Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance

Category: Double Dutch Ranch Series

• Short Snippet Saturday: Moving On ~ Our Ranch Mom Makes A Decision

  Posted at 10:00 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 11, 2020

  

  Howdy! I hope you all had a Merry Christmas or holiday that you celebrate and a Happy New Year. Welcome 2020! 🎉

  “You’re off to Great Places!
  Today is your day!
  Your mountain is waiting,
  So… get on your way!”
  ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

  ---

  Here’s a rare short snippet from a work in progress. I’ve lived with these characters for eight books now. Three of those are from the spin off series books. Nine, if we count Judy’s presence in Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude–the Bull Rider Series–a crossover book where she and Jase visit her sister-in-law, Dolly for the holidays.

  Today, I’m featuring our ranch matriarch Judy Carlson. The book is finished and ready to go to the editor depending on her schedule. Oh, it has a title I love!

  Judy has pined for her husband Bill since the day she’d lost him, so moving on wasn’t part of her life’s agenda. However, one of my favorite parts in this book is when Judy makes a particular decision.

  I say one of my favorite parts, but there are lots more.

  She had many to make in the book. Indeed, I once had to make the same decision and some others that Judy had to make.

  

  It’s been a long time coming, so those of you who are waiting patiently, please hang in there a while longer.

  

  Snippet:

  In her bedroom, she sat at the vanity and peered into the oval mirror. Hadn’t she done this a lot lately? This time, she opened her worn wooden jewelry box with the rose inlay on the top, given to her by her grandmother. The creaky hinge evoked memories of her. She removed the gold band from her finger and peered at the empty spot—the tan line a reminder—on her hand. Judy sighed as she sought a name for the emotions washing over her. Sadness. Gladness.

  

  Bittersweet tears welled in her eyes as she recognized contentment over her decisions of late. She gently lowered the band into its faded white cushioned spot. She smiled, closed the lid on the box, again with the squeaky hinge, and tucked it into the bottom drawer. Judy laid her hand over the box a moment before closing it in and out of sight. Staring at herself in the mirror, she whispered, “It’s a new day.”

  

  I can relate to Judy in many ways. I’ve been through some roller coaster emotions of my own while writing Book Five. Like Judy, I wanted my grown boys to approve of me remarrying. Neither my boys nor I had to deal with most of what Judy had/has to deal with–one is choosing the right man out of two.

  You didn’t think I’d give my ranch mom and easy time of it, did you? I’ve apologized to her a few times.

  I know if my situation was the same, my boys would’ve jumped in like Tristan, Jase, and Dane. I do remember my youngest son stepping in and asking me to ask myself a question before I said “I do” the second time. In addition, he asked several times if I was sure.

  Judy’s guy: Showing more of the picture would give too much away for readers of the series. In real life, the model is a personal trainer, so you know I had to run with that in the book. Judy didn’t mind a bit. 💕

   

  

  Book character Portrayal.

  

  My vision of Judy Carlson. Character Portrayal is not to be confused with the real model.

   

  Thanks for stopping by today. Sorry my jibber-jabber is longer than the excerpt.

   

   

   

   

   

  I’m praying we’ll get through this mess of a storm coming my way this weekend. You know it’s going to be bad when your energy company sends an announcement about being prepared and how they are gearing up, not if, but when, power lines are down all over. Ekk!

  Enjoy yours.

  ---

  Image credits-

  Judy: Dreamstime

  Jewelry Box: Pixabay Public Domain Pictures

  Judy’s guy. I personally purchased the image from a cover model.

  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Seasoned Romance | 15 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, mary j mccoy dressel, Romance, Seasoned Romance, Short Snippet Saturday: Moving On ~ Our Ranch Mom Makes A Decision, western romance

• #WritersLife Book Talk ~ Widowed Ranch Matriarchs Have a Life Too

  Posted at 1:51 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 14, 2019

  

  I know, I know, I’ve been so absent. My blogging mojo is kicking me where it hurts, but I can’t seem to find my blogging muse. So, for now, today, I found a reason to return.

  This refers to the ranch matriarch in my book series. In this series, Judy Carlson has been a widow for many years.

  Some of you are wondering if I’ll write my ranch matriarch’s book. Yes! Absolutely. I am writing it. In fact, I have nearly thirty-three thousand words written, which turns out to be eighty-five pages, so far.

  Remember, I write real-life situations. Expect this book to have multiple points of view. If you know the series, then you know her boys will not take the sidelines if another book is coming out. Oh, no. They have a lot to tell about their lives, too. In the interim, kids have grown, hormones, both pregnancy and menopausal, have run rampant, babies have been born, and lost, but they keep on keeping on the close-knit Carlson way. Now, let’s prepare for Judy’s story later in 2019, which picks up two years after Lassoing the Last Dance.

  At the last minute, I decided to treat you to a snippet. It’s rare for me to do this so early, but… Y’all deserve to see what’s happening:

  WARNING: If you haven’t read the series, this snippet contains SPOILERS. I’m sorry, but if you read this, you could forget them unless you start reading book one right away.  None of my books have cliffhanger endings, and if you choose to read only one book, you will still have a complete story in itself. Always.

  Excerpt subject to change:

  ~~

  Judy Carlson got up from the stool in her middle son’s kitchen and strode to the window in the great room. Her oldest granddaughter, Destiny, had added more blush to what she’d already plastered on Judy’s cheeks. Nora still fiddled with her hair and after she’d brushed her hands through it to soften the areas from too much spray.

  Judy pushed Nora’s hands away. “Honey, stop fussing. No more blush, Destiny. Child, put the makeup away. Trista Rose, get out of Grandma’s face cream. Dale Connor either likes me how I am or not at all.”

  “You two had numerous dances at the party the night you met. He already liked you. This is a date, nothing more,” Nora chided.

