Miracle Beneath the Mistletoe JUST RELEASED!

 To all my readers,

Thank you so much for your patience during this trying time. Due to the closure the publishing house I've been working with I have been forced to overcome quite a few speedbumps. I can how happily say, I have successfully achieved the first of these goals! 

Miracle Beneath the Mistletoe previously known by the title Miracles in the Making is now available for preview and purchase on Amazon Kindle. The next of these titles, as well as my most recent work, are soon to follow. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy my most recent work. To everyone who contributed their input on the cover art, thank you! I love hearing from each of my readers. I strongly value each of your responses! For any further information regarding these updates you can check my official page: www.adriennedavenportbooks.com or you can reach me through email via the link located on that site. For your enjoyment, here is a peak at this recent work.

Owner of a charming little shop near the center of Chicago, Candy Frost has no children of her own to hold close. A cheerful young woman with a shining personality, she is dearly loved by the endless stream of girls and boys who mill about her shop on a regular basis. It isn't much but it does keep her going, especially around the holidays. Busy with life in general Candy sees no reason to seek out a relationship. With her old red cat to keep her company she figures she could not ask for more. Never mind the occasional twinge of loneliness that creeps up on her when she least expects it. Life moves forward at a smooth pace, until one evening just before Christmas Eve. Seated at home with only her cat for companionship, Candy absently confesses to the animal that she does occasionally long for more. Unbeknownst to the young woman, she is not quite as alone as she believes. Assigned the task of watching over the charming beauty, novice angel Noel Street has been attentive in his duties until now. This year He trips up inadvertently admitting he's momentarily lapsed in his duty. To punish him for his blunder, Noel is confined to earth for three months. This is how Candy and the engaging man first cross paths. For Candy the encounter is love at first sight. Noel is the handsomest man she's seen in years and he draws the children to him with a magical flair. Noel has always found the girl beautiful. She has remained just beyond his reach. But one shocking invitation may change that forever…

This version has been slightly updated for your pleasure. Looking forward to hearing from you!

-Adrienne 

The Color of Passion

What you wear can set the tone for the rest of the night. At some point most of us have heard this tip just prior to satisfying our urge for dinner with an alarmingly handsome charmer. In itself this piece of unsolicited advice can sound a little exorbitant, but it isn’t entirely untrue. Remember that day wandering through the grocery store you happened past the girl with the glowing yellow sundress? You couldn’t resist stopping for a second glance. Or perhaps the relaxed evening as you lingered in the bar? How could you forget the quirky sports cap sitting askew atop the man beside you? It caused you to burst out laughing. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could choose what reaction you incite in your date? Here are a few faultless methods.

1.

Wear red. This fiery option made its name centuries ago as an instigator of energy, love, excitement and passion. An attention grabber in its brilliance, you are in no danger of going unnoticed. If you are already lucky enough to be graced with hair in the lustrous color, opt for a little darker tone to offset your beautiful gift. No matter what dazzling shade you choose, your ensemble will seduce your partner on sight. It will draw them in before you even have the chance to speak.

2.

Thinking of going with a long gown for a sense of graceful elegance? Maybe you should reconsider. Though this essence of class is sure to clearly conveys its message, a little shorter hemline never fails to sing SEXY. Think of the countless female pop stars of the modern era whose own sense of style bends this direction. You don’t need to be standing on a stage before a sea of wild fans for this approach to have an effect. Ask just about any available man of your acquaintance, the majority will offer the same opinion.

3.

Considering casual? Spring for the heels. Although short and sweet is has continued to hold it’s place of honor as the decades pass, long and leggy is just as wicked. Just the trick for a little extra zing to whatever sleek style you’ve decided to portray, the little kick of color can be just the thing to offset the overall appeal. Not to mention, a few extra inches often make the good night kiss much more enticing.

4.

Already taking far too much time to affect the perfect shine? Don’t despair just yet. Snap on your mama’s little silver wristlet. If bracelet don’t quite fit your fling, reach for a pretty green pendant. When all else fails  the tiny trace of shine these feminine treasure’s reflect as you languish beneath the restaurant lights are the ideal final touch- even if you’re already glowing.

 

No matter what tint your passion takes, never forget that special warmth that flows from within is enough to brighten up any ballroom!

