Be My Friend

Available HERE

By Stephanie J Grace

Any given day, I can look around my world (in my home, in my town, on the internet, in social media) and find some amazing people I’m proud to call ‘friend’. I am in awe of the women, especially, who walk through my life and allow me to walk in theirs. Sometimes I look around and say, “What the heck do they see in me?” Now, I’m not fishing here. I know I’m pretty cool, but I can be humbled by the quality and integrity around me. The friendships I’ve nurtured sharpen me, and make me better.

However, nothing is ever perfect. For friendship blips that have tripped me up, I’ve finally started listening to the advice I give my daughters in concern to friendships.

**The term ‘best friend’ is reserved for family. Throwing it around in any other situation is means to cause upset. The fact that a friendship has blossomed and grown between two people is amazing enough, no need to quantify it.

**Friends of friends do not need to be close. Larger groups who enjoy each other’s company are bound to form break off friendships that grow at different speeds. This can be so tough, because I think it’s easy to fall into wanting to please everyone and wanting to be ‘fair’. Being loving and open to friendships as they form, deepen—or even drift apart—is the only thing you can do.

**Be kind. Egos are fragile things and all too often, life is hard. Also be kind to yourself. Don’t overanalyze everything. (I have a bad habit of replaying conversations in my head, “Did she take that as I meant it? Was I as honest as I could be—how exaggerated was that story? Will it bite me in the ass? Jeez, why do you do that when you get excited!) As the song says, let it go.

**It’s okay to be in different economic places. No need to break out the paystubs, but it’s okay to say ‘playdate at the park’ over a day at the amusement park if it’s just not in the financial cards at the moment. In my daughter’s case, I remind her not every day can be ice cream truck day. There’s nothing wrong with grabbing freezies from the freezer instead.

**Don’t hide your true nature. If you’re basically a goofball, it will come out eventually. Some personalities don’t enjoy the goofball type, and it’s best to know and respect that from the start (we’re cool with the goofball type—pretty sure it’s hereditary).

In Felinesand Flowers, Warren and Wendy are colleagues, but the friendship is there. I love Wendy’s confidence—it makes her a better friend to Warren, especially when he’s so unsure. The couple are one of my favorites. The springtime story of love and renewal and joy really lights my heart.

Felines and Flowers

By Stephanie J Grace

During high school, Warren was just Wendy’s youth pastor. All grown up and shepherding over her own flock of church kids, Wendy Miller turns to her old friend for help. Not that Warren is that old. In fact, the two have a lot more in common than Wendy would have ever thought.

After the death of his wife, Warren was sure he was finished with relationships. Wendy changes that forgone conclusion with her bright spirit and zest for life. Lining up their desires when they’re at very different points in their lives proves a challenge that might take a little divine intervention, or at least help from friends.

Buy Now Amazon    Buy Now Decadent   Buy Now Barnes and Noble

I’d love to give away an e-book of Felines and Flowers. Please leave a comment with your favorite friendship advice. Be sure to leave your email address, so Decadent can send out the winner’s book.

All the best,

Stephanie J Grace

www.stephaniebeck.net

www.facebook.com/StephanieJGrace

www.twitter.com/StephanieJGrace

Power Crafting

By Stephanie Beck

I write a lot. Not as much as I should, but I’m working on it. After a particularly long jaunt of writing, I find myself with itchy hands—hands that need to do something creative that will actually give me something tangible. That’s the thing about writing. Even if a book goes to paperback, the writer won’t be able to hold it for months—probably more like a year or so. What to do until then? I know, write more, but at some point I need something to hold, something physical to show a win.

My friends call me a chronic crafter. They tease me and tell me to quit making stuff—unless I’m making it for them. Maybe I overdo a bit. I spend hours, days, sometimes weeks crafting characters who will be immortalized on paper or ebook. Those characters and worlds I build with words can be taken out with the delete key—trippy to think about. No wonder I want to knit and sew and craft—if I do have to hit that delete key, at least I have something to show my creativity brings fruit once in a while.

