Halloween Me!

It’s October and I plan on overdoing it with celebrations and pure fun! My birthday is October 29^th and Halloween is on the 31^st. What more can a girl ask for? We plan on going ALL out this year.

HALLOWEEN SELFIES! 

We kicked the month off at Scarowinds Amusement Park! That was a bunch of fun especially with wine! People are hired to run up to you and scare you. LOL! I believe many of them got hit accidentally due to REALLY scaring people. If you have never been, you should check it out! It’s a
great opportunity to scream in public!

SCAROWINDS!! GASP!

If you happened to be in my neighborhood be prepared to be scared driving past our house. We have ghosts and goons, UFOs, big spiders, tombstones and a bunch of crazy people ready to hear you SCREAM! If you are brave enough to get out of the car you may get blessed with some of our sugary treats!

OUR GRAVEYARD

SPIDER JAR! 

OUR FRONT DOOR

UFO BABY

CALL NASA

I am sure this blog post alone has scared you! Stay tuned for the real fun because October is my month and I'll be blogging about my adventures! Besos! -Dahlia  

Haters Gonna Hate: Can Being A Successful Author Cause Jealously

“The worse part of success is trying to find someone who is happy for you,” – Bette Midler

I believe being successful at anything stirs jealousy in people with deep regret and voids. Or, people who know they are not doing their life callings. Jealousy can be a great thing! It's a great eye-opener. It sort of tells people they are not on the right path and to make a change. If you are jealous of someone who is a celebrity surfer, then you may want to take some surf lessons. If you are mad at people who are travelling, or in love, then maybe you should try to start doing the same.

On the contrary, jealousy can also be bad and I have encountered my fair share of it. The publishing community is filled with subversive cattiness. Authors will literally pay people to write bad reviews on your books. Or, they will have their die-hard fan readers go on Amazon or wherever and write them. Instead of using that time to write or do something positive they fill it with negativity.

I am not a fan of the submissive “hate.” If you do not like me, I respect that, but don’t “pretend” to like me and then throw daggers at my back as soon as I turn the corner. I try to keep the faith and stay away from the drama but the more you do, the more people try to bring it to you.

“If you swim effortlessly in the deep oceans, ride the waves to and from the shore, if you can breathe underwater, and dine on the deep treasures of the sea; mark my words, those who dwell on the rocks carrying nets will try to reel you in to their catch. The last thing they want is for you to thrive in your habitat because they stand in their atmosphere where they beg and gasp for some air.” C. Joybell C.

It’s a general fact that some people don’t want to see others do well. They want your life, but don’t want to work hard to obtain it. Being successful is hard work. I have missed out on a bunch of sleep, fun and major events because I had to stay home and write or monitor my business. There is no written rule that ANYONE can’t be successful. I believe everyone can be successful, if they try. And, success is different for everyone. Some people want money, fame, a family, a great occupation…the list is endless, Just be well cautioned that within your success there will be naysayers along the way. Don’t get mad at them. Just send them a quick prayer filled with love and light and keep walking in the OPPOSITE direction. 

Besos,

Dahlia

7 Reasons Why Dahlia Rose Likes to Dance

"Those who dance are considered insane by those who cannot hear the music." 

- George Carlin

(1) Dahila Rose is a writer and a dancer!
Well I’m not a “professional dancer,” but I believe in the art form of expression and what really defines a “professional.” I have been dancing in the mirror at home and at night clubs from here to London for years. I have moves! There are plenty of cut rugs lying around from my stilettos!

(2) Dancing and writing is sort of the same thing, but not really!
Dancing and writing go hand-and-hand because they are both an outlet and actually very therapeutic. I personally think everyone should do some form of writing either in a personal journal or simply a letter to a friend. There’s something magical about it.

(3) It gets my creative juices flowing
Whenever I am writing a book or just trying to get in my creative zone I normally take a few dance breaks. I will kindly turn off my computer, turn on some tunes and start dancing. Sometimes I just have to dance whatever’s living in my head out! And, once I cut through that barrier it’s like I am ready for the world.

(4) Because I love music.
I have a sound system in my office with 3000 songs with every genre of music from classical to hip hop to orchestra to big band to pretty much everything, but electronica. There is something about electronica that does not tickle my fancy.

