Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance

Sensual western romance. Heartwarming stories. Strong family ties.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance
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    • Countdown to Cover Reveal for Summer Release

      Posted at 11:28 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 30, 2014

      ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????You don’t hear me talk a whole lot about the second book in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, other than to say it exists. I haven’t released the title yet, but it can be found in the back matter of Cowboy Boss.

      This is the week I’ll do a cover reveal. My mailing list subscribers have already seen it. I’ve kept fairly quiet about what this book is about. The blurb that accompanies the cover reveal will give more information. Expect this book to be out this summer.

      Cowboy Boss and his Destiny is book one. DidWelcome_to_Arizona_Sign (2) you know this book was a Top Pick with a rocking five stars at The Romance Reviews?

      Of course, I hope you like the Carlson family enough to want to check them all out. This series keeps growing. Now, there’s a book four. A new love blooms at the Double Dutch Ranch. But…that isn’t all. An idea for a fifth book came to mind.0013 (4) extra small

      The hero in book two is Jase Carlson. He’s Tristan’s oldest brother. Jase is introduced in the first book, but his life took a huge turn. You can’t have a romance without a heroine. Jase fought me all the way on this…until he remembered something about women—how good it feels to hold one. This is where Brenna Page comes in… You’ll meet them both this week.

      Also…

      Cropped and low pixel 2I’ve been consumed with the second book in the Bull Rider Series. Nothing about this book went to plan except I wrote the story that called to me, and then cut about 10K words. Hey, Cowboy, Bk 2 will be out in July 2014. Sometimes it feels like I lived this story, I’ve been with it so long. If only I could feel that cowboy Caulder’s kisses. Kinky? LOL I even dreamed Velia’s nightmare once.

      See y’all later this week… Until then please be safe. Don’t forget the sun protection. 🙂

      Posted in Bull Rider Series, Hey Cowboy Bk 2 | 5 Comments | Tagged bull rider, contemporary western romance, Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, cowboys, Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight Bk 2, mary j mccoy dressel, rancher, Romance, western
    • Week 10 My Sexy Saturday, Mmm, Scent

      Posted at 12:52 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on August 3, 2013

      LynnSexySaturday_button

       Come join us each Saturday as we bring you, the reader, the best in sexy writing.

      From the My Sexy Saturday Website: Sexy can happen anywhere: a hot tub, an elevator, your wedding night or even in the middle of the woods. Sexy can be that slow smile given across the room, reminding a lover who they belong to at that moment. Sexy can be the first time or the hundredth time…it all depends upon your perspective.

      Visit more participants at the link following my excerpt. Thanks!

      <><><>

      My Set-up

      Picture this: Catalina Foothills, Arizona. A mansion owned by a professional bull rider with four World Championship titles. My bull rider is visiting here on a short break. One of the guest bedrooms evokes a feeling of peacefulness, made sensual with the soft blue and green hues used in the decorations.  A yellow moon can be seen out the bedroom window. Enter Velia Armano with an unexpected invitation to spend the night. The wine they shared out by the fire earlier tasted delicious, and she may have overindulged a bit. Oh, goodness, she has nothing to wear to bed. Of course, being a gentleman cowboy, Caulder brings her a shirt…

      From Howdy, Ma’am, Book One in the Bull Rider Series 

      My Seven Paragraphs. Oops, M’bad. Today I have eight.

      She laughed so hard her elbows slipped off her knees and she almost fell off the bed. “I asked if you wore it before.”

      “Oh!” He chuckled, and the more she giggled, the happier he got. “I grabbed it off my doorknob. Why, do you want a different one? I wouldn’t mind hanging around to see what it looks like on you.”

      “Shame on you!” She gave another silly laugh. “No, I kind of wanted to smell the cologne you had on. It smells enchanting, you know.”

      “Is that right?” He slowly unbuttoned the first two buttons to his shirt.

      He heard Velia suck in a breath. He watched her, watching him unbutton his shirt, and her expression didn’t hide how much she savored each fleck of his exposed skin.

      He ambled to the bed, clutched her shoulders, and then lowered his hands to her arms and pulled her up against him. Standing on the bed stool, she was almost at eye level. He cupped the back of her head and brought her face against his chest.