  Judy clasped her hands at her chest and peered into the mirror over the table at the front door. “That was two years ago. Where’s he been since? I’m surprised he remembered my name. Oh, I’m nervous. Why did I say yes?”

  “Why not?” Nora asked. “It’s all in fun. Enjoy yourself.”

  “Grandma, you look sexy—”

  “Destiny! I’m not trying to look sexy. Where do you get this stuff?”

  “Romance novels. My dad and Uncle Jase don’t want you to go out with Mr. Connor. In the barn, I heard them talking about your date.”

  Nora shook her head. “They aren’t used to your grandma dating anyone other than Martyn is all, but he has yet another new girlfriend. Remember, Destiny, when I met your daddy, you were a little unsure of me being with him?”

  Destiny’s brow furrowed. “Nah uh, I liked you right away.”

  “Me too, Mommy.”

  Nora smiled. “Thank you both.”

  Judy slid Destiny’s recently cut hair behind one ear. “You aren’t helping, sweetheart. Your daddy and uncles’ have a lot of influence in my life. If they aren’t happy. Well…” Judy sighed. “That’s it. I’m going home to wait for Dale. Either way, I don’t want trouble from those boys I raised. I’m sure Dane will understand.”

  “You think so, Judy?” Nora waggled her finger and lowered her voice. “Must I remind you your youngest lives close? Dane carries the biggest weapons and has a military working dog trained to…you know what?”

  Judy frowned. “Hmm. You have a point.”

  “Yes, and Tristan sent a text. All three of them are sitting around your kitchen table as we speak.”

  This night could not end quickly enough. Now she knew how Jase had felt when she’d coerced him into spending time with Brenna the evening they’d met. Judy picked up her keys. “Oh, dear… Well, we better get over there before Dale shows up.”

  ~~

  Newcomer to the series? Well, let me tell you, Cowboy Boss and His Destiny is book #1 with Tristan, the middle son. Judy’s book will be #5 so get busy reading while I’m writing.  🙂 I wrote a spin off to this series where the Carlsons also appear.

  

  Readers, thanks so much for your interest in upcoming books in this and the spin off series. 

  Update on the new book and new series coming out in November: 

  If you loved the Double Dutch Ranch Series and the spin off, I hope you’ll love my new series as much. I sure do. I’m crazy about the new characters I’ve created. Have you ever been to Sedona, Arizona? This area plays a big part in the new one, but the main setting is north of there toward the Grand Canyon.

  If you’ve been following my TITLE dilemma with this book, I’m proud to announce I have a title!

  Oh, come on. You know I don’t release titles this early. I recently posted on Facebook on both my regular profile and author page, that, yes, I have a title after letting the book sit a couple weeks. I went back to it a fifth or one-hundredth time to do another revision/edit, and out of the blue, my hero gave me the title. The guy lived in my heard for a year, and it took him this long to reveal it to me–the cocky cowboy that he is. Humph.

  Thanks for stopping by.

  I missed another 52-Week Blog Challenge Friday even after writing a draft post. It didn’t feel like what I really wanted to say about overcoming and accepting bad reviews. I’ve had to do both, so I let the post sit in draft and ignored another week. Albeit, as you can see, I have been busy writing books, and I took this week to clean my apartment between revisions. It’s another one of those necessities even writers can’t ignore. I suppose this includes laundry? I won’t tell you how many up-and-down-the-stairs trips I made to the washer and dryer or how much it cost me. Nope, I will not tell you. Until the next time… Be good to yourself.

   

  Top image credit: Pixabay.

  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series | 12 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Book Talk, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, contemporary western romance, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Grand Canyon, mary j mccoy dressel, Northern Arizona, Widowed Ranch Matriarchs Have a Life Too

• Halloween Fun Snippet from the Double Dutch Ranch #AmWriting #Romance

  Posted at 12:53 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 31, 2018

  

  Today isn’t Short Snippet Saturday, but I have a fine fittin’ and rather long excerpt for Halloween from Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Book #1 in the series. In the revision for this book, I cut a lot of scenes–this is one of them.

  Anyone who reads the Newly Revised Edition of Cowboy Boss and his Destiny might enjoy this deleted scene. If you have read the original version, maybe you’ll like it as much the second time around. I might’ve shared a part of this another time.

  Happy Halloween

  Treat and NO Trick!

  Since Cowboy Boss and his Destiny is the first book in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, the price is only $0.99. Thought I’d throw that in.

  ---

  

  Note:  Every year Tristan Carlson and his family members throw a Halloween Party for residents in their small town of Canyon Junction. They have hayrides, games for the kids, a beer tent, and a dunk tank for charity.

  Oh, and they have live music, too. Judy, our ranch matriarch belongs to a local band with her lady friends. Tristan sings and plays a guitar, Jase plays a keyboard. I know, what a shock! Dane, well, he has his talents that I won’t tell here. Let’s just say when he’s home, he gets dragged up on the stage. This year, little Destiny is dressed as a princess. Not what I would have expected from her, but she insisted. The snippet will tell you what costumes Tristan and Nora chose.

  Enjoy.

  ---

  The smell of popcorn and hot dogs floated through the air. Spooky music rang out for all to hear. If not for his daughter, no one would have known who they were in their costumes.

  Destiny jerked down on his arm. “Daddy, are you getting dunked in those clothes?”

  “I guess I’ll have to. I can’t get changed with handcuffs.” He laughed mischievously, giving a sideways glance to Nora. “You know what that means, Des?”

  “What?”

  “Nora has to go in with me.”

  Nora detected a bit of devil in that laugh of his. “Wait, what are you two talking about?”

  “The dunk tank.” Tristan pulled her to a halt. “Oh, did I forget to mention the dunk tank?”

  “Um, yes! I’m not going in the dunk tank.”

  “You should have thought about that before you wanted to handcuff me, Ms. Sheriff.”

