Balancing Life and Writing by Bernadette Marie – Guest Blog and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Bernadette Marie will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

I have been writing nearly nonstop since I was in the seventh grade. It didn’t become a full time job until I was well into my thirties, but by then I had five busy kids and multiple businesses.

Gratefully, I’ve usually run my businesses from my home, which allowed me the opportunity to be with my kids. But, it became a game of making sure I could accommodate everything in my life.

I am a big list maker. Often it has been my lists that offer me time to accommodate everything I need to tend to. I know in order to output the number of books I want per year, I need to stay on track. So, writing usually started before anyone in my family woke up. And even though all of my kids have since moved out, I still keep this schedule. Tending to my words first thing in the morning gets those words into that book before I’m pulled in a million different directions.

I’m not only a big list maker, but I’m a time blocker. I block out my time per week. I know I have 168 hours each week to accomplish as much as possible, and to also take care of myself. I organize my tasks by writing, publishing, tending to my other businesses, family, friends, and myself. (Oh, sure, these are just a few of my categories, but you get the idea.) From there each area in my life gets a certain number of hours in which I work those tasks. It truly keeps me focused on not only getting everything done, but making sure that I have time for myself to exercise, spend time with family and friends, and to just veg on the couch.

I also believe in giving yourself grace. So if I choose to go to lunch with a friend, or go shopping with my mom and sister, I easily move those blocks around to allow myself that time to take care of myself.

When Will seeks to rekindle a flame with his ex-girlfriend, his best friend Monique reluctantly suggests a plan involving secret admirer notes to divert his ex’s attention. In a surprising turn, Monique finds herself infatuated with her new boss, prompting Will to reciprocate with anonymous tokens of affection. However, as the deceptive game unfolds, both Monique and Will come to realize that the heartfelt sentiments expressed in the secret admirer notes were their own true feelings. So, what happens if the plan works? What happens if it doesn’t?

Enjoy an Excerpt

“Happy New Year, sweetheart,” he says, his words slurred from champagne.

“Sure,” I say, letting my eyes close. “Can’t even imagine anything happy about it.”

“Cynical,” he teases, but I don’t have the energy to argue with him.

Lifting my head, I sit back in my chair, and scan a look over him. Will’s hair looks like he just rolled out of bed, but that wasn’t how he looked when he’d brought me home. Alcohol and stress has had him raking his fingers through it until now it stands on end.

Will is a handsome guy, though lacking in any fashion sense. He’s my ride or die friend, has been since middle school, and I adore him.

“Are you going home?” I ask, noticing his eyes blink slower, or maybe my eyes are blinking slowly.

“No. Since you begged me to drink away the old year with you, you’re going to have to let me sleep on your couch.”

I was hoping he’d say that. I don’t want him to leave. Tonight, I want the company.

“Do you think she’s home?” I ask.

Will leans his elbow onto the table, resting his head in his palm, and he watches me. I move to mimic him, placing my elbow on the table, and my head in my hand.

“She’s home,” he says. “I’m just afraid that maybe she’s not alone.”

I reach for his other hand, and lace our fingers together.

“You know your living situation makes no sense, right?” I say.

“I know that more than anyone,” he admits.

“I mean, who lives with their ex?”

About the Author: Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie writes contemporary romances and believes in Happily Ever After. The married mother of five believes in love at first sight, quick love, and second chances. An avid martial artist, Bernadette Marie is a certified instructor and holds a third degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. She loves Tai Chi, traveling to Disney parks, and having lunch with friends. When not writing, or running her own publishing house, Bernadette is probably immersed in a Rom Com, from which she will often quote one-liners.

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