Have Fun . . . Stay Safe!

June 21, 2015 darlenedeluca Guests, This and That friends, getaway, safety, travel, trip

Hello, everyone!
I was telling my favorite travel agent about my book club gals’ recent getaway to Branson, and she offered to send along some expert travel tips for women. So if a girls’ getaway is in your plans this summer (and I hope so!), here are a few reminders for having fun and staying safe. Happy travels to all!

1. Staying Healthy — advance planning is key. I always gather up a small bag of supplies as sort of an “emergency kit” with items such as a packet of Kleenex, some cough drops, tube of Dramamine pills, sheet of Pepto-Bismol tablets, tiny bottle of hand sanitizer, handful of Band-aids, tube of Neosporin, and some sort of headache remedy.
Get your prescriptions filled, too, and keep all of these items in your carry-on. Since you can’t carry onto a plane liquid items of more than three ounces, be sure to pack in your check-bag some sunscreen and insect repellant as well.
These are especially important for international travel, because you don’t know how easy/difficult it might be to find such items at your destination and they will certainly cost a lot more (on my last trip with friends someone had to buy cough drops and they were four Euros for a pack of 8!).
In most places, quality hotels, resorts, and restaurants are going to have water and tea that you can safely drink, but do purchase bottled water from the hotel or at a store (not from street vendors) to have while you’re out. But don’t avoid water, because letting yourself get dehydrated will make you feel sick. Go easy on the alcohol. Eat meals and snacks when you get a chance and resist the urge to worry about your weight! You need energy! Feeling too-hungry in the middle of the day will zap the fun right out of you and make you feel queasy.
And I must mention: never, ever approach an animal, either wild or domesticated.

2. Personal Security — let someone know your itinerary – what are your flights, where are you supposed to be and when, hotel names, etc. Working with a travel agent is a good idea, too, for smooth coordination of logistics and records of each reservation detail. I wouldn’t put all this information in your check-bag, but a note with your name and the phone number of your next stop inside would be helpful to your airline/tour operator/cab company if your bag were to be misplaced.
Everyone knows about safeguarding your room keys, not disclosing your room information to anyone outside of your group, and using in-room safes for jewelry, small electronics, and travel documents that you don’t want to carry with you while you’re “out and about.” Never leave your purse, camera, or phone unattended. A cross-body bag that you can hold in front of you is the best accessory to take.
Stay together as best you can, and wear comfortable shoes that you could run in to escape a mugger or pickpocket. People romance about the idea of getting “off the beaten path,” but seriously, it is much better for your sightseeing value and for your safety to stick with the “touristy” areas.

3. Security of Possessions — file a report with your airline immediately, before you leave the airport, if your bag doesn’t show up on the carousel! You are entitled to certain expense reimbursements in the event of delayed or lost luggage, so look up those policies on their website and be prepared to stand firm for your rights just in case. Also on that website – information on restricted items, which will certainly be confiscated if you mistakenly pack them (forget about your aerosol hairspray, sorry).
Never pack your travel documents, medications, electronics, valuable jewelry, or anything you can’t live without for a day or two. Leave your designer clothes behind. I’ve had items stolen from checked bags – new bottle of fragrance, new tube of toothpaste (!?), fancy face cream – so now I never take anything new, and I tuck tampons around my expensive personal-care products that I can’t live without (TSA and airline employees won’t touch them!).
Look out for each other – lost on our trip: a pair of sunglasses, a cap, and a jacket! If we had all been alert to check the back of a chair, glance under the table, or give the area one last go-over we wouldn’t have gone off and left them.
And last, don’t over-fret about things (lose a bag and have to buy a couple of new outfits? Oh darn… ) Maintain a sense of perspective on the very slim chance of anything bad happening – of course you want to be prepared and use common sense – but you really want to relax and enjoy your trip!

Tips from Janet McLaren, Travel Specialist
Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative
972-231-0066, 1-866-592-7351
jmclaren@cruiseplanners.com
>
http://www.cruiseplanforyou.com
Travel Blog: http://luv2cruz.wordpress.com
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/cruiseplanforyou

Something Good makes the cut!

