Life Goes On by Anna J Stewart

Those of you who follow me on social media know March was a rough month. That was when I had to say goodbye to my feline companion and stalwart editor, Snickers. It's been three months now and while we are considering heading to the shelter for a new kitty (or two), there's definitely a void, especially when I sit down to write. I knew it was going to be difficult to say good-bye, but clearly I had no idea. I know others of you on this page have recently lost your pets. It's not easy, is it? But life...and deadlines don't wait. 



March also brought the release of my fourth Butterfly Harbor story, ALWAYS THE HERO and the deadline for the fifth book, tentatively called Butterfly Magic (out 5/19). This will be Calliope's story and I don't think I could have had a better book to focus on while dealing with the loss of Snickers. Calliope is a different type of heroine; eclectic, eccentric, and ethereal. She has a way about her with just about everything, from the younger sister she's raising to the butterflies that flit about her property no matter the season. She sees things differently than most people, especially Xander Costas, the logic-minded architect hired to design the town's butterfly sanctuary. To say these two clash is an understatement, but it turns out they need each other and more than they ever dreamed they would. And of course, what would one of my books be without a surprise character determined to take over. Enter Xander's youngest sister Alethea, who might just become a fixture in my escapist town.

Speaking of escaping, I'm currently neck deep in my latest Christmas Town story, HIS CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL BABY. I seem to have a current fascination with musicians (my hero in December's THE RANCHER'S HOMECOMING is one), but Wally MacIver isn't as successful as he'd hoped to be, mainly because his boss, Grayling Stanhope pretty much used him to advance her own career. Ah, how I love conflict like that. Rebuilding trust is never easy. Not in real life, not in fiction. It's a challenge, but one I love taking on.

And as I write all these stories I know, somewhere, there's a little tortoise kitty named Snickers, pawing her way around my story and keeping me going. Because life...and stories must go on.  

Until next time...happy reading, everyone.

~Anna J




USA Today and National Bestselling author Anna J Stewart writes sweet to spicy romance for Harlequin's Heartwarming and Romantic Suspense lines. When she's not writing, you can find her at the movie theater, at fan conventions, or binge watching her favorite TV shows. You can visit her online at www.AuthorAnnaStewart.com.

Comments

  1. I'm so sorry about Snickers, but the stories sound wonderful!

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  2. I am sorry for your loss, Anna. Five years on, and my whole family still misses our pet dog. And I'm afraid I've grown a little fond of the freeloading cats. Thank goodness for stories that help us and our readers get through the tough times. Best!

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  3. Sending a big hug, Anna, for Snickers. Pets give us so much....comfort, fun, snuggle-time. I’m sure there will be another Snickers some day and I love your last line....stories do go on, happily for all of us readers and authors.

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  4. It's so hard to lose a beloved pet. Like all losses of family, we are lucky to have good memories and photos to hold dear. And it's great that you were able to write Snickers into one of your wonderful books. Keep them coming.

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  5. Oh, sooo sorry to hear about your kitty. My heart is hugging yours. I hope you'll considering adopting a new cat when you're ready.

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  6. Pets teach us so much about love and devotion. Her face looks so wise in the picture.I'm sorry you couldn't have her with you forever. I'm looking forward to your stories.

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  7. I think two is a perfect number. I'm trying to convince my husband that we need a second puppy. So far, not happening, but there's always hope.

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  8. Thank you everyone for your kind comments. :)

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  9. Life does go on, but a little of the magic is lost when we lose a dear friend. There's an empty space that can never be filled. Sorry for your loss.

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    1. I like your description, that a little of the magic is lost. That's so true. We can add some new magic with a new friend, but it never replaces the old.

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  10. So sorry to read about your friend, Snickers. Our animals add so much to our lives.
    I have an elderly puss (19 years) who is a cranky old lady and I love her dearly. Who knows how long she'll be here, but I am glad for each day, so long as her quality of life remains good. But the young cat in the house continually offends her by all his energy.

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