I'm proud to say I haven't broken any New Year's resolutions.
But then, I don't make New Year's resolutions anymore.
It seems a prudent way for a person to keep things in her life in order is to take stock a lot more often than once a year.
I've found I keep resolutions more frequently by setting them on a daily, weekly or monthly basis all year around.
For example, if I'm going to write the first draft of a new book, I'll estimate how long I believe it should take to complete the draft based on how much preparatory work I've done, what my upcoming schedule of non-writing events and obligations looks like, and determine how much time I'll have to do my actual writing.
If I believe it will take me six weeks to complete a first draft, I'll set a goal of six weeks to complete the rough work of the book.
Next, I'll set weekly goals toward reaching the one due to be achieved in six weeks. Week one I will complete the first twelve thousand words; week two I'll write the second ten thousand words and so on.
Finally, goals are broken down into days--two thousand words on Monday (my schedule is filled with other appointments), four thousand on Tuesday (my schedule is lighter), and so on through Saturday. (I work Monday to Saturday, taking Sundays off.)
At the end of each day and week, I reassess and do whatever is necessary to stay on track toward the six-week goal.
If I'm trying to lose weight, I do pretty much the same thing. First I set a long-term goal such as in March I might decide I'd like to lose seven pounds by June first. That would give me three months to lose seven pounds, roughly twelve weeks. On the average I'd need to lose slightly more than one half pound every week.
Just as I'd do with writing the first draft of a book, I'd make weekly assessments to see how I was succeeding in reaching my goal. Some weeks I'd lose weight, some I might stay the same, some I might gain. Whatever the outcome, I'd have to make the proper adjustments each week in order to reach my goal.
Many of us have a dream we'd like to achieve, but thus far we've put it off year after year because it seemed out of reach.
If we're able bodied, most of our dreams are achievable, if we work hard enough to meet our short and long term goals. If a person wants to learn to fly a plane, roller skate, cross country ski, knit, do wood carvings or write a novel he must resolve to do it and then make a plan to fulfill his resolution--whether it is New Year's Day when he makes the commitment or April Fool's Day.
Almost anything can be achieved with commitment and perseverance.
Good luck, Dear Readers, with all of your resolutions, the ones you made on January 1, 2013 (or 2012, 2011, or 2000) and with the ones you make today.
Fran
Fran Shaff, Award-Winning Author
Fran's Web Page
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Free E-Books
Everyone likes Free Books, Games and other forms of entertainment they can enjoy on a handheld device or a computer. I know between books and games, I give my Kindle a good workout just about everyday, and, yes, some of my content was free.
Many thousands of readers have enjoyed my popular Historical Romance "Change of Heart" as a free download (a number 1 bestseller at Amazon in Historical Romance).
In October the first book of my new Historical Romance "Tender Mysteries Series" was released as a Free Download, and readers are downloading it like crazy. Thank you very much for your positive response!
And speaking of thank yous, I'd like to thank the hundreds of readers who participated in my two recent Good Reads contest giveaways for paperback editions of the "Tender Mysteries Series" and the "Heart Junction Series."
Now, back to the Free Books. In addition to "Change of Heart" and "Resurrected" "Crossed Wires," a popular contemporary romance short story, is also available as a free download.
"Resurrected" -- July, 1895: An investigation into a series of thefts leads Deborah Willet to a compelling man and a shocking discovery about another love in her life.
"Resurrected" is available as a free download at: Barnes and Noble, I-Books, Kobo Books and other sites on the Internet. It is available at Amazon for 99 cents, but if you tell Amazon "Resurrected" is available for Free at other sites, they will price match it so you can get it for free there too.
"Change of Heart" -- 1850s Nebraska. A woman is stranded in a territory she despises with a man she cannot resist.
"Change of Heart" is available as a free download at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, I-Books, Kobo Books, and other sites on the Internet.
"Crossed Wires" -- Hank Garcia, thinking he was going to Melanie Baker's house to fix an electrical problem, gets the shock of his life.
"Crossed Wires" is available as a free download at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, I-Books, Kobo Books, and at other sites on the Internet.
