Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

Sensual western romance. Heartwarming stories. Strong family ties.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
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  • Tag: Photographer

    • What If I Couldn’t Write for a Living? #MFRWauthor Week 4

      Posted at 10:02 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 26, 2018
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance

      Welcome to Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge Blog Hop 2018. #MFRWauthor

      Week 4: What I would be if I couldn’t be a writer

      Good topic since I’ve considered not being a writer in the last two weeks. I should say I considered not publishing new books. I’d still write. No one is taking that away from me.

       “Perhaps imagination is only intelligence having fun.” ~George Scialabba

      To adhere to the topic though, I’d say if I couldn’t be a writer, I’d be a photographer. I’d say photo-journalist, but this topic is about “if I couldn’t be a writer.” I like landscape  photography. I’d travel to the landscapes I’ve always wanted to visit, plus whatever amazing landscape I’d come across along the way and capture the moment to keep with me always. I love creative photography, too. A photographer doesn’t have to go far to get creative with a camera. This has been lost to me for a while.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Photography

      My other option would be teaching. However, for years before I had proof of being a writer, other than some foolish love poems and stories scattered here and there, I worked in public schools with elementary and middle school age students. I’ve already done this when I couldn’t be the writer I wanted to be, and I’d do it again. However, I can’t explain my career working in noisy and crowded schools since I’m a loner at heart, but I loved the job enough to stay in it for nearly thirty-years. I was a paraprofessional/ teachers aide working with kids with learning disabilities.

      I always wanted to open a bookstore. Nowadays, I wouldn’t open a store, but I’d work in one.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books, Get Caught Reading

      There was a time I wanted to be a social worker until I took Sociology in college.

      I could work with rescue animals, specifically dogs and horses. I love other animals, but I prefer the two mentioned.

      A big office, factory, or department store setting isn’t for me, but I have worked in a big office and factories, and they worked out fine at the time.

      If it came down to this in reality, I’d need a lot of time to consider other options if I couldn’t be a writer. Have you writers out there ever thought of  what kind of job you’d have if you couldn’t be a writer? Tell us in the comments.

      This is a BLOG HOP. Please join in by visiting the participating authors.

      Enjoy your weekend. Enjoy life. Enjoy being a writer.

      Note: Are you aware that you can edit the Tweet or preferred social media that is shared with your post? I publicize to Google +, Facebook, and Twitter.

      In the sidebar in my dashboard, under PUBLISH where my publicized  posts are shared to social media, it has an Edit option. You can add your hashtags and your Twitter name, etc. I’m not sure how Blogger works because I no longer use my blogger blog. Some WordPress templates may be different. WordPress.Org blogs might be different, too.

      However, I’ve removed the sharing option to my Facebook Page. Through my investigations about their new changes, I’ve read that shared posts may not show up due to Facebook’s new algorithms. I’ll add my post link to my author Page manually instead of having it automatically sent there. It’s a slim chance any of our Page posts will show up anyway unless we pay to boost or create an ad. IMO. I don’t know how a shared post will be affected if shared to our regular profile. I’ll have to experiment by sharing to my regular profile instead of my Page.

      Posted in #AmWriting | 15 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor 52-Week #BlogChallenge, #WritersLife, author, blog, blog hop, books, camera, landscapes, Marketing for Romance Writers org, Photographer, social work, teacher, western romance, What If I Couldn't Be a Writer? #MFRWauthor Week 4, what would i be if I couldn't be a writer, writer
    • Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse: You

      Posted at 10:53 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 26, 2016

      Hi there! I could’ve chosen cowboys, horses, my laptop or cameras, music, quotes, you, notebooks, or pens, which all inspire me to do what I do. But, today I couldn’t quite put my finger on what I wanted to post for my Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse post. Then, I came across the image below. The more I thought about it, the more this little quote made sense. It’s true. 🙂

      Every moment is…


      Guess what else is going to inspire me today? YOU are. Won’t you let me know what inspires your muse, or inspires you in general to do what you do?

      Some of you are photographers. What makes you take that special picture I see posted on your blogs? It calls to you, doesn’t it? Why?

