The End...

Today is the final day of 2014. What has this year been like for you?

I saw so many changes occur this year. I lost the last of my original canine kids. I applied to a different college...and got in...twice :) I filed for divorce and ended a 20+ year marriage. I faced financial trouble and got through it. Moved out of the rental home I had shared with my ex-husband for almost 4 years. Moved in with a girlfriend and her family for about a month. Worked as hard as I could to save up money. Moved to a different state with my best friend. Embarked on a journey into a world I knew little about and fell in love with the lifestyle. Started school at a different campus. Hated it. Learned to love it. Was determined to change my major. Decided to stick with my major. Discovered the "real" me and found I REALLY like her...a lot. "Played" in this new lifestyle and learned even more about myself than I could have ever imagined. Met new friends who understand my new life. Finished classes. Finished The Golden Dragon's Treasure!!!! PUBLISHED The Golden Dragon's Treasure!!!!!!! In e-book and print!!!! Decided to change my major...again. Went to a birthday party for a friend and had an absolute blast! Did something I never thought I'd have the courage to do. Got to try something I've never tried before.

These are from the new thing I tried...it was gorgeous!

Met MORE new people! Started a new series! Yes, I am actually putting Cedar River aside for a few days to work on this new series....

As the final day of 2014 gets started in my world, I am currently working on my demons. They have been calling to me and I have begun to sketch out their world. This series will be NOTHING like Cedar River. There will be plenty of kink and loads of sex!! After all...these demons are highly sexual beings with a taste for the BDSM side of life :) Currently, I'm deciding on whether I should publish them under a different name or keep the Gemma K. Murray. In discussions with friends and family, it looks like I will probably publish under a different name. It seems only right. However, we shall see how it works.

So tell me...do you make resolutions? If so, what are yours? Me? I intend to carry on like I have been...learning about me and my kinky side, studying hard, playing just as hard, and loving the life I have!

Have a blessed New Year!

Happy Christmas!!

Today is my first Christmas on my own and it's not an easy one, but I'm making the best of it. I made bubbleloaf (or what some of you call monkey bread) for breakfast. And I'm making a simple pot of chicken and dumplings for my Christmas dinner.

As one of my favorite men is off spending the holiday with his family, I am spending my day with the rest of my favorite men. From Kili and Fili, Gandalf and Bilbo, then on to Frodo and Sam, Aragorn and Legolas, I will be safely ensconced the times of Middle-Earth.

And as my movies play and my other favorite man lays at my side (Diesel, my Mastiff), I will also be playing with Avery, Oliver, and Beckett Black. Their buddy, Gideon is also along for the ride today. Gods, I love me these bad boys...damn good men, but bad boys to the core. I'm working hard so that it isn't 2 years before the next book release!

I am hoping you have a very Happy Christmas as you spend it with your families and friends! Thank you for all of your support!

With love and blessings,

Gemma

OMG!!!!

Well, I've been working on it and struggling with it, but today it happened...The Golden Dragon's Treasure is now available!

I made it before the Christmas deadline I had set for myself and I couldn't have done it without all the support from my beloved ones and my fans!

Currently, you are able to get every version you need at Smashwords. I will post other links as they become available.

Please...check out Brady and Silver's story! They have been a patient couple and they need to have their story read.

Just proofed the print copy this morning (12/23):https://www.createspace.com/5191646 

Here's the link to Amazon (12/24): http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Dragons-Treasure-Cedar-River/dp/1505696380/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1419447393&sr=8-5&keywords=The+golden+dragon%27s+treasure

Happy Winter Solstice

Last night, I spent the evening with friends...not just any old friends, but the special type of friends who are more family than mere acquaintances. We had terrific food, filthy and fun conversation, laughs until our bellies hurt, a few tears shed, but we had the most amazing time.

I was reflecting on one conversation in particular. This beautiful friend lost her father at the end of May this year. This is her first holiday season without him. I understand her grief in so many ways. I told her recently how I pick up the phone to dial my dad's number whenever something amazing happens to me, then I lay the phone down because I know he's never going to answer the phone. She's been checking her phone for messages from her dad and realizing he will never call her again. Two women met due to, well...similar interests, yet bonded in so many ways...losing our fathers is merely one of so many.

