Giving Props Where They're Due

You know my daughter has been upset because of my books.  Not because they are taking up too much of my time.  Or because she thinks they aren't worth reading.  It's because she's not in them.  There is no one in it with her name, no one exactly like her.  In fact none of my heroine's have her looks.  She once said she wanted my heroine to look like her so she could be on the front cover.

My daughter is not only drop dead gorgeous, she's very athletic, and very tall....well I guess that one is relative.  Almost everyone is taller than me.  She is also very outgoing, my very own social butterfly.  She is very sure of herself, and out spoken.  All of these things can be a bit intimidating.   She would make a great book heroine.

The one thing she has yet to comprehend, she is in all of my books.  She is the best part of any of the heroines.  I just haven't used her 1st name. But their strength, love for life, and their ability to stand up for themselves and their friends is pure Jordan!!!!

In Explosive Chemistry, Jarrett, Courtney, Rob, Trent, and the rest of the college students at ASU were based on Jordan's roommates, and her circle of friends. 

I haven't used her first name in any of my books but here middle name is Elise, which is where I got Ellie's name for When Embers Ignite.  At the end of the book Trace calls Ellie by her full name which is Elise Isabella,  so technically she is in that one.

So I will say thank you to my daughter Jordan for being the inspiration for all of my heroines.  You truly are a remarkable woman.

Until next time.

Paying it Forward

What is it we can do to find true happiness and joy in this ever turbulent world.  I learned some interesting truths this evening I would like to pass on to you.  Or in other words I'm paying it forward.

To develop new and lasting relationships we need to focus on five things.

1- Be Honorable- When you do something you know to be wrong, make it right

2-Be Articulate- We need to let people know where we stand, but we need to say it in uplifting and wholesome ways

3- Be Different- Anyone can follow the crowd, stand for something of substance and value.

4- Be Distinct- If you see a need, find a way to fill that need in a way unique to you. 

5- Be Happy- Truly happy people are optimistic.  

I see a lack of civility in the world today.  People seem to be looking out only for themselves, and then wonder why their relationships in business and their personal lives fail.  Let's look at each of these subjects and see if we can't improve our lives. 

Be Honorable- stop passing the buck.  When something goes wrong, or we make a choice that harms another person.  Make it right.  Take responsibility for your actions, and find a way to change. 

Be Articulate- I have watched the language we use in our daily lives dwindle down to nothing more than a string of vulgar words. I wonder what happened to having a debate of ideas without name calling and swearing.  

Be Different- I remember in high school my classmates would follow what ever fashion trend the popular kids would wear just because everyone else did.  Be true to who you are.  It's okay to be different.  It's okay to stand up for yourself.  

Be Distinct- Find out what you can do and do it well.  Its okay to do something uniquely you.  Make the decision to live life with your own flair.  People will remember who you are because you lived your life unlike anyone else. 

Be Happy- Happiness is a choice.  The world all around you can be falling apart and nothing may go your way, but you will always have the choice to act or be acted upon.  Life will not always turn out the way you planned.   You can choose to embrace something new and exciting or constantly lament

how much life isn't fair.  There are certainly people who suffer from debilitating anxiety or depression.  That's not what I am talking about.  Having a bad day can be turned around with a change in attitude.  Wake up every morning and make a conscious choice to be happy.

Until next time.

You've Got Potential, Kid!

This week I was able to get a glimpse of my son's potential.  It kind of got me thinking.  I wonder if I have lived up to my true potential.  My life is far from winding down.  I still have many things I wish to do.  But I just wonder what my late father would say about what my life has turned out to be.  I do know right from wrong.  I try to show kindness to others.  I try to be a good parent, although I don't always succeed.  I try to be a good wife and friend.  But to actually live up to your potential what would that be like.

I think this journey we call life is about a lot of things.  I think we are born into this life to make a difference. No matter how small. I also think this life is about going through trials, to be tested to see what we can make of our own lives.  I think we are here to be a help to others, to help them find their way.  I know many people have come into my life and have left their mark there.  I only hope I can dot the same for them.

I also happen to believe this life is all about finding and fulfilling our potential.  The road is not meant to be easy, nor is it meant to be traveled alone.  I believe that is why we are blessed to have a family. Traveling is always more fun when there is someone else along for the ride.  Someone who gets you, who can see past all of the yucky stuff and love you anyway.

So have I reached my potential, probably not but. I'm hoping to find some friends and fun along the way.

Until next time.

EXTRA, EXTRA Read all about it!!!

It's here, it's finally here!!!!

Explosive Chemistry is available in soft cover!!!!!!  As of this morning all three of my novels are available in both kindle and soft cover.

I can't actually believe I am a published author.  It's a dream come true form me.  I am still working on the fourth book in this collection.  I have at least two more planned but they are spin offs and not technically part of the collection.

Please visit my author page at amazon.com  Just type in Sharon Landis and you will find me.

Until next time.

Oh What a Relief It Is!

You know that feeling when you've been working on a project and it comes to a close.  You've given it your all, and done your job to the best of you ability.   Well that's the feeling I am experiencing today.


My copyright for my third novel Explosive Chemistry has finally come through.  The proofs for it paper back release has been sent for review, and in 24 hours will be available for purchase through Amazon.com.

WooHoo!!!!!!

It feels like a long time coming in actuality almost a year.  It's initial kindle release was November of last year.  Ten months later it's physical copy is being published.

The idea of Explosive Chemistry came about when my oldest child started college.  The setting of ASU was chosen because it is the nations leading recruiting school for the MLB. Eric is headed for great things playing in the National League.  His friends are based on a few of the men my daughter encountered during her freshman and sophomore years in college

 Hannah's science major came from my youngest child's love for all things science and the insatiable desire he has to watch things blow up.  Hannah is a feisty red head who hails from a Irish\Italian roots.  I based her lineage on my oldest brother-in-law who is a proud Irish\Italian.    

I would love for you to get to know my characters for yourself.  Enjoy the read.

Until next time.

When Worlds Collide

My latest project is called When Worlds Collide.  This will certainly be a labor of love.  I started the manuscript in January and got a huge start on it.  Four chapters in two days.  For me that is  amazing. My mind was racing my fingers were flying.  I got a skeletal story together.  Then went back and added all of the fun details.  I loved the story it seemed I would get the story done by the end of the summer.  But something happened to me while writing this story that has never happened before.

My novels are character driven which means, my characters are basically in charge and I'm just along for the ride.  What happened was Sam, he is one of the main characters in this story.  I found out I didn't know him.  Most of my characters are based on people I know or have attributes of people I know.  Sam was a complete stranger to me.  He is not based on anyone I know.  His attributes are unknown to me.

Luckily for me I went to a "Meet the Author" night.  It was a night well spent with my favorite author. She spoke about herself and her writing for a couple of hours.  I learned many things from her that will hopefully make me a better author.

I love that I can keep learning and growing, that I can become a better person. I'm still working on my manuscript.  I am still thinking of my characters, but I am working smarter not just harder.  Lots of research and asking lots of questions, getting to know my characters.  This book may take a little longer for me to get to you, but it will be a better read.

I hope you enjoy it.

Until next time.