Touchdown Update

 

Hi, thanks for stopping by. Here's where you'll find updates on my latest releases, and current WIPS. 

Today, I'm so excited to announce that Touchdown in Waverly is now available in print. It took me forever to format this book, but the experience was worth it. You can get your copy in print or on Kindle on my author page on Amazon. I'm also excited as I have a couple of five-star ratings on this book. One of which is from Wales. Very encouraging reviews that have left me speechless and humbled. Take a sneak peek at those reviews here. 

If you like fun, seasonal poetry, check out my blog at alexiastevens.blogspot.com. I usually write poetry reflecting the holidays and winter as that's when I'm most inspired. However, over the last couple of days, I wrote my first two spring time poems. I've never written about the spring before. My poems are always very light hearted and fun. See why winter inspires me here. Enjoy your day. 

I really appreciate you stopping by - thanks again. 

Have a wonderful day.

AS 

 

In 2016 I invited author friends Kaye Kelly, Iona Morrison, and Theresa Snyder to write a short story with me about friendship and we would make it available as a free download to our readers and followers as a way to say thank you. Email me for your free copy at lexis1722@gmail.com.

It's really a miracle how the story came together because we had no plans or details on the outcome. We didn't discuss any scenes or lay out a story board at all. Our only agreement was that if we wanted, we could choose one or two of our own favorite characters to have a role in this story or create new ones. We collaborated through group email until we reached the end. 

I recently contacted these ladies, and we've decided to pull this fun story out of our personal vaults and make it available once again as a freebie for all the follows, likes, shares, and comments on our books from our readers. 

If you would like to read our little story, please contact me via email and I'll be glad to send you a free PDF copy right to your inbox. I promise I will only use your email this one time because I do not have anything to mail out on a regular basis. 

We thoroughly enjoyed writing this story and sincerely hope you enjoy reading it. I've added a snippet to whet your appetite. 

    The fall leaves crunched beneath her feet as Erica made her way down the long driveway to her mailbox. The slightly crisp air held a promise of joy and hope for the coming holidays. But inside, Erica felt anything but joyful.

     The kids, now grown and chasing dreams of their own, weren’t dreaming of coming home for the holidays. Mandy had been teaching in the Scottish Highlands for the past year. Sean, the older of the two, and an engineer, was busy in Brazil designing water treatment plants for their major cities. And since she and Tom, her hubby of 31 years, were now empty nesters, she knew that staying busy would be the best for both of them.

     “After all, Tom, aren’t these the days we have been looking forward to? You know, the kids all gone, fit in some travelling here and there,” said Erica.

     “Yes, I suppose you are right.” Tom folded his newspaper over his lap as he sat up in his easy chair. “And we have lots of friends. Why don’t we just have a big, early Christmas party up at the cabin and invite them over for a few days?”

     Erica grinned. “You are on to something. That’s a wonderful idea. I’ll start making preparations now. It’ll be fun to have everybody together. I could pack up a few decorations. We’ll plan a scrumptious dinner, and well, it will just be delightful!” she exclaimed.

Don't forget to request your free copy by sending me an email - see address below, and please tell your friends about it. It's full of an all-star cast. It's so delightful and you'll have so much fun reading it. Just drop me an email and I'll send it to you promptly.

Hugs for the Holidays

From Iona Morrison, Theresa Snyder, Kaye Kelly, and yours truly, Alexia.

lexis1722@gmail.com

Debut Novel Release

 

I am so happy to announce that my debut novel 
Touchdown in Waverly 
is now available on Kindle. 
Please check it out on Amazon. 
Please stay tuned for print copies. 

Melanie moved away to New York to work in corporate law and left behind the charm and character of her hometown of Waverly, Georgia where she met and married, Alan, the love of her life. He was everything to her. He was everything she could never be, but in the twinkling of an eye it was all over with. Alan never had a chance to survive that fatal car wreck that snowy winter day. 

Having endured one dead end relationship after another, Melanie is left wondering whether it was somehow written in the cosmos that she should never love again.

In a bold move back home, she became engaged to an old high school friend, Wes. But when she learns how abusive and deceptive he was, Melanie finds herself in need of escape when she meets Cord. Was moving back home the right move to make? Has Waverly lost the charm she grew up with or will Melanie find the perfect touchdown once again?

Thank you for stopping by.

Alexia
Amazon author Page

Book Release Update

 

Hello,

I had so much fun telling Cord and Melanie's story. This sweet romance has its drama, but it will warm your heart and hopefully get you ready for part two which is packed with more fun and the best cast ever. More details on that later.

Today, I am so excited to tell you that digital copies of Touchdown in Waverly for your e-readers should be available next week on Amazon if all goes well. 

I am still working on making the book available for print. Hopefully, that should be ready in less than two weeks. Be sure to check back here for updates on Cord and Melanie's story and other works in progress.