"Miracles In The Making" New Name, New Beginning

Hi everyone,

The last few months have been a long run, however I am thrilled to stay I have finally reached a fresh beginning! Not long after the publisher I was working with closed their doors for the last time we began the extended process of refinishing our home. The timing by itself wasn't perfect to say the least however, what started as an unfortunate event will end up being a wonderful turning point! For instance, since I first began writing professionally I have desired to work with a larger company. I understood from the beginning this was a far-reaching aspiration- at least until the rights to my books were returned to me. Even so, I am grateful to Eternal Press for their role in opening the first door to the beautiful world that is professional writing and I am very sorry to see they could not continue with their own goals. This occurrence has, for me at least, been a blessing in disguise. 

As with all businesses that rely on public identity and customer reach, once the cord is shortened or cut is is much more difficult to lengthen it. I have made a concerted effort to keep this cord from being completely cut, nonetheless I find myself standing on the precipice of another adventure. In honor of this wonderful occasion I have chosen to release my book, Miracles In The Making under the name Miracles Beneath The Mistletoe. I plan for this release to take place around Christmas of this year. To Celebrate I have designed three covers from which to choose. At this point I am not entirely certain which of these will become the official cover. In this regard, I ask you, my readers, to offer your opinions which I respect immensely. I have posted each of these images below for your observation. I would greatly appreciate your input on this topic. If you would like a free copy of the opening chapter send your response to my email: adrienne_davenport@hotmail.com under the heading "Choice Cover" so I know where to send your copy. If you prefer, please leave your opinion on my Facebook or Twitter page both of which I have attached the links to:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/A_Davenport77

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoradriennedavenport/

As soon as this decision is settled I will post the winning cover to both of these pages as well as my Instagram and Pinterest accounts. As the release date for Miracle Beneath The Mistletoe grows closer I will be holding a virtual book launch to celebrate. This date, which has not yet been settled, will be announced on both Twitter and Facebook. I will also post this and any other correlating information to my official page: www.adriennedavenportbooks.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sending my love,

Adrienne Davenport

5 Marketing Tips To Keep Your Book Moving Past The Starting Line

Every author knows when you first decide to write a book the process often seems pretty clear cut. Only later, after you've had a little time to delve into the steps, do you realize just how much is actually involved. When the full impact hits this can often seem very overwhelming. As important as writing a book is the matter of marketing. Without the notoriety to keep it going even the best book will fall short. I know this sounds scary but in reality it's not as daunting a task as it may appear. That said, here are a few tips to get you moving in the right direction:

  1. Newsletters
When used correctly, newsletters are often one of the best methods for reaching a large amount of readers. In this case, the most difficult part is accumulating subscribers. Start by adding a sign up box to your webpage. For this task many options are available. I personally prefer Mailchimp. They offer free services up to 2,000 subscribers along with plenty of very helpful bonuses. A pop up is very useful in drawing attention and simple to implement when using one of these apps. Don't forget as important as grabbing a person's attention is keeping it. The old saying, "You get what you give" is true enough. Give your viewers a reason to sign up. For example offer a free chapter of your book, or the opportunity to receive writing tips once they subscribe. Are you selling an ebook? Add a link to the back of your book. Any opportunity to promote should never be missed.

  2. Social Media
In the current age of electronics social media is a prime chance to reach readers. Some of the most popular, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest are all perfect opportunities to share your work. If you don't already have an account with these sites, I would suggest getting one. Kick-start your campaign by posting pictures of your cover prior to your launch date or hold a giveaway to keep sales moving. While you're at it, consider looking into the paid ads offered by Facebook. Depending on your budget this could be well worth looking into.
 
  3. KDP Kindle Direct Publishing 
Far more common a practice then it once was, self-publishing does have it's benefits for the starting author. Take a look at Amazon's publishing service. A very clear cut process, it also offers promotional advantages to the author so long as they agree to allow Amazon sole right to sell their book for a minimum of 90 days. At this point the author can choose to opt out of this promotional package and begin selling through multiple sources such as Kobo and Overdrive. Alternately, if the service is working to their satisfaction, they can continue for another 90 days. This can be a good starting point for an author lacking in experience.

