Iconic! Seriously, everyone knows the restaurant scene where Sally (Meg Ryan) "fakes it." (I've added the YouTube video below.) And Harry (Billy Crystal) completely believes the men and women can't just be friends, the sex part is an issue. I'd bet most people in their 40's could watch this movie with the sound off and quote it. It was just that kind of movie for the late 80's.

Two people meet on a drive from Chicago to New York after college. Sally is a little high strung and Harry is a bit of a pig. They just don't hit it off and they part ways. They meet a few more times over the years, both in and out of relationships and marriages, and what happens? Friendship! Can men and women really be friends? Harry and Sally proved it could happen.

Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby are the best friends of Harry and Sally, and they fall in love. Isn't that the way of it? Now they have to be around each other no matter what. 

Of course, in a romantic comedy, you need some romance, right? In the end they do fall in love for all the reasons they fought.

This movie is filled with the one liners that you carry though out your life. Not just you, but your friends and your husband too! At any moment, I could randomly quote this movie and my husband would fall in line with the next quote.

This movie made me want to stay home on New Years and eat Mallomar cookies. (I don't even think we have them in Colorado.) I wanted to go to New Year's parties like they did every year. I wanted to work from home and write like Sally did. (OH! I DO THAT!) And seriously, Carrie Fisher's hair in this movie is still freaking cute.

But what brought these characters to life was their flaws. Sally orders everything, "on the side." And really, Harry is a pig, but he doesn't really want to be.

You can't help but fall in love with them and laugh all the way to the alter.

Love,
Bernadette Marie

For more information on When Harry Met Sally go to IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098635

​

To be honest, I don't know if this appeals to me because of her or him. Though, I'm going to go out on a limb as say this movie has my heart because of Bill Pullman.

The characters, Lucy and Jack, first of all have two of my most favorite names. Seriously, that wins me over right there. My son's name is Jack and had we had a girl, she'd have been Lucy.

Jack has a sweet side to him. He's that guy that needs to take care of everyone--the go to guy. He has a crazy big family, though I'll admit, the teenage sister and the 40-something brothers is a bit odd...but they were probably younger then--not entirely sure. Eclectic families are what I thrive of writing about, so seriously that shouldn't hinder me at all.

Lucy is lost in the world. Both of her parents have passed and all she has is her cat, and the landlords annoying son Joe Jr., cringe worthy yet you want to help him out he's so awkward.

Anyway, Lucy falls in love with Jack's brother Peter from afar. It just so happens she saves his life and while he's in a coma there is a big misunderstanding about who she is. They think she's his fiancee. If you get a good case of confusion going it builds a good story. So Lucy, now living this lie, is enveloped into Peter's family during the holidays. Now, not having her own family, we want her to have this. Of course, Jack seems to be there at every turn and oh, boy, do we start to fall for him--all of us--including Lucy.

By the time Peter wakes up Lucy and Jack are in love and it happened While You Were Sleeping...get it?

This film appeals to my writer side from the family aspect. Jack works for his dad, has the mom that organizes all the chaos, a loving little sister, crazy grandmother, older brother (Peter) who is full of that kind of stuff you don't like, yet...he's likable, and there's the best friend of the family too! How can you go wrong with this comedy group following them around the whole movie? 

Of course, we all want to save poor Lucy. She breaks our hearts! Then there is that swift and noble Jack who comes along and soothes us all. I love guys like that. The one that's perhaps not as strikingly handsome (though Pullman wins in my book), understated success, and humble. It's one of those high-five moments when the pretty boy lawyer doesn't get the girl.

This one stands out at one of my faves! Check it out if you haven't seen it. You'll be in for a good time!

Love,
Bernadette Marie

(You can find information on this movie at ​http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114924)

I LOVE Romantic Comedies! In fact, I'm hard pressed to watch anything else. Romantic Comedies have helped shape who I am as a writer. Perhaps its how I live my life. Trust me, you're not married for 23 years and have 5 sons and not have a lot of comedy in your life!