      She wrapped her arms around his neck and took a deep breath.

      He held her closer and nuzzled his face into her hair, brushing it away from his face so he could rest his cheek against her head. He clenched her soft tresses between his fingers, moaning low against her ear. “This feels terrific.” He took a deep breath. It had been so long since he held someone, felt warmth from a woman’s skin. Another breath and he knew if he didn’t pull away he might go against his word. A gentleman yes, but he was also a man, and his yearning body responded, but for the first time in years, his soul wanted to feel love.

      <><>

      http://www.mysexysaturday.blogspot.com/

      For More My Sexy Saturday visit the official website. You will see the other participants listed at the bottom of the page. Enjoy. Remember, there is something for everyone from sweet to sizzle. If you want to participate, instructions are there, too.

      I did a Cover Reveal this week for Hey, Cowboy, Book Two in the Bull Rider Series. You can see it here if you’d like. Coming later 2013. This baby is in the hands of the editor!

      Posted in Bull Rider Series | 6 Comments | Tagged bull rider, bull rider series, dramatic, Howdy Ma'am, mary j mccoy dressel, sensual contemporary romance, womens fiction
    • Interview With a Book Heroine- Howdy, Ma’am Book #1

      Posted at 2:22 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 5, 2013

      Meet Velia Armano

      dreamstime_s_10837833_thumb.jpgI feel so attached to Velia Armano, the heroine in Howdy, Ma’am. Spunky, feisty, beautiful…an Italian photographer hired to do a job for a season. Yet, there’s a side to her that holds tight to her wall of protection. Her heart isn’t ready; she still harbors pain and fear.

      Recovering from an abusive relationship from her ex-husband, she had to learn how to trust. But in six months time, she learned to live again, regained her self-worth, and found confidence. Still my heart cried for her many times, both for good and bad reasons. Little did I know book two would bring…another round of emotions. Book three shows a whole different side to Velia. (and Caulder.)

      I reached out and hugged Velia Armano when she walked in the room. My heart feels her silent pain, and I almost teared up.

      Me- Velia, I just wanted to hug you because I know the hell you’ve been through.

      Velia I try to keep that in the past now. One day I’m sure I won’t even remember it anymore. But…

      I noticed the far off look in her eyes, and I know what she saw in her memory.

      Me- I know it isn’t easy to talk about, hon, and you don’t have to.

      Velia Maybe it will help someone else if I talk about it—and how it all started so gradually. First, a shove here and there, a slap, name calling, and it all led to full blown abuse. I Don't take it.allowed it to go on for too long. Unfortunately, it took the death of my aunt for me to realize the horror of Justin’s abuse toward me. I left to save myself.

      Me- One day, it will only be a brief thought, and you’ll move on and be happy again. I saw a smile and it made my heart soar.

      Velia Yes, maybe being distracted with that hunk of a bull rider can help me forget. I’ll be too busy for the next nine months to remember, at least that’s what I’m hoping will happen.

      Me- Yes, I’m so glad you accepted his offer. You missed your traveling job.

      Velia nodded and acknowledged that was true.

      Velia I looked into those flame blue eyes. You know? It helps me to realize there’s a future and the past is, well…the past. Starting my own photography shop those months ago when I moved to Tucson—helped me—to find me again. Dear Alice and Edward have been such a help. Thank you for them.

      She fluttered her eyelashes and diverted her eyes. She glanced back up at me.

      Velia But when he walked in and offered that job, what could I do when I looked into his eyes? He brought out feelings I had forgotten. But, I’m afraid to let go. I don’t want to get involved with anyone right now.

      She seemed embarrassed, looking away into her own vision. I know she needed that elderly couple in her life to act like surrogate grandparents.

      Me- Yes, I can imagine your dilemma. And your father approves of your job.

      Velia Si, mio padre knows I love to travel and use my camera. He understands me.

      Me- You kept such a horrible secret from him.

      Velia I had to, or… When my father found out, he wanted to… um, I can say my padre had to be held down, and I told him I’d never see him again…if something…happened to Justin, maybe an unexplained… No, I can’t say more.

