A Writer's Words - 4 Life Lessons from My Dog

Hocus Pocus and All That 

4 Life Lessons from My Dog 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

Scruff is my writing partner. Kind of an unusual name for a writing partner unless you realize he’s a dog, a Shih Tzu to be exact. I’ve mentioned Scruff’s role in my writing process before. Such as how he waits for me to get in the office to start writing (mostly because he wants a treat that he knows I keep in there) or how he gets me out of the chair to stretch and play for a while when I need a break. But there are other lessons I’ve learned about writing, and enjoying life in general from Scruff.

Make Time for Naps

Scuff naps a lot. Pretty much a large portion of his day is spending napping making me wonder if he’s part cat. Napping is something I rarely, if ever take the time to do because there is always so much that needs done on my To-Do list. Although most of these things would still be there if I took a little break now and then to stretch and rest my eyes.

My body would probably thank me for the reprieve. Writers, and anyone else who spends a lot of time sitting, benefits from taking care of their body.

Forgive and Forget

No matter what Scruff may have gotten in trouble for, or how cranky I might be, he quickly forgets it and moves on. He’s just as happy to see me and his sappy smile makes it impossible to stay angry with him, or anything else in the world. 

Most of us tend to linger on past wrongdoings or wallow in guilt or anger over regrets from time to time. We are often our harshest critics, and the time we spend doubting ourselves, and others, from things that happened in our past don’t usually provide any benefits. As much as I’d love to find one, so far, a magical “do-over” button has eluded me. If the story isn’t working out, I either push on or work on something else. Focusing on one tiny piece for too long makes me lose track of the big picture.

Eat Dessert First

If Scruff gets a little bit of “people food” he waits to see if he’s going to get something better and eats that first.

We often hold our rewards until we meet a goal, or do all the things we “should” do, but sometimes it’s better to treat ourselves first and celebrate the little triumphs to inspire us to keep moving. Don’t wait to read that book you’re looking forward to until you get a large block of uninterrupted time. Why not enjoy a chapter now?

Size Doesn’t Matter 

Scruff is a big dog—in his mind. If the door is open a crack—that he can easily fit through—he waits until we open it more to pass through. If he’s safe on the deck, he fears nothing. He trots around with the arrogance of a much larger dog where he rules our household.

As a reader, I’m not usually concerned about the length of a story. I’m more concerned about how much I enjoy the characters and the storyline. The only time I might be a little upset is if it’s so good that it ends too soon. As a writer, I have my eye on the word count as I’m writing, but I also know when the story is “done”, and it doesn’t usually follow the rules about word count and chapter length.

Have You Learned Any Lessons from Your Pets?
Originally Published on Paranormal Romantics

© 2018 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved
Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/
#motivational #inspirational #writing #writing #blogging #dogs #pets

A Writer's Words - My Favorite Indulgence is Doing Nothing

Hocus Pocus and All That 

My Favorite Indulgence is Doing Nothing 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

What’s my favorite indulgence? This is a broad topic. I could talk about how I love a glass of wine at the end of a long day, or occasionally a nip of good tequila (yes, there is a difference!). Or I could mention the tub of marshmallow crème in the cupboard that never seems to make it into anything baked but is always coming up empty.

Perhaps I could tell you again how writing is my favorite escape, or how the only way that I can slow down is to watch a movie, but I won’t. Instead I’m going to talk about how indulgent it feels to do nothing.

When Multitasking Goes Too Far

Multitasking is a good thing, right? We brag about it, put it on our resume and pride ourselves on how many things we can do at the same time—or perhaps that’s just me. Sure, there are good things about multitasking like the feeling of crossing off that endless To-Do list as we complete task after task. Because we all have that To-Do list each day. Whether it’s written down, on your phone beeping to remind you what you must do next or just running through your mind, there’s always something to do next. Because how often do you see someone just doing nothing?

I don’t know about you, but if I’m not doing something, planning to do something, or finishing something I feel a little guilty. That To-Do list isn’t getting any smaller and it’s whispering in my ear louder than the marshmallow crème in the cupboard.

Don’t Fear The Nothing

Like the overwhelm I’ve mentioned before, the nothing seems to be another threat to most people. If you look around when you’re waiting in line, no one is just waiting. They’re on their phones, or looking through the magazines or…something. It’s as if standing quietly and observing the world, the moment, is somehow abnormal. We should be doing something, right?

