Christmas and Giving

I am awed by people’s ability to reach out and touch hearts, especially this time of year when unique challenges often seem overwhelming. Inspired works of art, music, poetry and personal insight that lift the spirit, bring hope and help others experience the true joy of this marvelous Christmas season are created and shared by so many of you. I see examples of personal talents being used to bless the lives of others each time I open my Facebook page. I read stories of faith, courage, loyalty, empathy, kindness and cheer that let me know heaven is not so far away from here. I thank all of you for being so willing to share both the good and the bad that life has to offer. It makes us feel less alone. I’d really like to do my part by sharing more of me. I can’t sing, dance or create beautiful works of art, but I believe the stories I write will bring hope and peace. I’d love for you to have a free digital copy of the first book I wrote, Indecision’s Flame, simply by signing up for my monthly newsletter at  http://eepurl.com/dCPYVf   It’s my way of saying “thank you for being you”.

Newsletters and Mailing Lists

Here’s my spiel about newsletters and mailing lists. People are downright afraid of them. We’re a society inundated by salespersons in every form trying to sell us something we most likely don’t need or even want. Saying ‘no’ is often irksome since it breeds hostility and avoided or lost friends. So why am I asking anyone to join my newsletter mailing list at http://eepurl.com/dCPYVf and receive a free book in the process? It’s not to guilt anyone into buying books, though that would be nice since they're available on Amazon at https//amzn.to/2BXNSdv. It’s simply a marketing tool to help identify people who want to know more about a whole lot of different things and give away a few books that are a very real part of me since I wrote them. They are my children, and like the children we raise I want others to see how great I think they are. 

My newsletter is a companion to this site where I share ideas, thoughts and poems, and past experiences with others that have impacted my life. It will include recipes, clean reads by other authors, my own new releases, information I’ve gleaned from a variety of sources and anything else I feel is uplifting and positive. It’s a place to express how I’m feeling inside and maybe help someone else in the process. The Internet is a powerful tool for good when used in the right way. I’m learning that I have a responsibility to help make the world a better place. I’m pretty much confined to my own little area of influence without it, but by using it I can keep in touch with the people in my life who really matter, especially those I haven’t seen for a while. So take a chance and sign up. I’d love for you to be a bigger part of my life. 

First snow and Betrayal is finally out

So it's a cold and blistery morning here in Utah, but I'm not complaining because we need the moisture desperately. This is high desert country, after all! What has your morning been like? I've been trying to write another draft of a press release. My first few attempts were horrid failures, but I'm not going to give up on anything. I seem to have that inborn drive that keeps me moving forward, even when I should most likely call it quits. Anyone else feel that way? There's always so much to learn, and it's overwhelming at times, but I've found that I can avoid only so long and then it's rushing in with both guns blazing as I try to accomplish something I've never tackled before. 

I also want to thank everyone who has been so supportive in my new endeavor as an Indie author. It hasn't been easy, but I'm enjoying the challenges. I'd love for everyone who reads this to sign up for my newsletter mailing list by December 31 to receive a free digital copy of Indecision's Flame at http://eepurl.com/dCPYVf 

I promise not to send a ton of them because I spend most of my free time working on my books. It's just a way to share a little more of myself. Hope you have a blessed day, and don't rush too hard for Christmas. You still have three weeks left.

Three beautiful winners

So I'm really setting a record - three blogs in less than two days - but I couldn't let this go. Some things are just too exciting. One of the winners from my first contest as a writer, Amber Homer from Boise, Idaho, sent me a picture this morning of two of her beautiful daughters holding the books she won last month. They ended up on the cover of a literary magazine - Books 'N Pieces - that everyone should check it because it's amazing with author interviews, short stories and deals galore each month.  http://booksnpieces.com/A/2018/11/another-happy-js-ririe-books-winner/

I love doing things for others, but time and distance often prevent me from getting as involved as I would like. Sponsoring contests and sharing my work is one way I've found for keeping in touch. My hope is that my books will be entertaining, uplifting and thought-provoking. Much thought is given to each character in my stories. Even the more villainous ones have redeeming qualities. Hope your day has been great. I know mine has. You could be one of the next winners by signing up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/dCPYVf before December 31.  Each person who does s will receive a digital copy of Indecision's Flame book. There are also 4 print proof copies of the same book to be given away at the end of month. I'd love to be giving them to you.