 4. Youtube
If you're willing to take the time book trailers, not much different then movie trailers, can be a great way to help potential readers connect to your book. It can be a great pre-launch strategy to create awareness of your upcoming release.  You can also use this as a nice tactic to keep the book moving once it has been on the market simply by slapping it on Facebook or another social media site. Want to keep the traffic moving a little more? Place a link to your author page on your Youtube account. This makes it easier for the fascinated viewer to connect to the product.

5. Author Webpage
It goes without saying every author has a website dedicated as much to themselves as to their product. As an author your are your own brand. Your personality is as much a part of this as the books you sell. Try to use a color scheme that expresses your genre and your personality. By doing this you can help your readers connect with you. If a person likes the author they are far more likely to buy their books. While you're at it, link your page to your social media sites, provide a short bio. to read, and as mentioned before encourage these readers to sign up for your newsletter. An author's webpage is one of their key assets. As such it should be used to their best advantage.

To all of you who love writing as much as I do, I hope I was able to help kick-start you a little. Best of luck in your future endeavors!

-Adrienne

Ideal Imperfections

When a writer sets out to design the ideal hero or heroine, they often begin with a vision of a tall, dark, and handsome millionaire or a masculine knight in shining armour. At the end of the day, however this glorified lady-killer isn't entirely what we usually end up with. Just as important as Casanova's strengths are his faults. A fact commonly overlooked by the broader audience. Without these flaws however big or small they might be our hero would be too perfect- or to put it plainly, downright boring. Though this may come as a surprise to some, these faults play a strong role in creating the strong, dashing, dreamboat we often imagine ourselves standing beside or sitting across from at dinner. Human nature in itself is a far reach from perfection. For some our short-coming is a streak of stubbornness for others it is a lack of self-confidence, or perhaps a dash of arrogance. By themselves these traits may seem debilitating, before you jump to this conclusion however stop to consider, as much as that stubbornness causes dissension, it also might be the very catalyst that drove prince charming to amass his riches. Perhaps that lack of confidence drew our heroine to take a job at the firm where Mr. Millionaire reigned rather then accept a higher position and in doing meet her hero. That arrogance, so frequently held in contempt might be the very trait that drew him to a woman with as strong a personality as he himself possesses.

Take the classic plot of "Kate and Leopold". A prime example of this concept, the story begins with Kate's over-obsessive ex-boyfriend, Stuart taking a stroll in the past. Were it not for his extreme obsession Stuart never would have found the crack in time, hence halting the rest of the plot. Leopold, the dashing hero of the story, was undeniably handsome. If you stop to take a closer look however, he was also overconfident and obstinate. These key features frustrated his uncle and served to create an enjoyable subplot- not to mention helped to determined the film's romantic ending.

It goes without saying, when we close our eyes and envision our ideal mate, obstinance isn't usually the first quality that comes to mind, but it is just as important as your dream lover's shining eyes and endless charm. It may even become one of their most defining features. Take this into consideration the next time you go to pick up a pen and enjoy creating your Romeo.

How to Keep Your Muse Smiling During Writer's Block

Just a warning, I intend to make this short and sweet. Recently life has taken on many different tracks simultaneously and it has been a little difficult to keep track of each of those paths. For some months now my family and I have been pushing to finish renovating our current home while developing a plan to move to an entirely new location once the renovation is finished. As a result, some of my undertakings have had to be placed on a temporary hold. I have nonetheless kept after the ever-driving battle to remain connected with my precious writing. Each day I spare a few moments to study my writing and stay on track so when I can resume my work I will not be lost. I suffered this loss once before and was forced to completely restart my novel.

Such is the main purpose of this post. No doubt some of you have suffered similar travesties. It is easy enough to understand the frustration that goes with this quandary. There are ways to avoid the permanent damage that forces us to erase weeks and, on occasion, months, of hard work and valuable time. No to mention the strain of cutting that emotional connection every writer feels to their masterpiece. Start by setting aside a small piece of your schedule, no matter how small, to at least review your current piece. Even if you cannot find the time to add to your work, the act of reviewing will help you to keep a small connection. Also, keep notes- a lot of notes. These will be your life-blood in the long run. All of us understand the tiniest details count. Last, but certainly not least, read books of the same genre. Not only will this relax you in those times you need it most it will also help keep your juices flowing. 