Dear Readers, thank you again for your tremendous support. If you have not yet read the above Free Books, I do hope you have the time to enjoy them with my heartfelt gratitude for your interest in my stories.
God Bless You always,
Fran
Fran's Web Page
Many thousands of readers have enjoyed my popular Historical Romance "Change of Heart" as a free download (a number 1 bestseller at Amazon in Historical Romance).
In October the first book of my new Historical Romance "Tender Mysteries Series" was released as a Free Download, and readers are downloading it like crazy. Thank you very much for your positive response!
And speaking of thank yous, I'd like to thank the hundreds of readers who participated in my two recent Good Reads contest giveaways for paperback editions of the "Tender Mysteries Series" and the "Heart Junction Series."
Now, back to the Free Books. In addition to "Change of Heart" and "Resurrected" "Crossed Wires," a popular contemporary romance short story, is also available as a free download.
"Resurrected" -- July, 1895: An investigation into a series of thefts leads Deborah Willet to a compelling man and a shocking discovery about another love in her life.
"Resurrected" is available as a free download at: Barnes and Noble, I-Books, Kobo Books and other sites on the Internet. It is available at Amazon for 99 cents, but if you tell Amazon "Resurrected" is available for Free at other sites, they will price match it so you can get it for free there too.
"Change of Heart" -- 1850s Nebraska. A woman is stranded in a territory she despises with a man she cannot resist.
"Change of Heart" is available as a free download at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, I-Books, Kobo Books, and other sites on the Internet.
"Crossed Wires" -- Hank Garcia, thinking he was going to Melanie Baker's house to fix an electrical problem, gets the shock of his life.
"Crossed Wires" is available as a free download at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, I-Books, Kobo Books, and at other sites on the Internet.
Dear Readers, thank you again for your tremendous support. If you have not yet read the above Free Books, I do hope you have the time to enjoy them with my heartfelt gratitude for your interest in my stories.
God Bless You always,
Fran
Fran's Web Page
Monday, January 7, 2013
Happy New Year
Happy New Year!
It's been a while since I posted to the blog because I took some time off over the Christmas and New Year's holiday to be with family and dear friends. Wow, was it nice!
I accomplished some work around the house too which I'd wanted to do for some time. (I guess the word is out now. Most romance writers lead rather ordinary lives.)
January 2 I was back at work getting "Recruited," the fourth book in the "Tender Mysteries Series" ready for a spring release. I was delighted to be working again after my holiday break because I enjoy working. It's hard for me to be away from writing, and I rarely take time off. I think most writers are like that.
I wanted to wish all of my readers a Happy New Year. May your 2013 be filled with abundant blessings from God.
Fran
Fran Shaff, Award-Winning Author
Fran's Web Page
It's been a while since I posted to the blog because I took some time off over the Christmas and New Year's holiday to be with family and dear friends. Wow, was it nice!
I accomplished some work around the house too which I'd wanted to do for some time. (I guess the word is out now. Most romance writers lead rather ordinary lives.)
January 2 I was back at work getting "Recruited," the fourth book in the "Tender Mysteries Series" ready for a spring release. I was delighted to be working again after my holiday break because I enjoy working. It's hard for me to be away from writing, and I rarely take time off. I think most writers are like that.
I wanted to wish all of my readers a Happy New Year. May your 2013 be filled with abundant blessings from God.
Fran
Fran Shaff, Award-Winning Author
Fran's Web Page
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Merry Christmas, News
Merry Christmas!
May God grant you and your loved ones with a wonderful Christmas season.
I have just a couple of bits of news to share with Readers this week.
First off, GoodReads is sponsoring another giveaway of my books. This time people who want to enter the contest have the chance to win one of 5 copies of "Resurrected, Restitution," a paperback containing both of the first 2 full-length novels of my new historical romance "Tender Mysteries Series." A link is posted below.
Secondly, Amazon's Montlake Romance released "Ever so Humble" in paperback and e-book. Until now, this contemporary romance was available only in hardcover. More information about this award-winning book can be found here.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Resurrected, Restitution
by Fran Shaff
Enter to win
God bless all of my Dear Readers,
Fran
Fran Shaff's Web Page
May God grant you and your loved ones with a wonderful Christmas season.