(5) Because Psychology Today and I’m sure Dr. Oz says we should!
According to Psychology Today, “Dancing improves brain function on a variety of levels. Two recent studies show how different types of practice allow dancers to achieve peak performance by blending cerebral and cognitive thought processes with muscle memory and ‘proprioception’ held in the cerebellum. Through regular aerobic training that incorporates some type of dance at least once a week anyone can maximize his or her brain function.”

I am all for maximizing my brain function. And, this is why I make it a point to go to my local night spot and DANCE the night away. I know it’s good for me and my well being.

(6) Because of the Movie Dirty Dancing
If you have not seen the movie Dirty Dancing please run to the police station and request to be arrested! That movie was the best dance movie of the 80s. Heart-throb Patrick Swaze captured the hearts of millions.

(7) It liberates me!
Whenever I dance I feel liberated and lighter. It takes away the stress of work and writing. It’s my go-to place. Plus, dancing is known to combat depression, stimulate our endorphins, and promote good self-esteem. According to WiseGeek.com, “An endorphin is a natural pain reliever produced by the body in response to a number of factors. It binds to the parts of the nervous system that bind to morphine, relieving pain and frequently producing a natural high.”

If you are someone who “doesn’t” dance for whatever reason you should still do it in the privacy of your home. It’s not only for night clubs and weddings. I can hear a song in the grocery store and bust out a two-step in the aisle at my local grocery store. Dancing has no limitations or boundaries. Make it a point to dance today!:)

Meditation and Psychic Intuitiveness In Writing

“As a writer my intuition and empathy helps me connect with others through my words. It’s what helps me bond with others because I feel so deeply.” – Dahlia Rose

I believe in muses and "vibes" from places and spaces. I like to think it’s my muse or guardian angel helping me get the words out and build the character. It’s like we are all trying to get the next book out. It can be magical at times.

I am very intuitive and empathic. I can feel a variety of things from a person without them saying a word so I like to think that I “tap” into a higher source especially when I am writing. I can also pull the energy from places that have great presence which helps me write as well.

Savannah, Georgia is a city with a plethora of energy. It has a huge historical presence. While I was there, my group and I went into a confederate graveyard and could feel the history of battle and war. We walked under the trees and could feel old world Savannah. It is a new town built with an old world feel from the river front to the board walk -energy is there. It’s a great place for a writer to be inspired and character build.

Whenever I start a novel I have an idea in mind of how I want the characters to be. I have a lot of the plot and rising action already sorted out before I begin. But, sometimes the characters become something completely different and I just go with it. My instincts will say “no” and pull me in another direction allowing another spin making the characters richer. 

One of the greatest things I have learned in life is to always trust my instincts. I always tell writers, my children, people in general to trust their instincts because they will never steer you wrong and will protect you from so many unwanted hassles and obstacles. For example, in the publishing business you have to trust your gut. Unfortunately, not everyone has your best interest and my instincts have always stopped me from getting into sticky situations with these types of people. Some people are also just generally negative and that vibe can land on you!

As a writer my intuition and empathy helps me connect with others through my words. It’s what helps me bond with others because I feel so deeply.  Consequently, I can also be around negativity and pick that energy up as well if I am not protected. And, I protect myself with love and meditation. They say we should all meditate and tap into our higher selves. I believe meditation can be done many ways. Some people sit in silence and concentrate on their breathing while others go for a long nature walk. I, on the other hand, love to sit in bed with my coffee and talk to my husband. So, I guess you can say I meditate on LOVE before I start working.

That is why as Singer-Erykah Badu says, “I pick my friends like I pick my fruit. “ It’s essential to my creative life to surround myself with love, positive people and take time out to meditate. Meditation helps me tap into my muse. But, the greatest thing it does for me is connect me to a higher source and allow my creativity to blossom and bloom.

