The Name Game

 By Maureen Bonatch 

I’m terrible at names. Remembering them or creating them. I blame it on my writer nature since I often remember other little details like appearance or mannerisms, such as the way someone laughs, or if they use a certain word frequently in conversation. This might help me in crafting a story, but the inability to remember or create names is a challenge for me as a writer, and in real life. 

Luckily, my husband remembers everyone. If I’m with him he always remembers someone—even if that someone has the deer-in-the-headlights look that is probably what’s on my face when I’m approached by someone and I can’t remember their name. 

In my A Charmed Cocktail Cozy Series I called upon my daughters for ideas for my main character Marissa’s last name. So Marissa Hale was born. 

The problem is that when you are creating a story there are a lot of things you have to name. Character names can be challenging enough without repeating names or having ones that sound too familiar or are hard to pronounce. 

Then, the town, shops, and other key areas for the story all need a name. 

Sometimes when I see something the visual helps inspire me to create the name, or the name might provide me with the visual. A church I saw on a bicycle ride inspired me to create the library in GRANDMA MUST DIE. The visual helped me expand the description and bring the setting to life. 

I could visualize the setting of Gran’s retirement community in A Charmed Cocktail series in my mind, but I couldn’t come up with a good name. Until we drove by the sign for Willow Hill motel on the turnpike. 

After several books were completed for the series, on another trip we took the exit to get a look at the motel. It wasn’t what I visualized, but the name still fit perfectly. 

 Another old, deserted structure I came across on a bicycle ride was given new life as a key setting in NOT A CHANCE. 

How Do You Remember Names?

No matter what you call it, here are some goodies for you!

Holiday Prize Pack Free Cozy Mystery Books Right Here

 

Holiday Cozy Mystery Giveaway Right Here

 Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays ebook Sales Right Here

Just a small-town girl, Maureen Bonatch leads a double life. She lives in a      magical world as a novelist, and as a nurse leader in reality. Maureen’s first  novella was a paranormal romance published when blogs were a new-fangled thing. She’s since changed her focus to writing paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch and urban fantasy as Maureen Bonatch. 

While she’s not busy writing or doing nurse-things, she’s a mom to her twin daughters, bicycling in the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby, doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, and dancing as much as possible. She believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and that caffeine and wine are essential for survival. 

https://www.maureenbonatch.com/

Stop by The Last Call

 

   Disclaimer: Scruff did not consume any actual wine ...he's more of a tequila man

By Maureen Bonatch

I hadn't realized there was a National Drink Wine Day, or that it was on February 18th each year. There is a day for almost everything anymore, so I suppose choosing a day in the dead of winter would be appropriate for curling up with a book and a glass of wine (or coffee—I won't tell since everyday is drink coffee day for me). 

Drinking is often done socially. Whether it's meeting friends for a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or other beverage. I do enjoy a glass of red wine, although most of the places in my area don't offer much of a selection, and with COVID precautions, it's not something I've gone out to do much of lately. 

If you're missing hanging out and having your beverage of choice, you can virtually visit the Last Call bar featured in my books Destiny Calling and Not a Chance—which both happen to be on sale now for $0.99 cents. (click here to grab your copies) So grab a stool and slide up to the bar. 

Hope will get your drink—although she'll probably recommend the tequila. The Last Call doesn't have that great of a wine selection, but luckily you can visit this bar from the comfort of your home with your favorite drink.

On Sale Now for $0.99 cents

Destiny Calling (Book 1)

Hope only wants to find out if her ability to infuse euphoria or despair with her touch makes her the devil's spawn, or his exterminator. But when the woman who raised her is murdered by something not human, she loses the only family she knew and discovers one she might wish she hadn’t.

Not a Chance (Book 2)

The last thing Hope Hallows wants is to become the latest headline. Living in a town that likes secrets, she prefers to keep hers hidden. Avoiding a nosy reporter’s questions about her ability to infuse euphoria or despair with a single touch, and those who crave this bliss, is nothing new. But having her brother’s annoying girlfriend, Berta, go missing is—especially when it makes Hope suspect number one.

