Day: November 17, 2018

“Boyfriend for Christmas: A Love Story” by J. Nichole

~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

Boyfriend for Christmas cover

Boyfriend for Christmas: A Love Story

by J. Nichole

Genre: Women’s Fiction/African-American/Holidays

1.99 at time of posting! Kindle Unlimited!

Breaking up with her boyfriend, and moving back home wasn’t in her plans. But when her sister becomes a widow, and a single mom, Kai returns home to help.

An auntie’s job is easy, so she thought. When she realizes her niece has lost the Christmas spirit, she takes on the task of returning her joy. First up, letters to Santa.

What do you ask Santa to bring when you’re too old for the season’s trendiest toy?

A boyfriend, of course.

** This is a quick read but a full story with a happy for now ending. This book is intended for mature audiences. **

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Fibromyalgia & the Opioid Epidemic

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Fibro Cloud

It’s hard to avoid the fact that the nation is in the midst of a major opioid epidemic, resulting in over 42,000 deaths in 2016. You hear about drug overdoses not only on the streets of big cities but even more often in small towns. Patients get addicted to opioid medications like Norco and Oxycontin. But when the supply of prescription drugs runs out, many turn to heroin to get the same relief. Or they may combine opioids with other drugs like Xanax, which slow down the breathing rate, which makes overdoses much more likely to happen.

Doctors are working to try to reduce these addictions and their tragic deaths by cracking down on opioid prescriptions. But the unintended additional result is that people who rely on opioids for managing chronic pain, including fibromyalgia patients, are being affected, too. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s Going on with the Opioid Epidemic?

The typical opioid-addicted patient looks different than how you might imagine a drug addict. Very few start out looking to get high from the medicine. Most are only looking for relief from pain and find that the medication actually works. Many people end up inadvertently addicted to opioid medications like Vicodin and Oxycontin after injuries or surgeries. Patients with fibromyalgia also get prescriptions for opioid pain relievers.

But doctors get a lot of scrutiny about how they prescribe opioids. Many doctors get nervous about prescribing opioids indefinitely. It only takes a couple weeks to become addicted to opioid medication. When doctors cut off the access to the medication, addicted patients can start to experience drug withdrawal. Many turn to illegal sources of the opioid medication, which may include prescription drugs bought on the black market. These drugs are not necessarily regulated by the FDA, so they may not contain the active ingredient. Illegal prescription drugs often contain powerful medications like fentanyl. Because fentanyl is so powerful, even very small amounts can cause fatal doses. Other patients turn to heroin instead. Any of the alternative options when patients run out of legitimate access to prescription drugs can result in overdose and death.

How the Opioid Epidemic Affects Patients

The Food and Drug Administration issued new prescribing guidelines earlier in 2018.  But in July, the FDA admitted some possible errors in calculating the number of people addicted to opioid medication. As a result, many people with serious conditions causing chronic pain lost access to the pain relief they needed. This includes many patients with fibromyalgia.

If you had a doctor who was prescribing opioid medication for you before, you may have found it difficult to get what you need. Many fibromyalgia patients report being suddenly limited to a much smaller amount of the medication. Others have found themselves completely without access, which can cause “cold-turkey” withdrawal symptoms.

Doctors now face serious consequences for prescribing opioids for chronic pain. Although most medical associations support the right to prescribe these medications, the FDA disagrees. Doctors who overprescribe opioids may be fined or even lose their medical licenses. The FDA and doctors’ associations are working together to review the prescribing guidelines for opioids. Fibro patients may have more access in the future to opioid pain relievers. But as it stands now, it will likely continue to be difficult to get them.

How to Get Pain Relief during an Opioid Epidemic

The FDA and a minority of medical doctors say that opioids aren’t an effective long-term pain management solution. Only terminal cancer patients have easy access to the medications since the risk of addiction is comparatively low. That leaves a lot of people with legitimate chronic pain without the relief they need.

Doctors may try to substitute alternative medications for pain relief. Some of the medication alternatives include non-narcotic pain relievers such as Tramadol or antidepressants like Cymbalta. However, many fibro patients have already tried these medications or may be using them along with opioids. Medical cannabis is also seen as an alternative.

Patients may try a variety of other options, including yoga, meditation, biofeedback, or writing in a journal. Some people find benefit from using essential oils. Those in states where medical marijuana is legal may try that as well. Most fibro patients have to combine a variety of strategies to get the relief they need.

