Fun Stuff
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I Zoom. Do you Zoom?
Last week I presented a workshop with two other publishing professionals at the Pacific Northwest Writers Association’s conference. I’ve led workshops before so it doesn’t sound like a big deal until I casually mention it was a virtual workshop. Indeed, the entire writers conference was virtual. I’m sure some people were skeptical, but let me tell you – it was a great experience. It was also a new experience.
Aside from Facetiming with family members or the occasional Skype call, I rarely participated in video calls. Knowing I would be presenting virtually was a bit intimidating but it turned out to be easy. More importantly, it was fun. We had more than 55 people “attend” our virtual workshop, which is a great turnout.
To prepare, I did some research and assembled a few tips for making my conference call experience positive. I’m happy to share them with you.
- Check out your surroundings. Take a few minutes to declutter your background, remove items you don’t want to show, or set up on an area without visual distractions.
- Prepare for your video call by downloading the app or creating an account with the video conference service if required.
- Log in early to make sure you have a good connection.
- Mute your microphone if you’re in a group call. Background noise can be very distracting.
- If you aren’t familiar with video call technology or commands, practice with a friend first.
Video calls are becoming a common way for coworkers, organizations, and groups to stay in touch. These tips can help you relax and enjoy connecting. Oh, one final tip – if you’re wearing pajama pants, don’t stand up during your video call!
SEPTEMBER GIVEAWAY – WIN A $25 GIFT CARD
What would you do with an extra $25? Buy more books? Indulge in a Pumpkin Spice Latte? Snag those bedazzled flip-flops that are now on sale for next summer?
Add Mission: Impossible to Protect, my upcoming Impossible Mission military romantic suspense book, to your Goodreads TBR Shelf. Other ways to enter for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Click Here for details.
Congratulations to Jessica Nielson, the winner of August’s giveaway!
Read my interview in Uncaged Book Reviews
Read my interview in the July edition of Uncaged Book Reviews. I’m on page 82! Maybe you’ll learn something new about me.
How to plan a staycation that feels like a vacation
Staycations aren’t new, but this summer, many people will be spending days off at home. You can still experience the fun and thrills of a vacation by putting some thought and creativity into planning a staycation.
Here are a few ideas to make the most of getting away from it all without going anywhere.
1. Take time off from work.
2. Plan a budget for things like ordering out and splurging on luxury items to make your staycation relaxing and indulgent.
3. Hire a housecleaner so your place feels fresh and inviting before your staycation.
4. Eat off the fancy dishes.
5. Try out those new recipes you never have time for.
6. Create a playlist with your favorite tunes to kickback to.
7. Treat yourself to kicky flip-flops and comfy clothes to lounge around in.
8. Check out the sights to see in your community. You might be surprised to discover places you didn’t know about.
9. Enjoy the outdoors. Take a walk. Set up a hammock. Invest in a new patio lounger.
10. Stock up on movies, puzzles, games, and books.
Have you ever enjoyed a staycation? Share your favorite tips and suggestions!
Fourth of July Book Binge
With communities still battling Covid-19, many traditional Fourth of July events and traditions are not an option this year. If your picnic has been nixed or your parade has been cancelled, how about celebrating with a book binge instead.
Here are a few tips and a FREE ebook to get you started.
- Pick the right books. Are you in the mood for comedy, suspense, romance or adventure? Once you decide, assemble a list of books that fit the theme.
- Get comfy. Set up your hammock or lawn chair in a shady spot. If the temps are sizzling outside, lounge around inside.
- Stock up on drinks and snacks. The idea of a book binge is that you don’t have to step away to do anything else. It’s all about reading and escaping into books. Fuel your binge with sweet and salty snacks and a few drink options.
- Hang up the Do Not Disturb sign. You might have to negotiate a few hours of ME time to thoroughly enjoy your book binge so let your family/housemates know your plans. Log off of social media, silence the phone, and spend some QT with your book friends.
Right now, An Inner Fire is free. Download a copy to start your binge list.
Grayce Walters, animal acupuncturist, harbors a secret. She hides her intuitive gifts from the world until she becomes embroiled in arson on Seattle’s waterfront.
As a key crime witness, Grayce must convince the attractive, logical, by-the-numbers fire investigator, Ewan Davis,that the fire she witnessed is part of a larger criminal conspiracy. Grayce embarks upon a mission to gather proof of the dangerous threat. She enlists the help of her cross-dressing best friend, her street-wise assistant, and Davis’ poodle, to conduct her own investigation.
As her feelings for Davis shift between white hot passion and cold fear, Grayce must risk exposing her secrets to save Davis’ life. Davis must accept things, he can neither see, nor understand to solve the mystery and finally find the love he has stopped believing in.
With nudges from the protective poodle, Grayce and Davis confront shocking betrayal and international crime on the rain soaked streets of Seattle.
If you want more contemporary romantic suspense, check out the entire Grayce Walters series, available on Amazon/Kindle Unlimited.
Have a fabulous Fourth of July!
