Hello friends!

I’ve been quiet…. I know.
It’s been a crazy year, hasn’t it? I wish I could say I was holed up like a hermit writing beautiful love stories, but truth be told I haven’t had the energy or time for it. I’ve got a few ideas swirling for a new series but for me, writing requires few distractions, a calm environment, and a block of time. None of which I’ve had since March.

Homeschooling, my 9-5 job, a house filled with noise… constant, effing noise. I just… couldn’t. I’m a creative person and needed an outlet, even if just for 30 minutes at a shot. I wanted to feel like I was doing something good.

So I started sewing masks to donate to those in need. Then a few friends asked if I could make some for them. “How much do I owe you?” they’d ask. “Nothing,” I’d say, but my generous friends are persistent, so I’d agree to a couple of bucks to cover the cost of materials so I could continue sewing masks to donate. What started as something charitable grew into something more – It became my creative outlet; my peace if only for a few moments; and a way to keep going.

I hope to get back to writing soon. But in the meantime, I’ll keep making these masks (and a few other sewing projects) until the need has been fulfilled.
I tested a few different designs and found a technique that weaves together the things I loved about each design, and I made a tutorial. So if you’re curious about how I make my masks, watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVtq50blXPU

And if you’re interested in snagging a mask of your own and don’t want to make one: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mlcarringtonshop

Adjustable Cloth Face Mask, Zippered Pouch, & Dog Bandana by MLCarrington on Etsy

4th of July FREEBIE!

Happy Independence Day, America!

I’m thankful for my freedom to read and write anything my heart desires, even if that does mean morally questionable content (oh my!). It’s also my birthday month, so I thought I’d celebrate by giving away free ebook copies of In Search of Jude.

Grab your copy today! In Search of Jude is free on Amazon now through 7/7/19!

Download Now

Swag anyone?

Most authors I know create some sort of swag to give to readers when promoting their books. When I started to think about what sort of gifties readers might enjoy from me, I kept coming back to the idea of creating something readers would actually use, and that would be totally customized for my books. What better way to become fully immersed in a story than by experiencing it through the senses?

Voila! The idea for creating scented candles inspired by my characters came to life! I tested various waxes and scent combinations, eventually arriving at The Carrington Collection.

When I recently gave a friend two candles, she immediately convinced me to make them available to everyone. So, now others can have one of these hand-poured (by me) lovelies of their own!

Want to learn more? Visit The Shop

Cover Reveal + Release News

Hi Everyone!

This certainly has been a long time coming but I’m thrilled to finally announce the release of my second novel, In Search of Jude!

I owe my endless gratitude to an AH-MAZING TRIBE of ARC & Beta readers, proof-editors, indie author community groups, and my supportive family & friends for their time and love in helping me create a story I’m truly PROUD of. THANK YOU!

Release Date: May 5, 2019
Available in paperback & eBook from Amazon

eBook Pre-Order Available Now!

Pre-Order Now

BLURB:
When a steamy seven-month affair with the love of his life ends, psychologist and self-diagnosed empath, Jude Warner plummets into severe depression. Feeling hopeless, Jude wants nothing more than to put the past behind him and to understand what his purpose in life is without Sara.

Just when he thought life couldn’t possibly get any worse, Jude becomes entangled with the dark secrets of a patient suffering from paranoid personality disorder, threatening to destroy any chance Jude may have left of finding happiness.

As detective Holly Pierce searches for answers to Jude’s unlikely disappearance, details emerge about his relationship with Sara, altering the course of their lives forever.

Time is running out for Jude. Will he find love again? More importantly, will he be found?

WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Stay connected with me by joining me on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, and Twitter!

Let it go, and be okay with it

Sometimes, you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. – Dr. Seuss

Life gets in the way of my plans, but that’s okay. Why? Because inevitably, I learn something new, or find opportunity to have an impact on someone else’s life when “my plans” aren’t, well, going as planned.

I had high hopes for 2017 – to release In Search of Jude; to lose 15 pounds; to spend more time with my family; to meditate. While some of those goals were achieved, completing my second novel was not one of them. And I’m okay with that, because while I wasn’t writing or editing or engaging with readers, I was supporting my husband and embracing life with my amazing children, who are growing up way too fast!

