Category Archives: Personal
Life Lessons from . . . Proofing a Book?
One of the best things that has ever happened to me is becoming a published author. I love getting to share all the people inside my head with the people outside my head. I enjoy creating characters, inventing plotlines, throwing … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Writing
Tagged being published, Lauren Linwood, proofreading, proofreading manuscripts
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A Fresh Approach
I love little getaways. Don’t get me wrong—I’m a fan of taking a week (or more) to vacation. My family’s done a terrific 2-week vacation to Spain, Italy, and France. Another fav was a 10-day swing driving through New Mexico, … Continue reading
Posted in Entertainment, Personal, Writing
Tagged getaways, Lauren Linwood, margaritas, Pentatonix, San Antonio, San Antonio Rodeo, vacations, writing
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Binge-Watching Made Easy–Thanks, Roku!
For Christmas this year, my daughter and her fiancé got us a Roku Streaming Player—Roku, for short. It’s a device that receives data via a Wi-Fi connection to an Internet router and then outputs it over an HDMI cable. That … Continue reading
Posted in Entertainment, Personal
Tagged Alpha House, Amazon Prime, binge-viewing, binge-watching, Lauren Linwood, Roku
2 Comments
It’s All About Balance (and you thought it was All About That Bass)
It’s All About Balance (and you thought it was All About That Bass) I’m a firm believer in balance. After all, all work and no play didn’t go so well for The Shining’s Jack Torrance! I’ve always had a strong … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Writing
Tagged animals, balance in life, being a kid, Lauren Linwood, visiting the zoo, writing
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Getting My Sally Field Moment
Everyone likes a little recognition every now and then. It might be a simple compliment from your boss, thanking you for your hard work on a difficult project or your husband showing his appreciation for making his cup of coffee … Continue reading
Blast from the Past
Years ago, my daughter and I were enchanted with Beauty and the Beast. We saw the Disney movie in the theater and bought it the minute it went on sale. Sometimes, I would even have trouble going to sleep at … Continue reading
Posted in History, Personal
Tagged Bass Performance Hall, Beauty and the Beast, Disney, girls' night out, Lauren Linwood, moms & daughters
2 Comments
Save the Dates, Invitations, and Food . . . Oh, My!
As we’ve moved into 2015, I’m happy to report that wedding plans are still running smoothly (knock on wood), and we’re crossing off more and more on the To-Do List. Save the Date cards have officially gone out. Choices included … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Tagged Lauren Linwood, sampling meu items, save the date, wedding invitations
4 Comments
Revisiting the Classics
I’m a Bookworm—a member of my women’s book club. Every month we read a hodgepodge of novels, with a little non-fiction thrown in. Through this group of amazing women, I’ve read books that I never would have thought to pick … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Tagged book club, classic novels, Gone with the Wind, Harper Lee, Lauren Linwood, Margaret Mitchell, To Kill a Mockingbird
5 Comments
My New Project? Watching The Wire!
I’ve written a blog about binge-watching before, and I’ve embarked upon another marathon. This time, my choice is The Wire. Although it never won any major TV awards (a la The Sopranos or Breaking Bad) and it pulled only so-so … Continue reading
Year-End Gratitude
I always like to take stock as a year draws to a close, just to see where my journey in life has led me during the past year. Some years are quiet ones; others have seen huge milestones. 2014 started … Continue reading
Don’t Break out the Champagne Too Soon!
As a writer, I live inside my head a lot. And when I’m writing one of my romance novels, I’m literally eating, breathing, sleeping, and talking to my people all the time! And yes, there are times when they talk … Continue reading
Cupcakes for Breakfast?