      Me- I understand, and I also know the reason, and I won’t get into questions about it.

      Velia Grazie.

      Me- Let’s talk a little about your job now. Photographing cowboys? A professional bull rider? A dream come true for some of us lonely women. She laughed, almost a giggle, but not quite.

      Velia I must admit it’s pleasant. But, it’s dangerous. Those bulls are so big. She waved her hand across her face. And so smelly! I like to take a shower as soon as I get back to my room, but then after awhile I don’t notice as much.

      Me- And sometimes you relax in a hot bubbly Jacuzzi with one cowboy in particular.

      Velia Um, yes… he needs to relax his muscles and stiff joints after a show.

      Her cheeks pinked.

      I smiled, but had to move on.

      Me- Velia, you are still in hiding from Justin, your ex-husband.

      Velia Si, but I am not afraid of him anymore. This is why I now carry a handgun.

      Me- I know your inner struggle about that. Could you—

      Velia To protect those I love or myself… She took a deep breath and glanced to the floor. I will make the decision when and if the time comes. She smiled. For now I have a whole team of cowboys to protect me. They treat me like I’m their bambina or something.

      Me- And Nero and Roy. We can’t forget them, right?

      Velia Yes, and I prefer not to talk about my father’s…men.

      I noticed she got fidgety and it was almost time for the show to start. It took some time to set up her cameras and get situated.

      Me- I’d love to spend a day with you cooking. Your food sounds so delicious. Have you always enjoyed cooking? Oh, and I’d love to meet your mother! She seems like such a nice mom.

      Velia  Hey, I’m Italian what else I can tell you? Si, I love cooking, especially with madre and for those I love. Si, yes, mamma is fantastic.

      Me- I can see it’s time for you get to the chute area. There was a knock on the door. She glanced toward it, and the look on her face changed—bright, happy, and a smile played at the corners of her mouth.

      I went to open it and in walked a hot looking cowboy with a black cowboy hat on his head, dressed in a yellow shirt, denim jeans, and black chaps with yellow scattered throughout the fringe. I had to do a double take—tall, sexy, strong looking… Whew! Si, bambino, amore mio!

      Bull-Rope-2_thumb.jpg“Howdy, Ma’am,” he said to me, but his eyes went to the cute Italian. Oh, his eyes! I glanced back at Velia and saw the warm look on her face. Her body language shifted from sadness to joy. Maybe she hasn’t figured it out yet, but something is brewing.

      When he walked over to her, she rose. “I’m here to escort you to the show like I always do. Ready, ma’am?”

      OMG, am I ready ma’am? YES! Wait, he wasn’t talking to me. Oops. I created these people. Did I say, me? What I mean is Velia, our heroine, is she ready for this? The look in his eyes about swept me off my feet, and I can only imagine what it’s like for her to watch him through the camera lens. But, I see hesitation… If only she doesn’t make a big mistake and sink back into her self-appointed exile. If only…

      He took her hand, and when he reached the door, he smiled at me and touched the tip of his hat. “Later, ma’am…”

      I nearly fell to the floor. Later, ma’am he says…

      Velia shook her hand free and came back to me. She took hold of my hands and her brown eyes with that unique green sparkle, stared into mine. Grazie, she said, Thank you.

      I must have been wide-eyed or had some weird expression on my face. Thank me for what? I had to ask.

      “For saving me.” She glanced back at Caulder and he smiled then winked at her. His eyelashes are so long! He held out his hand. Velia hugged me tight before turning back to him. She took his hand and smiled at me before the door closed. He caught it with his foot and glanced back again, nodded. A little bit of a smile appeared on his lips before closing the door.

      I shall not have to worry about her. She’s in very good hands.

      For an interview with Mr Hotness McCutchen, click HERE. Bring a fan.

      Mailing List Sign Up is at the top right of the page, or menu. Be one of the first to be notified of a new release or important book update. Thanks in advance.

      Visit the Bull Rider Series Page.

