06 February 2023

Behind the Scenes… Cupid’s Schemes Volumes 1 & 2 Two Collections of Sweet Romances By Kelli A. Wilkins


www.KelliWilkins.com   

Hi everyone!

I know we’re in the middle of winter, but Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. (In fact, I saw Valentine’s Day candy and cards for sale the day after Christmas!) Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love and romance, so why not get in the mood now?

If you love sweet “first meet” romances, you don’t want to miss my romance anthology, Cupid’s Schemes. Cupid’s Schemes is a two-volume collection of contemporary mini-romances. Both volumes contain a dozen or more sweet romances where the characters meet under unusual circumstances and develop an intense connection. 

Most of the stories originally appeared in print in the supermarket newspaper the Sun. In fact, my first professional sale was with the Sun, and I credit them for getting me started in writing romances. 

I submitted my first story (Catch of the Day – a fisherman-meets-mermaid tale) to the Sun on a whim, just to see what would happen. I was thrilled when they accepted it and asked for more stories. (I also began writing sci-fi stories for the Sun and eventually combined them into an anthology called Extraterrestrial Encounters. Read more about it here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/extraterrestrial-encounters)

The stories in Cupid’s Schemes are very diverse and have unique characters, including reporters, cowboys, a Medieval knight, and even a vampire. I grouped the stories by season (starting with winter), so as you read through each book, you’ll be following the calendar year. Several stories are holiday-themed tales (Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving). 

I enjoyed creating the different characters and unusual settings and welcomed the challenge of telling a new story each week. And believe it or not, some of these settings and “first meets” were inspired by true stories people have told me over the years.

When I wrote the stories, I deliberately left them open-ended so readers can use their imaginations about where the story and the characters go from here. I wanted to show how two people meet, feel a spark of romance, and then leave the rest of the story up to the reader. What happens next is up to you. I end each story with the characters in good places, with the potential to have a happy-ever-after ending with their new love interest. 

These feel-good stories are perfect for a boost of romance whenever or wherever you need it. And they’re ideal for reading on electronic devices. 

Here are the book summaries and links:

Cupid’s Schemes: Volume 1 - A Collection of Sweet Romances

In these 16 flash fiction vignettes, Cupid’s arrow hits the mark and ignites a spark between two strangers—whether or not they’re looking for romance. Their unusual meetings lead to new beginnings and new chances at love.

Sweet stories of couples falling under Cupid’s spell include:

* a Medieval knight courting a pretty lady
* Two neighbors discover that romance can happen when you least expect it
* a mermaid rescued by a handsome stranger

Order Cupid’s Schemes: Volume 1 here:

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B07JM9K1BB

All other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/boZxkZ


And don’t miss Cupid’s Schemes: Volume 2 - Another Collection of Sweet Romances

In these 12 mini-romances…

* a photographer falls for a sexy cowboy in an abandoned ghost town
* Two friends discover romance in a spooky setting
* a long-lost love returns from out of the blue

Order Cupid’s Schemes: Volume 2 here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MFR25KF

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/mYrBBd


These lighthearted mini-romances are perfect reads for a quick lunchtime escape or an after-work indulgence.

I hope you enjoy these collections of sweet romances. I welcome comments and questions from readers and other authors. Contact me via my site, blog, or social media pages.

Happy Reading! 

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, 7 non-fiction books, and 5 horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror stories. 

Her latest novel, In Another World, was published in early 2022. This contemporary mystery/romance is set in the world of the paranormal.

She released two horror shorts, More Than I Bargained For and Silent Sentinel in 2021. 

Like to write? Check out Journaling Every Week: 52 Topics to Get You Writing. This fun and innovative guide to journaling is filled with hundreds of thought-provoking prompts designed to get you writing about your feelings and emotions. 

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.




It Gets Easier!...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers by Claudine Wolk Blog Tour and Guest Post!

 

Claudine Wolk's

 

WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING TOUR

 

OF

 

It Gets Easier!...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers

 

Tour Begins January 16


Every new mom learns pretty quickly how difficult new motherhood is but also that nobody tells the truth about it. Author and narrator Claudine Wolk learned the same lesson after her son was born but decided to speak the truth about motherhood with humorous insight and reality-based suggestions. A few crucial tips can make motherhood a bit more controllable and a lot more enjoyable.