Cheers! Whatcha Drinking?

Author Bio: Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. 

Find Maureen on her website, Facebook & Twitter Be the first to know about Maureen’s book sales and new releases by following her on BookBub, Amazon and/or signing up for her newsletter

Paranormal Excuses and Rationalizations

I hate to be late. 

I’m an early-bird, over worrier, plotter and planner when it comes to tasks. That’s why being late for my post today makes me wince. Especially when the summer seems to be flying by with record speed and I seem to have used up all excuses about why I’m not as on top of things as I usually am. 

Therefore, it must be something more. Something magical or sinister that’s interfering with my timeliness. It seems I haven’t used up all my excuses after all. Not if the reason or excuse for being late is due to something paranormal.

My post is late because…

•       As a vampire I mix up night & day
•       I sprained my wrist mixing my cauldron
•       The only date I remember is the full moon
•       I planned to time travel back & post it early
•       I lacked the ability to type with my paws
•      The devil made me do it…really
•       I was busy writing new spells
•       Someone cursed me & I had to reverse it
•       It got lost when I sent it telepathically
•       I was blinded by my aura
•       I accidentally ate it while in my shifter form
•       The ghost kept me up & I was too tired 

Don't Be Too Late for This Sale

My post might be late but it’s not too late to catch this .99 cent sale for Not a Chance if you hop on your broom, teleport or get those fingers on the keyboard before the sale magically disappears.

 NOT A CHANCE is on sale for .99cents for a limited time.

Not a Chance in book #2 in The Enchantlings series, so if you want to start Hope's journey from the beginning then don't forget to pick up Destiny Calling—two books for under $8.

Hope just wants to be normal—too bad that will never happen.

The last thing Hope Hallows wants is to become the latest headline. Living in a town that likes secrets, she prefers to keep hers hidden. Avoiding a nosy reporter’s questions about her ability to infuse euphoria or despair with a single touch, and those who crave this bliss, is nothing new. But having her brother’s annoying girlfriend, Berta, go missing is—especially when it makes Hope suspect number one. 

As a triplet, her resemblance to her beloved dead sister causes her family to grieve even more, and her escalating supernatural skills makes Griffith, her half-human-half-Oppressor boyfriend, wary. He wants to put his unsavory past behind him—this could include Hope—since her abilities remind him of the Underworld. 
In her desperate search to find Berta, she stumbles across a tunnel. Phantom voices within whisper that evil has been waiting for a new leader—and isn't she lucky, they've chosen Hope.

Get Your Copy of NOT A CHANCE for .99 cents today!

Share Your Favorite Paranormal Excuse in the Comments

About the Author:
Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four

seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook & Twitter

Be the first to know about Maureen’s book sales and new releases by following her on BookBub, Amazon and/or signing up for her newsletter

Instead of Christmas, Who Wants Halloween in July?

 By Maureen Bonatch

It’s started. The Christmas inundation in July. 

Sure, sometimes I might like to indulge and watch a holiday movie, but usually I save that for December to help me find my Christmas spirit.

 But Halloween? Magic? Spooky movies, books and all that paranormal? I could do that all year long, and I do.

It’s not just because I love paranormal and supernatural stuff—well I do, but that’s not the only reason I’d love me some “Halloween in July”. It’s also because I love fall. Summer is nice, but once the humidity starts piling up here in Pennsylvania, or I tire of slathering on the sunscreen to keep the red lobster-like sheen from my skin, then I’m ready for the cooler temperatures to return. 

What’s not to love about brightly colored autumn leaves, sweatpants and less humidity to get outside and bike or walk without melting into the pavement?

No Tricks- Just a Treat

To help you get in the mood for some fall fun, I have a treat for you even though it’s not even Halloween—and you don’t need a costume. NOT A CHANCE is on sale for .99cents for a limited time.

Hope just wants to be normal—too bad that will never happen.