A hallmark of fibromyalgia is always being in some degree of pain. Even when you have access to opioids, they still generally don’t provide complete relief. Rather than seeking out the few remaining doctors who may prescribe opioids, it may be best to find alternate coping mechanisms. Although they’re less than ideal, they don’t carry the same risk of addiction or accidental overdose. Fibro patients can still seek relief while staying safe from the opioid epidemic.

 

The preceding article is from RedOrbit.com and posted here for sharing purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.

Fiction Writing for Beginners from author Kelli A. Wilkins

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Want to learn how to write? Sign up for Fiction Writing for Beginners

An online writing course from author Kelli A. Wilkins

fiction writing screenshot

Hi everyone!

When people learn that I’m a writer, they often tell me: “I want to write a book, but…” and then they go into longwinded explanations about why they can’t write it. Usually they don’t know where (or how) to start, or they say they don’t have the time.

Well, I’ve got a solution for all that.

My online writing course, Fiction Writing for Beginners, is perfect for anyone who is interested in writing and needs practical advice on how to get started, PLUS motivation and encouragement to keep writing.

Thirteen easy-to-follow classes cover the writing process from start to finish. You’ll learn where writers get ideas, how to create characters, get expert tips on writing your story, and find out how to submit it for publication. Everything you need to know to start writing is wrapped up in this comprehensive and fun course.

Each class is self-contained and self-directed. This way, you can learn about a specific topic at your own pace, and not worry about completing the class by a certain deadline. Short writing exercises at the end of each class highlight the subject matter and get you writing.

Why did I write this course? Because once upon a time I didn’t think I could write anything. I knew I wanted to write, so I enrolled in writing classes at a local community college. Without those classes, I never would have been educated, inspired, and encouraged to pursue my writing dreams.

I created Fiction Writing for Beginners to pass my knowledge along to people who want to write, but don’t know how to start. This course was a fun way to share my writing tips, advice, and first-hand practical experience. Anyone who has ever dreamed about writing fiction (in any genre) whether for publication or just for a hobby, will benefit from this course.

The classes are grouped into four sections, and each section focuses on a writing theme. Here’s the breakdown:

Section 1: Getting Started

Class 1: The 5 Ws of Writing

Class 2: Getting in the Writing Zone & Staying Motivated

Class 3: Where Do Writers Get Their Ideas? (Part 1)

Class 4: Where Do Writers Get Their Ideas? (Part 2)

Section 2: Creating Your Characters

Class 5: Creating Characters

Class 6: Developing Heroes, Villains & Secondary Characters

Section 3: Get Writing!

Class 7: Plotting Your Story

Class 8: Scenes, Sequels & GMC

Class 9: Point-of-view & Dialogue

Class 10: Setting, Details & Research

Section 4: Revising, Submitting & Promoting Your Story

Class 11: Revising Your Story

Class 12: Getting Feedback on Your Story

Class 13: Submitting & Promoting Your Story

 

Here’s a short excerpt from Class 1:

What do you want to write?

Now that you know why you want to write, what do you want to write? Do you have a specific story in mind or a genre of fiction that interests you? Fiction can take many forms, from historical romance novels to science fiction short stories, and everything in between.

One way to figure out what you want to write is to consider the type of fiction you read. If you love curling up with a cozy mystery novel, you may want to write your own mysteries. Love being scared? Consider horror fiction. Can’t wait to be swept away to the 1700s Scottish Highlands? Historical romance is for you.

Here’s a hint: If you don’t enjoy reading a particular genre, you probably shouldn’t try writing in that genre. After all, you’ll be living with your short story or novel every day, and you won’t be motivated to write it if you’re not excited about it.

Forcing yourself to write something you’re not interested in is not fun and the story will certainly suffer. (That is, if you even finish writing the story.) It’s better to write the type of short stories (or novels) that you like to read. Your love of the genre will shine through in your voice, characters, and plot.

Should you write a novel or a short story? That’s entirely up to you. If you only read short fiction because you find novels “too long” to sit through, then the answer should be obvious. But if you love losing yourself in a 300-page novel filled with interesting characters and plot twists, try writing a novel of your own.

