Bucket Lists

It seems that ever since the movie came out a couple years ago (I can't for the life of me remember how many), people have been making their own 'Bucket Lists' or, for those of you unfamiliar with the term, a list of things to do before you die. I had dinner with my parents the other night and my dad was talking about one of the items on his list, which in turn got me thinking about my own. Now, I realize that I am in no danger of dying, especially of old age, anytime in the near future. But I don't really think a bucket list has to start at an advanced age. In fact, I believe it should start early as there are things that might require a more youthful you. Certainly, my bucket list will grow as I'm exposed to new things, as well it should. However, certain items are already on my list and one, I realized, I am lucky enough to be on the cusp of accomplishing.

When analyzing the things I want to achieve in life, or experience, I realized that writing and publishing a romance novel was very high on the list. It hasn't always been there. It actually wasn't on there at all until I picked up my pen (or rather my computer) and began writing again. Writing started out as something just for me, a hobby if you will. But as my stories and characters began to take shape, I realized how much I wanted to share them. And I am lucky enough that someone agreed they should be shared. So as I am on the verge of achieving one item on my 'bucket list' I wanted to sit down and name a few more. I won't bore you with a long list but just a couple of the top items.

The first item has to be Travel. I have been to many places in Europe. Having spent a semester in college in London, I spent my weekends traveling the English countryside as well as trips to France, Italy, and Wales. I've been to Germany and Monaco (a place I highly recommend). But there are places I regret not making it to in my short time there, and moreover, places in other countries I want to visit. Top of the location list has to be Ireland. With such a rich history and land, I want to tour the Irish countryside, with maybe a side trip to Scotland, as long as I'm in that neck of the woods. Outside of Europe, I'd love to go on an African Safari and see the Great Wall of China (although I would say these are more interests than bucket list items as Ireland is).

Also, I want to learn how to cook. I'm not talking about breading a chicken and making some pasta with bottled sauce. I mean really learn how to cook. Not following a recipe but following instinct and creating new dishes. I want to wow the neighbors when I have a dinner party and have my friends asking me for recipes. I want to know how to cook gourmet dishes and comfort food with the same amount of expertise.

So now it's your turn. What's on your 'Bucket List'?

Welcome!

My first blog post! Please bear with me as I get the hang of everything.

I guess I'll start with introductions. I'm Sondrae and I recently contracted my first book with Lyrical Press and have my second (the sequel to the first) submitted and just waiting for a reply. Basically this blog will be a place to update readers, or anyone else who cares to read, on my progress as a writer. However, it will also be a place for readers to get to know the person behind the books, as well as a place to gather and share ideas and feelings. All of this is a work in progress and I'm sure will grow and change in the weeks to come.

Anyway, let me tell you a little about what brings me here, my book! Arctic Winds is a sweet and sensual paranormal romance about an arctic fox shifter who stumbles into a wolf town. Expecting the worst, she's amazed when she's offered a place in the pack instead. Here's the work in progress blurb below:

After her skulk abandoned her four years ago, Samantha knew in her heart she would never truly be wanted. When she stumbles into a wolf town accidentally and is asked by their premier to stay, she believes it's the novelty of an arctic fox motivating him. She knows she'll be on her own again once he tires of her.

Jason finds himself pulled to Samantha from the moment she faints in his arms. His wolf is calling to him, telling him he's found their mate and the heat he feels for Samantha is impossible to resist. But his little fox is loaded down with emotional baggage and doesn't believe she's worthy of love. Can he overcome her fears? Or will pack jealousies and the local foxes convince her she doesn't belong with him before he has a chance?

I guess that's everything for now. Hopefully you got a little idea of who I am and what I'm about and hopefully liked what you read!