May 29, 2015 darlenedeluca Books, What's New Award, Finalist, romance, RONE, Something Good

So excited! Got word today that Something Good is a finalist for a RONE Award in the contemporary romance category. The RONEs are given in conjunction with InD’Tale Magazine to recognize outstanding work by independent authors and small press publishers. I am thrilled to be in this group.

Many, many thanks to all of you who supported me in the open voting round that made me a finalist.

Happy weekend, and happy reading to all!

Darlene

Oh, for a crystal ball!

May 15, 2015 darlenedeluca A Writer's Life crystal ball, looking ahead, writing

I’m about ready to finish up a new contemporary romance. It’s always fun to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s also a challenging part of the writing process – figuring out if the story is really “done,” and then moving on to the agony of writing an intriguing cover blurb, choosing an eye-catching title, and creating an appealing cover.
But while that story is being scrutinized by critique partners and beta readers, I’m looking ahead to what’s next. I probably have ten stories in various stages of development – everything from a basic concept to a solid 75,000 words. Some are romance, some are general fiction, some women’s fiction, and one or two are actually non-fiction. The dilemma is, I want to write them all! Unfortunately, time demands that I choose.
Oh, for a crystal ball. Which concept is strongest? Which is most likely to strike a chord with readers or find its way to an influencer? And significantly, which one will come together most organically with words and ideas flowing as I sit at my computer?
My most recent published work is a women’s fiction, and I’m committed to a third book in that series. Charge ahead with that or take a break? The novel that’s attracting the most attention right now is my contemporary romance Something Good that was published last year. Keep the momentum going, and follow up with something similar to appeal to that same audience?
Last night, I sat down and read through several of the manuscripts I’ve started, and have to say, I feel pretty good about all of them. I can see potential in the stories and characters. I can see tension and conflict, and developing relationships. On one hand, that’s exciting because I know I can keep at this. On the other hand, it’s frightening and immobilizing because I can see about ten years’ worth of work waiting to be done!
My solution? Take a break. Go do something else, and hope that inspiration will strike, as usual, when I’m working in the yard or cleaning the house. Hoping that some of those characters will whisper in my ear and nudge me in the right direction! 🙂

It’s all about the end!

April 28, 2015 darlenedeluca Books, What's New best ending, happy ever after, Laguna Beach, Maple Leaf Awards, Something Good

I love a good ending. It’s so annoying to spend my time on a book only to be disappointed at the end — loose ends, unrealistic twists, character death or an abrupt stop with no resolution. So I was especially excited yesterday when I received word that my novel Something Good received a Maple Leaf Award for “Best Ending!”

I won’t give away the end of the book, but I have to agree, it’s a good one. It takes place in one of my favorite places — Laguna Beach, California. Sunshine, beach, ocean, what’s not to love?!

Something Good also received Honorable Mentions for “Best Novel,” “Best Misty Moment,” and “Best Hero!”

The Maple Leaf Awards are sponsored annually by the TransCanada Romance Writers to recognize outstanding work by published authors.

Want to get your own copy of Something Good? Click here!

Happy reading!

Darlene

Personal safety . . . a case for keys

April 22, 2015 darlenedeluca This and That cars, keys, protection, safety

I had my car in for routine maintenance last week, and was given a brand-new model to drive while mine was in the shop. This new car, an updated model of my own, had all the top bells and whistles, including keyless entry. You just put your foot on the brake and push a button. Easy.

Yes, it was simple, but it got me to thinking, what’s so inconvenient about a key? Then I took it one step further and started thinking, no way. I want my key. In fact, all women should want a key, and they should have it in their hand as they approach their car or a store in a parking lot.

A couple of things bother me about this keyless entry. First, it means a woman only has to have the key near her – say tucked inside the pocket of her jeans or in her purse. Once she gets close to the car, BINGO! the doors unlock. This does not seem safe to me. Sure, it gives her hands-free access, but it gives that to anyone around her as well.

Additionally, if those keys aren’t in her hand, they can’t be used as self protection, and she doesn’t have access to the panic button on the key fob. Not good.

I recently had the opportunity to drive my daughter’s car, too. Her key folds into the fob. Again, this is convenient for carrying the key in a pocket. It’s not as bad as the keyless entry, but still, it means she can approach the car and unlock it without having the sharp point of the key exposed. After considering this, I’ve advised her to always release the key and carry it in such a way that it could be used if she were approached, attacked, etc.

