E.E. Burke's Birthday Celebration

"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why." 

Mark Twain

I envy Mr. Twain (aka Samuel Clemens). He figured out his purpose fairly early in life. It took me 50 years to figure out my “why.” 

From the time I was small, I loved telling stories. These included stories I made up in my head to captivate my friends, as well as games of pretend I lured them into playing. At the time, it didn't strike me that I was what one might call a “born storyteller,” but looking back I can clearly see this characteristic emerged early.  

As I struggled over which direction to go with my career, I remember having conversations with family about my interest in writing. I was encouraged to “do something that pays enough to make a living.” So I majored in journalism. After a brief stint with newspapers and a wire service, my path veered off into public relations and advertising. I used my creative gifts to tell other people's stories.

At age 50, I had what some might call a mid-life crisis. I prefer to call it an enlightenment. The “why” question burned in my mind, and I knew that if I planned on ever going after my dream, I had better get busy. 

Ten years have passed since I set out on this path, and I can honestly say I have never looked back. Not everything has worked out the way I imagined or hoped, but the best thing that's come from chasing this crazy dream is that I do finally know the answer to my why. 

To celebrate, I've put three of my books on sale this week for 99 cents. Each of these stories features a heroine who is pursuing her life's calling. Happy Birthday to me! And thank you for giving me the gift of reading my stories.

On sale through April 1

A Dangerous Passion 
(Steam! Romance and Rails)

Life in a small New England village is too quiet, too ordinary for a free spirit like Lucy Forbes. When her father lands a job out West, she packs her books and her dreams and eagerly sets off to pursue the kind of grand adventures she longs to experience and write about. Yet the moment she steps off the train, she’s thrust into the gritty reality of an untamed frontier and into the arms of a scoundrel.

Amazon

B&N

iBooks

On sale through April 1 

Santa's Mail-Order Bride
(American Mail-Order Brides)

A schoolteacher plays matchmaker for the local Santa, who also happens to be her brother’s fiercest competitor. She’s the only bride he wants--if he can just convince her they would be the perfect match.

Amazon

B&N

iBooks

On sale through April 1

Patrick's Charm 
(The Bride Train)

Patrick, an Irish immigrant and disabled Union veteran, sees his luck take a turn for the better after a famous actress literally falls into his arms. Pity she doesn't intend to stay there.

Amazon

B&N

iBooks

Tell me about a time when  you discovered your passion or pursued a dream, or just figured out the "why." From comments, I'll pull a random winner and gift them with one of the above books, their choice. Don't forget to provide your email.

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