• RLF Gems

    Saying goodbye to the Romance Lives Forever blog #RLFblog

    As of today, Dec 1, 2023, I am closing Romance Lives Forever. Why? I'm organized and efficient, but with as much as I want to do going forward, I can no longer maintain RLF. I used Triberr to amplify the blog on social media, especially Twitter. The new requirements and limits from Twitter cut exposure by a huge margin. Triberr brought 80%+ of all readers to the blog. Since it's no longer active, that cost another huge drop in traffic.

    It costs a bit to run the blog, register its domain name, pay for the signup/reminder service, and it takes time to chase down people who send things last minute (or not at all). Plus I have to let authors know the service is available. Then I format the material, resize the images, upload everything, and schedule its promotion. Alas, time and money won out.

    I started the blog in 2009, and went to daily posts in 2010. I've explored many ways to do all this and still find time to write and market for myself. I hired an assistant last year, but only I can write the stories in my heart. I am loath to give up, not being a quitter by nature.

    When it's Time to Quit

    Last month, I heard Becca Syme (one of my mentors) say that it's time to quit when you no longer love what you do. Becca is brilliant. I took her Strengths for Writers and Write Better-Faster courses in the last 12 months. Each came with 6 months of follow up calls and targeted counseling. Changed my life in so many ways. Here's the video I'm referring to if you're curious. https://youtu.be/GRG5UeFYihE

    Daily monitoring this blog is not what I love. What I love is supporting other authors, and the blog was how I did that. I will still support them but in ways that leave time for my own priorities. It took more than a year for me to decide to do this (or rather, stop doing this). I almost didn't commit to 2023, but felt guilty for quitting. It wasn't until I heard Becca's comment last month that I gave myself permission to do what I had to do. She wasn't talking about blogging, or anything even close to what I was doing. She was talking about writing in the golden age of publishing (the new era we've recently entered), and how to know what to do next (or stop doing).

    The video was from Ream, which is a new subscription platform for authors. I've just launched mine. I attended an accelerator class with a handful of other authors in a small-group setting for mentorship. Wonderful support and I learned things I never expected.


    Some of the Many Authors Who Made RLF a Success

    Adriana Kraft, Alexa Aston, Alina K Field, Amber Daulton, Anne Kane, Brenda Sparks, Daryl Devore, Dee S Knight, Effrosyni Moschoudi, Faye Hall, Iris Blobel, J Arlene Culiner, Jami Gray, Jana Richards, Karen Cino, Kate Hill, Kris Bock, Linda O'Connor, Lisabet Sarai, Livia Quinn, NJ Walters, Seelie Kay, Tena Stetler, Tina Donahue, Veronica Scott, Vicki Batman

    I'll miss the blog. It's been a part of my life during most of my career as an author. I look forward to what comes after this, and having the time and freedom to pursue the next steps.


    Thank you for being part of my journey. If you'd like to support me and keep up with what I'm doing next, here's how:

    Become an immortal via my newsletter and get a starter set plus other exclusive perks. You can unsubscribe at any time.
    Enter my Ever-Expanding Empire at reamstories.com/kayelleallen and follow (it's free) to discover a whole new universe of exciting tales.
    Follow my Amazon Author Page and get one alert when a new story is available.
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    Sign up for AuthorAlarms and the app will send you one email when I release a book. You can add and remove other authors on this app as well.
    Follow me on BookBub to receive a single email with each new book.


    Romance Lives Forever Blog (RLFblog) is closed as of Dec 1, 2023. Comments prior to 2021 have been deleted. This site will remain online until July 2025.


     
  • Romantic Comedy,  Small Town Romance

    Sommerville holidays too by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman #RLFblog #RomanticComedy #HolidayStories

    Read Sommerville holidays and Sommerville holidays too by Vicki Batman @Vicki Batman #RLFblog #ChristmasBooks #SmallTownRomance

    Love blossoms in the small town of Sommerville in these heartwarming holiday tales, filled with fun and forever possibilities in Sommerville holidays too by Vicki Batman.

    Vicki, welcome to Romance Lives Forever.

    I'm Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your book.

