Louis L’Amour once stated he could write sitting in a folding chair in the center of Hollywood and Vine while balancing a portable typewriter on his lap. I love his books, have read most of them, and admire his ability. However, I prefer a few more creature comforts to write my stories.
I’m not sure I could shut out all the distractions offered at Hollywood and Vine, but perhaps I could. I grew up in a loud household and learned to shut out noises around me. One of the ways I accomplished this is listening to music. Many say listening to music while writing helps give the text rhythm and flow. I don’t know about that, but it is pleasant. I subscribe to Pandora and wear headphones to listen to classical music. If I hear lyrics, they distract me and I want to sing along. Since my singing ability is such that when I sing, someone rushes in to see how badly I’m injured, it’s best to avoid vocalizing.
I prefer a good desktop PC. My birthday was last month and I received a new computer from my sweet husband, Hero. My old computer had started deleting files randomly—which was frightening and intolerable. I have a laptop, but prefer to use the desktop PC at home.
From my friend Jacquie Rogers, I learned that a television makes a great large computer monitor. We seldom used our bedroom TV set, so it has been re-purposed as my monitor. I love having this large set and it cuts down on eye strain.
When I took a community education class on writing fiction to sell, the instructor (the late science fiction writer Warren Norwood) said a writer’s chair is THE most important piece of equipment. I’m not certain I agree, but if a chair doesn’t support your back and arms and protect your posture, how can you sit for hours?
My computer desk is one I love. It’s in faux cherry, which sounds better than ”fake” cherry. The shape is a V that fits in a corner of my miniscule office. There are shelves, slots, and cubbies for all my junk… er, I mean my good stuff. A matching kneehole desk sits to the right. I love them both even when they need dusting, as now.
Last on my list is my own little office. It may be small but it offers a refuge where I can retreat to write. Included are bookshelves, my knick knacks, and wall decorations. The walls are pink. It is off our bedroom, probably intended as a sitting room. I certainly do a lot of sitting in it while I write my novels and novellas, but my office is my happy place.
Title: CHARLOTTE’S CHALLENGE
Series: Golden Legacy
Author: Caroline Clemmons
Publisher: Caroline Clemmons
Cover artist: Michelle Hauf
Pages: 133
Genre/heat rating: PG
A widow determined to save the family ranch…
A man who inherited cursed pirate gold…
They must combine efforts to defeat an evil man.
Bret Craig is a descendant of one of the crew of The Golden Fleece. Over a century ago the merchant ship had prevailed against pirates carrying a treasure of cursed Inca gold. The legacy promises retribution against anyone who misuses the treasure. Bret has heard the story all his life but he believes the tale is a myth and that he’s in no danger if he spends the money selfishly. Ignoring his sister’s warning, he sets out for a grand adventure heading west.
Widowed former mail-order bride Charlotte Dunn is in danger of losing the family ranch. She lost her husband to a rustler’s bullet when half the cattle were stolen and both ranch hands were killed. When she and her stepsons rescue a man who fell from his horse, they learn the man has amnesia. From his saddlebags, they determine his name is Bret Craig. Charlotte nurses Bret, manages the ranch, and cares for her three stepchildren she loves. No sooner does Bret regain his memory than they discover the remainder of the ranch’s herd has been rustled.
Bret re-evaluates his priorities in order to embrace the love blossoming between Charlotte and him. Can they save the ranch and recover the stolen cattle?
Excerpt :
Set up: a couple of days after Bret woke from his coma but before he regained his memory.
Bret must have dropped off to sleep. When he roused himself he sat on the edge of the bed for several minutes. He was about to stand when Davie rushed into the room.
The boy looked about to cry. “Mr. Craig, can you come to the porch? Mr. Winfield is here upsetting Mama.”
Bret reached for his rifle. “You’d better walk beside me. I’m not too steady yet. Help me tuck in my shirt so I look decent.”
They made their way to the front door.
Bret pulled off his bandage and tossed it at a table before stepping onto the porch. “Is something wrong, Charlotte?” He carried his rifle.
She looked almost as surprised as the man facing her. Another man sat on his horse nearby.
The man facing Charlotte scowled. “Who are you?”
“A friend of the family and you must be Winfield.”
Charlotte glared at the man. “Mr. Winfield was just leaving.”
Winfield pointed at Bret. “I still don’t know who you are, mister.”
