Literary Escapism Feature: Elen and Cormack at the Beach
Last year I attended the Coastal Magic Convention and met so many wonderful authors, bloggers and readers. I had such a fun time and managed to get so many amazing photos for my Instagram profile. Honestly, I got to meet so many people that I had only ever seen on social media so it was brilliant to finally meet everyone in person. I am going again in February 2016. For more information about this wonderful convention just follow the link below to their website…
Coastal Magic Convention
Literary Escapism is also going to be there, and they are doing a fun series for the conference on their blog. I’ve been invited along with other featured authors to write an excerpt of my characters at the beach. Autumn Moon, book 3 in my Celtic Wolves series is available September 29, 2015! I thought Elen and Cormack could use a little vacation–because I did put this couple through a lot in Autumn Moon. You can read an exclusive excerpt on Literary Escapism’s website and enter a gift box giveaway that includes signed copies of Celtic Moon and Summer Moon (books 1 & 2), swag, and an Amazon gift card.
Just a minor spoiler alert: This excerpt takes place after Autumn Moon.
Just click on the following graphic and/or link to read excerpt and enter the gift box giveaway…
Literary Escapism Feature: Elen and Cormack at the Beach
I will leave you with a few photos of Daytona Beach!
I took these photos to post on my Instagram page and I am so happy with them.
You see, recently, I have been trying to grow my Instagram following. As an author, your Instagram page is a fantastic way for your readers to get to know you a little bit better.
So far, I have had so many lovely conversations with readers from all over the world. It really is fantastic that social media can bring us all together. In fact, I am already planning a few Instagram live Q and A sessions over the next few months where I will be answering questions from my readers and teasing my next book so stay tuned to find out more!
I really like spending time interacting with my readers on Instagram. Some of my readers even send me photos when they are reading my book. There is such a heartwarming community of book-loving people on Instagram, I strongly recommend that you give me a follow and get involved.
From a marketing perspective, Instagram really is great for authors in that it allows us to interact with our readers in so many fun ways. Building a following is not always easy though, which is why some people use Instagram marketing tools to give their follower counts a boost. Moreover, Nitreo helps you get more instagram followers so do check out their website if you would like to learn more about this.
Anyway, Instagram to one side for now, Coastal Magic has become one of my favorite conventions. Not only is it a fantastic opportunity to hit the beach, but it’s very relaxed and focuses on what we all love… books, reading, and discussions about our favorite romance and paranormal genres. Now doesn’t that sound fun?
Also, it has actually been far too long since I last went on vacation, so attending this convention was a much-needed break. Plus, I even got to attend a really cool yoga class that I had been looking forward to! Honestly, if you have not tried beachfront yoga before I cannot recommend it enough.
I have been on a big fitness journey over the past few months and although it has not been easy, I feel so much happier now that I have finally found a form of exercise that I enjoy. Yoga had always been something that I wanted to try, so when my best friend invited me to one of her classes I simply had to see what all the fuss was about.
My friend is actually training to be a yoga instructor at the moment. Apparently, if you want to complete a yoga certification chicago is the place to be so she has been teaching a few small classes.
To cut a very long story short, I have been going to yoga classes a couple of times a week for quite a while now and I already feel a difference! Not only are my muscles less achy, but I feel much more toned, and I find it easier to relax.
All of this has had a huge impact on my writing too. Quite a few writers I know like yoga as it is a fantastic way to clear your mind before working on a big project. Needless to say, my newfound love for yoga has definitely inspired me to get writing again.
I might even have to sign up for a yoga retreat in the future!
How do you like to keep fit? Would you ever give yoga a try? Let me know if so as I would love to hear from you.
Oh, and if ever you get the opportunity, please give beachfront yoga a try! You will love it and the fresh air is so good for you!
Hope to see you at the beach in February!
Jan
Autumn Moon Blog Tour Schedule

The Autumn Moon Blog tour has begun!
From September 21 ~ October 5 you can visit these wonderful blogs to read excerpts and enter a giveaway for $100 Amazon gift card! Autumn Moon, the third book in the Celtic Wolves series will be available September 29th!
First chapter and excerpts are available on the Autumn Moon Book Page!
