THAT'S LIFE

Recently, I saw a graphic on social media that said, “If you give up at the first sign of a struggle, you’re not ready to be successful.” As I’m celebrating the release of MADDIE FORTUNE’S PERFECT MAN, my 30^th book for Harlequin (and 40 books in all), it made me think of all the ups and downs I’ve encountered along my journey as an author.

I’m not going to lie, there have been times when I’ve thought about hanging it up and doing something that seemed easier with a steady paycheck, something that didn’t feel quite so personal when others just don’t see my vision or recognize my hard work. A writing career isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a calling that requires constant reinvention while simultaneously having a clear grasp of who you are and what you stand for. A writer absolutely must have a firm grasp of her own self-worth. Otherwise, this industry can take its toll.    

However, the most important thing I always come back to, is at the end of the day, there isn’t anything else I’d rather do. It’s in my blood. My writing theme song is Frank Sinatra’s That’s Life. As Frankie says, “Each time I find myself flat on my face, I pick myself up and get back in the race.” The way I pick myself up is by sending in the next proposal, writing the next book and eventually sending another book-baby out into the world – and, most important of all, always, always remember that I am fortunate to be doing what I love.

This isn’t so dissimilar from the struggle experienced by the heroine of MADDIEFORTUNE’S PERFECT MAN. Maddie has worked hard to prove herself worthy of taking over the family business when her father retires, only to discover she must clear one final hurdle before she can successfully achieve her goal: she has to compete with the guy who is her secret crush for the job she thought was hers. After some soul-searching, she realizes she can’t quit and she ends up stronger and more successful in the end.

I hope you’ll pick up a copy of MADDIE FORTUNE’S PERFECT MAN. If you do, please leave a review on Amazon or GoodReads or write to me and let me know what you think of it. I love to hear from readers.  

To celebrate the release of my 30th Harlequin, I'm giving away a $100 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner. You can enter the giveaway here.