Even now as I finish this blog the night before it’s due, since I’m also on two other blogs tomorrow, I’m waiting for my fingernails to dry as I type.

It’s become almost as if doing just one thing isn’t enough.

Indulging in Nothing

Many times, when I think I’ll do nothing but sit and wait for the commercial to finish instead of getting on my phone or laptop, I end up falling asleep. It’s as if my body grabs the opportunity to fuel up from the exhaustion of the hamster wheel we call life. But occasionally I can do it.

I can sit quietly with my family and just notice how the years seem to fly by as we multitask our way through every day. Or I’ll sit outside on a summer night and listen to the crickets. When I can achieve this, it’s like a delicious indulgence of just being. Not thinking about what’s next, but enjoying what’s now.

How Often Do You Just Do Nothing?

Originally published on www.MaureenBonatch.com 

© 2018 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved

Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

A Writer's Words - Behind the Mask

Hocus Pocus and All That 

Behind the Mask 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

There’s something about Halloween. It’s the time of year when we look at little closer at the ordinary, seeking the extraordinary. We pick up our pace when darkness falls, expecting the paranormal, the extraordinary, this night.

Sometimes we’re shocked, or surprised, because it isn’t the paranormal we need fear. Not when what we considered ordinary removes the mask they wear all year.

Enjoy this short shivery treat—and Happy Halloween.

Pumpkin Spice
     “You can’t get enough of that pumpkin spice latte, can you, Celeste?” George punched her coffee card.
     “I do love pumpkin.” Celeste stepped out of the way of the rush of customers. 
     George leaned over the counter. “Wally was looking for you.”
     “Oh.” Celeste cringed and glanced over her shoulder, as if expecting Wally to appear.
     George raised an eyebrow. “You turned him down?”
     She averted her eyes and snuck a taste of the pumpkin flavored foam escaping the plastic lid. “You could say that.”
     “He seems like a good guy.” George diverted his attention to the onslaught of customers clutching their nectar and the dollars to support their caffeine habit. 
     Celeste rolled her eyes and exited the store. After scanning the parking lot, she slid into her car, relieved there was no sign of him.
     Initially she was flattered by Wally’s attention, but his leering stares and inappropriate comments were creepy.
     The parking garage at the office was empty. A glance in the rear-view mirror made her breath catch. The interior light illuminated a small pumpkin perched on the back seat. A hasty carving completed one ragged eye and an attempt at a menacing scowl. A knife pierced the side of the orange shell. Seeds oozed on the upholstery from the wound and the jagged grin.
     “Trick or treat!” An arm snaked around the seat and gripped Celeste, a hand stifled her scream.
     Wally leaned over the seat, sneering into the mirror. His lower lip pushed in an exaggerated pout. “What? You don’t like your treat? I thought you loved pumpkins.”
     Celeste struggled against his vise-like grip.
     “Well then, I have a trick for you instead.” Wally removed his hand from her mouth to draw the knife from the pumpkin. Orange pumpkin guts splattered against the side of the window and the jack-o-lantern slumped in defeat.
     The blade of the knife pressed against her throat. “Wally, wait!” She met his gaze in the mirror and forced a tight smile. “I was just playing hard to get.” 
     Wally roared with laughter. “Oh, I’m sure you were Miss I’m too good for Wally.” He pressed the blade tighter until blood trickled along her throat. It mingled with the orange pumpkin goo and seeds clinging to the blade.
     “It’s true. Look in my purse.” She nodded toward where it sat on the seat. “I have a note in there for you.”
     Appearing intrigued, Wally reached for her purse, relaxing the blade.
     She lunged for her latte and threw the scalding liquid in Wally’s face. He fell back, roaring in agony.
     Celeste bolted out the door and across the parking garage, gagging on the sweet scent of pumpkin.

© 2018 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved
Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keep her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu, her teen twins & alpha hubby keep her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Not A Chance
by Maureen L. Bonatch
Hope just wants to be normal—too bad that will never happen. 
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Chance-Enchantlings-Book-2-ebook/dp/B07H9NB38L/

A Writer's Words - My Bad Writer Habits Make Me Look Like a Vampire

Hocus Pocus and All That 

My Bad Writer Habits Make Me Look Like a Vampire 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

If I wanted to talk about my bad habits I could list the usual things like not exercising enough, cheating on my diet or one of the many others things I’m constantly trying to change or improve—but I won’t bore you with that. Instead I’m going to talk about a few bad habits that non-writers might notice and wish that some writers (looks over shoulder) would realize might creep out non-writer-ly folk.