I hope I have been able to help you through your troubles!

Best wishes,

Adrienne

Tips On Writing the Ideal Love Scene

If you are reading this, you've doubtlessly spent hours either pining away before the pages of a dreamy romance novel or dreaming up one of your own. If you would rather write one, you will already know that those steamy scenes epitomize the core of this unique genre. Without the quirks and values of love, it just wouldn't be romance. Ever wonder what it takes to write one of these entrancing scenes? If so here are a few tips to help you along:
1. Know Your Characters
Use those traits which are special to each of your characters to highlight their similarities and differences. This spices up any situation. Conflict turns up the heat.

2. Stay In Tune With Your Characters Surroundings
Stay connected with your characters surrounding every little detail counts. Adding touches of surrounding description to a scene adds color and keeps readers connected to the storyline. Describe the color of the leaves. Are they inside in the ballroom or outside in the arbor? Every detail counts.

3. Avoid Cheesy Cliches
Cynical romance readers are easier to come by these days. They will be very grateful to you for avoiding these worn-out lines and far more likely to read more of your books.

4. Turn Up The Heat With Conflict
It may sound crazy to some, but conflict turns up the heat in more than one way- and often simultaneously. Conflict often stems from inner insecurities. Used correctly, this vibrates through the entire scene. For every action is a reaction. This is the key point of this tactic. If your heroine is afraid she might either turn to the hero for security or further rebel against him.

5. Write As If You're In Your Character's Skin
Look through your character's eyes. This sounds like it would be easier said than done but it's not that difficult. Take a moment to relax and, if need, separate yourself from the storyline. Take a minute and view the situation through their eyes as you would if they were your best friend in need of your assistance and you were trying to see their problem in first-person.

Keep watching for further tips. Best of luck writing!

-Adrienne

The Magic of Fashion

Though I'm not always successful, I try to be punctual about picking up my son from school. It goes without saying if you don't arrive ten minutes before the bell rings it is impossible to get a decent parking spot. On countless occasions, I have found myself leaning back in the driver's seat and watching the students milling out of the school as I wait. All too frequently I feel as though I have taken one step forward and two steps back through time. Most days girls can be seen strolling around in tattered jeans and loud patterns, not so unlike was the case in the 60s. When I first saw this feisty display the visual of my dad, only days earlier, warning me he should be saving all his old work jeans flashed through my head, causing an absent grin to flash across my face. It never ceases to amaze me how, fashion, in its way is one of the most accurate timelines we have at our disposal.

To think there was a point, not so very long ago when a young woman would have been crucified for wearing such bold apparel. Whether they had it right or wrong all depends on who you talk to. The fact remains the common trend in the early part of the 1900s was a world apart from clothing today. 

Far more graceful and serene a presentation, these ladies were seen as symbols of eloquence. 

Within twenty years this concept had undergone a drastic change. No longer the image of perfection and innocence, these girls had discovered the "wild side". Often referred to as "Swingers" this shift towards the glamorous shows in their apparel. The sequins glimmered and the pearls glowed.

By the time 1950 rolled the baby boom was in full motion and the suburbs were overflowing. The commonplace to find a woman was leaning over the stovetop or caring for one of the children. In time with this new rhythm, this change was reflected in the women's daily clothing. Trends became far more demure.

By the time 1960 rolled around those demure dresses had begun to disappear, replaced by tattered jeans and tight flashy tops. Such a shock wave to the fashion industry is difficult to ignore.

Now as I watch the young girls milling about in almost identical attire, I stare in awe at the ability of certain trends to rewind the years, pieces of the past that are permanently embedded in our world. Not beautiful gowns and graceful dresses, but torn jeans and casual shirts. I can't help but wonder, what is it about these certain trends that make them so powerful? Perhaps it is the easy swing they convey. One thing is clear- if you want to know the people of a certain point in history look first to the fashion of the era.