  “Oh, good Lord, you are in so much trouble.” She raised her free hand to the air.

  “It’s okay. We get dunked late, so we get to walk around like this all night.”

  Destiny glanced at Nora and shook her head. “Silly Daddy.”

  They went to all the children’s games with Destiny. When it got dark, he took her into the house to his mom, so he and Nora could go on the first hayride with the teens. Randy Drake drove the tractor that pulled it.

  

  Climbing in the wagon wasn’t so easy handcuffed to another person. Tristan laughed as he sat up front. “Now we really have to be a team.”

  “You’re still in trouble. So much trouble,” she said, shaking her head.

  “Hey, if one of us falls off, we’re both going down, so hold on, Sheriff Trinity.”

   Even in the darkness she picked up the smirk on his handsome face. Tristan wrapped his arm around her waist, forcing her arm behind her back with handcuffs on.

  “Gotcha now, my pretty.”

  “Oh, you’re in so much trouble.”

  After the hay ride and a stop in the beer tent for a tall brew, Tristan checked his watch. “Guess what time it is, sweetheart?”

  “Oh, no.” Nora jerked him to a stop.

  “Oh, yes,” he said, his words rolling out before a booming laugh.

  She attempted to speak in her best innocent tone. “You’re not really making me do this.”

  “I’m sorry, but…yes, I am.” Tristan glanced at her shirt and pulled the top open. “No t-shirt underneath?”

  “No, why?” She glanced to and fro as the townspeople walked around them in costumes, some laughing, other’s nodding to Tristan—easily recognizable once he removed his geek glasses.

  “Because if you didn’t have cuffs on, I might suggest a…ah, a wet t-shirt.”

  She eyed him in his geek clothes and bow tie. “Hmm. Wait. You wouldn’t care that every man here saw me in a wet t-shirt?”

  “Not for here, honey. For later.”

  “You’re awful bad tonight, Tristan.”

  “If I recall, you asked for bad earlier.”

  “In a kiss.”

  

  “You need to be real clear. After all, I’m only a hot cowboy, you know.” He pointed ahead where many people were lined up waiting for the ranch owner. They chanted his name.

  “This is for a charity. Since there’s two of us, we should bring in more money.”

  “You’re not going to make me. Please get these off.”

  “Of course, I am. Come on.” Tristan walked through the crowd with their handcuffed hands raised in the air for all to see. “As you can see here, I was arrested by Sheriff Trinity. In case you don’t all know her, she works for me.” He wrapped his arm around her. “You all can quiet your rumors.” He turned to Nora and lowered his voice. “I’m about to kiss you in front of all these people.”

  “What kind of kiss?”

  He took her into his arms and dipped her, giving a hard, sexy kiss on the lips. “That kind…for now.”

  The crowd went wild. Nora wasn’t embarrassed. In fact, she cupped her free hand around his face and kissed him back. “No problem, baby.” Their gaze held until Selva, his ranch foreman, came up and bumped his shoulder.

  “These people are waitin’ for you, amigo.”

  Tristan chuckled and turned to the crowd. “There’s two of us at a time so you best get those pockets emptied.” He turned to Nora. “Ready?”

  “I see where I have no choice. Let’s go get’um.”

  “You realize with two of us up here there’s a good chance each throw will dunk us.”

  “Yes, sir, isn’t that going to be fun? I’m glad I wear waterproof mascara, or you’d see the scary side of me.”

  They both got in the tank and sat as close as they could. “Never going to happen. I don’t think there is a scary or bad side to you.”

  “Let’s hope you never find out that I really do.”

  Down they went!

  They climbed back on the bench, a feat in itself. Martyn, his mom, Destiny, and Jase’s kids were at the front of the line. “Come on, sweetheart, are you really going to dunk your daddy?”

  Destiny brought her arm back and let it rip.

  SPLASH!

  

  Again, they came up brushing hair and water from their eyes. Destiny was still laughing.

  After at least fifteen dunks, Tristan called it done, and the next person came up. They walked through the crowd soaking wet, still handcuffed. He glanced around for his mom and Martyn and found them in the crowd. “We have to go get dressed, Mom. Can you keep Des until we come back?”

  “Of course. We’ll be over by the stage. Grab your guitar, son.”

  “Yep.”

  “Oh, Trist?” Judy called after him.

  He and Nora turned.

  “Nice costumes.”

  Nora grinned. “Thanks, Judy.”

  “My mom likes us together,” he said on the way inside.

  “I can tell.” She shivered. “Can we change now?”

  “Finally. Get me out of these geeky clothes.”

  “Get me out of these handcuffs. Be thankful you didn’t wear the knight’s costume. You would’a been a drowned cowboy.”

  “You would’ve been the one to wear it, not me. I’ll meet you in the office. You get a front row seat, baby. I have a song special for you.”

  ---

  For more on the series and the spin off series, click on the Book Page.

  Thanks for reading! Have fun tonight and please be safe.  🎃🤠💀

  Tell me about your costume if you’re going out or partying down. Me, well, if I went to a party tonight, I’d like to be a ________? What would I like to be for Halloween?

   

  Thanks to Pixabay for the images. Except for my book cover.

  Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 6 Comments | Tagged Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Deleted Scenes, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Dunk Tank, Halloween, Happy Halloween, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Party, popcorn, Spooky music

• #AmWriting New Year = New Goals = Big Job Accomplished!

  Posted at 10:00 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 29, 2018

  

  This will be fairly short to announce:

  I republished Cowboy Boss and his Destiny on March 26th.  Amazon was the last retailer to update the new cover, so now we’re good to go. I didn’t want to promote this book without the new one since it fits the revised edition so much better.

