Winning the Game in 2025

I'm great at creating goals. 

I'm horrible at following through on personal ones. 

2025 is about changing that.

My writing life will be my main focus.

Improving my health will be an on-going 

rest-of-my-life goal.

The best system I've found for goal setting

is called SMART goals.

Here's a detailed How-To Paper on SMART Goals

Here are my writing goals for 2025

I'll be putting this graphic up on the wall above my desk.

It seems like a lot but I've done a similar list 

of activities before, so I know I can do it, 

if I follow through.

Follow-through is the missing element.

I'll be adding GAMIFICATION to my 

techniques list to help me.

I found this app, HABITICA that I'll check out and

review at a later time.

For now, I developed a Daily Word Count

progress spreadsheet in google docs.

Sign up for Nessa's News and I'll share it with you.

If you already get Nessa's News, 

the link will be in this month's edition or 

email me if you can't wait. 

It's Tuesday, So We Must Talk Tarot - 2024310 Episode 1

 

The Ultimate Guide to Tarot:

A Beginners’ Guide to Cards, Spreads and Revealing

the Mystery of the Tarot by Liz Dean Wonderful reference guide.

Vanessa Tarot by Lynyrd-Jym Narciso

My newest deck because they named it after me.

The Sacred Rose Tarot by Johanna Gargiulo Sherman

My favorite deck. I've had these cards for over 20 years.

Topics to be covered in future segments include:

specific cards and their meanings

relationships between cards

intuition

spreads

audience questions

weekly readings

Decks are divided into two groups: 

Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. 

Arcana, from the Latin, of course, means secrets or mysteries

 and that's what Tarot means to explore.

Minor Arcana, in four suits of 14 cards, each deals with the mundane, everyday life.

Major Arcana, with 22 cards, gives us Archetypes and Universal forces.

Each deck has a total of 78 cards.

In November, we will learn three simple YES / NO spreads.

If you have any specific Tarot questions, leave them in the comments.

If you'd like to be in the running to be chosen as the focus for next weeks reading, put a YES / NO question in the comments, beginning your question with a question mark. I will randomly select someone from all submitted questions.

Each week's video will be published first on my TikTok page, 

but will also end up on my FaceBook page and YouTube channel.

You have been the last dream of my soul.

 

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

Do you know what book this first line is from without looking it up?

Have you read the book?

The title of this post is also a quote from this book.

Highlight the line below for the answer.

A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Haunt Me Still

 

Available now for Pre-Order

Release Date October 15, 2024

"What is one woman's broken heart when the world is at war?"

Grace Culmer, a young widow seeking healing and purpose, moves to Pinevale Valley after inheriting Culmer Manor. When she moves into the dilapidated house, she meets Samuel Trueblood Haight, a ghost from the 18th century bound to the manor because of a curse. Together, they navigate personal loss, uncover historical mysteries, and seek redemption and peace.

A meeting of true opposites: a woman and a man, an optimist and a pessimist, modern and colonial, the living and the dead.

Can Grace and Samuel maneuver around grief, personal and public history, and a complex relationship to heal and transform their lives and possibly find new love? This endearing paranormal romance has the answer.

 

Get your copy from Amazon

My story is called Love Under the Cold Moon

Warm your heart with nine enchanting tales of love. From historical winter celebrations to modern sizzling New Year's Eve encounters, this anthology spans sweet to spicy romance across different eras and realms. Whether you prefer gentle courtship or steamy embraces, this collection has something for every romance reader.

Mistletoe Magic by Leah Miles: A holiday romance rekindles when Navy SEAL Michael Rodriguez runs into his old flame, Nora Geller, and invites her to his family gathering. Will they mend old wounds and find love again, or will misunderstandings leave their hearts out in the cold?

Happily Ever After, Take Two by Sara Walker: Will Dino and Hilde's second chance love overcome family doubts and past mistakes for a lifetime of happiness?

Love Under the Cold Moon by Vanessa Kilmer: A headstrong Celtic woman and a reluctant Roman heir clash and connect in an arranged marriage during the Alpine winter festivals of 193 AD.

Finding a Date for Christmas by Vickey Wollan: Joan’s going to a Christmas gala and hires Mack on Rent-A-Date. If he reveals his secret, will he get a second date? Can two lonely hearts find romance in time for Christmas?

Snowbound Hearts by C.L. Hart: When a divorced couple ends up stuck in a snowbound lodge in the Sierra Nevada mountains, it could either be the worst Christmas ever or a second chance to make things right.

A Fluffy White Christmas - A Tail of Love by Sally Murphy: Can a half-starved stray dog help a lonely woman open up her frozen heart to a new love this Christmas?