I have a confession. Most of us writers already know about these bad habits and we’re not going to stop—because we can’t.

When I began actively pursuing writing and obsessively studying the craft something changed in my brain. Almost as if my mind and thoughts were rewired, I began to think and act differently. A few might even suggest some of these odd habits of mine (and some writers) were akin to that of a vampire. That’s without the drinking of blood, of course—unless it’s disguised in a cabernet bottle.

Forgetting to Blink
Once I let my imagination take the wheel, sometimes it forgets to relinquish it to me if it travels down the path of a story. That’s fine…for me. I’m harvesting fresh shiny ideas for my next story, or absorbing my characters comments and actions. It’s not always as fine for anyone else who only observes the staring off into nothing unblinking creepy-deek stare reminiscent of the kid who started chanting about redrum. I’m pretty sure vampires have been known to stare with dead, unblinking eyes.

Losing Track of Time
Like an immortal, sparkly being that can live forever, I’ve been known to sit in front of the keyboard without noting the passage of time. Hours pass without my knowledge as I purge the prose from my thoughts. Although unlike vampires, I do occasionally need nourishment and don’t have the benefit of a resilient back. Plus the hours often appear as if I’ve wasted the day and neglected household tasks that rank higher in priority to the non-writerly folk. Apparently they require sustenance as well.

Lack of Sunlight
Just because I share the same pasty white skin lacking a kiss of sunlight and embrace my solitude doesn’t mean I’m a vampire. I mean using that possibility might come in handy when I’m trying to avoid social gatherings or leaving my writing before the sun has set.

Sinking My Teeth into a Movie Scene
Ever since the writer rewiring, I can no longer watch a movie like a normal person. Therefore, I feel it’s my duty to share my observations with other non-writerly folk who are unfortunate enough to be my friends and family who choose to watch a movie with me. I dissect the scenes with a gnashing of teeth if they don’t develop enough empathy for the main character or neglect to insert red herrings. I shred the murder scene as I announce that the character is definitely T.S.T.L. (too stupid to live).

Awkwardly Trying to Fit in/Promote
Like a vamp forced to leave her castle before sundown, I awkwardly stumble through efforts at promotion by either dumping the details and fleeing as abruptly as a vampire disappears, or choking out the book blurb like a pint of chilled blood.

Do You Share Any Bad Habits of a Creature of the Night?
Originally published on www.MaureenBonatch.com

© 2018 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keep her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu, her teen twins & alpha hubby keep her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

A Writer's Words - If Only Laughter Was the Best Medicine

Hocus Pocus and All That

If Only Laughter Was the Best Medicine 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

Someone once asked me if there are life lessons in my book. Initially, the thought of a life lesson brought forth images of a deep meaningful message like that usually portrayed in a women’s fiction novel. Granted, I often get into the mood to immerse myself in such a serious read, but as you may notice, most of my books fall in the a little less than serious side. Although there are some life lessons that inevitably leak into my stories and most of these lessons can be applied to everyday, serious and shudder normal non-magical life.

Normal is overrated.

Everyone is a little bit crazy. Trust me, you might think you’re the most normal person in the world and there’s probably someone out there who thinks you might be a little bit weird. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, that’s awesome. That’s what makes you more than a carbon copy of everyone else.

You can still be kick-ass even if you stumble along the journey or a newbie at this whole heroine thing.

My heroines fly their freak flags with pride while discovering theirs, and everyone else’s, little bit of super power.

Family Matters.

Family isn’t always defined by blood. It’s the people you consider your posse. The one’s who’ve got your back through good times and bad. Even if they might be a bunch of oddballs you love them anyway because they embrace (or at least tolerate) all your weird habits, idiosyncrasies and temper tantrums. They’re the ones you can be your authentic self with because love soothes the savage beast. Whether it’s the stubborn alpha male, or your annoying sibling, turn the other cheek or maybe give them a hug. (Hugs make everything better.)

Don’t Forget your Four-Legged Family.