  I published over the old file. Those of you who have the original version won’t be able to purchase this version unless Amazon will notify readers of a new update. Then you can update the book via your Amazon account under Manage Content and Devices. I have to ask them to do this and I will, but they don’t always do it unless they think it’s necessary. If you read Tristan’s Destiny, then you are familiar with most of this new version, but there have been many rewrites in the original Cowboy Boss. I rewrote the beginning, too. This project was fun to take on but sure wasn’t an easy task.

  Visit this LINK for the new blurb, now a combination of Cowboy Boss, Tristan’s Destiny, and more to reflect new goings-on.

   

  

  As soon as I saw this couple, I knew this had to be my Nora and Tristan. I enjoyed revisiting them during this revision and learned some new things from a few of the characters, including Tristan.

  Cover Design by DuskTilDawn Designs. 

   

  

  ---

  I’ve had a rough time the past couple weeks, continuing into the third, but I’ve done my best to stay upbeat and positive. I have medical tests coming up in my near future, a blood test today, and had two doctor appointments this week. Bah humbug. At least with this posted, and the book republished, it’s one more thing off my mind. I mustered up the “feel good” long enough to get Friday’s post ready.  Yesterday my computer started acting up. As Gilda Radner says, “It’s always something.”

  Again, here’s the link to the Double Dutch Ranch page if you want to check out the new blurb. Thanks for reading.

  Posted in #AmWriting, Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Double Dutch Ranch Series | 9 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting New Year = New Resoutions = Big Job Accomplished!, Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight #1, DusktiDawn Designs, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Newly Revised Edition, western romance

• Revisions? Questions Answered

  Posted at 4:09 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 19, 2018

  I thought I’d begin by sharing a quote I saw on Twitter today by Paul Coelho. I love this author. You can find his books everywhere and he posts quotes on his Facebook and Twitter pages.  🙂  I should’ve thought of him when I wrote the post about authors I’d like to meet. Here’s his quote:

  Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished: tell yourself that what has passed will never come back.
  Remember that there was a time when you could live without that thing or that person
  Nothing is irreplaceable, a habit is not a need. ~Paul Coelho

  ---

  But now I go forward…

  A couple weeks ago I wrote a post titled Making the Old New Again about a major revision I’m doing with Cowboy Boss and his Destiny and Tristan’s Destiny in my Double Dutch Ranch Series. I had a lot of questions unanswered by the end of the post. Now I have answers.

  

  The questions to myself or anyone who had answers:

  Will this new version be a 2nd edition? 

  • No, this will not be a 2nd edition.

  Will I delete the original 1st editions and start all over? Will retailers allow me to do this? 

  • Yes and no. I will re-upload over the original version of Cowboy Boss and his Destiny. TRISTAN’S DESTINY, Bonus Book 1.5 will be deleted and no longer available as a single book.
  • We are allowed to delete eBooks. We cannot delete paperbacks.

  Will I re-upload this over the original book #1 then delete or unpublish the original book #1.5, which doesn’t show up in my series, anyway?

  • Yes. Answered above. I will not lose the Cowboy Boss reviews this way.

  This wasn’t included in my questions because I knew the answer, but I’ll clarify this now. What about my reviews for Tristan’s Destiny?

  

  • I have lost those reviews since both books are now unpublished and not available. However, I haven’t deleted the books, so reviews are still there with the unpublished files in my KDP Bookshelf in case I ever wanted to republish. I did copy them to be safe.

  I will use the reviews in other ways like in the Editorial Review section on my book page where we are allowed to post snippets of a review. For those of you who have left reviews for Tristan’s Destiny, thank you. They are much appreciated. They will not go unseen.

  Will I have a new cover designed?

  • Yes, I already have it!  ❤  ❤  My designer is amazingly fast. It took us her three drafts. It consisted of doing a lot more than sticking new people on the cover.  I’ll forever love my original cover for Cowboy Boss, but since the story has shifted, this new cover is perfect.

  ---

  Did I mention this book went to the editor today?  🙂

  ---

  Well, now that I’ve taken care of my own questions and answers, I must admit… It took me two weeks to decide to unpublish. Right after, I nearly hyperventilated. I had to take deep breaths and laps around my apartment. My chest hurt. I thought I might have a heart attack. Then, suddenly, the tension of making the decision rolled off my shoulders.

  Revising this book was a good thing. Of course, I won’t know how others feel about it until I re-publish. What will I do if readers hate it? This is a question we ask ourselves anyway. No more questions, please (I tell myself)!

  A Positive?

  I got to know my characters all over again. Well, I visit with them in every book because they continue to make their appearances if only subtly. In fact, I learned something new about a few of them. After all this time, I discovered Tristan had a dark cloud hanging over him I never caught before. This was something new to use in my rewrite. The biggest shock of all? Tristan’s ranch foreman threw in a huge surprise, then it was like Hell YEAH. BINGO! Problem solved for an upcoming book.

  

  This business is a marathon not a sprint and life is continuously changing.

  Next Step?

  I need to update the front and back matter to all my books. I started last night and it wasn’t a quick copy and paste thing because I also had to rewrite a bit of the front matter, part of my notes to readers, and whatever else I found to update.  In the meantime, I have another hero and heroine mad at me for making them wait so long right at the most inopportune time (for them). They should be all hot and bothered by time I get back to them.   ❤

  I’ve turned off sharing. This is for you who have already read the first post , or newcomers.  A girl can change her mind.

  Y’all have a productive and fun week Thanks for reading.

  #MondayMotivation

  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Double Dutch Ranch Series | 5 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #WritersLife, contemporary romance series, Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Full Length Novel, mary j mccoy dressel, novel, Revising a Book, Revisions, Revisions? Questions Answered, Rewriting, series romance, unpublishing a book, western romance

• #AmWriting Books: Making The Old New Again

  Posted at 3:21 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 4, 2018

  

  Hello everyone. I’ve been neglectful of posting on my blog, and I apologize for not getting around to yours, either. I do miss visiting with you. I’m making my appearance on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated. Yes, I’m still here, but my blog is lonely. Remember, at the end of 2017 one of the writing topics for the 52-Week Blog Challenge was about resolutions. One of my writing goals mentioned a major revision on two books. I’m deep into this as we speak. #LifeGoesOn

  In other words, I’m consumed with this project and working long hours each day—ten to twelve hours while arguing with my muse at night to put down her lasso and go to sleep.