      Bull Rider Series Boxed Set  ❤

      Posted in Bull Rider Series | 4 Comments | Tagged bull rider, character interview, heroine, howdy, interview, Interview With a Book Heroine, Ma'am, mary j mccoy dressel, Photographer
    • Interview with a Book Character Hero (Howdy, Ma’am, Book #1)

      Posted at 1:19 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 16, 2013

      dreamstime_s_347745This interview was done way before Hey, Cowboy, Book #2 came out. Caulder McCutchen is the kind of man who wants to get the job done when he’s on the job. Off season you’ll see he’s a little more laid back. He tried to convince me to introduce him months ago. You know, before the book even came out. He must have been all hyped up after meeting that feisty Italian. I held him off. He thinks it’s his story, but I insist he share it with Velia. He joked with me, saying, “After all it is called the Bull Rider Series, and Ms. Armano is not a bull rider…ah, not yet.” (Update: Well, book two took care of the…”ah, not yet part.”)

      He’s such a jokester.

      So, without further ado, I have agreed to interview the handsome hero in Howdy, Ma’am Hey, Cowboy, and Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude. Handsome? Hah, that’s putting it mildly. Hot and hunky is the first thing that comes to mind when I look at him. What am I saying? I created him! AHEM, on to the interview.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      Bull Rider Series 1

      MARY: Okay, Caulder, the spotlight is on you now. Where shall we begin? How about two years ago? We can start there. He took a seat beside me. Mm, he smells wonderful! Apparently he hasn’t been to the back pens yet.

      CAULDER: Nope, I’m not ready. You should know, of all people, I can’t talk about two years ago. It’s still too painful to discuss what happened then.

      Noticing the sorrowful look on his face, I decided to move on.

      MARY: We’ll talk about your job. You’re fairly new to the bull riding circuit. Correct?

      CAULDER: Partly. I’m new to the circuit, but not new to bull riding. I started riding bulls when my dad decided to raise them for shows years ago. Guess what? I’m good at it, you know. He winked before going on. But, oh yes, you know I’m good at most everything. Right, ma’am?

      What a grin! Did he have to chuckle, too?

      His smile seemed innocent enough, but I know his satirical sense of humor. More about that in the books. Hmm, is he distracting me on purpose with those flirty eyes?

      MARY: Um…yes. Most of the guys you ride with are younger than you. Do you think you’ll have many years left in bull riding?

      CAULDER: Well, yeah. I mean, there are a few guys in their forties. I figure I have at least ten more years, give or take a few broken bones now and again. Sure, I’ll ride as long as I’m able. I’m only thirty-two years old. I have time. Don’t write me off yet. He laughed out loud. Hah, literally don’t write me off.

      MARY: That’s risky don’t you think? Not to mention the concussions you’ve had. I detect a snarky smile across his sensual lips. Hmm…

      CAULDER: Only three, for God’s sake. (Maybe more) I’m fine after the last one. You don’t understand–I like to call it challenging, not risky, and of course, exciting as hell. Hey, you need to come to a show and bring all your friends. I’ll get you good seats.

      I saw his lips curve into a smile as he tried not to chuckle.

      MARY: I’ve been to shows. This is exactly why you exist by the way. Let’s just say I’m a big fan.

      CAULDER: Rolling his eyes. Well, thanks. Without you then, I’d never have met the hot little spitfire.

      MARY: About her—whatever possessed you to hire a personal photographer? Telling her you need publicity? Have you looked in the mirror lately? Or looked at your points? Your points are high. Publicity?

      CAULDER: He abruptly stood. My God. I took one look at her… You get it. Hey, it wasn’t my fault when a tire went bad on my Escalade in front of her photography studio. I mean, dammit all to hell. Look at her. That woman is beautiful with a capital “B”.  Both on the outside, and the…inside, I might add.

      He chuckled and diverted his eyes. There went his smirk again, and he’s not fooling me. I know where his mind wandered.

      Caulder sat back down and laid his hand over his heart. I could only imagine having him swoon over me like that. Velia is gorgeous, ma’am!

      Oh, yes, this heroine has no idea what she’s in store for. Gives me chills sitting here with him. Black cowboy hat atop his head? Sexy. And once you look into those damn blue eyes, you’re hooked. Nope, she has no idea what’s ahead.