San Francisco State of Mind

 “I travel for inspiration. Sometimes it helps me develop a character and other times it just helps me see the world from a different aspect and flare. Plus, you get to buy cool stuff.” – Dahlia Rose

San Francisco is like New York on a slant! There were so many parts and vibes of the city that reminded me of New York but with a different twist! San Fran has a great bohemian, earthy, eclectic flare to it. It has the energy of New York, yet with a casual feel. I guess you would have to visit both cities to truly understand what I mean.  The city is filled with vintage and tea shops, art shows, juice bars, cool spaces, and wonderful seafood restaurants. Everything is painted unusual and the people are super friendly. So welcoming that we found out the community gets together and feeds the transient homeless people in Golden Gate Park. I thought that was amazing and just adds to the warmness of the metropolis. 

It is also a squeezed together, compact-city. All the houses seem like they are hugging each other and holding on to one another, battling the gravity of all the hills. Because San Francisco is a hilly city! Tressie Lockwood (my partner in crime) and I had the eventful opportunity of catching a cab down Lombard Street. If you have been there you will know what I’m talking about. If not, trust me if you have motion sickness issues it’s the type of street so uphill that you will vomit just looking at it before entering any vehicle! We probably needed a few doses of ginger and Dramamine before and after our cab ride! Ha!

Of course, our driver started from the top of the hill and flew down the street leaving us holding our stomachs. We were in a constant incline. I felt like I was going head over heels because the top of the street is super windy and high. We thought we were going to fly off of the city itself and into the bay and die. Once we got to the bottom of the street I prayed to God with thankfulness and vowed to never get into a car again.

Other than our Lombard street fiasco, Tressie and I fell in love with the city.  We had a delightful time! We went from Lombard to Haight Street walking, eating, socializing, wearing sunglasses and visiting a bunch of San Fran must-see places! It was a nice balance of business and pleasure. And, Haight Street by the way, reminds me of the village in New York. It’s such a funky cool area filled with interesting people! 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the dining, which is one of the biggest highlights. We ate at several restaurants but my favorite place to dine was Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Warf. The food is incredible. We actually ate there twice and I ordered the seafood platter both times! It was fresh and delicious! As an added treat, you can often find seals sunning right by the restaurant on the Pier. You should see them laying out clumped together living the “good life.” I swear they all need to be wearing sunglasses because they look so cool. We don’t have seals in North Carolina so it was a big deal to us. 

 It’s like combining great food with National Geographic! The restaurant also sits right on the bay so you can also see Alcatraz from your seat which is a bit eerie and makes for a great murder mystery. There is something enchanting about seeing one of the most notorious prisons in American history.

None-the-less, the city stirred inspiration and energy into my psyche. The combination of great seafood, witnessing the le se faire lifestyle of seals, meeting fresh faces and taking a break from my day-to-day was a real treat. The trip was just a reminder to always try and carve out time and space for yourself to reflect- even if you only go as far as your living room. But, if you have an opportunity to visit the bay area you should go! And, when you do, send the city my LOVE! :) 

The City That Never Sleeps and I’m Exhausted….

The City That Never Sleeps and I’m Exhausted…. We all love it, the lights, the sights and sounds of New York. There’s nothing like it and when I was younger I adored it. Where else can you get food at three am in Manhattan or Go to SoHo and meet some of the most diverse and eclectic people? Every few weeks I come into New York for work. I do work with a few charities and network with other authors, editors generally the people you want and need to know. It’s usually a weekend, I fly in on Thursday and leave on Sunday and in that time I cram the work of at least seven people into three days. I’m up with the birds, my Starbucks coffee in hand and of course my croissant that’s been warmed to tackle the day. But I can tell you this from the time I leave the airport and hail a cab, I’m quite frankly…. Exhausted.

In between work, meetings, paperwork, scheduling and a multitude of other things. There’s always sightseeing there’s always someone or a group that has never seen the city and must take it all in with large excited gulps. This time around I had to brave The Empire State Building and my fear of heights. Oh didn’t I mention that at one point or ten thousand? Yes let me reiterate, I’m terrified of heights so much so that when I need to take flights I always pick a window seat so that I close the window and never have to see outside. Yep nothing but clouds out there and a long way down. So being on top of the world in the tallest peak in Manhattan was a big deal for me. Y’all know I had a shot (cough.. ahem 3) to settle the frayed nerves. Liquid courage can never fail! But I did I went on up there took a few pictures and didn’t look like I was screaming in my own head. Picture of calmness, that was me. I do believe that it was in part my inner Lafayette bitched slapped my subconscious until it passed out and then said to me “Hookah you got this, you got this!” That’s my bitch right there.. Inner Lafayette always comes through.

