I’m finally coming down from my #DowntonAbbey high last week! Loved, loved, loved the movie–the characters, settings, fashions–can you say swoon? I’m officially in my #falltime frame of mind these days, lovin’ the hint of a chill in the air (only at nighttime, as soon as the sunlight hits we’re back in the 90s, but I’ll take what I can get). I’m getting the sweaters ready and dusting off the boots, looking forward to wearing my favorite bit of fashion. One of my fun things to do this season is to hit the local craft fairs and sip the lovely cider and pumpkin libations. Let’s not forget the Oktoberfest celebrations and the biers too! With my fall spirit in bloom, I’m haulin’ out the crafty glue gun once again, planning for a final #falltime Twinkle Bling event the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving…
So what is Twinkle Bling? For many years, before I began my #writing endeavors, I made (with the help of Hubby) craft items consisting of glass boxes, bird cages, lanterns, star containers, you name it–anything you could hot glue lots of blingy sparkle on and insert a fairy light string into. We sold our blinged wares at a craft fair show in San Luis Obispo the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, just in time to kick-off the Christmas season. I can’t tell you how much fun we had with my sweet mother-in-law, sister-in-law and nieces–it became our family tradition for many years. Our last event was over 5 years ago, but we still have an, ahem, bit of inventory that needs to be cleared from the garage. After a few rounds of gentle prodding with Hubby (no match, my SIL was right there by my side), we have decided to do one final Twinkle Bling blowout event! This year we’ll be at the Cowgirl Christmas Boutique in Paso Robles, California, selling our wares (and wearing our boots of course). One can always use a bit of twinkly bling around the castle… 🙂 It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Time to start getting those holiday sales plans and promos in place. Remember, 40% of book sales are made between November 15th and January 15th. I’m looking to advertise my books in the next few months on different social media platforms, including Goodreads and BookBub. It’s worthwhile to spend the time upfront to understand the strategies behind an ad campaign, and what seems to work best before you start spending the monies (ad costs can creep up very quickly). I found this book from BookBub ad expert David Gaughran–he offers some great tips on content and strategy that might be worth checking out if you’re going to be funding some campaign efforts. You can purchase his book here:
Romance is in the air this week from the #writers of Twitter…
Author Alex Bailey, Once Upon a Romance, (A Dream Come True Book 1), 5 STARS
Sophie has the ultimate challenge this Christmas, making her niece Ariel’s Christmas wish come true. She wants to experience the ride at Disney World her late mother loved so much. Sofie’s still grieving the death of her beloved sister Natalie, and is afraid the trip will be bring up too many painful memories. It also means she will have to delay a holiday trip to Colorado with her boyfriend, Darren, who doesn’t take the postponement of the trip well. She doesn’t want to disappoint Ariel, but can she set aside her grief and also avoid disappointing Darren?
Through a chance encounter, Sophie and Ariel meet Professor Disney, aka Ray, who turns their Disney Christmas visit into a delightful excursion. As they enjoy the rides, exhibits and food experiences at the park–the pains of the past slowly ease as the happiness of the present takes hold. Sparks of attraction start to fly too, leading Sophie to question her strained relationship with Darren.
As their families arrive at Christmas, Sophie and Ray face their prospects for the future–will it be together, or does Santa have other plans? Author Bailey delivers a heart warming Christmas tale sure to make you smile. Her detailed descriptions of the Disney attractions make you feel like you’re right there with the characters. A great read to get you into the holiday spirit!
Next up in the #reading queue:
Calling all Downton Abbey die hard fans, if you can’t get enough…
Two great websites for all the fans who just can’t get enough of Downton Abbey–one that has the dowager countess quotes from the movie (come on now, isn’t that what we were dying to hear?), and the second…Lady Carnarvon and Airbnb have a unique proposal that ends up with a night at Highclere Castle on November 26th! All you need to do to win the opportunity (there is a nightly fee and travel expenses on your dime) is submit the most compelling letter to Lady Carnarvon as to why you should be the guest! (#Writers, this is a great opportunity!) Details for both are here:
https://www.tatler.com/article/a-night-at-downton-abbeys-highclere-castle-now-up-for-grabs-on-airbnb
Yes, I Did…
One more thing for my beloved DA collection. This little cocktail book is a gem–chock full of pictures of the characters, settings, and juicy little tidbits about the show included in many of the libation pages. If you’re a #DowntonAbbey and cocktail enthusiast, this book is for you!
Here’s a sampling, #Cheers:
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Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. If you’re in the Paso Robles, California area Thanksgiving weekend, stop on in to the Cowgirl Christmas Boutique! Gemma would approve 🙂