Maiya’s New Year’s Wish by Marie Morton: Maiya Collins finds herself swept into an unexpected holiday romance in the sun-kissed paradise of St. Croix. Yet, a misunderstanding threatens to shatter her dreams. As the New Year's countdown approaches, she must confront her doubts. Can love prevail, or will her island romance become another broken resolution?

The Naughty List Nightmare by Erika Kilmer Freidly: Love, traditions, and a mythical menace collide as Thea and Bash get involved in a festive fight to save Pittsburgh's children.

Winter Wonderland by Elizabeth Edgar: Cinderella made her own gown and found her Prince Charming, but will they get their fairy tale ending?

Don’t miss your chance to purchase this collection while it is available.

Proceeds benefit First Coast Romance Writers, an independent non-profit organization that helps writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.

Crochet Touché - Bag Strap

As you may or may not know, I love to crochet.

I learned by watching my Oma, not the woman you met in the last newsletter, but her daughter. They shared the name Franziska, which was also my mother's middle name. My Uroma did not knit or crochet. My Oma was a knitting/crocheting fiend. She always had something on the make and carried her projects with her wherever she went. 

I don't like to knit. I'm not coordinated enough or attentive enough. 

Crocheting is like meditation to me.

Unfortunately, living in Florida now, my useful projects are limited. No mittens, caps, scarves, sweaters, blankets---too hot.

And I like useful because I like natural fibers and they are expensive.

My current project is a strap for a laptop bag. I lost the one that came with it originally, so I've been trying to find something else. 

Crochet straps are really stretchy, especially with a little weight. I thought I had the problem solved, but I didn't use the fishing line. I'll have to try weaving it in after the fact.

The yarn is Peaches & Creme Stripey - 17007 Green Stripes - worsted 4-ply, 2 oz, 102 yards, 100% cotton, Mediun 4

Here are pictures of what I have so far.

Here are the links to the patterns and processes I used"

Spiral Rope used to link the handle to the bag

Tunisian Butterfly applique for the 13 butterflies - these are so cute in person.

The Fishing Line Trick

The strap itself was made with the Thermal Stitch which is so satisfying. I'll have to think of something else to use this stitch for.

Nessa's Notebook - Call Me ...

 ... Ishmael, just don't call me late for dinner.

Yes, I did a mashup of a classic opening line and an old dad joke. That's how my mind works.

Something New

I've been listening to a Baroque playlist on Spotify. There are many to choose from there and on YouTube. One of the things I really like about the Spotify playlists is that they are hours long. The one I link above plays for 24 hours. I can really sink into the music without being aware of it.

And science says it's good for your brain.

Writing

I let myself get distracted on Thursday with the rabbit hole of 'research.' I wrote one sentence but that's okay. One sentence is my goal and I did it.

Friday, I wrote 8,898 words and finished my short story for an upcoming Winter FCRW Anthology.

What was the difference between the days? Friday, I put the writing first and once I started, I didn't want to stop. The starting always stopped me.

Movement

I've been setting my little kitchen timer for 30 minutes. When it buzzes, I get up and walk around. Occasionally, I take a little brain break and do something menial, like the dishes or the laundry.

Links You Should Checkout

First Coast Romance Writers is a great group for aspiring writers and published authors. You don't have to live in Florida to participate in meetings and workshops and they have mentoring programs.

344 Words You Can Spell On a Calculator Does anyone still have calculators? Will these work on a phone calculator?

Shady Characters is all about written marks, punctuation, emojis, etc.

I love to crochet. This Book Worm Pattern is adorable.

Then there's the ultimate SQUIRREL moment, as in squirrel spas.

Any wonder I can't get any writing done.

I'm Reading

The Ever King by LJ Andrews

The Awakening and Selected Stories by Kate Chopin

Broken Protector (Gentle Sinners Book 1) by Amber Warden

The Counting

Beginning 20240611:

Fighting Fate (Novel Writing)
Day 00 ... 3,037 words. To date 30,822 words.

Short Stories (Completed)
Catch As Catch Can ... April ... 12,789 words.
Whisper Down the Lane ... June ... 3,567 words.
Love Under the Cold Moon … 14,387 words.
Rolling Around My Head … June … 4,569 words.

Short Stories (WiP)
Despair is in the Air
Day 01 ... 109 words. ... To date ... 109 words.
 
Fiction for June…………………….….… 22,313
Fiction for 2024…………………………. 65,924
2024 Novellas to Date ……………...….. 0
2024 Short Stories to Date……………… 4
Novels Published .............……………… 2
Novellas Published ..............…………… 0
Short Stories Published ………............... 1
Short Story Collections Published …...… 0

Nessa's Notebook - A New Start. (Yes, Another One)

 I'm allowed. I can have as many as I want. As many as it takes to get me where I want to go. Every day is a new start. Every first step. I will keep at it until I'm in the habit of putting my writing first.