      MARY: Gulping… But wait, you broke down in front of her studio? Does she know that’s what happened?Bull Rope (2)

      Caulder: Let’s just say that’s where my tire first went bad. After I got it fixed, well… You know the rest of the story.

      Mary: We’ll move on. You have your own issues to deal with, and you choose not to talk about them here, but so does Velia. Her ex-husband is one to be reckoned with. You know he’s not happy she ran off and divorced him? And then to find out she’s traveling with you? A cowboy? He’ll be angry if he finds her.

      CAULDER: You say cowboy like it’s a bad thing. He diverted his eyes again, shook his head, and sighed. As long as she’s working for me, I’ll keep her safe. She won’t come to any harm around me and the other riders. We ride damn big bulls for a living, ma’am. We can handle an ex-husband.

      I hope he’s right. He doesn’t know Justin Waters like I do.

      MARY: You seem to be quite a gentleman for a cowboy.

      CAULDER: There ya go with that cowboy attitude again. What the hell do you mean? Have you ever met a cowboy who wasn’t a gentleman? Besides, I’m not a real cowboy. Enough said?

      I seem to have offended him, but I needed him to explain so you would understand.

      MARY: Sure, if you say so. But what do you mean—you’re not a real cowboy?

      CAULDER: Enough said… Leave it alone. Please, ma’am?

      MARY: Okay, if you insist. He nodded, so I’ll change the subject. Buckle Bunnies? Groupies? He rolled his eyes. This should be fun—Once you insinuated to Velia that there might have been a time you took up with women who hang out at shows, you know—the ones hoping to hook up with a rich cowboy. You didn’t elaborate to her, but now that you’re under the spotlight, so to speak, is there anything you’d care to tell me here?

      CAULDER: He laughed out loud, a lot. Sometimes you just have to say what people expect to hear.

      MARY: Really? Tell me more…

      CAULDER: I think not…

      Again his hat came off and he brushed his fingers through his hair. I suppose a hat gets itchy after awhile.

      MARY: We’ll move on…again. What about Velia’s family? I mean men protect her, although she hid her abusive relationship from them.

      CAULDER: Ex-husband, he’s her ex! Yeah, that was a damn… Sorry. Anyway, it was a mistake for her to hide her abuse from her family.

      He slammed his fists down on his thighs. I had touched a nerve.

      MARY: Yes, it was a shame, but she really is a smart woman and did the right thing. But back to the question. Her father has, ah, um, men, or I should say, men who watch over him. How do you feel about that?

      I could tell he was getting uncomfortable.

      CAULDER: It is what it is. He’s an important man. I’d rather keep my opinions to myself. He likes me and I’d like to keep it that way.

      MARY: Velia is a charm and didn’t deserve what happened to her in the past. Neither did you. Do you think you two could have a future together? I mean you’re thrown together for almost a year. I eyed him up and down, knowing what she must see when she looks through her camera lens. Oh, baby! Sure must be tough on her to stay out of his arms. Or maybe she doesn’t.

      CAULDER: I’m up for a championship this year. You know I have a great chance of winning that coveted gold buckle. Riding the bulls has to be my priority. I hope you understand.

      MARY: You’re with her almost twenty-four hours a day. It must be difficult to concentrate. Right?

      CAULDER: Apparently you didn’t hear me when I said I’m working on a championship. I don’t need distractions.

      Whether he knew it or not, I saw the smile spread across his lips and the sparkle in his eyes. He didn’t fool me.

      MARY What about after the shows? I know you two spend a lot of nights alone together afterward. Couldn’t you be lovers as well as friends?

      CAULDER: Now, you’re asking for details that are no one’s business but ours. Earlier I asked if you ever met a cowboy who wasn’t a gentleman. Well, I’m sure as hell not going to change that now. I think we’re finished here. But, before I get back to work, I will say that a year is a long time to be thrown together with a sweet and sexy woman like Velia Armano. Even if she does drive me crazy at times. We’re together for most of the day and a lot of late nights, working and stuff. Whatever happens, happens. Right?

      Oh, but he has a snarky chuckle. He removed his hat and shoved his dark hair back away from his face. That nicely carved jawline…those eyes…I need a fan. He plopped his hat back on his head, a strand of dark hair falling over his forehead when he shoved the brim back.

