Virtual Book Signing TODAY

Were you planning to attend an author event this spring and now it’s cancelled? Have you ever wanted to and just can’t seem to fit it into your busy schedule? Do you love to read? Have you ever wanted an autographed copy of a book? Well, now’s your...

iPromise is LIVE!

It’s been a wild and crazy year and I hope you and your family are well. There’s a great discussion amongst authors right now as to how to proceed with sales and publishing. I’ve decided to continue with my schedule as planned. I think we all need a...

Saturday Snippet – Broken Chains

I picked a book at random today to.give a snippet for and Broken Chains, book 4 in my Collier Pack series won! Available on Amazon, Audio, and FREE with KU mybook.to/Collier4 “Hey, come in, sit down. We need to talk,” I said. “You’ve finally gotten your head out of...

Louis and the Wolf Moon

When you’re originally from the moon, every full moon is a cause for celebration. Today isn’t just a full moon though, it’s my full moon, the night of the wolf moon, and as an added bonus, there’s a lunar eclipse too. You probably don’t think much about stuff...

PSA: The Full Moon is Rising

Fifteen years ago a celestial battle occurred. You won’t find anything about it in your human history books. It’s part of an ancient war between the sun and the moon. The sun may have won that battle, but the war is far from over. The inhabitants of the...

Holiday Surprise

I’ve never been good at keeping secrets, so running a promo of 12 Days of Holiday Surprise in my Facebook reader group and bot telling anyone the real reason why has been hard, but I did it! See they didn’t know we were counting down to this final...

FREE Book Alert!

🔥Hot New Audio Release & Ebook SALE!🔥 ❤❤FREE on Kindle this week only!❤❤ Under a Harvest Moon is FREE 12/10-14 (ebook only) mybook.to/WestinPrequel From the time she was a little girl, Mary loved Jason. He was her knight in shining armor. Her first crush. Her...

Day 20 – How did I lose a week?

I can’t believe a full week passed since my last blog post. Boy did it go quickly! I’m only going to do a brief recap. There are pics up on IG and my author FB page for each day and I’ll be photo dumping to my personal FB page soon from pics...

Romance Author Mastermind

My brain is still whirling from information overload from this amazing event. Thank you Skye Warren for hosting it. I made new friends and solified a strong plan for 2020 that I can’t wait to get started on! I’m not going to write too much on this right...

Day 12 & 13 – yucky rainy relaxation

Honestly haven’t done much to report in the last 48 hours. The girls and I have been taking it easy and hanging in the hotel. It’s been cold and rainy here. And I think we really just needed the downtime, I mean I slept 14 hours straight the first night we...

Day 11 – moving on

Texas is facing a cold front. Yuck! Found a good deal on a beachfront hotel in Galveston which is less than an hour from my conference in Houston later this week. So we slept in then packed up, said goodbye to San Antonio and made the 4 hour drive to Galveston. But...

Day 10 – a cold and windy downday.

This is day 10 and we’ve been running non-stop since we left. 12 states in 10 days. It was time for a break! While we awoke to a warm 70° day, it was cloudy and overcast, meaning we had little desire to venture out. I got some work done on my next book, the...

Day 9 – It’s Rachel Day!

Rachel Young is currently in San Antonio, Texas going through AIT for the National Guard. She is Hope’s best friend and like a bonus daughter to me. We haven’t seen her since she left for basic in July. The first week of our trip was in high speed to get...

Day 8 – After the Highs comes the Lows

On a multi-week trip there’s bound to be a couple snags along the way. Let me back it up a little on a couple things I didn’t mention already. Arizona has the BEST sunsets! New Mexico has really terrible roads! And,, things got strange as we entered...

Day 7 – Living my best life

We awoke early (on purpose) and headed back to Yavapai Point to watch the sun rise on the Grand Canyon. It is a spectacular thing to see and I highly recommend if you ever get the chance. Watching the canyon come alive in the morning light will be another...