To give you an insight on the book, here's the synopsis:

Melanie moved away to New York to work in corporate law and left behind the charm and character of her hometown of Waverly, Georgia where she met and married, Alan, the love of her life. He was everything to her. He was everything she could never be, but in the twinkling of an eye it was all over with. Alan never had a chance to survive that fatal car wreck that snowy winter day.

Having endured one dead end relationship after another, Melanie is left wondering whether it was somehow written in the cosmos that she should never love again.

In a bold move back home, she became engaged to an old high school friend, Wes. But when she learns how abusive and deceptive he was, Melanie finds herself in need of escape when she meets Cord. Was moving back home the right move to make? Has Waverly lost the charm she grew up with or will Melanie find the perfect touchdown once again? 

Have a great week ahead. Until next time,

Alexia

Cover Reveal

I have waited for so long for this day. Please join me in celebrating the cover reveal of my first book Touchdown in Waverly. 

"God never meant for you to only play the game and never make a touchdown." AS

Stay tuned for the release date.  

In a bold move back home Melanie finds herself in need of escape when she meets Cord. Was moving back home the right move to make? Has Waverly lost the charm she grew up with or will Melanie find the perfect touchdown once again. 

Roses for My Journey

I'm getting ready to do a cover reveal for my first book, Touchdown in Waverly.  I'm reminded of all the help and encouragement I've had along the way from my instructors while in school and especially a few author friends of whom I've grown quite fond. I owe these ladies a very special thank you because each of them has played a huge part in shaping my writing hobby/career. Today, I'm reposting a blog I did back in 2016 - "Ladies of the Pen" Please enjoy!

I have met some really fascinating, creative, and otherwise wonderful lady authors / writers. They really keep me going on my writing, although I do have family support in place.

Theresa Snyder's character, Farloft, a loveable dragon, has an amazing story to tell. His birthday is coming up in May; I'll need to send him a happy birthday wish. I'm most inspired by Theresa through Farloft because she allows him to tell his own stories. I recently found out the whole world loves Farloft. He's funny, loves chocolate, and kittens. He now has his own Twitter (X) @FarloftDaDragon.  

Kari Nichols, author of Rogue, is another inspiring author. She is inspiring for her dedication to getting her writing projects done. she and hubby own a photography business, and they stay busy. While that is their main business, she makes time to write. making time is important to achieving success in anything. Her latest release, Dysfunctional Life, recently received a 5-star rating.  

Iona Morrison, author of The Harvest Club, is an angel. Ever so calming to talk to and encouraging. Even when things are rough in her own life, she always finds time to keep her friends pumped up. And that's why she is inspiring to me. She's a gentle reminder to never forget your friends. 

With so many talented writers and authors out there, why did I choose these three?  They are answers to some of my biggest challenges in writing and life.  Lesson 1- allow your characters to tell their story.  Lesson 2- make time for your writing and don't stop writing until you are done. Lesson 3- don't forget those who have nudged you along the way. 

It takes a lot to be a writer. These three ladies are only a few who give me a more balanced look at life behind the pen. I appreciate their own special qualities, those admirable traits that often go unnoticed. I notice.

If you are reading this today, I appreciate you and thank you very much. My sincere hope is that, if you are a writer, you connect with these 3 ladies or others that can help support and encourage and push you along on your journey to being published.

********

Of course, God has brought other authors into my life since writing Ladies of the Pen that have also been very encouraging and some in unspoken ways. Susan Jean Ricci, Kaye Kelly, Lacee Hightower, and Jan Romes, you ladies have played a crucial role in my writing life, and I owe you all a huge thanks. 

I could not possibly celebrate my cover reveal without acknowledging these very special ladies. As I'm getting ready to celebrate my first ever cover reveal and soon to be released book, Touchdown in Waverly, I'll also be celebrating each of you. 

Words fail me to express my gratitude, first and foremost to God, and secondly, to these awesome "Ladies of the Pen."

Thank You,
Alexia

Touchdown Reminder

I'm super excited - hope to see you there. I'll be sharing the cover on Facebook, X, and Pinterest.

Hugs,
Alexia

COVER REVEAL

     I am so excited to announce the book cover reveal for 

Touchdown in Waverly. 

  "God doesn't expect you to only play the game and never
make a touchdown"

Join me on Sept 12th for full cover reveal.

Hope to see you there!

TOUCHDOWN IN WAVERLY -Update

I'm super excited to share that I am ready to move forward with this book. I should be able to release it soon. To whet your appetite a little, and with the help of a precious friend and author, Lacee Hightower, here's the blurb.

Is this it? Is this all there is to life?

Was it somehow written in the cosmos that I was to lose at love? Fail at relationships? End up sad, broken, and lonely? Allen was everything I wasn’t. Everything I could never be. We were only married a few short years when suddenly he was taken from me, never having a chance in the tragic wreck that took his life.

I miss him! Dear God, how I miss him!

Now the only thing I have left is a dead-end legal career in New York, and I'm giving that up and moving back home. But to what? To whom? Is home even home anymore because it sure doesn’t feel like it when I visit family during the summer or even the holidays. Nothing seems to be happening anymore. Nothing feels the same like it once did. Is it just me or has Waverly lost the charm it once had?