Granted this could be interpreted as a shifter, or other paranormal being in a book, but in this instance, I’m referring to pets. Just about every story I write has one because as someone who’s shared a home with more than one four-legged fur baby over the years, I’ve come to appreciate many benefits even outside of their irresistible personality and stress-relieving benefits. They also make a great secondary character in a story (and a cute, yet sometimes cantankerous, writing assistant).

Who’s Laughing Now?

I hope it’s you that’s laughing—even if it’s at yourself. Laughter plays a key part in my books in defining personalities, mending fences and making the best of a difficult situation. Whether it’s in my light hearted paranormal, or my dark fantasies, I always love finding the humor in everyday situations. Not taking anything too seriously can save you a few wrinkles and grey hair. Laugh more. Worry less. You’ll find enough seriousness in everyday reality and being able to snark or litter a conversation with loving sarcasm is an art.

Find the Magic.

In everything. Look a little closer at the world around you and the people with whom you share it. Everyone comes with their own special kind of magic – embrace it.

What Do You Hope to Gain from a Story?

© 2018 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved
Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keep her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu, her teen twins & alpha hubby keep her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

A Writer's Words - What Goes Bump In the Night?

Hocus Pocus and All That

What Goes Bump In the Night? 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

Why is it that everything is more terrifying in the dark? Do all the boogeymen in the world wait for dusk to fall to prepare for an evening of shenanigans? As if they realize that moving the door ever so slightly or messing with that creaky step will be completely wasted if the sun is still up? So, do the boogeyman all wait for the sunset to begin a night of terror and torment, as if an office employee waiting for five o’clock to rush the door?

Creatures of the Night vs. Imagination
As darkness settles and cloaks the world it opens opportunities for ghosts, goblins and all likes of goobers to strike terror into the heart of ordinary day-walking folk. It’s that or it’s the blanket you forgot you hung over the chair that now resembles something unearthly in the shadows. You can’t suppress the terror that fills you when the linen room closet slowly opens—even though you routinely slam it shut in annoyance when it resists the plethora of linens jammed in there. However, that’s in the daytime. At night, it must be a spirit bursting from its confines.

Rules of the Night
I can’t attest for too much of the shenanigans of the midnight hours, because as an early bird, spending too much time willingly awake during those hours is unheard of for me. Although I do abide by certain guidelines when the night falls.
• A blanket serves as a superior shield against most evils. If you choose to stick your leg out to regulate your temperature you’re just asking for it by dangling this fleshy bait.
• Basements seem to serve as a storage area or family room during the day but once night falls they offer shelter to all likes of entities—get what you need early and get out!
• If you happen to wake up exactly at midnight go back to sleep fast because that’s like “happy hour” —quick, go back to sleep! Or if nothing else, close your eyes.
• Otherworldly entities seem to flee when faced with more than one person—don’t go it alone! As soon as you wake your partner to share your distress you know darn well that demonic disturbance will slink back to the shadows.
• Spiders and centipedes and other creepy-deeks seem to know that this is their time to shine. They gleefully strike the terror into the heart of the hapless victim unfortunate enough to choose this time for a toilet break—watch your step!

Nightwalkers
My heroine in my upcoming release Evil Speaks Softly writes during the midnight hours, so of course this opens the door for a darker story than if the setting had been a cheery sunlit coffee house. She struggles with sorting the difference between the perils of the imagination and the spirits that walk the night.

How Do You Deal with What Goes Bump in the Night?

© 2018 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved
Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keep her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu, her teen twins & alpha hubby keep her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

A Writer's Words - Supernatural TV I love from Back in the Day and Today

Hocus Pocus and All That

Supernatural TV I love from Back in the Day and Today

By Maureen L. Bonatch

I don’t always watch television, but when I do—and when I have the rare opportunity to choose the station—I usually pick a supernatural or paranormal television show. Besides offering a wonderful escape from the stress and demands of the everyday, I believe watching these shows helps me with my writing.

Show vs. Tell
As a writer, I’m constantly striving to show the scene rather than tell it to the reader. This includes using a lot of descriptive terms. When I’m watching television, this isn’t always necessary for the actors/actresses. You can already see the scene, the color of their hair, eyes and their facial expression. Therefore, as a paranormal and fantasy writer, I believe that watching these shows is more than entertainment. It’s also educational. Perhaps a kind of research tool.

