This Old Dog...

This old dog (me) decided to publish another book. I have published or had stories published about 45 times since my first book. All three of the publishers of some of those titles closed their doors. An author needs to take those 'orphan' books and release them again.

A new life for any book takes time...editing, rehashing the story line, updating the language, creating new covers, etc. is easy for me but it takes time. I don't mind as I have found ways to make it work. I was able to upload a clean document of my re-edited story to my Kindle app on my phone. It reads and looks like a book I can buy on Amazon, although without a cover.

That is where this old dog needed to really learn new things. I did my best, but publishing with IngramSpark proved too convoluted (is that an old person's word?). They used terminology I have never heard of and figured I have a time crunch, since I will be attending a writer's conference in May and want to show off my stuff. I bought a Bowker ISBN through them, but Amazon (aka KDP) states I can use it with them if I do not use it with IngramSpark. ISBN numbers are necessary if you want wide distribution and a professional look.

Back I went to Amazon KDP. I have not released a book through them since May 12, 2023. I loved releasing The Rogue's Ring and am glad I set up my promotional blogs in advance because one week later, I fell off a curb at the airport and broke my left wrist and 5 ribs. Ouch!

Once I could type with two hands again, I returned to writing, and summited a short story that was released last September 2024 in The TAF Omnibus 3 which is a fundraising book with my writer's group, the Triangle Association of Freelancers based in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. Weeks ago I submitted another short story for this year's fundraiser and it was accepted! That book will be published in September 2025. I am on a roll!  

Today, I managed to re-upload the interior of my book to KDP(they said some letters were too close to the edge) and make my very first PDF photo of the back cover, spine, and front cover all made by lil' ole' me. I love the book and am happy it will again see the light of day. This will be a hardcover copy, and I will get back to work on the ebook. In the meantime, the spring weather here at home is hitting the 70's so it is time to walk (and watch those curbs!) 

Many thanks in advance to those that helped me with the original book...Kim Beegle and Lynn Erla Beegle for making me aware of the beautiful Art Museum nearby. For freelance Editor Kathleen Rothenberger for urging me to publish the manuscript many years ago, and Author Jennifer Delamere for her help with the French language peppered throughout the story. Using part of the museum as scenery along with the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Outer Banks makes this book a North Carolina must-read!

Keep an eye out for ...

Happy Spring!

Nancy Lee Badger

Green with Envy

While writing my next novel, I was looking forward to celebrating Saint Patrick's Day on Monday March 17th. Imagine my surprise when Ancestry.com/DNA no longer lists 'Ireland' as one of my ancestor's ethnicities! What happened? I know it was there, but now the closest they show is Scottish ancestry, specifically from the Isle of Mann. That little island is spitting distance from the eastern shore of Ireland. 

So, I will sip some non-alcoholic beer and wear a green shirt and cry. Maybe it will come back because I have found a couple of ancestors who came from Ireland, but the percentage is so small, it no longer shows.

While I cry in my beer, I would like to announce that the short story I submitted to TAFNC.com has been accepted. NEIGHBORLY LOVE will appear in the book TAF Omnibus 4 in September. This is the Triangle Association of Freelancers fourth annual fundraiser that has accepted my stories. 

With that completed, I am re-editing three books in my formerly published Warriors in Bronze series after the publisher closed its doors and the rights returned to me. The story lines are paranormal and set in North Carolina and I am removing and adding words to make them more timely. I am thrilled to bring my characters back to life. The next step? Making new covers!

March weather earlier this week was brutally cold for North Carolina. As I write this the temp is heading toward 80F. The daffodils are enjoying the sunshine and I am heading out for a walk.

Nancy Lee Badger 🍀

Another FULL February

We have a busy, busy month and the top three on my mind are 

Ground Hog Day

The Super Bowl

Valentine's Day

The Super Bowl is held Sunday evening, February 9th, and we will watch from the comfort of our den as the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs. I will keep the name of my favorite team to myself as my choice usually loses.

Valentine's Day is for romance and chocolate. I am hoping for a little of both, but that's my secret (the chocolate part? I will keep it from my doctor.) Does anyone else besides me like white chocolate? I bought a brick in Concord, New Hampshire from the Common Man Restaurant. Delish!

Also, did you know that several of my boxed sets 

are free with Kindle Unlimited?

And several ebooks sell for only $2.99 (US)?

Please check them all out HERE

Ground Hog Day is a memorable one for not-so-good reasons. My wonderful dad passed away on that day six years ago, yet it feels like yesterday. Last Sunday, Ground Hog Day, my son fell off a ladder. Is it sad that I know how to get to the Emergency Room at the nearest hospital? All turned out well for him, but will I recall the date for years to come? Yes!

I am back writing more stories in tribute to my mom who has persevered and continued to be in our lives, even though the love of her life is gone. We are fortunate to have her nearby and happy. 

Nancy Lee Badger 💖

Weather is Going Whacko

The California fires were not unexpected, since they are frequent, but these turned into a never-ending furnace of despair. I feel for everyone involved. As a former firefighter, I worry about their health and safety. Breathing in those burning chemicals and smoke is hazardous to everyone involved. The news is currently talked about 'Valley Fever.' Yuck!

These wildfires should not make us forget our North Carolina neighbors to the west. Their tragedies were never considered...a Noah-like flood in the North Carolina mountains? Many spent Thanksgiving in tents and Christmas in temporary trailers or hotels (if they were lucky). They all still need help. I am praying FEMA does not forget them as they race (ha!ha!) to Los Angeles. 

Here in Raleigh we had some odd weather, too. Not too bad, but it has been years since snow or ice has coated the ground. Schools closed early, before a flake fell, and the food stores were swamped days ahead. Some people lost power, but we were fine and knew our gas fireplace would keep us warm should the lights go out. We get many more hurricanes as well as tornado warnings than snow storms. 

Most people I know are PREPARED for possible weather events. As most homes in WNC were not considered in a flood plain, preparation was not 'a thing to do.' It will be months before California explains what happened in their state. 

The cold weather and lack of sunshine on the entire east coast this week is so different than what is occurring on the west coast. Keep everyone in your thoughts and please...BE PREPARED. We are staying home, keeping warm, and reading books.

Find suggestions on my 'BOOK' page.

Nancy Lee Badger