Happy day after Fourth of July everyone. I know, I haven’t been around for awhile. Okay, it’s been several months. So what can I say? It’s been one of those years. Lots of crazy, bizarre stuff going on. Sometimes I feel like I’m living in clown world. So, here’s what’s been happening since my last post.
The new coffee maker I mentioned in my previous post is working out great. Coffee is, after all, the fuel for writers everywhere. So when my old twelve cup coffee maker conked out I replaced it with a smaller five cup version. I never brewed more than a few cups a day, nor did I ever use the programming feature. I’m not quite sure why I bought it as I prefer the simple, easy-to-use basic model. The new coffee maker arrived a few days later and life was good.
Fast forward a few weeks. I invite a friend over for dinner. She wanted to know if she could bring a friend named Joshua with her. I said of course. I was delighted to hear she had a new man in her life. So, after the meal was over I asked the customary, “Would anyone like a cup of coffee with dessert?” Joshua said yes. My heart sank. For the first time ever, a dinner party guest actually wanted a cup of coffee. So, I got up and made him a fresh pot. Sometimes life throws you a curveball when you least expect it.
This past spring we were dealing with a lot of strange weather with violent storms and plenty of tornado threats. Fortunately, there were no tornados in my area, but it wasn’t a normal weather pattern. Tornado season lasted longer that usual. There was, however, one good side effect. The temps were lower than normal. Until now. The summer Texas heat has finally arrived. Fortunately, having grown up in Phoenix, I can handle a ninety degree day. However, there is really something to be said about Phoenix being a dry heat. High temps with Texas high humidity isn’t fun. But then again, when it gets to one hundred ten plus, like it does in Phoenix, it really doesn’t matter. Either way, it’s scorching hot.
I’ve also started working on a new contemporary romance novel. The working title is Diversions, and it’s a spinoff from my latest novel, Rivalry. The leading man in Rivalry was supposed to be a character named Drew. He made a brief appearance at the beginning of the story. He would then return a few chapters later. At least that was the plan, but then Bill, who was only supposed to have a minor role, hijacked the story. Granted, this isn’t the first time this has happened, but my characters have never let me down. I ended up with a much better story, but poor Drew. He ended up being left out in the cold. So, I’m making it up to him. He’s the new lead, and so far he’s had a bigger role than the leading lady. It’s also my first time giving the male character the biggest role, and it’s been a lot of fun seeing a story though a different lens.
Marina Martindale
Rivalry is available on Amazon, Barnesandnoble.com, and with other online book sellers.
Marina’s Journal does not include AI (Artificial Intelligence) generated content. It is written and edited by a real human being. No part of this blog may be used or reproduced or transmitted in any form, or used in any matter by AI, without the express written consent Good Oak Press, LLC. Requests for permission must be addressed to Good Oak Press, LLC, P.O. Box 51244, Denton, TX 76206-1244