While watching the show I’m mentally crafting how I’d write the scene in a novel to depict the picture I see on the scene. I have my notepad handy (paper, or the digital one on my phone) to take notes, or to remember an amazing line from the show.

Stretching the Imagination
Paranormal and fantasy television shows encourage us to stretch our imagination. A good one has us easily accepting this into our reality. Over the years, I’ve watched this genre of television grow with technology and the ability to use fabulous costumes, make-up, stunts and special effects. It’s more obvious just how far this has advanced when I watch an old favorite like The Land of The Lost, or I Dream of Jeanne or Bewitched. But when I was watching those shows back in the day it didn’t matter. I didn’t notice how fake some of the creatures looked—because I was already enraptured by the show.

Some of My Favorites
I’ve watched many different paranormal and supernatural television shows, but some stand a head above the rest (at least in my book ;). Here are a few that I’ve either binge watched multiple episodes with an insatiable appetite to know what happens next. Or that I had to wait impatiently for the week to pass so I could revisit my favorite characters.
• Supernatural
• Outcast
• Stranger Things
• Ghost Whisperer
• The Medium
• The X-Files
• Millennium
• Charmed

 In fact, my first published short story, That Magic Moment, was inspired from the television show, Charmed.

Do You Have any Favorite Television Shows You’d like to Share?

© 2018 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved

Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keep her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu, her teen twins & alpha hubby keep her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

A Writer's Words - Stop Waiting for the Right Time to Start

Hocus Pocus and All That

Stop Waiting for the Right Time to Start

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

Somehow June has arrived, announcing that we are six months into 2018. Half way through the year. How did that happen? I glance over at my list of monthly and yearly goals and realize many of them are still unfulfilled. Some may have even been on the list from the prior year. I have a long to-do list, and a plethora of goals. For many of them, it’s almost as if they come with a disclaimer. I find myself waiting for the right time to start. It seems that the more goals I have, the more excuses I acquire.

• That diet I need to recommit to? I’ll start right after the holiday—on Monday—after I go to the store.
• That manuscript wallowing away on my computer? I’ll submit it once I read it one more time—finish editing it—figure out where I might submit it.
• Those updates and tweaks I need to do on my website? I’ll finish them when I have time—when I can hire someone to do it—someday…

Excuses Multiply Like Rabbits
I have always loved to write. It made sense to pursue freelance writing in addition to my paranormal and fantasy fiction. What I didn’t realize at the time, was that although there were similarities, these were two very different birds. Fortunately, the things I learned would also benefit me as an author. Things like SEO, structuring blog posts, marketing etc. The more I looked, the more information I found. It’s a bit overwhelming. Everyone claimed they had just the information I was looking for, and many of them for a price. I signed up for multiple online classes, newsletters and read every article I came across. I started to think that I’d never learn everything. Until I had somewhat of an epiphany this week.

When You Find Out What You Already Knew
A freelance writer recommended a class that would she claimed provided her with all the information necessary to succeed in freelancing. There it was! The answer that I sought—even though I wasn’t sure what the question was. I eagerly asked for the information for the class, and discovered…it was the same one I already took…a year ago. Have I had the answers all along and just not the confidence? I wasn’t taking the very advice I gave my daughters?

Time Waits for No One
It seems what I discovered could be applied in more than one area of my life. I’m always looking for the answer, or waiting for the right time, and neither of these are apparent when they come along. No one announces that this is the right time to start that diet, finish that book, submit that story. We must decide that for ourselves. Granted, there are always obstacles to reaching a goal. But perhaps some of them are ones we impose upon ourselves. We might be ready right now, but it takes overcoming the fear of change, rejection, a new endeavor to move forward.

How do you push yourself to stop stalling and chase your dreams and goals? 

*Originally published on Paranormal Romantics https://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com 

© 2018 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved

Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keep her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu, her teen twins & alpha hubby keep her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

When Winter Is Ending, Stand Up & Pull Out Your DIY Treadmill Desk

Hocus Pocus and All That 

When Winter Is Ending, Stand Up and Pull Out Your DIY Treadmill Desk 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

For most of the year, I spent a lot of time with my “butt in the chair”. This is greatly encouraged for writers because this means more words on the page. But in addition to that I also gain extra backaches and a constant fight with the force of gravity on my dedicated hiney. Exercising is gotten more difficult with the cold weather in Pennsylvania, but I’ve developed a few solutions over the years that I’d like to share to help you get your butt out of that chair.