Join me next week as I spotlight my favorite Romantic Comedies. The following week, I'll spotlight the films that other authors chose as their favorites.

What is your favorite Romantic Comedy?

Love,
​Bernadette Marie

​"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." Milton Berle.

So often we wait for opportunities to come to us. Opportunity will present itself, we think. When the time is right, we tell ourselves.

As an author, I know I've thought that myself. 

When I began to pursue writing very seriously, I made myself a name. What does that mean? I pressed my nose up against some windows. I went to conferences and walked the walk and did the talk. I met people that became excited for me. I became an author.

I got shot down with my pitches and editors thumbed their noses at me. What a great lesson in humility. Then opportunity knocked.

One day, in my email, came a shiny and brilliant email asking me to submit my work to a publisher because they wanted to publish me. (And they say it never works to put yourself out there. Look at that!) Being the eager author that I am (you know, the kind that is about to take over the world) I jumped in with both feet. Does it surprise you that it all crashed and burned around me? (I didn't think you'd be surprised.)

There is a process, and I'd done right by pushing my nose up against the glass, because my head was still above water, even if all my dreams were drowning. 

I had a future here, but it wasn't going to be at the hands of someone else. So I built a door. I built a platform that others soon wanted to stand on as well. When I opened that door of opportunity I had built, in the shape of a publishing company, all my dreams came true. Once my feet were in a stable position, I helped others achieve their dreams and then some of them built their own doors to opportunity.

I think, sometimes, opportunity got tired of knocking on doors and began to hide behind the raw wood of doors yet to be built. Build your own door, stand on your own platform. Seriously, push your nose up against the glass and look in. Whatever you want can happen for you.

#LivingPositiveIn2016

Happy Reading,
Bernadette Marie

​It's human nature to want to make everyone around you happy. I mean, who doesn't want to do their best as not to disappoint anyone. However,  how often have you been disappointed in yourself?

I don't think there is a day that goes by that I don't look in the mirror and find something to critizie myself over. Usually, for me, it's the way my jeans fit or something along those lines. I begin to beat myself up quietly for what I've eaten or for not getting to the gym the day before. 

If it were someone else's happiness that depended on me feeding them the right foods or getting them to the gym, I'd do that. I'd make sure they were taken care of, and they wouldn't be disappointed in my effort. But when it comes to me, it's different.

Why do we do that, I wonder? Why would I not want myself to succeed? I want to succeed, but isn't it funny that I can't tell myself that, and it be enough.

It's not just in the area of physical appearance that we beat ourselves up. It's about our career choices, the raising of our children, our political views. 

I'm a list maker and an alarm setter. I find that keeps me focused on what I need to do at a certain time. Starting tomorrow, I'll be writing, "Don't disappoint yourself," on my list. Just a gentle reminder that I would work harder for anyone else in the world, but that I need to focus on working on number one--Me!

It's been a journey, but I find that when I start my day giving thanks for what I have, everything falls into place a little smoother. The good things become the BIG things, and the bad things remain small and insignificant. It's easy to be grateful for my family. I love them. But sometimes, again, a good moment can be ruined by a bad mood. It's then you have to step back and be grateful for that mood. It reminds you that it's not so bad. Dirty dishes remind you that you had food to eat. Dirty laundry reminds you that you had clothes to wear. Items strung around your house remind you that you have things to enjoy. A commute reminds you that you have a job. Tears remind you that you feel. Fingerprints on your wall remind you that little hands were there. 

When you think of the blessings in those "negatives," they don't seem so bad anymore. And the good things just get Bigger!

Wake with a grateful heart. Sit for a moment and give thanks for those blessings. Write them down and remember them always. Or take a quiet moment to reflect on them.

Always have a grateful heart,
 Bernadette Marie 

"Believe you can and you're half way there." T. Roosevelt

One of the easiest things in life is to dream. Dreaming takes very little effort, and it comes to us even when we're sleeping. To act on that dream, that takes a little more work. A lot of planning goes into making a dream a reality. Very often we stumble and fall. Wanting to give up is an easy feeling. Doing so, even easier. Finding the courage to continue, that takes a lot of believing in yourself. And if you believe you can do something you're half way to your goal. Keep dreaming! Keep Believing!