The last thing Hope Hallows wants is to become the latest headline. Living in a town that likes secrets, she prefers to keep hers hidden. Avoiding a nosy reporter’s questions about her ability to infuse euphoria or despair with a single touch, and those who crave this bliss, is nothing new. But having her brother’s annoying girlfriend, Berta, go missing is—especially when it makes Hope suspect number one. 

As a triplet, her resemblance to her beloved dead sister causes her family to grieve even more, and her escalating supernatural skills makes Griffith, her half-human-half-Oppressor boyfriend, wary. He wants to put his unsavory past behind him—this could include Hope—since her abilities remind him of the Underworld. 
In her desperate search to find Berta, she stumbles across a tunnel. Phantom voices within whisper that evil has been waiting for a new leader—and isn't she lucky, they've chosen Hope.

Get Your Copy of NOT A CHANCE for .99 cents today!

What do you prefer? Christmas in July? Or Halloween?

Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four

seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook & Twitter

Be the first to know about Maureen’s book sales and new releases by following her on BookBub, Amazon and/or signing up for her newsletter

Lessons Learned from National Novel Writing Month

Many of you may be familiar with National Novel Writing Month (#NaNoWriMo). I’ve rambled on about it time and again. 

But if you haven’t heard, each November writers try and write 50,000 words toward a novel. 

As #NaNoWri has evolved, there are many different versions so goals can be attainable for kids as well. I’ve participated for many years. The first few years I didn’t even come close, but once I won, I wanted to have that feeling of accomplishment every year. 

Because NaNoWri is about more than just writing 50,000 words, it’s about discovering just what you’re capable of if you apply yourself to a goal. Some of the lessons I’ve learned from NaNoWriMo can be applied to each day or month of the year.

 

Find Support & Accountability

We all have lofty goals that seem almost unattainable. Sometimes we may call them dreams and feel as if they are things we can only wish for. Although there are some things that are within our control if we apply ourselves and find the support to keep us accountable. Even if we are only accountable to ourselves. 

• Goals are met through babysteps. I don’t sit down on November 1^st thinking that I'll write 50,000 words. If I did, I’d probably be completely overwhelmed and quit before I got started. Instead, I plan to write at least 1,667 words each day. That’s an attainable goal for me. Even if I break it into 2 writing periods during the day to get there with smaller steps. Those little steps add up. 

• Announce your goal to others, or find someone who will be your cheerleader to keep you accountable. Even if it’s making your own chart and watching the numbers grow. Your goals and dreams are most important to you, so nurture them.

These tips can be applied to new habits, or working toward any dream. One day at a time. To reference one of my favorite quotes, 

“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” – John Quincy Adams

Practice Productivity 

There are many distractions in life, and especially on the internet, that can make a task take much longer than necessary. Find your focus and set a time to work on a task, and a goal of when to finish. You might discover that you can complete it much quicker than you realized. 

Some people practice specific techniques to increase productivity, but only you can determine what works for you. I've used these productivity techniques throughout the year.

• Pomodoro Technique – Setting a time for a specific time frame (usually 25 minutes) and working with five minute breaks between sets.

• Sprints- are particularly popular for NaNoWriMo and effective for me. Choose a time frame and race against the clock to get as much done as possible. Whether it’s writing words, completing chores, or other tasks. 

• Find your Magic – for me I know that I have to organize my desk and clear out most of my emails to be able to focus and be more productive. Otherwise, I’m distracted. Determine what helps you focus. It may be a certain space in your home, a certain time of day, or creating a relaxing atmosphere.

My NaNoWri Novel

I won NaNoWri again this year. That doesn’t mean I have a complete book ready to go. It means it’s in an ugly draft form, and it needs many more words, and a whole lot of editing to be complete. But I have 50,000 words to a brand new story that I didn’t have a month ago. 

Plus, I know that several of these ugly drafts have later been released to the world as my book babies. I still have 3 NaNoWri winners in draft, but here are a few of my former NaNoWri winners now available in print.