      CAULDER: Good day to you, ma’am.

      MARY: Thank you, Caulder. Be careful on those bulls and good luck with the championship. But, please, I have one more question…

      He touched the tip of his hat and sauntered across the arena like he owned the place. He even stopped and looked back at me once, grinning. I don’t know about you, but my imagination is running wild with what could be happening between these two. If only their past lives don’t get in the way… If only her ex… well, never mind. I’ll just sit here and watch Caulder McCutchen strut… He sure is a sexy hunk of man. Maybe I should stop staring, or maybe I should…stop my mind from wandering. Deep breath, swallow, okay, almost got my composure now. Sigh.

      You can learn everything there is to know about this hunky bull riding hero in Howdy, Ma’am, Book #1, more in book two, and even more in book three. Now, I need to go find that photographer of his. I know she’s around here somewhere. Wait, is that her on the other side of the arena?

      Velia, oh, Velia, I have a couple questions for you…

      She lowered her camera and stared across at me. Caulder walked up to her and stood pretty darn close, if you ask me. She’s smiling. Now, even from here I can see the gleam in her eyes. Wait, she’s looking my way. Here she comes. Oh, if only she turned around. That cowboy’s eyes are running all over her backside. But, I forgot, he’s not really a cowboy, or so he says… Trust me, he’s a real cowboy.

      Remember, I couldn’t give up my characters? This is why the sequel happened. (Apparently there were a lot of long nights together.) Oh, yes, he’ll grow on you for sure. Even if you think you don’t like cowboys, there’s a whole other side to him. Travel? Sure–travel the circuit with him and learn what makes him tick. Happy Reading.

      You know Caulder isn’t the only awesome person in this book. Wait till you meet Velia Armano. She’s adorable, sexy, classy, and  makes a great heroine. Get to know her, too.

      To meet Velia Armano read her interview HERE.

      Now Available. Howdy, Ma’am and Hey, Cowboy, and Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude. 

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance author website page for the series

      Posted in #AmWriting | 8 Comments | Tagged bull rider, Howdy Ma'am, interview with a hero, mary j mccoy dressel, romantic fiction, womens fiction
    • Available!

      Posted at 12:34 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on December 23, 2012

      ~AVAILABLE NOW~ PUBLISHED!

      HOWDY, MA’AM

      Book One in the Bull Rider Series

      Sensual Contemporary Romance

      You’ve heard me talk about this hunky bull rider and his feisty photographer for months. “Come along and see what happens when classy takes a ride with rowdy.” Sometimes it’s a wild ride for sure, and I don’t necessarily mean the bull riding.

      See for yourself!

      AMAZON

      <>

      SMASHWORDS

      Links will be added to the following links when I have them. Visit Smashwords for more information.

      Apple iPad/iBooks, Sony Reader, Kobo, Nook

      Posted in #AmWriting | 0 Comments | Tagged amazon, bull rider, contemporary, Howdy Ma'am, mary j dressel, mary j mccoy dressel, published, romantic fiction, sensual romance, smashwords
    • Nineteen Thousand and Counting ~ NaNo 2012 Update

      Posted at 11:54 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on November 8, 2012

      It’s been a week for NaNoWriMo, and it’s time for a quick update. I’ve been on a roll with this sequel. It’s full of surprises. I have followed my outline, but those ideas brought new ideas. This is one thing I love about writing—the surprises. I’m excited about this second book. (But I can’t get my heart away from the first book, yet.) A little suspense appeared, and I have no idea where it came from, or if it will turn into anything. It follows one of the ideas in my outline, so there’s a good chance this part will remain when all is said and done, and editing and revising takes place. One thing I can honestly say—it absolutely kills me when I have to put a hero or heroine through hell. My characters are strong enough to take it.

      But am I?

      Each day, I write over the daily word count. Election Day was the only day I didn’t because I was engrossed in watching election happenings all evening. Most of my writing is during the day, but on Election Day I wasn’t home to write. I’ll catch up. LOL, I’m way over, what am I worried about? My advice has always been to Wrimo’s to write while you can, what you can, when you can because many times the “Oh no!” comes into play and something happens where you can’t write for a day or two.

