Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

Sensual western romance. Heartwarming stories. Strong family ties.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
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  • Tag: Howdy Ma’am bk #1

    • #AmWriting Short Snippet Saturday:

      Posted at 10:56 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 2, 2018

      It’s been a while since I’ve hosted Velia Armano from the Bull Rider Series for a Short Snippet Saturday post. This one comes from Howdy, Ma’am.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      Set-up: A couple days before this snippet, Velia’s father and two of his men had flown in from Chicago to accompany her to court in Tucson, Arizona. While in court the day before this snippet, her ex had threatened her. Her dad sent one of his, ahem, men home with Velia in case Justin followed her back to where she rented an upstairs apartment from an elderly couple. It also happened to be the first night Velia had invited Caulder to dinner. Caulder had arrived right after a horrific incident to find Velia passed out on the floor. This snippet takes place the next morning.


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

      Bull Rider Series 1

      Revised from the original to avoid spoilers.

      Ric and Lidia Armano arrived at the door the next day. Roy promptly followed his boss to the car where they met Nero. They stood talking for some time.

      Later, she walked back and forth from her window to the door, debating on going out. Her mother sat on the bed, watching her pace across the room. Velia’s head pain had eased, but her bruises had worsened. When her mom saw them, she cried, and when her dad saw them, he’d probably send for his lawyer to take care of Justin in court…or otherwise.

      Justin.

      Why couldn’t he leave well enough alone? What would he have done if Roy hadn’t been here? Would he have hurt Alice and Edward? Would she be alive today?

      She wrapped her arms around herself to ward off the chill from the horrible thoughts. Lidia hugged her and Velia cried. Her mother’s familiar, loving arms comforted her, and she let it all out as her mom smoothed her hair and cuddled her like a child.

      “Your father will be in soon. You can’t hide from him forever.” She handed Velia a scented lace handkerchief like she’d done when she was small. She inhaled the perfume that spoke madre. Velia wiped her eyes then went to the bathroom to hold a wet washcloth over them and reapplied makeup to the non-swollen eye.

      She headed downstairs when Edward let her father inside. Her dad wrapped his arms around her. His eyes misted when he saw the bruises. “He has done this before. I do not understand why you didn’t tell me. You’re a strong woman. Why did you put up with this, Velia?”

      Velia wanted to think up a lie, but she had done enough lying while living with Justin.

      “Why did you not tell me?”

      She whispered, “I know what would’ve happened.”

      “Sì, and then…” He pointed to her face. “This would not have happened.”

      “I’m sorry.” Velia lowered her voice. “I couldn’t allow something to happen to him.”

      “So you sacrificed yourself?” His voice grew louder.

      “I suppose. What’s going to happen to Justin now?”

      Ric shook his head. “Our lawyer will encourage the prosecutor to ask for time in jail for assault and breaking and entering.”

      “But he didn’t break in, padre.”

      “Yes, he did. Did he not break in, Roy?” her father asked.

      “Yes, sir,” Roy replied. “He nearly broke the door down.”

      Velia glanced at Roy. She knew it had to be this way. “He’s a crazy fool. Do you think he’ll get out on bail? I have to leave for my tour with Caulder soon, and I don’t want to worry about Justin following us.”

      Ric placed his hand on her shoulder. “I can’t say for sure, but Lauren will do what he can to keep him in jail.”

      “If he gets out, I won’t go with Caulder. I’ll be putting him and who knows who else in danger.”

      “I understand this, angel, but Justin will never hurt you again.” Ric lowered his voice and embraced her. “You’ll be safe, even if I have to send Roy on tour with you. Si?”

      Velia knew if her dad said it, it would be true, but she’d never allow Roy to babysit her on the road. She didn’t want to know what else her dad had planned concerning Justin.


      Learn more about the Bull Rider Series on the series page here. Available at Amazon.

      Meet Velia on the Meet Our Heroines page.

      Read an interview with Velia.

      Thanks for reading. Enjoy your weekend.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again. ~Flavia Weedn, Flavia and the Dream Maker, ©Flavia.com

      Posted in #AmWriting, Bull Rider Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 4 Comments | Tagged #AmReading, #AmWriting, bull rider series, contemporary romance, Full Length Novel, Howdy Ma'am bk #1, mary j mccoy dressel, series romance, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance series
    • NOT Short Snippet Saturday: McCutchen Genes ~Bull Rider Series 3

      Posted at 1:20 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 29, 2017

      Hi. I know this isn’t Saturday.  🙂

      My edits are back! I’ll be busy finishing them for Finding Kimber and finalizing my second project. My newsletter went out last week with details about the new “something.”  ❤  I will spill the beans soon!