Are you a crafter? What’s your crafty win? Stop by my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBeckAuthor or Pinterest page http://www.pinterest.com/Stephbeckpin/ and show me a picture. I’m always looking for new projects. I’ll show you a few of mine, too!

It took months, but here’s my latest ‘craft’ from Decadent Publishing.

Alice’s Dragon

   Dragon Charmer—taking care of your pesky dragon problem—for a price.
   Business is good for Alice, right until her dragon goes crazy and bites off her arm. To make matters worse, a tall, dark stranger kills the cash-cow dragon before her eyes.
   Instead of dying from her wounds, Alice finds herself under the tender care of Bade, a gentle-handed Bulgarian far from home with secrets in his satchel.
   If they can scratch each others backs, the secrets might live on and Alice might still have a job. She’s never backed down from a challenge, but she’s in for more than she bargained for with the tall, dark stranger.

All the best,

Stephanie Beck

Character Excuses

Available HERE

By Stephanie Beck

Ever read a story and have a character fall back on an excuse so vague and off putting you scowled at them? I have. M husband laughed at me when I was sitting in bed, harping at a character who just dropped ‘Well, I’m only human’ as an excuse for not following through on a promise.

It’s bogus! I hate that phrase—my friends have heard this rant and I have gotten the eye rolls, for sure, so I know not everyone agrees with me. In my experience, unless you are faced with a task beyond the ability of the human body, and beyond what a human mind can maneuver, you need a better excuse. Otherwise, the real reason was either a lack of time, a lack of planning, miscommunication—very individual, fixable, nameable things. When using ‘I’m only human’, by golly the problem should be fixable in circumstances when another animal or a machine could have accomplished it. Someone asking you to be a golden retriever....well, I think I would be okay with a pass on that one.

In my world, I see humans doing amazing things—so I have this real love for humans (that gets difficult at times, for sure), so I don’t like using my human nature as an excuse for anything. Real humans have flaws and struggles, certainly, but those same humans shine. I like characters that do the same. Mistakes are made (I’m more okay with ‘nobody is perfect’ as a general reminder—but not used as a cop out) and it is totally on the person or character how to go forward. So many great stories have come from choices people and characters make.

And so many trigger points are hit with a single, usually bad, excuse. For drama sake, things like ‘I’m only human’ certainly need to be in play, but good grief, if you hear me say it, please hit me with the ‘buck up’ shovel.

Do any phrases land on your radar? Do you use them? Love them? Hate them?

I’m happy to offer an ebook of my book, Alice’s Dragon—part of Decadent’s Challenge Series, to one lucky commenter today—so be sure to leave your email address!

Blurb: 

Dragon Charmer—taking care of your pesky dragon problem—for a price.

Business is good for Alice, right until her dragon goes crazy and bites off her arm. To make matters worse, a tall, dark stranger kills the cash-cow dragon before her eyes.

Instead of dying from her wounds, Alice finds herself under the tender care of Bade, a gentle-handed Bulgarian far from home with secrets in his satchel.

If they can scratch each others backs, the secrets might live on and Alice might still have a job. She’s never backed down from a challenge, but she’s in for more than she bargained for with the tall, dark stranger.

Don’t want to wait? Buy Alice’s Dragon now!

Decadent Publishing||Amazon 

Take me Away Romance

By Stephanie Beck

There’s something so special about a story set in a familiar place—somewhere so close to your heart and mind you can feel the fabrics described and catch the scent of whatever on the air. I write those all the time because I feel huge comfort in that sort of familiarity. It’s like that warm sweater and cup of hot cocoa—sooo good.

But then, sometimes, I want to run away. Somewhere exotic where no one needs sweaters and the drinks are cold and fruity in cute glasses. I want hot sand between my toes, the sun’s rays on my shoulders (with ample sunscreen of course) and the promise of something decadent on the menu for later.

Could Greece be more perfect?!

Good grief, it’s so blue! The sky and the water—it’s a blue fest of awesome.