      The instant I started this novel, I knew I had a title. Now, I have mixed feelings. To see these two books side by side, yes, the title fits as part of the series, but there are parts in the book I like, and I might have to change titles. When I

      Credit line: © Margojh | Dreamstime.com

      choose a title, I like to take a phrase from the book. Does it make sense? I dunno. It’s just me. There is plenty of time for this.

      Now, a simple breakdown of where I am with this NaNoWriMo 2012 Novel:

      • Word Count: 19,014
      • Pages:              59
      • Chapter           15
      • Not as many strikethroughs as last year
      • I have deleted words.
      • I have written other scenes as they came to me, and stuck them at the end of the document so the words get counted. O_O exciting scenes!
      • I had to go back and fill in a brand new scene to match one of the surprises that popped up. Fun, really!
      • I have used contractions this year.

      Last year I didn’t use contractions throughout part of the novel. Better to have two words counted instead of one. The editing in the end was frustrating. This year I’m trying to avoid all that. Yes, it breaks some rules. Rules I suggest to others. M’bad. Turns out my inner editor didn’t go on a long vacation.

      Once again I’ll don my black leather jacket, because, yes, I’m a rebel. Again, m’bad.

      The * NaNoWriMo stats page says at this pace I should be finished on November 21st. Last year I finished on November 29th and averaged 1,942 words a day. This year so far, I’m averaging 2,376 words a day. It was past 3K in the beginning, but with one day of not making the daily count, it dropped down.

      Back to writing. Last night when I couldn’t get into it, I buckled down and wrote over 2K words, and had to get the count added to NaNo before midnight. I got in with two minutes to spare, and wrote twenty more words, and lost my Wi-Fi connection. Whew! At least my words were counted for yesterday. And the muse is still in a good mood. Yay!

      *My stats page.

      Miss Sexy Innocence *rolls eyes* comes from Glitter-Graphics.com (Don’t tell her, but I think she will be my next tattoo. I’m not sure about her wings though. Maybe she’ll lose them by then.)

      Posted in #AmWriting | 4 Comments | Tagged bull rider, contemporary romance, Howdy Ma'am, mary j mccoy dressel, muse, Nano, nano rebel, nanowrimo, romance novel, series, word count
    • Alone on Valentine’s Day?

      Posted at 3:28 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 12, 2012

      valentines day 4

      This year when I thought about a blog for Valentine’s Day, I decided to gear it toward being alone. For whatever reason it is, I hope you find something here you can enjoy or take away with you. Maybe a special quote, or a pleasant thought.

      In the meantime, I’ll still be writing romance and putting a hero and a heroine together with some infamous plot. I still believe in the “swept off your feet” kind of love. And, I believe everyone is entitled to a fairy tale romance at least once in their life.

      Forget love – I’d rather fall in chocolate!  ~Attributed to Sandra J. Dykes

      You probably wonder why a romance writer would write about singles on such a romantic day. I’ve had my share of special Valentine’s and tons of memories. If you’re alone on this day of romance and lovers, I hope you’re at peace, too.

      Pie…it fills the cracks of the heart.  Go away, pain.  ~Kevin James, Mall Cop

       

      DINNER FOR ONE

      Do something simple. How about Pasta with an assortment of stir-fried veggies! dinner for oneToss in some chicken or shrimp and you have everything you need. If you’re watching your weight, this should fit right in your plan. Treat yourself to your favorite wine. Throw in a slice of garlic bread, after all you don’t have to worry about garlic breath when you’re alone.

      Don’t want to cook? Think of “Stouffer’s Meals for One” in the freezer section at your grocer’s. Toss up a quick salad and there you go! Men, (or ladies) you can check out Bachelor Meals at The Art of Manliness.

      Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity.  ~Voltaire

      Valentine’s Day is on Sunday this year. If you want to stay home and watch a movie, toss on your jammies, or grab your Snuggie then check out TV shows you’ve missed on On Demand, Netflix , etc., or a couple of those shows you have stored on your DVR.

