Vivian ArendVivian ArendVivian ArendVivian Arend

2023....A Year in Review

A YEAR IN THE LIFE…

It's time for my annual “here's what happened, here's what's ahead” update!

This year's review is different for me. I wrote parts of this in September, parts in October, parts in November, because life is one big adventure.

Join me as I start by reflecting on what happened in 2023, and then slip into what exciting things are ahead in 2024.

 
945b213905f108bfa48b12952d7c53fcaa9e6b56
 

The end of an era arrived with the publication of Dustin and Charity's happily-ever-after.

First introduced as the found family to the final heroine in the last epic saga, to being the stars of their own stories, the Stones have done well. They're a loving family who pulled together through tough times and come out on top. 

I adore these books, and I'm sad it's over, but grateful to have been able to do justice to their history.

 

A Rancher's Vow

Apple Books ♥ Amazon Kindle ♥ B&N Nook ♥ Google Play ♥ Kobo

 
 
abab92f421780b26610af1c86fb87bfd77eb5fda
 

We got the second part of the most recent paranormal adventure in the summer. I ADORE these covers!!

These light-hearted romps are set in Jasper, Alberta, and this story has a single mom and a very keen to be everything his fated mate needs Enforcer for the werewolf pack.

This book is chockfull of puns and three adorable little boys making their future Papa's life a delightful challenge. And a heroine who really comes into her own and finds a place not just for her boys, but herself.

If you haven't picked this up yet, here's your chance!

 

The Enforcer's Gamble

Apple Books ♥ Amazon Kindle ♥ B&N Nook ♥ Google Play ♥ Kobo

 

 
 
8df173a5cff8871e6730fc150bb9446beb29d5de
 

Translations!

Now, if you don't speak French or German, I know this might seem less exciting. Except for the fact it's TOTALLY exciting. Lol.

Because it means if you've read and enjoyed one of these series, there's now a new group of readers around the world that have joined you!

And if you DO happen to have family or friends who speak the above languages, I now have over 20 titles available for them to enjoy as well.

Translation page to admire or to send to your friends/family is below.

(You can also always forward my newsletter to anyone who might be interested by using the link at the very bottom, and they'll only get the one newsletter you sent them, and nothing more unless they sign up themselves.)

TRANSLATIONS
 
 
a2542af9edb3e69344e0b30eea570a611d2d148d
 

ONE new book went to audio in 2023, and a whole bunch of boxsets.

A Rancher's Vow concluded the Stones of Heart Falls audio journey.

Then my amazing narrator, Tatiana, re-recorded the first FIVE titles in the Six Pack Ranch series. These have been in audio for over ten years, and Tatiana did the original recordings as well, but through a different distributor. Now they are fresh and shiny, and available not only in solo book form BUT ALSO!

BOXED SETS!

More !!!!!

Because when I get listening to a series, I love being able to grab a bunch at the same time. Also, this way you can get THREE audio books with one credit at Audible/ACX.

Six Pack Ranch 1-3
Six Pack Ranch 4-6
Six Pack Ranch 7-9
Six Pack Ranch 10-12

—————-

You can find ALL my audio books listed in one spot and purchase at your favourite retailer. If you shop at Amazon, and you already own the ebook, you can get the audio for a special whispersynced lower price. (FYI!)

Never tried an audio book? We explain how HERE.

VIVIAN AREND AUDIO BOOKS!
 
 
441c606e9b3ddd7a38b2bca646834861b10cbc1d
 

My writing world is big. As in, not only do I write, but since many of my titles are self published, I have an entire team that helps get the ideas in my head to the final stage where it's something that you can read / listen to and enjoy.

I'm so fortunate to have an amazing community to help me in many, many ways.

Starting as usual with Nicole, my assistant extraordinaire, who definitely earns her title of Director of Publishing. She makes my books look pretty and deals with all the technology side of things and she takes care of a lot of my social media items, especially when I disappear into the mountains for weeks without internet. She also earns her title of friend. I'm so grateful that we can continue to work together and play together. This year we spent time in Portland, Oregon. We can highly recommend the river cruise with endless mimosas!

On the craft side of things, Angie Ramey is my eagle-eyed editor, and Linda my final “I can't believe those words are still missing after all this time” checker. You and I are both incredibly thankful for their skills and endless willingness to make things perfect-er.

Covers this year continued with the amazing Timberwolf Lodge series designed by Frauke at Croco Designs. I also used Damonza for the cowboy titles.

Audio books continue to be narrated by the talented Tanya Eby/Tatiana Sokolov.

My time with writing friends was more limited this year, but I need to give a shout out to Deanna Chase who is my wonderful west coast retreat friend/ food buddy/ and unending source of joy. Thanks for having my back and letting me play at your house this past year. <3

I met with other friends online, far less often than I wished, but each time was a rush of happiness and a refilling of my well.

This adventure of writing is so much richer because of the people in my life.

 
bc18e6c1619d513f3de7ca665916350497dc1a3f

ONTO THE FUTURE!
Coming your way in 2024…and beyond.