Can you imagine the stories this goat could tell? And he’d do it with a sexy Hellas (that’s Greek) accent. I bet he even knows where the best places to eat are. Lucky goat.

Setting a story in Greece was a treat that’s hard to beat. I hated giving Jenn and Dorian troubles, but I feel they managed well. The blue skies and sea had to have helped, I’m sure of it!

Home to Hellas

Home to Hellas available HERE

Jenn’s love of basketball and travel lead her to Greece, but only one man could keep her coming back. After sharing sexy summers with distinguished businessman Dorian Logos, Jenn returns for a seventh with more emotional baggage than she’d like, but her feelings for Dorian push her out of her comfort zone.

Dorian has loved Jenn for years, the young American delivering spice and sweetness during their weeks together. When she arrives in Hellas, limping from an injury, he quickly sees more than her knee is hurting. He wants his love to be enough to heal all ails, but it’s hard to show his love to a woman who can’t tolerate his touch. If he can help Jenn get well, he might be able to make their usual summer last and bring her home to Hellas forever.

Start your Home to Hellas visit now!

Amazon:

Barnes and Noble:

ARe:

I hope you’ll join me next week when I start my Last Days of Summer blog tour!

All the stops, prizes and delightful details are on my website.

www.stephaniebeck.net

April Fools and Sunny Beaches

Buy Home to Hellas HERE

By Stephanie Beck

The ultimate joke in Minnesota is often a little thing called ‘spring’. So far since spring has arrived, we’ve had about 8 inches of snow, a day of below zero wind chill and the kind of crap associated with December. Deeeelightful.

Its lovely jokes such as these that make escaping into a book not only a lovely time, but a sanity saver. I can’t get in a jet and go to Greece, and I’m betting most readers can’t either (that pesky work/children/mortgage thing), but I can pick up a book that is set in Greece (or wherever is warm).

Good food, the sounds of waves on the beach, short skirts, tanned skin....I want it. A lot. Since I cannot have it and I cannot give it to you outright, I offer—Home to Hellas, the latest in Decadent Publishing’s Challenge Series. Jenn reunites with her summer lover and friend, Dorian, but this time, things are different. The waves are the same, the food is just as good, but Jenn isn’t the same person. I hope you’ll get to know Jenn and enjoy some Greek sun!

Home to Hellas

Available NOW!

Jenn’s love of basketball and travel lead her to Greece, but only one man could keep her coming back. After sharing sexy summers with distinguished businessman Dorian Logos, Jenn returns for a seventh with more emotional baggage than she’d like, but her feelings for Dorian push her out of her comfort zone.

Dorian has loved Jenn for years, the young American delivering spice and sweetness during their weeks together. When she arrives in Hellas, limping from an injury, he quickly sees more than her knee is hurting. He wants his love to be enough to heal all ails, but it’s hard to show his love to a woman who can’t tolerate his touch. If he can help Jenn get well, he might be able to make their usual summer last and bring her home to Hellas forever.

Where would you like to go to beat the spring doldrums? I’m really feeling Greece, but I could handle Hawaii. I have a free ebook of Home to Hellas for one of today’s visitors—so be sure to leave your name and email in your comment!

All the best,

Stephanie Beck

www.stephaniebeck.net

www.twitter.com/StephBeck123

www.facebook.com/StephanieBeckAuthor

Match Socks in the Summer? I Simply Say 'Nay’

Summer in Minnesota. The glorious time when we peel off the layers and bask in the sun…while covered in sunscreen and insect repellant.

With summer comes a little thing I love: shoes that don’t require socks. With three kids, socks finding, washing, matching, folding and putting away is a time consuming task. I’m sure some moms and dads out there have it down to a science and rock it like it’s nobody’s business. That’s simply not me.

So, come June when school is out and sandals and flip flops are the uniform, my sock box (you know, for the stragglers and mismatches) gets lower and lower on my dresser. It gets blocked by swimming suits and the random sweatshirt until finally, it’s completely out of sight and blessedly out of mind.

