2011
April 2011 Newsletter
Dear Friends & Fans:
I want to thank those of you reading TANGO’S EDGE, and especially those who’ve sent me e-mails, telling me how much you’re enjoying it. You can’t possibly know how much this means to me. How much your messages makes my day just a little better. Just know when you take the time out of your busy day to tell me my story has brought you even the smallest amount of pleasure, it fills my heart with joy.
You see, my self-confidence has flagged in the years since my last novel came out. The fact that I haven’t sold a book –or even found an agent who’ll represent me–since 2006 has done a number on me. Had me questioning my talent. Questioning why I was even bothering to write. Yet, I’ve somehow managed to keep writing, finishing the complete manuscript of LILY OF THE SPRINGS (and still searching for an agent to represent it) and now happily and eagerly working on INCENSE & PEPPERMINTS, my Vietnam combat nurse story. I knew, somewhere deep inside, that writing novels is what I’m meant to do—whether or not I’m successful at selling them. And now, your e-mails and comments on Facebook confirm that. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Knowing you’re reading my books makes the rejections just a little less stinging.
Writers today know that the publishing world is changing, and whether or not it will be beneficial for them is still up for debate. It’s harder than ever to break into publishing with a traditional publisher. Just ask some of my author friends, ones who’ve had 50+ books published—and who now can’t sell, and like me, can’t even find an agent. Authors whose books have hit the NYT Best Sellers list with one book are finding subsequent books aren’t selling—not to the satisfaction of their publishers. You know what that means. Publishers dropping authors. I’ve heard rumors of some authors who’ve published with big NY publishers are now being published with small press—just to keep their books out there. I’m a prime example—started out with Forge Books, a New York house, and finally, with my fourth book, UNDERSTUDY, forced to go with small press so it would be available in trade paperback. But now, it’s almost impossible for a mid-list author like me to sell to small press even—because bigger name authors are also being forced to go with small press. It looks like in the future, the only books that will be published by major houses in New York are the mega-selling authors like James Patterson, Nora Roberts and Stephenie Meyer. So, more and more of us are turning to untraditional methods just to get read—thus, I’m posting TANGO’S EDGE online. Having you read my work reminds me that I am a writer. And not only that, my books are good—and they deserve a readership. Thank you for reminding me of that. I posted Chapter 2 of TANGO’S EDGE this morning, and if you haven’t read the prologue and Chapter 1, they are available at:
http://tangosedge.blogspot.com/
Well, we’re off to Charleston for Easter to visit the grandsons. My daughter, Leah, allowed me to do the Easter baskets for them, so I’ve been having so much fun putting them together. I just got back from Charleston a few weeks ago, having spent a week down there with them. Luke, 2, and Zealand, 15 months are so much fun at this age. Luke is talking a mile a minute (and Grandma taught him to say, ‘Grandma, you’re cracking me up!) and Zea is such a sweet little cuddle-bunny. (I’m going to try to post pictures; sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.) You know, I never imagined you could love a grandchild as much as you loved your own children (how stupid was that?) but you do—every bit as much. I’m praying like crazy that Frank will find a job down there and we can move there this summer!!! Is that too much to ask?
Anyway, I hope all of you have a wonderful Easter! Take care, and I’ll talk to you again next month!!!
Blessings,
Carole
I want to thank those of you reading TANGO’S EDGE, and especially those who’ve sent me e-mails, telling me how much you’re enjoying it. You can’t possibly know how much this means to me. How much your messages makes my day just a little better. Just know when you take the time out of your busy day to tell me my story has brought you even the smallest amount of pleasure, it fills my heart with joy.
You see, my self-confidence has flagged in the years since my last novel came out. The fact that I haven’t sold a book –or even found an agent who’ll represent me–since 2006 has done a number on me. Had me questioning my talent. Questioning why I was even bothering to write. Yet, I’ve somehow managed to keep writing, finishing the complete manuscript of LILY OF THE SPRINGS (and still searching for an agent to represent it) and now happily and eagerly working on INCENSE & PEPPERMINTS, my Vietnam combat nurse story. I knew, somewhere deep inside, that writing novels is what I’m meant to do—whether or not I’m successful at selling them. And now, your e-mails and comments on Facebook confirm that. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Knowing you’re reading my books makes the rejections just a little less stinging.