  I’m not only revising one book, but two, because Nora and Tristan had two books.

  

  Why would I do this to myself? When I finish my revisions, this will be one complete book where part of the first book will flow into the second book as one complete story.

  

  Part of one book you ask? This was the culprit keeping me awake at night, but after two weeks, I figured it out. The books are Cowboy Boss and his Destiny and Tristan’s Destiny, Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight. I’ve deleted over 90K words from Cowboy Boss and his Destiny #1  and a little from Tristan’s Destiny #1.5. Take that, pirates!

  Cowboy Boss will never be the same book as it is now, and in fact, I’m getting ready to pull these two books from publication until the revision is finished, reedited, and formatted. It’ll be fine for new readers to begin the series with Heartbreak’s Reward, book #2 in the series or Whispers of Forever, book #1 in the spin off series.

  

   

  Does this sound easy? I hope you said no. It is not easy.

  Another reason for doing this is because I have learned so much and come a long way since I wrote Cowboy Boss. This book no longer reflects the other books in my series, nor does it reflect my writing of today. Therefore, this no longer fits as my series starter. So, yes, I’m doing this major revision for my future. Am I taking a chance by doing this? Yes. Am I hesitant about doing this? No. (not any more.) Am I scared about doing this? Terrified.

  If you’re a writer, you’ve probably heard that writing is a marathon not a sprint. Consider this another mile in my marathon. #WritersLife

  Oh, woe is me… The life of a writer. Oh, for joy… The life of a writer!

  Cowboy Boss had originally been written as a standalone happy-go-lucky holiday story. It never turned out to be a holiday story or a single-title book. When I first wrote the book, I knew about half way through, this would start a series. Sure, it is a happy-go-lucky love story, but…

  A reviewer called it a Hallmark movie with sex. However, the comment wasn’t meant to be positive. This book is low on angst, so it has its lovers and haters. (Read my Open Door Closed Door post.) To add some angst and more emotion and conflict to Nora and Tristan’s life, I gave them book 1.5, which will be added to the new version of Cowboy Boss as a complete story that flows together as one. LESS than a fourth of Cowboy Boss readers are reading book 1.5, anyway.

  

  I’ve saved around 10K of Cowboy Boss before it blends into the new version where Tristan and Nora’s bond is put to the test and takes my characters on a more dramatic journey in this new version of Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, #1.

  

  There are many dilemmas facing me as I decide how to publish this BRAND-NEW version:

  • Will this new version be a 2nd edition? If this is a 2nd edition, the original versions will remain with reviews intact.
  • Will I delete the original 1st editions and start all over? Will retailers allow me to do this? I want the original versions to disappear.
  • Will I re-upload this over the original book #1 then delete or unpublish the original book #1.5, which doesn’t show up in my series, anyway? Regardless, book 1.5 will go away one way or another. Of course, the reviews will go with it, and this book gets the best reviews. I’ve saved them.

  While I’m on the subject of reviews: Reviews help tell readers, someone is at least reading the book. No reviews make it look like the book is just sitting there unread. Who wants to take a chance on that book?

  Whoops, I digressed from the topic here—revising books.

  I hear a lot about upcoming or new authors not wanting to self-publish. I get where you’re coming from. I had to make that choice once.

  Making a revision like this to benefit my writing career would never be possible if I hadn’t published these two books myself. Nor would I be able to change the cover or pick the images for all my covers, especially my handsome heroes. I love having this control over my own books.

  ---

  My next dilemma here is to change or not to change the cover. With this story now being so different, I think it deserves a new cover.

  If you’ve read this far, thank you for sticking around. I must be making up for lost time with all these words.

  Have any of you published a 2nd edition? If so, what became of the 1st Edition? I don’t think Amazon will let us kill off the first edition if we publish a 2nd edition. In fact, I’m sure they don’t pull a first edition, and the upside to this is to have reviews available, albeit, new reviews will have to be garnered for the 2nd edition. I plan on finding out before I make a decision.

  There it is, folks. I laid it on the line, and I’m hoping for the best.

  Super Bowl friends, enjoy the game!

  See y’all when I see ya. Miss you.  ❤

  

  Posted in #WritersLife, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Double Dutch Ranch Series | 10 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #AuthorLife, #WritersLife, 1st Editions, 2nd Editions, blog, Books: Making The Old New Again, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, mary j mccoy dressel, Revisions, sensual contemporary western romance, western romance, writing

• #AmWriting For Fun: Cowboy Heroes

  Posted at 12:30 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 22, 2017

   

  National Day of the Cowboy

   

  One thing after another keeps happening in my life, and I’ve been under so much stress lately, so today I am doing something for FUN. Today, Saturday July 22, 2017, 2018 is National Day of the Cowboy. You know I’m jumping on this! Ha, so funny. Here we are two years later and I can say the same thing this year!

  #NationalDayOfTheCowboy

  

  I’m learned a few things since I began writing contemporary western romance. This is my take on the cowboy. Remember, MY take may not be the same as yours. Maybe I’m dealing with fiction today, but a whole lot isn’t. Let me have some fun with this.  Images are from Pixabay unless otherwise stated. Tristan and Nora and Jake and Beth come from Period Images. I created the graphics. Howdy, Ma’am was designed by DuskTilDawn Designs.

  Why I create cowboy heroes:

   

  I reckon this post is for anyone who loves a cowboy. I couldn’t create something I didn’t love myself. It doesn’t matter if they’re single, married, head-over-heels in love, daddy’s, or whatever… I think they’re the sexiest men alive. That’s my opinion. I know everyone doesn’t think so. Let me have fun on this day.