Right until September when the thermometer readings get lower and lower and school begins again—but I’m not thinking that far ahead. No, my friends, I’m in the not-washing-matching-fussing with socks mind set and I’m loving it!

All the best,

Stephanie Beck

www.stephaniebeck.net

Socks aren’t the only things that are optional!

Panties Optional - a 1NightStand Story

Maggie Chase has a wild night of passion planned with the help of Madame Evangeline’s dating service, 1NightStand. A single night with an incredible man, what more can a busy girl ask for?

Sam Peterson requests that Madame Evangeline help him find a woman who isn’t after him for his money. Maggie may just fit the bill, but with her list of fantasies in hand, she may be more than he bargained for.

Forever isn’t on either one of their minds, but maybe it doesn’t have to be.

Classic Tunes and Romance Novels

by Stephanie Beck

Lately, I’ve had an oldies station playing in my head. When my mom used to drive me to school she’d always have the ‘classics’ radio station on and in high school I was in a choir that did a lot of doo-wop tunes, so I actually know a fair amount of lyrics. I’m not going to compare music from back in the day to today, it is what it is, but while there are tunes out now that can fire up my imagination—it’s the old school ones that can trigger a story line.

My Boyfriend’s Back by the Angels: The boyfriend went away? Where? How long? What was this other man doing to hurt the girl’s reputation? Just how bloody will this bad guy be once the boyfriend breaks out his ‘kinda big and awful strong-ness’?

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by The Platters: First off—gorgeous song. I love it. But, it gives a cast of characters with lots of blanks to be filled. Who is this mysterious woman who fired his flames? Who are ‘they’ who warn about love? Are they snarky, bitter, love scored people or well meaning friends? And how does the fire burn out? Very, very interesting possibilities.

The Twist by Chubby Checker: Okay, this one is just fun, but I do notice that he is encouraging his twist partner to dance with him while her daddy is sleeping and mama isn’t around—a little naughtiness there? Perhaps. If nothing else, it’s a good one when you’ve been writing or reading all day and need to wiggle!

These Boots are Made for Walking by Nancy Sinatra: So, this one is a little newer than the others, but it really trips my trigger. “Truthing”—love this! Just ask my editors how often I make up words—I can respect a woman who goes for it. And it’s just so darn sassy! I love how she found a ‘brand new box of matches’ and he’s super duper (my words there). This song brings to mind a sassy finding new love story…with a healthy dose of lighting a bag of dog poop on the ex’s front step.

Music is a beautiful thing and music, both good and, well, questionable, can tell a story or leave the listener with options to fill in the blanks. I could spend an afternoon jumping around youtube watching and listening and imagining what could happen with a little more filling.

All the Best,

Stephanie Beck

www.stephaniebeck.net

Maggie Chase has a wild night of passion planned with the help of Madame Evangeline’s dating service, 1NightStand. A single night with an incredible man, what more can a busy girl ask for?

Sam Peterson requests that Madame Evangeline help him find a woman who isn’t after him for his money. Maggie may just fit the bill, but with her list of fantasies in hand, she may be more than he bargained for.

Forever isn’t on either one of their minds, but maybe it doesn’t have to be.

Christmas Music by Stephanie Beck

First off, Merry Christmas!

In the last few years, music has really had the ability to touch my heart and this time of year, that continues to prove true. There’s nothing like tearing up in the department store because I’m actually listening to the words of the songs playing through the speakers.

When I was very young, Christmas music meant jingling bells and super heroes with questionable hygiene. We sang a few classics at school, mostly about a certain red nosed reindeer. In high school melodies got more complicated, and I enjoyed every minute of the holiday music season.

My faith life has grown exponentially in the last few years, especially since I’ve become a mother. Suddenly the old classic Christian Christmas songs mean so much more.

I imagine that silent night and being away in a manger and my heart actually races at the thought of what it could be like (Father and Son: A Nativity Story by Geraldine McCaughrean is an amazing nativity story, btw).

