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Denise M. Colby

Historical Romance Sweetened with Faith, Hope, & Love

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  • Meet Denise
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    • Best-laid Plans Series
      • When Plans Go Awry
      • A Slight Change of Plans
      • No Plan At All
      • A Whole New Plan – Book 3 in the Best-laid Plans Series
    • Short and Sweet Compilations
      • The Short and Sweet of It
      • Short and Sweet’s Family Album
  • Old Schoolhouses
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    • A Slice of Orange
  • How To Start A Prayer Journal
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  • Focus Word For the Year
    • Flourish, Word of the Year, Highlights
    • Grow, Word of the Year, Highlights
    • Change, Word of the Year, Highlights
    • Courage, Word of the Year, Highlights

OC Romance Writers Meeting 3.11.23 Handouts

PDF of the presentation slides

10-Ways-to-Improve-SEODownload

Below are some handouts that were discussed during our meeting

On-Page-SEO-ChecklistDownload
CategoryTagsOrgHelpBlankDownload
Blog-SEO-Tracking Excel FileDownload

Blog posts about SEO – Additional content/support

Testing out Alt Text Example

Adding SEO with Book Reviews

Custom URL and How To Make One

Using a Blog SEO Checklist to Streamline Your Blog Post

Bible Verse 1 Corinthians 13:7 written over a photo of a ranch entry with wood and dirt path