The conversation we had on the way to the solstice bonfire came back and made me realize that these people, though I haven't known them long, are my family. I don't have to hide who I am, what I believe, or any other thing you can imagine. They accept me for simply being me. They don't judge (okay, maybe a little, but that's okay) me for my faith, my beliefs, my relationship status, or anything else. I think we hug more than most families, too. And I mean those nice long hugs that tell you that these people miss you when you're not around and care about you. That is so nice! I'm such a touchy-feely person. I love to touch and be touched.

My family may not be made up of a mother, father, and siblings. My family is one of friends who are very like-minded. We are accepting of each other's weird little quirks and love each other in spite (or because) of them.

Last night was the only "real" holiday I will spend with family. That is perfectly fine by me since I've had way too many family holidays where I feel like the odd man out. I'm usually the butt of the jokes with my biological family. With my 'self-made' family, everyone gets equal teasing and ribbing, but when we walk away, it's always with a hug and a promise to see each other again soon.

I want to take this moment to tell you this: Family is who stands with you, for you, and beside you. It doesn't have to be people who share the same DNA or bloodline. Your family is those who accept you at your best and love you at your worst. They are the ones who allow you to be zany, off the wall, serious, mournful, loving, and most of all, yourself.

I want to wish you and yours a very Happy Winter Solstice, a Blessed Yule, a Merry Christmas, and most of all, an incredibly wonderful New Year!!!

Ramblings from a Writer's Jumbled Mind

Wow! Two blog posts rather close together...I'm sort of impressed with myself :) Okay, so this is more or less me just shooting out random thoughts, but let me tell you, this head of mine is filled with all sorts of random bits and pieces.

Brady and Silver are sitting in my lil sis/editor's hands at the moment. I'm hoping to self-publish BEFORE Christmas. Then, I have Books 4 and 5 well under way plus a few surprises.

Last night, I got to sit down and discuss books with an incredibly brilliant man. He blows my mind every time I get to spend time with him. He's reading Frankenstein at the moment and we were discussing how his idea of what Frankenstein was skewed (according to the movies). He told me how awe-struck he was by the differences he's finding. He had me laughing until tears fell from my eyes with some of the things that came out of his mouth. Gods, I haven't laughed like that since...well, he visited the last time. Should I mention that this highly intelligent guy is my inspiration for Beckett Black (otter shifter)? Oh yeah, let me tell you...you all are in for a rare and beautiful treat with this one :) Thank you, T, for the laughter and conversation! You need to visit more often :) You are the most amazingly brilliant and twisted human I know (yes, that's a compliment)!

You will notice some things popping up on this blog that may or may not surprise you. I've told you how this year has been about change for me. I'm exploring myself and discovering that I really do love who I am. In that same context, you will start to find some BDSM things creeping onto my page. More often than not, these people are friends of mine who do magnificent work and I want to promote them to the world. You will also find some kinky type writings creeping up on this page. If that isn't your thing, I understand. I'm going to post them under their own tab so if you want to avoid those types of writings, well, you can.

I want to say something to all of you...if your partner tells you that you are beautiful or sexy, DON'T look at him as if he's lost his mind. DON'T tell him he needs to have his eyes examined. DON'T tell him he has no idea what he's talking about. DON'T belittle his opinion of you!!! Look that incredible person in the eyes and say "Thank you!" and mean it!!!! Like I said I'm learning as I go. I have a man in my life who is my best friend. He's been telling me I'm beautiful for a looooooonnnnnggg time. I've done all of the DON'Ts I listed above. Lucky for me, he still keeps saying it. I think he believed that if he kept telling me I was beautiful, I would eventually believe it. And here's a surprise: it worked. If you tell someone something enough, they start to believe it. This has been a hard lesson for me. He even scoffed at me the other day when I said something about my fat ass. Seriously, dude? Oh yeah...thank you :) He also tells that I'm sweet...wow...someone is trying to get on Santa's nice list this year. Oh wait...thank you!

Thank you for letting me ramble on about life! I'm headed toward finals this week and I have over a month off between semesters. Plenty of writing time and loads of fun to be had. Who knows what will be created in that time? Could be fun to find out!

Love and blessings to you and yours!

What I'm Thankful For...