Publisher: AMACOM

ISBN-10: 978-0840711151

ISBN-13: 0840711151

Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins


Purchase a copy of the audiobook on Libro.fm, Audible or Audiobooks.com. You can also add the book to your reading list on GoodReads.com.


Uncensored Advice for the New Mom


Motherhood is a whole new world. Here is some uncensored advice to help navigate it and make it a bit easier.


Ask a Nurse in Private 


If you are delivering your second child, ask a nurse in private to explain to your partner and your first born that “Mommy will not be able to do all the things Mommy usually does for a while.” “Mommy really needs your help.”  “Mommy needs to rest.” “Mommy needs someone to make dinner for the family.”  “Mommy needs help.”  


It is difficult and uncomfortable to ask for help and Moms are expected to be able to do it all, Right?  When your family hears that you need rest, from a medical professional, it may help them understand your needs at this time.


Get Your “Baby Visitor” Rules Out to Your Family in Advance


Naturally, everyone will want to come and see the baby.  Most new moms would agree that there are two kinds of baby visitors. Type number one is the baby visitor who wants to see you and the baby and brings a gift. The type-two visitor is the visitor who has come for an outing and wants to entertained. Embrace number one, shun number two!  Explain to family and friends ahead of time your thoughts on baby visitors before the baby is born.  It will save you stress after the birth and set expectations. 


If feelings of guilt creep in at denying visitors to your home in the early weeks, remember that you’ve just had a major procedure that required hospitalization.  Speak up and do what is best for you! If you are up for visitors and would like to see people that is ok, too, just make sure the visits are on your terms. 


Never Pass Up a Nap in Those Early Weeks (or any time, really!)


Never pass up a nap to clean in those early weeks.  You are getting less sleep and it is broken sleep.  Naps are your lifeline. Naps also might help your love life.  A nap might rejuvenate you so that you might have the energy to renew your love life with your partner at the right time. Embrace your naps – even after the baby gets bigger!


Your Spouse May Want To Have Sex Before the 6 Weeks 


Just an FYI that your spouse may want to resume a sex life with you before the usual 6 week wait time.  You might want to have this conversation about sex resumption before you give birth so your partner is aware that there is a bit of a healing time after birth.  Your partner misses you and misses that part of your lives together.  Sex is how many partners feel close.  Talk with your partner and your doctor about when it would be ok to get it on.  The uncensored advice is that some women feel perfectly ready to resume before the 6 weeks and as long as there is no medical impediment, that is ok.  Believe it or not, many women are excited (no pun intended) to resume their sex lives.  I was! Do what is good for you.


Find a Slew of Babysitters


The best advice I give to new moms is to do your research and find a slew of babysitters that are not relatives.  Save the relatives to babysit for the big asks: emergencies, overnights, special nights out.  Use your own babysitters for date nights or for the times when you need to do something when your partner is not around to stay with your baby.  When you have babysitters that you trust, you have freedom.  You can run out for a few hours and grocery shop, go for a cup of coffee, volunteer - do things for yourself where you might feel guilty to ask a relative to babysit. As well, you might not want a relative to know everything that you are doing.  Babysitters can provide that freedom.  It might feel like an extravagance to pay for a sitter but remember, not every decision is a financial decision.  You are a part of your family, too, and continuing to meet your own needs will make you a better Mom.  


How to find these babysitters?


Keep your ears open.  When you are with people you trust: your neighbors, your children’s teachers, your girlfriends, your pediatrician, your gynecologists - ask them if their children babysit.  Ask other Moms in Mom’s groups who they use and if they have a trusted reputation.  For example, I had a newspaper delivery boy who was from an adjoining neighborhood.  His Mom used to drive him from house to house to deliver papers and I struck up a conversation with her after months of the deliveries.  I asked if she had a daughter…she did…and she became one of my trusted babysitters for years.  She taught my girls how to play a keyboard!  That is the real dirty little secret – babysitters have more energy to play with your kids. It provides your children with an energetic, responsible playmate!  You want select babysitters who have an accountability to the community or your family directly.  Try them out for an hour or two to start.  Once trust builds, you can decide how and when to employ them.  It is well worth the money to have time away with your partner or on your own.  Remember, your kids will hopefully be self-sufficient and lead their own lives.  You need to be able to maintain a part of your life too!


