Delighted to announce my new novel, Just Lucky, is released on Amazon today. I love the characters of Lily Vincent and Evan Connor so much and I hope you will too. It’s available in paperback, Kindle, and Kindle Unlimited for you die-hard readers out there. Check out the details on Amazon at this link: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1737556626/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1673031305&sr=8-1
I’d like to thank my book designer/illustrator, Karin Star for her beautiful work on the cover. She captures the romance and magic, not only of the characters but the landscape as well. She even gives you a sneak peek of the four witches on the back cover.
If you enjoyed my debut novel, Ghost of a Chance, I hope you’ll pick up a copy of Just Lucky to ring in the New Year with romance! And I’ll leave you with a little video I created. Hope you like it. And as always, thanks so much for your support.
I hope you’ve all had a wonderful holiday season–however you celebrate. I’ve been as busy as Santa in his workshop trying to wrap up my most recent novel, Just Lucky. I had hoped to release it in time for Christmas but the stars just didn’t align. But I’m happy to report that within the next few weeks–maybe even days– I’ll be releasing it on Amazon. Watch this space for the book cover preview and your chance to win a signed copy of Just Lucky!
In the meantime, I wish you a safe and happy New Year filled with joy, peace, and most of all ROMANCE!
Hello friends! It’s a cold and rainy day in my corner of the world as I put the finishing touches on Just Lucky. There is a lot that goes into self-publishing in addition to the writing. I’m a one-woman author/marketer/business shop, and when I’m getting ready to publish there’s a massive to-do list.
Right now I’m working on the very important BOOK BLURB. That’s the text that goes on the back cover and engages potential readers–YOU! It gives a glimpse of what the story is about without giving away too much. The hardest part is the blurb should only be around 150-200 words. Believe me, once you’ve been living with a story for a year, reducing the sales pitch to 200 words isn’t easy.
Here’s where you come in. Below is the draft of the Just Lucky book blurb. Give it a read and let me know in the comments if you would pick up the novel. I appreciate it!
Oh, and I’m still aiming for a early holiday release–hopefully by December first. As always, thanks for sticking with me on this adventure and I hope you enjoy the stories I deliver. Oh, and I promise there will be a few give aways too!
How would $365 million change your life?
After winning the mega-millions lottery, recently divorced Lily Vincent fulfills a lifelong dream of owning a lighthouse on the west coast of Ireland where she can spend her days writing and looking out to sea. What she doesn’t expect to find is Evan Connor, her only tenant who happens to be a drop-dead gorgeous movie star.
Evan has been in the movie business since he was twenty years old, but now all he wants to do is focus on his fledgling whiskey distillery and enjoy some peace and quiet. The idea is even more appealing when he meets his new landlady—the tall, dark-haired American who doesn’t suffer fools gladly.
Set against the backdrop of the pretty seaside village of Ballymeade, Ireland, it isn’t long before Lily and Evan realize there is an undeniable spark between them. Everything should be smooth sailing until an aging starlet sets her sights set on getting Evan back in her life. Lucky for Lily, she discovers four witches from centuries past who give her sage advice on trusting her instincts and living her best life.
A lifelong dream, new friends, and some sexy romance leave Lily believing she’s just lucky but maybe it’s more than that. Maybe it’s fate—plus a sprinkling of magic.
Fall is my favorite time of year. It’s spooky season after all, and there’s nothing I like better than a dark night with the moon peeking out from behind the clouds while the wind rustles the leaves that still cling to the branches. The crisp temperatures and the vibrant colors add to the magic. Plus, there’s nothing I love more than a cozy sweater and a hot chocolate–or perhaps a wee dram of my favorite whiskey–while curled up with a good book. What about you? What’s your favorite season?
On the writing front, Just Lucky is on its way to my editor for a final pass. I want to thank all of the people who volunteered to beta read for me and I’m sorry I couldn’t use more of you. Hopefully, I can tap into your skills on the next novel, which is well underway. Once the edit and the cover design are complete I plan on releasing Just Lucky in mid-to-late November–just in time for the holidays. I’m super excited about this novel and I’ll keep you posted once the release date is set.
If you’re wondering about my next novel, the title is Grace Under Pressure, and I’m already in love with my characters and the location. I promise lots of sexy romance and fun with my protagonist Grace Moretti and her hot Scotsman Mac Galbraith, set in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of New York. I don’t know about you but I’ve never been one to resist a man in a kilt! More coming on that soon. In the meantime, enjoy the change of seasons!
