Saturday, March 29, 2014

Saying goodbye to a beloved teacher

Most of my blog posts are silly and fun, which is really just a reflection of me.  However, today I’d like to take a moment to be real because the emotions I am currently feeling are genuinely mournful.  Do forgive any ramblings or even misspellings, because in all honesty, I write this with teary eyes.

Last night the world lost a very precious person. No, you probably didn’t know him; you didn’t even know he existed.  But to me, to his past student, he left an imprint on our hearts.
I woke up this morning to learn that my high school math teacher, Mr. Bertoldie, passed away from a heart attack last night, he was only forty-one years old.

Now many of you might think, “Well that’s sweet, but he was just a high school math teacher.”  However, to this small town girl, it wasn’t the case.  When you go to school in a town where your graduating class is 44 students, teachers don’t just teacher, they nurture, they guide, they imprint on your lives.  That was what Mr. Bertoldie did for me. 
When Mr. Bertoldie first arrived at my school, we students didn’t exactly make his life easy.  We were loud and rambunctious to say the least.  He would get angry with us and frustrated to the point of having to leave the room for a moment just to cool off.  Looking back on those days, I smile but feel guilty at the same time.

I had always been passionate about math (to this day, I still).  My junior year, I wanted to go further into more advanced math, but my desire to stay with my friends trumped that aspiration. So I went on to Mr. Bertoldie’s algebra class.  A few months into my junior, Mr. Bertoldie approached me and asked me to help tutor some of his students who were struggling.  This was a first for me, I never felt I was really good at anything, but here I was, being told I was good enough to teach.  So I helped a few of his students and received A’s on everything I turned in (they would have been A+ but I was bad about showing my work because I could do it in my head. I can’t help but smile at how frustrated he would get with me “I know you know how to do it, but you have to show your work” he would say).
He encouraged me to skip his class my senior year and move on to more advanced math classes with some of the other teachers. However, my fondness for his teaching skills had me return for algebra two.  Again, he put me right to work helping tutoring students (and me still getting A-‘s because I refused to show my work).  Then one day he approached me and told me that he would really like for me to go to math contest and represent him and my school. I was floored; no one had ever showed such faith in me before. But, again, I let the feelings of a so-called friend (who I later found was jealous) determine my actions and I so declined the offer.

Later, after the math competition, after I had finished a tutoring session with one of his students, he asked me why I hadn’t gone to math contest.  I revealed to him the anger I received from my ‘friend’ when she heard the news of the offer.  He sat me down and explained to me (which, as high school teenagers, is hard to realize) that I was made for bigger and better things than that small little town.  That I was smart and I would go far in life; but only if I stopped worrying about making others happy and instead focusing on my own happiness.
It has been 15 years this may since I walked across that stage and got my high school diploma, and to this day I remember his words. I went on to go to college and every one of my math professors would say “You must have had a really good math teacher in high school to know what you do.” And I would tell every one of them, “Yes, I most definitely did.”

I went on to build my own company, which I use my math skills every day to budget, and do the taxes for.  Skills I never would have possessed without the knowledge that Mr. Bertoldie instilled in me.  My biggest regret is that I didn’t tell him, and now I will never have the opportunity to do so. 
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Bertoldie’s family. And if, by chance, God allows those that have gone to be with Him the opportunity to hear those thoughts and prayers, I would say this, “Thank you, Mr. Bertoldie, for having faith in me when I did not.  Your knowledge and kindness will be forever carried in my heart, and the hearts of your many students.”

Friday, March 28, 2014

Another 5 star review for "The Bed Wife"

I have sent out several early copies of "The Bed Wife", hoping to get some feedback from avid readers as well as blogs.

I am especially concerned about a sex scene in the book. I have my moral issues with this, but feel it is important to the story. So I battled the fine line between a 'love making' scene and a 'sex' scene.

Having only sent out the ARC (advanced reader copy) to this person just two days ago, I was not expecting to get a review so quickly. 

However, this afternoon I was greeted with this email (and I must say it made my day!).


"So, I started reading your book during nap time yesterday and stayed up until I finished it last night!!! OMG!!!

Haven't read anything this gripping in a long time. I couldn't put it down. Thank goodness dinner was leftover night, lol.

Didn't think the sex scene was raunchy, I think it was very tasteful and very well written. Let's just say, my husband wants me to read it again tonight, if I would behave the same after reading it, lol (TMI?).