Bert the Rooster in When Plans Go Awry drawn by Kyle Colby

Meet Bert the rooster in When Plans Go Awry

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Welcome to May! Book Birthday Month for A Whole Ne Welcome to May! Book Birthday Month for A Whole New Plan. There will be lots of things I hope to share with you all as we head toward release day on May 26, 2026. First up is introducing you to Fido. He found Lydia (or she found him) before she came to Washton and he hasn't left her side since. He has lots of energy and causes some mischief. I did ask AI to build a graphic from one of the first scenes in the book and love how this came out. What do you see in this picture? A dog having the time of his life or is he causing mayhem? or Bert and Fido don't get off to a great start. You'll have to read the book to find out what happens next. You can preorder the e-book now at https://amzn.to/421OjOC
I couldn't resist decorating our dog, Ace, along w I couldn't resist decorating our dog, Ace, along with Bert, with a birthday hat. No way would either of them wear one on their own. But it's hard to believe today is the last day of April. April is always a crazy month for our family because in a 7 day span we have two kid birthdays and our anniversary, along with Easter wherever that falls. It's a special month for sure and I'm always sad to see it go. But now I realize May is A Whole New Plan's book birthday month and that gives me something to look forward to! There's a lot to be joyful about for sure. Thankful for everyone who has shared how excited they are to read this book. May is going to be a great month.
FOUR WEEKS! woohoo! A Whole New Plan releases four FOUR WEEKS! woohoo! A Whole New Plan releases four weeks from today - Tuesday May 26, 2026. Can't wait for you all to read Will and Lydia's story. Pre-order the e-book for $1 savings now - https://amzn.to/421OjOC A wounded Pinkerton agent. A cautious pastor. When danger threatens, only faith—and God’s perfect plan—can show them the way forward. there's a little bit for everyone in this story: 💕 Romance Tropes * Slow Burn Romance * Opposites Attract * Pretend Engagement / Fake Relationship * Out of My League * Forced Proximity * Protector Hero 🔍 Mystery/Adventure Tropes * Pinkerton Agent / Lady Detective * Small-Town Mystery * Undercover Investigation * Secrets & Hidden Identity Sometimes God’s best plan is the one we never expected. California, 1870. Pastor William Baker built his life on steady faith and safe choices, but the arrival of Lydia Spencer upends everything. Independent, outspoken, and hiding a limp from a recent injury, Lydia is unlike any woman he’s ever known. And she has no interest in church—or in sharing her secrets. What Will doesn’t realize is that Lydia is a Pinkerton detective, undercover as a schoolteacher while tracking a dangerous crime boss. She’s determined to protect her friends in Washton… even if it means keeping her distance from the kind, steadfast pastor who sees too much. When strange thefts strike the ranch and a frightened boy appears with ties to their past, Will and Lydia are thrown together in a search for truth—and find themselves fighting not only for justice, but for a future neither had planned. Full of faith, mystery, and romance, A Whole New Plan weaves a story of healing hearts and unexpected love amidst God’s perfect design.
VOTE TODAY and every day between April 27-May 9 fo VOTE TODAY and every day between April 27-May 9 for A Slight Change of Plans cover in the Clean Fiction Cover Art Contest. https://www.sunsetvalleycreations.com/vote - scroll to the bottom to click on the vote here now bar and then select Cover 4/submit (at the bottom). thank you in advance! Let's win this - together!
A Whole New Plan releases one month from today - T A Whole New Plan releases one month from today - Tuesday May 26, 2026. Can't wait for you all to read Will and Lydia's story. Pre-order the e-book for $1 savings now athttps://amzn.to/421OjOC A wounded Pinkerton agent. A cautious pastor. When danger threatens, only faith—and God’s perfect plan—can show them the way forward. there's a little bit for everyone in this story: 💕 Romance Tropes * Slow Burn Romance * Opposites Attract * Pretend Engagement / Fake Relationship * Out of My League * Forced Proximity * Protector Hero 🔍 Mystery/Adventure Tropes * Pinkerton Agent / Lady Detective * Small-Town Mystery * Undercover Investigation * Secrets & Hidden Identity
You may find any of these elements in the story. T You may find any of these elements in the story. The frying pan was inspired by a favorite movie of mine. You'll have to read A Whole New Plan to learn more. Releases May 26, 2026. #bookrelease #newbookrelease #historicalromance #ChristianHistoricalFiction #awholenewplanbook #bestlaidplansseries
I love how this came out! Bible verse themed stick I love how this came out! Bible verse themed sticker design. I'm thinking of setting up a site to sell these on - would love to know if people would be interested? Let me know in the comments.
Trying this again - since the graphic didn’t com Trying this again - since the graphic didn’t come out right - I’m so excited to share this news. I found out this week that A Slight Change of Plans finaled in The North Texas Romance Writers Carolyn Award reader contest. (in the Inspirational Category) . Winners will be announced in early May. But I feel very honored to be in the same announcement with one of my favorite authors Karen Witemeyer, so I call this a win :)
I'm so excited to share this news. I found out thi I'm so excited to share this news. I found out this week that A Slight Change of Plans finaled in The North Texas Romance Writers Carolyn Award reader contest. (in the Inspirational Category) . Winners will be announced in early May. But I feel very honored to be in the same announcement with one of my favorite authors Karen Witemeyer, so I call this a win :)
I'm sure you see this a lot from authors. The algo I'm sure you see this a lot from authors. The algorithm's now depend on the number of written reviews each individual book has. Even if it's a simple "I liked the book". If you haven't reviewed any of my books yet on Amazon, GoodReads, BookBub, B&N, BooksAMillion, Walmart, or other platform, please consider doing so! Thank you in advance!
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it i Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) #AWholeNewPlanBook #BestlaidPlansSeries #historicalromance
