Welcome to my blog. I hope you will return often for that second cup.

Writing has become more than a way to make lists or keep in touch with friends. It is a vital part of who I am. For the past few years I've been writing essays, devotionals, a memoir, and several novels. I invite you to join me on this site so we can explore ways together to improve our writings. Words can be beautiful or they can be hurtful - even devastating. The well-placed word or phrase, the choice metaphor, a fresh perspective - each can add to the reader's participation in sharing the thoughts of the writer. I invite anyone who wants to improve their work or even if you have never attempted writing beyond a grocery list to return often. Feel free to add your thoughts. There are no grades given - no critics to deter you. We do this as friends - chatting over their second cup of coffee. (or tea, if you prefer.)

Friday, September 21, 2012

Now available - A Long Way to Go




 A bugle sent out a shrill warning that the party was about to take off. In the distance, Rachel saw about ten wagons abreast slowly beginning the trek west. Her heart began to pound even harder. Was it fear or excitement or a combination? She couldn't be sure, but she reached over for Helen and held her to her bosom, kissing the side of her head. "This is it, my darling. You'll never remember any of this -- the trip of a lifetime. God, watch over us all."

David helped Rachel and Helen up to the wagon seat and then stood next to the wagon, holding the reins. Lucinda mounted one of the horses and held the lead line tied to the other two. Lulu, the cow, pulled up the rear. Josiah ran over to his father and grabbed hold of his arm.

"Is this it? Are we really going?"

David patted him on the head. "It sure looks like it. You'll have plenty of time to play when we camp, son. Do you wanna ride in the wagon with your Mama or walk awhile?"

"I wanna walk with you, Papa."

"I guess it'll be okay, as long as you to stay clear of the wheels and the oxen. When you get tired, I'll set you up on the box in the wagon, but you have to be very, very careful."

"I know. Mama's told me a hundred times."

Rachel looked down at her husband and smiled nervously. "This is it."

"Yup. The start of something pretty special." He reached over and patted her hand. "You won't be sorry, Rachel. I promise you."

She nodded and looked at her sister's wagon. Bess was resting her head against Joe's chest. What mixed emotions she must be feeling, leaving a fresh grave. Friends had promised to place flowers on each of the graves of their loved ones when the wildflowers bloomed. It seemed like a small thing, but it meant a great deal to Rachel and Bess.


http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-344/A-Long-Way-to/Detail.bok
 
http://www.christianbook.com/a-long-way-to-go-ebook/june-belfie/9781612522173/pd/33103EB?product_redirect=1&Ntt=33103EB&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-long-way-to-go-june-bryan-belfie/1112975132?ean=2940015709919

http://www.amazon.com/A-Long-Way-Go-ebook/dp/B009EJ1NM2/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1348229782&sr=1-

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Welcome Shaunna Gonzales



I'm honored to have Shaunna visit this week with me. A fellow novelist with Desert Breeze, she has a new book out this month. Great cover!











                                             Please tell us about your book.


Thirty-four year old Vicki Laramie must learn to trust before she can love, but she might die trying.

While Vicki’s children grapple with the death of their father -- a man whom she’s successfully fabricated as loving, a lie her rebellious teenager recognizes -- she must find a way to support her family and find a role model for her boys. She never intends to fall for Staff Sergeant Chase, her best friend’s son, who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She’d much rather choose a safer man to love, but her children have a voice in the decision she makes. With two deaths to deal with, a suitor after her money, a rebellious son, and Sergeant Chase’s repeated attacks, she can only hope to survive the danger she faces. If she doesn’t, her children will be left without either parent.


ISBN: 978-1-61252-218-0
 
 
 
Please give us an excerpt from Dark Days of Promise

  "Do you trust me?"
"Do I have a choice?" I whispered.
With the mistletoe still in hand, he placed it at the back of my head. His fingers entwined in my hair. My heart accelerated its beating dance, knowing a much more euphoric rush would accompany his kiss. More than his first visit, more than his peck on my cheek, more...A warm quiver of anticipation settled over me, fixing me to the spot. The music from the movie in the next room swelled, intensifying the moment. His lips brushed mine, hinting of gingerbread and milk. I wondered if I'd ever experienced such a kiss. The gentle, warm, sweet pressure, invited me to live in the moment. An experience I'd never known in all my years with another...I couldn't even remember his name. My adrenalin roller coaster revved its engine in my stomach before climbing with massive force in an upward motion before dropping to my deepest core. Yet it didn't last long enough. He no sooner released me than I had the distinct feeling of his reclaiming every intimate emotion he'd shared with me.
"I shouldn't stay. It's not safe for you." He withheld his smile, his eyes hinting at something I didn't understand.
 
Best of luck with your sales. It sounds like a great romance novel!