Old Dogs - New Tricks

So here I sit in my office tonight unable to sleep as often happens these days. I suppose it's because I've been wondering the past few hours why it took a good friend who has been in the publishing business for many years drawing a literal diagram earlier today about the fundamentals of how the Internet works when it comes to interfacing between various public domain platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Blogging sites before I understood, even in part, how they all fit together. 

I used to consider myself fairly intelligent and able to pick up on things quickly, but that was definitely before the technological boom of the past few years. Things are changing so rapidly I know I'll never be able to keep up. So why did I decide going into Indie publishing was such a good idea five months ago? I'm one of the baby boomers who has now retired but who doesn't want to quit growing, learning, chasing my dreams and being receptive to new challenges. Is essence, I want to be more like my grandchildren who pick up a cell phone and can use every app without having to think about it.

I fear I'm not alone in that desire. I stood behind a lady at Walmart last week who was trying to pay for her groceries using an app on her cell phone. She was about my age and while she'd done it once was having a difficult time figuring out how to do it agin. She finally gave up and pulled out her Debit card. It made me feel a little bit better about how slowly my brain processes things it's not used to, but it made me sad too because I know I'll never catch on to new things like I once was able to do. Good thing I was taught to never give up because I'm not going to. I'll keep reaching towards the stars until the day I die. I hope you feel that way too. 

That's why I'm so glad Betrayal - Indecision's Flame - Book 4 is finally out, and I'm offering a free digital copy of book 1 in the series to everyone who signs up for my newsletter between now and December 31 at http://eepurl.com/dCPYVf 

I'd love for you to join in the fun. 

Welcome to Christmas and Betrayal

Hope everyone has their running shoes on. I know I do. The stores are already packed, we've had our first snowfall, and book 4 in the Indecision's Flame series is now out. Can't get much better than that this last week of November. Here's a short recap of what Brylee is up to next in Betrayal.

Despite a fractured heart over Jake leaving the ranch, Brylee must forge onward in support of her cousin, Molly, who has suddenly decided to get married, inviting Beth to be her maid of honor. Helping to plan an unexpected wedding is prickly, but the reception is even worse when Jake’s appearance confirms what she has known all along. Tension and violence quickly ignite in the outback when a nugget of gold is found on a neighboring homestead and a man is killed for not revealing its source, forcing Brylee and Jake to put aside their differences and pretend to get along as they are pulled deeper into a web of misunderstandings, cover-ups and danger. A desperate ride down a mountain on a saddle less horse helps Brylee arrive at an important deduction that could alter her future, but will providence intervene before she can make good on a promise? Every hope for her future is put to the test. 

Hope this season brings everything you desire but never forget what we're truly meant to celebrate. Christ's birth and life brought us gifts we should never take for granted.

Winners of contest

So happy to announce the winners of my first drawing. Amber Homer and Krystall Hawkins will each receive autographed copies of books one and two in the Indecision's Flame series. I would also like to thank everyone who entered. It's not easy starting on a new journey of discovering what I can do, but the support I've received has been awesome. We all need that, regardless of our journey through life. If you have an experience about something that has really changed you or how you view life, I'd love to hear about it. Keep reading and stay happy.

Book Trailer

Just finished creating my first book trailer. https://youtu.be/j9RdUcNoRkk
Wasn't at all sure I could do it, but with some awesome help, I got it done. As a writer it's fun to take a break and try something new with the creatively genes, but it was definitely out of my comfort zone. I've decided that trying new things isn't always bad, even if it is confusing and difficult at times. My next task is figuring out how to link it to this sit. Help with that would be much appreciated. Hope your day is going well.

"Exposed" is out

The best part of my day is knowing that I accomplished something important. It doesn't always have to be work related, but that certainly helps increase my own confidence level. My greatest joys come from serving others and helping them feel good about themselves. But after two days of being sick with having had a root canal that ended up with the tooth being pulled because there was a crack in it, I'm more than happy to say that "Exposed" book 3 in the INdecision's Flame series is now available in both eBook and print formats. To celebrate I'm giving away signed copies of books one and two. The drawing will take place on the 25th of this month. Hope lots of people will take advantage of it.

Here's a little synopsis of how Brylee's story advances in "Exposed". Hope it peaks your interest because it's just the touch of the ice berg when it comes to all that happens.

