#ThursdayThoughts: Guest post by Alicia Dean

Good Morning Friends and a Beautiful day it is!

Yes, no matter what you're going through or the weather is like, it is a beautiful day. 

Why?

Because it is the day the Lord has made and if you do your level best to rejoice and be glad, He will honor that and you will feel better.

Honest.

Works for me anyway and I pray it works for you as well.

Today's guest, Alicia Dean is no stranger to our blog. She visited in October 2014, January 2015 and October 2015. Today Alicia returns with a something to think about and a brand new book!

So without further ado.....here she is.....

 Do You Have a Dream?

Did you have a dream when you were younger? Something that fired your passion and made you feel whole and alive? Did you pursue it? Why not?

When I was a child and was first exposed to the adventures of Pippi Longstocking and the antics of Amelia Bedelia, I was hooked on reading. I was probably 10 or 11 when my interests turned to Harlequin Romances. Yes, a bit young to be reading them, but they captivated me (and back then, they were very PG, so no harm, no foul). At some point, my own stories started coming to life in my imagination and my dream to become a writer took hold. I wrote my first romance at eleven years old. I described my hero as looking like Elvis. I worked in an Elvis song and titled the story after the song, “Just Pretend.” I named my hero Dr. Lonnie Beale (Lonnie Beale was Elvis’ name in the movie Tickle Me - My dream was also to marry Elvis, but that didn’t quite work out). I still have that story, although it could use some serious edits. 

Here are a few pages:

As I grew older I continued to plan and dream. When I was in high school, for the yearbook, the seniors were all asked the question, “What will you be doing in the year 2000?” This was 1980, and 2000 seemed like some kind of distant future Space Odyssey thing. I answered, “In the year 2000, I will be a best-selling author.” 

My quote made it into the yearbook, and I still have the yearbook. (I didn’t become a best-selling, or even a published author by 2000, if you’re keeping score).

After graduation, I fooled around with writing, took a few courses, but ended up getting married and having children and putting my dreams on hold, although they never left my thoughts. In 2001, I took a writing class with Mel Odom and met some writing friends who are still my friends today. My desire and ambition was renewed. I began to focus on writing, and my publication dreams were realized with my first release in 2007, Nothing to Fear, a romantic suspense published with The Wild Rose Press. Since then, there have been around 24 more published stories (and counting). 

So, while I didn’t become a best-selling author, I did realize my dream of being a writer. I love writing, and writing and/or finishing a book brings me a ton of satisfaction and elation. I know several people who have no goals, no interests that fuel their spirit, no dreams. I can’t imagine what that would be like. What would I do with my time if I weren’t immersed in the writing world? I have no clue.

There are very few things in life as fulfilling and joyful as making your dreams a reality, so what’s stopping you?

What a wonderful testimony, Alicia and definitely something to think about friends!

Alicia Dean lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage historicals.

Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she usually works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching her favorite televisions shows like Vampire Diaries, Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Haven, The Mindy Project, and Dexter (even though it has sadly ended, she will forever be a fan). Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman…to name a few.

Find out more about Alicia by visiting her Website and/or blog and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter,@Alicia_Dean_  Pinterest and Goodreads

Oh and, sign up for the Novel Notes Newsletter, a multi-author newsletter where we give away a $25 gift card each month! 

Alicia's new book, Liberty Empowered can be purchased at Amazon and B&N

Here's the Blurb: Vampire hunter Liberty Van Helsing is responsible for protecting the humans living on Sang Croc, a tropical island in the French Polynesia. While striving to improve her recently acquired hunting skills, Liberty wrestles with her attraction to vampire, Eli Barkley, estranged son of Rupert, leader of the Evil Ones. 

Then the grandparents of a young girl—who Liberty has befriended—is snatched by the Evil Ones, and Rupert offers Liberty a deal: herself for the hostages. 

Rupert is certain his son will, in turn, voluntarily trade himself to save Liberty. Liberty has a better idea. Launch a rescue into Rupert's stronghold. But first she must tap into the elusive Van Helsing strength, and convince Eli he's not like his father... not anymore. 

Well friends, hope you enjoyed today's Thursday Thoughts!

Check back weekly for Saturday Spotlight, Tuesday Treasures and more Thursday Thoughts. Remember too, Egg-cerpt Exchange begins Feb 1st!

Until next time...take care and God Bless.

PamT