Now, let’s talk goals, not resolutions—because, you know, it’s like the tomato and to-mau-to thing. Trust me, it works for me. This year, I’m on a mission to declutter my life, both physically and in terms of how I spend my time. A decade ago, I bid farewell to my home kitchen bakery business. Every year, I’d crack open the storage closet, unveiling pans, cake boards, and a plethora of decorating tools. In 2023, I made a solemn vow to find a new home for my baking arsenal.

Months passed, and my pans were still in limbo. Then, one day, it hit me like a batter-covered revelation—culinary school or a charitable cause! Enter Girls Inc. San Antonio and it was like the universe threw in its matchmaking skills. Girls Inc. had just built a dream kitchen—five ovens, a stainless steel restaurant-grade fridge, and even a prep area equipped with cameras for instructional magic. It was a match made in baking heaven, ticking all the boxes: giving back to the community—check, nurturing the next-gen bakers—check, and giving my baking tools a cozy home—triple check!

Beyond the decluttering frenzy, my goals involve dusting off my guitar and learning a few tunes, mastering basic Spanish (maybe finding a Spanish newbies club for the sheer fun of it), daily meditation for inner peace, and introducing hiking to my fitness escapades. Got any New Year’s resolutions of your own? Anything carrying over into the glorious 2024?

On the author front, my mission is clear: unleash the fourth installment of my steamy romance Love Blossom’s series and keep building my fantastic community.

Happy New Year, folks! May your goals be as achievable as finding a spatula in a well-organized kitchen!

The post New Beginnings appeared first on CD Giles.

Ideas strike at unpredictable moments, and to ensnare every fleeting
moment, I rely on my trusty Notes app or the voice memo feature on my
phone, if inspiration chooses to visit on the road.

With a background as a project manager, I dance on the tightrope between
creativity and structured story planning. Character sketches for the hero
and heroine unfold, intertwined with pivotal moments that mold their
journey.

My ultimate mission in My Writing Process is to preserve the authenticity of the characters,
steering clear of contrived endings. Thus, my process is a symphony—a
delicate blend of planning, yet a celebration of unbridled creativity.

Feel free to contact me here.

The post My Writing Process: Orchestrating Stories from Dreams to Reality appeared first on CD Giles.

Setting can serve as a metaphor for the characters’ emotional journey, mirroring their internal conflicts and desires. For instance, a quaint, picturesque small town can represent the tranquility and simplicity the characters long for, while a bustling, vibrant city can symbolize ambition and the pursuit of success. The juxtaposition of these settings can help convey the tension between the characters’ desires and the challenges they must overcome to find love.

Moreover, the ambiance and atmosphere of a setting can evoke specific emotions in readers. A sun-drenched beach may invoke feelings of passion, freedom, and relaxation, while a misty, gothic mansion can elicit a sense of mystery and intrigue. These emotional triggers help readers connect with the characters and invest in their romantic journey.

The setting also functions as a character in its own right, influencing character development and relationships. For example, two characters brought together by a shared love for a remote mountain cabin might find solace in their solitude and discover their feelings while isolated from the outside world. In contrast, a romantic relationship born in the hustle and bustle of a busy café may evolve differently, with the setting shaping the characters’ interactions and dynamics.

Additionally, setting choices can ground romance fiction in reality or transport it to the realm of fantasy. From the charming familiarity of a neighborhood cafe to the enchantment of a magical kingdom, settings allow authors to craft stories that cater to diverse tastes and preferences within the romance genre.

In conclusion, the power of setting in romance fiction is undeniable. It molds the emotional landscape of the story, serves as a reflection of the character’s inner worlds, and can even influence the progression of the plot. A well-chosen setting has the capacity to immerse readers in the love story, making them feel as if they are part of the romantic journey, and ensuring that the novel lingers in their hearts long after they’ve turned the final page.

The post The Power of Setting in Romance Fiction appeared first on CD Giles.

www.NationalBlackBookFestival.com, 1-800-340-5454

Event Details

• Friday, October 21, 2022 from 11 AM to 7 PM
• Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 10 AM to 6 PM
• Free General Admission to the Public

Fallbrook Church

Directions: 12512 Walters Road, Houston, TX

The post Meet CD Giles at the 2022 National Black Book Festival appeared first on CD Giles.