    Sommerville holidays too by Vicki Batman

    Genre: Romantic comedy short stories

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG-13

    The Great Fruitcake Bake-off: When a five-time baking champion teams up with her new neighbor for The Great Fruitcake Bake-off, they discover baking a prize-winning entry is complicated, bad guys are plotting to take the crown, and first prize isn't just about a ribbon.

    Christmas Romeo: When two feuding co-workers win Christmas river cruises at the company holiday party, they discover each other isn't so bad after all.

    Twinkle Lights: After the owner of a Christmas tree stand has a heart attack, a do-gooder and a reformed high school delinquent-turned-lawyer meet the challenges of running the establishment, but when revenue goes missing, fingers are pointed.

    What's your favorite down-home family-style meal?

    On Christmas morning, my family gathers for a Christmas breakfast. I make waffles with maple syrup or chocolate sauce and pecans, pigs in a blanket, fruit, and crispy bacon. All are served with orange juice or hot coffee. I could prepare an elaborate lunch or dinner, but breakfast is so much more fun.

    What is your go-to meal when you dine out?

    I usually order steak and Frites with a salad, but I also love salmon with cheesy potatoes and a salad. Dessert is a must if key lime pie is on the menu.

    Describe the perfect vacation.

    Handsome and I love to cruise, especially on smaller ships. Now that the world is traveling, we sailed the Danube this past October. Unpack once, great food, nice people taking us nice places. All we have to do is have a good time.

    Tell us about your favorite toy as a child.

    I still have Bunny, a stuffed rabbit. Bunny looks sad now—a string for an ear, a hole in his belly, another in his back, and his fur is mostly rubbed off. I can hold him and remember how he comforted me.

    What are your hobbies?

    I love to embroider, do needlepoint, work out at Jazzercise and yoga, take long walks, and play mahjong. Mahjong has to be the most challenging game I've ever played. I'm a voracious reader.

    When you read for pleasure, what kind of books do you choose?

    I love mysteries of all sorts, contemporary romance, historical romance, and sometimes, non-fiction, particularly biographies.

    Where to buy Sommerville holidays too

    Publisher VLMBatman
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JQN19L6/
    Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1125179/

    Read Sommerville holidays and Sommerville holidays too by Vicki Batman @Vicki Batman #RLFblog #ChristmasBooks #SmallTownRomance

    Vicki Batman Social Media

    Funny, sweet, and quirky, Vicki Batman's stories are full of her hallmark humor and romance and will delight all readers. She has sold many romantic comedy works to magazines, several publishers, and most recently, three humorous romantic mysteries. Along the way, she has picked up awards and bestsellers. Avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Chocaholic. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby.
    Website http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/
    Blog http://www.vickibatman.blogspot.com/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/VickiBatman/
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-133506590074451/
    Pinterest http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vickilbatman/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman/
    BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vicki-batman/
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman/
    Get to know Vicki Batman better by signing up for an email newsletter: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/

  • RLF Gems

    #RLFblog 2021 Awesome Authors: Thank you @alicerauthor @TenaStetler @VickiBatman @mmarvellab @Marsharwest @MFRW_ORG +more

    Whether it's vampires, sweet romance, small town romance, sexy romance, or anything in between, RLF has an author who writes it! This blog always offers great authors and great books.

    RLF shared 304 posts this year. The blog was closed for almost two weeks when a move went badly. Fortunately, no data was lost and it's all back on track. The bloggers listed here had the most comments received this year.

    Alice Renaud

    MFRW_ORG (annual salute to Marketing for Romance Writers)*

    Mary Marvella

    Vicki Batman

    Marsha R West

    Tena Stetler

    Every author on RLF is special to me, and over the years, have become friends. I read a lot of books too! In 2022, I hope to have all of you back to visit, and to invite a whole host of new friends to join us. Happy New Year! Here's to a wonderful year in 2022.

     

    *Join the MFRW IO Group here: https://groups.io/g/marketingforromancewriters

    #RLFblog 2021 Awesome Authors: Thank you @alicerauthor @TenaStetler @VickiBatman @mmarvellab @Marsharwest @MFRW_ORG +more

    You can pick your own date, and the blog will even send you a reminder.

    Come Share Your Book!