I've definitely reached the stage of this writing game where I'm even less in the know than ever before. It used to be the characters who shanghaied me and took control…

Okay, it's still their fault. Lol.

It's also the fact that I'm enjoying traveling and adventuring as much as I can. I'm not tied down by children in activities. I'm healthy, but have had too many reminders from family and friends that being strong and able to do the exciting things I enjoy is a privilege and not one that will be there forever.

Am I done with writing? Definitely not! But I am enjoying every minute of it, which means sometimes a turn in the road, and sometimes different books than I expected.

I'm so excited to be able to share some of the future plans I have, and I know that you'll be patient if things twist at times to be a different shiny thing that makes us both happy.

 

 
f26f5bb5168887de258a606b6f634aeac82046c9
 

First book of 2024 will be the final book of the Timberwolf Lodge series.

You guys. This book. 

I've shared before how my characters often take control, and that's just fine. It's part of what I enjoy about writing. but this BOOK!

The answers to a lot of questions get pulled together in this Ode to Omegas title. Blue Carter has been waiting very patiently to find out what makes his fated mate tick. She's more than he ever imagined possible. 

The tagline for the story is pretty much perfect.

BREAKING THE RULES IS WHAT OMEGAS DO BEST

I hope you enjoy this story with the bonus romances I managed to sneak in, along with a lot more wolf puns.

 

The Omega's Prize

Apple Books ♥ Amazon Kindle ♥ B&N Nook ♥ Google Play ♥ Kobo

 

 
 
33e12682e5766a94cba457187ee14854807214ec
 

A shiny thing that I still don't know when it will happen is that I fell into one of my first loves this summer.

(Image is of the 3D printer dragon I bought at the Portland street market in October!)

Before I wrote cowboys, I read fantasy. My first Nanowrimo project was a fantasy.

I mentioned this a few newsletters ago. That my brain suddenly was full of the adventures of a cursed princess and the super sexy brooding hero she's in love with. There's a dragon and to quote one of my favourite movies “fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles.” 

This Romantasy is the longest book I've ever written, which means lots of time to fall in love with Sadie and Asher. You'll be able to dive into the mystical world of the Tapestry of Lies (or whatever it ends up being called!) at some point in 2024.

The details are just a little blurry still. 

I'll let you know more as soon as I can so we can all squeeee together.

 
 
71c96db9f9298271b1ea6e009abd09862314deb5
 

THE SKYES OF HEART FALLS

I know. I KNOW.

But I figured it out. Since 2011 I've written 46 books/stories following the contemporary western world of Rocky Mountain House and Heart Falls.

After finishing Dustin's story at the start of 2023, I took a break. But I'm not stopping. It was just an inhale for a while.

I have a little more done on book one in this NEW trilogy, and I promise it will be coming, along with happily-ever-afters for Tansy and the remaining Heart Falls favourites like Fern, and other tidbits like finding out exactly how Ginny managed to convince Tucker to seduce her. 😉 

Do I have a date for this wonderful book one, A Cowboy's Bride? I do not. (because I'm writing this part of the year end round up on November 7th, and I'm heading to Patagonia to hike in two weeks!)

BUT IT IS COMING. Because I too want to know what happens next in Heart Falls, and the only way for me to know is to write the books! Lol.

So keep watching your newsletters this year for the next announcement.

In the meantime, have you read all 46 of the past western stories and vignettes?  

CHECK OUT THE MASTER LIST HERE

 
 
6196ac8a03234a2106cab6266ed11a392f6df155
 

THE EVER-CHANGING FUTURE…

I'm very much following the wind these days. I still love storytelling, and I don't plan to stop. What I write, how often, and how much, is wholly based on what's happening with life outside my door.

But the sweet joy of falling into a story, and laughing with characters, and finding a HEA and adventures… those things are still high on my priority list for 2024.

You keep reading, I'll keep writing!

 
 
702f0365b3ef13e7e435ada4ae25614d35c301d9
 

What I write might not look the same as it did ten years ago. But then again, the world isn't the same anymore, and I'm not the same person, either.

Maybe we all need to stir it up at times and do a new thing, or in a new way.

Thanks for being a reader who loves romance. Thanks for loving the characters and situations I come up with. 

I hope my books bring you joy and a deep sense of connection to the power of happily-ever-afters and imagination.

Lots of love, and many good wishes for 2024.

XO, Viv

 

Categories: News

Leave A Reply

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Where to Buy Vivian's Books

  • Buy on AppleBooks
  • Buy on Amazon
  • Buy on Barnes & Noble
  • Buy from Book Depository
  • Buy at Books-A-Million
  • Buy from Google Play
  • Buy from Kobo
  • Buy from Audible

UK Booksellers
Buy from Apple, Kobo, Book Depository, Google Play, Amazon, and Audible

Canada Booksellers
Buy from Apple, Kobo, Book Depository, Indigo/Chapters, Google Play, Amazon, and Audible