“I don’t see that it’s any of your business, mister. I believe Charlotte said you were leaving.” He cocked his rifle and leveled it at Winfield. “You on the horse, don’t draw or you’re a dead man. In fact, I believe you’re both trespassing and I can shoot you without worry.”
“You’ll regret this. I’ll talk to you another time, Mrs. Dunn.”
“Not everyone is for sale, Mr. Winfield.”
The man mounted his horse and after a glare at Bret, he galloped away with his friend following.
Davie cheered. “You did it, Mr. Craig, you scared him off.”
“Mrs. Dunn, I beg your pardon for addressing you by your given name. It seemed best under the circumstances. Now, I believe I’d better sit down somewhere.”
She rushed to his side. “Let me help you. Put your arm over my shoulder so I can help support you. Davie, tend to the rifle and remember it’s been cocked.” She guided Bret inside the house.
His legs threatened to give way. “Perhaps we could stop and rest a moment.”
“If you can make it into the kitchen you can sit at the table. Our lunch is almost ready.”
He was never so glad to see a chair. At least he didn’t believe he was. “Why was he here this time and what upset you so?”
“It’s almost laughable.” When she looked up, anger sparked in her eyes. “If you can believe the nerve, he came to propose to me.”
“I thought you said you were a recent widow.”
“I am. He said he knew I didn’t want to lose the ranch and if we married I could share all the land. He even agreed to let me bring the children.” She appeared angrier. “Of course Davie and Susie would have to go to boarding school. He graciously said Jimmy wouldn’t have to go away until he was a year older.”
Bret looked where Davie had stood his rifle. “I wish I’d shot him.”
Buy Link:
Universal Amazon Link is https://mybook.to/Bret and also in Kindle Unlimited
Meet Caroline Clemmons
Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To compensate for this illogical error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a tiny office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their dog and two rescued indoor cats as well as providing nourishment outdoors for squirrels, birds, and other critters.
The over sixty titles she has created in her pink cave have made her an Amazon bestselling author and won several awards. She writes sweet to sensual romances about the West, both historical and contemporary as well as time travel and mystery. Her series include the Kincaids, McClintocks, Stone Mountain Texas, Bride Brigade, Texas Time Travel, Texas Caprock Tales, Loving A Rancher, and Pearson Grove as well as numerous single titles and contributions to multi-author sets. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, reading her friends’ books, lunching with friends, browsing antique malls, checking Facebook, and taking the occasional nap.
You can Stalk/Find Caroline Clemmons at:
Email caroline@carolineclemmons.com
Website https://www.carolineclemmons.com
NL Link https://carolineclemmons.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0a24664c906875718d975ad7b&id=7c2e488a51
Amazon Author URL https://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Clemmons/e/B001K8CXZ6/
Bookbub Author URL https://www.bookbub.com/authors/caroline-clemmons
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CarolineClemmonsRomances
Facebook Readers Group – Caroline’s Cuties https://www.facebook.com/groups/277082053015947/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/458092.Caroline_Clemmons
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-clemmons-6130707/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/caroclemmons
Twitter https://twitter.com/CarolinClemmons (no E in Caroline)
Backlist
See a complete list of Caroline Clemmons’ books at her Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Clemmons/e/B001K8CXZ6/
On October 26, CHRISTMAS COMES TO DICKENS, an anthology of ten Christmas stories, will be released at your preferred online store. My novella is titled HOLIDAY HEARTS.
Welcome to Dickens—a quaint New England town bustling with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Christmas holiday. We have the annual tree lighting in the town square, a snowman building competition, ice skating on Grosvenor’s Pond, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. You’re welcome to cut down your own Christmas tree at Gridley Meadows, or join in the caroling on the Common.
Dickens offers an abundance of heartfelt wishes, a few much needed miracles, and—quite possibly—a touch of magic! Families reunite, new friends are made, and old flames take a second chance at happiness. All while celebrating this most joyful time of the year. Join us as our best selling and award winning authors fill your holiday stocking with ten brand new novellas ranging from sweet to sassy. On preorder now for only 99 cents.
The Amazon link is https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Comes-Dickens-Romance-Anthology-ebook/dp/B08JQPSK3G/
Apple, B&N, and Kobo at https://books2read.com/DickensChristmas
Thanks to Cathy for inviting me to be her guest.
Thank you Carolyn for sharing with us. What must haves for writing or reading are important to you?