Chance Taken -2014 Winner renamed as Not a Chance

For The Love of Grandma -2013 Winner renamed Grandma Must Die 

See No Evil- 2012 Winner renamed Evil Speaks Softly 

Do You Have Any Productivity Tips to Share?

A Few Chances to Win a Gift for Yourself This Holiday

It seems that when I start holiday shopping, that’s when I find things I want for myself, but I feel guilty because I should be buying for others. Here are a few contests that you can enter to try to win a guilt-free prize for yourself.

 

Hurry- this contest wraps up Today- December 5^th

 Your chance to win a Kindle Fire 7 Tablet- $25 worth of ebooks from Amazon (winner’s choice, up to 5 total books) - $20 Amazon gift card- $15 worth of ebooks from Amazon (winner’s choice, up to 3 total books)- $10 Amazon gift card Check it out Right Here

Make Your Month More Merry 

Enter for your Chance to win a kindle fire or echo dot Right Here

Author Bio: Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook& Twitter

Be the first to know about Maureen’s book sales and new releases by following her on BookBub, Amazonand/or signing up for her newsletter

What Do You Find Scary in a Story?

While growing up I never watched scary movies, but I devoured books by Stephen King, Dean Koontz and other authors that I never thought might be considered horror. They were just…stories.

Sure, some might keep me up at night, and make me illuminate dark corners before I entered a room, but they weren’t scary, right? 

Then my avoidance of all scary movies ended when I met my future hubby, who loved everything scary and slasher movies. Suddenly I was plunged into watching way more scary movies than I ever wanted, and found I grew to kind of like some of them. 

Usually I prefer the ones that were more paranormal, thriller, or psychological suspense. It seems I’m one of many who like the suspense and a little bit of scare—in the movies, or stories, because in person I’m a wimp. 

Fiction vs Reality

Fiction allows us to do things we might be afraid to do in real life and experience the world through a character. The same can be achieved with writing. Things that would normally be frightening are more like a thrill or exciting in a book, not necessarily terrifying. Most of us can be a little braver when we can live vicariously through a character, whether it’s in a book, or a movie.  

Although I did find some movies such as A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Amityville Horror and The Shining and books such as Darkfall and Pet Cemetery, to be scarier than I anticipated, left to fester in my imagination for years after.

Scary or Not?

So naturally some of this seeps into my stories. But I’ve always

thought of my stories as having a little suspense, a dash of sarcasm and some supernatural stuff. Until I released my first novel in The Enchantlings series, Destiny Calling. 

To my surprise a couple websites listed my book under horror. I thought, perhaps it’s the cover, or the blurb? Then a friend, and avid reader, told me some parts of the book frightened her so much that she couldn’t read it at night. Others didn’t find it scary. Some said it was more thrilling, or suspenseful. It seems we each have our own impression of what’s scary. 

Not a Chance

Last week my second book in The Enchantlings series, Not a Chance, was released. Some might think I made it a little scarier

than the first. Perhaps it’s because of the darker turn the story took when I came across this old abandoned building on one of my bike trails.

Others might feel Not a Chance is no more frightening than most paranormal. You’ll have to be the judge.

Hope just wants to be normal—too bad that will never happen.

The last thing Hope Hallows wants is to become the latest headline. Living in a town that likes secrets, she prefers to keep hers hidden. Avoiding a nosy reporter’s questions about her ability to infuse euphoria or despair with a single touch, and those who crave this bliss, is nothing new. But having her brother’s annoying girlfriend, Berta, go missing is—especially when it makes Hope suspect number one. 

As a triplet, her resemblance to her beloved dead sister causes her family to grieve even more, and her escalating supernatural skills makes Griffith, her half-human-half-Oppressor boyfriend, wary. He wants to put his unsavory past behind him—this could include Hope—since her abilities remind him of the Underworld. 

In her desperate search to find Berta, she stumbles across a tunnel. Phantom voices within whisper that evil has been waiting for a new leader—and isn't she lucky, they've chosen Hope.