Day 6 – Arches National Park

After a good night’s sleep in Moab, Utah we were up and ready to go. Breakfast was good…bacon! Most hotels tend to serve sausage so it felt like a treat. It’s the little things! To save money we rarely eat out twice, so free breakfast means we can...

Day 5 – Mesa Verde

Before we get to the beautiful cliff dwellings of southwestern Colorado, Hope and I started our day at sunrise with a walk around the resort in 23 degree weather. Anyone who knows me at all, knows I despise the cold, BUT it was truly amazing and I’m glad I did...

Day 4 – Pagosa Springs

After a relaxing night in Alamosa, CO at a really great Comfort Inn & Suites, we headed west. We started in the Rio Grande National Forest and somehow came out in the San Juan National Forest with no idea when or where it changed. I believe they said we took Wolf...

Day 2 & 3 – the ups and downs

I tried numerous times to update yesterday, but internet was spotty at best and I kept losing it until I finally gave up. So here’s an update of the last 48 hours. At last post we were leaving Kentucky head west. It seemed to take forever to reach St. Louis. We...

Day 1 – Trettel Girls Fall 2019 Roadtrip

We were supposed to leave November 1st. That was the plan, but none of us had any motivation to do so and everyone slept in. Sometimes you just need a down day, especially before an undertaking like this. Plus, it’s vacation…sort of! This isn’t supposed to be a...

Saturday Snippet – Collier Pack highlight

I’ve gotten out of this habit and I’m trying to restore my routine a bit. Today’s Saturday Snippet highlights Collier Pack. My next PNR book releases in January, so I’m focusing on my backlist at the moment. Collier Pack – 5 books all in...

Stones of Amaria

Stones of Amaria is a shared world project I’m in alongside this super talented line up: Nicole Zoltack, Tara Brown, Jen L. Grey, Nicole Kelley, and Lindsey R. Loucks. Each author is writing and publishing a 4 book set. 6 authors, 6 kingdoms, #24booksin24weeks...

Saturday Snippet from Coming Home

ME: Sorry I missed your call. Pity party and early bed.ME: I’m fine!WALKER: I’m on parameter detail today. Call anytime if you need to talk.ME: Thanks. Working today too.WALKER: Thought you were taking it off.ME: I know. Hiding. Just call me a coward.WALKER: You’re...

New Release – Coming Home

Coming Home is officially LIVE!!! mybook.to/Collier5 Shelby’s story concludes the Collier Pack 5-book series. I know some of you are sad to say goodbye to Collier, but really you’re saying hello to Westin Force, the next 5-book series coming in 2020! In...

Saturday Snippet and Cover Reveal

The final book in Collier Pack releases August 20th! It’s Shelby’s story and it’s a second chance romance. Here’s a snippet and a first look at the cover for COMING HOME. “Ben’s here,” I spat out. “Your Ben?” she asked. “Yes, my Ben,” I said....

Website Updated

When you have books releasing as often as I do, it’s easy to get behind on website updates, but today I took a few minutes to do just that. Two new pages have been added: Recommended Reading ListI get asked all the time “What book should I start...

We Did It!!!

If you missed it yesterday, the Fated Mates boxset hit #111 on the USA Today Bestseller list! Yesterday was a day of celebration. Today I need to thank each and everyone of you that stuck it out and supported the Fated Mates boxset project. THANK YOU!!! Without those...

Saturday Snippet – Broken Chains

In case you missed it, Broken Chains, book 4 in my Collier Pack series released on May 14th. This is Peyton’s story. Here’s a snippet for you to enjoy. And you can one-click your own copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RL5R4XZ Oliver took a step...

#indiebooklist CatchUp

Six weeks fly by in the blink of an eye! If you caught my post yesterday you’ll understand where I’ve been and why, but I’m trying to get back into the groove, starting with catching up on everything I’ve been putting off. With 6 weeks to catch...

Author Update

I’ve been slacking on blog posts, okay, on everything for the last month. The short of why is that is that cancer sucks! Adulting sucks too! In the last several weeks I’ve dealt with my mom battling c diff with a ten day hospital stay and still at home...