Enjoy,

Adrienne Davenport

Making The Old New Again

With the Holiday winding down, my attention can finally revert to those tasks standing right in front of me. Most enticing of these is the old antique table which, as a result of the chaos, was forced to sit in my living room for over a week. That said, who can go wrong for fifty dollars? Sure the piece needs some work, which in turn equates to time. It is just my feeling but if you can salvage those precious seconds, the result never fails to be worth it! In this case, the patient is a redwood coffee table inlaid with yellow leather and gold filigree. It goes without saying, the piece has seen better days. That's where crazy people like me come in. If like me, you enjoy burning away precious minutes to restore these, once glistening pieces to their glory, you will enjoy the link below:

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/restain-table-20322.html

It goes without saying some people would call me crazy. I suppose my love of all things old is interconnected to the knowledge that similar items surrounded many of the characters I often write about. The opportunity to visualize in reality what I experience through books brings those characters and their worlds closer to home. That said, unless you're a millionaire with money to burn the only way to accrue these keepsakes is to find those pieces which have been neglected and dismissed. One man's trash and another man's treasure.  The chance to restore these beautiful items never fails to excite me. I don't deny it's a lesson in patience, especially if the piece is exceptionally deteriorated like the one I am currently working on is. I look forward to sharing pictures of the finished product to my Facebook page. Not to say it will be in the near future. Much like reading or writing a book, the process seems endless so long as it is going, but the end often comes far too soon. Since both my latest book and my side project are both under construction, I hope you will enjoy this for the time being.

-Adrienne

A Little Holiday Cheer!

Hopefully everybody had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now, with Christmas just around the corner, most of us can continue to race around like a chicken with its head cut off.  I know I will. The craziest part about it is I actually enjoy it a little. Sure, the added tasks do, sometimes, cram my days but the end result is always worth it! As one of those holiday nuts who love to savor every possible moment, I don't mind the rush. This jovial whirlpool inevitably includes baking. For all of you holiday fanatics who revel in these times as much as I do, here is something that will hopefully add a little extra flavor to your Christmas:

Easy And Fun Holiday Dessert Recipes

Link: CLICK HERE!

Happy Holidays everyone!
-Adrienne Davenport

The Ideal Reading Corner

Through the ages, when people envision an avid reader, they're visuals have generally shared many cliche features- a voracious bookworm, curled up in a cozy corner, deeply immersed in their favorite book. For most of us, however, this charming image isn't an ideal portrayal. Though it's true, we all have our perfect catacomb to curl up in, what is truly comfortable differs greatly for all of us. Perhaps your idea of heaven is a soft cushion situated near a blazing fire or perhaps it's a lounge chair with the hot sun beating down on you. Personally, I have always favored a large Papasan Chair positioned in an open corner of a room where I can simultaneously sink into my book and still be privy to any activity that arises. Here are a few of the more popular options to get you started:

With its well-rounded shape, the Papasan Chair provides excellent back supper while creating a comfy hollow to curl up in. Most of these handy accent chairs are easily adjustable making it easy to find your ideal position.

Though it may come as a bit of a surprise to some, many would tell you that a small, plush sofa with a cushy arm to lean against is their ideal vision for a reading corner. Considering the space these customary livingroom furnishings provide, not to mention the multitude of positions one can relax in this isn't too difficult to believe.

Simple by design, a large bean bag has survived through ages as one of the most popular types of chairs. Easy to sink into, a large bean bag will form to your preferred position, creating a comfortable burrow that fits your body, making it easy to lose yourself in your favorite book.

With a chair like this, who needs to bother with a bed. This casual chaise lounge chair has great back support and a nice roll bottom to dangle your feet over while you relax.

For the multitudes of us that are partial to a cozy corner to curl your feet under you, this chair is the way to go. Its large seat allows you to tuck your feet comfortably beneath you while it's plush back cushions provide a nice back to lean against. With a chair like this who would ever go with a regular recliner?

For those of you who prefer a little fresh air to go with your downtime, here is the perfect solution. This padded swing allows you to enjoy nature without sacrificing the comfort that is usually more common for indoor furnishings. Add to it the gentle swaying rhythm- if you want it- and you have a soothing background to unwind.

Everyone has different preferences. How do you prefer to relish your books and downtime?