Something New

I bought a new Tarot deck, The Wheel of Change Tarot by Alexandra Genetti. I had to find it on Etsy at colorwheelfolkarts.etsy.com if you like the look of it. It's very pretty and speaks to the subconscious mind. 

Today's card: The Hermit, reversed

The Hermit is quite appropriate at this time as I've decided to renew my spiritual practices, which have always been very private and solitary. I need to reconnect with the core of who I am and what I need and want without the influence of others. 

Writing

I've been stuck for weeks, months. Unable to bring myself to write any fiction. I've been looking for the perfect system to make it all make sense. Outlining. Plotting. Planning. Sheets and forms and lists. Programs. Tools. Syste,s. Oh, my.

Yesterday, I gave myself permission to just write. I finished a 4k short story. Today, my only goal was to write a sentence. I wrote 1,473 words with trying. I'm satisfied. More than satisfied. I might even be giddy.

Movement

A little over two hours at the pool with The Boy. A solid hour of movement and another of fun. At some point the aches will lessen, right?

The pool in our complex is wonderful. Always clean. Always welcoming. Always allowing me to move all my joints, even my bad left knee and my sore right hip, without pain. It's a true joy.

Links You Should Checkout

I found these places over the weekend and I credit them with getting me writing again and without fear or guilt. They talk about the way I instinctually write.

Harvey Stanbrough has written over 85 novels, 9 novellas, and 250 short stories in just over 8 years. That's lots. Check him out. He has loads of free resources writers and he's so nice.

Start with If You Really Want to Write Fiction. Of note is Heinlein’s Business Habits for Writers, Annotated

I started the Ray Bradbury Challenge again, only this time I'll have company. I did 17 short stories in a row the last I did this. Anyone can join, any time. Got my first one under my belt. "Whispering Down the Lane" will be in my first short story collection which will be out by the end of this month.

This fantastic article is packed with information, How to Write a Great Blurb (Warning: Giganormous Post)

I'm Reading

Writing Into the Dark by Dean Wesley Smith, another prolific writer and Heinlein devotee. "Trust the Process" and "Write one sentence. Then write the next sentence." You can see a YouTube Videoabout a talk he gave on this subject at a 20Books conference.

The Ever King by LJ Andrews. It's super popular. Amazon has over 13k reviews and Tik Tok rated it Best of BookTok. 

The Awakening and Selected Stories by Kate Chopin written in 1899.

These words don't count.

The Counting

I count everything, the stairs up and don to the apartment each time I traverse them even though I know the fist set has 17 steps and each of the next two have nine. Never changes but I count them every time. I count the laps I swim in the pool even though I know I will swim them for 30 minutes. I count out the time. Just looked it up. Of course it has a name: arithmomania. I don't have good or bad feelings related to counting, I just do it. 

Anywho, I stole this idea from Harvey Stanbrough, see above. I'm not going to count all my words, only those related to my fiction writing. I'm going to see how many I write in these last seven months of 2024, then set a goal for a yearly word count.

Beginning 20240611:

Fighting Fate (Novel Writing)

Day 00 ... 3,037 words. To date 30,822 words.

Short Stories (Completed)

Catch As Catch Can ... April ... 12,789 words.

Whisper Down the Lane ... June ... 3,567 words.

Short Stories (Writing June)

Love Under the Cold Moon

Day 01 ... 469 words. ... To date ... 469 words.

Day 02 ... 1,473 words ... To date ... 1,942 words.

Fiction for June…………………….….… 5,509
Fiction for 2024…………………………. 21,865

2024 Novellas to Date ……………...….. 0

2024 Short Stories to Date……………… 2
Novels Published .............……………… 2
Novellas Published ..............…………… 0
Short Stories Published ………............... 1
Short Story Collections Published …...… 0

That's enough for now.

Mystery Monday - The Caesar Cipher

 I'm writing a short story for this year's Winter Anthology sponsored by the First Coast Romance Writers (FCRW) group. The anthology is called For the Love of Winter and will feature love stories set during all of the Winter Holidays.

My story is called Love Under the Cold Moon. It's set in the year 194 in the Alps, on the border between Raetia and Noricum in a mountain valley. More later as we get closer to the release date.

The Roman Emporer at this point in history was Septimus Severus, the survivor of the Year of the Five Emperors. This was the year after Commodus was assasinated.

So, the first puzzle will be a quote by Septimus Severus turned into a puzzle using the Caesar cipher.

Can you decipher these words of wisdom?

Riddle Me This, Batman

The word riddle was first recorded before 1000 AD in Middle English. Close to the Old English rede, meaning story. A puzzling question stated in such a way as to require a clever answer.

The oldest recorded riddle is actually a mathematical problem written in cuneiform from around 1650 BCE, called the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus. 

