Happy New Year, 2017!

Think of all the possibilities that life holds, and welcome the New Year with an open heart. There will be so many experiences to come. I'm very excited.

What are your 2017 plans?

I'm going to continue writing, of course. I want to get more books out there to my readers, but beyond that, who knows. I want to get healthier, and I have decided to cut down on my sugar intake and eat better. More exercise is also in order to tone and tighten.

I don't know what this year holds for me, but I do know that I don't want to waste or turn away new experiences. I'm looking forward to this year.

Cheers to you, readers. I hope you have a wonderful, prosperous New Year. 

What will 2017 be to you?

Mary

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Another Publisher going under

All Romance Ebooks is closing it's door as of December 31^st 2016. Here is the link via Romance Writers of America and their take on the situation. Click here. This was an unexpected closing as we haven't heard of any issues with the company that might have indicated trouble.

What does this mean for all the authors out there?

Hard to say considering what ARe is doing as far as getting royalties to authors for this 4^th quarter. Is it shady? Not for me to say, but I can tell you that organizations such as RWA don't appear to approve of the way this is all going down.

Is it a sign of better things to come in 2017?

Maybe these companies such as Ellora's Cave and ARe have simply run their course. Their business practices have been exposed. Perhaps going forward into the new year is a matter of authors taking back their rights to their work and becoming independent of publishers all together.

Don't get me wrong. I have publishers and I appreciate what they do for me, but the industry as a whole is changing and changing fast.

If publishers want to stay relevant they may have to reconsider their business design. They may need to offer more to writers. All writers, not just their bestsellers. Higher royalties may need to be paid, and real work might need to be done by publisher to promote their authors and get them honest reviews. Perhaps publishers need to get their author's works back into stores as paperbacks. 

Fact is, Authors are becoming savvy to their own success.

2017 should be an interesting year. I don't know what will happen, but considering how fast the publishing industry moves, there is sure to be more drama and changes. Author are keeping up. It's time for the publishing industry to take notice and get ahead of the curve so they aren't left behind to close up shop.

Mary

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Does anyone else dislike the 'year in review' stuff?

The year in review? No Thanks!

This week there are plenty of television stations that are doing 'The Year in Review' specials. I'm not a fan. While there have been some good things that happened this year for me, such as the release of Sindriel, there is plenty I'm ready to leave behind.

Why do we need to relive the year?

There are ups and downs, conquests and tragedies, and life goes on as it does. I'm entirely ready to move forward without the burden of looking back over the months of 2016. I appreciate that I'll never have another 2016 but even if it had been a great year, I'd still feel like focusing on 2017.

Does anyone else dislike this 'year in review' stuff?

I just don't see the purpose in looking back over the year. I'm probably alone in this feeling but I can't see the reason to relive everything that's occurred.

 After the joys of a wonderful Christmas it's time to focus on what will be a new year, new opportunities, and new life challenges. There's writing to be done, and life to be lived.

I hope to finish and publish another book in 2017. Beyond that I'll see what life has to offer and move forward from there. Does the threat of pain not yet experienced loom ahead? Sure, but that's life. If I fall to that unhappiness, I'll miss the little joys along the way.

It's time to prepare for 2017. I don't know what it'll bring, but I want to keep my heart open to all it has to offer.  With those thoughts in mind; may the New Year be kind, our lives be prosperous and writing be prolific.

Cheers,

Mary Corrales

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

I want to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas. May it be filled with the magic of the season as befitting such a holy night.

Stay safe, be kind and courteous, and remember that Christmas is about the mercy and love we can all gift to one another.

Love to one and all,

Mary

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Ever Notice how December is full of #Romance?

The garland is hanging and all around the house is the sparkle and magic of Christmas. I love this season. While the official start of winter is on December 21^st, I'm all ready for the cozy joy that is this most festive time of year.

Hot chocolate and a romantic movie are the perfect way to spend the chilly evenings. Surround yourself with presents and wrapping paper and it's a party.

Here's a list of some of my favorite holiday movies:

The Nutcracker (My favorite romantic ballet)

A Christmas Carol (the old ones, not the modern day remakes)

We're No Angels starring Humphrey Bogart

It's a Wonderful Life starring Jimmy Stewart

It Happened on 5^th Ave

These are the movies I can watch over and over again and they never get old. I have many on DVD. Let's not forget the classic Christmas cartoons as well. I've already see, Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman. I missed A Charlie Brown Christmas, but I think it'll be on again.

There can never be too much love when it comes to the Christmas season. While we stress over shopping and presents, it's always nice to remember those we've loved and lost, as well as those we still have with us.

I released my contemporary romance, Bet Your Sweet Aces at Christmas time last year. It's a sassy romantic suspense story. Check it out if you'd like a good novella that demonstrates how true love wins over broken hearts.

Isn't it interesting how many of our favorite stories at this festive time of year have the theme of Love? What's your favorite movie or book for the holidays?

Mary

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