Celebrate the Season with Bookshop.org’s Fall Reading Challenge!

Are you ready to lose yourself in the enchanting world of books this fall? Bookshop.org presents its Fall Reading Challenge, and it’s the perfect opportunity to cozy up with some captivating reads and potentially win amazing prizes. Whether you’re a seasoned bookworm or just an occasional dabbler in the world of literature, this challenge promises an exciting journey from October 1st to 31st. Let’s dive in and discover how you can be a part of this literary extravaganza!

How to Join the Challenge

Participating in the Fall Reading Challenge is as easy as picking up your favorite book. Simply follow these steps:

  • Sign Up: Head over to Beanstack and sign up for the Fall Into Reading Challenge. It’s your passport to a month filled with reading and fun activities.
  • Log Your Reading: As you devour your books, record your progress on Beanstack. Logging your reading journey is not only satisfying but also an essential part of the challenge.
  • Complete Activities: Keep an eye out for exciting activities throughout October. Completing these activities will earn you badges on a Bingo card, adding a competitive twist to your reading adventure.
  • Prizes and Treats: Brace yourself for the fantastic prizes up for grabs!

Prizes and Treats

The Fall Reading Challenge offers some incredible incentives to keep you motivated and engaged:

Grand Prize Winner:

  • A generous $250 Bookshop.org Gift Card to fuel your reading addiction.
  • An additional $250 donation to the bookstore of your choice, supporting local businesses and authors.

Gold Prize Winners (10 Lucky Readers):

  • Each gold prize winner will receive a $50 Bookshop.org gift card to expand their personal library.

Discounts for Everyone:

  • Achieve a Bingo on your card, and you’ll be rewarded with a 10% discount on your next Bookshop.org purchase.
  • Go the extra mile and complete the entire Bingo card to unlock an impressive 20% off an additional order, letting you explore even more literary treasures.

Official Rules

Before you get started, make sure to familiarize yourself with the official rules of the challenge. You can find all the details here.

Join the Challenge!

I challenge you to read with me and discover the joy of books all over again. Join the Bookshop.org (NY) Fall Reading Challenge on Beanstack by entering my friend code: 1BTXSHR. Download the app here or visit Bookshop.org on Beanstack to immerse yourself in this literary adventure.

This fall, let’s celebrate the magic of books, explore new worlds, and create unforgettable reading memories. Keep turning those pages, and who knows, you might be one of the lucky winners to take home fabulous prizes. Happy reading!

Check out Cherokee By Nature

I am so excited to announce that Cherokee By Nature in Apodaca, Mexico, is now carrying two of my books. Take a look!

If you are looking for essential oils, crystals, incense, and more, Cherokee By Nature has you covered!

Check them out on Instagram and Facebook.

Writing Challenge Update September

Sadly, I don’t have a new release this month, but I have been making progress. If you remember, I am reworking some parts of The Mexican Apothecary. The first half of the book is done. This month I hope to do the second half and re-release it in October.

Then, I’ve started on the book that chronicles the crackpot income-generating ideas we’ve tried since moving to Mexico. The working title is Minding the Business in La Yacata. I might need a month or two more on that. The rough draft is done, but the editing–oh, the editing.

I do have some freebies for you to hold you over until these WIPs are done. I also have some freebies for you. First, A Woman’s Survival Guide to Holidays in Mexico is free on Amazon until Labor Day.

Then, Sip Your Way to Summer Wellness: 10 Delectable Herbal Elixers for Refreshing Vitality is available via Edge Magazine.

And finally, Herbal Academy also has a free ebook you can download, 11 Herbal Recipes for Memory and Focus.

See you at next month’s writing challenge check-in!

August 2023 Writing Challenge Update

I wasn’t sure I was going to finish the shopping book in July. Not only did formatting give me grief, but the rainy season meant my internet was unstable, and uploading the manuscript to Amazon took DAYS! 
Anyway, to celebrate, the ebook version of A Woman’s Survival Guide to Shopping in Rural Mexico: Where to Go to Get the Essentials is FREE August 1-5. The print version is still under review and not live quite yet on Amazon. 


As much as I want to work on herbs some more (the wellness garden book is calling my name), I’m going to spend this month working on another book in La Yacata series. It’s not my best-selling series, but I’m pretty sure I can get this one out in a month, as I have the draft done already. Remember that impressive list of WIP I started the year with?


I am going to do some revisions on The Mexican Apothecary book. I received some constructive criticism which I’m going to use to rethink the book before I move on to the next one in the series. So I won’t totally be deprived of herbs this month! Don’t forget to grab your free book! 

Publishing is Only the Beginning

Alright, fellow writer, listen up! After pouring your heart and soul into your children’s book and finally getting it published, you deserve a round of applause. But guess what? The hard work is far from over. Today, I’m here to share the inside scoop on the top three things you need to know after publishing your children’s book. So grab your favorite beverage, relax, and let’s dive in.