Writers today know that the publishing world is changing, and whether or not it will be beneficial for them is still up for debate. It’s harder than ever to break into publishing with a traditional publisher. Just ask some of my author friends, ones who’ve had 50+ books published—and who now can’t sell, and like me, can’t even find an agent. Authors whose books have hit the NYT Best Sellers list with one book are finding subsequent books aren’t selling—not to the satisfaction of their publishers. You know what that means. Publishers dropping authors. I’ve heard rumors of some authors who’ve published with big NY publishers are now being published with small press—just to keep their books out there. I’m a prime example—started out with Forge Books, a New York house, and finally, with my fourth book, UNDERSTUDY, forced to go with small press so it would be available in trade paperback. But now, it’s almost impossible for a mid-list author like me to sell to small press even—because bigger name authors are also being forced to go with small press. It looks like in the future, the only books that will be published by major houses in New York are the mega-selling authors like James Patterson, Nora Roberts and Stephenie Meyer. So, more and more of us are turning to untraditional methods just to get read—thus, I’m posting TANGO’S EDGE online. Having you read my work reminds me that I am a writer. And not only that, my books are good—and they deserve a readership. Thank you for reminding me of that. I posted Chapter 2 of TANGO’S EDGE this morning, and if you haven’t read the prologue and Chapter 1, they are available at:
http://tangosedge.blogspot.com/
Well, we’re off to Charleston for Easter to visit the grandsons. My daughter, Leah, allowed me to do the Easter baskets for them, so I’ve been having so much fun putting them together. I just got back from Charleston a few weeks ago, having spent a week down there with them. Luke, 2, and Zealand, 15 months are so much fun at this age. Luke is talking a mile a minute (and Grandma taught him to say, ‘Grandma, you’re cracking me up!) and Zea is such a sweet little cuddle-bunny. (I’m going to try to post pictures; sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.) You know, I never imagined you could love a grandchild as much as you loved your own children (how stupid was that?) but you do—every bit as much. I’m praying like crazy that Frank will find a job down there and we can move there this summer!!! Is that too much to ask?
Anyway, I hope all of you have a wonderful Easter! Take care, and I’ll talk to you again next month!!!
Blessings,
Carole
Friday, March 4, 2011
Carole Bellacera's March 2011 Newsletter
A Late—Very Late—New Year’s Resolution
Dear Friends and Fans,
Okay, so I’m late in coming up with a New Year’s Resolution—considering I’m writing this on March 4th. But I’ve always been a proponent of “better late than never.” And my New Year’s Resolution is—to keep in touch with y’all better.
Yes, I have a million excuses—things like my paying job of instructing, the writing of my new novel (into the 8th chapter. Yay!) and of course, the hubby and grandkids. But I’m not going to bore you with all that. I’m just going to try to do better.
So, you may be asking yourself, “why now?” What happened to make Bellacera decide to honor us with a newsletter? No…I don’t have a new book coming out to promote…yet. But two things happened this week that made me realize that I wasn’t holding up my end of the bargain—the one between author and fans. You signed up to get a monthly newsletter from me, and I’ve let you down by not providing one. Bottom line—it wasn’t just all those excuses I mentioned above; it was the fact that I feel like I have nothing of interest to say to you. After all, I haven’t come out with a new book since 2006 (God! Hard to believe it was that long ago!) and although I’ve been working my butt off, trying to find an agent for my most recently completed novel, LILY OF THE SPRINGS, it just hasn’t happened for me yet. So, I guess I just figured you wouldn’t be interested in hearing about how a “has-been” author is trying to get a fresh start in the publishing business. But it finally occurred to me–why not? Many of you are aspiring authors, and if you’re frustrated and dealing with rejection like me, maybe you won’t feel so alone. As we all know, writers often feel isolated, and when you’re hearing nothing but “No, no, NO!!!!”…well, pretty soon you start believing that all those people who say no are right—that you aren’t good enough!