5 weeks to book launch day! May 26, 2026 A wounde 5 weeks to book launch day! May 26, 2026 A wounded Pinkerton agent. A cautious pastor. When danger threatens, only faith—and God’s perfect plan—can show them the way forward. A Whole New Plan releases May 26, 2026. e-book preorders for a discount are happening now on now at https://amzn.to/421OjOC there's a little bit for everyone in this story: 💕 Romance Tropes * Slow Burn Romance * Opposites Attract * Pretend Engagement / Fake Relationship * Out of My League * Forced Proximity * Protector Hero 🔍 Mystery/Adventure Tropes * Pinkerton Agent / Lady Detective * Small-Town Mystery * Undercover Investigation * Secrets & Hidden Identity Sometimes God’s best plan is the one we never expected. California, 1870. Pastor William Baker built his life on steady faith and safe choices, but the arrival of Lydia Spencer upends everything. Independent, outspoken, and hiding a limp from a recent injury, Lydia is unlike any woman he’s ever known. And she has no interest in church—or in sharing her secrets. What Will doesn’t realize is that Lydia is a Pinkerton detective, undercover as a schoolteacher while tracking a dangerous crime boss. She’s determined to protect her friends in Washton… even if it means keeping her distance from the kind, steadfast pastor who sees too much. When strange thefts strike the ranch and a frightened boy appears with ties to their past, Will and Lydia are thrown together in a search for truth—and find themselves fighting not only for justice, but for a future neither had planned. Full of faith, mystery, and romance, A Whole New Plan weaves a story of healing hearts and unexpected love amidst God’s perfect design.
Today I want you to meet Will. He's Luke's (from W Today I want you to meet Will. He's Luke's (from When Plans Go Awry) best friend and Sarah's (from No Plan at All) brother. Cautious with his plans, he feels a bit stuck. Until he meets Lydia, and then he can't understand what is happening to him. A Whole New Plan releases May 26, 2026. e-book preorders for a discount are happening now on now at https://amzn.to/421OjOC Sometimes God’s best plan is the one we never expected. California, 1870. Pastor William Baker built his life on steady faith and safe choices, but the arrival of Lydia Spencer upends everything. Independent, outspoken, and hiding a limp from a recent injury, Lydia is unlike any woman he’s ever known. And she has no interest in church—or in sharing her secrets. What Will doesn’t realize is that Lydia is a Pinkerton detective, undercover as a schoolteacher while tracking a dangerous crime boss. She’s determined to protect her friends in Washton… even if it means keeping her distance from the kind, steadfast pastor who sees too much. When strange thefts strike the ranch and a frightened boy appears with ties to their past, Will and Lydia are thrown together in a search for truth—and find themselves fighting not only for justice, but for a future neither had planned. Full of faith, mystery, and romance, A Whole New Plan weaves a story of healing hearts and unexpected love amidst God’s perfect design. there's a little bit for everyone in this story: 💕 Romance Tropes * Slow Burn Romance * Opposites Attract * Pretend Engagement / Fake Relationship * Out of My League * Forced Proximity * Protector Hero 🔍 Mystery/Adventure Tropes * Pinkerton Agent / Lady Detective * Small-Town Mystery * Undercover Investigation * Secrets & Hidden Identity
Today, I want you to meet Lydia from A Whole New P Today, I want you to meet Lydia from A Whole New Plan. She came west with the band of teachers in 1869 and somehow has found her way to Washton while she recuperates. She's a bit spunky, independent, curious, and likes to work alone. Until she can't. A Whole New Plan releases May 26, 2026. e-book preorders for a discount are happening now on now at https://amzn.to/421OjOC Sometimes God’s best plan is the one we never expected. California, 1870. Pastor William Baker built his life on steady faith and safe choices, but the arrival of Lydia Spencer upends everything. Independent, outspoken, and hiding a limp from a recent injury, Lydia is unlike any woman he’s ever known. And she has no interest in church—or in sharing her secrets. What Will doesn’t realize is that Lydia is a Pinkerton detective, undercover as a schoolteacher while tracking a dangerous crime boss. She’s determined to protect her friends in Washton… even if it means keeping her distance from the kind, steadfast pastor who sees too much. When strange thefts strike the ranch and a frightened boy appears with ties to their past, Will and Lydia are thrown together in a search for truth—and find themselves fighting not only for justice, but for a future neither had planned. Full of faith, mystery, and romance, A Whole New Plan weaves a story of healing hearts and unexpected love amidst God’s perfect design. there's a little bit for everyone in this story: 💕 Romance Tropes * Slow Burn Romance * Opposites Attract * Pretend Engagement / Fake Relationship * Out of My League * Forced Proximity * Protector Hero 🔍 Mystery/Adventure Tropes * Pinkerton Agent / Lady Detective * Small-Town Mystery * Undercover Investigation * Secrets & Hidden Identity
Can I just say how fun it is to google search my b Can I just say how fun it is to google search my book title and name and have a whole bunch of data points appear! We are in countdown mode for launch. May 27, 2026! So excited.
This page in my bullet journal makes me smile! I c This page in my bullet journal makes me smile! I can't believe I've been choosing a focus word for over ten years now! Of course I need to add this years word in. One of the things I never expected was how each word has built on the one before it. Like an onion - there are many layers to how God is molding and shaping me. And even though this was originally a way for me to encourage myself in my writing (when I started in 2015), it has been very life-affirming in all aspects of my life.
Join A Whole New Plan’s Book Launch Team. I’m Join A Whole New Plan’s Book Launch Team. I’m looking for a small group of people to read an early ARC copy, write and post a review on GoodReads, BookBub, or other book site, and post graphics sharing about the book launch. If interested, please fill out this google form. Limited spots available! https://forms.gle/hASxdSUEmPRBDHzj8
Limited time Christian Romance Sale through April Limited time Christian Romance Sale through April 11. https://books.bookfunnel.com/easter-christian-romance/p2zyi93vck
He is risen. Happy Easter. He is risen. Happy Easter.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 - to everything there is a season Ecclesiastes 3:1 - to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.
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