Guest Blogger ~ Celia Yeary

I'm so happy Celia Yeary agreed to guest on my blog today. I've just recently started reading (and writing) and historical western and Celia's book is one that will not disappoint. Please welcome Celia today and leave her a comment. She will be giving away a free copy of All my Hopes and Dreams to one person today.



CELIA'S BIOGRAPHY:
As a fifth generation Texan, I love to read and research all aspects of the state. Even though my degrees are in science and education, I find the history, the people, and our ancestors much more interesting topics, which provide endless characters and situations to create love stories.
Although my husband and I travel, no place on earth is more precious to my heart than our home in the Texas Hill Country, surrounded by acres of live oaks and whitetail deer. Romance novels are not my only form of reading material, but they are my favorite, and I wouldn’t leave home without several tucked away in my luggage. Being a member of Romance Writers of America has provided information, encouragement, and guidelines to help me on my exciting journey. What fun it is!


Many authors I know state that they’ve “always wanted to be a writer” and had “written stories from a very early age.” All I can say to that is I am way behind. I’ll never catch up, because I began playing around with writing only a few years ago. I don’t know how young mothers accomplish so much and manage to write and publish novels, too. They amaze me.

My career was teaching—some might call it a vocation instead of a profession, but truthfully, I never cared. I loved to teach, and I chose the older group—high school. Now, you might say exactly the same thing many others have said—“Are you crazy?” Their meaning, of course, is that teenagers are very difficult to deal with. My answer is this: you don’t have to line them up to go to the bathroom, you don’t have to eat with them, and they don’t burst into tears if their feelings are hurt. (Usually, the teacher does that.)

The word “teacher” might as well be tattooed across my forehead. I am a born teacher—not a born author. My life would be much easier at the present if I had been born knowing how to write a story, complete with correct Point of View and free of passive sentences. But alas, I knew not of such things. The first twelve manuscripts I wrote—yes, twelve—were so messy that if I’d had any knowledge of writing, I would have thrown them in the garbage. But I didn’t. I loved them as though they were my babies.

Since I am a teacher at heart, that means I also a learner—and a self-learner, at that. And so, I went about the business of discovering how to write better. When my confidence level was up, I entered contests and began to submit. After a relatively short period, I landed a contract, then two, then three, and well, you get the picture. It seems when a writer makes that first crack in the ceiling, the process becomes somewhat easier.



My first release with The Wild Rose Press is a Western Historical titled All My Hopes and Dreams starring Ricardo Romero, a handsome Spaniard who ranches on the far western edge of the Texas frontier, and Cynthia Harrington, somewhat spoiled young lady from East Texas . Here is a blurb about the novel:


To escape an arranged marriage, beautiful, proper Cynthia Harrington from East Texas impulsively marries Ricardo Romero, a striking, sensual Spaniard who ranches on the far western edge of the Texas frontier. Innocently, she steps into a hotbed of anger, rivalry, and strong wills. As she struggles to gain a foothold in the hostile household and foreign ranch community, she finds that her biggest challenge is to make her husband love her. Ricardo creates his own problems by marrying an outsider, angering his mother, father, and his jealous ex-lady friend. Then, the Texas Rangers arrive looking for a killer, and Cynthia saves Ricardo’s mother in a confrontation with the wanted man. Ricardo realizes that his delicate bride has more grit and spunk than he thought, and his greatest trial becomes a race to pursue his own wife and persuade her to stay with him.

The following is an excerpt from the early part of the story.
While he waited in the parlor, Ricardo thought through his plan once more. Was this the right thing to do? His schedule was to leave for home in three days. Would that be enough time? He paced back and forth in front of the large front window, hoping Mr. Harrington would not come home. All he needed to do was convince Cynthia to marry him, and he believed he could.

He heard her approach and spun on his heels. There she was, pale but beautiful, sad but strong.

“Cynthia?”

“What are you doing here?” She cocked her head to one side. She looked like she’d been crying sometime during the previous hours.

“Will you sit here beside me?” He swept his arm toward the love seat.

She sat and he joined her. “Cynthia, I have news. And I have a proposition. Will you hear me out?”

Turning slightly toward him, she leaned forward in curiosity. “What do you want, Ricardo?”

“I want to ask you to marry me. Three days from now, if you will.”

She gasped and pulled back. “What?”

“I ask for your hand in marriage.” He studied her light blue eyes, so wide with surprise.

She had not turned from him yet. “The marriage proposal you received yesterday will be retracted soon, before the afternoon is over, I’m certain. So, I ask you to marry me instead, but not a month from now—in three days.”

“Why three days?” she asked. “And how do you know Harris will retract his proposal?”

He almost laughed. She asked why so soon, not why on earth he would ask in the first place.

“Believe me; Harris Newton does not want to marry you.”

“Why?”

“He will retract his proposal because you were out on the road with me all night.”