I have just a couple of bits of news to share with Readers this week.
First off, GoodReads is sponsoring another giveaway of my books. This time people who want to enter the contest have the chance to win one of 5 copies of "Resurrected, Restitution," a paperback containing both of the first 2 full-length novels of my new historical romance "Tender Mysteries Series." A link is posted below.
Secondly, Amazon's Montlake Romance released "Ever so Humble" in paperback and e-book. Until now, this contemporary romance was available only in hardcover. More information about this award-winning book can be found here.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Resurrected, Restitution
by Fran Shaff
Giveaway ends December 29, 2012.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Enter to win
God bless all of my Dear Readers,
Fran
Fran Shaff's Web Page
Monday, December 3, 2012
Achieving Happiness at Christmastime
The holiday season has arrived. Shopping, Christmas cards, beautiful trees, garlands, lights, Nativity Scenes, warm hearts and generous spirits.
The weeks before and during Christmastide are busy and beautiful.
Although this time of year can be a hectic one, all of the bother is worth the effort when we see others enjoy the fruits of our labors. A look of appreciation when someone receives a gift we've given them, the "mmm" we hear when someone delights in something we've cooked or baked, and, most importantly, the uplifting feelings we experience in our hearts when we sing Christmas carols in church on Christmas morning fill us with a warmth and satisfaction we just don't seem to experience in the same way at any other time of the year.
Difficult times happen throughout the year--including Christmastime. When tragedy has come upon us, we might not feel like allowing ourselves to enjoy this beautiful season. If we give in to those feelings of sadness, however, (and it is often too easy to give in) surely we will miss out on a special time which can otherwise lift our degenerated spirits.
More than ever, Christmastime is the best time to do good things for others, especially when we are going through difficult times ourselves. It's best that we not feel sorry for ourselves but rather reach out and volunteer in our community, bake goodies for our neighbors, help an elderly individual decorate her home, tend to someone else's needs when they are going through a rough time.
It is surprising how quickly our loneliness and deeply sad feelings can be set aside, at least for a while, by doing kind deeds for others, whether we are rewarded with a "thank you" from those we tend to directly or we are happy only in the knowledge that we've helped someone we will never meet face to face.
Remember, Christmas is a time for joy even in the midst of sorrow--even if we are not well enough to participate with our churches and communities--because "Unto us is born a Savior, Christ the Lord." And He is always there to help us through our sad times and celebrate our good times. He really, truly is.
Wishing all of my Readers and Everyone a very Merry Christmas...
Fran
Fran's Web Page
The weeks before and during Christmastide are busy and beautiful.
Although this time of year can be a hectic one, all of the bother is worth the effort when we see others enjoy the fruits of our labors. A look of appreciation when someone receives a gift we've given them, the "mmm" we hear when someone delights in something we've cooked or baked, and, most importantly, the uplifting feelings we experience in our hearts when we sing Christmas carols in church on Christmas morning fill us with a warmth and satisfaction we just don't seem to experience in the same way at any other time of the year.
Difficult times happen throughout the year--including Christmastime. When tragedy has come upon us, we might not feel like allowing ourselves to enjoy this beautiful season. If we give in to those feelings of sadness, however, (and it is often too easy to give in) surely we will miss out on a special time which can otherwise lift our degenerated spirits.
More than ever, Christmastime is the best time to do good things for others, especially when we are going through difficult times ourselves. It's best that we not feel sorry for ourselves but rather reach out and volunteer in our community, bake goodies for our neighbors, help an elderly individual decorate her home, tend to someone else's needs when they are going through a rough time.
It is surprising how quickly our loneliness and deeply sad feelings can be set aside, at least for a while, by doing kind deeds for others, whether we are rewarded with a "thank you" from those we tend to directly or we are happy only in the knowledge that we've helped someone we will never meet face to face.
Remember, Christmas is a time for joy even in the midst of sorrow--even if we are not well enough to participate with our churches and communities--because "Unto us is born a Savior, Christ the Lord." And He is always there to help us through our sad times and celebrate our good times. He really, truly is.