A few years ago, we had a very sad incident occur in our area. A young woman was abducted from a store parking lot in daylight. In her own car she was taken to another location where she was raped and murdered. Any little bit of self protection that could potentially help a woman in such a situation is so important. Ladies, don’t trade convenience for personal safety. Keep your key! And keep it handy. It could do more than start your car.

You have the power . . .

April 20, 2015 darlenedeluca Books, What's New Award, News, RONE, Vote

More good news! My most recent contemporary romance, Something Good, is nominated for a RONE Award by InD’Tale Magazine! That’s primarily the result of a great review from one of the staff’s reviewers.

And now, round two is up to YOU!

This week I need friends, fans and followers to cast your vote in support of Something Good, a romance about redemption and moving forward. Just follow the link below, and look for the category Contemporary: sweet. All you need is a computer and a couple of minutes. 🙂

Many thanks, and happy reading to all!

Darlene

VOTE Now

Cuteness overload!

April 13, 2015 darlenedeluca Home & Family, This and That animals, aquariums, smiles, Tennessee, zoos

Zoos and aquariums have long been on our family’s list of places to go on trips and vacations. While I haven’t specifically recorded each one, it’s very close to at least one in each state!

It all started roughly twenty years ago when my daughter became almost obsessed with animals. We’ve been to zoos in the rain, snow and blazing heat. If you ever have the chance to go to a zoo on a nice winter day, do it! One of our best ever experiences happened right after Christmas when there was snow on the ground, but only a few people around. The place was quiet, and we had it almost to ourselves. No fighting for position, no large groups of school kids, and the animals were active and interested.

I added two new zoos and another aquarium to the list in the past couple of weeks with a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the Cincinnati Zoo.

I know a lot of people are either dog lovers or cat people. I’m really neither, but I do enjoy zoo animals. I don’t know how anyone could not smile at the adorable face of a red panda or the amusing antics of river otters and penguins! Here are a few of my most recent zoo encounters. Feel free to contribute photo captions that come to mind! 🙂
Enjoy!

-Darlene

Road tripping and state skipping

April 3, 2015 darlenedeluca Home & Family, This and That driving, fun times, road trip, Smoky Mountains

It’s the last day of the big road trip with my daughter . . . five states in five days! The ultimate goal is to move her from North Carolina to New York, but many detours along the way! We’ve seen woods and mountains, taken tours and scenic drives. Fun restaurants and shopping. We’ve been way up high in the lovely Smoky Mountains, and way down low in the Mammoth Caves of Kentucky. A few wrong turns and cloudy days, but mostly fun times! The years of this kind of freedom will be fewer and fewer, so we’re trying to enjoy it as much as we can.

Today we’re heading to the zoo, then it’s on the road again — on the road to the Final Four!

More blog posts to come! Happy weekend, everyone!

Darlene

Now This is Eye Candy!

March 25, 2015 darlenedeluca This and That, Uncategorized cactus, flowers, Huntington Gardens, photos, spring break

Just got back from spring break. Tons of fun in (mostly) sunny California! Had a great time watching my son play tennis and hanging out at several beaches with the fam and our friend. But one of the best days was when I stole away all by myself to visit the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena. This place is just amazing. Beautiful. Restful. Peaceful. So many lovely places to just relax, read and reflect. I did all of that, but I also took a bunch of pictures. The wisteria in the Japanese garden was stunning. May have gotten a little carried away in the desert garden. There are some strange and incredible plants on this planet! Here’s a little peek!

Of Belles and Books

March 16, 2015 darlenedeluca Guests, Uncategorized author, historical fiction, Nashville, stories

Hello, everyone! Happy Monday to you! Today it’s my pleasure to have Belle Blackburn as my guest. (It’s okay if you suddenly have the urge to belt out a chorus of “Be My Guest, Be My Guest, Be My Guest.” I did.) Belle is, of course, an avid reader, but also a talented writer who enjoys mixing a variety of genres into her novels.

Welcome, Belle!

What genre(s) do you write?
Primarily historical fiction but you could slip it into a few other categories like mystery, romance, history and medical.

