Laughter is the Best Medicine

Well, hello everyone! Since my normal post day is the 30^th of each month, I missed you all in February. So much has happened, so much has changed in the world. Is everyone staying sane? Loving on your neighbors? We gotta keep looking out for those who don’t have anyone to look out for them. Be someone’s advocate!

But we also need to take care of ourselves. Like any big, unexpected event, pandemics can take an emotional toll on us humans, which could lead to anger, depression, and anxiety among other things. But do not despair! There are things we can do to help keep our emotional health in check.

One of my favorite ways is through humor. I learned this when going through chemotherapy at the age of nineteen, and it’s helped me through a lot of sad, depressing, and terrifying times since. Like now. Anyone who follows my Facebook author page or profile, knows this is true. I’ve posted so many memes, and shared so many funny personal situations in both places recently. (Note: My author page is now a “covid-free” zone, but I still share funny memes and moments there.)

Why? Because I figure if humor helps me cope, then maybe it helps others. And, as I said above, we gotta keep looking out for each other. So, in that vein, I’m going to share with you some of my favorite COVID-ninememes. (Ninememes…19…get it? Okay, never mind.)

 These are but a handful of what's out there. Share your own in the comments! 

Before I wrap up, I have some great news to share. On March 6^th, the next novella in my Prophecy series, quietly released! Yep, Skylar’s Gift is live almost everywhere. Did you get your copy yet? No? Well, what are you waiting for? Get it here!

One itsy-bitsy favor. It would mean the world to me if you could leave an honest review once you finish. I may feature it on my Facebook, Twitter, and/or MeWe pages.

Also, if you sign up for my monthly newsletter, you’ll receive a free copy of my short story, Space Ranger, which was featured in the first ever Pets in Space® anthology!

Thank you so much!

You all stay well, look out for each other, thank your grocery clerk, and I’ll see you next month.

XOXO,

~Lea Kirk 

~*~*~*~*~

USA Today Bestselling Author, Lea Kirk, loves to transport her readers to other worlds with her sci-fi romances. 

When she’s not busy writing about the blue and green aliens of her Prophecy series, she’s hanging out with her hubby, five kids (the nerd herd), and a spoiled Dobie mix pup.

She is currently working on the fourth book in her Prophecy series, and three new books for a new series to be released this fall. 

For more on Lea's books (past, present, & future), check out her:

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Make a Connection with Your Hero & Heroine with Humor

by Maureen L. Bonatch 

“Laugher is the shortest distance between two people.”- Victor Borge

When I met my husband everyone used to say that we were complete opposites, that they didn’t understand the connection. He is a loud, outgoing extrovert. I’m a quiet introvert. 

I used to always use the old saying as my rationale and insist that, “Opposites attract.” 

But since then, I’ve learned there was something underlying that drew us together in the first place, that forged the connection that we’ve maintained over decades. It’s a shared sense of humor. 

Various studies have shown that…  

• Women are attracted to men who make them laugh
• Inside jokes between couples helps to create a bond, establishes security, and helps relationships last longer
• Funny people are thought to be more social and more intelligent

Humor in Your Story Benefits Your Readers

Besides the fun you’ll have writing the story between your heroine and hero, you’ll be helping out your readers, too. That’s because laughter is more than just good for the soul, laughter is good for you, it can…

• Lower blood pressure
• Release endorphins
• Produce a general sense of well being
• Reduce stress hormone levels 

Hooking Up Your Hero and Heroine

So, the next time you’re looking for that connection between your hero and heroine, perhaps you can look a little further than skin deep. The color of your heroine’s hair might change through the years, and perhaps those massive muscles of your hero start to decline as their love grows and he has less time to devote to the gym. A shared sense of humor is timeless, and doesn’t fade over the years. It only nurtures the savored, favorite inside jokes and deepens the bond.

Wanna Tickle Your Funny Bone?

I love writing humor into my stories. GrandmaMust Die was great fun to create.

Carman has worn out more towns and last names than impractical shoes protecting the secret of her magic blood. 

But when a friend goes missing, and another is infected with a deadly spell, Carman must choose. 

Expose her magic blood by curing the spell—or stop the infection from spreading by killing the source…the grandmother.

Is a Sense of Humor High on Your Checklist of Essential Qualities in a Hero in Fiction and/or Reality?

About Me:

Maureen Bonatch dreamt of becoming a Solid Gold Dancer. When the show ended, she followed other paths. Surviving motherhood to twins (so far) gave her the confidence to learn belly dancing, declare herself a tequila connoisseur and act as biker babe with her alpha hubby. Maureen grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—biking, sweat pants, hockey and hibernation—kept her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line.

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