Drag Out That Old Clothes Hanger

You know what I’m talking about, your treadmill. Many of us have one that we’ve either held onto over the years, or have gotten rid of and reacquired each time we renewed our exercise efforts.

Most writers, and many other people who work at jobs that result in a lot of sitting, struggle to get enough exercise throughout the day. Plus, it’s difficult to carve out the extra time for exercise. Hence, the treadmill desk. When I first learned about such sorcery, a desk that you can get write and exercise at the same time, I was amazed and immediately put it to the top of my ‘want’ list. Then I looked at the prices…and the treadmill dropped a few pegs on my list due to the impact on my wallet.

Until This Non-DIYer Made a DIY Treadmill Desk

I am not a crafty person. I don’t make things, I buy them. But turning my treadmill into a treadmill desk was incredibly easy & I had everything I needed already. Cost= Nada. I’m nothing special because if you Google it, tons of people have done the same thing.

What I Used:
• Treadmill
• Old Extra Large Shelf from my Daughter’s Room
• 2 Big Ass Belts I’ve hoarded from the 1980’s (don’t judge- I didn’t say I’ve worn them…lately)

When I’m ready to do some editing (writing is a little more challenging), or check my email, marketing etc. then I grab the wood shelf and lay it across my treadmill arms and hook the 2 belts around the hand bar. Viola! I can walk at a slow pace—so I’m not breaking any race records, but I am off my butt.

Speaking of Sitting

Then there’s the study we heard about a few years ago published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine that had everyone talking about how sitting is the new smoking and how sedentary lifestyles were killing us. That increases in physical activity has less of an impact that merely reducing the time sitting.

There are plenty of Standing Desks on the Market as well, but I didn’t have room for one, and didn’t think I’d use one enough to make it worth it. A little thinking out of the box, and digging through my closet I found my solution.

As a writer, I have multiple laptop tables, so I pulled one out that had legs to use in bed and sat it on top of my current desk. Place my laptop on top=standing desk.

Now…to stand up and write on!

Do you have any tips to share for maintaining movement while creating or escaping into a good story?

*Originally published on Paranormal Romantics https://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com

© 2018 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved

Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keep her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu, her teen twins & alpha hubby keep her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

When You Didn't Have Me at Hello

Hocus Pocus and All That 

When You Didn't Have Me at Hello

…And Other Book Pet Peeves 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

As an author, I’ve found it difficult to be too judgmental when I’m reading a book. Because I know just how much time and effort have gone into the story. How hard it probably was for the author to release their “baby” into the world for critical reviews and comments. So, I must pause to identify My biggest pet peeve in a book. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t one thing I could identify that makes me put the book down, or forget to pick it up again.

Book Pet Peeves
I’ve talked about things that irritate me in a story before (like right here). Some other book peeves include having too much description, too perfect characters and the dumping of backstory. But I can skim those parts and keep reading if I’m caught up in the story. Therefore, the challenge is getting me ensnared into the story in the first place.

First Impressions Count
Although I enjoy a nice cover and love a good blurb, when I’m picking a book to read I could care less about any of that, or even the title. I open the book up and read the first paragraph, or the first page. If I don’t like the writing style, or how the story begins, my limited attention prevents me from continuing reading. The only exceptions I’ve made are when it’s a favorite author of mine, or if I’ve picked up a book from a recommendation.

Facing the Music
This presents an ugly truth to me as an author about the importance of those first pages. I spend more time slaving over those pages, and that first line than anything. I know if a reader gets bored, they aren’t going to take the time to get to the good part. Authors must strive to make the whole book ‘the good part.’ 

The ability to capture my—or any reader’s—attention in an impatient world thriving on immediate gratification and an overload of stimuli is both magnificent and magical.

What Keeps You Turning the Pages?

Originally published on http://www.maureenbonatch.com 

© 2018 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved

Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keep her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu, her teen twins & alpha hubby keep her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Are You Feeling Lucky?

Hocus Pocus and All That 

Are You Feeling Lucky?