Do You Like to Be Scared?

Author Bio: Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook& Twitter

Be the first to know about Maureen’s book sales and new releases by following her on BookBub, Amazon& get a free story when you sign up for her newsletter

Bring it Back(list): Destiny Calling

Are you ready to go back to the woods? Before Not a Chance releases on October 31st (Happy Halloween!) It's your chance to grab the first book of The Enchantlings series, DESTINY CALLING. 

Get it  right here for .99cents for a limited time!

Magic, mayhem and a little bit of madness

 Is he a dream come true, or a nightmare just beginning?

Hope only wants to find out if her ability to infuse euphoria or despair with her touch makes her the devil's spawn, or his exterminator. But when the woman who raised her is murdered by something not human, she loses the only family she knew and discovers one she might wish she hadn’t.

Drawn back to the home town she vowed never to return to, her ability is seen as an asset to everyone but Hope, and she doesn't know who to trust. Her family wants her to help them overcome an enemy oppressing the human population, while the man of her dreams is courting her for the Underworld.

Time is running out, and Hope’s choice may be made for her, as she discovers she’s a pawn in a bigger game played by a merciless ruler who doesn't lose.

P.S. Stop by my blog right here for a ton of contests, giveaways, and prizes to celebrate the paranormal season and the upcoming release of NOT A CHANCE.

Preorder your copy of NOT A CHANCE right here.

Author Bio: Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook& Twitter

Be the first to know about Maureen’s book sales and new releases by following her on BookBub, Amazon and/or signing up for her newsletter 

5 Places to Stalk Your Favorite Authors

I was going to mention that fall is in the air and how it’s the perfect time to curl up  and read. Then I realized, anytime is the perfect time to read. No matter what season, there’s nothing like escaping into a good book. (Although I do love fall!)

When I find a book by a new-to-me author, the first thing I do is stalk them. No worries, authors are safe, it’s only cyber-stalking. 

Lucky for us, there are plenty of places on the web that we can go to find out more about the authors behind the stories we love, the development of the stories themselves, and when we can grab the next great read. Here are a few places I like to check out my favorite authors.

1- Website or Blog

Authors may keep the information about their books, perhaps what the order to read their books and what’s coming next. It’s their website, so it’s pretty much whatever they’d like to share. Other authors might blog regularly and you can subscribe to that, or they may feature guests, or host giveaways.

As an author, as well as a reader, my favorite part of the author website is finding their author bio and reading about how they started their writing career. 

2- Amazon

If you want a quick overview of the author’s books and an ability to grab every book so you can binge them, you can usually find their author page on Amazon. If you follow them you’ll receive an email notification when they have a new release so you never miss out on a book. You might see other books like the one you enjoyed and discover a new favorite author. (Favorite authors are kind of like potato chips, you can’t have just one!)
 
I leave a review for almost everything I purchase on Amazon, because if you’re like me, reviews are one of the first things I look at when I’m deciding on what to buy. So be sure to show your favorite author some love and leave a quick review. 
 
3- Newsletter
Most authors have a newsletter that gives you an extra behind the scenes look at the mysterious author life. (Hint, most authors aren’t all that mysterious, but newsletters are usually informative, and often fun!) It’s like getting to be a VIP in the author’s life. Plus occasionally you get freebies—my subscribers get a free short story when they sign up.
 
4- Goodreads
Goodreads has a plethora of information on authors, books and groups that can help you discover new books. There are groups available if you want to participate in what’s like an online book club. 

5- BookBub
BookBub is the latest hot spot for authors and readers. You can follow friends and authors and make and receive book recommendations.
 

Authors might also like to spend more time on their author Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, or any of the new social sites popping up every day—but usually those are indicated on their website so you can follow them from there.

 If you’re around my cyber-world, you’ll know that I have a new release coming up (Not A Chance) on October 31, 2018 and get a chance to participate in tons of fun giveaways leading up to the big day.

Where Do You Find Your Favorite Authors?

Author Bio: Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four

seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook& Twitter