I’m getting off-track here. Back to why I decided to write this newsletter. I received an e-mail the other day from an old friend I knew in Crete. We’re talking way back in 1974. He said that he’d read on my website that I’d be visiting San Diego soon, and would I like to get together? At first, I was confused. I hadn’t been to San Diego since 2008, and had no plans to go. And then I was embarrassed to learn that it, apparently, had been that long since I’d updated my “news” on my website. That’s just downright embarrassing. And I have no excuse!
A second thing happened a couple of days later. I got an e-mail from the organizer of a local book club who’d chosen my novel, UNDERSTUDY, for their February pick. That’s a miracle in itself—after all, the book came out in 2003, so I was surprised anyone even remembered it, much less would choose it for their book club. They invited me to attend the meeting to discuss it—and I had a great time! Just getting together with readers who so obviously enjoyed my book reminded me how much I’d missed this kind of interaction with my fans.
Several years ago, I stepped back from the publishing business because I was burned out, frustrated and disillusioned, but most of all, I wanted to recapture the joy I felt in just writing. Writing without worrying about the opinion of an editor or an agent—or even a reviewer (and I’ve been very, very lucky with reviewers.) I wanted to write for just me—to remember why I began writing all those years ago—for the sheer pleasure of creating a fictional world filled with characters that came to life—and who will be alive as long as one single book exists somewhere on this planet.
And that, my friends, is exactly what I did when I wrote LILY OF THE SPRINGS (formerly titled SHEPHERD MOON and KENTUCKY WOMAN.) I will never give up on getting this novel published—no matter how many times an agent refuses to look at it, no matter how many times a publisher rejects it. If I have to, I will self-publish it, and that’s something I vowed early in my writing career that I’d never, ever do. But to get this book read, if that’s what it takes, I’ll do it. But I’m not close to that yet. I’m querying four more agents, and then I will start on publishers—starting at the top, and making my way down to small press. It may take some time, but I guarantee you, someday you will be reading LILY OF THE SPRINGS.
You see, it doesn’t matter to me if I make any money or not from my writing. Seriously, it doesn’t. Don’t get me wrong—it would be great to actually make an income from my writing, but my real desire is to simply be read. I want to share my work with the world. And now, with the internet, we writers can do exactly that.
So, that’s why next Friday, on my birthday, March 11th, I’m starting a new blog serializing my e-novel, TANGO’S EDGE. This is a romantic suspense novel which came out by Cerridwen Press in ____. The sales were hardly illustrious, and finally, I bought back my rights. I love this book, and I think you will, too. (A short synopsis follows this newsletter.) So, instead of allowing it to languish in my computer, I’m going to share it with you. Every Friday, I’ll post a new chapter for your reading pleasure.
Thanks so much for your patience. I hope you’ll give me another chance to share my work, and my life with you, dear friends.
God Bless—and I’ll be back in touch next month.
Carole Bellacera
Tango’s Edge—Coming March 11th, 2011
The Winter Olympics - Salt Lake City, Utah
“Will you help me to defect?”
It’s the desperate question from Russian ice dancer, Mikhail Kozlof to his American counterpart, Kerry Niles, which ignites a treacherous cross-country trip, political intrigue―and an attraction that neither can deny.
After a night of passion in a picture postcard winter resort, lust turns to love―and a return to reality. The American government is closing in, and soon, Mikhail will be whisked away from Kerry.
Once sequestered in a safe house outside Washington DC, Mikhail is face with an impossible situation―he must deny his love for Kerry to protect her from harm’s way.
Dear Friends and Fans,
Okay, so I’m late in coming up with a New Year’s Resolution—considering I’m writing this on March 4th. But I’ve always been a proponent of “better late than never.” And my New Year’s Resolution is—to keep in touch with y’all better.
Yes, I have a million excuses—things like my paying job of instructing, the writing of my new novel (into the 8th chapter. Yay!) and of course, the hubby and grandkids. But I’m not going to bore you with all that. I’m just going to try to do better.
