Hi Shirley! Thanks for joining us around the campfire on this cold morning. It's 14 degrees in Northern NJ and we are expecting a major Nor'easter late tomorrow and maybe into Tuesday. 🥶 So hunker down with a nice hot beverage and join in on the conversation. What’s your preference, coffee, tea, cocoa, wine? The camp fridge is like the Starship Enterprise. You speak it, you get it. 
Well, since it’s after five at the campfire, I’d love a glass of wine. Anything red. Zinfandel is my favorite, especially since the fridge is like Mary Poppins’ carpetbag. Have you got my favorite wine, Zinforomantica? It’s Italian. 

Well you know it's 5 O'clock somewhere, right and sì, naturalmente. One glass coming up. I too enjoy a nice red wine, unfortunately some days it doesn't agree with me. Now, you've visited before. Tell us, about a camping memory or adventure. What made it special to you?
I was a Girl Scout, even at thirteen, way past when other girls gave it up. My best friend and I went camping with our Scout leader, Mrs. Manz, her real name. Who could make that name up anyway? Once we got to the camp site, we dug latrines and built the fire pit. I know how to boil water in a paper cup. Who knows? It may still come in handy one day.

Ugh, I remember roughing it when I was young. One time it was a semi rough with my friend Linda. There was an old abandoned camper in the woods of Minnesota. On a snowy, ten degree night we thought it would be a good night to stay there. We stayed up half the night drinking Dr. Pepper and shivering. Fast forward to 2021 and you have some exciting news to share with us. 
My new book, Eat Your Heart Out, just got the new cover you see here. It’s a little difficult to make out the details since the sun is setting on our campsite, but you can see the guy is a cutie. My characters are fifty and they’re both dating. Not each other. “We’re older, not senile,” Dana says. Dana and Alex, the two main characters, are foodies and do a bit of sautéing and bantering, along with tiptoeing around each other. 

I adore books with older and experience characters. Add a bit of wining and dining and I'm hooked. Do you have a tagline? Life Motto? If you have both, let us have them.
Never give up. Seriously. It’s on my coffee mug. 

As an author, that has to be ingrained in us. Perseverance and thick skin are in our DNA. So, speaking of never giving up, how long did it take you from conception to publication? 
I am not a fast writer. I’ve written five books, two of them when I still worked full time. (Three are waiting patiently for rewrites.) It took me years to grab the courage to pursue a publisher and get the first, Middle Ageish, published. Although marketing is so time-consuming (Dear Readers, did you know that?) I write every day and if it’s not my book, it’s a blog post or book review.

I testify to that on the marketing. I'm not a fast writer either. Are there any mentors, authors, or books. 
I’d have to say the group of authors I work with and exchange ideas with at Wild Rose Press deserve a round of applause. They are so supportive and I learn something new every day. D.V. Stone, thanks so much for having me here at the campfire. I’ve been wanting to join you for a while now. Oh, I brought all the making for S’mores. (Shirley reaches into her bag.) Zinfandel and S’mores, what a great combination.

You are very welcome! I love talking to other writers about the craft and sharing them with my readers. I'm looking forward to reading this book. If anyone hasn't read Middle Ageish I highly recommend it. And don't be so slow with those s'mores. (D. V. does gimme hands). While these marshmallows are toasting can you tell us about what literary success look like to you? I love this question, because it's different for everyone.
Success means readers. I want readers who laugh along with my characters and can’t wait to ask questions about them. Ask me if the dating stories are true, was my boss that awful, and where did I get the concept of the buttered noodle syndrome. Hint: It’s in Eat Your Heart Out. 

You heard her, grab Shirley's books and enjoy a good laugh. I did. Do you have any Life Hacks for Authors. Tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others. I’m also interested in how you have been managing your life and writing with COVID-19.
Writing has saved me during Covid times. There is no other way to say it. Writing is keeping me sane. I live alone, so I’m not a stranger to hermit-like habits. Lucky for me I live in Florida. Tough in the summer, though, but all summer long I got up and out early to get in my morning walk. That helped me a lot. It’s all in your head.
A tip for writing is always bounce your writing off others. My writing group is essential to my writerly well-being. Before publication, I rely on the help of friends and my writing group to proofread. My sister is very patient when I talk about my characters as if they’re roomies. 