The growing excitement when I find out what child this really is and can tell it on the mountain fills my heart with excitement that sometimes leads me to feeling a little giddy. And those shepherds keeping watch...what an amazing job to be side by side with angels.

When I think about Joy in the season, Joy in the hope of what Christ’s birth really meant...well it’s simply beautiful. I’ve sang the songs hundreds of times in my life, but feeling the words and truly echoing the music with my heart gives it amazing power.

I adore this new chapter of music in my life and I hope I’m always so touched (I’ve learned to keep tissues in my purse in the event of a song triggering tears).

No matter your faith or credo, I hope you’ve been moved this season and find something in the New Year that inspires you.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas.

Stephanie Beck

www.stephaniebeck.net

A few thoughts on Sweet Romance

By Stephanie J Grace

The big news at Decadent Publishing recently is the addition of a sweet line: Bono—which means good in some fancy language.

A few people I know kind of scoff at sweet romance and don’t see the draw. For some reason, they are under the impression that sweet means juvenile or uninteresting. I disagree. When I reach for a sweet romance, I’ve got a few things I’m hoping to see:

Smiles that mean something: That first look across a room—maybe it’s a shy smile or one full of genuine happiness at getting a glimpse of someone special. A lot can be said with a really good smile.

Holding hands: I absolutely adore holding hands with my honey. When we were dating, I had to convince him holding hands was something he could do and after being married eight years he still holds my hand when we can because he knows I like it. Seeing something simple mean a lot brings a simple sweetness I enjoy.

First kisses…without tongue: I like seeing on paper (or ereader) that others find those first sweet kisses as endearing and special as I did. A real romance and building can happen when small steps are shown. I find that in a good sweet story, I feel like I’m falling in love right along with the characters.

No cussin’, no bangin’, and no fu’’’’’: I get burnt out sometimes on ultra-hip, graphic, high-test stories. I love them, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes I yearn for a reminder that there is something sweet and good and pure in the world. A sweet romance that makes me say “awww” fills that need.

Does anyone else feel the need for romance dipped in sugar? What draws you to sweeter romance?

Felines and Flowers by Stephanie J Grace:

During high school, Warren was just Wendy’s youth pastor. All grown up and shepherding over her own flock of church kids, Wendy Miller turns to her old friend for help. Not that Warren is that old. In fact, the two have a lot more in common than Wendy would have ever thought.

After the death of his wife, Warren was sure he was finished with relationships. Wendy changes that forgone conclusion with her bright spirit and zest for life. Lining up their desires when they’re at very different points in their lives proves a challenge that might take a little divine intervention, or at least help from friends.

It’s my birthday and I’ll sing copyrighted songs if I want to.

by: Stephanie Beck

 Twenty-seven. It’s a little hard to believe that I’m actually out of my teens, because I pretty much feel the same as I did when I graduated high school. Sure, now I have a husband, kids, a mortgage, and career—but I’m still a smart mouthed kid who eats too much candy and likes to make people laugh.

I’ve always really liked my birthdays, but as the third child in a family with four kids, I never really got the huge brouhaha you see sometimes for kids. Our simple parties were always full of family and friends, with good food and lots of love—the best kind of celebrations for kids.

As an adult, I want to be able to say that I’m all grown up and view my birthday as just another day. After all, if I want something I am perfectly capable of saving money and buying it for myself. If I want a cake, I can make it or purchase one from the bakery down the block. I’m able to get into my car and drive to the restaurant of my choice and enjoy my favorite meal any time I choose (you know, when I get a babysitter).

However…if someone were to cover my house in balloons, send me roses, sculpt me a princess castle cake with raspberry cream filling, get me a new party outfit with matching shoes, hire an onsite sushi chief, set up a pasta bar and make an ice cream sundae bar, I’d be a super happy camper.