  We’ll start with the basics from the ground up:

  Let’s put some boots on our guy’s feet. The cowboy boot fits nicely into the stirrup. They’re sturdy for whatever jobs he has to take care of during the day or night. He has more than one pair of boots. Sometimes you’ll find his boots to be dusty and worn—his favorites, but sometimes they’ll be shiny and new. Some ranchers are now wearing lace up boots for working. He’ll spill coffee on them, step in horse or cattle manure, or do a two-step on the dance floor. Hey, cowgirls… Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. That’s why they make soap and hand sanitizer. He’s your guy. When he’s dog-tired after a long day of hard work, feel free to pull them off for him. He’ll thank ya for it. *Wink* Remember to thank him for it, when he does the same for you. He will on occasion.

  Tight jeans. Loose-fittin’ jeans. Dirty, ripped, or dress jeans… Oh, come on. Need I say more? Add a pair of chaps and my eyes will bug out.

  

  Speaking for myself, I like an oval belt buckle holding those jeans against a firm waist. I’m torn here, for with no belt, the jeans ride lower on the waist. When he stretches to put a saddle on a horse, or bends over with a hoof pick, you might be lucky enough to get a peek at that toned abdomen and sexy back you can’t wait to run your nails over.

  Oh, we can’t forget his t-shirt with the sleeves tight against bulging biceps. He’s dedicated to hard work, so of course he has bulging biceps. After giving a horse a bath, expect a little water on the shirt. Should I explain the wet t-shirt? Flannel shirts with the sleeves turned up a couple rolls and open in the front isn’t so bad either. But, wow, when your cowboy wears a dress shirt and clean jeans, hold him tight when you go out. Be prepared for a lot of ogling. Don’t be surprised if he casually looks back, but don’t worry, he’s true to you. However, he might deck another cowboy for getting a little too touchy-feely with you.

  A hint of stubble on the face or clean-shaven works for me. How about you? Chances are, you’ll find a little more than a hint of stubble after a couple long, tired days. You might have to get used to a little whisker-burn now and then. Go without shaving your legs for a couple days. He’ll get the picture.  😉

  Oh, ladies, when our cowboy sets his jaw in confidence or stubbornness, you know he means business. But so do we, so it evens out. His attitude or mood isn’t always going to be congenial. He has bad days too, and sometimes he can be downright miserable to be around.

  

  Bull Rider Series 1

  This man’s smile? Mmm, how about quirked lips when he questions something you said? I can tell you, my knees buckle when he shoots that dangerous grin my way. Oooh, what about his to-die-for wanton smile? You know the one where it shows in his eyes, too? The one he gives when you wonder what he’s up to next? But, goodness, when his face lights up with that special look, it TELLS you what he’s up to next. When he smiles at you in this way, you know your feet won’t be on the floor much longer. Am I right? Sigh. Who moved my fan? (I’ll use one of my own cowboys for an example–Caulder McCutchen, my bull rider.)

  Our cowboy’s eyes kind of work this way, too, because he knows how to work them to portray a mood.

   

  It doesn’t matter if those sexy kissable lips are full, soft, chapped, or sunkissed sweet. When it comes to kissing them, you know they’ll be a perfect match for yours.

  

   

  Mmm, his hair. Hair and eyes are the first things I notice. For myself, his hair comes in different shades of sable from dark to light brown or a dusty blond. He wears his hair on the longer side. Who has time for a haircut? He’s too busy tending to a ranch, or herding cattle across a wide divide, or trying to stay on a bull or bronc for eight seconds. Depending on his mood, he’s comfortable wearing his hair neatly combed when the occasion arises, or wind-blown messy when he’s busy. Whichever way he chooses to wear it, it’ll end up being hat-hair by the end of the day.

   

  

   

  Either neat and tidy or wild and free, if a shock of hair falls over his forehead, I can’t think of a more perfect excuse to get closer than to move in and brush it back. He’ll appreciate it too, if we leave our palm to rest on the side of his face. Whew!

  Last but not least, let’s not forget the Stetson in off-white or black, depending on the occasion. Straw works for those hot days. Look above at Caulder. If you’re wearing a hat too, make sure you get the right tilt to your head in order to kiss him. Enjoy.

  

   

  Since it is our cowboy’s special day, we’ll continue. Let’s give him a dog and a horse or two, preferably more. After his dog and horses, we’re giving this cowboy a cowgirl, or whoever he chooses to love.

  

   

  When evening comes, if he’s in by then of course, he’ll be contented to settle in beside you wearing a subtle fragrance whether it’s aftershave or your favorite cologne. Cowboys are sexy, hard working men, and they aren’t always going to be smelling like they walked out of a shower. Don’t let that deter you, but a little hint won’t hurt. An offer to accompany him in the shower isn’t a bad idea. ❤ ❤ ❤

  More than likely, he’ll like his favorite carryout or a meat and potato meal at the end of the day. Sometimes he’ll surprise us, and prepare a delicious meal. He’ll enjoy a shot of whiskey, brandy, or scotch, and maybe sometimes a glass of wine or a longneck. At the end of the day with our cowboy, we know, besides his family, we’re the one he holds in his heart…along with his dog and horses. Finally, when you get up Sunday morning, chances are after breakfast, y’all be going to church.

  

   

  REMEMBER, this is MY take on the cowboy, and this was written for fun.

  Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy the 4th Saturday of July.

  Remember what they say… Save a horse, ride a… *Smile*

  Thanks so much for reading and an extra special thanks if you’re reading this reblog a second time!

