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

Christmas in July is Heating Up!

Weather around the world changes constantly. Here in North Carolina, we have had a record number of days above 90F (32c) with one that was a melting 103F. Some folks go to the beach while others travel to cooler climates. Me? I am staying home and praying that the air conditioner keeps chugging away. 

Very early each morning, you can find me reading a book outside in my front yard. I wave to neighbors as they walk their dogs or push a stroller. I feed the chipmunks, birds, and rabbits that come by to say 'Hi.' The baby rabbits are getting bigger and growing bolder, so I sip coffee while they munch on carrots.

Reading is my joy. Writing has been a part of my life for many years. July has been a month each year that I share my work with readers.  

I gave away the following Prizes to 4 lucky people!

The Rogue's Ring Autographed PRINT  

Heaven-Sent Warrior Autographed PRINT

With Every Heartbeat AUDIO

Dragon Bites EBOOK

Head over to my CONTEST page to see the winners!

Thank you to all who entered!

Good reading!

Nancy Lee Badger

A Horse as a Character and Free Excerpt

 

PG Excerpt from THE ROGUE'S RING

Once Bryce had peeled the frozen coat from his body, he headed up the ladder. The blankets were reasonably clean. Heat enveloped him within minutes of having nestled beneath them.

“A short nap is all I need.” His voice echoed amid the rafters. The outside rush of wind and pitter-patter of sleet accentuated the weariness evident in his voice. The cold that had washed over him as he and Ghost rode the trail disappeared. Having only a few blankets for warmth saddened him.

What I’d give for a lass to share my bed…

A dream about Cat and her luscious lips disappeared when he awoke in the dark. No sounds emanated from the roof, meaning the sleet had abated. The darkness concerned him, though. He had overslept, which might be the lingering result of the sleeping draught Cat had given him.

He hated to head out in the dark, but the better weather meant he might get out of the area and closer to Inverness sooner. Climbing down from the loft, Ghost snorted his disapproval at being ignored and alone for so long. Turning his head, he neighed so loud a barn owl flew from the rafters and out a broken window.

“Now, do not be upset. You hated having sleet coat your head as much as I. Here.”

The beast gulped down the fresh water and a handful of oats Bryce offered him.

“We need to go, my friend.”

The farmer appeared before Bryce could lead Ghost from the barn. “Leaving this late, my lord? My wife sent ye some food and wine.”

“My thanks to you and your wife. I overslept, so must be on my way.” He grabbed the sliced loaf of bread stuffed with a hunk of ham and cheese. He ignored the wine. 

“Which way toward Inverness? The road closest to the sea was blocked by downed trees.”

“The main road be that a way, my lord. With the clouds gone, the moon should light yer way, good enough.”

Mounting atop Ghost, he tipped his cap and rode away, eager to leave the area in his wake. As they trotted along and Bryce chewed his food, he thought back to the lass he had loved years earlier. She lived on a similar farm in the same area, and had welcomed him into her heart and into her bed. 

 

NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT!

Find all Buy Links HERE

A New BOOK, A Blog Tour, and a Giveaway. Oh My!

 

What a difference a week makes. A week ago, I published my 45th book, THE ROGUE'S RING.  That same day, I took a bad fall and broke my wrist and five ribs, all on my left side. (I am writing this with the one-handed hunt & peck method.)

So, I am thankful I am recuperating and that I have family to help me. I am also applauding SILVER DAGGER BLOG TOURS who have continued to get the word out there about my book release.

BUY LINKS

Amazon * Apple * Kobo 

Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

Enter to Win my Giveaway HERE 

while learning more about my new book!

(Contest will end June 4th)

...and thanks for all your

good wishes and prayers.

Nancy Lee Badger

Announcing the Release of my New Book!