    Jan - Jun 2022

    https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044daaab2ca2fb6-2022

    Jul - Dec 2022

    https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044DAAAB2CA2FB6-20221

    Inviting #RLFblog readers and authors - join Kayelle's Keepers!

    A Special Invitation!

    Please join me at Kayelle's Keepers, a Facebook group for readers. I'd love to have RLF authors and readers join me.

    Join the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kayelleskeepers

    Be sure say hello and mention you're a reader or author from RLF when you join!


     

  • Christmas or Holiday,  Quick and Fun,  Small Town Romance

    Read Sommerville holidays and Sommerville holidays too by Vicki Batman @Vicki Batman #RLFblog #ChristmasBooks #SmallTownRomance

    Read Sommerville holidays and Sommerville holidays too by Vicki Batman @Vicki Batman #RLFblog #ChristmasBooks #SmallTownRomance

    After the hustle and bustle of holiday preparation, indulge in these holiday story collections, Sommerville holidays and Sommerville holidays too, by Vicki Batman which are sure to tickle your fancy.

    Love blossoms in the small town of Sommerville in these heartwarming holiday tales, filled with fun and forever possibilities.

    Vicki, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I'm Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog.

    Happy to have you here! Please tell us about Sommerville holidays and Sommerville holidays too.

    Sommerville holidays by Vicki Batman

    Genre Romantic comedy holiday short stories

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG

    I love writing holiday stories-romance, lights, great food, fun with friends and family.

    Holiday Disaster: Days before Christmas, a librarian experiences plumbing issues and visits from Mr. Maintenance Man who isn't nearly as jolly as Santa Claus.

    The Littlest Angel: Two people. One ornament for the tree. Can a twosome find common ground and discover the true meaning of Christmas?

    Holiday Handbag Extravaganza: Christmas Countdown is on! A hunk-a-licious customer pesters a boutique owner to locate a vintage handbag for his mother. Too bad the wedge between them is his sister, the meanest girl in town.

    Sommerville holidays too:

    Genre Romantic comedy holiday short stories

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG

    The Great Fruitcake Bake-off: When a five-time baking champion teams up with her new neighbor for The Great Fruitcake Bake-off, they discover baking a prize-winning entry is complicated, bad guys are plotting to take the crown, and first prize isn't just about a ribbon.

    Christmas Romeo: When two feuding co-workers win Christmas river cruises at the company holiday party, they discover each other isn't so bad after all.

    Twinkle Lights: When the owner of a Christmas tree stand has a heart attack, a do-gooder and a reformed high school delinquent turned lawyer meet the challenges of running the establishment; yet, when revenue goes missing, fingers are pointed.

    QUICK

    Do you write more than one genre? If so, what are they?

    Kinda. Sorta. I write romantic comedy mysteries and romantic comedy short stories.

    How do you come up with ideas?

    Ideas abound! I wrote my first mystery based on a word game that used "window." My son said something which made my head go bing!! I've looked at a picture and created a story.

    What is the single most important part of writing for you?

    Writing the story. Some take longer than others; however, I always finish the work.

    When did you write your first book?

    I wrote my romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Employed, first. Then I critiqued short stories for a friend, got the rhythm, and wrote shorts of my own.

    FUN

    Leather or lace? Neither. I'm a cotton t-shirt kinda gal.

    Black or red? LOL. I wear both.

    Satin sheets or smooth cotton? Cotton flannel. Oh so soft.

    Ocean or mountains? Nothing is better than a long walk along the shore. Yet, I often retreat to the mountains.

    City life or country life? City.

    Party life or evening at home? Evening at home.

    Dogs or cats? I've had both. I miss kitties. Right now, I have two adora-poos.

    Where to buy Sommerville Holidays and Sommerville Holidays Too

    Amazon Sommerville Holidays https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z45SGC5

    Amazon Sommerville Holidays Too https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JQN19L6

    Series https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09DVSL8Z7

    Read Sommerville holidays and Sommerville holidays too by Vicki Batman @Vicki Batman #RLFblog #ChristmasBooks #SmallTownRomance

    Vicki Batman Social Media

    Vicki Batman has sold many romantic comedy works to magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two humorous romantic mysteries. Along the way, she has picked up awards and bestsellers. Avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Chocaholic. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??"

