Oct 8, 2011

Current Updates Moved





Current Updates and News have been moved to my writing blog at  
Sensual Romance by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel.

New and exciting news about the Enchantment series.
Go there now.


May 13, 2011

Happy Spring

Here it is the second week of May and I can finally say it feels like spring. The air smells fresh, the sky is blue, and colorful Tulips are popping up everywhere. In fact, the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan is wrapping up on May 14, 2011. Finally, after a long, cold, snowy winter~ Spring! 

Do you have a favorite thing to do in springtime? I like to walk and look at tree buds, notice the grass is turning greener by the day, smell the fresh air after a soft rain, and listen to the birds lazily chirping and singing. Another thing I do this time of year, as well as other co-workers, is start to count down to the end of school. This year's different, and I'm not counting down. Summer this year will be different, but through it all I hope I can finish a couple books. Yes, that's right. A COUPLE books. I don't want to stop at only one. The contemporary I'm working on is my priority, but I am finished writing a Christmas themed romance. It's in the editing process. I can't wait to get back to it. It's a doozy, romantic, sexy, with a hot hero who likes to treat his heroine right.  Not sure what to do with either one yet. Maybe Kindle, Smashwords, or I might submit to eBook publishers. Either way, my goal is to finish them this summer since I will have nothing but time. Summer work isn't out of the question, but come on, this is Michigan and we all know what this economy is like. In between the books and editing, I am going to write a short article about my trip to Mackinac Island about seven or eight years ago. It was memorable fun. Obviously, if I still want to write about it, let alone remember it!

Wishing you all a great spring and a wonderful summer.

Feb 17, 2011

Updated Interview with Cover Model, C.J. Hollenbach

Come over to my other blog A Walk With Words and read the updated version of my interview with the legendary C.J. Hollenbach, cover model and fantasy hunk. Don't delay. Until midnight tonight February 17th, 2011 you can get in a drawing for a signed photo of hot and hunky C.J. by leaving a question or comment.

Feb 10, 2011

Coming soon!

For Valentine's Day this year I'm re-posting an exciting interview. Come back and see who it's with. You won't be sorry if you like hot, hunky cover models. Just saying . . .

Dec 10, 2010

Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday Season

Here it is Friday a couple weeks away from Christmas. It's been forever since I've put out a newsletter and I apologize for that. My most important writing has been on hold. Last month I went out on a limb and participated in NaNoWriMo 2010. You don't know what that is? It's a world wide writing challenge for the month of November. Simply, you write 50,000 words in 30 days. Guess what? I did it. Everyone who gets at least 50,000 words is considered a winner. Fifty-thousand words is a big deal in 30 days. You don't think so? Sit down and write a thousand and see how long it takes. I did it as a personal challenge to myself and to give myself a distraction. Enough of that.

I'm editing that Nano story now. It has a title and it is nearly finished in first draft but it needs tons and tons of editing. Nano books usually do since you are writing for word count. They tell us to silence our inner editor. That was hard!

What will you be doing for Christmas this year? I hope you have plans to spend it with your family and loved ones. My Christmas will be different this year. I'm on my own again and that means being alone although I will be visiting with one of my sons either in California or on the east side of my home state of Michigan. Christmas is for love and to spend it with those closest to you. Let's not forget the true meaning though. Jesus is the reason for the season. My wish for all of you is to be happy and hug your loved ones. Don't leave them without saying "I love you."

So, to keep this short since there is not a lot of news to pass on about Mary J. Dressel Books, I'l just keep it at wishing you a Merry Christmas. Enjoy and be happy. Take a minute to listen to Kenny G play a beautiful Christmas song from me to you. I Wish You a Merry Christmas.

glitter-graphics.com

Aug 13, 2010

Lovin' Spoonful - Summer In The City

Summer is gone and the video Summer in the City has been removed.

Jul 8, 2010

Wishing you all a Wonderful Summer!

I'm busy writing three books this summer and close to finishing one as we speak. Please check out my WEBSITE for more information.  Other than that things are kind of quiet for me this summer, so until I have more news to share with you, I'll take this opportunity to wish everyone a Wonderful Summer.  


Remember~~ Use Sunblock; Don't TEXT and drive, and Don't Swim alone. 

Jun 24, 2010

Summer Time Writing

I don't have a whole lot to post to make a newsletter this month, so I'll just let you know I posted news and updates to my Official Blog.  I'm re-posting it here so you can only read it once if you come here, or there.  I hope everyone has a wonderful summer!