So many people I know say ‘don’t make a fuss’ about birthdays, my husband included. But dang it, I want the fuss! I want to be driving down the road listening to my favorite radio station and hear “Happy Birthday, Stephanie Beck!”. I would love to open my mailbox and find it stuffed with cards from the people who thought of me, but couldn’t join me. I want to walk into my house, hear a huge shout of surprise and have a table full of prettily wrapped gifts with a few balloons in the mix. And then maybe we could have pony rides-my pony, naturally, would be the cutest.

Le sigh, twenty-seven years old and I’m still a kid at heart.

Instead of dwelling on the ‘I wants’ I’m going to give today! Two commenters will get eBooks of their choice of my Decadent Publishing titles--Panties Optional or Felines and Flowers. Thanks so much for helping me celebrate my birthday!

Freak Week Day 3: Talking Freak Tradition With Rachel

  The Freak Sorority is the brainchild of Decadent Author, Stephanie Beck. A free series chronicling the lives of paranormal best friends and sorority sisters, The Freak Sorority celebrates sisterhood relationships and the joys and struggles they face. This is the third-annual Freak Week and with an intense fan-following, the event continues to grow. Starting as an impromptu trivia contest, Freak Week now includes trivia, blog hopping and an internet-wide scavenger hunt. Copies of Stephanie Beck’s Panties Optional and Felines and Flowers are up for grabs in today’s give-aways. Find more details at www.stephaniebeck.net

  

       Hello and welcome to day three of Freak Week. My name is Rachel, and I am a succubus. I’ve been a Freak Sorority sister since the seventies when I ran into Sara in a strip club. I’m still not sure why she was there, but what can I say? Being part of the Freak Sorority has given me the female fellowship I’d been missing in my life as a demon and I’m proud to be a  member.

     This past year has found me in a familiar place as I once again undertake the task of detailing the lives and traditions of the Freak Sorority. Since meeting Nick (yes, he also goes by Santa Clause) I’ve been able to focus more on being a librarian and less on...well, being an insatiable succubus. 

     I’m putting together a full handbook on the Freak Sorority, you know, one of those manifestos that would get you killed if you read if when you weren’t supposed to. For now it’s under lock and key on my computer, but one day I’ll get it on paper, bind it and curse the hell out of it. I even have plans of not telling Pammy the correct spell to open it, but shhhh, let’s not mention that.

     I’m finding as I work, that our lovely sorority is missing a few things other sororities have. So far we do have a flower (red roses, long stem), a song (Hey There Little Red Riding Hood) and our founding mother, Sara, is pitching hard to have diamonds be our jewel. I’m not saying diamonds are a bad thing, but I’m more of a ruby girl myself. 

     But in other categories, we’re lacking. For instance, we have no motto, official badge, official crest or jewel. But most importantly, we have no official drink. The other things will come together, but I could use some help.

     Today I’m on a mission to find a cocktail to commission as our official Freak Sorority beverage of choice. I’ll be on Facebook and Twitter today, chatting and doing a little trivia. I’d also love to have drink pictures posted on Facebook—it’s always nice to spruce the place up. Join me at www.facebook.com/StephanieBeckAuthor to visit. I’ll be there until at least 10:00 PM central standard time, so stop by any old time.

***CONTEST***

Please leave your drink recipe, including measurements and serving amounts below. Entries will be accepted here until 10:00 PM Central Standard Time. Judging for the top drink is subject to judge’s preference, but all entries will be entered to win one of three prizes for Wednesday. The winning entry will be immortalized on the Crafty Paranormal’s page on Stephanie Beck’s website, where their drink recipe will live in infamy for all to enjoy. Winners will be announced on this blog and at www.stephaniebeck.net on the Freak Sorority tab after 10:00 Wednesday night.

If you are unable to comment using the blog please email your recipe to stephaniebeckauthor@gmail.com  to be entered.

Thanks all! I can’t wait to see the drink suggestions.

 

As an added bonus,Decadent Publishing will be giving away a print copy of Run Devil Run anthology, a dark paranormal collection of stories, influenced by the LA band, Run Devil Run! Rachel the succubus will fill you in on the details! 

And leave a comment!