Thank you for sharing that. I kind of takes a village, right? Now the fun questions. If they made a movie about your life, what would the title be and who would play you?
My Life as a Date. It would star Goldie Hawn. I have no idea what she looks like these days, so I’m taking a leap of faith.
 
What is your favorite mug or teacup?  
My Never Give Up mug. 

Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours?
I used to live in Crete, Greece. My Kodak Moment would be all the times shared with my mom when she visited, and my friends and their kids at the beach. The best things in life are free. We used to say that out loud to remind ourselves how lucky we were swimming in the Med. 

Favorite childhood book?
Madeline and Curious George

If you could eat anything in the world right now, what would it be?
Full-fat deep dark chocolate ice cream with nuts and hot fudge.

What was the last thing you Googled?
Last thing I Googled was the spelling of Madeline, the girl who walked with the others in one straight line. 

Shirley you are such a fun guest. Thank you for joining us today and letting us have a peek into your life. Now I have to go wash all this stickiness off my hands. I would love for you to leave us little more about you, your life and especially your new book cover. And readers out there, don't be afraid to ask any questions of Shirley. If you are intrigued enough about this lovely lady, here are her social media links.


Shirley’s Socials 
WEBSITE:  
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54758920-middle-ageish
BOOKBUB  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/3531427862
https://www.facebook.com/midagedating
https://twitter.com/mylifeasadate
https://www.instagram.com/shirleygoldbergauthor/

​Note from D. V.
Eat Your Heart Out doesn't have a release date yet but soon, very soon. So keep your eyes peeled and I'll let you know when it does. In the mean time, head over to https://midagedating.com/  and check out her other books. 

Hi Sorchia! Thanks for visiting the campfire today. What’s your preference, coffee, tea, cocoa, wine? The camp fridge is like the Starship Enterprise. You speak it, you get it.
I’m a green tea with jasmine freak—can’t get enough, but I’ll not refuse a crisp white wine either.
 
Lets start with tea and we'll see where it goes. I'm a Sauvignon Blanc fan. So there's always a bottle around here. Tell us, have you ever camped? If you’re not the camping type tell us about your favorite adventure or vacation. What made it special to you.
We used to camp often. Then we bought some property at the end of a road in the middle of a forest. At first, we camped there at every opportunity and then we built a house on the campsite. Now I can enjoy the same view, but with a kitchen and bathroom, as well! Tall pine trees, lots of deer, turkey, and other wildlife, a pond filled with fish, and the nearest neighbor is nearly a mile away—and they are nice people who value privacy as much as we do. I have a porch and a deck and a firepit and all is well. There’s really no need to ‘go’ camping anymore though I wouldn’t be opposed to a camping trip to the mountains one day.

That sounds amazing. We live at the edge of a state forest but have lots of neighbors. Tell us about your latest project. What book are you talking about today, and what’s on the horizon.
Today, I’m chatting about a 99 cent sale book. The last book in my Zoraida Grey trilogy was released in October and now all three books are available for 99 cents each. The trilogy is about a small town fortune teller who travels to Scotland on a quest to save her granny’s life. Instead, she finds herself in a haunted castle battling a family of witches and in danger of being ensorcelled by not one, but two, handsome Scottish witches. She has to choose between her comfortable, safe life or a life of magic and danger.

Wow that sounds like a great book set at an awesome deal. Do you have a tagline? Life Motto?
A reviewer provided the inspiration for my tagline: Magic, Mystery, Romance, History, a Little Whisky, and a Cat.

How long did it take you from conception to publication?
This trilogy has taken 6 years to get finished. My family were the primary culprits—they are barely aware that I write and seem to come up with one drama after another just as I get involved in a book. And then in 2020, I came down with a slight case of cancer which slowed down the last book by a year. I’m fine now, and determined to put my writing projects on the front burner instead of letting them languish.

Huh. I've never considered any cancer slight. You must have great perspective on life. I'd do a freak out at any mention of it. Are there any mentors, authors, or books?
Writing is a solitary activity but promoting and marketing are just the opposite. I’m grateful for all the people I’ve met as I guest on their blogs or they guest on mine. I could point to Stephen King’s On Writing, William Zinsser’s On Writing Well, and Annie Dillard’s The Writing Life as inspirational works on the business and purposes of writing.