There’s nothing I like better than a slice of cake—unless it’s a cupcake! Yesterday, I ate cupcakes for breakfast. Yes, you read that right. Of course, there was a point to doing something like that. It’s all about the wedding … Continue reading
You Never Know What You’ll See On A Walk
I’m a walker from way back. Pretty much every morning, despite the heat or cold, I go for a lengthy walk. I walk for several reasons. It’s a great way to burn calories. It’s terrific for relieving stress. It’s plain … Continue reading
Wrong Numbers . . . and Spinning New Stories
Back in the answering machine days, I’ll admit that I sometimes used mine to screen calls. Then Caller ID came along, and I really liked seeing the name pop up on my phone screen before I answered a call. I … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Writing
Tagged authors plotting, Caller ID, Lauren Linwood, wrong numbers
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One Hope? #WineNot?
I recently got to do a mom/daughter trip that coincided with my Halloween birthday. We went to Walt Disney World in Orlando. Yes, that’s right—I got to spend my birthday at the happiest place on earth with my only child … Continue reading
Wedding Planning . . . and Planning for My New Novel
My daughter recently became engaged, and everything at our house now is a whirlwind of activity. We studied venues online, and she chose 5 she liked (with 1 as a back-up because she’s my kid!). My commission was to scout … Continue reading
Singing in the Car (an American Past Time
I’m not a singer. Well, at least not a good one. Not even fair. I’d pretty much classify me in the one notch above rotten category—but I’ve never let that stop me from singing. When I was young, I did … Continue reading
Boob Masher? Sign Me Up, Please!
All women know that being a woman is a pain in the butt sometimes. While our men can jump in and out of the shower, towel off, run a hand through their hair, and throw on some clothes in order … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Tagged being a woman, breast cancer, Lauren Linwood, mammogram, well-woman exam
3 Comments
I Run Away Often . . . Especially to the Old West
When I was growing up, my family didn’t have a lot of money to use for traveling–so I did the next best thing. I read about all the places I wanted to go. I sailed down the Nile and saw … Continue reading
I Want to be Diane Sawyer–or Emma Stone–When I Grow Up
Don’t get me wrong. I like who I am. I really, really like who I am (Thank you, Sally Field). I’ve been a teacher and a writer and a wife and a mom. Advantages and disadvantages to all those occupations, … Continue reading
Back from Vacay—and Back into the Swing of Things
I just got home from 13 wonderful days of vacation, escaping the triple s that hit Texas and visiting 2 different friends in Idaho and Colorado. Both legs of trip went extremely well, with even my luggage making it to … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Writing
Tagged Budweiser, Canada, Colorado, desserts, Devil's Backbone, hard cider, Horsetooth Rock Trail, Idaho, Lake Pend Oreille, Lauren Linwood, Montana, Priest Lake, Sandpoint, travel
4 Comments
Packing for Vacay (and Packing a Plot)
I’m about to leave Texas for summer vacation. I’m headed to Idaho and Colorado. I thought it was smart planning on my part to beat the August heat and head to cooler climes. Wouldn’t you know it? Texas has experienced … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Writing
Tagged Lauren Linwood, packing for vacation, plotting, vacation, vacay
4 Comments
Moving Day
My daughter moved from one apartment to another today. That means I was appointed as a helper girl. Helper girls do as they’re told. They only make recs if asked (and then do so reluctantly). They stay positive and focused. … Continue reading
Are You Serious? What Will They Think of Next?
Okay, I’ll admit it. Sometimes I’m behind the times. The biggest reason? I don’t do commercials. Period. If I’m listening to the radio in the car or while I’m getting ready in the morning and the DJ goes to commercial, … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Tagged iPhone apps, Lauren Linwood, missing movie scenes, movies, RunPee
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I Kinda Like Being Someone’s Mom
For years, I barely remembered that I had a first name because it didn’t get used very often. I feel into that trio of roles—wife / mom / teacher. So I was always being introduced as either John’s wife / Jessica’s … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Tagged being a mom, being a teacher, being a wife, first names, Lauren Linwood, names
2 Comments
My New Goal in Life: Rock Leopard Velour Pants
One of my greatest pleasures in life is my morning walk. It’s Me Time. I only answer to me. I walk as long as I wish (or as long as my schedule that day will allow). I listen to music. … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Writing
Tagged dime novel author, Lauren Linwood, leopard velour pants, walking, writing, Written in the Cards
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When You Simply Have to Give in to Your Characters
As an author, I’ve tried both pantsing and planning when getting ready to start a new novel. I’ve figured out that pantsing—author-speak for flying by the seat of your pants—doesn’t work for me. If I don’t have any firm direction … Continue reading
Dedicating My Novel – This Time It’s To My Own Daughter
Today is my 4th published book’s birthday! I’m starting to enjoy this whole release day stuff. Written in the Cards is the story of Maggie Rutherford and Ben Morgan, both Yankees who have made their way west. Maggie is from … Continue reading
Happy Birthday To Me – I’m One Year Old!