      WARNING: There are spoilers in this excerpt for those who plan on reading the first two books in the series. If you don’t care about that,  please know each one of my books is a complete story in itself, and they can be enjoyed without a cliffhanger ending. Christmas at Love House takes place four years after Hey, Cowboy, Book #2 ended.


       

      From Chapter Two: 

      Love House. McCutchen Ranch, Pennsylvania

      As they crested another hill, Velia halted him and clung tighter to his arm. “Look. The house is so pretty at Christmas, and the lights outlining it makes it look fairytale-like from this higher elevation.” Velia smiled up at him and Kase. “Oh, honey. Thank you so much for this.” Velia observed the landscape behind the house. Snow covered, rolling hills with tall pines that had lived there for decades, warmed her heart. “My life is complete.”

      ChristmasAtLoveHouse_MED

      “I did it all for you and this little guy. I’m glad it makes you happy.” He nudged her on.  At home, Caulder lowered his son to the porch then stood the tree against the building. “I’ll put the lights on before I leave. Let me put the tools away.”

      Velia patted Kase atop the head. “You cold, sweetie? We all need some hot chocolate.”
      Kase jumped off the step and nodded with a big smile that matched his dad’s. “Is Natale home?”

      “Yes, Natale’s here. They got in late last night, so I let her and Alba sleep.” Velia tickled his belly. “She and Alba will be excited to see you again this morning.”

      As Caulder turned toward the family barn, he looked over his shoulder. “Your cousins have grown into beautiful young ladies. I barely recognized Natale at the airport last night. And Torre? When I take him to Foley’s ranch, I’ll be beating off the cowgirls. He’s a dang good lookin’ young man.”

      “Make sure you beat the cowgirls off you!” Velia teased and chortled, observing Kase rolling around a snowball. “The girls are attractive. Natale resembles her mother. Can you believe she recently turned eighteen?” Velia still missed her zia Dafne when she allowed herself to think about her, but at least her cousins had adjusted to living at the family winery in California.

      “I’ll get us some hot chocolate and brunch.” Velia opened the door and Torre met her in the mudroom. “Will you be long, honey?” she asked Caulder before closing the steel back door.

      “Nope, give me time to put the tools away. Hey, by the way—you’re darn beautiful yourself with those rosy cheeks. Bellissima!” After a wink, he plodded through the snow toward the smallest of the barns.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      Kase stopped right inside the doorway, stomping snow all over the grey slate flooring, and attempted to kick his boot off without success. “Mom, can I have a candy cane in my hot chocolate? Please? Pleassse?” he begged, dragging out the word to emphasize his need.

      She took his hand to move him into the room. “Take a seat on the bench. Maybe after brunch, honey. That’s a lot of sugar at one time.”

      He lifted his snowy palms. “Half a candy cane?”

      Velia laughed to herself. “All right.” He had his way of getting to her at times. “Torre, how are you this morning? Looking forward to your trip with Caulder tomorrow?”

      “I’m good but still tired,” Torre answered. “Jet lag. For sure, I’m looking forward to bull riding with Caulder.”

      “No one said anything about bull riding, young man.” Velia knelt to remove Kase’s boots and snowsuit before he fell on his bottom trying to himself. Finishing with him, she removed her own jacket and hat.

      “But, Velia, it’s in my blood now—like Caulder, I tell you. It calls me.” Torre followed her to the kitchen harboring a round oak table with six high-back chairs, an island, and a long, L-shaped granite countertop with many cabinets on the top and bottom. He removed a cup and chose a bold pod to make a single cup of coffee.

      “Torre, I saw that coming years ago.” Though McCutchen blood didn’t run in his veins, he was correct. Bull riding had hooked him when he was fifteen years old. Her brother Bobby didn’t know it, but Torre practiced bull riding on the side at every opportunity. Caulder had let that slip by accident. “There you go,” Velia said to Kase. “All warmed up now. You go to the bathroom then we’ll eat.”
      Kase ran into the bathroom ahead of her, pulled the zipper down on his jeans, and did what he had to do like a little man.

      “You’re growing up too fast.” Velia’s mouth went into a pout. She brushed her hair in front of the oval mirror over the single bowl sink. He’d be riding bulls before long. Not if she could help it, but living on the edge had to be in his McCutchen genes.