Have a Beautiful Day!
~Bernadette Marie~
​#WiseWords

I am passionate about writing what I love to read, about the process, and about helping others achieve their goals when it comes to getting their books published. How do you know you're right where you're supposed to be? It consumes you. Sometimes you even disappear from society because your passion is driving you.

Yesterday, I was telling a dear friend about the things I'd been working on. My voice went up in octive. My hands began to fly in the air, and my heart began to race because I was so happy to share my plans with her.

I could talk writing process for hours without tiring. The publishing industry is changing at a maddening pace right now. It's very exciting. It can be frustrating, but that too stirs passion. 

I'm very passionate about the stories I write as well. I have had readers come to me and tell me how that moment they picked up one of my books, their lives changed. Sure, reading HEA romance may not change how you live your life, but at the right moment it might get you through a tough time. What a wonderful thing to hear your work touched someone in such a way. Why wouldn't you want to keep doing it?

Not a day goes by that I don't find thankfulness in what I do. It's a wonderful feeling knowing no matter how busy you are at work it's going to be an amazing day. I'm passionate about what I do, are you?

I'm so excited to have my Keller Family Series Novella, A ROMANCE FOR CHRISTMAS, as part of the 5 Prince Publishing anthology, UNWRAP THE ROMANCE. 

If you're a fan of the Keller Family Series, you remember Tiffany, the beautiful, red-headed best friend of Spencer Benson. A ROMANCE FOR CHRISTMAS is Tiffany's love story. It combines the magic of Christmas, and of course my love of Country Music.

All six novellas are Christmas romances that you're sure to love. Found exclusively on Amazon, this collection is only .99 and Free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.

Let's face it, professional letters on letterhead aren't always your first contact with a company or with someone in which you're trying to impress. Email has certainly taken over in that department. However, at the same time, lack of quality has taken over as well. When emailing a publishing professional, make sure to spotlight your writing skills in the initial email.

This is what you should include in a professional email.

Begin with a greeting:
If you know who you are sending the email to, it is always nice to begin the email with, "Dear Ms. Smith." Should you know personally know the recipient and are on a first name basis with them, you could use their first name. If you're not sure to whom the email should be sent to, begin with "To whom it may concern."  Just remember that if this is a professional email, you should take some time in knowing who the email is going to. Beginning an email with, "Hey! I want you to publish my book," is not keeping it professional.

Start by thanking the recipient (if they are getting back to you.)
Let's say you are returning an email to someone who has queried you. No matter what the question might have been in the original email, it is always good to begin with, "Thank you for your recent email," or "Thank you for contacting us." People who are reaching out to a company want to know that they are appreciated. This is a great way to always be courteous, even if you're writing an email that isn't full of good news.

What is your purpose:
There is a reason you're emailing the recipient. What is it?

This might be the first communication you are having with the recipient, therefore thanks might not be called for. However, let them know why you are emailing by stating your purpose. "I am writing to enquire about..." or "in reference to..." Make your purpose clear before you get into the body of your test. Use good grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Get to the point and be clear about what you're trying to say or ask.

In closing:
Make sure to thank the recipient for taking the time to read your email. This is a good time to also add a note of reply, if you're expecting one. "Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to talking to you." or  "Thank you for your time."


How to end your professional email:
End with an appropriate closing. "Best regards," "Sincerely," and "Thank you," are all professional. Avoid "Best wishes," "See ya!" and "Cheers." Leave those to the casual email you're sending to your friend.

Of course, before you send the email proof it. Check your spelling. Make sure your contact information and your name is attached. Did you say what you needed to say? Do they know you're awaiting a reply? Always check your work. 

One more point. If you're trying to make an impression of professionalism, check your email address. Does it say too much about you? If you're looking to be professional for the long haul, think about getting a professional email address that gives you that appearance as well.