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http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/2013/05/my-love-for-opening-scenes-in-1st-place.html
http://sweetnsexydivas.blogspot.com/2013/05/sweet-n-sexy-soulful-quotes.html
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Turn Up Your Tuesday Morning Heat With Some Hot Romance Picks!
http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/2013/05/my-love-for-opening-scenes-in-1st-place.html
http://sweetnsexydivas.blogspot.com/2013/05/sweet-n-sexy-soulful-quotes.html
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Let's Talk Romance Books!
http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/2013/04/my-love-for-opening-scenes-in-first.html
Who knows, maybe the authors and their introductory paragraphs I share are the same as yours.
http://sweetnsexydivas.blogspot.com/2013/04/sweet-n-sexy-soulful-quotes.html
Monday, April 8, 2013
My Little Moment of Fame in USA Today!
I had been horseback riding for 5 days when this came to be and I had no idea it was even in the making until I came home and found my inbox full of emails from my most loyal fans, letting me know of its appearance.
Honestly, I could hardly believe it until I clicked the link. There, in all its glory, alongside the talented works of authors Jianne Carlo and Sandra Hill, was my book.
What an honor!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2013/04/04/throwback-thursday-tbt-viking-romances/2050737/
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Thursday, March 21, 2013
Three Blogs I'm Featured On That You DO NOT Want To Miss!
http://www.romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/2013/03/hook-line-and-sinker-that-great-opening.html
http://www.sweetnsexydivas.blogspot.com/2013/03/sweet-n-sexy-soulful-quotes.html
http://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/2013/03/favorite-author-and-guest-blogger-renee.html
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Check Out My Live Radio Interview!
The gracious and very personable Brian Thomas from 55KRC radio just interviewed me yesterday morning at 7:40 am. I'm not sure if any of you were up that early to catch it, but if you weren't - no worries! I have the entire interview right here for your enjoyment.
*Just make sure that you specify which book you are registering to win: Raeliksen by Renee Vincent.
Giveaway ends March 29, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Cancer: My Emotional Roller Coaster Ride
I can finally say with much confidence that I DO NOT have cancer. But for five long stressful weeks before March 1st, I wasn't so sure. Neither was my doctor.
It's one thing to feel like you have something growing inside you. It's another when your gynecologist feels it too, and isn't sure what he's dealing with because there's so much internal swelling. Because of this, an ultrasound was immediately scheduled and it, of course, confirmed a large mass on my ovary.
My doctor had his speculations as to what was attached to my ovary and uterus -- a benign endometrioma (cyst)-- but because of my elevated CA-125 blood work thereafter, he couldn't say for sure unless he went in. And because he didn't feel comfortable waiting six weeks for a follow-up ultrasound, he strongly suggested we go ahead with the operation and biopsy.
So, on Friday of this past week, I had surgery to remove said cyst. Or if was cancer, to remove the ovary. But let's rewind a bit...
Before The Surgery
When I first had the ultrasound, I tried not to let it scare me, and think positive thoughts that everything would be fine. For my kids sake, I tried to remain calm and give them as much comfort and security as I could offer. As a young child, I know it's very scary to hear the "C" word. Naturally, their wild imaginative minds kick in and they wonder what will happen if the mom they loved and still depended on was diagnosed with cancer. Will my mom die?
As a grown woman, I, too, felt the burden of that impending question and more. What if I had ovarian cancer? Would I be one of the few survivors? How would my husband survive without me? Would he be able to care for the kids like they needed to be, while still working to make a living?
As a mother, it's difficult not to over-think every situation under the sun and begin planning for any or all future scenarios. Mentally, I started preparing myself for that moment when I'd have to explain to my kids that their mother may not make it, although I'd also reassured them that mommy would fight tooth and nail to beat it. I even thought of making movies of myself. Maybe speaking to my kids and my husband about life's hard knocks and the reasons you have to go on, or telling stories of when the kids were little--funny memories that would get them to laugh and likewise see my smile and hear my laughter and remember it.
It all sounds so morbid, but it's what I thought of.
I already lost a little sister, so I know what it's like to wish for more time with her. To wish I had captured more of my awesome sister on tape than just the few times she slipped in during my daughters' birthday parties. In hindsight, I wished I had memorized every moment I had with her, or even hugged her just a bit longer, especially since I never got to exchange a formal farewell with her.