Can you hear my cheers of happiness from where you are? That would be me putting the final touches on my next novel, Just Lucky. I’m making a few final tweaks before sending it to beta readers.
Are you interested in being part of my team of beta readers? For your efforts you’ll receive a signed copy of the paperback and my undying appreciation! The novel is currently running around 71,100 words and is a contemporary romance with hints of the paranormal. There are also tasteful but explicit sex scenes.
I gave a brief synopsis of the storyline in a previous post but here’s a reminder:
Lily Vincent is a forty year old, recently divorced, Midwesterner. One day, while out trying to find an apartment on her meager salary, she stops in the local convenience store and buys a mega-millions lottery ticket. Later that night, she is stunned to discover she has won $365 million.
Fast forward to the town of Ballymeade on the southwest coast of Ireland where Lily has purchased, sight unseen, a large parcel of land that includes a lighthouse, cottage, and two large outbuildings–one of which is a whiskey distillery. The first night on the property she meets her tenant, Evan Connor, a forty-two year old, drop-dead gorgeous movie star who wants nothing more than to get out of the movie business and devote his time to making whiskey and having a simpler way of life.
Sparks fly from their first meeting, and while Lily and Evan are mindful of their hearts, it isn’t long before romance is in the air on the beautiful shores of Ireland. This story is about two people, both searching for their purpose in life, all with some spicy romance for good measure! Add in some local characters from Ballymeade, an aging starlet who has set her sights on getting Evan back in her life, and four witches from centuries past who give Lily sage advice for living her best life.
Lily thinks for once she’s just lucky–but maybe now fate plays a hand.
If you’re interested in giving me feedback on the draft, all that’s required is your honest appraisal of the novel: character development, pacing, story flow. Basically, is it something that you enjoy and holds your interest? Let me know by dropping me a line at nikkilongwrites@gmail.com and I’ll give you more details and a contract to sign.
This post is a little different in that I want to share my take on the new Netflix movie Persuasion. You may or may not agree, but it’s just my take on the newest adaptation of Jane Austen. Don’t hate me if you don’t agree (and thanks for indulging me). On a different note–I can tell you that I’ve finished my second novel “Just Lucky” and am in the process of editing. More on that in a later post!
I have a masters degree in English with a focus on literature and creative writing. One of my favorite writers in the “canon” is Jane Austen. Suffice to say I’ve read her novels, studied them critically, and seen a lot of the film adaptations of her work. So, I’d like to think I’m no dummy when it comes to the study and interpretation of her work.
For anyone who might not know, Persuasion is Jane Austen’s last complete novel and was published about six months after her death. It is one of her more melancholy works about Anne Elliot, a youngish–but close to spinsterhood–woman who was persuaded to cut ties with the one man she truly loved, Fredrick Wentworth, a young sailor of no consequence. Eight years go by with her tending to her selfish family–quiet, introverted, kind, and still pining away for the love that got away. Of course, the story has a happy ending, but it is a much more mature, dramatic ending because the characters are no longer young and impulsive. And friends, if you ever want to know how to write a love letter–by all means read Wentworth’s letter to Anne in Chapter 23 of the novel. Swoon!
I watched the new Dakota Johnson-Netflix Persuasion with equal parts confusion and amusement, and found myself wondering on more than one occasion if they’d even bothered to read the novel. The choices made to turn the character of Anne Elliot into an alcoholic, sarcastic, extroverted flirt, who spends about 75% of the time breaking the fourth wall to tell the story instead of–oh, I don’t know–hiring a screenwriter who would read the darned novel and write engaging dialogue between the characters–made me cringe. Plus, they used modern language in a period piece–calling Wentworth her “ex” and having a group of women rate men as a “10.” It was a series of weird choices all around.
Seriously, I think the director/writers/producers watched the Bridgerton series and thought they’d goose up one of the most beloved writers in the English language. Don’t get me wrong, I love Bridgerton, but I also know it is a contemporary take–historical romance with a wink and nod towards the classics. It’s sexy, high-spirited, and all ’round great fun. Yes, please! But that’s not Persuasion, like it or not.