“Well, then, why should I marry you in three days?”

This was a good sign, a good sign, indeed. “Because I’m going home, and I want you to go with me—as my bride. Will you, Cynthia? Will you marry me?”

She was speechless, but she did not reject him out of hand. After some moments of heavy silence, she asked. “Where exactly do you live?”

He breathed a sigh of relief. “West of San Antonio, on a very large ranch.”

“Why were you here in Nacogdoches? I’ve often wondered.”

“To buy blooded mares to add to our herd.”

“Our. Who else?”

“My father. He and I ranch together on property that has been in his family for generations. He and my mother live there, but it’s a very large house, and an enormous operation. It takes all of us and many vaqueros to keep things going. My father is aging, so I am mostly in charge.”

“A ranch? I know nothing of ranching or the West. I would like to live in a city. But you live…”

“Not far from San Antonio,” he hastened to say. “But it is far enough away that we only go twice a year for a holiday.”

She lowered her head and looked at her hands. “I don’t know. That seems far out of my realm of expertise. I’m not certain I could do that.”

“Answer this, Cynthia. Would you rather live here until your father finds another husband for you, or would you rather make your own decision? I’m giving you a choice.”

At that moment, they heard heavy, hurried footsteps on the porch. Both knew it was the master of the house. Ricardo gathered Cynthia into his arms. He turned her just so, placed his lips on her soft, feminine ones, and kissed her with all the passion he could muster. For good measure, he moved his hand to one breast. Instead of fighting, she responded as though she hadn’t heard her father.

“Cynthia Louise Harrington! What the devil are you up to?”

Ricardo and Cynthia pulled back, but they did not jerk apart. Instead, they gazed into each other’s eyes and parted slowly. Without caring if the man was in the room or not, Ricardo placed his palm on her cheek, and kissed her on the other, ever so sweetly and gently. Before he let her go, he whispered, “Will you marry me?”

She nodded and whispered in return, “Yes, I will marry you.”

To: Rafaelo Romero. Double R Ranch. Rico Springs, Texas From: Ricardo Romero Arriving Home STOP Twenty Mares STOP One Stallion STOP One Bride STOP

Thank you so much for visiting Cindy’s blog and allowing me to share my first release. Celia Yeary www.celiayeary.com ********************************************************************** You may purchase the eBook from www.thewildrosepress.com or, you may purchase the print February 22, 2009 from www.Amazon.com OR: you may leave a message here on Cindy’s blog, and at the end of the day, she will randomly draw a name to receive a free copy (pdf) from the author—Celia Yeary.

37 comments:

Christine Clemetson said...

Celia,
Your excerpt is great! And I love the cover. Congrats on the release and your accomplishments. Teaching others is an awesome gift.

:)
Chris Clemetson

Anne Sorgeson said...

This sounds like a fantastic story! Definitely one that intrigues. :)

Catherine Bybee said...

Waving at Cindy and Celia,

Good morning, ladies. I'm happy to see you doing what you love to do, Celia. And I agree with Chris, teching others is a gift that so few have. Thanks for doing it.

Cindy K. Green said...

Hey Celia,
Love your excerpt! And I can sooo relate to everything you said about teaching especially with the older kids. ;)

Thanks to everyone for stopping by.

Linda LaRoque said...

Hi Celia, my fellow Texas/teacher friend. I loved hearing your story and totally agree about the older kids.

I loved your excerpt and have had my eye on this book so if I win you'll hear me whoop all the way down to your house.

Seriously, best of luck with your writing and sales.

Linda
www.lindalaroque.com

Unknown said...

Thank you, Chris. If a person is in teaching, it's not for the money! He/she better like kids to have a happy teaching career. Celia

Unknown said...

Anne--thanks for dropping by reading the blog. Celia

Unknown said...

Catherine--thankfully, I don't have to teach any more. Now, I just write and play on the computer--and feed a husband. Celia

Infogypsy said...

There yuu are! Found you! Great post, Celia. I write romantic suspense (contemporary) but appreciate a good historic book from time to time. Your book sounds great - your story interesting. Wondering who y ou were published with before The Wild Rose Press?
lynn romaine
www.ecosuspense.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Hi, Linda--yeah, I knew you could relate! If a young teacher asked my advice, I only told them one thing--make them know you like them--if you don't like the kid--and oh, lordy, that happens, then just go along as if you do. It'll make an impact on that student eventually. Celia

Unknown said...

Judi--The Wild Rose Press is my first publisher. I began writing about six years ago, and received my first contract Dec.1, 2007. Now, I have three with them, plus two Free Reads--which means two more contracts.Thanks for reading--Celia

Teri Wilson, Romancing the pet lover's soul said...

Celia,

Your book sounds lovely. And treating us to a marriage proposal excerpt!!! :)

Teri

Teri Wilson ~ Romancing the pet lover's soul

www.teriwilson.net

Maggie Toussaint said...