In light of not getting the chance to say goodbye to my sister, I began thinking of ways I'd say that final goodbye to my family and what I needed to do, ahead of time, to prepare for that fateful day. Things that I could do to help my family get through this loss, even after I was gone. (Yes, PS I Love You had come to mind.)
While some of you may think I was simply freaking out and jumping the gun, I had no control over my fears, my concerns, and my determination to take care of those I loved. Realize, I'd gone from diving into panic and dread when an unknown mass had been found, to plummeting into the grisly thought of my last days on earth and how would I spend them. If anything, perhaps I was unconsciously leap-frogging the other stages of grief and landing into the "acceptance" stage. Right.
Last Minutes Before The Surgery
Fast-forwarding to the day of my surgery, the doctors, surgery staff, and of course my family reassured me that all would be well. However, I was quiet that day. I didn't have much to say because I knew in a couple of hours there was the possibility of waking up and finding out that my days on this earth might be cut short. And was I really ready to know that? Personally, the thought of not knowing had always been a difficult thing for me to swallow. My biggest fear has always been that I'd not get the opportunity to say goodbye to my family and friends and tell them how much I love them should I go suddenly and unexpectedly. But now, when I was conceivably faced with knowing my days were numbered, I think I suddenly preferred the ambiguity of it all.
Anesthesia's Like A Much Needed Help-Me-Forget Switch
I don't remember much from that morning, except being scared out of my mind. I was surrounded by so many people who loved me, yet I felt so alone. I don't remember the conversations I had or the things I said. Heck, I don't even remember them juicing my IV up with the sedative before surgery. One minute I was hugging my husband and the next I was waking up to a nurse fiddling with my IV, blankets, and blood pressure cuff.
I looked at her and asked, "How did it go?"
She smiled and patted my arm, "When they went in, there wasn't a cyst."
For most, that would be fantastic news. Little did she know, I was rooting for the cyst. So, logically my brain conjured the worst: If there wasn't a cyst on my ovary then it must be cancer. I started to cry. My heart sank in my chest like a heavy stone. No matter how much I had tried to mentally prepare myself for this news, I wasn't strong enough to shoulder it.
Upon seeing my tears, the nurse immediately inquired about my sadness. When I explained, she quickly amended her words. "No, honey. There's no cyst and no cancer. You're fine."
Being half dazed by the anesthesia, I hardly believed her. At that time, my husband and sister were there to back to her up. I remember being totally relieved, to the point of crying again (which was probably the workings of the anesthesia too) and when they offered me a cup of coffee, I was truly elated. I thought coffee at that moment in time was the BEST! (again, gotta love anesthetics)
Recovery and Relief
After getting home and going through the recovery process this weekend, my emotions again lifted and dropped, which to be honest is not worth blogging about. But now that I'm getting my energy back and slowly returning to normal, I can finally feel the heavy burden of my stress lifted from my shoulders. My heart is no longer plagued with having to break my children's hearts or prepare them for a rough road ahead.
I've been liberated this weekend.
Heartfelt Gratitude
Despite the stress and the many weeks I spent worrying, I never lost the support and love of so many people: my husband, my family, my close friends, my Facebook friends, my author friends at Turquoise Morning Press, and many of my chapter mates at Celtic Hearts Romance Writers. You all have helped me more than you know. Many of you sent emails of reassurance, letters of uplifting advice and consolation. Several sent get well cards and flowers. Some sent simple texts of thoughts and prayers. No matter what it was, I was truly grateful for each and every one of them.
And so, I wanted to say from the bottom of my heart: "thanks." I know that simple word may not sound like much, but realize I'm offering it so very sincerely. I could not have gotten through this rough patch had it not been for so many of you. I've saved those emails and cards and will never forget this outpouring of support and encouragement. Thank you all so much!
Love,
Renee
PS
Now I can finally get back to doing what I love - writing more romance novels for my awesome readers and fans! Thank you so much for being patient with me and (metaphorically speaking) holding my hand through this very scary time in my life.
It all sounds so morbid, but it's what I thought of.