I’m all for modernizing takes on Austen. One of my favorites is Clueless, a fantastic update on Emma. And while I haven’t seen it yet, I hear Fire Island is a pretty faithful LGBTQ adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. With this new Netflix adaptation of Persuasion, it seems as if it’s trying to be too many things to too many audiences. I will say this movie does a great job of color-blind casting, has lovely cinematography, and the characters are all very, very pretty. If it engages viewers I just hope they make the choice to read some of Austen’s work. And I hope they aren’t disappointed when the book, or Anne Elliot, is nothing like the movie.
A view of Hore Abbey from the Rock of Cashel. Photo credit – Nikki Long
First of all, Happy Belated St. Patrick’s Day! If you’ve read my novel Ghost of a Chance, then you know how much I love Ireland. My husband and I were lucky enough to visit in October of 2017. We had plans to return in 2020 but a certain pandemic changed our plans. I’m really hoping we’ll be back in 2023.
Why do we want to return? There are several reasons:
First, the people! Everyone is so kind and welcoming and I really appreciate their sense of humor. Plus, the taxi drivers in Dublin are the best! They kept us laughing with their running commentary on just about everything as they navigated the chaotic Dublin streets.
Second, the country itself. As the photo above shows, it is one of the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited–and I’ve traveled a lot.
Third, would have to be the libations. Irish whiskies and beer? Yes please! Nothing is finer than sitting in a pub, sharing in the craic while sipping a fine Irish whiskey or a pint of the black stuff-Guinness.
Fourth, but definitely not last, the sense of magic that seems to permeate the air, land, and the buildings. History is a living, breathing thing in Ireland and you can sense it wherever you go. A few days into our 2017 trip we arrived in Cashel after a few hair-raising hours of learning how to drive on the left-hand side of the road. There was a soft rain falling as we stood on top of the rock, the sounds of birds calling to each other bouncing off the stone walls of the ruin. I felt such an overwhelming connection to the place and those who had lived on the land. It was emotional, spiritual, and beautiful–one of those magical moments when you travel somewhere new and yet you feel as if you’ve been there before.
So, is it any surprise that my next novel takes place in Ireland? I’m still figuring out the title, and I’m in the process of wrapping up the ending–happily ever after of course–but it’s almost done. Here’s a quick sketch of the characters/plot:
The main character is Lily Vincent; a thirty-seven years old, recently divorced, Midwesterner. One day, when out trying to find an apartment on her meager salary, Lily stops in the local convenience store and buys a mega-millions lottery ticket. Later that night, she is stunned to discover she has won $365 million.
Fast forward to the (fictional) town of Ballymeade on the southwest coast of Ireland where Lily has purchased, sight unseen, a large parcel of land that includes a lighthouse, cottage, and two large outbuildings–one of which is a whiskey distillery. The first night on the property she meets her tenant, Evan Connor, a forty year old, drop-dead gorgeous movie star who wants nothing more than to get out of the movie business and devote his time to making whiskey and having a simpler way of life.
Sparks fly from their first meeting, and while both Lily and Evan are mindful of their hearts, it isn’t long before romance is in the air on the beautiful shores of Ireland. This is a story about two people, both searching for their purpose in life, all with some spicy romance for good measure! Add in some local characters from Ballymeade, an aging starlet who has set her sights on getting Evan back in her life, and four witches from centuries past who give Lily sage advice for living her best life. You knew I had to throw in some magic and ghosties somewhere, right?
Stay tuned for more updates and as always, thanks for your support!
Valentine’s Day! This is a romance writer’s favorite time of year. I mean, this is what we LIVE for–romance in all it’s varied and wonderful forms. And while I’m never one to turn my nose up at a beautiful bouquet of flowers or a decadent box of chocolates, those are not the first things that pop into my head–or heart–when it comes to romance. So, I thought I’d ask, what’s the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you–or you for them? And it doesn’t have to be tied to St. Valentine’s Day. I’ll start us off with one of the most romantic things my husband has ever done for me–and believe me this is just a sample of the wonderful things he’s done. And yes, I really, really, really lucked out when I found him.
I was in graduate school and working full time. In addition, I was attempting to finish my first novel for publication. Was I stressed out? Oh yeah! One of the classes I took in my graduate studies included a study abroad component in Rome, Italy. It was a quick trip and while I love Rome and was happy to be returning to the Eternal City, I felt weird about going without my husband. Of course, he was super supportive, as he always is, so I left for ten days of Roman history, literature, and la dolce vita.
Montecassino, outside of Rome. Is that a romantic view or what?