Best of luck and remember, you are part of your family, too! 



Claudine Wolk is a writer, radio talk show host, podcast host, and book marketing consultant. Her first book, It Gets Easier and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers has affectionately become “the perfect baby shower gift.” Claudine is working on her second non-fiction book aimed at helping writers who want to publish and market a book in the same fun, practical way as her first book. Claudine lives with her husband, Joe, in Bucks County, PA and has three grown children and a baby grandson. More at www.ClaudineWolk.com


Other places you can find the author online:


https://ClaudineWolk.Substack.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claudinewolk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudinewolk/

Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/help4newmoms

Stories and Strategies for Woman Podcast: https://storiesandstrategiesforwomen.buzzsprout.com


Blog Tour Calendar

January 16th @ The Muffin

Join us at WOW! as we celebrate the launch of Claudine Wolk's audiobook version of It Gets Easier!...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

January 16th @ Just Katherine

Join Katherine as she reviews the audiobook version of It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.

https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/


January 17th @ Liberate and Lather


Join Angela as she reviews the audiobook version of  It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.

https://liberateandlather.com


January 19th @ Jill Sheets Blog


Join Jill as she interviews the author about her book It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.

https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/


January 20th @ The Mommies Review


Join Glenda as she reviews It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers. You'll also have the chance to win a copy of the book too!

https://themommiesreviews.com/


January 20th @ Confessions of An Overworked Mom


Visit Ellen's blog and read Claudine's guest post about going from self-published to traditionally published. It can be done!

https://confessionsofanover-workedmom.com/


January 21st World of My Imagination


Nicole features Claudine Wolk on her weekly featured three things on a Saturday night. She also gives away a copy of the audiobook It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.

https://worldofmyimagination.com


January 22nd @ Just Katherine


Join Katherine again as she shares a guest post by Claudine Wolk about the eight lies we tell new mothers.

https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/


January 25th @ Chapter Break


Join Julie's blog as she features a spotlight of the audiobook It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers. 

https://chapterbreak.net/


January 26th @ A Storybook world


Deirdra shares a guest post by Claudine Wolk about the five mom mantras that will keep you sane.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

January 27th @ What Is That Book About

Join Michelle as she reviews the audiobook It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers. 

https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com


January 30th @ Michelle Cornish' blog


Join Michelle as she features a guest post by Claudine Wolk about message, hook, and audience: the starting point to successfully market your book.

https://www.michellecornish.com/blog


January 31st @ Bring on Lemons


Crystal rewards us with her review of It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.

https://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/


February 1st @ World of My Imagination


Nicole features Michelle's guest review of It Gets Easier!...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.

https://worldofmyimagination.com

February 3rd @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy's blog for her insights about It Gets Easier!...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/


February 3rd @ Lady Unemployed

Visit Nicole's blog and read Claudine's guest post about how to get started on a voice acting career.

https://ladyunemployed.com


February 5th @ Strength 4 Spouses


Join Wendi as she reviews It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers. You also have the chance to win a copy of the audiobook!

https://strength4spouses.blog

February 5th @ Celticlady's Reviews

Join Kathleen's blog as she spotlights It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.

https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/


February 6th @ Celticlady's Reviews


Visit Kathleen's blog again as she features a guest post by Claudine Wolk featuring uncensored advice for new mothers.

https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/


February 7th @ Strength 4 Spouses


Visit Wendi's blog again as features Claudine's guest post about power shifts in your relationship with your partner and how to get it back.

https://strength4spouses.blog


February 10th @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews


Read an interview with Claudine Wolk at Lisa Haselton's blog.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/


February 11th @ Rockin Book Reviews


Join Lu Ann as she features a guest post by Claudine about reasonably cost-effective ways to promote your book. She'll also be giving away a copy of the audiobook as well!

https://rockinbookreviews.com/


February 13th @ Bookshine and Readbows


Join Steph's blog for her insightful reviews of It Gets Easier!...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.

https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/blog/


February 15th @ Word Magic


Fiona shares a guest post from Claudine about where to start with book marketing.

http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/


February 15th @ Amy's Booket List


Join Amy for her review of It Gets Easier!...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers. You'll also have the chance to win a copy of the book too!

https://www.instagram.com/amysbooketlist/



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