#indiebooklist Week 12 Wolf Hollow, Nikki Jefford

Before I launch into gushing over Nikki Jefford, let me just say something on a personal note. I do not write books that I personally don’t love. I’m honestly my own #1 fan (wow, that sounded egotistical. LOL Not my intention… point is, I write and...

Saturday Snippet – Under a Harvest Moon

Under a Harvest Moon releases in the Fated Mates boxset June 4th. Pre-order here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PJTQD72/ Mary Westin. “Just because they know the ending, people think they know our story. They don’t. Sure, I’ll admit I was...

#indiebooklist Week 11 – Cursed, SJ West

When I started purposefully reading Indie authors with my hopes to learn everything I could and eventually become one, this was one of the first series I started with, and few have touched the caliber of writing SJ West displays. She’s an amazing author and...

Saturday Snippet

Most Saturday’s I try to participate in a Snippet Saturday post in one of my paranormal groups. It’s an awesome way to give you guys a glimpse into my books. I’m trying to get back in the habit of doing it more regularly and not just when I have a...

WIP Wednesday – sneak peek into Broken Chains

When I finished writing In Plain Sight, Peyton had played a bigger role than I expected and her story has come effortlessly. I should wrap up first draft this week. It will release this May. This is Broken Chains, Collier Pack book 3. Here’s a little sneak peek...

#indiebooklist Week 9 – Regress, SF Benson

Love SF Benson, and her books! She is such a fun lady with a huge contagious smile. I have not read Regress though. This was a Heather Karn pick, and after looking into it, I’m wondering how I missed this one, because it sounds amazing! Check it out…...

#indiebooklist Week 7 – Kindred, Jana LaPelle

Two in one week! Just catching up here. This should have posted on Monday, but well, read Week 6 to find out why I’m behind if you don’t already know.Kindred by Jana LaPelle is a Fantasy coming of age story. It’s book one in her Realms of the...

Breathe Again Now Available on AUDIO

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!!I know a lot of you have been waiting for this one. Collier Pack is officially on Audio with today’s release of book 1, Breathe Again. Experience Cole Anderson in a whole new way!Joe Hempel and Carly Robins who also narrated my Westin Pack...

#indiebooklist Week 6 – Discovery, Char Webster

If you’ve been keeping up and paying attention, today should be week 7. Last week I was hit with the worst stomach virus I’ve ever had. I’ve never been so sick in all my life. I thought I had already written this post and it was scheduled to upload...

#Indiebooklist Book 2 – Relentless, Karen Lynch

This week’s #Indiebooklist feature is Relentless by Karen Lynch. I personally adore this series, and Hellion, her latest release did not disappoint. The Relentless series is YA Urban Fantasy and features some awesome action, magic, vampires, demons, werewolves,...

Surprise!!! Fated Mates

A few months back I asked my fan group on Facebook if they could have ONE book based off any character in any of my paranormal series, who would it be. They adamantly chose…. Jason and Mary Westin’s story! I’m happy to announce that on June 4, 2019,...

NaNoWriMo 2018

Tomorrow begins National Novel Writing Month. It will be my 3rd year participating, though I didn’t log my writing last year. I will be this year! This year’s NaNoWriMo project for me is…..WINTER’s PROMISE. You read that right. Chad’s...

10 Books!

Book #10, Pack’s Promise is LIVE!!! (yes, I’m a few days late with this post, but better late than never!) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J5455XG             There she is, Damon and Karis’s story launching my 4th...

Where did summer go?

OH my goodness, what a whirlwind life has been since my last post!  Let me catch you up on the highlights… Family vacation week in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina! This was our 10th consecutive year. My husband and mother-in-law have only missed a...

Happy Release Day!!!

I truly hope you’re all busy reading Can’t Be Love tonight. I can tell you, someone somewhere sure is. It’s been a great day for a new release and I’m so excited and proud to share Can’t Be Love. There was a lot of a pressure writing this...

Love ’em or Hate ’em?