With LeAnn gone from the ranch because she is unable to accept her husband’s death, and the aftermath of the flood to deal with, Brylee is forced to assume more responsibility than she is prepared for in raising her little brother, Trevor, and trying to keep the family heritage intact. Her troubles deepen when a secret she was keeping from her fiancé is revealed through an unexpected source, and she must learn to accept the fact that her feelings for Jake, the incorrigible, yet handsome ranch hand and family member who has the uncanny knack for seeing into her heart as no one else has been able to do, not even Ben, are beginning to change. A chance encounter on the beach proves just how much she has to fear. Uncle Ned delivers unsetting news about the fate of the ranch, and LeAnn learns about a priceless gift that turns the family upside down and causes Brylee to accept the reality that her life may never turn out the way she planned. Could a bleak present become an even more desolate future? 

Happy reading. Let me know what you think.

Vacation fun

Just got home from spending time with my sister. We always go to Branson, Missouri because we love it there and have so many friends among the entertainers. If you've never been, there's something for everyone to do, especially the kids. Not only is Silver Dollar City - a giant amusement park like none other you've ever seen - available to keep everyone entertained, but the entire town has added water slides, bumper cars, miniature golf, budgie jumping, helicopter rides and just about anything a person could want to do. There's also great food and amazing shows. We saw Michael Bolton. It was nice to see that everyone ages,

but he or she can still do what they love and be good at it.

Change things up

My sister and I are seeing Michael Bolton in concert on Sunday night in Branson. We'll be seeing a lot of different shows as well and visiting with friends, but it's good to do something different just for fun or because it's a new experience. That's what makes life most interesting. Hope you find some creative way of doing something for yourself this week. It's important for good mental health.

Lost is now available in paperback

Book 2 in the Indecision's Flame series is now out in paperback. Follow more of Brylee's story as she discovers some surprising things about herself while on a trail drive with Jake to bring the sheep to Uncle Ned's for shearing. People aren't always who they seem to be. “Look around you,” he mocked. “Do you see any sheep just waiting to be led away? We’ll be lucky to find half of them before then, and just to answer your next question. It would waste too much time to come back tomorrow for any stragglers.”
He gave me a sardonic smile that sent chills down my spine as he climbed of his motorbike and secured his helmet. He used one when it was necessary. “I just hope we don’t have any trouble with dingoes tonight. We’re invading one of their prime hunting grounds.”
I felt a chill envelop me again. He might just be baiting me to get another reaction, but common sense told me he wasn’t. Wild dogs had to eat just like everything else, and domesticated animals were their favorite meal when they could get them."
Check it out on both Amazon and Smashwords, and don't forget to sign up for my mailing list (http://eepurl.com/dCPYVf) or visit me at JanHillBooks. It would mean a lot. Hope you're having an amazing fall day.

"Lost" is coming out

So excited to announce that "Lost" book 2 in the "Indecision's Flame series will be available on Amazon for readers within 72 hours.

Let me know what you think of the cover? I think it's awesome!

Fall Reflections

Love this time of year. The colors and cooler weather cause me to reflect on what I've accomplished during the summer months when there's always too much to do and so little time. It also gives me a feeling of peace knowing that things will slow down, and I'll be able to schedule more time for activities that are a little closer to home like canning produce from my garden, watching the pumpkins turn orange and anticipating the holidays when all the craziness will start again. What do you most like about fall? Love to hear from you.

Look for the unexpected in the most mundane day. It might surprise you. Brylee does just that as she faces challenges almost too great to handle. As she says early in Indecision's Flame:  

"I looked down at the ring on my finger and thought about Ben. He’d encouraged me to make peace with my past before we were married, and he’d helped me understand the importance of family even when they’d hurt me beyond belief. I’d fought him on the idea of going home for months but finally realized that I could never be happy in a new life while the old one was still causing me so much pain. I’d grown up, and I’d changed, but what if I hadn’t changed enough to accept the people who had once meant everything to me?"

  

 That pretty much says it for all of us as we try to muddle through some very difficult days, but we keep going anyway.