Yes, it’s true—I’m officially one. A single digit. No, not me The Person. Me—The Author. It was May 2013 when I published my 1st historical romance, Music For My Soul. I’d met my editor, Debby Gilbert of Soul Mate Publishing, … Continue reading
I Only Vote Early—Never Late!
Growing up, my dad drilled into me the importance of being on time. I’m sure it’s because he was in the military, starting with JROTC in high school. The military is highly conscious of time, and so was my dad. … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Tagged being on time, civic duty, early voting, Lauren Linwood, voting
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Pets Make For Better People
Yesterday was National Sibling Day. I almost posted a picture of my first dog, Ray. He was my brother and constant companion for the first 6 years of my life. I talked to him and played with him. He was … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Writing
Tagged cats, dogs, Lauren Linwood, National Pet Day, pets, pets in families
7 Comments
Sore…But In A Good Way, I Suppose
I do not enjoy being sore. I was never into the Jane Fonda feel the burn thing, where if you didn’t ache miserably after a workout, you hadn’t done enough exercise. I don’t become sore very often. I’m all about … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Tagged being sore, cheerleader tryouts, Laruen Linwood, planting begonias, planting flowers
2 Comments
March Madness . . . and the Madness of Giving Birth
I could identify every Dallas Cowboy by name and number by the time I was 6. Being the first-born child, my dad didn’t exactly know what to do with a girl. So he taught me about the things he thought … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Tagged giving birth, Lauren Linwood, March Madness, NCAA Basketball Tournament, watching sports
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Feeling Like One of the Cool Kids
I was never one of the cool kids growing up. You know the kind I’m talking about. Pretty. Popular. The ones that always dressed well in the latest fashions. Knew the right slang catch phrases before everyone else did. Hung … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Writing
Tagged cool kids, historical romances, Lauren Linwood, Music for my Soul, Outlaw Muse, popularity, RONE Awards, RONE Awards 2014, writing
7 Comments
Loving Me Some Peanut Butter
As I turn the calendar from February to March, escaping winter is on my mind. I know—I live in Texas—so my Northern friends tell me I don’t really understand what winter is. Winter in Texas ranges from today’s high of … Continue reading
A Special Valentine’s Day With My Own Hero
Lots of people make a big deal out of Valentine’s Day. Okay—not lots of people—just lots of women. For many guys, Valentine’s Day isn’t even on their radar until they start picking up on hints from their Significant Other or … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Tagged Lauren Linwood, real-life heroes, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day gifts, Valentines
5 Comments
Lauren Linwood – In a Nutshell!
It’s easier to get to know authors now than in the pre-Internet days. Most authors aim to have a media presence, and readers can find out lots about them via these sources. I share random things right here on my Write … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Writing
Tagged Lauren Linwood, Lauren Linwood tidbits, Lauren Linwood trivia
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Happy B-Day, Facebook!