So, you may be asking yourself, “why now?” What happened to make Bellacera decide to honor us with a newsletter? No…I don’t have a new book coming out to promote…yet. But two things happened this week that made me realize that I wasn’t holding up my end of the bargain—the one between author and fans. You signed up to get a monthly newsletter from me, and I’ve let you down by not providing one. Bottom line—it wasn’t just all those excuses I mentioned above; it was the fact that I feel like I have nothing of interest to say to you. After all, I haven’t come out with a new book since 2006 (God! Hard to believe it was that long ago!) and although I’ve been working my butt off, trying to find an agent for my most recently completed novel, LILY OF THE SPRINGS, it just hasn’t happened for me yet. So, I guess I just figured you wouldn’t be interested in hearing about how a “has-been” author is trying to get a fresh start in the publishing business. But it finally occurred to me–why not? Many of you are aspiring authors, and if you’re frustrated and dealing with rejection like me, maybe you won’t feel so alone. As we all know, writers often feel isolated, and when you’re hearing nothing but “No, no, NO!!!!”…well, pretty soon you start believing that all those people who say no are right—that you aren’t good enough!
I’m getting off-track here. Back to why I decided to write this newsletter. I received an e-mail the other day from an old friend I knew in Crete. We’re talking way back in 1974. He said that he’d read on my website that I’d be visiting San Diego soon, and would I like to get together? At first, I was confused. I hadn’t been to San Diego since 2008, and had no plans to go. And then I was embarrassed to learn that it, apparently, had been that long since I’d updated my “news” on my website. That’s just downright embarrassing. And I have no excuse!
A second thing happened a couple of days later. I got an e-mail from the organizer of a local book club who’d chosen my novel, UNDERSTUDY, for their February pick. That’s a miracle in itself—after all, the book came out in 2003, so I was surprised anyone even remembered it, much less would choose it for their book club. They invited me to attend the meeting to discuss it—and I had a great time! Just getting together with readers who so obviously enjoyed my book reminded me how much I’d missed this kind of interaction with my fans.
Several years ago, I stepped back from the publishing business because I was burned out, frustrated and disillusioned, but most of all, I wanted to recapture the joy I felt in just writing. Writing without worrying about the opinion of an editor or an agent—or even a reviewer (and I’ve been very, very lucky with reviewers.) I wanted to write for just me—to remember why I began writing all those years ago—for the sheer pleasure of creating a fictional world filled with characters that came to life—and who will be alive as long as one single book exists somewhere on this planet.
And that, my friends, is exactly what I did when I wrote LILY OF THE SPRINGS (formerly titled SHEPHERD MOON and KENTUCKY WOMAN.) I will never give up on getting this novel published—no matter how many times an agent refuses to look at it, no matter how many times a publisher rejects it. If I have to, I will self-publish it, and that’s something I vowed early in my writing career that I’d never, ever do. But to get this book read, if that’s what it takes, I’ll do it. But I’m not close to that yet. I’m querying four more agents, and then I will start on publishers—starting at the top, and making my way down to small press. It may take some time, but I guarantee you, someday you will be reading LILY OF THE SPRINGS.
You see, it doesn’t matter to me if I make any money or not from my writing. Seriously, it doesn’t. Don’t get me wrong—it would be great to actually make an income from my writing, but my real desire is to simply be read. I want to share my work with the world. And now, with the internet, we writers can do exactly that.
So, that’s why next Friday, on my birthday, March 11th, I’m starting a new blog serializing my e-novel, TANGO’S EDGE. This is a romantic suspense novel which came out by Cerridwen Press in ____. The sales were hardly illustrious, and finally, I bought back my rights. I love this book, and I think you will, too. (A short synopsis follows this newsletter.) So, instead of allowing it to languish in my computer, I’m going to share it with you. Every Friday, I’ll post a new chapter for your reading pleasure.
Thanks so much for your patience. I hope you’ll give me another chance to share my work, and my life with you, dear friends.