What does literary success look like to you?
Well, I would love to quit the day job and write fulltime—this is doable since my standards are low. I don’t crave fame—this is why I live at the end of a road. For me, literary success is a steady income from writing which would give me time to write more and to provide help and encouragement to other writers who may be having some of the same doubts and problems I had. I love to write the stories—love to dig into personalities and love to create atmosphere. The writing is the main goal.

How you have been managing your life and writing with COVID-19?
During COVID I also had cancer. Actually, if you are going to get cancer, I highly recommend doing it during a pandemic. Get it all over with at once. My hair fell out and no one saw it. I felt and looked like poo and no one will remember that. I was cranky and dopey and only a select few know about that—and I’ve apologized profusely to them. Traffic was light during lock downs as I went to the doctor for treatment and I was taking good drugs which made the whole experience kind of blurry. I still limit my trips to town and I would really, really like to go out to eat. I miss yard sales and flea markets and the opportunity to hobnob with friends. I’ve been disappointed in some acquaintances response to the situation, but I’m looking forward to talking it out with some of them.
 
Now the fun questions
Teach me something I don’t know in two sentences. 
The word "quarantine" literally means “40 days.” The word was coined in the 14th century and 40 days was how long passengers on ships were kept in isolation to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.  Extra sentence: Fun fact--after the 40 days, if the infection was still extant, the ship—and passengers—were sometimes burned.
(😮⬅ Me, D.V.)
What’s your favorite cartoon, and why?
Rocky and Bullwinkle closely followed by Bugs Bunny—hard to pick between them, but Moose and Squirrel featured Boris and Natasha, Fractured Fairy Tales, Snidley Whiplash,  and Captain Wrongway Peachfuzz so…..

Last movie you saw? 
I’ve been binging movies like there is no tomorrow. The most recent batch was all the Mission Impossible movies. I’m not a huge Tom Cruise fan, but Mission Impossible is great fun.

What weird talent do you have?
I’m a Firestarter. I love bonfires and am proud of my ability to lay the fire and start it in the most inhospitable conditions. I took tutelage from a historical reinactor—a mountain man—who showed me how to light fires with just a piece of flint. This guy was a mild-mannered art teacher by day but authentic mountain man by night and weekend and summer. In full mountain man regalia, he used to give presentations to my evening college folklore classes and one night, while his partner was demonstrating the meanings of Native American tatoos and badges, he sidles up to me and points to a feather in his cap. “Wanna know what this one’s fer,” he says, in character. “Sure,” I reply. “Strangling a white woman,” he says smugly. He enlivened history for my students as well as teaching me how to set the forest on fire at any time of year.

Last thing you googled? Why? I just googled how much money is to be made selling illegal firearms. Yep—I’m certain to be on an FBI list. They’ll also find searches for most lethal spots to stab someone, amount of blood which would result—and a few other bits like that. The info will show up in a small-town mystery trilogy. The first book is titled All the Pretty Knives. I’m aiming at a July release.

Blurb for Entire Series https://sorchiadubois.com/witchin-winter-sale-zoraida-grey-trilogy/
How many Scottish witches does it take to destroy one small-town fortune teller?
The Zoraida Grey trilogy follows Zoraida from Arkansas to Scotland on a quest to retrieve a healing stone to save her granny’s life. But Granny hasn’t told her everything. Soon Zoraida is smack dab in the middle of a witchy clan war and in danger of being ensorcelled by not one but two smoking hot witches. The truth of her own heritage is buried deep beneath Castle Logan, but the only one who can help her has stepped in a steaming pile of Voodoo thousand of miles away in the Caribbean. Zoraida must decide between her old, safe life or a new one filled with magic and danger.
The task may be the end of her—or the beginning.
 
Zoraida Grey and the Family Stones
 How many Scottish witches does it take to destroy one small-town fortune teller?
 Granny’s dying, but Zoraida can save her with a magic crystal of smoky quartz. Too bad the crystal is in Scotland––in a haunted castle––guarded by mind-reading, psychopathic sorcerers.
Getting inside Castle Logan is easy. Getting out––not so much. Zoraida stumbles into a family feud, uncovers a wicked ancient curse, and finds herself ensorcelled by not one but two handsome Scottish witches. Up to their necks in family intrigue and smack-dab in the middle of a simmering clan war, Zoraida and her best friend Zhu discover Granny hasn’t told them everything.
Not by a long shot.
 