"A day late and a dollar short" as my grandma would say. Yes, that is me. I've been so neglectful lately and it shows in everything. From my writing to my friendships to my homework, I've been neglecting way too much.
I promised everyone that this was going to be a year of change, but I never dreamed how many changes would come my way. What a difference a year can make!
Yesterday, I spent my first holiday...alone. I cooked a small dinner for my Diesel and me. I spent the day in my pajamas, working on homework, playing on the internet, and watching movies. My baby sister called and we talked. Okay, I cried a lot, she coughed a lot (she's sick), and she listened to me bitch. Then, I realized that I never wrote out what I'm most grateful for.

So today I will share what I am most grateful for (in the order of which they came to me):

My baby sister who listens to me. She makes me laugh, cry, think, and roll my eyes. Her humor is twisted and dark. Her brain is weirdly wired like mine and her weirdness can catch mine toe to toe. She lets me vent when things aren't working and doesn't laugh (too hard) when I realize the situation isn't nearly as bad as I thought.

My roommate, my best friend, my partner who gets me. He gets all of me...most of the time. He came into my life when I felt more alone than I had ever been. He walked through that classroom door and flipped my world upside down. He gave me hope. He cared when I felt no one else did. He helped when I didn't think I had a friend in the world. He organized and strategized. He gave light to my darkness and showed me the weird freak that lives inside of him. His weirdness dances with mine and  my demons quiet at the sound of his name.

My furkid who has been there through all the insanity of the last year. His paw was always there for me to hold when I needed that physical contact with someone or something. He's made me laugh more than anyone else could. He accepted the changes in our life like a trooper and fell in love with the people who have come into our lives. He doesn't begrudge me the times when I leave him alone for a few hours to go out and explore my darkness. He's been my constant through it all.

My friends who helped me through the worst summer ever. I don't know what I would have done without you. You gave Diesel and I a place to live while asking for very little in return. You listened as I cried and bitched about the move we were going to make. You kept me from making the worst decision of my life. You helped us move into our new home and helped out with the little things we needed...like a shower curtain and a bed. You came to visit and told me I always had a home to come home to. You are my friends who became my family and I love you more than you will ever realize.

The friends who have often sent a text message or FB'd me just to check in and let me know they are there if I need a shoulder.

My fans, new and old, who stand by patiently (or not so patiently in some cases) while I get my shit together. You've been faithful and loyal. For that alone, I am truly grateful. Book 3 is almost finished, I promise.

To live in the country I live in where I can get an education and become anything I wish to be

To have had the childhood I did

To have been raised by the most incredible man in the world...my daddy.

To have known the love of a mother, even though she wasn't MY mother

To have had the courage to make the changes I made

For my talent as a writer

For my family who still stands beside me

For the new friends who have come into my life, accepted me and showed me that I'm not alone in my darkness. You've helped me grow and you've shown me that I'm not nearly as weird as I thought I was. I've learned so much from all of you in the short time we've been acquainted. More often than not, you keep the light burning bright inside of my cold, dark heart.

There are many things that I'm sure I'm forgetting, but these are a few things (and people) I am most grateful for. Without the people in my life, I would be more lost than I ever thought.

One more thing, I'm grateful for...snow. I have discovered just how much I love the stuff. It is beckoning to me now and I need to get out and shovel. It's actually more invigorating than I ever imagined. One of these days, I'll post some pics for you.

For now, be good to each other, love one another, and hug those you love most!

Riding this Rollercoaster

With all of the upcoming changes, including a very big move, I've made a few decisions. The most important was to discontinue the Cedar River Series fan page. I just don't have time to keep up with all of it, go to school, go to work, write, and have a semblance of a life. I'm sorry if that disappoints any of you, but you will still be able to interact with the characters and see their pictures on my author page. I'm trying to keep that going so that you can keep up with what is happening.
Another decision is to "fix" Brady and Silver's story. It's been through the editing process, but I really just don't like this story. It needs something...maybe a little magick, maybe a bit more passion, I'm just not sure yet. Because I'm self-publishing this one, I really hate to put out a book that a) I hate and b) something that isn't up to standard. I have people helping me find the missing heart to this story...people who love these characters as much as you do.
As mentioned above, I am currently in the middle of a big move. The apartment is rented. Most of my things are moved in...all except a few odds and ends, Diesel, and me :)