Rhind Mathematical Papyrus : 

detail (recto, left part of the first section 

British Museum Department of Ancient Egypt and Sudan, EA10057)

To see the answers, highlight the space between the asterisks.

Usually written as follows:

There are seven houses;
In each house there are seven cats;
Each cat catches seven mice;
Each mouse would have eaten seven ears of corn;
If sown, each ear of corn would have produced seven hekat of grain.
How many things are mentioned altogether?

The usual answer: ***   one (1)   ***

Other answer(s) are a bit disappointing.

The most famous old (470 BCE) riddle is The Riddle of the Spinx from the myth of Oedipus.

The riddle: “What being has four legs, then two, and then three?” 

The answer: ***   “Man, who crawls on all fours as a baby, then walks on two legs, and finally needs a cane in old age.”   ***

Check out the medieval riddles located HERE and HERE.

The ever-prolific Voltaire wrote this riddle:

"What, of all things in the world, is the longest and the shortest, the swiftest and the slowest, the most neglected and the most regretted, without which nothing can be done, which devours all that is little and ennobles all that is great?"

The answer: ***   Time   ***

My attempt at riddle writing:

Born earthbound and starving, I sleep in my shroud and hatch to soar less than a lunar cycle.

The answer: ***   a butterfly   ***

Romancing the Tropics Volume 2 - Ready for Pre-Order

 

These five short tropical romances, spanning from 1901 to the present day, will

put you in the mood for sunshine and love. This collection offers sweet to edgy stories

perfect for lazing on the beach or poolside.

Join these couples as they defy the conventions and expectations of their worlds

to embrace love’s fullest connection with their happily ever after waiting to be

discovered.

Pre-Order Here

In the Bag - Introduction (an Anachronistic Project [AP001])

My mother's side of the family is from Austria, where they lived in the small towns around the city of Salzburg.

Salzburg Castle painted on Two Man Tuttle Tooth Saw blade by Vanessa Victoria Kilmer

My Oma and Uroma went grocery shopping every day. They had very small refrigerators and very little space in their apartments. I grew up using net bags, so the trend of reusable bags in the USA in the 1990s was no big deal to me and made sense. 

I think people have been using net bags for as long as they have been making fishing nets. You can see some information about Roman recruits using them. The Bullock Museum in Texas has a net bag from around 2000 BC. 

Net bags would be perfect for hunter-gatherers as they are light and compact and require less material and energy to make than baskets, leather pouches, or pottery. They are also perfect as storage containers, easily hung from the rafters of a hut, thus protecting the items from pests.              

They are easy to make in small spaces, require no tools or special skills, and use cheap native materials. 

Thanks to travelers from all parts of Asia, Hemp has been used in Europe since the Bronze Age for food, rope, and fabrics. I'll be using hemp twine to make a net bag without tools. I'll go over other types of fibers in the next post.

This will be the first project in my series of anachronistic items related to the time periods of my books.

I'll be doing each of the process steps in real life as TikTok videos and blog posts with pictures of each step, and when it's all done, I'll combine the videos into one YouTube project video.

Lady Mary Wroth, Poet and Prose Author

 

Lady Mary Wroth

Painting attributed to John de Critz c 1620 

(public domain)

Lady Mary Wroth, 1587-1651, was a contemporary of Shakespeare and a friend to Queen Anne and Ben Jonson. Educated at a time when most women were illiterate, she wrote poetry and prose. She wrote The Countess of Montgomery's Urania, the first prose romance with possible autobiographical elements in English written by a woman.

Title Page of

The Countess of Montgomery's Urania

Folger Shakespeare Libray

Pamphilia to Amphilanthus is a sonnet sequence, the second known published by a woman in English. The first, by Anne Locke is disputed. 

Pamphilia to Amphilanthus, Sonnet 7

Love leave to urge, thou know’st thou hast the hand;

’T’is cowardise, to strive wher none resist:

Pray thee leave off, I yeeld unto thy band;

Doe nott thus, still, in thine owne powre persist,

Beehold I yeeld: lett forces bee dismist;

I ame thy subject, conquer’d, bound to stand,

Never thy foe, butt did thy claime assist

Seeking thy due of those who did withstand;

Butt now, itt seemes, thou would’st I should thee love;

I doe confess, t’was thy will made mee chuse;

And thy faire showes made mee a lover prove

When I my freedome did, for paine refuse.

Yett this Sir God, your boyship I dispise;

Your charmes I obay, butt love nott want of eyes.

The seventh sonnet, from the only extant Pamphilia 

manuscript in Wroth's own hand.

Mary Wroth - Folger Shakespeare Library Digital Image Collection

National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award (NERFA)

Did you publish a Romance novel or novella in digital format in 2023?

Submit your story to the 

National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award (NERFA) contest

until the end of March 2024.

This is a contest for romance writers and is judged by romance readers.

Find all of the details at 

National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award