Can't wait for the next book! Now you got me hooked. Love it!!!" ~ V. Turner

"The Bed Wife" is back from the editor!

Oh my goodness it's happening!  I'm just one step closer to getting "The Bed Wife" published!

Now I will spend the next few days going over the edits and fixing what needs to be fixed.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Continued Writing in The Bed Wife Chronicles: Book Two!

Is it wrong to get excited and goose bumps over something you have written?

I spent the day writing a very intense scene/chapter today. Nearly 4,000 words later and I feel like my story has taken just the turn it needs to.

So this is my tribute to giving myself goose bumps... I'm sure I wore this expression while writing today.  Smiling to myself while I think 'oh this is so good!' haha

 (Yes, I'm crazy about actor Richard Armitage. I suppose you could say, at this point, he is kind of my muse... You will probably see a lot of his pictures... I regret nothing!)

Sunday, March 23, 2014

The Bed Wife getting formatted for eBooks!

I'm still waiting for The Bed Wife (The Bed Wife Chronicles, #1) to come back from the editors (I figure this will take a while).  But that doesn't mean I can't play a little with my formatting right?

With a little help from my brother-in-law, who also is a writer (see his Facebook page), I now have a program that will allow me to format and save my work for ePublishing and .mobi files. This means I can now send out ARC's to various blogs who would like to review the book!

So, if you are a book blog, and are interested in reviewing my novella, please contact me at catonthelap@gmail.com.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

International Happiness Day!

So, it has come to my attention that today is International Happiness Day (who knew?).

So, I created a little happy of my own, with my favorite International actor, Richard Armitage.

Yea, this is pretty random, but that's the beauty of running your own blog.  hehehe  Plus, he inspires me to write!

*hint* My next book is about a British actor who sweeps a young woman off her feet (purely coincidental of course... obviously not about Richard himself) hehehe

Another Bed Wife Teaser

I promised my Facebook Fans that, once we reached 500+ fans, I would release another teaser for The Bed Wife.

My fans did not let me down and now we are over 500 strong!

So here you go!


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Amazing Giftcard Giveaway!



 
Yesterday was a HUGE day for me. I sent my book off to the editor (the amazing Hollie), I booked my photographer/cover art designer (the fantastic Kelsey) and Goodreads.com approved me as an author and put "The Bed Wife" in the system! HUGE DAY!

So I want to celebrate!... So head over to my Facebook Page!

 From now until Friday evening (winner will be drawn at 9pm CT), when you share the post pinned to the top of my Facebook page and tag a loved one, you will get an entry to win a $5 Amazon gift card for both of you! (That's at least an eBook each, if not more!)





 How it works:

First, you MUST be a fan of the Author Suzanna Lynn page.

Second, 'like' and 'share' the post pinned to the top (it says ~*~ GIVEAWAY ALERT ~*~ and has this picture in it) .

Third, comment and tag one friend in the comment box. You can tag multiple friends, but to make the drawing possible, I need you to only put one friend in each comment (that way if/when your number is drawn, the friend in that comment with you will be the other winner).

Your friend will need to 'like' the page as well (and they can tag you, so that is like getting two entries for both of you!).

Hope those rules make sense! Now head over to my Facebook Page and get to liking, sharing and tagging!

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The Bed Wife is off to the editor!

Wow, I have to say it feels a little crazy to say this, but The Bed Wife is off to the editor!  I can't believe it, I have officially taken that huge step from 'writing a story' to 'publishing a book.'  They sound the same, but in my heart they are much different.

Do I have a release date yet?  Nope, not yet.  But I will know more once I hear back from my editor.  I still have my fingers crossed for a May release.

Stay tuned!

Sunday, March 16, 2014

New 5 Star Review: The Bed Wife

"This was a definite FIVE star read for me.
 
The way Suzanna Lynn draws you in to a world of fantasy is terrific and not easily done. I will admit when I first started reading I was not 100% sure because the genre of fantasy had never appealed to me and I haven't read it. But by the end of the first chapter my mind had been changed.
 
The gentle but sure build up with Baylin and Luana was beautiful and inspiring and you could not help but root for them and keep turning the pages and hoping. There were times I was frustrated because I am that "instant gratification" persona, but you won't be sorry you took a chance on this new author and "The Bed Wife". 
 
The plot never lagged and the pages weren't filled with fluff; it was true grit and awe-inspiring writing.
 