 

Writing a novel is a lonely occupation. Promoting our work can make our throats grow closed and our skin crawl. The idea of 'putting myself out there' is not my favorite thing to do, or try to do. Please bear with me as I announce the release of 

Book Number 

The Rogue's Ring, a Scottish historical romance,  was released May 12, 2023 and follows Love, Hamish and The Earl's Treasure and The Duke's Diamond in my Treasure Tales series. Buy Links:

AMAZON      AMAZON UK

AMAZON CA      AMAZON AU

and everywhere else HERE

(coming soon in print) 

To celebrate, I am giving away a prize package and the winner is posted HERE 

I will also be involved in a book tour next week with other prizes so watch for this banner and be sure to check out my book.

Book Blurb

Bryce Ketteridge would never let down his friends. If finding the owners of signet rings was important, he would do his share. Shooting a masked bandit turned his life on end. What followed was not in his plans.

The last thing Cat Douglas wished to do was steal coins from the handsome stranger. When he later shoots her while she threatened a nobleman’s coach, she suspected he had no idea it was her. Kidnapped boys, pirate threats, and murder propel them to save a boy named Blake. He was, after all, special to them both.

What do Pirates Have to do With it?

On my way to publishing another book (yes, I have lost count but its around 40) I decided that I love all things Scottish. I enjoy reading historical novels set in Scotland (thank you Hannah Howell!) and this series grew more exciting the minute I added pirates. 

My Treasure tales series follows three 'Englishmen' who actually have Scottish ties, and the Scottish women they meet. Please consider reading all three novels, but any will take you from beginning to end with a full story, a treasure hunt, some villains, and romance. 

The third and final book in the series

 releases May 12th

IN ONE WEEK!

It is available for pre-order as an ebook. The print book will follow shortly. Until then, here is a short plot description:

Bryce Ketteridge would never let down his friends. If finding the owners of signet rings was important, he would do his share. Shooting a masked bandit turned his life on end. What followed was not in his plans.

The last thing Cat Douglas wished to do was steal coins from the handsome stranger. When he later shoots her while she threatened a nobleman’s coach, she suspected he had no idea it was her. Kidnapped boys, pirate threats, and murder propel them to save a boy named Blake. He was, after all, special to them both.

Find all Buy Links HERE

March is Marching Closer

Here in Raleigh, NC the weather has improved, but much of the northern Midwest and New England is suffering through the aftermath of ice and snow. Is there anything more inconsistent than the weather?

My phone, the television, and the radio keep me up-to-date but the real hint of spring is felt the moment I walk outside. (At this writing, our doors are open and the birds are singing, while the squirrels are chasing each other.)

For me, just a few weeks after cataract surgery, I am getting back into writing. On Wednesday last I finished editing and formatting my next book, The Rogue's Ring. It is the third full-length book in my Treasure Tales series and follows The Earl's Treasure and The Duke's Diamond. Here is the plot in a nutshell (yep, still thinking about those darn squirrels.)

Heading out on his horse, Ghost, into the snowy Highlands of Scotland in January 1817 was not sane, but Bryce Ketteridge would never let down his friends. If a duke, an earl, and a former spy felt finding the owners of nobleman’s rings was important, he would do his share. Coming across masked bandits, and shooting one, turned his life on end. What follows was not in his plans. 

The last thing Cat Douglas wished to do was steal coins from the handsome stranger she meets at a tavern. When he later shoots her while she threatened a nobleman’s coach, she suspected he had no idea it was her. Kidnapped boys, pirate threats, and murder propel them to save a boy named Blake. He was, after all, special to them both.

My next challenge is creating a book cover that does the story justice AND reminds readers of Books #1 and #2. I have already chosen the couple who will grace the cover, but I still need a background. Should I use an ocean scene? A pirate ship? His horse? The cave she lived in? Lots to decide. Once I have a cover, I will upload the ebook information to Amazon and others, which will give me a chance to let my readers know that the book will be released on May 12th.

I hope you signed up to get my infrequent newsletters because I also will be giving away an Amazon gift card very soon! Signing up is free and I NEVER share your name or emails. Click HERE to sign-up.

While you wait for my new book, make sure to read Books #1 and #2. Each will take you on a fantastic treasure hunt while my three brooding men find love in the Highlands of Scotland.

Find all Buy Links on my Book Page HERE