You know how it goes. You’re cruising along in life, and suddenly the road takes a sharp turn. Perhaps the road signs warned you. Perhaps it came by surprise. In either case, life will never be the same. Consider the roads you have traveled. No doubt you’re facing circumstances today that you hadn’t expected to face 5 years ago, 5 months ago, or even 5 days ago, but here you are. Perhaps you or your loved one has health problems, or you have become a new parent, and you not only have a new little cherub to care for, but your body has changed! It will never be the same, or so you think. Perhaps you have lost a loved one, lost your job or spouse, or are facing other transitions in your life.
There are so many life transitions and issues that we must cope with, that if l were to touch on all of them, they would fill multiple books. Instead, Handling Life’s Transitions as We Move Into the New Year is the first in a series that will provide an opportunity for you to reflect on 2023, the transitions you are facing, and hopefully provide general guidelines on getting through them as we move into the new year and beyond. You’ll notice a common theme – controlling the controllable.
The Snowball Effect
If you’re a writer, whether published or not, joining other writers in a writers’ group is highly encouraged. An article written by Amanda Cabot, Thyme with Other Writers is an enlightening article that addresses the importance of being a part of a writers’ group.
I had been a part of a phenomenal group of writers for 14 years when difficult life transitions hit a number of its members and the group dissolved. This particular group was special and was a source of inspiration and motivation for me. These life transitions snowballed into mine.
controlling the controllable
To get through these transitions and my own, I looked at what I can control – my time, efforts, attitude, and maintaining important relationships–and focused on controlling the controllable.
Although we no longer meet as a group, I have maintained special relationships with a few. These special relationships were the impetus for the motivation, support, and invaluable assistance I received in getting After the Verdict, Book Two in the Search & Recovery International Series, ready for preorder with a January 11, 2024 release date. Thank you, Amanda Cabot, Leslie Sartor, and Jane Choate, for your support, prayers, and the sharing of your invaluable expertise and skill.
What transitions have you gone through in 2023? What can you control?
A missing groom, a murdered attorney, a massive snowstorm—what else can go wrong with what was supposed to be a storybook wedding?
Gutsy Colorado lawyer Briana Bertelli has just successfully prosecuted a serial killer…or has she? Betrayed in previous relationships, she’s vowed to remain single and dependent on no one but herself. All goes according to plan until her best friend’s wedding rehearsal.
Highly decorated, retired Special Forces veteran Kale McLaren has seen much death and is ready to experience a new life.
Now the Chief Operating Officer of a global special ops organization, he’s looking forward to a relaxing weekend at a friend’s wedding. The last thing he expects is to be brought face-to-face with death and the most intriguing woman he has ever met … Briana.
With the highest of stakes and time running out, can Briana and Kale combine forces to discover what happened after the verdict?
You do not need to read the first book in the series, Search Beyond Lies, in order to enjoy the second.
Search Beyond Lies is a work of fiction, inspired by true events.
A suspense thriller with a dash of romance, Search Beyond Lies tells the story
of the search for a missing scientist, a top-secret project, and a ticking clock. Desperate to find his friend and mentor, James Frankel knows that only former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommer can help him. But how can he trust a woman who’s keeping secrets?
As a former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommers garnered the reputation of having the highest search and rescue success rate, but she’s plagued by the one she left behind. Now she’s on the verge of an exciting new beginning as a part of Search & Recovery International where her secrets are safe. There’s only one problem: the new assignment will take her back to Colorado and the loss that still haunts her.
The clock is ticking down. With their lives–and their hearts–at risk, Charlie and James join forces in an attempt to save the scientist and the world from catastrophe while finding the truth beyond lies in this action-packed thriller. It is available at https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO.