I'm having computer troubles, so if this shows up twice, I apologize.

It was great to read about you here at Cindy's blog, Celia. I learned more about you and your fantastic story. Wishing you tons of sales!

Maggie
www.maggietoussaint.com

Mary Ricksen said...

Celia,
This looks like one great read.
If it wasn't for devoted teachers like you, there wouldn't be any authors.
I agree, I have no idea how these younguns with kids, jobs, and all that goes with that, every manage to write at all.
And I know how you feel about Texas. There's no place like home!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Teri, for stopping by. I see you're a pet lover--I don't have one anymore, but we had three, the same age, and they grew old together, and pretty much died together--at a very old age. One dog and two cats. Celia

Unknown said...

Hi, Maggie--I'm wishing me tons of sales, too! Thank you for dropping by--Celia

Unknown said...

Ahhh, yes, no place like home. I'm a homebody, you see, but we do travel. I always dread leaving home, but then have fun, but can't wait to get back to my own bed and my computer. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. Celia

Unknown said...

My last comment was to Mary--I omitted her name--sorry! Celia

WELCOME TO KAT'S BLOG! said...

Great execerpt, Celia and I love westerns. This sounds like a wonderful read.

Keta Diablo
www.ketadiablo.com

lindseye said...

This story sound interesting. I like a heroine who rises to a challenge, with minimal whining. The excerpt drew me in.

Margaret Tanner said...

Hi Celia,
Lovely excerpt, and a beautiful cover. Even though I hail from Australia, I am enthralled by western stories. Your love of Texas shows out in your writing. It is a wonderful thing to be proud of your heritage.
Regards
Margaret

Unknown said...

Thanks, Kat. Is Keta Diablo your pen name? Very interesting.Glad you stopped by and you like western romance. Celia

Unknown said...

Lindseye--thank you--glad you liked the excerpt. The heroine is an uppity young lady whom no one crosses. So, when she goes to live in a place where everyone crosses her--even her husband a few times--she must mend her ways--get tough, stand your ground, and...fight. Celia

Unknown said...

Gosh, Margaret--you couldn't have said anything that would make me happier. Yes, I do love my home state--with all its flaws and quirks. The Western spirit is still alive and well--just in places it's been sort of tempered by the arrival of so many immigrants--and I'm not talking about from Mexico..the high-tech people from other states! Thanks for visiting--Celia

Rebecca J. Clark said...

Hey Celia-
I credit my high school English teacher for getting me into writing. He caught me reading a Harlequin novel once, and instead of making fun of them, he said, "Maybe you should write one yourself." The fact that you're a teacher, too, just makes me like you more.

:)Becky

Sandy said...

Hi Celia and Cindy,

Great blog, Cindy.

It sounds like a lovely sweet story, Celia.

Sandy

Diane Craver said...

Great excerpt, Celia! Congratulations on your release!

And thanks for the advice. I'm adding words now to my inspirational romance so I can submit it to TWRP.

Unknown said...

Rebecca--A good teacher is worth his/her weight in gold. I was a "good" teacher--not a "master" teacher as some I knew thought they were. Good is okay--my kids liked me, becasue I liked them. We had fun--I taught biology, so we were doing lab stuff much of the time, instead of sitting in a desk listening. Believe me, Teenagers are not good listeners. Thanks for your comments--Celia

Unknown said...

Sandy--thanks!It sort of is a sweet story--the hero is grand, but at times--he's clueless. Reviewers have commented on that--and they love him in spite of his flaws.Celia

Unknown said...

Diane--go for it.I always say "I don't read Inspirational. but lately, I've read two--Beverly Lewis and Catherine Palmer. Both excellent story tellers. Celia

Unknown said...

All My Hopes and Dreams sounds great!

Ciara Gold said...

Awesome blog, Celia and I think you mirror me in many ways. Yep, give me high schoolers over the little ones. And the hill country is gorgeous. My ancestors were from Fredricksburg,Georgetown and Kerrville.

Loved the excerpt!

Linda Swift said...

Hi Celia,

How did I miss the news that you were blogging here today? I just happened upon you by accident. What a nice surprise. And you aleady know how much I loved your book. It deserves all the praise you have received so far and I wish you even more.

Linda Swift

Unknown said...

Amy--thanks for visiting Cindy's blog.I'm glad you liked my piece and the cover. Celia

Unknown said...

Ciara--thank you for visiting. Yes, we love Central Texas, don't we? Glad you liked the excerpt. Celia

Unknown said...

Thank you, Linda, thank you, Linda, thank you, Linda!!!I'm teasing you, my sweet friend. thank you so much for dropping by. and thanks for reading my book and telling me you liked it. that is worth a lot--and not money, either. Celia

Cindy K. Green said...

Great Comments here Readers. I'll announce Celia's winner tomorrow morning.