May Fun for Authors and Readers Alike

This is a fun forum event with two of my favorite sites. There will be prizes galore from both CTR and TRS. Coffee Time Romance is giving away a Sony e-reader as well as some wonderful runners up prizes. The Romance Studio has a Nook and other prizes they are offering. Authors and publishers will be present in the various blogs with prizes, too.

I will be giving away a beautiful necklace.  It's an 18k gold-plated sterling silver diamond accent cat pendant on an 18 inch chain. Valued at $69.99.

Also, I have a coffee mug with the wrap around design which looks like this: 

plus a copy of the Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart that I am giving away. So, stop by for a chance to win:)

My Week

This week has been one of those weeks. I've had highs so high I could touch the stars.

I've also had lows so low I feel as if I'm in the center of the Earth.

I should explain. I have a lot of doubt when it comes to my writing. I'm not overly confident by any means. However, this week, I received my first review. (See Reviews for details.) It was 5 hearts and I cried. I was overjoyed and  overwhelmed all in one fell swoop. I love Ana and Bowie. I know there others out there who love them as well, but the sheer disbelief is still there. The fact I'm published still baffles me.

I spent 8 hours (no, that is not a typo) talking to a friend last week. It was the first time we'd talked other than via the computer. This friend had called because she needed to vent, but by the time our conversation ended, I felt uplifted. It's such an incredible feeling!

My characters are talking to me again. I'd had to shut them out for a little while so I could focus on school, but they're back. I finished Adam's book and intended to start the third one. However, the third one isn't the one I thought it would be. Instead, another character has jumped the line and is begging to have his story told. I love it and hate it all at once.

Then, my mom called the other day. We don't talk as often as we probably should, but our schedules are extremely hectic at the moment. My step-dad is feeling better so they're planning a trip to come visit. It will only be for the weekend (he's on dialysis) and I may only get to spend a day with them, but I haven't seen my mom in almost 2 years. I'm so excited and I hope everything keeps going well so the trip isn't cancelled.

You can see where my heart overflows, right?

What brought me so down? Well, let me tell you. I'm turning 40 in less than a month. Usually the big birthdays don't bother me, but for some reason, 40 is hitting me hard. I don't know what it is exactly. I think it's just a lot of little things I'm realizing will never happen at this age. I don't feel 40 (which is a good thing) and I've been told I don't look 40 so what's the big deal? I think it's just the doubts, fears, and thoughts every woman has as she heads towards this age.

However, I do know I'm blessed.

"WRITE YOUR TROUBLES IN THE SAND.

CARVE YOUR BLESSINGS IN STONE."

I'm trying to live my this motto because how many people get to work at the job they love? Not many. I get to research hot men, good chocolate, and fantastic food all while writing some pretty lovely sex scenes. Not a complaint to be had. I think I'm going to spend my day with a chisel and a hammer. I've got a lot of carving to do.

Have a blessed weekend!

Hiding Away

The weather hasn't been all that wonderful here lately. I did wake up to this awe-inspiring sunrise the other morning.

I stepped out the front door with the first of the canine kids and the most brilliant red light flowed over me. I had to run back  inside to grab my camera. Of course, the saying does say, "Red in the morning, sailor's warning. Red at night, sailor's delight." That should have given me my first clue of what was coming.

Last night, my darling husband had to run our 13 year old German Shepherd out and I hear, "What the hell?" from the entry way. I figured he could handle the problem and went to take a shower. I was briefly interrupted from my heated bliss by the husband bringing the dog into the bathroom...covered in snow!

An hour later, we took them all out before bed and a couple of them didn't want to step off the porch. They love the snow so this was odd. All we can think is they were loving the non-snow weather we were having and didn't know quite what to make of the white stuff being back. Mother Nature's weird sense of humor is a little disturbing.

I've decided to stick my head out of my writing cave for a little bit just to see what's happening out here in the world. I  placed an order for coffee mugs with my book cover on them, but I hadn't received them yet. Ticked me off royally. After getting the run around, I cancelled the order and found a different website to order from. These new coffee mugs will be better and prettier. Plus, I got networking cards.