I already lost a little sister, so I know what it's like to wish for more time with her. To wish I had captured more of my awesome sister on tape than just the few times she slipped in during my daughters' birthday parties. In hindsight, I wished I had memorized every moment I had with her, or even hugged her just a bit longer, especially since I never got to exchange a formal farewell with her.
In light of not getting the chance to say goodbye to my sister, I began thinking of ways I'd say that final goodbye to my family and what I needed to do, ahead of time, to prepare for that fateful day. Things that I could do to help my family get through this loss, even after I was gone. (Yes, PS I Love You had come to mind.)
While some of you may think I was simply freaking out and jumping the gun, I had no control over my fears, my concerns, and my determination to take care of those I loved. Realize, I'd gone from diving into panic and dread when an unknown mass had been found, to plummeting into the grisly thought of my last days on earth and how would I spend them. If anything, perhaps I was unconsciously leap-frogging the other stages of grief and landing into the "acceptance" stage. Right.
Fast-forwarding to the day of my surgery, the doctors, surgery staff, and of course my family reassured me that all would be well. However, I was quiet that day. I didn't have much to say because I knew in a couple of hours there was the possibility of waking up and finding out that my days on this earth might be cut short. And was I really ready to know that? Personally, the thought of not knowing had always been a difficult thing for me to swallow. My biggest fear has always been that I'd not get the opportunity to say goodbye to my family and friends and tell them how much I love them should I go suddenly and unexpectedly. But now, when I was conceivably faced with knowing my days were numbered, I think I suddenly preferred the ambiguity of it all.
Anesthesia's Like A Much Needed Help-Me-Forget Switch
I don't remember much from that morning, except being scared out of my mind. I was surrounded by so many people who loved me, yet I felt so alone. I don't remember the conversations I had or the things I said. Heck, I don't even remember them juicing my IV up with the sedative before surgery. One minute I was hugging my husband and the next I was waking up to a nurse fiddling with my IV, blankets, and blood pressure cuff.
I looked at her and asked, "How did it go?"
She smiled and patted my arm, "When they went in, there wasn't a cyst."
Upon seeing my tears, the nurse immediately inquired about my sadness. When I explained, she quickly amended her words. "No, honey. There's no cyst and no cancer. You're fine."
Being half dazed by the anesthesia, I hardly believed her. At that time, my husband and sister were there to back to her up. I remember being totally relieved, to the point of crying again (which was probably the workings of the anesthesia too) and when they offered me a cup of coffee, I was truly elated. I thought coffee at that moment in time was the BEST! (again, gotta love anesthetics)
Recovery and Relief
I've been liberated this weekend.
Despite the stress and the many weeks I spent worrying, I never lost the support and love of so many people: my husband, my family, my close friends, my Facebook friends, my author friends at Turquoise Morning Press, and many of my chapter mates at Celtic Hearts Romance Writers. You all have helped me more than you know. Many of you sent emails of reassurance, letters of uplifting advice and consolation. Several sent get well cards and flowers. Some sent simple texts of thoughts and prayers. No matter what it was, I was truly grateful for each and every one of them.
And so, I wanted to say from the bottom of my heart: "thanks." I know that simple word may not sound like much, but realize I'm offering it so very sincerely. I could not have gotten through this rough patch had it not been for so many of you. I've saved those emails and cards and will never forget this outpouring of support and encouragement. Thank you all so much!
Love,
Renee
PS
Now I can finally get back to doing what I love - writing more romance novels for my awesome readers and fans! Thank you so much for being patient with me and (metaphorically speaking) holding my hand through this very scary time in my life.
The pictures in this post were all from the actual flowers and get-well cards I received.
As a little thank you, I wanted to feature some of them in this post.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Cover Reveal For Print!
Check out the print cover for my recent historical, paranormal, Viking romance, THE TEMPERATE WARRIOR!
Isn't it just beautiful?
(click to enlarge)
I am so happy I can't stand it! I just ordered my copies this weekend and can't wait to hold this lovely book in my very own hands. And you can too! This book is NOW available in print.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/TX3zr4
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/11JC8ic
Turquoise Morning Press: http://bit.ly/11JBvVG
Or if you still prefer ebook:
Nook: http://bit.ly/SG9dL1
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/261245
KOBO: http://bit.ly/11JEyxk
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