Only you know what type of story you would like to write—and there’s no rule that says you can “only” write short fiction or “only” write novels. In fact, many authors write both. (I do.) And where I write might surprise you…

***

If you’ve always wanted to write, Fiction Writing for Beginners will get you started. Visit the course page and enroll here: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/

I hope you’ll check it out.

Happy Reading… and Writing!

Kelli A. Wilkins

 

Kelli WilkinsABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 19 romance novels, and 5 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and heat levels, and she’s also been known to scare readers with her horror stories.

In October 2018, Kelli published Cupid’s Schemes, a collection of sweet mini-romances.

She also released her first online writing course, Fiction Writing for Beginners, through Teachable. This course is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to write. Visit: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/ for more details.

Kelli’s historical romance, Redemption from a Dark Past, was published in 2018. This full-length Gothic novel is set in the kingdom of Hungary in 1723 and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense.

If you like horror fiction, don’t miss her latest novella, Nightmare in the North.

Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor.

Visit her website www.KelliWilkins.com and blog http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/ to learn more about all of her writings.

 

CATCH UP WITH KELLI

Here’s a full list of where you can find Kelli on the web.

Website: http://www.KelliWilkins.com

Blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins

Facebook Historical Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Historical-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1703805359922371/

Facebook Contemporary Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Contemporary-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1965702023664339/

Facebook Gay Romances: https://www.facebook.com/GayRomancesbyKelliAWilkins/

FREE READS: http://www.manicreaders.com/KelliAWilkins/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelliwilkins2/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelli-a-wilkins

Books2Read: https://www.books2read.com/ap/nkvddR/Kelli-A-Wilkins

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KWilkinsAuthor/

Shutterstock: https://www.shutterstock.com/g/kelli+wilkins

iStock: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/kelliwilkins

Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb

Teachable Online Writing Course: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/

“Confessions of a Call Centre Worker” by Izabelle Winter

~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

Confessions of a Call Centre Worker cover

Confessions of a Call Centre Worker

by Izabelle Winter

Genre: Memoirs/Entertainment & Humor

99¢ at time of posting! Kindle Countdown!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in a call centre?

Imagine speaking to members of the public fifty or more times every day, always having to be courteous and professional no matter what they say to you.

Could you keep your cool while talking to all levels of stupid?

Would you be able to wear a headset all day without wanting to throw it out of the window?

All calls are recorded, analysed and timed to the second. Average handling time (AHT) is discussed as if it’s the very meaning of life and managers are always coming up with new ways to shave milliseconds from each call.

Is it acceptable to only have a total eight minutes a day for visits to the toilet or coffee machine?

Imagine not being allowed to hang up on someone who is screaming abuse down the line at you.

Welcome to the Call Centre!

Izabelle worked in call centres for many years; from insurance to home shopping, from selling advertising to discussing loans. Finally in the early hours one morning, she decided enough was in fact far too much and left her final call centre job the same day, never to return.

On her way out of the door for the final time she vowed she would write a book about life in a call centre.

Here is that book. Read about call centres in general, memorable customers and staff. How do staff stay sane? What is Big Red? Are cranberries the true meaning of Christmas?

Why would you have leather trousers round your ankles in a lift? How not to impress your boss. Izabelle shares these and many other true tales from her years of incarceration in UK call centres.

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“A Life Restarted: Romance After Forty (I Won’t Marry You Book 2)” by Susan Leigh Carlton

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A Life Restarted cover

A Life Restarted: Romance After Forty (I Won’t Marry You Book 2)

by Susan Leigh Carlton

Genre: Historical Western Romance/Christian

FREE at time of posting! Kindle Unlimited!

Abigail Ashley had given up on love. As the widow of a notorious convict, she could hardly show her face in society without her husband’s crimes overshadowing her every step, marking her as unworthy in the eyes of proper society. Instead, she lives only for her daughter and her grandson, and dedicates her life to taking care of the only family she has left.

But when Brady Lucas comes along, nothing in her life will ever be the same.

Brady knows what it’s like to live in the secret torment of one’s past. His heart has yet to heal after the loss of his wife, and he is haunted by guilt over leaving his daughter in the care of her grandparents. But there’s something about Abigail he cannot resist, regardless of his stubborn pride—a spark of romance that could be fanned into a flame, if only he could let himself love once more…

“A Life Restarted” is a historical western romance novel set in 1870, and is the second novel of the “I Won’t Marry You” series. Order your copy today!

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