Disasters Everywhere

The skies in Utah range from blue to pink to gray to purple and people with chronic lung problems are being told to stay indoors or visit another place until the air clears. As a severe allergy sufferer I get it, but it still makes my heart hurt for all of those whose lives are being ravaged by all the disasters that are raging in our country right now. The coasts are being hit hard by flooding and fires and so many people have lost their homes, businesses and all the little mementos that bring and keep families together. That doesn't even include all the personal tragedies and hard time people live with everyday. Maybe it's time to to take a step back and visualize the things that mean the most to us. Have you hugged the people you love most today or at least contacted them in some way? That's certainly what I plan to do. After all, it usually is the little things that bring the most comfort and joy. 

Happy Moments

I just spent the past two days with my granddaughter doing some of the simple things that make life more amazing like picking fresh raspberries, blackberries and strawberries and watching giant snails creep around the yard. My life here is nothing like Brylee's life in Australia in the book "Indecision's Flame". She has to contend with all kinds of poisonous insects and reptiles, intense heat, no rain, and people who seemed determined to make her life miserable. But then I suppose life can be beautiful anywhere. What makes your life most enjoyable? I'd love to hear that from you.

I love this cover. It almost tells the story by itself. Check out Brylee's experience about love, betrayal, and hope. It will make you smile, laugh, get angry and even bring a tear to two.

Hello my friends,

I am thrilled to let you know that Book 1, Indecision's Flame,is now available on Kindle, written under my pen name JS Ririe. Right now I have listed it at the sale price of $0.99, however this will be going up to $2.99 once the sale is over. You can buy the eBook at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G4RMMJN/

Indecision's Flame is about Brylee Hawkins who was prepared to enjoy a bright, hopeful future until her fiancé convinced her to return to the Australian Outback to confront the father that had driven her away. On her own again in a harsh and unforgiving land, she is forced to face a mottled and unsavory past and an even more disturbing and dangerous present. 

   As unrelenting lies, secrets and cover-ups – including a family she never knew about - continue to unfold, Brylee soon learns that both decisions and indecision are bringing her closer to a point of no return. Will she find the strength to fight the darkness, or will it seep into her soul and take away everything she had come to treasure?

This is book 1 in a 7 book series that has already been written. The rest of the books will be available soon, so if you love this book, which I know you will, you will love the rest in the series. Do me a favor and JOIN my Mailing List so that I can keep you updated on new releases. I'll also be offering giveaways, and even signed copies of the print version. The link to join my list is http://eepurl.com/dCPYVf

Thanks for your support. Do stay in touch and let me know what you thought about the book.

Jan Hill (JS Ririe)

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Website: www.JanHillBooks.com

Brylee Hawkins was going home, but it wasn’t for a happy reunion. She was there to confront her father so she could return to the man of her dreams and get married. But the Australian Outback wasn’t the place she remembered, and the truth behind her mother’s unexpected death wasn’t the only reality that would toss her into a quagmire of doubt, suspicion and self-doubt. Lies, cover-ups and betrayals abounded – including a new family, a dangerously seductive ranch hand and the realization that everything she had believed to be true about her past was only an illusion created to protect her. Will she be strong enough to fight the demons alone, or will she sink into a dark abyss and lose everything, including her soul? 

Praises for Indecision’s Flame:

   “The chemistry between the character had me turning pages anxiously for more. What an exciting book.” - Cathy M.

  “This is a romance that has it all - complex characters, an exotic location that captures the reader’s imagination. Mesmerizing. Best of all, Brylee is a heroine for the 21^stcentury. She is an accomplished, talented, confident and independent woman who captures your heart.” - Peggy O.

   “I’m totally hooked on this book and cannot wait for the rest of the story!” - Joan M.

Flawsomely Awesome or Beautifully Broken

Flawsomely Awesome or Beautifully Broken 

I haven't quite decided on a title for this blog yet. Maybe you could help? I want something that catches the eye, is easily remembered and reflects the essence of what I'd like to do as I share teasers and excerpts from upcoming books and express my views of life in general - among other things that will be of interest to readers who enjoy my stories. 

I believe in the power of the printed word. It calms troubled hearts, gives added courage and allows for moments of diversion from often hectic and troubling days. Brylee's story in Indecision's Flame is a story for the 21st century where the past and present often collide. As Brylee states in the first few pages: "I knew what I had done was wrong, but my own pain had stripped all humanity from me, and I'd lashed out at the only person I knew I could hurt - my father." 

We've all had times like that. It's what living is all about.

Welcome to Jan Hill Books

I'm delighted to announce that Indecision's Flame, the first in a seven book series, will be available very soon.