      Thanks for reading! I am so in love with the characters in this series. Yes, I can say that even if I did create them.  Err, it’s more like they created themselves. 🙂

      If interested:

      A little Christmas magic will be a welcome guest at Love House, but regardless if it arrives or not…during this bittersweet interlude—Velia and Caulder dare their happily-ever-after to be anything less than “forever.” Click for more info on the Bull Rider Series.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Bull Rider Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 3 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, books, bull rider, Bull Rider Series #3, Bull Riding, Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude, contemporary romance, cowboy, Full Length Novel, Hey Cowboy Bk 2, Howdy Ma'am bk #1, mary j mccoy dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance
    • Cover Reveal: Bull Rider Series Book 3

      Posted at 10:28 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 17, 2016

      If some of this post looks familiar, an announcement similar to this one appeared in my most recent newsletter sent in early June.

      Here we go folks!

      Introducing Bull Rider Series Book #3

      ChristmasAtLoveHouse_MED

       

      What’s This Book About? I’m so glad you asked!

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series, Christmas at Love House bk 3

      Four years later, Velia and Caulder finish up another year of bull riding. They settle into their comfy abode in the snowy Allegheny Mountains to celebrate the Christmas season with a houseful of guests. La vita e bella! But why does their happily-ever-after have to come with an expiration date? Without warning, their most chilling nightmare comes true. An innocent misunderstanding, and a startling realization discovered too late—puts their contented little family at risk.

      On top of everything else, watching a new love bloom between two of the McCutchen guests, isn’t part of their agenda. Reece “Foley” Wilson, a former teammate, comes into contact with Velia’s cousin at the last show of the season and again while visiting for the holiday. Grown up and feisty, Natale Valente-Armano fell in love with this cowboy as a lovesick teen. Now, life has changed for both of them. How will they handle the unfamiliar thoughts and urges overtaking them? And, how will la famiglia respond to this unexpected romance?

      A little Christmas magic will be a welcome guest at Love House, but regardless if it arrives or not…during this bittersweet interlude—Velia and Caulder dare their happily-ever-after to be anything less than, “forever.”


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      Y’all are invited to Love House for Christmas.

       


      Italian class meets bull rider rowdy

       

      Bull Rider Series Books

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel books, brand-new Bull Rider Series Cover banner 2021, cowboys, western setting, snow

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      Christmas at Love House FYI:

      • Designer: DusktilDawn Designs.
      Posted in #AmWriting, Bull Rider Series, Cover Reveal | 14 Comments | Tagged bull rider, Bulll Rider Series, Christmas at Love House Bk 3, Christmas in July, Cover Reveal, cowboy, Cowboy Books, Full length romance novel series, Hey Cowboy Bk 2, holiday, Howdy Ma'am bk #1, mary j mccoy dressel, romance novel, series romance, western, western romance
    • Howdy, Ma’am and Yeehaa-ing MFRW Book Hooks

      Posted at 12:25 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 9, 2014

      Book Hooks! #MFRWhooks

      logo book hooksOh, what is a book hook? From the MFRW Authors Blog: Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book.

      This week, I’m offering a hook from Howdy, Ma’am (Bull Rider Series Bk #1) Sensual contemporary western romance. Here you go…

      Italian class meets bull rider rowdy.

      Set-up. From Chapter Two. Velia gave up her job as a travel photographer to relocate and begin a new life. Caulder needs a photographer to travel the pro bull riding circuit with him for a season. He offered her an opportunity she couldn’t refuse…

      My hook…

      It was difficult being so far away from everything she loved. But here, she had Edward and Alice and her work. And now it seems she might have a cowboy to follow around. “A cowboy? I’m a city girl… What will I do with a cowboy?”

      Then her thoughts drifted back to the cowboy who sauntered in like he owned Tucson. She hadn’t even gotten his name. Velia slapped her palm against her forehead. How come I didn’t ask his name? It was scrawled across the flyer he tossed on the desk, but she didn’t pay any attention. She rushed to her laptop and typed in rodeo stars for the current year.

      She found a slew of links. How could she find him out of all these? Clicking on images brought even more results. “Mm, che belli cowboys!” While browsing all the handsome guys, she examined the action photos and knew she could do as well or better. Wait. He said bull riding not rodeo. Again, her thoughts went back to his request—to travel with him for almost a year. She fanned herself with the newspaper. Could her heart take so much manliness? For a whole year?

      Bull Rider #1

      Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA

      All Amazon Sites.