By Maureen L. Bonatch

I’ve got a lot of Irish blood in me, but I tell myself that I don’t believe in luck, that I make my own luck. But perhaps I’m not being totally honest with myself, because who wouldn’t want to believe in the ‘easy button’ in which luck could solve all of your troubles. Just considering the number of people who play the lottery confirms the masses that hope to run across a lucky streak.

I’m not much of a gambler, nor do I play the lottery as much as I hope to win it, but it seems I do find myself looking for luck in other ways.

I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover
Have you found your four-leaf clover yet? I did, a few times as a child. I held onto the cherished weed until it withered and dried. I kept waiting to see what kind of luck would befall me now that I’d spent hours sorting through masses of clover to find the alleged lucky clover.

Nothing spectacular happened. I suppose I could’ve dissected the event deeper, and deemed that perhaps the lucky leaf protected me from some other fate unbeknownst to me.

Cross Your Fingers
Since childhood, I’ve used the powerful method to will things to go my way, by crossing my fingers (Psst- sometimes I even cross my toes if I need some extra luck! That one’s a little trickier). I even promised this sacred sharing of luck to others when they are in need of a little good fortune.

Wishing On a Star
I’m a grown ass adult, but that won’t stop me from wishing on the first star I see in sky. I pretend I’m admiring the moon, or contemplating some deep thoughts when in reality I’m muttering the old nursery rhyme in my mind… “star light, star bright, first star that I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight.”

Checking that Horoscope
It’s for fun, I say. Yet I read the darn thing everyday and if it’s a good one, I’m pretty sure there are some nuggets of truth nestled in there somewhere, just look how many of my Virgo traits it nailed, right?

Luck, and Superstition, Leaking into My Stories
With a moment or two of reflection, I realize some of this has leaked into my stories. In Destiny Calling, many of the residents of the town hang a decoration not unlike a wind chime-like consisting of three masks featuring a horse, a snake and a dog to honor Hecate, and request “luck” and guidance in choosing the right path.

You can always find a method to support your belief if you want to cling to it. Besides—who wants to dispel the beauty of the magic in the world?

Do You Have a Lucky Charm?

Originally featured on http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com

© 2018 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keep her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu, her teen twins & alpha hubby keep her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

The Ideal Romance Hero Is Like a Chameleon

Hocus Pocus and All That

The Ideal Romance Hero Is Like a Chameleon 

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

Initially I thought to explain how the ideal romance hero is like a chameleon solely because an ideal man varies for each person, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that jazz. Not because of the scales and the whole projecting their tongues more than twice their body length (get your mind out of the gutter, this is a PG post peeps!) But when did just a little research on a chameleon, I found out the camouflaging, color-changing lizard shared other similarities with an ideal romance hero.

Hero’s, like Chameleons, Have a Superficial Layer
This goes back to the ole eye of the beholder stuff. We all have our preferences on what we find physically attractive from the first glance. What’s on the inside is, of course, much more important. But to snag our interest, we first must like what we see on the outside. Who doesn’t like a little eye candy?

A Chameleon Displays Brighter Colors Around Other Chameleons
We have our individual preferences, but when we take our hero out, we want to show him off. We know he looks good, and we want everyone else to know it. He knows when to ditch the sweats and strut his stuff.

An Ideal Hero Knows When to Take Charge—and When to Back Off
Apparently, a chameleon shows darker colors when they submit. Sure, we want our hero looking good, but we don’t want him to always outshine us. He lets us have the spotlight when we want it. He knows how to treat a lady right, and when to drop that needless argument and concede that we were right.

They Vary in Size and Body Structure
Hero’s come in all shapes and sizes. Guess what—so do chameleons! Look around at the couple’s you see every day, there is someone for everyone. The dude that you don’t give a second glance is someone else’s hero.

Some Have Head or Facial Ornamentation
A hero might not have horns, unless you really like the bad boy in a paranormal story. But, depending on the time of our life, and circumstances, we might have different preferences for the type of hairstyle we like to see our hero sporting. The mullet my home hero was rocking in the 1980’s wouldn’t be what made my heart pitter patter today. (Sigh—I do miss the 80’s.)

My Ideal Hero has Distinctive Eyes—Like a Chameleon
When I’m writing a story, I often fail to put much physical description in the story because I enjoy leaving the image to the imagination. But, I go back and layer description in for the reader so they see the characters as I do. I feel that it’s the actions, and body language, that make the man. But I almost always describe their eyes. I agree that they are the windows into the soul and it’s one of the first things I notice.