So I’m up with the birds, go to sleep with the late birds that like to stay up till 2am in Time Square. Then up and moving by 6: 45am once more for three days. The hectic schedule leaves me drained. So much so that when I get home to North Carolina, like a southern belle I take to my bed with the vapors. That basically means I’m working from bed with my laptop and wearing no damn pants, probably no bra, oh the vapors is my Vicks inhaler I love those things! (laugh) Would I change it? Nope, I would not because within all that work I’m having fun. I love my various jobs and trust me I wear a lot of hats, more than most realize. I see the city through the excited eyes of some of the newbies and hell, who doesn’t love a kick ass New Yorker?

There inspiration to be had in this town and I drink it in, then go home and channel it into my passion, my life’s breath and that’s my writing. Sitting in the red chairs in the middle of Time Square sipping a mocha frappe and people watching. That’s at least seven books for al the new characters you see. The guy with the sign that says “NEED MONEY TO BUY WEED” cracks me up. Hey at least he’s honest. Talking to cops or firemen even soldiers to hear their stories are my treasure trove. I leave stacked with business cards and come home with none of my own but plenty from other people. The adventure is never the same I can be sipping cocktails in a cigar bar or be invited to a roaring 20s gin party. It has happened, I kid you not. Its bloody awesome! So now I’ve braved the city that never sleeps and I’m heading home. There in my office I’ll write and work until its time for my next adventure. San Francisco the home to Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park and Haight Street. I’m so ready!

Romancing the Capital event

When: April 17th & 18th, 2015

Where: Holiday Inn & Suites Ottawa/Kanata

Registration: $115 for Readers / $150+ for Authors

 

It's now officially less than a year until the first ever Romancing the Capital event. What the heck is that you ask? It's a chance for Canadian readers to finally meet some of their favorite romance authors like:

 

Eve Langlais (Canadian Author, Event Organizer & – New York Times & USA Today Bestseller)

Opal Carew (Canadian Author – New York Times & USA Today Bestseller)

Deborah Cooke/Claire Delacroix (Canadian Author – New York Times & USA Today Bestseller)

Sara Fawkes (Canadian Author – New York Times & USA Today Bestseller)

Kali Willows (Canadian Author)

Layna Pimental (Canadian Author)

Jessica E. Subject (Canadian Author)

Victoria Danann (USA Author – Bestseller)

Dahlia Rose (USA Author – Bestseller)

LeTeisha Newton (USA Author)

Diane Leyne (Canadian Author)

Penelope Rivers (USA Author)

Donna McDonald (USA Author)

Robyn Peterman (USA Author)

 

And that's just those who've registered. We've got a list of possibilities that will boggle your mind.

 

Now I'm sure you're wondering what you can expect at RTC, other than FUN of course.

• Book signing! Some authors, like Eve, are planning to give out free print books, others will have some for sale. And of course, you can bring your own for signing.
• Swag bags and giveaways. In other words, GOODIES!
• Intimate Author Chats – Sit down and ask questions face to face with authors, and find out what makes them tick without resorting to a sledgehammer.
• Workshops/Panels on a variety of topics – how to build an alternate society, the rise of science fiction, creating a believable HEA with more than one partner, the crafting of historical romance and so much more…
• Fun and Games where you can win prizes and laugh until your cheeks hurt
• Hors D’oeuvres Reception (Friday Night) for up to a 100 attendees sponsored by Amira Press and several of their authors
• Friday Night Special Event hosted by Amira Press and several of their authors
• Mystery Friday Night Event hosted by …
• Awards Ceremony (Saturday Night) to celebrate the awesomeness of Canadian Romance Authors
• 80′s Dance (Saturday Night) – Sponsored by Eve Langlais. Get your retro groove and dance with your favorite authors. Or sing along off key.
• 3 course dinner for 200 (Saturday) – Hosted by Eve Langlais
• More stuff to come as details are ironed out with sponsors and authors

If want more info, then be sure to check it out, or even better, register for your chance to attend the hottest event next spring! (Click here for ticket info)