  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Bull Rider Series, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series | 19 Comments | Tagged #NationalDayOfTheCowboy, boots, bronc riding, bull riders, Bull Riding, cattle ranch, cowboy, cowboy hats, dog, horses, mary j mccoy dressel, national day of the cowboy, ranchers, Romance, series romance, sexy cowboys, western hero

• Short Snippet Saturday on Wednesday…And Then Some

  Posted at 12:46 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 28, 2017

  Nope, this isn’t Saturday, but it’s a snippet. Read down far enough you’ll find it after a bit of whining. I’ve attempted to write a post all week, but I’ve been living in pain since last Friday, and each day seems worse than the one before. Due to my own stupidity, I injured my back and hip by doing something, well, stupid. The worse part is I knew better than to lift the two extremely heavy blue shopping bags at the same time. I knew better than to try to move a huge, filled ceramic planter on my patio. I rolled, not lifted it, but the bending over position while moving it did me in, I guess.

  It feels like it did when I ruptured two disks in my back and suffered from Sciatica some years ago and missed six months of work. It wasn’t until I had a steroid shot in my back, that I found relief and life began again. At this point, I can’t stand and/or walk for even five minutes without pain, and I have to sit down, which means I can’t walk into my doctor’s office, which is a long walk from the parking lot.

  I’ve tried ice and heat. Aleve and Tylenol. I don’t know what to do at this point other than moan and complain to avoid crying and cursing. My doggie is suffering from pain in her hips, legs, and now it seems, a foot. Sometimes she can’t get up. Now, I can relate to what she must go through 24/7. And tomorrow, the 29th, is my birthday. It’s okay, I stopped counting them a while ago. Unfortunately, friends and family haven’t. It’s better than the alternative, and I appreciate their thoughts and wishes.

  ---

  UPDATE: What’s happening with Finding Kimber, #2 in Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series? Remember the challenge I had with this book? I changed the genre when it was about 3/4 finished? Well, I also had to change part of the plot because I drove myself crazy while trying to work with something that wouldn’t have worked. Once I changed it, I sailed to the end. It’s been through three revisions with thousands of words cut, and now I’m trying to let letting it sit for a while. I hate to plan too far in advance these days, but it looks like this book is on track for a 2017 release. Lord willing…

  ---

  Today I decided to post a snippet from Lassoing the Last Dance. I’m proud of this fourth book in the series–my newest release.

  Set Up: This evening, Roxanne is headed to the Double Dutch Ranch to help her best friend Nora set up for an important dinner the next day. She’s feeling on-top-of-the-world, if you’ll excuse the cliché. But…

  Modified to avoid spoilers. Enjoy…

  He rammed her again. She gripped the steering wheel even tighter. Fear she had lived with until last month returned to the forefront. Enough of this. She stomped on the gas pedal and took the speed up to sixty, and she wasn’t comfortable driving like this on rutted Rocky Road.

  Another glance into her mirror as she increased her speed, showed the car continuing close behind. She peered back at the road in front of her with barely enough time to avoid hitting a dog, or some animal of the night. Roxanne swerved and ran off the road. She hit the brakes and her front tires settled into a dip. She took a deep breath then lifted her eyes to the rear view mirror.

  Was this going to be where she died?

  She slammed one palm against the wheel and pressed on the accelerator. Nothing. Roxanne searched for her phone. The car behind stopped. A man got out and raised a rifle to his shoulder and just stood there. Without a doubt—her nightmare began all over again. No. No. This can’t be happening. A cold fear swept over her. This only happens in freaking movies! She dialed Randy.

  Glass shattered as he busted the window with the butt of the rifle. Glass covered her. Her cheek stung. “Get your ass out of there, Roxanne.”

  No way! Fear choked her. Leaning forward to block his view, she attempted to stick her phone into her pocket, but he yanked her out. She wiped at the blood on her face. “What is going on? I t-thought you didn’t have anything to do with w-what h-happened to m-me.”

  He slammed the door then shoved her against it and held her there with his hand against her throat. God, help me! Please. Not this again. As quickly as he held her, he released her. How far would she get if she ran? “Leave me alone, you jackass. What’s this about?”

  He leaned the rifle against his shoulder. His knee pressed into her thigh. “I’m not done. You’re still breathing.”

  “What? You were involved after all.” She damned herself for letting her guard down. Any minute her stomach would heave. Where could she go? Her thoughts of escaping were out of control. She didn’t know if the call to Randy went through.

  “I had nothing to do with what happened to you. I sat back and let the other ordeal play out. How lucky can one man get to have someone else take the blame?” A low and demonic snicker snarled from his throat.

  If she had learned anything about survival, this time she wasn’t going down without a fight. She had the flat heeled shoe today. “You’ll have to shoot me in the back,” she said, as she kneed him with all her might and took off running.

  End of Excerpt. Thanks for reading.

  Universal Buy Link

  Savvy horse trainer Randy Drake never loved a woman like he loved Roxanne, but after more than a year of a long-distance relationship, she cut off communication without explanation and broke his heart. Now she’s moved back to Canyon Junction without telling him, proof she’s not interested. But his stubborn heart can’t seem to let go.

  Professional dancer Roxanne Connor has a good reason for not letting Randy know she’s back. An accident nearly destroyed her, and she’s not the same person Randy knew. Avoiding him, she chooses to live in a self-appointed exile, if she can ignore the craving for his touch and the memory of his kisses.

  But secrets in a small town are never truly safe. When Randy learns the reason Roxanne cold-shouldered him, he’s willing to give their love another try, but someone else is determined to keep them apart. Will their rekindled love be strong enough to withstand the obstacles mounting against them, or will the embers that glowed in their past grow cold under the pressure?

  ---

  © Mary J. McCoy-Dressel and Author Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books 2007 – 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Mary J. McCoy-Dressel is strictly prohibited.