With the beautiful ocean surrounding, upper and lower Waverly always held that perfect holiday charm, that perfect summer family fun all families sought. It was the kind of place that fostered and created dreams of a good life, great friends, the ideal career … and the perfect family man, the real touchdown kind.

But now, nothing feels solid. Nothing feels promising. Nothing feels … right.

Will I ever be happy again or is happiness even possible for me?

Life started for me in Waverly, Georgia. Can its hidden charm work wonders for me again? Can I have a good life again, find a trusting circle of friends and a new career that I can look forward to every day? Will I end up more lost and lonelier than I am now, or will my hometown lead me to the right touchdown this time?

***************

There you have it. I'm excited about my book progress and will keep you posted as I get ready to release it. I will reveal the cover soon. 

Alexia

Lacee writes dark mystery for the not so faint at heart. Visit her here. 

Journey of an Author

It's a no brainer that this journey of becoming an author is often a long and arduous process. Everything in life is bound to get in the way at one time or another to slow the progress down. For some, it can be a financial struggle, publishing / printing companies taking three to six months to respond to the author. I've recently read that some publishers are taking over a year to respond.  Personally, I would probably have to consider another agency. Yet, this may well be something authors must get used to. 

Let's not forget the ever-condemning internal editor. It's an art in and of itself to just learn how to shut that voice down. Yet, it often works to our advantage picking up on what may seem like a small thing but can actually be big enough to receive the infamous letter of denial in the mailbox. 

Many authors put in a word count minimum on their daily writing tasks, and this can be a great thing to know for those of us less disciplined. Putting oneself on a schedule to pump out a minimum word limit can be as daunting as receiving that denial. 

Writers like me often have lots of irons in the fire and for me, my writing is more of a hobby. I do often think about being able to write full time one day soon. I have one book finished, just working on the cover, and several other wips (works in progress for those of you who don't know).

Other wips include Mystery at Bear Creek Island where duo detective team Duke and Kohana of the Don't Know Detective Agency work tirelessly to solve big and sometime international crimes and mysteries. I can hardly wait to tell you about Boots & Brian. Boots, as she is affectionately called, is a bit cocky from a rough past but must learn to let some things go. I'll provide more details on those two soon. Then there's Southern Grace. Grace Caroline makes a bold move back to Texas but can she open her heart to love again. Again, more details later. 

Writing may be a personal hobby, but it will definitely be a lifelong hobby and my personal journey in becoming a published author is definitely a slow one, but when my books come out, I'm certain you'll be well entertained. 

Until then, stay safe, and read on.

Alexia

Your Personal Invitation

I just love winter-time, don't you? I'm from south central Texas where snow eluded us for the most part. We jokingly never thought it fair that north Texas and up into the panhandle would almost always get some snow. That's probably why we thought that was another country up there, tsk, tsk.  When it did get cold, it didn't last very long.  

Because of the wonderful childhood memories I have, especially around the holidays, my books are always full of winter scenes and all the drama that would entail. You see, as a child, to see snow we had to wait and hope Christmas cards would come in the mail with beautiful, snowy scenes on them. We'd drink mom's home-made hot chocolate and snuggle up on the couch in front of our old stone fireplace and read through the cards. That was about the only way we'd ever get to see snow. Our eyes grew wide with each card especially to see Rudolph dancing across the snowy front and wishing us the merriest Christmas ever. 

Today, I live in the Missouri Ozark mountains where we get plenty of snow and I actually get to live those "snowy scenes" from the old Christmas cards. Of course, some winters we don't get any snow - hum bug! Wintertime was always so special to me. My Mamma knew how to do Christmas. Her fascination of the snow and mountains still inspires me today. Not only will you read through my snowy winters you'll also find my characters live in mountainous regions - my favs are the American west and the Canadian Rockies.  

I hope my blog here will evoke a wonderful sense of warmth and coziness as you check back for updates. Consider this your very own personal heartwarming invitation to sit down a spell on a hot day, or cold, and cozy up with a favorite drink and dream of cooler days or warmer and step inside the world of Melanie and Cord, or duo detectives, Duke and Kohana of the Don't Know Detective Agency, whose banter will delight your soul. If that doesn't do it, five-year-old twins Cooper and Jaxson will stir your heart strings. 

I've written a few fun seasonal poems that you can read here, and in recent years, I invited author friends Theresa Snyder, Iona Morrison, and Kaye Kelly to write a little short story, we dubbed, The Gift, and offered it free as our way of saying thanks to all our readers and supporters. This little story is about real, friendship written in holiday style and is still available. Just email me and I'll send you the PDF. It's charming and delightful and it will definitely warm your heart. 

I appreciate you stopping by and remember you have an open invitation to return anytime. I'll soon be posting some updates on Touchdown in Waverly and also on Mystery at Bear Creek Island. 
Until then,

Alexia