  1. Spread the Word Like Wildfire: First and foremost, you need to get the word out about your book. Utilize every tool in your arsenal: social media, email lists, book reviews, and word of mouth. Be creative with your marketing tactics. Consider hosting a virtual book launch party, collaborating with other authors, or even creating a captivating book trailer. Generating buzz is key to reaching a wider audience. For more ideas, check out Book Hawking: A Beginner’s Guide to Marketing Your Self-Published Book.
  2. Embrace the Hustle: Independent publishing requires you to be a jack of all trades. From writing to editing to marketing, you’re responsible for every aspect of your book’s success. Embrace the hustle and put in the effort required. Set clear goals and create a detailed plan of action to achieve them. Remember to celebrate your achievements along the way, no matter how small. For just a little more guidance, check out Book Building: A Beginner’s Guide to Crafting Your Book.
  3. Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Help: As an author, asking for help can be a game-changer. Network with other authors, join writing communities, and consider taking courses on marketing and branding. Don’t let pride hold you back from seeking assistance. Remember, we’re all in this together, and collaboration can open doors you never thought possible. Make connections and learn from the best with the KidLit Creators 3 stack from Infostack.

So, congratulations on publishing your children’s book! Just remember, the journey doesn’t end there. Spread the word, embrace the hustle, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The road may be long, but the reward is worth it. Keep pushing forward, take chances, and share your remarkable story with the world.

Available July 18-25!

July 2023 Writing Challenge Update

Well, I’m not as impressed with my progress this month as I’d like to be, but progress is progress, right? 

I had the intention of getting the shopping book launched and was well on the way to doing just that when I got what may have been sun poisoning during the mid-month heat wave. I spent entirely too much time sleeping and recuperating, which I suppose did me good because I’m up and about again anyway. 

So I managed to get the draft of the shopping book edited but still need to do the formatting (which is my least favorite aspect of publishing and one I tend to procrastinate the most at). 

My goal remains to get this shopping book done. I’m not going to set myself another task this month. If I finish early, then I can reward myself with some herb research.

Discover the Power of Herbs & Essential Oils with the Ultimate Bundles’ Exclusive Collection!

Are you ready to unlock the incredible potential of herbs and essential oils? Look no further than the Herbs & Essential Oils Bundle from Ultimate Bundles! This comprehensive collection of resources offers everything you need to enhance your well-being, explore natural remedies, and embrace the beauty of herbalism. With 18 valuable products worth over $300, along with exciting bonuses and discounts, this bundle is a game-changer for anyone interested in harnessing the power of nature. Let’s dive into the quick facts, product highlights, and amazing bonuses that await you!

Quick Facts:

  • Dates: Monday, June 19th 8 am EST – Friday, June 23rd 11:59 pm EST
  • Price: $27.00 Standard | $37.00 Ultimate (with Cheat Sheets)
  • Value: 18 products valued at $313.40
  • Contents: 10 eBooks, 2 eCourses, 6 Planners
  • Bonuses: 1 Early Bird Offer worth $40.00 | 3 Bonus Offers and Special Discounts worth $422

Explore the Bundle Library Resources: The Herbs & Essential Oils Bundle brings you an impressive range of resources carefully curated to provide you with valuable knowledge and practical guidance. Here are a few highlights from the collection:

  1. “20 Medicinal Herbs for your Culinary Garden” by Carol Little R.H. (eBook) Discover how to incorporate medicinal herbs into your everyday life, from the kitchen to the apothecary. Carol Little R.H. takes you on a fascinating journey of exploration.
  2. Easy Herbal Remedies” by Kelly Cable (eBook) Unleash the power of herbs and essential oils to address skin, hormone, joint, stomach, and illness concerns. This guide provides you with 14 effective recipes and guides.
  3. “Elderberry Forager” by Vladka (eBook) Learn how to tap into the medicinal benefits of elderberries and elderflowers to boost your immune system and enhance your skin. Vladka’s expertise will guide you through the process.
  4. “EO Starter” by Dr. Z (eCourse) This essential oils course by Dr. Z is a must for anyone looking to get started with essential oils. With over 550,000 satisfied participants, you’ll learn the fundamentals of using essential oils for abundant living.

These are just a few examples of the incredible resources waiting for you in the bundle. Each product offers unique insights, tips, and techniques to help you harness the potential of herbs and essential oils.