    Website http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/ 

    Blog http://www.vickibatman.blogspot.com/ 

    Twitter https://twitter.com/VickiBatman/ 

    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-of-sexy-and-funny-fiction-133506590074451/ 

    Pinterest http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/ 

    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman/ 

    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman/ 

    Newsletter http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/ 

    Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vicki-batman/

  • Cancer Awareness

    And then stuff happened #CancerAwareness by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman author of Temporarily Employed #RLFblog

    And then stuff happened #CancerAwareness by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman author of Temporarily Employed #RLFblog

    Welcome to day three of Cancer Awareness posts for 2021 on RLFblog. Today's guest is Vicki Batman.

    It's been a while...

    I haven't written about Handsome and the trials and tribulations due to throat cancer and his treatment over the past fifteen years. Mostly, we thought all was good.

    Turned out, stuff happened.

    Here's the story: Handsome cut himself, shaving over the plate area of his left jaw, right where the radiation hit him hardest, causing poor blood circulation. The area spread to the size of an eraser and then grew to a half inch. Then bigger. We knew what that meant-a visit to the reconstructive plastic surgeon.

    Handsome went to the doctor, who determined tissue from his back would be used, mainly because arteries were larger. The vessel feeding the "flap" would cross under his chin to connect with his right carotid. All sounded good, and surgery was scheduled for July 20.

    On the Sunday before the surgery, we took off for Houston, staying at a hotel suite five minutes from the medical district. The following day, we navigated to the hospital. Covid protocols dictated no valet parking, clean hands before entering, wear the mask they provided. Tests were done. At our plastic surgeon's visit, we discussed the surgery again. All decided a "go" for the next morning.

    At 5:30 A.M., we arrived for admission. Handsome went to pre-op, and staff readied him for the operation. By 7, the nurses wheeled him to surgery, and I went to the waiting area.

    Before noon, the volunteer called my name and said the doctor wanted to meet with me. The doctor? We settled in a consultation room, where he explained surgery did not proceed as planned. The right carotid artery (probably brittle from radiation) sprung a leak. The doctor went into lifesaving mode, called a vascular surgeon who used a stent, who then called a neurosurgeon to make sure Handsome didn't stroke. The doctor took Handsome's right pectoral and laid it along his neck. A graft from his left leg covered this. The doctor said there would be no more surgeries unless needed for lifesaving measures.

    We were disappointed but understood. The risk was too high.

    Handsome stayed in the hospital until the Sunday after surgery. He looked great. Lost some weight. Wanted to rest and get back to normal. A week after surgery, we went to the reconstructive plastic surgeon's office for a checkup. A drain was removed. We stayed for two more days. After another check on Friday, we loaded up and began the drive home.

    Only we didn't get far.

    Handsome asked me to pull over, saying he lost vision in his right eye. I did, and we sat for a long while; so long, the police came by. We returned to the hospital's emergency room, where I dropped him at the entry and turned to navigate through the creepy parking garage.

    That's when I lost it.

    I called #2son and cried. I wanted to go home. I wanted to be with my family and the Adora-poos. I wanted my life.

    I found my way back to the emergency room, and a kind security guard guided me inside where Handsome sat, waiting to be called. After an hour, we talked with an emergency room doctor. She and another doctor decided because of the possible stroke risk, Handsome had to be admitted.

    Over two days, Handsome saw ten doctors, did a lot of neurological tests, repeated for every doctor his vision loss story, had a CT scan and an MRI done, and ophthalmology testing.

    Late Sunday night, the neuro doctor came to his room to review the MRI. He flipped through the images, saying, "nothing. Nothing. Good."

    No one knew what had happened. A TIA? Maybe. A vascular spasm? Maybe. No one knew for sure.

    We stayed one more night. I loaded us in the car Monday morning and headed out. The drive exhausted Handsome. Once home, I sent him upstairs and unpacked.

    So since?

    Recovery was challenging. The surgical site looked darn good, except for the area under the chin, which improved slowly. Fatigue swamped him. Handsome lost thirteen pounds, and because he drinks his nutrition, he had a hard time gaining weight and maintaining a higher blood pressure.