It's finally summer vacation! I made it through another school year. The year hasn't been easy for me; there's been changes everywhere. Changes at work, changes at home, changes in me. One thing that hasn't changed is writing. Wait! I guess that has changed a little, since I am now writing in another genre. Still romance, but a lot more than sensual; not like my Enchantment Series. I've been very busy trying to finish up three new books. My priority now is a holiday romance. Good news, because it's nearly finished in the first draft. Actually it's probably more like the 50th draft! I am the kind of writer who does some editing as I go. For one reason, I was away from that story for six months so I had to go back and reread it. I did some editing then. I usually go back and edit what I wrote the night before, somewhat. It's nothing like a final edit or revision because I'll do that when I finish the whole thing. I'm on Chapter Nineteen, and there will probably be twenty chapters.

In the meantime, I have not been working on the third book in the Enchantment Series. I hope I haven't lost my faithful readers who are waiting. Like I said, I have other writing priorities now. I will get to it, I promise! There is always so much to write, and it always feels like there will never be enough time. Darn day job! But, I do need that day job... For now, I'm on summer vacation until after Labor Day. My goal is for books to get finished, and make some changes in my own life. Stress is not good for a woman's heart; therefore, I need to think of me for a change. It's now time for me to get back to the holiday story. There are deadlines for holiday works! Till the next time, I wish you all a beautiful summer.




glitter-graphics.com

Feb 13, 2010

Valentine's Day 2010 Newsletter

February 14th-- a special day for lovers. I've always loved the idea of Valentine's Day. Whether I have a lover or not, I still get excited over this special day for lovers. I'm a romance writer; I better love, LOVE! To me, writing about love is special. Writing happy endings is something I will more than likely always do. Real life doesn't always have happy endings. Or does it?


The other morning I was listening to N.P.R.  Radio.  They were interviewing a couple who had been married many years. They went through major disasters together, one being Hurricane Katrina, but stuck with each other through it all. Click the link and read their amazing story.  I often wonder what the secret is to staying in one marriage for a lifetime. Do you know the secret? A friend told me you just have to trust in God. I think two of the most important characteristics to a happy, long lasting marriage besides trusting God, is respect and honesty.

My parents were married for well over 50 years. Two sets of aunts and uncles-- the same. Many of my acquaintances have been married well past 50 years and even into 60 years. One friend and neighbor in particular comes to mind. I asked her to tell me of how they met so I could add it here. It was 1944 and she was at a concert in Central Park in New York City with her girlfriend. They started talking to a couple sailors. One of those sailors is the same man she has been married to for nearly 65 years! They joke about it and say that he picked her up in Central Park! She also said this: "It's been a great life and there's nothing I'd change about it." Is that heartwarming or what? This story melts my heart!

One of my favorite movies is the Notebook. (I know I told you before) Talk about respect and loving your spouse for all of your married life. Wow! But, then again, that is fiction. The notebook was inspired by Nicholas Spark's wife's grandparents. So, even though it's inspired by true facts, it still has elements of fiction. Click on the previous link for a brief account by Nicholas Sparks on how he came to write The Notebook. It will make your heart feel good. I can't think of a better time to make a heart feel good!


I've been all over the web in search of the origin of Valentine's Day. There are several legends, but I'm not sure which is correct. A link to a site called Holiday Origins is included for you to check out and make your own decision. I don't think it matters because it couldn't possibly be anything like it is today. One article said that Valentine cards have been popular all over the world since 1840. I've seen authentic handmade ones in some of my Victorian Era books. Click on the link to see and use some Vintage Valentine Cards Clip Art.


Last year I did my Valentine newsletter for singles. Who said you have to have a lover! In it I suggested things for singles like cooking and dessert for one, movies, places to go on Valentine's Day so you don't run into couples everywhere you go, etc. So, if you do find yourself alone this Valentine's Day, I suggest you scroll back and check it out if you missed it last year. For Valentine's Day I will be doing what I do best. Writing Romance!

In previous newsletters I've done some interviews too. One is with C.J. Hollenbach, a cover model and Fantasy Hunk of 2001. Another is with D.J. Deppen, a Romantic Poet. His poems are hot and sensual. Be sure to read these interviews on my website. While there you can read my interview with Sheila Stewart, author of Erotic romance. And last but not least, I interviewed the cover artist who did the covers of my two books. He has some interesting things to say. I'm planning on another author interview soon.


Some fun things for you~~

Love Quizzes Oh, come on, you know you want to!

Pajama Gram Anyone tried this? Ladies, they also have MEN'S pajamas!

Intense (KY) > Need I say more?

Tips for Two from KY and 10 Intimacy Enhancing Questions.

Romantic Dinners for two> Do you have a special Valentine's Day dinner you share with your Valentine?

Favorite Love Songs through the ages> What is your favorite love song? My all time favorite love song is Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers.