      Blurb:

      Bull rider Caulder McCutchen wants to start living again. But this year he has a good chance of winning the converted buckle, knowing he has to ride harder, go bigger, or go home. Winning consumes him, but it doesn’t take away the pain from a tremendous loss less than two years ago. On a whim, he hires a feisty photographer to travel the bull riding circuit with him for a season. A little extra publicity can’t hurt, and she’s easy on the eyes. When he finds himself passionately attracted to her, will this sassy little Italian photographer prove to be just what his claim to fame needs—or a disastrous distraction?

      Velia Armano had the strength to walk away from an abusive husband. She moves from Chicago to Tucson, Arizona and opens her own photography studio. Six months into her well-ordered life alone, a hunky cowboy saunters in with his howdy, ma’am and flame blue eyes, offering a job any photographer would find hard to refuse. She accepts his offer, and discovers they both have their own obstacles to overcome. While trying to resist his heated embrace and gentle nature, she hopes to find the right answer before the season ends—to remain in her self-appointed exile, or give in to a “happily ever after.”

      When the season ends, who wins the real prize?

      Reader advisory: Rated R by movie standards.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel books, brand-new Bull Rider Series Cover banner 2021, cowboys, western setting, snow

      2021 Bull Rider Series Covers.

      Please visit the other Book Hook participants.

      d76e0-logobookhooksPowered by Linky Tools doesn’t show up on my Word Press Blog like it should. Please click below for the lists of participants.

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      Click here to visit other Book Hook participants.

      Posted in Bull Rider Series | 4 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, bull rider series, Bull Riding, cowboy, Howdy Ma'am bk #1, mary j mccoy dressel, read, Romance, series, Sport Romance
    • Sexy Saturday’s Seven- Use Your Imagination

      Posted at 12:05 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on August 17, 2013

      LynnSexySaturday_button

      From My Sexy Saturday Blog: “The sound of a lover’s voice be it deep and sexy or soft and delicate can be such a turn on with each word they say. Their fingertips along your cheek can be just the touch you need. But sometimes, you will miss your lover and their sexy ways…” Follow THIS LINK for detailed information, and to find more sweet to sexy reads. Everyone is invited. There’s something for everyone.

       

      For my contribution today, I’m returning to Hey, Cowboy, Book Two in the Bull Rider Series, but today I’m bringing you seven words. I prefer not to give a set-up for this scene, but you might want to think “The Music of the Night” — and maybe a desert. What does an opera have to do with a dramatic western romance? Ah, yes, it all started when Italian class met bull rider rowdy. Their differences are what make this relationship so special.

      Feel free to use your imagination. Seven words…

      ~~

      “Baby, you need…to…stop,” he whispered.

       

      MY SEXY SATURDAY

      Please visit My Sexy Saturday Blog Hop for more:

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      READING ORDER for the Bull Rider Series

      Howdy, Ma’am

      Hey, Cowboy

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Posted in Bull Rider Series, Hey Cowboy Bk 2 | 6 Comments | Tagged bull rider series, Hey Cowboy Bk 2, Howdy Ma'am bk #1, mary j mccoy dressel, My Sexy Saturday, My Sexy Saturday Week 12, sensual romance, western romance
    • #MySexySaturday Seven

      Posted at 12:11 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 15, 2013

      Book #1 (Bull Rider Series)

      Book #1
      (Bull Rider Series)

      Oh, the dance. There’s something romantic and sexy about slow dancing. Holding someone close, inhaling their fragrance…bodies close. Today I chose seven paragraphs from my current release, Howdy, Ma’am Bk #1. Velia and Caulder have only known each other for a short time, but he understands the hell she’s been through. The attraction between them both is getting harder to deny. A sudden memory leaves her apprehensive…but a real hero comes to her rescue. I played the song, “One Day my Prince will Come”, over and over while writing this scene.

      “It’s hard to dance to this music. Not exactly what I’m used to,” she whispered, standing close enough to smell his cologne.

      Caulder spoke low. “Shh, close your eyes and follow my lead.”

      She succumbed to his embrace, resting her head against his chest, standing straighter to be nearer his shoulder. His scent enticed her closer, the same sultry fragrance he wore when they met. She closed her eyes and let him take her away in dance. She wanted to remain in this position, enjoyed being held. Could the others be right? She caught sight of her bare ring finger then straightened and moved her head from his shoulder. Although it was a good thing, and she wasn’t second-guessing anything, she still felt overwhelmed with the loss of a relationship. Albeit she had no love left for Justin, she mourned something. She couldn’t tell exactly what, but a feeling of loss lingered.