  Photo Credits: Road: Pixabay. Window: © Khajornkiat | Dreamstime.com

  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Excerpt | 12 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Arizona, Back pain, contemporary romance, cowboy, full length novel series, hip pain, Lassoing the Last Dance, mary j mccoy dressel, romance series, Short Snippet Saturday, Short Snippet Saturday on Wednesday, western romance

• Meet the Heroine: Broken Yet Proud Roxanne Connor

  Posted at 2:17 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 22, 2017

   

  

  Roxanne Conner is the heroine in Lassoing the Last Dance. She lives up to the name of heroine, but she’s a real hero. She is sometimes called Rox or Roxy.

  

  Roxanne came to life in Cowboy Boss and his Destiny. Roxanne is Nora’s best friend. She lives in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. This is when she met Randy Drake, the savvy horse trainer who works on the Double Dutch Ranch and other surrounding ranches.

  She shared a long-distance relationship with Randy for well over a year. Was it love at first sight? She can’t allow herself to think of such things these days. Her heart is broken.

  

  Roxanne stopped communicating with Randy and swore her friends to secrecy about the circumstances that ended her career.

  Our girl grew up in Canyon Junction. Her father lives close to her now, as does her cousin, Brett Connor, who is more like a brother to her. Her mom is deceased.

  She and Nora have been friends since they were young girls. Roxanne moved back home. In fact, she bought Nora’s childhood home. Now she worries about facing Randy and will avoid him for as long as she can. (Don’t worry, he’s stubborn and doesn’t give up easily.)

  She’s a professional dancer by trade and loved dancing the Samba. She preformed in musicals, but also loved a country two-step or line dance. I’m surprised Randy didn’t deck his best friend, Zach Bryson, when he misunderstood the term professional “dancer.” Randy watched her do the Samba with a restaurant patron one night. I think he’s still drooling. However, she didn’t dance as close to her partner as this lady does in the video. But, will she ever dance again?

  
  Roxanne is divorced from Nate Evers, an abuser with a jealous bone. Moving doesn’t mean she’s escaped.

  Roxanne owns a Self-Storage business back in Broken Arrow, which gives her a steady income between shows.

  She loves children and Nora’s kids call her Aunt Roxanne or Aunt Woxy. She cares for them like they are her own.

  Roxanne struggles every day to find her way. All she asks for really is a happy, safe, and contented life. If Randy could be a part of it, her life would be complete, but…she isn’t the same woman Randy knew… She’s broken.

  In her own words:

  Weakness crept over her now, and she sobbed as she pressed her cheek against his strong and willing chest harboring a gentle heart. “That’s why…why I couldn’t, why I didn’t return your messages. I was broken, Randy—broken in all manner of living. No way could I have asked you to accept this, this change when I didn’t know if I could.”

  

  ---

  Do you want to meet Velia, Nora, Brenna, Gracelyn, Beth, Kimber, and even Judy Carlson our ranch mom? Visit the Meet Our Heroines page.

  Next up is Tressa Garnett/Kimber Sinclair from Finding Kimber, book two in Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series. I’m sure hoping Zachary (Zach) Bryson, the ruggedly handsome hero in this book can help this sexy redhead find the real woman who lurks inside Kimber Sinclair. (Zach Bryson is Randy’s best friend, and wow, he is hot! He’s introduced in Lassoing.)

  Posted in Double Dutch Ranch Series, Meet Our Heroines | 6 Comments | Tagged best friends, contemporary western romance, country two-step, cowboy, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Full Length Novel, heroine, Lassoing the Last Dance, line dance, long-distance relationship, mary j mccoy dressel, Samba Dancing, series romance, western romance

• #Reader Giveaways! Gratitude

  Posted at 10:47 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 10, 2017

  

  This giveaway has ended. Thank you for participating. You’ll find a new one in the sidebar.

  Welcome to the Reader Giveaways Page at The Kindle Book Review!

  Howdy, Folks! This will be my last post about my new release for a while. Thanks for bearing with me!

  To show my gratitude to my readers for helping my new release, Lassoing the Last Dance, rank in the top 20 in Contemporary Western Fiction and to rank in two other categories on Amazon. Com and Amazon UK, plus hit the Top Ten in Hot New Releases, I’m sponsoring a $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway via The Kindle Book Review Website–Weekly Giveaways.

  This contest runs from May 8 – May 14. No purchase necessary.

  I’ve used this site to promote all of my books more than once, but I’ve never participated in one of their Weekly Giveaways…until now. There are two other offers from authors in this week’s giveaway. Hop on over there to enter for a chance to win.

  ---

  From The Kindle Book Review Website:

  “This is where our 19,000+ subscribers find our amazing Reader Giveaways. Our weekly giveaway sponsors are extremely generous, so your support is greatly appreciated.”

  WIN a $25 Amazon Gift Card compliments of Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, author of Lassoing the Last dance.

  Randy believes he and the woman he meets at the Double Dutch Ranch can survive a long-distance relationship. Then she cuts off communication with no explanation. Moving back home without telling him is proof she’s not interested.  He learns the truth about why she cold-shouldered him, and he’s willing to give their love another try. Will Roxanne’s pride allow the sparks to reignite and burst into a full-blown blaze, or will she let the embers that glowed in their past grow cold?

  Find out in Lassoing the Last Dance! It’s ONLY 99¢ for a limited time and by entering Mary J’s giveaway you could win a $25 Amazon gift card. Enter today and every day!

  NO purchase necessary.

  Good Luck!

  

  ---

  Are you interested in learning more about the Double Dutch Ranch Series and the new spin off series? Lassoing the Last Dance is Book Four out of Five to date. Read more about the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight and Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series HERE.

  Enjoy the rest of your week!

  Posted in Double Dutch Ranch Series, Giveaway | 8 Comments | Tagged Arizona, Contest, cowboys, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Lassoing the Last Dance, mary j mccoy dressel, series romance, The Kindle Book Review, Weekly Giveaway, Whispers of Forever, Win

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