Chameleons Don’t Have an Outer or a Middle Ear
It may not look like it, but a chameleon can hear. Just like our hero. We all know about selective listening, but an ideal hero knows when to listen, when to offer reassurance, or the best time just to stay quiet. Although most hero’s throw in a little conflict now and then to add some spice to the story. I do like a hero to be an equal.

They Can Elevate their Body Temperature
Although I love my home state, when you live in Pennsylvania, it’s freezing or raining about eighty percent of the time. Hence why having a big, cuddly warm-blooded hero to cuddle and keep you warm in a necessity.

Can You Describe Your Ideal Romance Hero?

© January 2017-2018 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keep her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu, her teen twins & alpha hubby keep her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Embrace Change for a Fabulous New Year

Hocus Pocus and All That

Embrace Change for a Fabulous New Year

By Maureen L. Bonatch

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” ~ Albert Einstein

One of the most overused quotes, yet most of us continue to ignore the message. Perhaps that’s because most people like to be comfortable and don’t like change…even if it might be good for them.

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

Yet when you read almost any book, there is always either an internal or external change involved with the character. No one wants to read a book about someone who never experienced any change or growth. We’d be turning the pages waiting for the “black moment” or the “Inciting incident” and all we’d find would be more of the same.

So why not write our own story of growth and progress for 2018?

Calling all Writers
• AutoCrit & Grammarly
- I’ve been complaining (to myself, and anyone who would listen) about my endless editing process forever. This is one of the reasons why I have manuscripts piled up waiting for edits—until I decided no more excuses.
- I stopped editing the way I always have and invested in new programs to change my process—so far it seems quicker, and better already.

What about you? Does Your Editing Process Need Tweaking?

• Scrivener
- I must admit, I haven’t explored this yet, but I’ve wanted to try it for years. I’m not sure why I waited so long (procrastination! Ack- change!) just to look at it. This year I’ll discover if I’m a Scrivener lover or hater.

Any Scrivener Lovers or Haters Here?

• Text to Speech
- As a Mac user I’ve had it all along—who knew?! It’s so much more effective than trying to read through my manuscript.

Your Home & Health
I think I’ve chased every diet and fad for most of my adult life. Only one program has ever worked for me, so I went back to it last year, and if I stick with it, it works.

1. Physical Health
• The Bad news= there is no magic pill to lose weight.
• The Good News= Weight Watchers works- if you are ready to commit (don’t ask me about December- but I’m recommitted today!)
• As for exercise, I blathered on about my treadmill desk before, so I won’t bore you with that. Check that info out here: http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com/2016/12/when-you-win-nanowri-you-need-to-stand.html?spref=fb

Brace Yourselves. January= a million diet & exercise commercials.

2. Keeping Your House Healthy
Not much makes me happier than organizing stuff. That’s why I’ve been stocking up all kinds of tips on my Pinterest Board. I’ve tried the cleaning supplies over the door organization & love it and can’t wait to try the wrapping paper over the door organization.
• Are You an Organization geek, like me? Check out some of the cool stuff I’ve come across. https://www.pinterest.com/maureenbonatch/cool-stuff-for-the-house/
• Overwhelmed with emails? Especially after the holidays when everyone wants your email address? You know you don’t want any more emails, but can’t resist the lure of those treasured coupons! Check out this site to unsubscribe from a bunch at once. https://unroll.me/
• Because I spend far too much time in cyberspace, if you follow my blog, I try to share tips like these that I’ve come across. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/2016/09/tips-tricks-hard-boiled-eggs/

 3. Keeping Your Mind Healthy- Never Stop Learning
They say keeping your mind active and engaged helps keep you young. With the plethora of online courses, there is no excuse not to keep exploring new things.
• I admit, I love online classes and have taken a lot, but last year, I ventured into Freelance Writing.

I hope you’ve found something to inspire you to make that change you’ve been considering for the New Year. Write your own story and be the heroine you know yourself to be!

What Are Your Plans for the New Year? Do You Make Goals and/or Resolutions?

Post originally featured on http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com 

© January 2017-2018 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved
Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keep her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu, her teen twins & alpha hubby keep her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/