Hey, everyone! It’s been a long time since my last blog. Needless to say, since signing with Thomas & Mercer in 2012, I have been busy! I finished the Lizzy Gardner series with Evil Never Dies. Lizzy, Jared, Hayley, Jessica and Kitally became so real to me that when it came time to say goodbye, I had mixed emotions. On the one hand it was time for me to try something else. On the other hand I had come to love these characters and I hated parting ways.
Researching serial killers ended up being light reading compared to learning about sex trafficking, modern day slavery happening right here in Sacramento—the subject of my new Faith McMann series. I am working on the third book right now and although the subject matter has been eye opening and terrifying, you’ll be happy to know that Faith McMann, the protagonist, wife, schoolteacher and mother of two, is not afraid to go head to head with these horrible thugs. She’s a fighter and these guys are going to wish they never messed with Faith and her family. Furious will be available March 22nd. A few early reviews on Goodreads compare Faith McMann to Lizzy Gardner. How could you not? They’re both survivors, they’re both strong women, and they’re both fighters who take matters into their own hands.
And being that it happens to be Women’s History Month, I thought I’d talk a little bit about strong women. I grew up with a resilient, stubborn, and opinionated mother and four amazing sisters. I also have the privilege of being on a few Facebook groups with more than a few awesome women. They say what they mean, and they mean what they say. They don’t waste time complaining. They get things done. They are do-ers because actions really do speak louder than words.
I don’t believe being a strong woman means you can’t say please and thank you. It doesn’t mean you can’t smile at complete strangers. It doesn’t mean you can’t give warm hugs or cry at heart-warming commercials. It does mean you have boundaries and you know your limits. It means you do what you want. You do what needs to be done to make yourself happy.
The day I started putting my needs before others, is the same day I learned that it wasn’t a selfish act to do things for myself. It turned out to be the opposite. By choosing to put my needs first (exercising instead of making dinner for family or meeting with a friend instead of staying home to clean the house), I became a happier person, and in turn, I began appreciating the people around me. I became more patient and understanding.
Put your needs first whenever possible. And then find that one thing you want to conquer and do it. Don’t ask others to show you the way. Find your own way to make yourself happy. Read, research, do it. Whatever it is.
You are strong. You are powerful. You are amazing.