Zoraida Grey and the Voodoo Queen
A Scottish wizard, stripped naked and painted blue—a Voodoo priestess bent on immortality—a yacht-load of Caribbean pirates. What can possibly go wrong?
With her best friend held hostage in a haunted Scottish castle by the magical Logan clan, Zoraida needs help. She can’t trust beguiling but dangerous Shea Logan, and Al, her over-protective ex-boyfriend, doesn’t believe in magic.
Granny says only one creature strikes fear in the blackened hearts of the Logan witches. Trouble is Jock disappeared five centuries ago leaving a trail of destruction across the Gulf of Mexico. Now he’s stepped into a steaming pile of Voodoo.
Can Zoraida drag wayward Jock back to Scotland? And what’s she supposed to do with two men who promise completely different futures? She’ll need all the magic she can muster to get out of this predicament with her skin-- and her heart-- intact.
 
Zoraida Grey and the Pictish Runes
 Hostages in the tower, vampires in the caverns, witches in the drawing room.
 Castle Logan lives up to its dark reputation when Zoraida returns to Scotland with vengeance on her mind.
 To rescue her best friend forever, she’ll have to use every skill she’s learned. Will it be enough? How can a small-town fortuneteller hope to defeat the powerful witches of Castle Logan? The mysterious black crystal hidden beneath the East Tower offers certain victory––but the price is high. 
The last book in the Zoraida Grey Trilogy finds Zoraida pitted against the entire clan of Logan witches. But if they think it’s going to be easy, they've got another think coming.
 
 
Buy Links:
Zoraida Grey and the Family Stones: books2read.com/u/mKJkvZ
Zoraida Grey and the Voodoo Queen: books2read.com/ZoraidaGrey2
Zoraida Grey and the Pictish Runes: books2read.com/ZoraidaGrey3
 
 
Author Bio:
Sorchia Dubois is the pen name of a mysterious, retired English teacher who lives deep in the forest in a tall house with nine cats. Sorchia writes paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and small-town murder mysteries. She published her first book in 2018 at the ripe age of mumblety-seven and plans to publish at least ninety-nine more. Her latest accomplishment is to survive cancer, which was no fun, but served to broaden her perspective—that’s for sure. Currently, she’s working on All the Pretty Knives, the first in a new trilogy to be released 2021-22.
 
 
Social Media:
Website:  www.SorchiaDubois.com
Straight to the blog: https://www.sorchiadubois.com/sorchias-universe-the-bloga/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SorchiaDubois
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/SorchiaDubois/
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/SorchiaD
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/SorchiaDuBois/e/B00B60NOUQ/
Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6879978.Sorchia_DuBois
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sorchia-dubois
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorchiad/
UnEarthly Tymes Newsletter: https://sorchiadubois.com/signup/
 
Excerpt from Zoraida Grey and the Pictish Runes
 
Dinner guests at Castle Logan look like a traveling Halloween party in search of a human sacrifice. Why am I surprised? A few of them stare at the looming figure of Jock in the doorway, but the majority seem to be people not put off by a giant wizard and his feathery familiar in the foyer.
Castle Logan looks much as I remember it, but I’m changed in more than appearance. The place is as creepy as it ever was. Dark shadows lurk in the upper hallways, a cold mist flows along the floor, and the prickle of magic crawls across my skin like a dozen tiny spiders. The first time I walked into Castle Logan, I had a severe case of the heebie jeebies. Now, the weirdness feels homey. I’m glad to be back.
Normal rules don’t apply here. We’re going to sit down to dinner as if nothing monumental has happened. Our unexpected appearance is but one of many odd happenings in the last quarter hour alone.
Zhu materializes beside me and hands me a glass of wine. I marked her presence and apparent good health the first minute I walked into the castle. I’m glad to see her, and not just because of the wine, though that’s a nice plus.
“You took your sweet time,” she says, grinning like a drunken Cheshire cat. “This place is nothing like Arkansas.”
“You’re the one who wanted to see witches and real magic. I didn’t want to come back too soon and ruin your fun.” I breathe a silent sigh of relief. She’s safe and she’s not bewitched. The world is still right side up. “You look pretty chummy with all these folks. I had the idea you were being held hostage.”
As I lift the glass of wine to my lips, I notice a tall, blue-eyed man standing close to Zhu. If I didn’t know better, I would say he was her bodyguard. And if not for the large, dark Scotsman holding my hand, I would be giving this blond fellow a longer look. Instead, I raise my eyebrows at Zhu.
Zhu smiles sweetly and sips her wine. By this, I understand I am not the only one with a story to tell.
 
