Episode 2: Inside Out

Today's the day! Episode two of "Sunny with a Twist of Olive" is ready for download. In this installment, Olive finds herself twisted "Inside Out" as she confronts issues from her past.

I'm having so much fun with this serial, that I often forget it's supposed to be work. Olive is so full of spirit and mischief, with just enough snark and realism that I have a hard time putting it away to focus on other projects. 

Stay tuned for more Olive updates.

A slice of pi(e)

My kids are math-magicians and never fail to remind me when there's something to celebrate. Like  most teens, they are also dessert connoisseurs, and pastry is one of their favourite sweets. Today was the perfect day to make pie.

Plus, baking helps me work through plot arcs and plan potential dialogue between characters. There's something about creating from scratch. Starting with flour and sugar and ending with a completed, consumable product - the entire process is soothing and satisfying.

I hope you all got to enjoy your slice of pi(e) today!

The Frozen Falls of Niagara

Sometimes, when it's cold and dreary, I forget about the unique beauty of winter. In October and November, when the first bits of fluffy white stuff start to fall, it's fun and exciting. By mid-March, it can feel tiresome and annoying.

Recently, I had the opportunity visit Niagara Falls and had the privilege of seeing nature displayed at it's best. Because of the extreme cold this past February, the falls are partially frozen. The water still runs freely, but with the added allure of intriguing shapes and mystical nuances. Between each layer of snow and ice, the light refracts, creating gorgeous blues and greens and grays. From every angle, something new is revealed in the natural sculptures.

I wish I had a better camera so I could share the magic I experienced today. For now, my point-and-shoot pictures will have to do. If you have the chance, it's worth the drive to see this amazing landmark in the winter.

Be part of the book!

Olive has made her way into the world, but could use a little help reaching past the usual readers. This is an easy little contest and won't take more than four seconds of your time - I promise. In return, you not only get to name a character who will appear in episode two, you'll also get to read the second installment before release day - for free!

There's no catch.

All you have to do is share the link: getBook.at/Olive1 via Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog with the hashtag #OJSunshine before March 10, 2015, and you'll automatically be entered into the draw. The link must appear in the text of your post, not just in an image you share, so don't forget to copy and paste it. (If you do share the link on your blog, please let me know by email, as blogs are harder to track).

"Sunny with a Twist of Olive" is only available on Amazon.

Episode One: The Name of the Game

Today's the day!

Olive is making her appearance on Kindles (and Kindle Apps) everywhere! She's a sassy, snobby, selfish character you will probably love and hate with equal passion. I know I do!

For years, Olive has been whispering in my ear, and I've finally found the best way to let her have her say. Each month, a new story in the series will be posted, and more of Olive's secrets revealed.

If you do decide to meet Olive, in all her snarky glory, don't forget to let me know what you thought on Amazon, Goodreads, or right here, on my blog.

Sunny with a Twist of Olive - the cover is ready!

The magical wizard of the cover designing world has worked her magic and created this masterpiece for "Sunny with a Twist of Olive". 

Those sunglasses hide the eyes of a mischief-maker: a party-girl who is about to realize the festivities are over. It's time to clean up the chaos, sweep away the party favours, and deal with the aftermath of the shattered piñata.

"Sunny with a Twist of Olive" is a serialized novel; a new episode will be published on Kindle each month starting March 1st, 2015. When the story is complete, it will be available on all platforms. 

Decisions, decisions, decisions... cover design for Sunny with a Twist of Olive

For years, I've had a character chittering in my ear about her escapades. She's snarky, ambitious, funny, and determined to have her story told. "Sunny with a Twist of Olive" is chick lit with a dark side. Olive is a 30-year-old divorcee who thinks she hit rock bottom when her marriage fell apart. She likes to party, sleep around, and often forgets she has adult responsibilities. It's time to set Olive free in the literary world and see where her stories take us.

The first installment in the serial is set for publication on March 1st. Each month, a new episode will be published, giving Olive lots of time to express herself. The only thing left to do is select a cover design. Because I couldn't decide between the three concepts Jo Clendening created, she gave me permission to post the raw, unedited versions on social media. 

After doing so, and reading all the fabulous responses, I might be a little closer to a cover design... 

You'll have to watch this space to see which one we decide to perfect.