      “Everything okay?” Caulder held her tight around the waist and whispered close to her ear.

      “A sudden memory is all.” Velia leaned against him once again.

      “Have no fear tonight. Let me help you escape for a time.” He lowered his voice to a near whisper. “No ties, no bounds—one warm body to hold you on the dance floor is all. Enjoy it until it’s over.” Caulder squeezed her hand a little tighter and pulled her closer against him. “Let yourself go for now. Give yourself a sense of peace, even for a short time. I promise that’s all—let me show you some comfort…for tonight.”

      Velia relaxed when they played the next song— She let him hold and guide her in dance. He was right. No bindings, no ties, just a warm body to hold. She closed her eyes and held him tighter while they swayed to the music.

      Don’t forget to visit with the other participants in #MySexySaturday Blog Hop

      Join us each Saturday at My Sexy Saturday…expect to have your senses titillated with hot writing, tame to sensual to explicit, from authors near and far.

      Post 7 paragraphs or 7 sentences or 7 words. The choice is yours. It can be from a WIP or something you already have published.

       

      Posted in Bull Rider Series | 8 Comments | Tagged #MySexySaturday Blog Hop, aviation, bull rider series, excerpt, Howdy Ma'am bk #1, mary j mccoy dressel
    • Short and Sweet…

      Posted at 4:31 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 11, 2013

      No, the title isn’t about me although I am short and sweet. ♥

      You can find a new excerpt on my WEBSITE taken from Chapter One for—here I go again calling it—book two. Jeez, I need to do something about updating two different sites. Plus, I need to stop calling this book, well, look at what I call this book. You know…

      Guess what?

      Soon I won’t have to give it a generic name because I have a title. You know how I know it has a title? Well, it’s because I sent everything for my book cover to my cover designer—almost everything. This, of course, includes a title. You all know how I struggled with this issue.

      When taking a test, advice is usually to go with your first choice if you’re stumped. I sat through enough *M.E.A.P. testing in my career in education, and I’ve heard this manyQuestionMark2 times. (You know that state test that kids have to take.) Once again, I digress, but for a reason →

      First choice? First choice.

      Some of you might recall an earlier post where I gave a number of potential book titles I had at the top of my manuscript. When I knew I’d write a sequel to Howdy, Ma’am, I had a title. Then, I came up with other ideas. And even more ideas, still one more. Friend’s ideas… I’m not giving it away here so don’t get excited. But, it seems I have reverted back to my original title—my first choice. Weird how that happens, huh?

      One more thing—

      In an earlier post I mentioned there’d be two book covers—one for the front and one where PART TWO begins. Not anymore. One cover only, and yes, this is my final answer. One day in the near future I shall be doing a cover reveal. Anyone who wants to help—thanks.

      Please don’t forget to click Follow or Sign Up for Email Updates, if you are interested in updates.

      This didn’t turn out so short and sweet after all. o_0

      *Michigan Educational Assessment Program

       

       

      Posted in Bull Rider Series | 5 Comments | Tagged book cover, book two, Howdy Ma'am bk #1, mary j mccoy dressel, sequel, short and sweet, Updates
    • Timeline Part Two, The Journey of a Book

      Posted at 9:09 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on December 26, 2012

      After writing Part One and Part Two so many years ago, I revised and updated these two posts after noticing readers were still finding and reading them. Honestly, I don’t know why I wrote this timeline for my first self-published book. However, writing this all out and reading the journey again, I know it was therapeutic. I guess that says it all.

      Part Two – The Journey – the Howdy, Ma’am Timeline.

      Bull Rider Series #1

      Part One left off at September 2011 after I sat down to finish writing the book. Part Two covers another fifteen months. What a journey.

      Onward

      • October— On October 4th I became a widow instead of a divorcee. This news brought a deep, heart wrenching pain. To distract myself, I dove into this book and barely came up for air the rest of the month.
      • October— Somehow I kept at it. A week before NaNoWriMo 2011 began, Howdy, Ma’am was finished. I repeat, Finished. It gave me time to plot out a new story for 2011. I don’t know where the idea came from, or how I could think of creating anything new, but once again writing became my solace.
      • November — My plan was to set the manuscript aside until after Nano and give me a month away from it before tackling another revision and edit. NaNo came and went as did November.
      • December— I continued with the Nano 2011 novel, wanting to get to a certain point before setting it aside.