God Bless—and I’ll be back in touch next month.
Carole Bellacera
Tango’s Edge—Coming March 11th, 2011
The Winter Olympics - Salt Lake City, Utah
“Will you help me to defect?”
It’s the desperate question from Russian ice dancer, Mikhail Kozlof to his American counterpart, Kerry Niles, which ignites a treacherous cross-country trip, political intrigue―and an attraction that neither can deny.
After a night of passion in a picture postcard winter resort, lust turns to love―and a return to reality. The American government is closing in, and soon, Mikhail will be whisked away from Kerry.
Once sequestered in a safe house outside Washington DC, Mikhail is face with an impossible situation―he must deny his love for Kerry to protect her from harm’s way.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Miracles
Miracles don’t happen every day. But on Saturday, May 26th, I witnessed a miracle. And I’d like to share it with you.
The story starts way back in 1995—12 years ago. My grandmother—all the grandchildren have called her “Mother” since babyhood—gave me a cutting from her “shamrock plant” because she knew how much I loved Ireland. Mother had the greenest thumb of anyone I knew. All of her many plants were thick with foliage and greener than the beloved land of our ancestry. Even though I was thrilled at her gift, I couldn’t deny I had misgivings, because, folks, I didn’t have the greatest track record on keeping plants alive. But this pretty little shamrock plant was hardy—just like Mother.
For a while, it did well in my house. Every March, it bloomed with delicate white flowers which never failed to warm my heart. Every time I watered the plant, I talked to it, knowing that that was one of Mother’s secrets. However, despite my ministrations, every so often, the plant would start to thin out and look sickly. I’d get on the phone to Mother in a panic and ask what I should do. “Cut it back,” she instructed. “When you give it a ‘hair-cut,’ it encourages growth.” Well, that seemed pretty risky to me, but I trusted Mother. And lo and behold, she was right! The plant came back fuller and denser and greener than ever.
In June 1993, the impossible happened. My 93-year-old grandmother died while sitting in her favorite chair in the living room of her small house in Russell Springs, Kentucky. My great-great uncle who found her said her face was peaceful as if she’d just fallen asleep.
I could never imagine life without Mother. She’d been such an integral part of my childhood—summers spent with her in Kentucky, baking M&M cookies, playing “Barbies” outside with my sister, Kathy, and getting into trouble with Mother (something that happened rarely) because I decided to give Barbie a swim in a bucket of water. And Mother was always there during my adulthood when I went back to Kentucky for a visit. Every time I drove away from her house to return home, my last sight would be of the petite 4’5” sweet-faced woman standing at her screen porch, waving until I was out of sight. Intellectually, I knew she wouldn’t be around forever, but in my heart, I couldn’t imagine being in a world without Mother.
Even now, when I go back to Kentucky to visit my sister and father, we’ll sometimes drive over to Mother’s house which is still in the family, and go in to soak up her spirit. It’s still there—unmistakable. And there’s peace in that. It’s like she’s not really gone.
Over this past winter, though, I noticed my shamrock plant starting to decline. At first, I wasn’t overly concerned. It had sickened before, but had always come back. My hope was to nurse it through the winter until spring when I could move it out to the back porch where it could enjoy the extra light and soft breezes. But when April finally arrived, there was very little left of the shamrock plant—just a few withered tendrils and brown leaves. With tears in my eyes, I plucked the dead leaves away and moved it to the porch anyway, giving it some water and hoping that somehow, it would revive.
Weeks passed, and nothing happened. Even the tendrils were gone. I felt like I’d lost my last physical connection with Mother. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to throw out the soil. Perhaps deep inside, I was still praying for a miracle as I watered the plantless pot week after week.
This past Saturday, as I made my rounds with the watering can, I reached what was left of Mother’s shamrock plant—and I couldn’t believe my eyes. There, poking up above the soil were seven little shamrock-shaped leaves. At first, I thought my imagination was playing tricks on me, but as I examined them closer, I realized what I was witnessing—a true miracle.
