In December we had several unseasonably warm days, and I took advantage of them by walking at a local park. I even took a long walk on a seasonably cold day–it was 19 degrees out! Every time I was out, I breathed in the cool air and noticed the bare branches. My mind kept circling around something I didn’t want to deal with, but finally, I admitted it. I’d been neglecting my inner care.
I’m big on setting goals. By listing them and breaking them down into manageable chunks, I accomplish more than I could imagine. My process is to set monthly goals, then at the beginning of each week, I create daily goals that will work within my current schedule.
Christmas is almost here–yay! I’m enjoying the season. It’s been flying by! A few years ago I pared down my Christmas prep and festivities, and it’s been good for me. So far this December I’ve watched a few Christmas movies, read a few holiday novels, baked some cookies, wrapped some presents, and stared at twinkle lights.
I’ve been reflecting on 2019 and looking forward to 2020. I’m making a “20 for 2020” list of things I want to do. In the meantime, check out my fun stuff of 2019 video below!
I’m taking a blog break until January 8. I plan on continuing our monthly goals. Mine are never glamorous, often repetitive, but that’s what progress is–consistent steps. Thanks for keeping me accountable.
Have a very merry Christmas! What “fun stuff” from 2019 makes you smile?
Every December I try to look back and remember what I’ve accomplished. Usually, it involves some head-scratching. Sometimes I give up because I don’t feel like going through my planner to figure out what I did. But this year, it was pretty easy.
I have yet to meet a writer who is 100% satisfied with what they’ve accomplished for the year. I’ll admit, I’m hard on myself, too. I always overestimate how much time I have and underestimate how long things actually take me. By things I mean writing, revising, and promo. Definitely promo!
When I reviewed 2019, I was pleasantly surprised.
Jill Kemerer’s 2019 Year in Review
Books Written:
Her Cowboy Till Christmas
The Cowboy’s Secret
The Cowboy’s Christmas Triplets
Books Released:
A Meddled Match
His Wyoming Baby Blessing
Western Christmas Wishes (w/Brenda Minton)
Her Cowboy Till Christmas
Books Plotted:
Book one in an untitled series
Book two in an untitled series
Book three in an untitled series
The Cowboy’s Christmas Triplets
Speaking Engagements:
January: Exquisite Planning
April: Exquisite Planning
June: Secrets of Writing for Harlequin
November: Creativity Workshop
Other:
President of Maumee Valley Romance Authors, Inc.
First romance story published in Woman’s World Magazine
Wrote the proposal for book one in untitled series
These three pictures sum up my writing life! The commute, the coffee, and the writing buddy.
I’m gearing up to plan 2020. I bought a new planner (!!), and I have a date planned with two close writer friends to discuss and set our goals for next year. I can’t wait!
The year-in-review exercise? I highly recommend looking back at what you accomplished. It’s easy to forget all the things we did!
Do you review your accomplishments for the year? Care to share them? Leave a comment!
And bless you during these final days leading up to Christmas!
Welcome to the 8th day of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway! Eleven Christian authors teamed up to show our appreciation to you, our readers, by hosting a massive giveaway.
The prizes are building, and today’s winner will receive ALL of the gifts below!
HER COWBOY TILL CHRISTMAS by Jill Kemerer
The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron
Recovered Secrets by Jessica R. Patch
A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson
The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd
Her Last Chance Cowboy by Tina Radcliffe
The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay
You Belong with Me by Tari Faris
How Do You Enter This Awesome Giveaway?
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below by following some of your favorite authors on social media and signing up for their newsletters. We draw a new winner every day, and on December 12th, we’ll give away a $100 Amazon Gift Card in addition to all the other great prizes!
And don’t forget to stop by Lindsay Harrel’s (linked) blog tomorrow to see what prize is added then!
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The first book in my new series (Wyoming Sweethearts) is in stores NOW! Her Cowboy Till Christmas is my 10th Love Inspired novel!
Not sure if it’s for you? Here are what some readers are saying:
“Three cheers for disgruntled cowboys everywhere — especially the way Jill Kemerer writes them! Embittered and cantankerous. Prone to wallowing in the pain of the past. And none to happy about his former sweetheart showing up on his doorstep without any warning. What a gnarly reunion! But for all his grumpiness, Mason is a sweetheart. He’s a doting dad and a kind neighbour and a devoted friend. A man who can be counted on…” ~ Amazon Reviewer
“As with Kemerer’s other Love Inspired books, this story contains a sweet romance. Mason and Brittany are characters that the reader wants to cheer on to their happily-ever-after. They have both wrestled with hurt and failure. Will this time be any different? The secondary characters of Ryder, Noah, and Nan in this book are wonderful additions to the story. Kemerer creates a setting that draws the reader in and makes you want to be a part! I definitely recommend this book for reader who enjoy a heart-warming romance set around the holidays!” ~ Amazon Reviewer
Click HERE for more information about Her Cowboy Till Christmas including purchase links!
I haven’t counted down the days until Christmas yet (and I don’t want to!), but I know they’re dwindling. Am I ready for the holidays? Of course not!
We had a really nice Thanksgiving. Delicious food. Good times with family. Even some Black Friday shopping. Not bad! But the party is over, and I want to finish this month, year, AND decade strong. Let’s look at how I did with last month’s goals, and then I’ll share my December goals!
Jill’s November 2019 Goals: How Did I Do?
WRITING:
Revise/polish proposal and send to agent. NO CHECK. Not even close!
Promote Her Cowboy Till Christmas, releasing November 19! CHECK.YES! YAY!
Content edit the draft I wrote in October. Check!
HEALTH:
Exercise 5 days/week. Check! I’ve found that creating a simple graph to X off each day helps a lot.