She is definitely an awesome author. She writes like a seasoned author but not so formal and stiff that she makes a reader feel like they have to read between the lines! Great job! Bravo Ms. Lynn."
 
~ Leigh Ann Lunsford

Steamy "The Bed Wife" teaser

In an attempt to get people interested (and in the case of this teaser, slightly excited) about my upcoming book release of "The Bed Wife," I have created many teasers to get everyone in the mood.

To view other teasers, just click on the tag below that says "Teasers" or "The Bed Wife".

With that being said, enjoy!

Saturday, March 15, 2014

I'm geeky and I know it!

So, I will happily admit, I'm a bit of a geek.  Ok, a lot of a geek.  I grew up watching Star Trek with my parents, I love anything Marvel, and I'm definitely fans of things like Twilight, Vampire Diaries, Lord of the Rings and so much more.

I'm also a bit of a fan girl.  I have developed a huge fan girl crush on British actor, Richard Armitage.  He plays Thorin in The Hobbit (though he's also known for roles in movies like North & South as well as BBC shows like Robin Hood).

That being said, Richard has become a bit of an obsession for me, which I'm sure my husband is not thrilled out.

However, last night I came home to find a gift my husband had ordered for me.  It was a piece of Hobbit History so to speak.  It was a collectors, framed, film-cell from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.  When he ordered it, the film cell actually showed a picture of Legolas and it stated "No Guarantee of specific film cell".  But since the picture, itself, had Thorin in it, my husband thought I would still like it.

However, when we held it up to the light, low and behold, it was a Thorin film cell!

I screamed (like I said, I'm a geek). I screamed like a 15-year-old fan girl, not a nearly 33-year-old woman.

So now, my husband has no one to blame but himself.  He has officially fed my obsession with Richard Armitage.

Yes, this is not a book related piece of information. But it certainly gives you a glimpse into this author's life.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

"The Bed Wife" Review


5 out of 5 Star Rating

Review of "The Bed Wife" book one in The Bed Wife Chronicles by Author Suzanna Lynn.

"The Bed Wife is a heartwarming tale between two people whose friendship from their youth blossoms to true love as adults.

This novella also shows how one girl’s courage to go against abusive traditions and her determination to stand up for her beliefs is a story that will warm your heart. 

It is hard to believe this is the author’s first book. Her ability to draw you so completely into the story is amazing. I honestly didn’t want to put it down because I wanted to know what would happen. 

I felt my heart clench when there was suspenseful parts and then my heart would ache in the more passionate scenes.

Readers don’t lose heart. The end will seem a bit unfinished, but I this novella is just an appetizer for more books to come!" ~ Tara Huffman

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Blurb and Teaser regarding The Bed Wife.

The choosing of a bed wife has been a time honored tradition in the Kingdom of Grasmere, and the time is now upon the kingdom for there to be a selection.

As children, Prince Baylin and Luana were inseparable friends; titles and protocols meant nothing.

However, years later, fate intercedes and Luana is forced into a situation where she only sees a loveless, lifeless existence for herself. All at the hands of her long lost friend.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Amazon Gift Card giveaway!

While leading up to the release of my first book in The Bed Wife Chronicles, I decided that getting my name out there was key.  After all, the more people hear your name and about your book, the more response you could possibly get when it's released (it just makes sense right?).

So I decided to hold a little giveaway!

When my Facebook page reaches 300 fans, I will give away two $5 Amazon gift cards (that's at least two ebooks for your Kindle!).

For all the details, check out my Facebook Page.

But hurry!  We are already nearing 300, and if you want to be part of this giveaway you need to act quickly!

Monday, March 10, 2014

Facebook fans are flowing in

Such an amazing amount of support in the Indie community.  Eighteen hours ago I had a mere (but faithful) 50 fans on my Facebook page.  Just now, I received my 200th fan!

In 18 hours the authors and readers of the Indie community banded together and started sharing me with their friends and family. 

The support is, truly, heartwarming and so very touching.

Thank you!

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Pen names or real name, who can choose?

I was recently approached and had it suggested to me that now is the time to start thinking about a pen name.

What is a pen name?  Well, long story short, it is an alas name you use when you write.

Many authors will do things like use their initials (eg: J.K. Rowling) instead of their full name.

However, with a name like Smith, what can you do to it to make it distinguishable from any other Smith out there?