Despite what many authors recommend, I actually do read every single Amazon review. Yup, even the 1-stars. I check it every few days and take to heart what you write and the feedback given, so much so that, despite the popularity of One True Mate, I am in the process...

Confusing Hearts – Releasing April 12th

Only 2 more days until book 4 in the Westin Pack Series releases. Reviews from my ARC team are starting to roll in over on Goodreads and I am blown away by the responses. Many are calling it the best yet in the series. What?!?  Chase and Jenna’s story takes a...

Roanoke Author Invasion 2018

There was this incredible vibe at RAI this year that just made it extra fun! All the authors were upbeat and in great moods. Over 200 readers came through despite the weather scare (which, thankfully we did not get any snow). Usually book signing days are long and...

RAI

Just ONE MORE WEEK!!! Roanoke Author Invasion is upon us. I have lots of fun free goodies to hand out and have copies of all my books currently in print available for purchase. It’s my first author signing of 2018 and one of my all time favorite events!...

Westin Pack Update

Are you aware that Westin Pack books are all standalones? I know most of you have read them from the start, and as with any series, of course you’re going to get the most out of them that way, but if you’re new to Westin Pack, you can jump right in at any...

Update – New Year, New Goals, Events and more

It’s been a busy start to the new year and I’ve been neglecting the webpage. My sincerest apologies, though not for bad reasons. This year’s writing goal is 1 MILLION WORDS! That’s a lot of writing, and I’ve been busy doing just that....

Forever Mine Update

So Forever Mine, book 3 in the Westin Pack releases TOMORROW!!!! I am so stinking excited. Huge thanks to all of you who have pre-ordered it. I truly hope you love Liam and Maddie’s story as much as I do. (it’s my favorite so far!!!!) Now, on to the less...

Writing Tip #6 – Turn it OFF!

For effective writing, turn off the phone. Close the internet browser. Put everything on silent mode. Reduce the distractions. Honestly this is the hardest by far for me personally. I’m so used to having everything accessible. I’m great at responding to...

Writing Tip #5 – Sprinting

We’re rounding out NaNoWriMo – National Novel Writing Month – how’s everyone doing? With just six days remaining, if you haven’t discovered sprinting yet, this may be your favorite tip ever! What is sprinting? Sprinting in the context...

Writing Tip #4 – Set Goals

Goals are important, but they are also fully customizable. What kind of goals might one have for writing? Daily word count goal Too intimidating? Try a weekly or monthly word count goal Or maybe you’d do better with a chapter goal, say 1 chapter a day or 1 a...

Writing Tip #3 – Schedule Time

Again, these are not genius ideas, just reminders that we need to hear. Heck, I need to hear it… again and again. We schedule meals. We schedule playdates. We schedule meetings. I don’t know about you, but my calendar is overflowing with all the things in...

20booksVegas

Wow, where to even begin? 20booksVegas was more than I had even hoped for. I’ll be weeding through notes, rewatching videos, and dissecting everything I learned probably through the end of the year. It was SO MUCH. Craig Martelle and team did an amazing job....

Writing Tip #2 – Pantser or Plotter

Those new to the world of writing may not even know what this means… pantser or plotter? Heck, I had two books published before I understood it. Pantser – someone who writes by the seat of their pants. It’s all in your head and you don’t take...

Writing Tip #1 – Just Write!

I’ve had a lot of readers reaching out to me lately, a lot of authors, and a lot of aspiring writers. Westin Pack in particular is doing really really well, and with success comes lots of questions. How are you doing it? What’s your writing schedule? Do...

Keeping Up

Sometimes just keeping up with life is hard. This fall is flying by and I keep losing track of the days. Do you ever have that problem? There’s lots going on around here. I have a very aggressive writing schedule through the end of the year to prepare for 2018....

What a Week!

Fighting Destiny officially went live on Tuesday, September 26th. I really was feeling like I dropped the ball on this one. I didn’t do enough, or even as much as I have been for other releases. BUT, WOW, is all I can say. It released with a bang despite my...