- September 21
Spotlight
DIANE’S BOOK BLOG
- September 21
Spotlight
LIVE LAUGH AND LOVE BOOKS
- September 21
Review
HAPPY TAILS AND TALES
- September 22
Interview
THE READING HEAD
- September 22
Spotlight
SAPPHYRIA’S BOOK REVIEWS
- September 22
Spotlight
ADDICTED 2 HEROINES
- September 23
Spotlight
A BOOKAHOLIC’S FIX: FEEDING THE ADDICTION
- September 23
Spotlight
BOOKS ‘N PEARLS
- September 24
Spotlight and Review
RABID READS
- September 24
Spotlight
SHARE MY DESTINY
- September 24
Spotlight
T’s STUFF
- September 25
Spotlight
GEEKS IN HIGH SCHOOL
- September 25
Spotlight and Review
BOOKS THAT HOOK
- September 25
Spotlight
AROUND THE WORLD IN BOOKS
- September 28
Guest Post
URBAN FANTASY INVESTIGATIONS
- September 28
Spotlight
ZENNY’S AWESOME BOOK REVIEWS
- September 29
Review
BOOKS AND TALES - September 30
Spotlight
INNERGODDESS
- September 30
Guest Post
PRETERNATURA
- September 30
Spotlight
BOUNDLESS BOOK REVIEWS
- September 30
Spotlight
HIGHLIGHTED AUTHOR
- October 1
Spotlight
CBY BOOK CLUB - October 2
Guest Post
ILLUSIONS OF INTIMACY
- October 5
Review
I SMELL SHEEP - October 5
Review
FANATICAL PARANORMAL ROMANTICAL
- October 5
Spotlight
3 PARTNERS IN SHOPPING, NANA, MOMMY, & SISSY, TOO!
- October 5
Spotlight
A WRITER’S MIND

Elen’s Pumpkin Streusel Muffin Recipe


If you’ve read my books then you know I love to add food to the scenes. It’s such a nurturing element, plus it adds certain nostalgia. Autumn Moon is Elen and Cormack’s story. I’ve put this couple through quite a bit, and this is the story where they finally get together. Elen was the only person to offer him a welcoming home while he was trapped in wolf form, but he’s spent some time away to learn his new human form. Now he’s a man and has returned to protect the woman he loves. Elen and Cormack are learning each other for the first time with hearts that are already bound.
The first thing Elen’s bakes for Cormack upon his return is pumpkin muffins, and it was such a fun scene to write, and emotional in many ways if you know their backstory.
I’ve included an excerpt below, followed by Elen’s pumpkin muffin recipe!
Enjoy,
Jan
Excerpt from Autumn Moon:
Cormack formed an intimidating figure as he marched beside her with graceful strides. His sword swung from his side, the belted scabbard hanging low off his hip, with his eyes sharp and searching for potential threats.
He’d left her as a gentle friend but returned to her as a warrior. And why did that make her stomach flutter as if a thousand butterflies danced to his song?
A question for a later time, Elen decided for her own peace of mind. And after inhaling a deep breath for composure, she tactfully changed the subject. “Are you hungry?” It was still late morning, so she offered, “I can whip us up some coffee and muffins.”
He sighed as if relief was a weighable substance and she’d just removed a boulder from his chest. “I would like that.”
“Apple muffins?” she asked. “Or pumpkin?” The trail opened to her grain fields, and she hurried on, anxious to cook for someone other than herself again. Ms. Hafwen didn’t count because she was too particular toward sweets and only ate crumbs she deemed worthy.
He thought about it for a moment. “The pumpkin ones with the white crunchy stuff on top.”
“Pumpkin streusel?”
“Streusel,” he said, testing the word on his tongue. “Make extra.”
His smile was infectious. “I can do that.” As they made their way through rows of apple trees with low branches heavy with ripened fruit, she had a ridiculous urge to giggle. It seemed she had little control over her emotions around him; one moment she wanted to cry, and the next she acted as if she’d never been with a man.
Which, of course, she had. But not one who held her heart so firmly in his grasp.
“What’s so funny?” He kicked a fallen apple out of her path.
“Nothing.”
“Tell me.”