A Million Dollar Look That Doesn't Cost A Fortune

Who doesn't like a fresh makeover on there home to brighten the look- as long as someone else is doing the work! If you're one of those people like me, however, who hates to pay the outrageous cost of labor, you'll be thrilled to know you can achieve wonderful results for a third of the cost with a few simple changes. The best part- you can do it by yourself. Here are a few tricks to help you attain rich results without emptying your pocketbook:

1. New Hardware
Adding new hardware to your cabinets is one of the easiest and least time-consuming ways to add a little flair, yet it can completely alter the overall look of your room.

2. Paint 
A dash of color will brighten any room. Painting your doors and cabinets is a simple job anyone can do. It will shine up old worn-out wood and spare you the cost of spendy replacements.

3. Window Decor
Trading old drapes or torn up window shades for some that fit the overall look you're aiming for is a great way to add a little flair to an outdated setting.

4. Lighting
A well-lit room can be the difference between a dismal space and a welcoming atmosphere. Changing out your ceiling lights or floor lamps for ones that better meet the needs of the room size and vibe is a great way to, at once, add a little class and in many cases, desperately needed light, to any room.

5. Accent Pieces
Little extras like potted plants and wall art add a little extra character to a room and can be chosen to fit any space.

6. Area Rugs
Great for when you want to change it up with your flooring without uprooting the entire room. Area rugs add a splash of color that offsets the overall theme of a room, absorb sound, and add comfort to the area.

7. Storage Space
One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to interior design is overcrowding a room. To solve this problem some chic shelving units or, in the case of a bathroom, a recessed medicine cabinet. This can add that little extra storage needed to clear up space without taking away from the floor plan.

8. Open It Up
Perhaps your couch is too large or you simply have too many pieces crammed into one room. This causes the room to look cramped and uncomfortable. Try changing out any oversized furnishing for smaller pieces better suited to the amount of space available. You can also try rearranging the furnishing to open up the walkway from room to room. It is ok to think outside the box.

I am happy to say, after taking the time to collect the necessary pieces I am ready to remodel another room. I had to learn many of the tricks listed above by trial an error. My hope is that the information within this article can save you that trouble and bring you a more enjoyable experience. Have fun!

Have fun!

Castle or Prison

It puts life in a little perspective when you stop to consider what life is like when viewed through the eyes of each unique individual. Mary Boleyn, Marie Antoinette, Veronica Franco are all perfect examples of this fact. Gorgeous and talented women who appeared to live a luxurious existence, they in truth carried the weight of intimate burdens. Of course, this was never evident to the passer-by.  Professionals of their trade, these women managed to appear seductive goddesses first and foremost. By use of this technique, they often infiltrated the most cultured social circles of their time. A beautiful lifestyle, to say the least. Such opulence did not come without a price. In exchange for the vast freedoms they were afforded they often sacrificed their dreams, their honor, and their very privacy. Marie Antoniette with her glittering jewels and lavish gowns is a prime example of this ruse.

One of the most envied women of her time, her life ended in execution.
Of course one could argue that to some degree anyway, the path these women chose was well worth the cost. Unlike the naive young missses and socially restrained wives of their time, they were allowed to step far outside the lines and no one would stop to wonder. It went without saying marriage was not in the cards. When one stops to consider the tight restrictions that imprisoned most of the women of their time, the disgraceful lifestyle these courtesans lead seems in it's way well worth the sacrifice. Given the option, which would you choose- the glistening, albeit disfavored freedoms of the courtesans or the dull honor that followed the rest of the female society of 18th and 19th century Europe? Honor or pleasure- it all seems like a matter of perspective. For more information on the courtesans of historical Europe try this link: https://www.neatorama.com/2014/09/30/The-Ladys-Not-a-Tramp/

Enjoy!

A Little Adventure

As life grows increasingly busy I occasionally fall a little behind. In this case, I can't say I'm entirely frustrated with the fact. For the first time in at least a year, I was allowed to spend some serious time with my two favorite people in the world- my son and my dad. Life is, in my opinion, always far more refreshing with a little diversity in it. What better place to find that then the whirlwind state of California. 