10 Tips for a Romantic and Memorable Valentine's Day.

Guys, don't forget we always like jewelry!


I'm not promoting any of these sites personally. I came across them through Google and Bing searches, just like you can.


Please visit my Official Website at Mary J. Dressel Books

Feb 7, 2010

I'm working on my Valentine's Day Newsletter. It will be posted soon. In the meantime, scroll down, or go to older pages for previous Valentine Newsletters. You'll find some interesting interviews there.


Dec 31, 2009

Dec 19, 2009

It's Christmas Time!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, and
Happy Hanukkah!

News and Views 2009

Here we are at the end of another year. Wasn't it just the beginning of 2009? Now, all we have to do is turn around, and it will be a new year again. I hope it's better than last year, for it wasn't a good year for me. Truly, I hope it was wonderful for you and yours. I'm disappointed that I didn't have a book come out in 2009, but I'm hoping all that will change in 2010. Two Thousand Ten—Wow! I guess the days of us saying 07, 08, and 09 are over. It won't sound right to say 0 10. Will it?
Is it just me?

Writing News

I've been busy editing book three, and I'm nearly ready to finish the book in rough draft. What will happen when this one is finished you might ask? I'm not sure at this point. Will there be a book four? Not sure… I have it nearly all planned out in my head, and I was so excited about it, but I don't know if it will happen. I've never been contracted for a four book series, and in fact, I will look for a different publisher for my other books, so I am not obligated to write a fourth.
Wishes for YOU

While I have you here, I'd also like to thank you for your friendship in one way or another. Without your support and constant well wishes, I don't know what I would have done! You've helped put some sanity and smiles into my world, and whether it was in a small way or a large way, I thank you.. My wish is that you have a merry and delightful Christmas and an enchanting New Year, and that 2010 will bring you multitudes of happiness, magical love, seas of smiles, and a lifetime of excellent health!
For your convenience I've put together a list of Christmas Movies that I've seen and enjoyed. Please feel free to add some of your own. The Hallmark Channel has been running lots of Christmas movies too; many are free to watch online, as is the Lifetime Channel. Also, Amazon Screening Room has free, as well as, pay for movies to watch online or download.
Stick a candy cane in your hot chocolate, put on your Snuggie,
and relax with a feel-good movie!
(I haven't seen Four Christmases, but I know
I'd like it)


Find your own favorite movie and make it a family tradition.

It wouldn't be a Christmas party without a piece of fudge. I've searched for many recipes, so instead of one recipe I've added a link for many.. I'd like to hear about your favorite fudge recipe.


My favorite Christmas song ever.
This one is by The Celtic Women.
Second favorite is Silent night, and this is sang
by the Celtic Women, too.
It begins in Gaelic.
Charlotte Church singing


~~~
I played one and didn't have to download anything.
And last by not least
Have a Wonderful Holiday!
And of course, don't forget
and
Or
Contact me for special offers.
dresselmj @ aol dot com


glitter-graphics.com

May 31, 2009

Need I Say More... Love's Enchantment


glitter-graphics.com
Tomorrow is the first of June. Where did this year go? I've been working on book three, but it's not finished yet. In the meantime I've been working on two new contemporary romances. It's been dificult to write these days due to a lot of anxiety and "life" things happening. It's the end of the school year, and that's always a busy time of year. I'm looking forward to summer so I can dedicate my time to finishing up my works in progress, including book three.
There are no big plans for me to travel this summer. It would be wonderful to go to California to see my son, but I'm not sure that will happen. I will definitely visit with my youngest son who lives in a Detroit suburb. Somewhere between the beginning of the year, my stepdaugher bacame a teenager! One more year in middle school for her.
I don't have any book signings scheduled for this summer, or presentations. I want this to be my summer of "finishing" what I have started, so that will entail a lot of time writing. I'm excited to be able to work on writing full time. Of course, I'm not turning anything down if someone wants me to do a presentation. Feel free to ask if you'd be interested in reading one of my books for your book club. I will be happy to come to your group and talk about my writing, or whatever your topic may be. Please contact me at dresselmj at aol. com (no spaces, of course)
I hope you have a wonderful summer. Have fun at whatever you do, and I will keep you posted on my progress. Remember, contact me if you are interested in purchasing any of my books.
I offer specials if you contact me personally!
Grab your camera, your kids and pets, sunblock, and first aid kits
and have fun this summer!
Happy Summer!
~~Remember some special Summer Holidays~~
Memorial Day
Flag Day
Father's Day
Summer Solstice
Canada Day
Independence Day
Parents' Day
Labor Day
~~For You and the Kids~~
Summer Reading and Gift Suggestions
Visions of Enchantment and
Enchantment's Embrace
For the Ladies and Gents, Reading List