Today is the 10th anniversary of something that has revolutionized our world. Yes, Facebook is now 10 years old. Mark Zuckerberg launched this social media site from his Harvard dorm room, and it has changed the habits of people everywhere … Continue reading
Ten Things I Didn’t Know About Before I Became a Published Author
Ignorance is bliss . . . especially to a non-pubbed writer! Once I signed a contract for my debut, a medieval historical romance called Music For My Soul, I faced trial by fire as I gingerly placed my big toe into … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Writing
Tagged author websites, getting published, Lauren Linwood, social media, writing romance
3 Comments
Feeling Icky in a Modern World
Even though I was a history teacher, I’m not one of those who longed to go back to the past. First of all, you can’t change the past—just look at Stephen King’s protagonist in 11/23/1963 and the heap of trouble … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Writing
Tagged 2-step verification, hacking accounts, hacking social media, identity theft, iPhone 5S, Lauren Linwood, thumbprint
2 Comments
I’m Luckier Than I Thought
There are lucky people in this world. And then there are those like me. I’m the one who never finds a parking place right in front of where I’m going. If I go to a company picnic, my name is … Continue reading
Posted in Entertainment, Personal, Writing
Tagged August: Osage County, beling lucky, dysfunctional families, Lauren Linwood, writing
2 Comments
Resolutions—Make ‘Em or Break ‘Em?
We’re three days into 2014 now, and I’ll bet half of you have already broken a New Year’s Resolution that you made. The other half? You didn’t bother to make any—because you knew you’d break them! I used to make … Continue reading
Skyping with Katie Got Me Sky-High
All my life I’ve been a voracious reader. I read absolutely everything, starting with the newspaper in the morning over my hot tea and Greek yogurt. I have a magazine addiction (Yes, I live for People arriving on a Friday … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Tagged book clubs, Book Worms, Katie Hafner, memoir, Mother Daughter Me, skyping
1 Comment
Fist Fights . . . and Santa Claus
As a teacher, I broke up my fair share of fist fights. They usually occurred during a passing period, near the end of the year, as the weather heated up and tempers tended to flair with impatience. Half my friends … Continue reading
Posted in History, Personal
Tagged believing in Santa, cousins, fist fights, Lauren Linwood, Santa Claus
1 Comment
It’s Magic and Amazing . . . and My New Best Friend
I don’t like hot weather. At all. The older I get, the less I can tolerate the heat. Living in Texas, summers are hot. I’m always hoping one of those lottery tickets my husband buys will be a winner so … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Tagged Baylor Bears, BCS, cold weather, foot warmers, football game, hand warmers, Lauren Linwood
1 Comment
Sink Your Teeth into This Exchange (Or Maybe Slide a Spoon Instead)
When the holidays roll around, I seem to get invites to a lot of Christmas Cookie Exchanges. When these first became the rage years and years ago, I thought it was a great idea. Bake a dozen (or maybe two … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Tagged Christmas exchange, Lauren Linwood, new tradition, soup exchange
2 Comments
Reading Habits – Yours and Mine!
I was sad today when I read that The Goddesses Blog would end this coming weekend. It’s a group of romance writers who blog about all kinds of things. To celebrate bringing their blogging adventure to an end, they asked … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Tagged Lauren Linwood, reading habits, reading survey, The Goddesses Blog
2 Comments
The Bright Side? I Got More Walking In!
I’m pretty much a rules follower. I figure rules exist to keep order in society—be it at a pre-school, church, a cafeteria line, or when Congress meets. Well, maybe Congress hasn’t gotten the memo on that—although I’m pretty sure they … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Tagged animal lover, dog whisperer, flat tire, Lauren Linwood, shrimp enchiladas
4 Comments
Where Did Our Thanksgiving Really Come From?
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I’ve always thought it was a time to reflect on what I’m thankful for. Of course, being the former history teacher and current historical romance writer, I like to look back at the … Continue reading
Posted in History, Personal
Tagged 4th Thursday, FDR, Fred Lazarus, Lauren Linwood, Lincoln, presidential pardon, Thanksgiving history, US Thanksgiving
2 Comments
Bingeing . . . It’s the New American Addiction
When most people hear the word bingeing, certain images come to mind. It might be some poor girl scarfing down everything in her refrigerator and freezer, only to bow before the Porcelain God soon after and return it all in … Continue reading
Write Up My Alley 