 
Coming Attractions:
A new trilogy for 2021-22:
When a routine burglary goes tragically wrong, Money MacQueen heads for the only safe place she knows--Home. But her hometown isn't as quiet and secure as she remembers. Prominent townspeople keep turning up dead and her own dad may be on the killer's list. Did she bring trouble with her or has her crazy uncle finally gone too far? Old loves, new enemies, and a murderer haunt the familiar streets. Money must confront her own bad decisions before she can help people she loves.
 
Watch for All the Pretty Knives, Birds of a Feather, and Corked by Sorchia Dubois. Sign up for my newsletter to get the latest—along with freebies.
​

Hi Liz! I'm glad you joined me as 2021's first campfire guest. With so much going on in the world it's nice to step away from it all and hunker down around a cozy flame and great company. So, what can I offer you? The camp fridge is like shooting star where all your wishes come true. 
I’ll just get some coffee. Oh, good, you have hazelnut creamer.  

I love hazelnut creamer so it's a staple on every shopping trip. Tell us, have you ever camped? 
I camped with a friend’s family as a kid, and it was so much fun, but it wasn’t something we did later with our own family. I do love staying in a lodge in a state park—any state, any park! That’s almost like camping, isn’t it?

Absolutely. To me, camping is just about the shelter or lack of one. It's about time in the outdoors with family and friends. Conversation and good food. My son and his family don't have a camper but love the experience. Each Christmas we get them a KOA gift certificate and they rent a cabin and enjoy themselves. Now, tell us about your latest project. What book are you talking about today, and what’s on the horizon?
My latest book is a complete departure. Although I’ve written contemporary romance since the late 90s, I’ve also written a column called “Window Over the Sink.” Sometimes for newspapers, a few times for magazines and often for my blog. My husband wanted me to compile a bunch of them in a book. A mere 15 years or so after he broached the subject, Window Over the Sink, the book, was published.
 
That's great! I love books like that .Do you have a tagline? Life Motto? If you have both, let us have them.
My tagline is Stories from the Heart. My motto is my favorite A. A. Milne quote: “What day is it?” asked Pooh.
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.”

My favorite mug is a Winnie the Pooh one. So much simple wisdom from the stories. How long did it take you from conception to publication?
It took years—probably 10--at the beginning, and sometimes years between sales, too. I was published before indie became a “thing,” so my career path wasn’t unusual. While I always resented the term “hobbyist,” I suppose to some, that’s what I was. Writing was my second job, no matter how much I loved it, and the time I had for it came after the kids, the husband, and the day job. When I had the time to devote to it, I no longer had the drive. If I didn’t still love it as much as I always did, it would be a sad story; as it is, I’ve just been lucky. 

I don't know, luck? Maybe. How about adding talent and perseverance? And speaking about writing, are there any mentors, authors, or books you would like to give a shout-out to?
The list here is really long, so I’ll name just three. Muriel Jensen, who wrote a gazillion books, all of which I’ve read, told me never to give up and was a friend to me always. Kathleen Gilles Seidel has, for my money, the best voice in romantic or women’s fiction, and I grew as a writer just by reading her. Nan Reinhardt, who is my favorite travel buddy, is also my best writer friend. We brainstorm and have even discussed writing a book together, but decided the friendship was too important to risk.
​
They sound like a fantastic trio of women. Liz, what does literary success look like to you?
I’m happy in my writing life, and that’s all the success I need. I’m not sure how I’d answer that if I wrote for a living; I’m afraid I wouldn’t have recognized pleasure as success.

Life Hacks for Authors. Do you have any tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others?  I'm especially interested in how you've dealt with COVID-19.
Have your own space. I remember reading that way back when my own space was my seat at the kitchen table. I laughed—probably derisively—but I can’t overstate its importance.
It’s easier for us than it is for many other people. We live rurally, like each other’s company, and being creative when it comes to shopping or food someone else has cooked. I miss my kids and grands a lot, but we’re all safe, so I count my blessings.