The sound of the waves crashing against the shores and the music of a band playing alongside it as the sun sets is one of the most fascinating sensations in the world. Add to that a layover in the fluttering world of a Vegas casino and you're set. I added a photo above to give a genuine visual. Every person, every setting, has something that makes them particular- sets them apart from all others. For these places, it's their unique rythm- the friendly people and easy-going atmosphere. For everyone it's different. Do you have a place you can escape to, if only for a moment, to find a little peace and relaxation? If not, try these: 

1. Exercise. Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to combat stress. ...
2. Consider Supplements. ...
3. Light a Candle. ...
4. Reduce Your Caffeine Intake. ...
5. Write It Down. ...
6. Chew Gum. ...
7. Spend Time With Friends and Family. ...
8. Laugh.
9. Listen to your favorite music

Not quite a sweet vacation, but as we all know, life won't wait. Enjoy it while you can!

Palace or Plantation

For those of us who read romance novels on a regular basis, or even enjoy the historical mysteries that are their counterparts, you have likely dreamt of spending your days surrounded by the unmistakable granduar that pervaded the noble homes of the 19th century. But have you ever stopped to consider which brand of oppulance you would prefer? In England they had their palaces and in America they had their plantations. It goes without saying, none of these upper echelon individuals ever wanted for anything, the luxuries and traditions they enjoyed were tailored to the preferences of each specific group. 

The homes of the period serve as an ideal example of these variants. In England palaces stretched far into the sky, often four to five stories in height. Inside these massive homes, it not uncommon for rooms to be custom painted with serene murals depicting scenes from Greek mythology, their edges defined by gilt trim. The plantations that dotted America's deep south, though as lovely, emitted a far homier feel. Deep hues replaced the light pastels that were the norm in England, lending a welcoming warmth to the rooms and tall Grecian columns lined the veranda. Men and women alike spent countless hours beneath these columns drinking tea and conversing with acquaintances. 

From the family hierarchy to the staff, the roles were similarly defined- men the head of the household and women their inferiors. This said one must stop to consider that by the standards of the time American women were considered brazen in their freedoms. They were allowed a little more room to voice their opinions, even if they were expected to stay within a very straight line. In exchange for this privilege, the ladies of England were treated like delicate china dolls. Servants rushed to meet their slightest desire and society's expectations were few. Men of the period didn't differ much in their role. Like the ladies of the time however, American men exchanged hard work for a far more relaxed social atmosphere than the one enjoyed by the gnerational nobles of the English ton. Now that you have a good idea of these differences, may I ask, which would you choose? 

The Human Puzzle

Many moms will agree, watching your child grow up and move on to the next stage of life isn't always easy. Lucky for me I don't have to deal with the monster step yet, however, sixth-grade graduation is set to take place in a few short days. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't in awe. Time has a way of flying and if you're not careful you'll find yourself saying you have no idea where it went. That said, I don't regret any of it for even a moment. Unlike many mothers, I've been allowed to enjoy every step of the process and surprising as it is, my son has yet to get sick of me. Let's just say I'm grateful, considering we are complete polar opposites. For those of you who have experienced similar circumstances, you will understand how huge this factor can be. Ever wonder what category you fall into? Try this link on for size:
https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

Apparently, I fall under the "Campaigner" category. Not entirely surprising having read the synopsis. This definitely coincides with my Gemini zodiac sign! I'd love to hear from any of you on what results you receive. As with most facets of writing, human nature never fails to fascinate me. It is amazing how a single trait, which can seem so small in the broader spectrum, can so strongly affect a relationship or even an entire string of events when writing. Are you soft-hearted, a perfectionist, stubborn? Perhaps you enjoy picking flowers? What if it just so happened that spending time flower-picking lead to a meeting with your ideal mate? In a book and in real life this is not so uncommon. That said, I hope you enjoy this quiz as much as I did.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Adrienne

Which side of the tracks?

As a mother and a writer, it is not uncommon that I find myself alone. Whether writing or simply working on day to day tasks around the house and yard, I never want for something to do. Even when I am physically engaged, however, I frequently find my mind off on another plane, wondering over random possibilities and considerations while I do my tasks. Only yesterday, while wasting away the afternoon attempting to cut off the crop of weeds that seems so endless this year, that psychological journey temporarily lead me backward in time. What began as a passing thought to the circumstances that allow me to be so easily self-sufficient soon transformed into deeper contemplation of the life of those women who lived decades before me.