And you know what else? It happened within days of the anniversary of Mother’s death. So, as far as I’m concerned, there’s only one explanation. Mother’s green thumb is still at work. J
I have a new chapter up on my website for DOWN BY THE RIVER (new title—MOONSTRUCK COURT.) Be sure and check it out at http://www.carolebellacera.com/.
Congratulations to Judy Theis from Erie, PA, my May website contest winner. The new contest is up so stop by and enter.
And have a great June!!!
Best,
Carole
The story starts way back in 1995—12 years ago. My grandmother—all the grandchildren have called her “Mother” since babyhood—gave me a cutting from her “shamrock plant” because she knew how much I loved Ireland. Mother had the greenest thumb of anyone I knew. All of her many plants were thick with foliage and greener than the beloved land of our ancestry. Even though I was thrilled at her gift, I couldn’t deny I had misgivings, because, folks, I didn’t have the greatest track record on keeping plants alive. But this pretty little shamrock plant was hardy—just like Mother.
For a while, it did well in my house. Every March, it bloomed with delicate white flowers which never failed to warm my heart. Every time I watered the plant, I talked to it, knowing that that was one of Mother’s secrets. However, despite my ministrations, every so often, the plant would start to thin out and look sickly. I’d get on the phone to Mother in a panic and ask what I should do. “Cut it back,” she instructed. “When you give it a ‘hair-cut,’ it encourages growth.” Well, that seemed pretty risky to me, but I trusted Mother. And lo and behold, she was right! The plant came back fuller and denser and greener than ever.
In June 1993, the impossible happened. My 93-year-old grandmother died while sitting in her favorite chair in the living room of her small house in Russell Springs, Kentucky. My great-great uncle who found her said her face was peaceful as if she’d just fallen asleep.
I could never imagine life without Mother. She’d been such an integral part of my childhood—summers spent with her in Kentucky, baking M&M cookies, playing “Barbies” outside with my sister, Kathy, and getting into trouble with Mother (something that happened rarely) because I decided to give Barbie a swim in a bucket of water. And Mother was always there during my adulthood when I went back to Kentucky for a visit. Every time I drove away from her house to return home, my last sight would be of the petite 4’5” sweet-faced woman standing at her screen porch, waving until I was out of sight. Intellectually, I knew she wouldn’t be around forever, but in my heart, I couldn’t imagine being in a world without Mother.
Even now, when I go back to Kentucky to visit my sister and father, we’ll sometimes drive over to Mother’s house which is still in the family, and go in to soak up her spirit. It’s still there—unmistakable. And there’s peace in that. It’s like she’s not really gone.
Over this past winter, though, I noticed my shamrock plant starting to decline. At first, I wasn’t overly concerned. It had sickened before, but had always come back. My hope was to nurse it through the winter until spring when I could move it out to the back porch where it could enjoy the extra light and soft breezes. But when April finally arrived, there was very little left of the shamrock plant—just a few withered tendrils and brown leaves. With tears in my eyes, I plucked the dead leaves away and moved it to the porch anyway, giving it some water and hoping that somehow, it would revive.
Weeks passed, and nothing happened. Even the tendrils were gone. I felt like I’d lost my last physical connection with Mother. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to throw out the soil. Perhaps deep inside, I was still praying for a miracle as I watered the plantless pot week after week.
This past Saturday, as I made my rounds with the watering can, I reached what was left of Mother’s shamrock plant—and I couldn’t believe my eyes. There, poking up above the soil were seven little shamrock-shaped leaves. At first, I thought my imagination was playing tricks on me, but as I examined them closer, I realized what I was witnessing—a true miracle.
And you know what else? It happened within days of the anniversary of Mother’s death. So, as far as I’m concerned, there’s only one explanation. Mother’s green thumb is still at work. J
I have a new chapter up on my website for DOWN BY THE RIVER (new title—MOONSTRUCK COURT.) Be sure and check it out at http://www.carolebellacera.com/.
Congratulations to Judy Theis from Erie, PA, my May website contest winner. The new contest is up so stop by and enter.
And have a great June!!!
Best,
Carole
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