How did you become interested in that genre/topic?
This sounds so cheesy but it was seeing Gone With the Wind when I was 14 years old. I knew there had been a Civil War but it was just some dates and battle names in a history book, which bored me immensely. My mother took me to the movie and it really made an impact on me. That was the first time I had heard about how war affected civilians as well as soldiers. I still remember the shot of all those wounded soldiers lying in the sun (half of which were dummies). My brother was in the military at the time so I was very sensitive to that. I then read the book and have had an interest in history since, though I usually focus on civilians. If you are looking for book spotlighting the military, battles and weapons, there are many out there by experts in that field and I am not one.

How long have you been writing and how many published works?
I have planned to write since second grade and got a minor in journalism, but did not produce my first book until a couple of years ago. I wrote a murder mystery and needed it to be set in a time without forensics and since Nashville was a busy and important place during the Civil War, I chose that time period. I like to discover history in the setting of a good tale so I slipped Nashville’s war story into it. It does take a ton of research but I love it. I am now writing the sequel.

What’s your favorite part about writing?
Experiencing the flow. Sometimes I just can’t get it on paper quick enough and it takes on a life of its own. I have had bossy characters who insisted on having things their way, which I had not planned. I know to appreciate those times because sometimes it drags. And, of course, five star reviews are pretty awesome. ☺

In writing historical fiction, you must have done some research. What are your sources? Are there any particular historical “nuggets” you found while researching? And travel required?
I spent a lot of time in the Nashville Room at the main library. I loved finding books that were eyewitness accounts. I also contacted several of the local historians, who were very helpful. I discovered a thesis about daily life in Nashville in the 1850s at the Vanderbilt Library and that gave good insight to the city. My biggest problem was finding out about the law of the time and I finally found a legal historian. The research into the medical practice of that time was very interesting in that it held no resemblance to today’s medicine at all. It is so easy to deride their medical practices but I know in 150 years they will be feeling the same way about our time. I often wonder if our generation’s time will be known as The Chemical Age. And I have to say researching is tremendously easier with the internet! As far as travel, it was mostly limited to within the city – libraries, historical sites, presentations or to meet a historian. I’m sure there was some European connection to Nashville in the Civil War that I will have to go research!

Tell us a little about your main character.
Kate is…a bit flawed. Mostly she is just young and inexperienced and, like people of that age, thinks she has all the answers. She is a bit brash in her thoughts, which she at least has enough sense not to vocalize. She does grow a lot in the 1+ year this book covers. She is at the core a good person but stubborn when she has something in her head, and doesn’t always make good choices. I sometimes have inspiration for a character from a real person but Kate is just purely out of my head.

What do you hope readers will enjoy or take away from reading your book?
I hope first that they enjoy a good yarn and love the characters, but secondarily I would like for them to learn things they never knew before.

Please share a couple of favorite lines from your book.
This is like asking me to choose a favorite child but I will settle on one from the first page – “I went to church to practice hate and revenge.”

Where do you get your story ideas?
History guides my story. My characters have to operate within the confines of true history, however, their own stories can come from anywhere. I have incorporated some of my own experiences as well as others. Most of it just comes out of my head or my husband’s. He is my male muse since he has a great imagination and creative mind. I will get stuck at points and I will ask him how this character is going to get to this place or how I can make this happen and he usually has a good idea.

Is there anyone in particular who has influenced your writing career?
I am grateful to the teachers who encouraged me along the way. The author Susan Howatch influenced me with her intelligent and insightful Starbridge series of books, as well as Wheel of Fortune. I learned that no matter how much I think I know a situation, other people see the same thing quite differently. And most people do not even know themselves. She likens the personality to an onion, where the outer layer is the glittering image you present the world, then you start stripping off the layers until you get down to the very core, and your true self is usually not what you think it will be at all.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
It usually involves my hands in the dirt or on an animal but very soon it will involve my first grandchild. I will wash my hands first before handling him, afterwards with the other two.

What’s one thing about you that most people don’t know?
I was voted Most Mischievous in high school.

What’s next on your writing journey?
The sequel to the first book. Got some loose ends to tie up.

So, I’m curious have you ever (or how many times) dressed up as Belle from Beauty and the Beast?
I have now!