It goes without saying life in the roaring twenties and the elegant Regency was far more colorful, it was far more difficult as well. Given the option what path would you have taken No matter how hard I personally focused on the notion I never could quite decide. The flappers, the nobles, the courtesans, the mothers- each path had its highs and lows. Girls of noble birth, for instance, were raised from babyhood to a life of luxury and wealth. This pampering, however, came at the cost of their emotional intellectual freedom. They were required to cater to their husband's demands and bend quietly to his will. Much the opposite, courtesans and their more modern counterpart- the flapper- never wanted for freedom and opulence. They were allowed knowledge and even admired for it, but only because they were willing to sacrifice their body for these luxuries. The more flamboyant their style the more they were sought after often the wealthier they grew.

It goes without saying these women, whatever their path, were fascinating and admirable people, each with their particular talents and trials who have never ceased to leave a lasting mark on the decades.

Fiction in Color

  For most people, fictional novels are a welcome escape from reality- a journey that is at once peaceful and enthralling. These books are not usually a method to further grind our brains. That can be accomplished on a regular basis simply by stepping outside the front door. Therefore it comes as no surprise that the first thought to cross our minds during one of these heavenly respites is not usually the accuracy of the horticulture encompassing the setting, or the length of the hero's coattails, or the underlying symbolism behind the hue of the lady's gown. How many authors really stop to consider this factor as they meticulously weave together the threads of a scene? It's hard to say for sure. Even if this factor was not intentional or even taken into consideration by these talented writers doesn't stop us from considering the correlation ourselves.

As far back as ancient Egypt the concept of color psychology has played a role in culture and evolution. For centuries the color purple has been revered as a symbol of royalty. White is still today identified as a beacon of peace. Therefore is it really a far stretch to consider a character's personality in correlation with their setting or their attire? Perhaps that red gown a particularly feisty heroine is draped in is a nod to her strength of heart. Maybe that blue overcoat a handsome lord decided on for the evening hints at his reliability. Though much time has passed since the original discovery of this theory the study of color has only grown in popularity. As with many similar beliefs, it has yet to be agreed upon how much truth the study holds. Below I have placed a link with further information on this unique science.

LINK:
https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/01/color-theory-for-designers-part-1-the-meaning-of-color/

Whether out of a hunger for more information or simply a sense of fascination, perhaps this article will offer a little light reading.

Enjoy,

Adrienne

Threads of Time- The Evolution of Clothing Through the Ages

Often when reading a historical romance or watching a movie set in the 19th century, one of the first things we notice is the beautiful attire worn by the characters. Far less common is the pondering of how these extravagant pieces were created. In their heyday, these artistic novelties were not mass-produced in large factories or across seas but rather woven by hand one careful stitch at a time.

Dress-makers and Milliners were greatly underpaid for their unique services. Many even went out of business due to the amassing of large debts incurred from their wealthy patrons. Seamstresses spent long hours working-oftentimes all night- in order to fulfill deadlines. It was not uncommon for dressmakers to take an apprentice under their wing in an effort to lighten their workload. Not until the latter part of the 19th century did their tasks become substantially easier. 

 

As a result of their contributions, we now have fascinating evidence of the trends that enriched the fashionable world long before any of us were alive to experience them for ourselves. It's fascinated to consider that without their efforts the thousands of painting that exemplify a glittering era with dazzling women in the latest attire would never have existed. In honor of these hard-working fashionistas and artists I have pasted a link below that further expands of their everyday lives:

https://www.historyextra.com/period/victorian/stitching-the-fashions-of-the-19th-century/

I hope you enjoy it this as much as I did!

Old or New- which do you prefer?

Some people call me crazy for my addiction to antiques- especially the part about restoring them. The idea of spending six months on your hands and knees off and on, refinishing a hutch probably sounds like the poetry of an insane person. I can now honestly say it has served me well! Having recently installed new wood flooring we were convinced the job was done, but low and behold the protective finish didn't take. As a result, I have spent the better part of the last two weeks using those same skills I garnered refinishing furniture to revive the "new" look of our floor. The best part about it is the finished product. Similar to the joy I feel when I have finished a book, I smile when I look at the glossy finish. Not to say it won't be a relief to have the project done with. I'll take the vision of a handsome hero any day of the week to the vision of a successful home renovation! Which look do you go for modern or historic?