Around the Fire Release Day for Sea Hunter!

It's been a long time coming it seems. I hope you're as excited as I am. It's been about six years since I began my writing career and I've learned a lot. What are some of the things? 
Perseverance and patience are needed. Writing is a long process. People ask all the time. When is your book coming out? When it’s done to the best it can be has to be the answer. Sea Hunter began last year and it's taken a little over that year to get it into your hands.
Disappointment and rejection happen. We learn what we can from criticism and let the rest go. Each comment teaches me something about writing and myself. Could you imagine if everyone only heard how great they or something they do is? We'd never strive to be better. One of my bosses asked me once, "Can't you be satisfied?" I told her no, rather emphatically. I explained to her for me to be satisfied could lead to complacency and that's not a path I ever want to be on.
Editing is often frustrating and tedious. There is so much to learn/know. Sometimes painful decisions need to be made with parts of the story or character you love but need to change vastly or eliminate altogether. In a rush of emotion, words pour over the page, often in an unruly fashion. Cohesion and logic take a back seat to growth. Editors, critique partners and beta readers are your nurses who hand you the editing scalpel. I'm working on a book right now and boy oh boy this puppy is getting a face lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction.
Writer’s Block can happen, and here are a couple of tricks I’ve used.
Go to the end of your book. Do you know where you want the characters to end up? For instance, in a romance, it’s usually with a happily ever after. Then work backward. What steps do your characters need to take to get there? For instance Zahra needs to get past her fear of returning to the water. How can I get her there? 
Take care of yourself. I’m guilty of staying at my desk for long periods. Several times I got pins and needles in my fingers. Not good. Focus is essential, but so is life. Ge up and take a short walk. Make time. A brisk ten-minute walk around the block can clear cobwebs. Go out with your significant other or friends. If you’re not living life, how can you write about it? 
Thank you all for sticking with me. I appreciate you taking the time to visit my blog, read my books, and for all the little notes I get. 

Sea Hunter
By
D.V. Stone
On the turbulent high seas, an archeologist must protect a historic shipwreck from treasure hunters—not fall for one.
Zahra Corbyn
As the professor of antiquities, nothing snaps my cap more than treasure hunters and looters. They smash and grab and then are gone with the wind. And there are two after Sea Wraith. But fate is a funny thing. Thanks to an ancient Mortar & Pestle, not only am I in cahoots with one of them but he’s also fired up my heart, turning me into a khaki-wacky.
Captain Jack Alexander
I’ve been told women on a ship are unlucky, but this dame has the two pieces of the map I need to finally claim Sea Wraith. Now, I find myself in a lousy deal that makes me one-third partner with her and a known scalawag. It’s either that or bupkis. After all these years of chasing down my dream of finding the shipwreck, my obsession is cooling off and heating up toward a bird who’s way above my pay grade.
Can the two unlikely allies work together while safeguarding their hearts against the power of the Mortar & Pestle?
If you like Lara Croft and Indiana Jones, you’ll love Zahra Corbyn and Jack Alexander.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRYJLLW1

​Sea Hunter: A Paranormal, Action Adventure, Romance on the High Seas
Release Date 3/16/23
Independent publication
Part of the Mortar and Pestle series
​Cover Design Sydney Winward
ASIN B0BRYJLLW1
Pages 159
Purchase link Sea Hunter        https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRYJLLW1
Link to series                             https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS42PKHZ
Link to Free Sample of series  https://dl.bookfunnel.com/b1ytv2r7nq
Link to series trailer                            https://youtu.be/juQwaRm4aEw
 
A wisp of smoke, a swirl of promise, a breath of destiny…a message within the Mortar & Pestle for those who want to believe. Throughout time people have sought their heart’s desire. But true love is often elusive. Carved with ancient Norse runes, the Mortar & Pestle shows paths to happily-ever-afters. Once you capture the Mortar & Pestle’s scent of magic, you’ll want to read all seven individual romances.