This boy is my life and his comfort is above and beyond all else my main focus. He's always been a country pup with room to roam and very few neighbors. For the last month, his world has changed by leaps and bounds. His dad moved away. Mom's best friend came to pick up our things and take them away. Mom and Diesel were forced to move in with friends, 3 dogs, 3 cats and 2 teenagers. Now, Mom is moving Diesel into a city apartment with a huge park down the street with her best friend. There are going to be all of these new people flooding into his life and a new way of living that I'm hoping doesn't overwhelm him. Luckily, he's a Mastiff...pretty laid back, roll with the flow.

I'm going to be able to post more once I have my schedule figured out and I can keep you up to date on life, books, characters, and maybe even start bringing my author friends by to visit again.

Thank you for being patient with me as my life evolves into this amazing thing that I simply can't get enough of! This roller coaster is slowing down slightly...just not sure if I'm ready to step off this ride yet :) I'm having a ball!!! Maybe you will bring a new friend or two along for the adventure?

And the World Keeps On Spinning

I promised that this year would be one of changes. I never dreamed that it would mean the changes that are going on. I mean, I knew I would be making changes within myself. There were some shifts that needed to be made. There were some physical changes that needed to happen, too, but I never dreamed of some of the things that are happening would happen.

I finished my classes, got accepted into the college I wanted, and made plans. Then, a friend told me to check into the same program at a different campus. I applied, got in, and made plans...again. Then, my best friend asked me to be his roommate. I get to spend the next 3 years with my best friend. How much fun is this going to be? I mean, seriously. How awesome is it to spend time with the one person who knows every little secret you have, knows how to make you smile when you're down, and brings out the goofiness that resides deep inside of you?

Then, my world went to shit..sorta. The divorce papers were filed and all was well. We were determined to part as friends and so far, so good. The divorce will be final on Monday. And that is okay. But we were on the brink of eviction from our rental and our electric was in danger of being shut off. I was able to keep the power on, but the eviction? Not gonna get any help with that. So, the ex-husband moved out and I packed up the last 20+ years of memories and things. With a more than a little help from my best friend, we got the things out of the house, ready to start a new beginning elsewhere.

For two weeks, I've been living with a friend and her family because I had nowhere to live. I'm lucky I have friends. I really am! I'm working a job that I really do love. I'm not a fan of third shift, but that all changes in about 2 weeks when Diesel and I make the move to a different town, a different state, a brand new home. 

You see? An author's life isn't all glamour, champagne, conventions, and the easy life. In fact, few authors I know have that sort of life.

I just wanted to let you know that I'm alive, well, and busy as hell. I'm writing when I have the time which isn't often, but I'm trying. Cedar River is alive as well. The new series are coming along at a snail's pace, but coming along. I haven't forgotten about you. Life has just gone crazy. Yet, the world keeps spinning. The world doesn't stop because your life goes to shit or your heart breaks or your world shatters. Life goes on and the world keeps spinning.

Love and blessings to all of you!

The Golden Dragon's Treasure

Good afternoon! My classes are winding down. My summer is winding up and my life is spinning...not out of control, just spinning :)

I'm feeling pretty lucky and so I thought I'd let you see what I've been up to. How about a brief look into The Golden Dragon's Treasure? Does that sound like a good idea? 

For those of you who don't know...this is Brady Golden's story. Brady is the brother to sheriff Bowie Golden. He lives in Cedar River and is one of those men who will either infuriate you or you will love to pieces. (There were times when he did both and I accepted him for what he is.) He is also a golden dragon shifter.

Then there is Silver Larkin. She is spirited and fiery. She can be a bit stubborn and more than a little irritating. (She resembles a certain author you may know ;) ) Silver is also a witch who resides in Witch Lake, but is visiting Cedar River to help the woman found in Book 2.

Here is an unedited excerpt to tease you a bit:

The bell over the diner door rang. I lifted my head and watched as two of the sexiest redheads I had ever seen walked to the counter.

Bowie let out a low whistle. Adam turned to see what we were looking at.

“Thank the gods, I’m engaged. Holy hell, that’s double trouble, if ever I’ve seen it.”