      Second Year

      • 2012— Then the unexpected happened—this time positive. I got the rights back to Visions of Enchantment. I was so thrilled I started revising it right away, but Howdy, Ma’am pestered me from the inner sanction of my mind. It must be where my muse lives.
      • The next thing I knew, I attempted to work on both books. Lo and behold, within a couple months I acquired the rights back to Enchantment’s Embrace, Book Two. Now what? I had three huge completed books to revise. Working on two at the same time drove me nutty, and I had to make a decision.
      • That decision was to get busy on Howdy, Ma’am and do nothing else until The End. So, I started down the path of editing and revising again. After the first run through I put it aside for a week. But the cowboy called me back in less than a week, and I diligently worked on that book. Don’t ask how many edits and revisions it went through because I don’t know, but let’s say many, and we can add a capital “M” to many. The time had come to order a different book cover.
      • By the time the story was finished and took shape, I had fallen in love with the characters and the story. UPDATE: The series now wears its third round of new covers.
      • June— I posted on Facebook that I needed an editor. I think it was fate to find a wonderful cover designer, and then a “super awesome” editor, too.
      • I couldn’t make the book any better on my own. I know the editor I chose put her heart and soul into this book to make it shine. What a journey! Do you think I knew anything about Track Changes with the first book. Hahahaha… Hardly. More learning took place. At least my editor didn’t laugh at me to my face.
      • July— I was never satisfied with chapter one, two, and three, and told my editor I wanted to rework them. She asked if I had considered a prologue. I had, but only with a brief thought. Well, I added a prologue.
      • August— I received the first thirteen chapters back from my editor. Finished them. In the last week of August, I received the rest of the edited manuscript back, worked on it, and sent it back for the second round of edits.
      • September— Started writing the second book in the series.
      • October— When the second round of edits came back for Howdy, Ma’am, I fixed editor suggestions, proofread, proofread, and proofread. I cut almost a thousand words. Oh, wait, I probably wasn’t supposed to do that.
      • October 31st— Sent back the last round of edits. Last?? Oh, look! In time for another NaNoWriMo
      • November 1st— NaNoWriMo 2012—NaNo Rebel here I come! Instead of starting something brand new, I continued working on book two.
      • November 23rd — Trip to the ER. (Another story)
      • November 25th (I think) The second book reached 50 thousand words, and I kept writing until the end of the month.
      • November 29th— Received the FINAL edits back from my wonderfully talented editor. Couldn’t open the document for a couple days because I didn’t feel well.

      Final Month

      • December 2rd— Okay, I opened the document and did what I had to do to finalize the changes. Still not feeling well.
      • December 5th— FINISHED! I said FINISHED the edits. Took a break and then started reading from the beginning.
      • December — Tweaked the Front and Back Matter. Who knew how to create back matter? Not me.
      • December 9th — Looked into ISBNs and Copyright information.
      • December — Talked to a formatter.
      • December 18 — COMPUTER CRASHED! Ekkk. No! Not now… NOT NOW! Weird, but my computer worked again. I hate that blue screen.
      • Sent the book to a formatter. Deep Breath. Okay, I need another deep breath, oh, and a couple long exhales, too.
      • December 20th — All three formats came back from the formatter. Kindle, ePub, and Smashwords.
      • December 21st — Uploaded to Smashwords first. Little did I know, I chose the most difficult retailer to upload to, but my formatter at the time was the queen of Smashwords formatting. Draft2Digital wasn’t available yet.
      • Bravery took over, and I uploaded to Amazon KDP, too!
      • YAY!
      • December 21st PUBLISHED.
      • As tough as it had been during the last year, I had finally found my niche. As Velia Armano, my feisty heroine in Howdy, Ma’am would say, “La vita e bella”. (Life is beautiful.) Honest.

      Read Part One Here

      Now, go get your copies!

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      Author Note Update:

      This book (and series) has been through many more changes and revisions since first published, which includes new book covers. Years ago, I removed the Prologue as part of a major major revision. They’re due for another updated revision. Plus, two more books have been added to the series. You may still see old covers in older posts I haven’t updated yet.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel books, brand-new Bull Rider Series Cover banner 2021, cowboys, western setting, snow
      Bull Rider Series

      As for me? I’m still writing and reminiscing. ~MJ

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Bull Rider Series | 2 Comments | Tagged bull rider series, celebrate, cowboy, editor, formatter, Howdy Ma'am bk #1, mary j mccoy dressel, Published! Amazon, smashwords, upload, western romance
    • 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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