“Truly, it’s nothing.” Only the fact that hearing him talk back would take some getting used to, but she didn’t think he would appreciate her humor on the subject, not so soon after their last bout. “I’ve never had to answer your questions before.” She snuck a peek at his profile. “Or received answers to mine. I like it.”
A sheepish grin turned his lips. “I’m glad.”
She stubbed her toe on a jutting rock because of that grin. His mouth was made for pleasure. Thankfully, she caught herself before falling on her face in more ways than one and made it to her cottage without any further embarrassments.
Unlatching the wrought iron gate that led to her front portico, she announced, “We’re home.” The sentiment spilled naturally because she’d said it countless times over the years. However, she’d never once heard him repeat it back as he did just then.
“We’re home.” He inhaled a deep breath as if to savor its scent.
Elen’s Pumpkin Streusel Muffin Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
Dash of salt (1/4 teaspoon or less)
2 teaspoons cold water
3 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
Mix ingredients with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs and set aside. This streusel freezes well if you wanted to make a double batch and save for later muffins.
PUMPKIN MUFFIN BATTER
Dry Ingredients:
1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda
½ teaspoon of baking powder
½ teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
½ teaspoon of all spice
½ teaspoon of nutmeg
½ teaspoon of ginger
Wet Ingredients:
1 stick of butter (8 tablespoons)
2 eggs
½ cup buttermilk (you can substitute regular milk)
¼ cup of molasses
1 cup of pureed pumpkin
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
*All ingredients should be room temperature before mixing!
Instructions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees and line a regular dozen muffin tin with cupcake liners. You can spray or grease the pan, but liners make cleanup easier. Sift dry ingredients into a bowl and set aside. Beat butter in a mixer until creamy. Gradually add eggs and sugar. Add buttermilk, vanilla, pumpkin puree, and molasses while continuing to mix. Finally, gradually add your dry ingredients until blended.
Scoop batter evenly into the muffin tins. Add streusel on top of each muffin. The muffin’s tops will expand so don’t be afraid to pile the streusel. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick test comes out clean. Makes twelve muffins. Enjoy!
ORDER AUTUMN MOON
Celtic Wolves Series Blog Tour Schedule
- May 11
MYTHICAL BOOKS
Guest Post: “More Than a Simple Romance” (The characteristic of the UF/PR and the Celtic Wolves Series) - May 12
MOMMABEARS BOOK BLOG
Spotlight - May 13
JILL ARCHER
Guest Post: “The Environment of the Celtic Wolves World” - May 13
READER’S HOLLOW
Spotlight - May 14
ONCE UNTOLD
Spotlight - May 14
SHARE MY DESTINY
Spotlight - May 15
DEAL SHARING AUNT
Spotlight - May 18
THE ENCHANTED WORD
Guest Post: “The Supernatural Elements of the Celtic Wolves Series and the Celtic Heritage of Its Characters” - May 19
ROBYN BACHAR
Interview - May 20
PRETERNATURA
Guest Post: “The Interior Art of Summer Moon” - May 20
BOOKS THAT HOOK
Spotlight and Review - May 21
LITERARY MUSINGS
Spotlight - May 22
URBAN FANTASY INVESTIGATIONS
Interview - May 25
FANG-TASTIC BOOKS
Guest Post: My “Wine Time” Playlist - May 26
FANGIRLS READ IT FIRST
Review - May 27
HOUSTON HAVENS
Spotlight - May 28
MAMA READS HAZEL READS
Spotlight and review - May 28
SHYLA WOLFF
Review - May 29
MUSINGS IN FICTION ALLEY
Review - June 1
KIMBER LEIGH WRITES
Guest Post: “Nature Provides Inspiration” - June 2
TYNGA’S REVIEWS
Guest Post: “When I’m Not Writing Feature” - June 2
MARIANNE WILLIS AUTHOR
Spotlight - June 3
HAPPY TAILS AND TALES
Review - June 3
BOOKS N PEARLS
Spotlight - June 5
DIANE’S BOOK BLOG
Interview - June 5
PARANORMAL ROMANCE AND AUTHORS THAT ROCK
Review - June 5
HAPPY TAILS AND TALES
Review - June 8
PARAYOURNORMAL
Guest Post: “Mythology of Celtic Werewolves” - June 8
CBY BOOK CLUB
Spotlight