Log calories using MyFitnessPal. Check! For whatever reason, tracking my food works.
Eat more produce! Check!
OTHER:
Make a Christmas list. NO CHECK.
Start buying presents. NO Check. This stresses me out!
Read one novel. Check! YES!
Check out the newly remodeled Main Library in downtown Toledo. Check! Loved it!!
Jill’s December 2019 Goals:
WRITING:
Polish the third book in the Wyoming Sweethearts series and send it to my editor.
Revise/polish proposal and send to agent.
HEALTH:
Exercise 5 days/week.
Log calories using MyFitnessPal.
Attempt to implement homemade chia pudding as a snack.
OTHER:
Christmas shopping!!
Check out Christmas lights somewhere. The Toledo Zoo has an amazing display, but the crowds and traffic make me iffy!
Watch Hallmark Christmas movies and read the Christmas novels I bought!
Looking ahead to 2020…
Two of my local writer friends and I are getting together soon to discuss our goals for the next year. I’m excited about this. By setting several hours aside and meeting at a casual restaurant, we’re making goal-planning a priority. All too often, I’m guilty of putting off formal planning until the last minute. When I devote a chunk of time to plan in advance, I get more done throughout the year.
Also, it’s great to discuss my goals with I trust. They’ll tell me if I’m being ridiculously overambitious or not ambitious enough. And they often have ideas I never considered. It’s a win all around.
Next week’s blog will be early–Sunday, December 8, because I’m part of a HUGE Christmas giveaway! You don’t want to miss it!
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How did you do with your goals? Want to set new ones? Leave a comment!
It’s turkey time! I have to admit, I look forward to my sister’s stuffing even more than the actual turkey. It’s full of fresh herbs. So good! I love the whole meal. There’s nothing better than a table full of food, surrounded by loved ones.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! I’m thankful for YOU!
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My 10th Love Inspired novel is in stores now! Grab a copy of Her Cowboy Till Christmas and enjoy all the Christmas feels!
It’s celebration time! My 10th Love Inspired novel, HER COWBOY TILL CHRISTMAS, released today! I’m super excited about this book. Let me tell you why.
It’s Book ONE in a new series! Wyoming Sweethearts follows four friends who are all reeling from tragedies. They’ve formed a support group in their hometown of Rendezvous, Wyoming. Each book shows one of them navigating the complicated road to love!
It’s a Christmas book! And you know I love Christmas.
Reunion romance–Brittany and Mason were best friends growing up. The summer after high school, they became more than friends, but Brittany broke Mason’s heart, and he’s never forgiven her.
There’s the sweetest little three-year-old boy–Mason’ son. His wife died six months after giving birth to Noah.
Did I mention this is an identical twins separated at birth story? Yes, it is. I won’t say another word!
Can a Christmastime reunion become
forever?
She’s only home for the
holidays…Can he convince her to stay?
The last
person rancher Mason Fanning ever expects to see again is the girl who once
broke his heart. Brittany Green is in town for Christmas and trying to convince
her ailing grandmother—the only maternal figure the widower’s little boy has
left—to move away. Can Mason show her all she really needs to fulfill her
dreams is right here in Wyoming?
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The paperback is in stores as of today! Check your local Walmart, Barnes & Noble or any store that carries Love Inspired books. The ebook releases on December 1.
Purchase Links, my inspiration Pinterest Board, a sample of the book, and more can be found by clicking HERE!
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In other exciting news, I have a short story in this week’s issue of Woman’s World Magazine!!
It’s my first time writing for them! Aaaahhh!! Pick up a copy–they have tons of great recipes and tips. Oh, and my short romance to get you ready for Thanksgiving!
Thank you to everyone who entered my Her Cowboy Till Christmas giveaway! The winner will be notified by email.
I’ve been reading romance novels since I was thirteen. Sure, some say that’s young, but I have no regrets. I would buy old Harlequin paperbacks at flea markets. They were typically from the 70s and early 80s–very clean and intriguing!
I was hooked. I still read a lot of romance novels, in addition to books in just about any other genre. What can I say? I love to read!
Here are some of the things I’ve learned about writing romance novels. The opening pages are important–vital, really–to establishing to the reader that the book is indeed a romance.
Introduce the hero and heroine as soon as possible. Sometimes I pick up a book thinking it’s a romance, but when no clear hero and heroine have been introduced until chapter three, I assume I’m reading a different genre.
Avoid too much early interaction with members of the opposite sex who aren’t the love interests. Romance readers instinctively root for the first woman and man who are introduced. This means you should avoid having the POV character interact with an opposite-sex character before their love interest. Chances are, the reader will expect the other character to be the hero or heroine!
Hint at inner conflicts and what’s at stake. The hero and heroine should have clear reasons why they can’t instantly fall in love, the higher the stakes the better. Clue the reader in early–don’t make them wait until page 125 to worry how will these two ever fall in love?
Set the tone. Setting details, introspection, narrative and even dialogue clue the reader in to the tone and subgenre of the book. A romantic suspense will be edgy and fast-paced. An Amish romance won’t be set in New York City (although, I suppose, it could be done!).
Build Tension. Readers keep turning the page when they’re worried or curious. Keep them on edge. Leave questions unanswered. Create a sense of foreboding about unspoken issues. They’ll love you for it!
Make the reader care. Characters coasting through life are boring. I’m sorry, but they are. Give your characters problems. They don’t even have to be enormous problems. We all have times when our worries crush us. Bring that intensity to life. Let the reader in on the anxiety your characters feel, and they will care enough to read to the end.
I’d love to hear YOUR tips on what’s important in the opening pages of a romance novel. Leave a comment!
And don’t forget, my fun giveaway is still going on! Click on HER COWBOY TILL CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY and scroll down for the easy entry options! US only. 18+.
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