Now the fun questions 

1. Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours? A picture I took of all seven grandkids when we were all on vacation together several years ago. They live all over the country and we’re never in one place, and that photograph makes my heart sing—and break.
2. Which superhero would you like to be existing or you make up? I wouldn’t want to BE her, but Ruth Bader Ginsburg is my superhero. I would like to have her strength of character and her wisdom—what a combination those two things are!
3. Favorite childhood book? A bunch of them, but something about UNDERSTOOD BETSY still calls to me all these years later. I’ve probably reread it in its entirely 10 times, and gone back to read certain scenes more often than that. 
4. Last book or movie that made you cry? WONDER. When Owen Wilson cried alone in the night over the loss of their dog, I cried for Owen Wilson.
5. What’s your go-to coffee order? Medium grind with sugar-free hazelnut creamer or syrup and Splenda. Several times a day, thank you very much.
6. Last thing you googled? Why? LOL. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, because I can never remember whether it’s -berg or -burg!

Funny how the spelling of some words allude us. Liz, thanks for being my guest today at the campfire. Would you leave as with a little more about your book and where readers can find out more?
​

I'm sure for many of you the holidays were a bit different. My dear husband and I drove and delivered porch presents in the pouring rain. We waved and moved on. Then came home and had a bit of turkey and the fixings. I know I'm not the only one looking forward to 2021. But, in the midst of all I never want to forget the good things. There's an old hymn that says Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Seems like great advice to me. ​
How could everything be bad when there’s cake? There were several major events this year in my life that were served up with sugary sweetness. Hubby retired in June which has been amazing. He wonders how he found time to work? With the help of friends the new deck is fabulous. The Christmas display grew, and even with all the COVID restrictions we were able to camp with the grandchildren, have outside church (which Hali loved by the way) Christmas came and Hali went for a hayride to pick out a tree and then the morning of the big day, Pete made his homemade cinnamon buns which we did porch deliveries in the pouring rain. 

Now here we are it's January 1st 2021. For each of you I hope you have a happy, safe, and blessed New Year. And without further ado here we go.

• Today I’m welcoming myself to the Campfire blog. I've had so many wonderful guests this past year and I'm giving them the day off. It's been awhile since I've spilled my news, so why not today. The answers to my normal questions will be mine! I hope you stick around long enough for my speed question round. And to make things even more interesting (or at least interesting) I'm going to do a giveaway or possibly more than one. Comment on the blog and your name will be entered into a random drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card. 
• One of the things I ask my guests are their preference in beverages. Some have given me some fancy requests. And the camp fridge is always accommodating. I'm pretty basic. Coffee, tea, white wine, or a diet coke are all on every trip. One of my favorite refreshing drinks is a splash of Crystal lite orange and then fill the cup with cranberry seltzer.
• Then I ask about camping or glamping. I've done it all. From sleeping rough in a bag without a tent in an open field (woke up with a face full of mosquito bites), to my home away from home now. 2HOOTs is my 41.5 foot long 13.3 feet high 5th Wheel. She's got more amenities than my house. I think some of my favorite trips were with my sister to the Finger Lakes Wine Festival in Watkins Glen NY.  This year though DH and I ranged from NJ to Kentucky to Niagara Falls and Mystic CT. There were a few weekends at our local haunts in NJ and Pa as well. 
• This is a book and author blog and so here's where I ask my guest to share about their work. I've been a busy girl this year. Both the Campfire and Peek blogs are published each week. Then in April Rock House Grill released followed by Rainbow Sprinkles in August. I've been trying to get the second Agent Sam Carter finished and on January 5th The Mystery at High Pointe Tower will be available. For my Rock House fans, Jazz House is going to my wonderful editor Elf at the end of the month. Hopefully my edits won't take as much time since I've learned so much, but we'll see. Oh, and I continue to work fulltime in a medical office. 
• One of my favorite questions is about a persons life tagline or motto. I have a few. So here they are in no particular order
  • Your thoughts of God are to human. Martin Luther
  • He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?  Micah 6:8
  • Git'er done  Larry the Cable Guy

​          What are some of your go to phrases?