    Five weeks later, I saw how the surgical site improved greatly. We had few answers for the fatigue. He scheduled a six-week checkup. All determined he looked great. The one-minute vision loss was probably because of low blood pressure.

    So what is his future? All we know is we will continue with our plans for trips and living.

    I say this every time I blog for RLF Cancer Week. Do Not Smoke. The Number One reason for throat cancer is smoking. But no one knows for sure how Handsome got it as he wasn't a smoker. Our sincere hope by sharing his story is we help someone. Be healthy. Maintain a good weight and eat right. Exercise. Socialize.

    Cancer is a booger bear.

    And then stuff happened #CancerAwareness by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman author of Temporarily Employed #RLFblogWhen your dream job disappears, your new SUV gets wiped out, and you're desperate for cash, what do you do? Hattie Cook becomes temporarily employed...

    Temporarily Employed: A Humorous Romantic Mystery

    Hattie Cooks Mystery Book 1

    Genre Cozy mystery

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): G

    Hattie Cook's dream job is down the toilet and her new SUV violated. Desperate for cash to cover the basic necessities of rent and food, she takes a temporary job at Buy-Rite insurance company where she uncovers an embezzling scam tied to the death of a former employee—the very one she replaced. The last thing she wants is to clash with By-the-Book Detective Wellborn, no matter how much he makes her heart pound.

    Allan Charles Wellborn has secretly adored Hattie all his life. He evolved from a pocket protector-wearing geek to a handsome police detective. When the police determine there's more to the death of a former Buy Rite employee, he steps in to lead the investigation. Overly dedicated, always perfect, he puts his job first, even if doing so ultimately hurts the one he loves.

    Can the killer be found before Hattie's time is up?

    Where to buy Temporarily Out of Luck

    Publisher The Wild Rose Press
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N4J5FDQ

    Vicki Batman Social Media

    Vicki Batman has sold many romantic comedy works to magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two humorous romantic mysteries. Along the way, she has picked up awards and bestsellers. Avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Chocaholic. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??"

    Website http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/ 

    Blog http://www.vickibatman.blogspot.com/ 

    Twitter https://twitter.com/VickiBatman/ 

    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-of-sexy-and-funny-fiction-133506590074451/ 

    Pinterest http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/ 

    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman/ 

    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman/ 

    Newsletter http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/ 

    Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vicki-batman/

  • Mystery

    Read the #Cozy #Mystery Temporarily Employed, a new romantic comedy by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman #SmallTownRomance #RLFblog

    Read the #Cozy #Mystery Temporarily Employed, a new romantic comedy by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman #SmallTownRomance #Mystery #RLFblogWhen your dream job disappears, your new SUV gets wiped out, and you're desperate for cash, what do you do? Hattie Cook becomes temporarily employed...

    Temporarily Employed: A Humorous Romantic Mystery

    Hattie Cooks Mystery Book 1

    Genre Cozy mystery

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): G

    Hattie Cook's dream job is down the toilet and her new SUV violated. Desperate for cash to cover the basic necessities of rent and food, she takes a temporary job at Buy-Rite insurance company where she uncovers an embezzling scam tied to the death of a former employee—the very one she replaced. The last thing she wants is to clash with By-the-Book Detective Wellborn, no matter how much he makes her heart pound.

    Allan Charles Wellborn has secretly adored Hattie all his life. He evolved from a pocket protector-wearing geek to a handsome police detective. When the police determine there's more to the death of a former Buy Rite employee, he steps in to lead the investigation. Overly dedicated, always perfect, he puts his job first, even if doing so ultimately hurts the one he loves.

    Can the killer be found before Hattie's time is up?

    Where to buy Temporarily Out of Luck

    Publisher The Wild Rose Press
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N4J5FDQ

    Vicki Batman Social Media

    Vicki Batman has sold many romantic comedy works to magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two humorous romantic mysteries. Along the way, she has picked up awards and bestsellers. Avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Chocaholic. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??"

    Website http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/ 

    Blog http://www.vickibatman.blogspot.com/ 

    Twitter https://twitter.com/VickiBatman/ 

    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-of-sexy-and-funny-fiction-133506590074451/ 

    Pinterest http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/ 

    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman/ 

    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman/ 

    Newsletter http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/ 

    Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vicki-batman/