Dreams, Poets & Funerals
Today, I am a published author. Today all my dreams come true. Not too many moons, but some moons ago, my mom told me being a Literature and Writing major was about as useful as a four year degree in Philosophy or Underwater Basket Weaving. But I was sold. I had fallen in love with Keats and Shelley, Shakespeare and the Brownings, and you know, Nora Roberts and EL James too. Since then, I have wanted nothing but to be writer. It’s my life’s goal. Now, mind you, not the White House visiting, Nobel Prize winning, wrote the great American Novel kind, but the bodice ripping, Fabio covering, down and dirty but with a Happily Ever After kind.
Now, I haven’t just been twiddling my thumbs since I graduated, I have been doing my romance writing research, obviously. I’ve been reading as many romance books as I can. Writing as much as I can. And selling kitchen cabinet hardware at Home Depot like a boss. Hey, a girl’s gotta eat. And I can sell the shit out of some kitchen cabinets. And cut keys and thread pipe. All while hoping I would meet a shirtless contractor swinging some serious lead pipe if you know what I mean. And maybe inspire a few books. Sadly, that only happened in my head, but it was a recurring, long standing affair with no one real. Well, there was this one guy and he was wearing a shirt, but, after some quality flirting and a seriously white smile, I never saw him again. But, I digress.
Today, I am a published author. Now, I know what you’re thinking, I didn’t publish a book. Yet. I wrote a dandy little ditty for the San Diego Metro News. That’s right, all. I am a journalist. Not the roasting in Afghanistan with the troops, or hanging out in Compton kinds, either. I’m not Anderson Cooper, after all. Today, I am a published author—in the Funeral and Obituaries section. But hey, I’m a hit with the blue hairs. My name is Shelby Whitmore and I am the newest reporter for the San Diego Metro newspaper. Sort of.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer is a 33 year old lover of words, all words: the written, the spoken, the sung (even poorly), the sweet, the funny, and even the four letter variety. She is a native of San Diego, California where she grew up reading the Brownings and Rebecca with her mother and Clifford and the Dog who Glowed in the Dark with her dad, much to her mother’s dismay.
Jennifer is a graduate of California State University San Marcos where she studied Criminology and Justice Studies. She is also a member of Alpha Xi Delta.
10 years ago, she was swept off her feet by her very own sailor. Today, they are happily married and the parents of an 8 year old and 6 year old twins. She lives in East Texas where she can often be found on the soccer fields, drawing with her children, or reading. Jennifer is convinced that if she puts her fitbit on one of the dogs, she might finally make her step goals. She loves a great romance, an alpha hero, and lots and lots of laughter.
STALK ME…
Website: www.JenniferRebeccaAuthor.com
Twitter: @JenniRLreads
Instagram: @JenniRLreads
Facebook: facebook.com/JenniferRebeccaAuthor
SnapChat: @JennyRLreads
Pintrest: Jennigrl83
E-mail: [email protected]
ALSO BY JENNIFER REBECCA
The Southern Heartbeats Series
Stand (Southern Heartbeats, Vol.1)
Whiskey Lullabye (Southern Heartbeats, Vol.2)
Just A Dream (Southern Heartbeats, Vol.3) Summer 2017
The Funerals and Obituaries Mysteries
Dead and Buried, Summer 2017
Dead and Gone, TBD
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you so much to everyone who picked up this book and read it. Whether you loved it or not, thank you for giving me the chance. And for those of you who loved Stand and followed the story on through Whiskey Lullabye, thank you so much. I hope you enjoyed it and you stick around to see what’s up with Katy and Major.
For those who have questions or felt the situation with Josie was unresolved, stay tuned. This year I plan to finish Josie’s story in a short I will put up for free on my website and wattpad. It will always be free.
I want to say a very special thank you to my beta readers and dear friends. In addition to Alyssa and Stacy, we added Christina, Zeia, and Megan and they are all amazing. Their fresh eyes made all the difference. And lastly, they loved the story for what it was and how it had to be told. Even if they all messaged me to tell me that they were mad at me, and then later that they got it.
Thank you, always, to the Mixens who have freely offered up support and advice. Your friendships mean more to me than you could ever know.
Thank you, Alyssa, for your support, your beautiful artwork, and the swift kick in the ass when I need it, but most of all, thank you for your friendship. I can’t wait to be neighbors! Sort of!
Thank you to my family. This year I was overwhelmed with the love and support that received from the Gerhardt, Laura, Luftig, and Pierce families. I love you all so much!
Thank you to my mom and dad who proofread and edited these books. And also, love telling people that their daughter writes dirty books. A lot of people wouldn’t be as cool as my parents are and I’m so thankful for them and their support. They have always stood behind me in anything that I do. And kick my ass when I want to quit.
Lastly, I love you, babe. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. It’s your drive and determination and belief in me that I can do it and that I will that keep me moving when it gets tough. It’s your hard work that enabled me to be home with our children and to write and do what I love. You pick up the slack without having to be asked and always offer up your love and support wholeheartedly. Without a doubt, you are still the best thing that ever happened to me. I’m just so glad that Shannon didn’t listen when I told her not to set me up with a single sailor. Because we all know, it was only ever you.
Whiskey Lullabye (Southern Heartbeats, Vol. 2) Page 15