And how coincidental the catalyst [cancer] for the crafting of my first novel, What Sara Said, rear its ugly head once again as I was amid writing another novel. (Perhaps the universe is telling me I should stop writing? Hmm… I think not) You see, in 2009 my husband was diagnosed with a “lazy” form of leukemia, which left us with the decision to “watch and wait”, rather than treat. After dealing with the shock and emotion that followed the diagnosis, I began to write. It took more than 6 years for me to finish my first story. Fast forward to 2017 and after a series of hospitalizations (which we initially thought were unrelated to cancer), the decision to begin treatment was made. I think I’d had maybe eight chapters of In Search of Jude written when hubby started chemo in the Spring of 2017. By Christmas, he was done with treatment, and it was declared he’d only need to see his oncologist for a check-up every 4 months or so.

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Spring one year later, and here I am. Last month I pulled together my pieces and started writing again. God, it feels so good – to have had the strength to let it go for a while (but not let that bother me) knowing I was doing something more important; to pick up where I left off; to be creative and write again. Thank you, everyone, for your support.

42k words written. Chapter 17 in progress. Roughly another 15-20k words to go.

Ten Things I’ve Learned by Becoming an Author

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Life is too short to not learn something from every experience we have.

My writing journey began more than six years before I self-published my first novel, with an idea for a narrative that was conceived in the wee hours of the morning while I nursed my infant son. Under the heavy influence of minimal sleep, and the works of authors such as Stephanie Meyer, Elizabeth Brundage, and Jodi Picoult, the idea grew as my life unfolded, twisted, and turned – rich with experiences that shaped a fluid perspective on life and relationships. The complete story of Sara’s gripping love triangle emerged, and an author was born.

When I started writing, I quickly realized that doing so would be a process – one that would take me through varying degrees of both pride and self-doubt; one that would by nature force me to learn about the art and dynamics of writing, and about myself; and one that would take years, a lifetime, to master. Here are some of the things I learned during that process:

1. Writing fiction is therapeutic.

2. Writing about relationships, love, and sex will garner some interesting search queries.

3. Candid advice offered by seasoned authors is gold – listen to, and respect every word. Good beta-readers are equally invaluable.

4. Time passes with great speed when the creative juices are flowing – it seems like there’s never enough time to write it all!

5. Writing can be one of the most complicated forms of self-expression, heavily influenced by personal experience. Publishing invites the world into your story. Be ready to be judged by it. Embrace the positive reviews, and learn from the not-so-positive ones.

6. Proofread, revise, and then when you think you have a final draft, put it away for at least a week. Repeat two dozen times.

7. If the story is worth writing at all, take the time to write it well. Don’t rush to publish.

8. Did I mention that writing is a process?

9. Acknowledge those that helped along the way.

10. There is always more that I can learn.

Praise for What Sara Said

Nearly two months ago, we celebrated the official release of What Sara Said! Since then, hundreds of readers from around the globe have immersed themselves into Sara’s twisted story of love and heartache. Hear why reviewers are giving M.L. Carrington’s debut novel FIVE STARS, and then grab a copy of What Sara Said to experience the story for yourself!

Share your review by clicking HERE!

M. L. Carrington is a new and powerful voice in the fiction world and she is making some noise with her novel, What Sara Said… Dark, riveting and well-written…  
Dianne, Tome Tender Book Blog   fivestars

 

There is plenty of drama, angst, and moments which had me biting my nails… And that ending…My goodness, that ending!!! I can’t wait to read the next book… 
Kara, Give Me Books Blog   fourandhalf stars

The author portrays the characters extremely well; you know them, you care about them… I am sure that anyone reading this story will be able to relate, whether or not they have ever had a similar experience.

This is a debut novel that shows M.L. Carrington talent. Her books will be on my “to be read” list. I am already looking forward to the next story.
Book Reviews by Jill Corley    fivestars

If you enjoy an easy read that holds your attention while also keeping you in suspense, ‘What Sara Said’ makes for a most enjoyable and enticing story. At the same time, this emotionally driven experience will grab your heart, sometimes challenging the relationship between your conscience and your libido.
Amazon customer   fivestars

 

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Free e-book on St. Patrick’s Day!

“When I count my blessings, I count you twice.”
– Irish blessing

I’m truly thankful for all of my blessings – especially for those that have helped me along my journey as an author and read, reviewed or shared my debut novel. To show my appreciation, I’m offering What Sara Said for free to download on Amazon on March 17.

Hurry – offer is good for one day only!

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