Italy was as I remembered it. Historic, beautiful, breath-taking, and chaotic. But after about five days all I could think about was getting home. It just wasn’t the same without “The Dude” to share it with. Of course, we FaceTimed every day and he made sure to get the dogs and cats into the frame whenever he could, but still, I was ready to go home. He happened to mention on one of our calls that he was working on a little project at the house.
Now, we live in a one-hundred-year-old farm house near Lake Michigan. The second floor houses my writing studio, which at the time was a perfect reflection of a graduate student, full time employee/part time writer’s space. In other words, it was a nightmare. Books stacked everywhere, furniture shoved in without a lot of thought, and no art on the desperately-needing-to-be-painted walls. It was serviceable but not very comfortable–and certainly not a great incubator for creativity!
When I returned home I was so happy, and also exhausted. For the first couple of days I was home, I didn’t even go upstairs to my studio. Finally, my husband said, “Will you please go upstairs!?” Up I went, with him right behind me, and when I opened the door I was blown away. Freshly painted walls, furniture carefully placed, and a brand new 27″ monitor on my desk. It was beautiful! His thoughtfulness brought me to tears. While I was running around Italy, enjoying everything the country offered, he was home, making my writing studio absolutely magical. And every time I come up to write (like I am right now), I think of him. Pretty romantic–am I right?
So please, share your most thoughtful actions/romantic moments in the comments. Who knows, maybe it will eventually end up in one of my novels! But don’t worry–I’ll change the names to protect the innocent!
You’ll probably notice I’ve given the website a bit of a facelift. I thought going into the new year I’d start with a clean slate—visually, at least! Let’s face it, I think we can all agree that 2021 was quite… well… let’s just say that it’s going out the way it came in. I won’t rag on about the pandemic that we still find ourselves in. I’ll just say that I hope you do everything you can to keep yourselves and your loved ones healthy as we roll into 2022.
Since this is the season when we all look back at what has happened in our lives over the past year—reflecting on the good and bad, I hope you’ll indulge me as I share some changes and milestones that I experienced in 2021.
Celebrated 10 years of marriage. Let me tell you, I won the lottery when I found him. Supportive, intelligent, funny, and one of the best cooks around. And he puts up with me!
Finished my master’s degree. That was a long slog and I’m so happy I did it. Walking across the stage at commencement was truly a highlight of 2021.
Released my first novel, Ghost of a Chance. So happy to say I am now a published author. And I’m currently working on my next novel which I hope to release in spring 2022.
I found a new job. While I wish I could spend every day in my writing studio, unfortunately, I have bills to pay. Damned reality!!! I’ve worked in higher education for twenty-five years and this year I landed at one of the finest and most well-respected universities in the country. Another plus, I work with incredible (and funny) people. When they found out I was a writer, their only concern was how soon it would be before some of our more colorful co-workers ended up in one of my novels.
So, all in all, I have to say that it’s been a good year, despite everything the world has thrown my way. Sure, there were weeks where I was ready to throw in the towel, but I persevered. Life would be nothing without challenges.
Before I close out 2021, I want to send out my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me this year. Reading your comments and reviews, realizing I wrote something that entertained you and hopefully let you forget some of life’s challenges—nothing made me happier. You have given me a precious gift. Now, on to 2022 with more strange ideas and impure thoughts!
It’s that time of year when everyone is feeling the pressure to find the perfect holiday gift. Well, I’m moonlighting as a holiday elf and offering Ghost of a Chance, my debut contemporary romance novel, on sale through December 26th. The paperback is now $8.99 and the e-book is $2.99. AND if you are on Kindle Unlimited you can now read it free! I hope you’ll take this opportunity to pick up a copy for the romance reader in your life–and maybe get a copy for yourself too! You can find it on Amazon here.
Even though we are in the middle of the holiday hustle and bustle, I’ve been busy writing my next novel. I’m hoping to have the first draft completed by December 31st. I’ll then be looking for beta readers before I send it off to my editor. If you have an interest in joining my beta team, drop me a line at nikkilongwrites@gmail.com. More details forthcoming but you’ll find an excerpt at the end of Ghost of a Chance.
Thank you all for your support this year. Words alone can’t reflect my gratitude for your positive comments and reviews. May the holidays, however you celebrate, bring you peace and joy, now and in the New Year.
Love to all!
Nikki
P.S. Here’s a picture of our cat Lola, basking in holiday cheer. And yes, one of the trees decided not to light. Ah the joys of holiday decorating!
Nikki Long Writes 