Wishing all of my Readers and Everyone a very Merry Christmas...
Fran
Fran's Web Page
Monday, November 19, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving and a Contest
Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope God blesses all of you, Dear Readers, with good health and happy family lives.
Other than wishing you well, I do want to let you know that Good Reads is featuring a giveaway of two autographed copies of my book "Heart Junction Series 100 Year Special Edition." This book contains all three books from the "Heart Junction Series," "Laura's Lost Love," "Stephanie's Surprise," and "Mari's Miracle" plus bonus material about life in 1912, 1913, 1914, the years in which the series is set. Please follow the link below to enter at Good Reads to win free copy of this book.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Heart Junction Series 100 Year Special Edition
by Fran Shaff
Enter to win
Happy Thanksgiving to all of my USA friends.
Fran
Fran Shaff, Award-Winning Author
Fran's Web Page
I hope God blesses all of you, Dear Readers, with good health and happy family lives.
Other than wishing you well, I do want to let you know that Good Reads is featuring a giveaway of two autographed copies of my book "Heart Junction Series 100 Year Special Edition." This book contains all three books from the "Heart Junction Series," "Laura's Lost Love," "Stephanie's Surprise," and "Mari's Miracle" plus bonus material about life in 1912, 1913, 1914, the years in which the series is set. Please follow the link below to enter at Good Reads to win free copy of this book.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Heart Junction Series 100 Year Special Edition
by Fran Shaff
Giveaway ends December 08, 2012.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Enter to win
Happy Thanksgiving to all of my USA friends.
Fran
Fran Shaff, Award-Winning Author
Fran's Web Page
Monday, November 12, 2012
Heroines, 100 Years, and Contemporary
I've been Guest Blogging all over lately.
Last Monday I talked about "Strong Heroines" at Fresh Fiction. I love strong heroines in the stories I read, and I presume my readers like them too. My new Tender Mysteries Series features ten strong heroines in ten books, all set in the 1890s. Read my blog at Fresh Fiction here.
On Thursday I visited the Long and Short Reviews blog and talked about "100 Years of Love." This summer my entire three-novel Heart Junction Series, set in early Twentieth Century South Dakota, was released in a special edition collection. While visiting the Long and Short Reviews blog I discussed some of the things which were taking place 100 years ago such as the beginning of the Oreo cookie, the founding of the Girl Scouts, and the opening of two beloved professional baseball stadiums. Read my guest blog at Long and Short Reviews here.
Wednesday, November 14, I'll be at the Romance Junkies Blog writing about being "Completely Contemporary" in today's novels. Things change so quickly from year to year, it's quite a challenge for writers to keep their contemporary novels current, especially when it comes to technology. As of November 14 my Romance Junkies guest blog will be here.
As always, thank you, Readers, for your support on this blog and wherever you find me on the Internet!
Fran
Fran Shaff, Award-Winning Author
Fran's Web Page
Last Monday I talked about "Strong Heroines" at Fresh Fiction. I love strong heroines in the stories I read, and I presume my readers like them too. My new Tender Mysteries Series features ten strong heroines in ten books, all set in the 1890s. Read my blog at Fresh Fiction here.
On Thursday I visited the Long and Short Reviews blog and talked about "100 Years of Love." This summer my entire three-novel Heart Junction Series, set in early Twentieth Century South Dakota, was released in a special edition collection. While visiting the Long and Short Reviews blog I discussed some of the things which were taking place 100 years ago such as the beginning of the Oreo cookie, the founding of the Girl Scouts, and the opening of two beloved professional baseball stadiums. Read my guest blog at Long and Short Reviews here.
Wednesday, November 14, I'll be at the Romance Junkies Blog writing about being "Completely Contemporary" in today's novels. Things change so quickly from year to year, it's quite a challenge for writers to keep their contemporary novels current, especially when it comes to technology. As of November 14 my Romance Junkies guest blog will be here.
As always, thank you, Readers, for your support on this blog and wherever you find me on the Internet!
Fran
Fran Shaff, Award-Winning Author
Fran's Web Page
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