Pretty sexy, right? I was going to put my book cover on them, but because I'm finishing up the 2nd book, I didn't feel as if it would be fair to favor one over the other.

Oh, if you haven't "liked" me on Facebook yet, you should! I added a photo the other day. It's a photo of what Adam looks like (at least in my mind). As for Lance, Brady, and Callum, you'll just have to wait and see what I come up with:) *laughs evilly*

Okay, I'm going to retire back to the writing/homework cave. I can see the finish line in Adam and Luna's book, but I've got a research paper that I have to get done, too. I should be able to print off Adam and Luna's story this weekend, read over it for mistakes (not that I make any *grin*), and off to my lovely editor next week. Fingers crossed that she likes it!

Have a fantastic weekend filled with joy and blessings!

Setting Goals

I've been working on setting goals for myself. If you've followed this blog, then you'll remember my "Before I'm 40" list. You know? The one that mentioned I want to be published before I'm 40?

Two weeks ago, I set the goal to knock out Book 2 and have it ready for my editor by the end of April. Well, with everything else that is going on, I was beginning to see that I wasn't working hard enough. So, I upped the ante. I would have the book done for me to edit by the end of this week.

I cranked up my music and went to work. Tonight, I hit the 42,000 word count I've been striving for. 8,000 more and I will have reached my goal (unless the characters want more). I wrote 4,000 words today alone. I want to have this book ready to print off and edit by this weekend. However, there is a slight problem:

This is what my schoolwork is on overload. I had an extra credit assignment due. Luckily, I don't really need the extra credit. I have a take home exam due by Friday, plus a 7 to 8 page research paper due by next week. I feel as if my world is about to spin off its axis.

Then, something special happens that reminds me why I am able to achieve these goals. On Friday, my husband and I will celebrate 20 years since our first date. A pretty remarkable feat. 7 furry children and 20 years later, we're still going strong.

If it hadn't been for my DH and his belief in me, I probably would simply be writing stories for my own enjoyment. Stories that would never be seen by anyone else. Tha gaol agam ort, darlin'! Now and forever!

Today I'm Thankful For...

I'm always thankful for the day that lays out before me. Tomorrow is never promised.

But today I'm thankful for the fact that almost four years ago, I was visiting one of my favorite author's websites. I stumbled across the link to a review site and that led me to my "family." I discovered the crazy, zany, and supportive women (and a couple of men at the time) of Coffee Time Romance. I was honored when the lovely Mistress accepted my sample review and asked me to come on staff.

It was a matter of weeks after I joined that we lost our Rottie. The condolences were overwhelming. I was a newbie, but they welcomed me with open arms. This was my cyber-family. We support and love one another through the rough times. We laugh and rejoice through the good times. However, no matter what, we lift each other up.

As a published author, I feel lifted up every day by the women at Coffee Time Romance. They are my friends, my buddies, my sisters.

Today, I'm blogging away on Coffee Time Romance & More's Coffee Thoughts. Stop by and say hello if you have some time. Leave a comment if you feel like it.

I would love to give away a couple of copies of Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart to people who comment *hint, hint* Tell your friends and family to stop by the Coffee Time blog.

Be thankful for at least one thing in your life today! The universe really appreciates the fact that you can find things to be thankful for.

Oh My Goodness!!

I just got this from Hearfelt Promos, my promotional people:

Gemma's book Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart has made #1 on Leap of Faith Publishing's Top Ten according to Patricia Richardson the owner.

 Quote: "We are delighted to have Gemma as one of our authors. If you enjoy reading about shifters, then you don't want to miss the delightful duo in Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart!"
Congratulations on making the #1 spot Gemma!
Be sure and visit Gemma's HeartFelt Promos page for an excerpt, blurb and upcoming

events!

Upcoming Events for Gemma

April 14, 2012-Guest Blog at Coffee Thoughts Blog at Coffee Time Romance & More

Are you kidding me? I'm so excited!! Thanks to all of you for making me #1!!!