• People ask me all the time why it takes me so long. Refer to bullet point 4. Enough said. 
• Are there any mentors, authors, or books you would like to give a shout-out to? Oh my goodness! How do I count them. If you know anything about me you know that JRR Tolkien and C. S. Lewis are huge influences. But every book I've ever held in my hand has influence me in some way just like every person I've met has. Some good, some bad, and some I'm still going Huh? about. Certainly my friends and family. Also Wild Rose Press and the Rose Garden www.thewildrosepress.com/. Can't forget the N.J. Romance Writers  https://www.njromancewriters.org/  And there's critique partners and folks like Margo Karolyi who for years ran a critique group. 
• What does literary success look like to you? I love this question. It’s different for everyone. I thought after opening my first box of books with Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar. That was it. Then when I signed my first publishing contract with The Wild Rose Press, that had to be it. Recently, Rock House Grill recieved a first place award from influencer N. N. Light's Book Heaven www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/2020-nnlight-book-award-winners and Rainbow Sprinkles received a 3rd place in the International Digital Awards okrwa.com/contests/international-digital-awards/winners/ So when I figure out the answer to this question I'll let you know. 

​          In the meantime would you answer it?
 
Now the fun questions

1. Do you have a special object like a piece of jewelry or keepsake of some sort? Can you tell us what makes it special to you? I have a paper mache fish someone gave me. It reminds me to always take a moment to lend a hand to someone. 
2. What is your favorite mug or teacup? I have a Winnie the Pooh mug that is interchangeable with an Owl mug my sister gave me.
3. Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. A whale watch off the coast of Maine. The water and sky met and a pod breached the surface. A mother and calf were just off the side so close. It was amazing.
4. What do you think the headlines will read 40 years from now? I hope it reads we all learned responsibility for self, kindness to others, and chocolate doesn't make you fat.​
5. What is your favorite childhood book? Anna Sewell's Black Beauty.
6. Last thing you Googled and why? How to spell Paper Mache for the answer to question #1.

I hope you enjoyed my little self-indulgence today. I'd love to hear from you. And if you've gotten this far, let me know what my favorite childhood book is. First one to comment gets a signed copy of Magical Sweets an anthology including Rainbow Sprinkles. 

Agent Sam Carter
Book 2
The Mystery At High Pointe Tower
 Join the gang in the second Agent Sam Carter series. Sam’s camping vacation is canceled. Strange happenings at the High Pointe Tower are going to take all his wits and skill to save the world from its latest threat. The convergence of the Dragon Aurora and volcanic eruption tears a hole between the dimensions trapping a paranormal creature on earth side. But as usual, nothing is as it first appears.

 
Goodreads Giveaway
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NC6XZR9
And if you signup for my monthly email you'll get a link to read the first Agent Carter for free!
https://mailchi.mp/23c28f1b6477/dvstoneauthorcom

Bio 
D. V. Stone is a multi-genre author, both traditional and independently published. A weekly blog host of Welcome to the Campfire and A Peek Through the Window. She reviews books and shares her favorites in a monthly newsletter.
D. V. is a full-time employee in a medical office, wife to an amazing husband, mother to one son, and not your average grandma to three beautiful grands. A woman of faith, she trusts and believes in God.
When not behind the wheel of my camper, 2Hoots—a 41 foot long 13.2 feet high 5th Wheel, she tools around Northern New Jersey in her white Camaro named Snowball. Her greatest pleasures are spending time outside with friends and family, cooking over the open fire, owls, and reading.
Hali, her rescue dog, always reminds everyone, “Woof, woof.” Which is loosely translated. Support your local animal rescue.
 
You can find out more about D. V. by following her on Social Media 
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Blogs 
Welcome to the Campfire Blog          Peek Through the Window     
Books by

D. V. Stone 
Rainbow Sprinkles
After the storm come the rainbows.
Amazon  Barnes & Noble   iBook’s
 
Rock House Grill
One man’s choices. One woman’s Impact
Amazon           Barnes & Noble          iBook’s      Google Books      Kobo

Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar
One foolish thought. One brutal act. Instead of a peaceful alliance––war.
Amazon
 
Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake
Amazon - The Mystery At Branch Lake

Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery At High Pointe Tower
A Mid-grade paranormal
Amazon - High Pointe Tower
 
Contributing Author
Australia Burns
Amazon

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https://www.amazon.com/D.-V.-Stone/e/B01N154Y9U

And if your still with me, here are the lyrics to the Hymn I mentioned above

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God has done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     *Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
     [*And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

If you're reading this, comment with your favorite inspirational song, hymn or Psalm and you'll get a chance for a free signed book of Rock House Grill.

​Happy New Year!