I could feel the crotch of my jeans shrinking at a rather rapid pace. My mouth was watering. I swallowed hard and simply stared. Redheads are my downfall and always have been.

One had a long braid and the other one had short, spiky hair.

The short-haired one turned and smiled. Her lavender eyes were lined with eyelashes as black as night. She tapped the other one on the shoulder and they both looked at us.

With piercings in her eyebrows, her nose, her lip, and who knows where else, she said something to the other and walked to our table.

She leaned over and her scent snuck into my nose, down my throat, and grabbed me by the balls. “Hey, handsome,” she said, looking at me, “could you tell me and my sister where we could find Sheriff Golden?”

All the blood rushed from my head and my tongue felt as if it weighed a ton. I lifted my hand and pointed to my left where Bowie sat.

The beautiful goddess smiled again, “Thanks, handsome.” She turned to Bowie who could only smile. “Sheriff Golden, I’m Silver Larkin. My sister, Starr, phoned yesterday about an e-mail she received about our friend.

Please leave me comments and let me know what you think! We are working hard to get this book out to you, I promise!!!!

With a Little Help From my Friends

So, a huge thank you is in order. I have been slacking while my life is going through the turmoil that it is. I have had friends who have stood beside me and others who have walked away. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for all of them.

To my baby sister, Dani: I cannot say thank you enough for the phone calls, FB chats, and text messages that have kept me from pulling the plug on all of this. My life is better because you're in it. My writing is better because you know my characters almost as well as I know them. You keep me smiling when I want to cry. And you let me cry when I need to absolutely fall apart. When I feel alone in this world, I only have to reach out via my heart and know you're there.


To Logan: Gods, I'm not sure how I would have made it through this last year without you! You have never stopped telling me how intelligent, beautiful, or special I am. You keep me believing that I can move mountains and achieve my every waking dream. You have brought my life so much laughter, happiness, and moonlight. You are this amazing, brilliant man who walked into my life when I needed a friend.

Tonya, my dear Tonya: I never dreamed when I walked into your math class that I would walk out with a life-long friend. You have pushed me when I needed that extra shove. You pulled me along when I tried to dig my feet in. You helped me through one of the most difficult years of my life. You've supported me and held my hand when I just needed to cry. You know where I am on this path in my life and I am blessed to call you my friend.

To Tori: You awakened a power that I had forgotten about. You brought me back to myself and my roots. You don't let me forget who I am. I belong to the Universe. I am blessed by the gods of old and I need to believe in myself. I cannot thank you enough for all the things you have brought back into my life.

To my fans: You haven't given up on me even when I was ready to toss aside my computer and say "I'm done!" You keep asking for your favorite characters. You keep telling me how much you love this world I've created. You keep pushing me forward when I'm ready to call it done. You don't allow me to give up on myself or my dream.

There are so many people who have crossed my path as I've walked along. They have all taught me lessons and made me a better person. Whether they merely brushed across my life or stopped to stay awhile, I have been truly blessed by so many and I felt it was time that I say thank you for all that you've done.

May the blessings of the gods rain down on each and every one of you!

With love,
Gemma

Life's Wicked Curve Ball

I owe all of you the deepest of apologies! My life has been in an upheaval and I'm trying to straighten it all out while keeping my sanity.

My marriage of 20 years has ended. No sympathies, please, this was a mutual decision and we're both okay with it all. Our journey through this life together has come to an end and we intend to stay as friendly as we can. There are a few hard feelings, but we're dealing with them. 

This means that while I love to write and put books out for all of you, I had to get a job that pays on a steady basis. I'm working steady and still going to school full-time. I've decided that I really want to be a teacher so I'm studying elementary education along with minoring in English and Women's Studies. 

I have the edits for the third book sitting on my computer. I just need to find time to go through it with a fine-tooth comb. I had the intention of putting this book out before the year's end. I just couldn't do it, not with everything happening.

The stress also has me taking a break from writing for a little bit. I have discovered that I cannot do everything at once. So, I'm doing what I can which right now entails working, school, and working on finding a place to live.

I ask you to bear with me as my life keeps evolving and growing into something beautiful and wonderful.

I'm going to try and keep you up to date more often, I promise. 

My love to each and every one of you!!!