My maiden name is Patterson, and at first I thought that could be an agreeable alternative.  Though, when you search on Amazon, you get "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson."  I can assure you I do not want to be competing with him! (on a side note, I read that book!  It was good but I cried like a baby... but we'll leave that for another time)

So the alternative is to change my last name completely. 

For some reason I'm not comfortable with this.  I have written down various versions of my name using different last names and, though the ones I have narrowed down sound pleasing enough, it makes me feel as though someone is taking my work and putting their name on it.

Obviously this is silly.  I wrote my story, it will belong to me, but to put a name other than Suzanna Smith on it feels as though I'm selling out.  Why is that?  Well, mainly because, I am Suzanna Smith. 

So now I am stuck trying to decide what to do about my author name.  Who knew writing the book was the easy part?

Writing all day and night

Yesterday I decided to really sink in and get back to work on book two in The Bed Wife Chronicles. 

My goal is to have it almost ready to go when book one is ready to publish.  I'm a little picky and like to have my ducks in a very detailed, lined up, not a webbed foot out a place, row.  Plus, to me, it makes sense to be able to put a little exert from book two in the back of book one and then say "Coming (insert date here), (insert title here) book two in The Bed Wife Chronicles."

So after a lot of getting stuck and unstuck (kind of like getting the car out of the wet, soaked mud and ice that is outside right now), I managed to crank out 5,500 words for book two.

My word count is just under 17,000 words and I still have much more in store!

So, back to work for me!

Friday, March 7, 2014

A little inspiration

This really spoke to my heart while taking this journey on the road to becoming an author.  It really is about taking the steps, no matter how big, to get you moving toward the end result.


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

First Review of Book #1 in The Bed Wife Chronicles!

A few days ago I had sent book number one in The Bed Wife Chronicles to my Beta Reader Tara Huffman.  After spending some time with the book, she sent back this wonderful review!



The Bed Wife by Suzanna Lynn (4.5 out of 5 stars)

At first glance, this reads as a mid-evil/historical fiction. However there is also a slight fantasy twist that brings a whole new element to the plot.

We start off getting to know the land and the kingdom of Wintervale with great descriptions of the castle and the kingdom as a whole. The world set up is very well done and it is easy to visualize this terrain as Ms. Smith took her time in illustrating the layout.

Luana is our female main character and is portrayed as a strong willed, self-sufficient young woman. Her family is well known not only for the goats that they herd but also for her father’s drunken ways.

Prince Baylin, our male lead, is a depicted as a kind hearted man who puts his kingdom before himself. His title as next in line for the throne does not seem to weigh down this character’s charm and his personality makes him easy to swoon over. It would be easy for him to come off as an arrogant ass however he is just the opposite.

Throughout the first few chapters, we are given glimpses into the past and how Luana and Baylin first met as children. The connection and bond that they shared was strong, however frowned upon by the castle.

Years pass before Luana and Baylin meet up again and even though they each remember the friendship that they had as children, there is a definite riff between the two. As time goes on and certain things are put forth, they are once again forced together under some unusual circumstances.

Communication does not seem to play well into their involuntary relationship, however being forced to spend time with one another does make old feelings resurface and also creates new emotions.

We are given a few supporting characters that are both good and bad. They each play a very important role in both Luana and Baylin’s life as a couple and as individuals.

The plot is new and refreshing, especially amongst the trend of billionaires and BDSM reads. It is easy to get lost within these pages and I found myself truly enraptured with this story that holds a slight modern twist on the typical fairytale. And even though this is a quick read, we are not left with little to hold on to. There is more than enough action and mystery to keep you on the edge and wanting more.

~ Tara Huffman

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Editing, editing and more editing

Let's face it, editing is probably harder than actually writing the book. That's why you hire an editor!

After sending my first few pages to my editor (I have an editor!!!!), she sent back some helpful suggestions and put me to the task of doing the first edits.

I am a strong believer in pen and paper. I miss the days when people actually wrote each other letters and I have a small addiction to paper pads in general. So I printed off book one of The Bed Wife, pulled out my trusty read ink pen and got to work.

After spending the day in a sea of red ink, I transferred those edits to the Word document.  Twelve hours later, I have finally finished the first edits!

I just sent off the story to my first Beta Reader, Tara!  I'm so very nervous and excited at the same time. No one, outside of family, has read this story.

So while I wait to hear back from Tara, I thought I would share my thoughts on the editing experience through this wonderful picture.

Thank God for editors!