Bye bye summer

A whole new chapter in my life begins today. After eight years of homeschooling, my oldest is returning to school for his last two years of high school. It has been an amazing journey and quite the whirlwind this month getting here. And you guys are all to thank for...

Summer Break

Let’s face it, I’m not very good at this blogging stuff, but I am trying! Summer came through like a whirlwind. So what have I been up to lately? Let’s see… wrapping up our school year, swim team, hanging with a bunch of crazy teens, the beach,...

Read the First 2 Chapters of OTM Here!

Kelsey – Chapter 1 “Mama,” I cried, laying my head on her lap. Blood was everywhere, and I could hear the snarls and growls outside as my father fought valiantly against the rabid wolves attacking the house. “Mama, please don’t go. Stay with me, mama.” The...

Presale!!! One True Mate is up for Pre-Order

One True Mate, a Westin Pack Novel launches June 6th!!! Preorders are up and on sale for only 99 cents! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071HXL3R2 I am so excited about this new series.  It’s getting rave reviews from my Elite Review Team and I can not wait to share...

Important Dates!

I have a couple new releases coming up, so save these dates! June 6th – One True Mate,  a Westin Pack Novel ** all new series coming! ** July 6th – DISCONTENT, a Compounders Novella. This book aligns with the series from the end of book 1 till...

Goodbye 2016

Tomorrow we say goodbye to another year and ring in 2017.  Looking over the blog newsfeed, I seem to be missing the post regarding the launch of DISSENSION: Compounders Book 2.  It released on 12/14/16.  So if this is first you’re hearing of it, run to Amazon as...

Compounders Book 2 Update

We’re finally over the big hurdle.  The book has made it through editing and is looking good.  We’re now heading into the final phase madness where all the fine details start being worked.  I love writing…. the details are not my favorite thing. ...

Another 1st Draft Complete

There’s always something so exciting as an author about getting that 1st draft completed.  It’s like sprinting to that finish line after a long marathon and that’s exactly what I did with this book.  It came together quickly and I am super excited to...

What’s going on in the Compound?

I know original thoughts were that the next book in the Compounders series would be released late summer/early fall.  And as fall is quickly approaching I’ve been getting daily inquiries on “when when when!” I know you are all excited to see where...

Life gets in the way

We had some site issues this spring and I got away from posting.  But I’m BACK!  Personal life has been keeping me really busy this summer, but not so busy that I haven’t found time to write.  Book 2 of The Compounders was completed and submitted for...

Lila Felix’s “Seeking Havok” Review

I imagine this is true of most authors but I don’t just love to write, I LOVE to read! Honestly there isn’t too much out there I don’t/won’t read. I’ve never had a “genre” I love more than any other and I doubt I’ll ever...

All quiet in the New Year

First,  Happy News Year!  This is the time for resolutions and changes and there’s some big ones going on in the Trettel house. Of course I broke my first 2 resolutions on Jan 1, but then I’ve never been all that great with resolutions!   I do however plan...

A Random Fact

Random fact of the day……….. My favorite character in the entire series was NOT part of the original outline for this book.  He was only supposed to be a minor support character I needed in a few scenes.  He kind of snuck in on me and grew in...

Holly’s Love Life

So, speaking of reviews yesterday, I did get my first review recently regarding Holly’s love life. Reviewer – “I had a hard time with the love triangle….err…quadrangle……” I was expecting this to come up eventually.  It...

What to Blog?

When this site was setup I was originally asked if I would be interested in blogging.  “Sure!”  I said, and here we are.  Now I guess it’s time to decide what to blog about, cause, well, no one actually tells you that part!  I haven’t blogged...

Reviews

I’m learning quickly the importance of reviews!  New authors rely heavily on them to get established.  It is not always the rating number that is important but also the number of reviews left.  Some sites, like Goodreads, will allow you to leave a rating without...

Can’t Shut Off

I hadn’t meant to post again so soon, but nights like this I have a hard time shutting down and sleeping.  Right now I’m in the middle of a re-read of The Compounders: Book 2 (full name still to be determined, but we’ll go with that for now).  I...