Unlock Valuable Bonuses: As if the bundle’s contents weren’t enticing enough, the Herbs & Essential Oils Bundle also includes remarkable bonuses worth $422. These bonuses are carefully selected to complement your herbal journey and enhance your well-being. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights:

  1. Early Bird Bonus: Self-Watering Herb Seed Starting Kit from Orta Kitchen Garden (worth $40.00) Kickstart your herb-growing adventure with this self-watering kit. Made from non-toxic terracotta, it allows you to grow thriving, healthy seedlings effortlessly. Say goodbye to frequent watering!
  2. Introduction to Herbalism course from Birth Arts International (worth $350.00) Embark on an immersive journey into the world of herbalism with this comprehensive course. Led by Demetria Clark, a respected doula and childbirth educator, Birth Arts International empowers you to support families during childbirth.
  3. Lavender Beesilk Jr Emollient 1 oz. from MadeOn Skin Care (worth $15.00) MadeOn Skin Care has helped tens of thousands of people fix their skin with the nourishing ingredients in a hard lotion bar. Their mission is not just to provide products but to also educate customers on skin health and how to avoid triggers that worsen problematic skin.
  4. Two bars of soap, any scent from PuroCo. (worth $32.00) Puro Co. is a natural handmade soap company that creates high-quality, artisanal soap using only the finest ingredients. Each batch is carefully crafted by hand to ensure a luxurious and nourishing experience for your skin. We never use harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances; our products are cruelty-free and environmentally conscious. Try our handmade soap today and experience the difference for yourself.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to explore the wonders of herbs and essential oils with the Herbs & Essential Oils Bundle from Ultimate Bundles. Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or just beginning your journey, this collection of resources will inspire, educate, and empower you to embrace the natural world’s healing potential.

Ultimate Bundles Journey to Better Health

Unlock Your Path to Optimal Health with the Journey to Better Health Bundle by Ultimate Bundles! This exceptional bundle is a carefully curated selection of eCourses, eBooks, printables, and more, all created by experts with an impressive range of credentials.

Are you ready to take your health to the next level? With the Journey to Better Health Bundle, you have the tools to address key areas of your well-being, one step at a time. This bundle is not only powerful but also flexible and enjoyable, making your health journey a delightful experience.

Inside the Journey to Better Health Bundle, you’ll discover straightforward ways to achieve your health goals. Tired of struggling with stubborn pounds? Say goodbye to frustration as you uncover expert strategies for effective weight loss. Take control of your hormones and regain balance in your body, paving the way for optimal well-being. Feel the weight of stress lift from your shoulders as you embrace a calmer, more peaceful mindset. Unlock the secrets to a longer, healthier life by incorporating proven practices into your daily routine. Manage auto-immune diseases with expert guidance tailored to your unique needs. Boost your fitness and stamina through expert-led workout routines and techniques. And nourish your body with the right nutrients it needs to thrive.

The Journey to Better Health Bundle includes a wealth of resources to support your transformation. Dive into 11 eBooks and guides covering topics like Handling Hormones, Less Stress, More Calm, Let’s Cook!, Let’s Get Movin’!, Living Your Healthiest Life, Lose That Weight, Natural Remedies Made Easy, Planning For Success, and You Are What You Eat. These resources offer invaluable insights and actionable steps to help you make informed decisions about your health.

To further enhance your progress, the bundle also features 15 printables, planners, and workbooks. These practical tools will keep you organized, motivated, and on track as you embark on your health journey. Additionally, you’ll gain access to 17 eCourses and videos led by experts in their fields. Learn at your own pace and convenience, acquiring knowledge that will empower you to make lasting changes. Plus, with 3 summits and workshops, along with 2 membership sites, you’ll have exclusive access to immersive experiences and a supportive community of like-minded individuals.

Imagine having all these resources at your fingertips! The normal cost of this comprehensive bundle is $3,249.29, but for a limited time, you can unlock the Journey to Better Health Bundle for just $37! That’s an astounding 98% discount on a treasure trove of transformative resources.

Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on your Journey to Better Health. Take control of your well-being and embrace a happier, healthier lifestyle. Grab your copy of the bundle today and experience the positive impact it will have on your life.

Click here to learn more and secure your Journey to Better Health Bundle now!

June 2023 Writing Challenge Update

Although I wasn’t sure it was going to happen, I finally finished the Appendix to herb book 4 and did the formatting. It is now available on Amazon as part of the Exploring Traditional Herbal Remedies in Mexico series.

Exploring Traditional Herbal Remedies in Mexico Volume 4: Discovering the Healing Power of Native Blossoming Plants

Are you ready to discover the incredible healing power of Mexican blossoming plants? Volume 4 of the Exploring Traditional Herbal Remedies in Mexico series explores over 50 different varieties and their unique medicinal properties.

From the breathtaking beauty of some of these plants to the less attractive yet equally powerful, gain valuable insights into the traditional uses and modern applications. Whether you are a professional in the field of herbal medicine or simply curious about the power of these plants, this volume has something to offer.

Unlock the healing power of blossoming plants and take control of your health and well-being. Don’t miss out on Volume 4 of the Exploring Traditional Herbal Remedies in Mexico series. Order your copy today and discover the incredible healing properties of these plants.

Feeling pretty good about getting that done, I’m going to try to tackle the shopping in rural Mexico book again this month.