      TV

      For the girls (or guys), I’m sure you can find a movie channel hosting romantic comedies, my favorite. Or you can go to all the locals like NBC, etc. and watch a TV show. You don’t have to be alone tonight when you can be with your favorite actors. Or, maybe you’re a sports fan like I am–bull riding being at the top of my list.

      Guys, (or gals), you might like FX, HBO, Discovery, National Geographic, or the History Channel. I like the History Channel. Or, watch your favorite spectator sport.

      The newest Bond movie recently came out. Who can go wrong with Daniel Craig as 007? Ok, so it’s been a while. Just watch it!

      For you race fans, Nascar is only weeks away so if you’re sitting at home and a race fan, go ahead and look at the Daytona 500 website to take a look at the speed week schedule. Vroom, vroom! I used to play a free Nascar Fantasy Racing Game. It’s all kinds of fun. Remember, I said free. Check it out at Collective Racing.

      Will you be jealous if I tell you I have met many NASCAR, ARCA, and ASA drivers? I really did.

      There isn’t a single professional sports season now that doesn’t go on at least a month too long.  Baseball starts in football weather, and football in baseball weather, and basketball overlaps them both.  ~James Reston

      Put some popcorn in the air popper or microwave, but first check out the dessert recipe I included a couple paragraphs down. Yum-ilicious


      Don’t feel like watching TV? This is a good time to pull out your favorite book or eReader. Hint, hint, I write romance. Yes, men read them. Cuddle up with soothing music, and escape. Or, you can play one of my favorite apps like Angry Birds or Bejeweled. Warning: Highly addictive.

      If you want to get out of the house instead of being by yourself tonight:

      • Get a massage; hot stone massages are awesome.
      • Take a walk, but stay away from places where you’re likely to run into couples holding hands and hugging and kissing. Tonight’s not the night you’ll want to see that. Please be safe out alone. If you’re in this freezing weather zone like I am, you might want to light the fireplace instead.
      • Hit Starbucks with your laptop! Go to the bookstore; chances are couples won’t be hanging out, but other singles might. Bundle Up! While you’re there pick up a blank journal and start your first entry tonight. One day you can look back and recall all your memories.
      • If none of the other things appeal to you, take a hot bubble bath, (Yes, you guys, too. You know you love it.) and light some candles. Just relax. Afterward smother your skin in your favorite lotion or oil. All warm and cozy now? Time for dessert.

      Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart.  ~Author Unknown

      DESSERT

      This sounds so delicious. Of course, you might not want this if you’re all relaxed and dessertready for bed–because of the caffeine, or use decaf. Better yet, just have Kahula and Baileys. Mmm, nodding.

      Mochachino

      1 part Kahlua Mocha
      1 part coffee
      1 part hot chocolate

      Or try a champagne based cocktail. Trust me, my Italian heroine would drink this.  Italian Classic Bellini.

       


       

      In Addition: Interview with the Legendary C.J. Hollenbach

      As some of you know, in the past I had interviewed CJ Hollenbach, romance cover model and Fantasy Hunk. His interview still gets hits on my blog, so if you want to read it for yourself, you can click HERE. Trust me, he’s a real down to earth person.

      MOST IMPORTANTLY, since today is a day of love, why not love your own person and body. No one knows you as well as you do, so look deep inside and show yourself some love.  image Be healthy and take care of you.

      He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away.  ~Raymond Hull

       

      Enjoy your Valentine’s Day no matter what you do.

      Love,

       

      This blog post has been modified more than once from an earlier version.


       

      I would love to hear what you’ll do on this day made for lovers. Me, I might make a special pasta dish with veggies. I’ll probably be writing with music in the background. Or, I will be watching Netflix, but I believe my evening will be like any other evening. You know, leading a hunky cowboy and feisty heroine to the end of their story.

      #AmWriting #Romance #ValentinesDay #Weekend

      Posted in #AmWriting | 10 Comments | Tagged #AuthorLife, #WritersLife, bull rider, C J Hollenbach, cowboys, dessert, dinner, Full length romance novel, Howdy Ma'am bk #1, love always wins, mary j mccoy dressel, massage, movie, NASCAR, romantic read, swag, valentine's day
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