      Writers? Cooks? Wine Connoisseurs? Poets? Friends? Musicians? Readers? Soldiers (Military)?

      Moms? Dads?

      Anyone?

      Your turn.

      Sending warm hugs to all of you affected by the recent #Blizzard2016. Been there and done that more than once in my lifetime, so I know what you’re going through. Stay positive and warm. Please be safe while shoveling and getting around. Waving to the rest of my country and the world, too. 🙂

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      Photo Credits: Pixabay

      Posted in #AmWriting, Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse | 8 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #AuthorLife, #WritersLife, author, Cook, inspiration, mary j mccoy dressel, muse, Photographer, poetry, Tuesday Inspiration for the Must: You, writer
    • Roaring Like a Lioness… (Sneak Peek – Hey, Cowboy, Bk 2)

      Posted at 12:13 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 13, 2014

      Today I’m giving you a sneak peek into Hey, Cowboy, Bk 2. (Bull Rider Series) This book is releasing in July 2014. If you don’t know Velia and Caulder, you can meet them in Howdy, Ma’am, Bk 1.

      Caulder is the cousin to Tristan, Jase, and Dane Carlson of the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight. He also makes his appearance in Heartbreak’s Reward and Jase and his mom appear in Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude. They often mention each other in their books.

      HeyCowboy_SMVelia shook her head. “No cameras though. That’s too freaky. It scares me.”

      “You need to think it over.” He stood and walked to the doorway. “Where’s the damn doctor?”

      She gave a subtle laugh. “Now you sound like my dad’s right hand man, Roy, when I was in the hospital.”

      He turned back toward her. “Did you mention this incident to your father?”

      “I haven’t mentioned it to anyone but you.” Velia pivoted and peered out the window at the dreary morn. Glancing over her shoulder, she asked, “Should I?”

      “I don’t know.” Caulder came up from behind and hugged her. “Thanks for telling me about this. It’s not the kind of thing to keep from me.”

      She faced him. “What do you think it’s about? Should we be alarmed?”

      He pulled her against him and wrapped her tight in his arms. “I don’t know, babe.”

      Interrupted by the nurse who had discharge papers in her hand, Caulder took a seat and Velia sat on the edge of the bed. The nurse gave instructions—also scheduling a follow-up appointment with his doctor, along with the CT scan. He had to take it easy with no athletic activities.

      The nurse continued on, and after giving all the warning signs to look for, she signed the paper and had Caulder sign it, giving him a copy. Free to leave. Velia beamed with delight, wanting to lift him over her shoulder and run out of that place—roaring like a lioness—and carry him out. She grabbed his bag. He took it from her. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”

      “Sì!” Glad to see Caulder’s smile when he looked at her, it changed to a frown as he got in the wheelchair to be wheeled out. She had a moment of empathy pass over her—sure that he worried about the future, his career, and their relationship.

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

      Bull Rider Series

      Posted in Bull Rider Series, Hey Cowboy Bk 2 | 6 Comments | Tagged bull rider series, Bull Riding, cowboys, Hey Cowboy Bk Two Bull Rider Series, Italian, mary j mccoy dressel, Photographer, Romance, series, western romance
    • Interview With a Book Heroine- Howdy, Ma’am Book #1

      Posted at 1:22 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 5, 2013

      Meet Velia Armano

      dreamstime_s_10837833_thumb.jpg

      I 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. ❤

      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
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  • © 2007 – 2023 by Mary J. Dressel, Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

    © Mary J. Dressel, Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, and Mary J. McCoy-Dressel Books, 2007 – 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Mary J. McCoy-Dressel and Mary J. McCoy-Dressel Books with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

    • Howdy, Ma'am: The Journey Part One
      Howdy, Ma'am: The Journey Part One
    • Writing Prompts at Your Fingertips
      Writing Prompts at Your Fingertips
    • Reboot - Guarding Generations: A Writing Prompt
      Reboot - Guarding Generations: A Writing Prompt
    • Daily Prompt: Do It Yourself Ambitions
      Daily Prompt: Do It Yourself Ambitions

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