COUNTDOWN TO P-DAY for My Invisible Husband

As I count down to publishing day for my next novel MY INVISIBLE HUSBAND, I try not to feel overwhelmed. I enjoyed writing Nicolette Montana's story and hope the readers love the story.

How many women over 30 feel pressured to be married or in a relationship is amazing?

I for one am over 30, never married, and no kids. People are in shock when they find out. They assume that I at least have kids. To be honest, it bothered me at first, but then I thought about all of the relationships that I've been in that came close to marriage. None of those men are around today. So I would have been an over 30 divorced woman by now.

The man I'm with now seems to be the one, but only time will tell.

Anyway, enough about that. My schedule is going to be hectic over the next few months, so I wrote up a project plan to keep me on track.

I've gotten out most of the ARCs (that's advanced review copies) to some media and reviewers. I have a few more ARCs going out next week. I hope to get reviews/blurbs back prior to me going to print. (We'll see...and hopefully the readers enjoy the book enough to write some positive reviews...I can't sweat it, but if truth be told, writers do like it when people like something they've slaved over.)

I'm sitting on pins and needles as I wait for the book cover. Keith is talented and I know he can pull it off. I'm nervous because what if it's not what I expect. This is when you have to let the other creative person have free reign and work their magic. You can't rush it...patience is important. You tell yourself that you've communicated how you envision the cover so you let it be and wait and wait. Yes, waiting is fun (smile).

I have to wait until next week to see the cover, so in the meantime to keep my mind occupied, I'll work on the promotional stuff so when I do get the book cover, I can paste it and start sending it out.

I also have to continue promoting Roses are Thorns (my first baby). I got the new shipment in yesterday, so Monday I'll prepare to get the outstanding orders ready (they will need to be shipped on Tuesday).

Last week, I changed my website. For someone who's not a web designer, I think I did pretty good. No, I'm not conceited. Far from it, but I'm just surprised it turned out as well as it did.

I worked on my media kit. What a difference a year makes? Last year, I didn't have anything for the kit but fortunately I have a few reviews and interviews to add.

It's 9 am on a Saturday. I need to get off the computer and get some things done.

Until next time,
Shelia

¶ 8:39 AM //

Will the Faithful Man Please Stand Up

Go to any beauty shop or any place where there are a lot of women and you will hear conversations about hearts being broken because they caught their man cheating.

Is it difficult for a man to be faithful?
I don’t think so. If a woman can commit to one man, than I don’t see why a man can’t live up to his commitment. Women have bought in to the saying “boys will be boys” for too long.

We have to hold men accountable for their actions. An affair or fling doesn’t “just happen.” The man has to put himself in the situation for “IT” to happen.

Yes, there is a “point of no return.” But why are some men allowing themselves to get to that point. They are faced with choices before getting to the “point of no return.” So if they honestly do not want to cheat, take the chance of jeopardizing their relationship, they will not allow it to get to that point. Get the point J.

I’m not dogging out men, so if you’re reading this article, please don’t think that I am.
I’m actually giving you guys more credit than you’ve gotten in the past. I know there are men who are as faithful to their women as we are to our men.

So will the faithful men please stand up!!! Stand up and let women know that there is indeed still good men out there.

I welcome feedback from readers. If you have a question for AskOhShelia!, please send an email to: askohshelia@aol.com.

Until Next Time,
Peace and Love,
Shelia

Shelia M. Goss is also the Author of Roses are Thorns, Violets are True and My Invisible Husband. See more info at: http://www.sheliagoss.com.

¶ 8:38 AM //

STOP THE MADNESS

Abuse is on the rise if the last four books I’ve read is an indication. Each story, although different, had one common theme: abusive relationships.

It made me wonder how many women are actually going through this dilemma.

I hope and pray that none of my readers are and if by chance you are, there are places out there that will help.

I’m not a doctor or psychologist, but I know it’s wrong for a grown man to treat a grown woman like a child. For some reason, abusers think they have the right to discipline someone other than a child.

We as women have to stand up for ourselves. The abuser may not start off hitting. But some of the signs are there before it gets to that point. Such as verbal abuse, possessiveness, unexplained anger. Even paying close attention to how they talk to and treat others can warn you of their potential behavior.

Unless it’s divine intervention, most abusers will continue to abuse.

The lame old excuse “If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t hit you.” is a bunch of crap.
You do not abuse something you love.

How many “I’m sorry” will it take for them to stop? If it happens once, there’s a greater chance for it to happen again, and again and again.

So I say to the woman who may be in an abusive relationship. Only YOU can put a stop to the endless violent cycle. Only YOU have control over what you allow to happen to you. You are WORTHY. Don’t let anyone tell you that you aren’t.

Take control over the situation. Seek help. Get out of that destructive relationship. Do whatever you have to do to STOP THE MADNESS.

If you are or someone you know are being abused, please contact your local women’s shelter for assistance.

Or you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for more information. The website is http://www.ndvh.org/

I welcome feedback from readers. In future issues, I will be answering questions from readers concerning issues on various subjects. If you have a question for AskOhShelia!, please send an email to: askohshelia@aol.com.

Until Next Time,
Peace and Love,
Shelia

Shelia M. Goss is also the Author of Roses are Thorns, Violets are True and My Invisible Husband. See more info at: http://www.sheliagoss.com.

¶ 8:36 AM //