Happy Easter

It's sunny and 60 degrees here in the gorgeous Upper Peninsula. The trees are budding out and I'm noticing little green sprouts popping up through the leaves in the woods. Spring is beginning to show her presence. We've already been hearing the little yips and howls of coyote pups. There in the woods somewhere. As long as they don't bother me and my canine kids, they're welcome to stay.

There have been some deer tracks in our yard and "my" little gray fox has showed his face every one in awhile. These aren't the ones who live in my woods, but if you've never seen a gray fox, they are quite cute and mischievous.

With my ham and baked beans in the oven, I thought I'd take a moment to wish you all a happy Easter! We're spending Easter as we do any other holiday. In the comfy, quiet of our home with just each other and the canine kids. I did consider buying bunny ears for my Mastiff so he could wish you a "Hoppy Easter!" but decided that the humiliation may be a little much for his fragile ego:)

So instead, I'm going to share a portion of the book I'm working on. I'm new to the whole idea of Six Sentence Sunday, but I'll share a bit of Adam's story for you. Remember this is unedited. Natural Born Enemies is the working title. Here you go:

Adam’s black hair was always in his eyes, but when those piercing green eyes turned my way, I felt my insides melt. A mere glance from the Pierce Pride bad boy sent my heart racing. I would watch him in the halls at school and on the football field. His speed made him the best receiver on the Cedar River Miners. I’d watch him on the side lines palling around with “Bodacious” Bowie Golden. Those two together were enough to make a girl’s panties drop with a simple smile.

What do you think? Are you ready for the next book in the Cedar River series? *grins* Drop me a line and let me know what you think at gemmakmurray@gmail.com. You can always "like" my page on Facebook and leave me a message there. I'm eager to hear from all of you!

Happy Easter from my home to yours,

The Company You Keep

I'm reminded of the quote, "You are known by the company you keep," as my Wednesday starts. You see, I got an e-mail from my mom last night and it got me thinking. Someone I've known most of my life did something unimaginable. Did I know this person well? Not as well as I should have, I guess. The man was a former friend of my dad's, and had spent time in my home. Now, this man is in the news and I'm thinking heavily on the times he sat at our dining room table, having a beer and a laugh or two. It blows my mind.

Over the last year or so, I've tried to pay attention to who I spend my time with. Being an author, it is usually just my hubby and the canine kids. However, with social media being what it is, I spend more time there than I should. There were people who we spent a lot of time with in our "real" lives. They always had a derogatory statement to say about someone. It didn't matter whether it was a person's race, their gender, their sexuality, or their religion. More than once, they attempted to include me in their bigoted remarks. I had to say, "You know, that's not how I feel." Then, we became friends on Facebook. You would think the one place they may be a bit more careful of what they say would be a social media outlet. NOPE! It was even worse there. And it was a constant stream of b.s.

See, I'm someone who is not easily offended. I believe every person has a right to their opinion, however, when your opinions start to color my world, then I have a problem. After a particularly colorful rant about the gay community, my cousin's partner pointed out the above quote. While I believe in gay rights, gay marriage, and gay equality, my friendship with this couple had been showing people a truth that doesn't exist (at least not in my world). I did a lot of thinking on what my cousin's life partner said. And he was right. So, with two simple clicks of the mouse, I "unfriended" them. Funny thing is, they don't even notice! That's how wrapped up in themselves they are. I ended up "unfriending" their teenage daughter later on for the exact same thing. Today, I'm going to go through my friend list with a fine tooth comb (I'm showing age with that lil gem, huh?) and I'm deleting people whose negativity reflects on me. I'm tired of going to my Newsfeed and finding political rants that are simply rude and nasty in nature. I'm tired of people poking fun at another person's religion. I'm tired of people thinking it's okay to pick on the gay community. I can tolerate a lot, but when you offend someone I love, look out!!

How about you? Are you known by the company you keep?

My belief is I'm not going to change the world, but I can change my little corner of it. "Be the change you want to see in the world."