Location: Canada
Member Since: Sep. 18, 2012

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Sandy Appleyard

Biography

Some have said that if you see me on the street (usually with a book in hand or a laptop fired up), I appear a cold, hard-fisted person. However, once we’ve spoken for five minutes or less, you’ll have laughed at least once. That is, provided you appreciate sarcastic, self-deprecating wit.

My first short story was penned in middle school and I was hooked ever since.

I graduated with honours from Humber College and began working as an Administrative Coordinator for a large, multinational corporation shortly afterward. Quickly learning that the corporate world, despite the love I had for my job, is a slow killer of creativity, I chose to quit during maternity leave in 2006.

Difficulty thinking outside the box soon evaporated when I received something that didn’t come in one: my first child. While at home with the baby my imaginative energy got the better of me and my first memoir was written. It had been a dream of mine to write about my late father, who passed away from alcoholism in 1992, and it took me two years to compose a fifty-page manuscript, but I did it.

After my second daughter was born in 2008 I had more fuel to write, and felt it necessary to voice the challenges and inherent gifts I acquired during my struggles with Scoliosis. Hence, my second memoir was born. The words flowed out of me with such ease I shocked myself.

My love for words grew with each book I read and every word I wrote. I soon realized I had no more material to write non-fiction, which led me to take a stab at fiction. The next two books were such a revelation: it became more and more clear what my true calling was. The rest, as they say, is history!

Smashwords Interview

What do you keep in mind as you write? An overarching question? A theme? The last line of a book?
Because I write novels that are mostly mysterious, I find it’s almost like writing a book backwards. You know how you want it to end, but you have to tie all the clues in to the beginning and the middle. So as I’m writing, I make sure all my facts are straight and in keeping with the resolution. My stories all have happy endings; I make sure of that. I also make sure I leave my readers with a tear in their eye and warmth in their heart. As long as those things are achieved, my job is done.
At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I wrote my first two books, which are memoirs, I initially thought they were all I would ever want to write. There was nothing that remained that was interesting to write about myself. Then one night I went to bed after reading Nicholas Sparks’s ‘A Walk to Remember’ and eating a whole bunch of cheese. When I awoke, the idea for my first novel ‘Blessed and Betrayed’ literally popped into my head. I recorded the idea in my phone and a few days later began writing. After that, I knew there was more to my writing than memoirs. Since then I’ve written three more books and started a fourth.
Read more of this interview.

Where to find Sandy Appleyard online

Website: http://www.sandyappleyard.com
Twitter: @sandyappleyard
Facebook: Facebook profile
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=185584098&trk=tab_pro
Blog: http://www.sandyappleyard.com/category/

Where to buy in print

http://www.amazon.com

Books

Missed in Texas by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 50,680. Language: English. Published: April 8, 2024 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » Western
An actress. A veterinarian. A deep and unexpected love. And a past that follows her to Hollywood, to try to take away the one thing she never knew she wanted…again.
Fooled in Texas by
Pre-release—available December 2, 2024. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 47,890. Language: English. Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Later in Life
A secret crush. A filthy lie. A disastrous reunion. And a little present set to make an event more memorable…unless the wrong wire is cut and it all goes out with a bang.
Jovi by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 44,040. Language: English. Published: December 25, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Holiday
An unforgiving past. A future on the chopping block. And a secret revealed days before Christmas, that can redeem or ruin everything they’ve been fighting for.
Christian by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 43,760. Language: English. Published: December 18, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Holiday
A lonely CFO dressed as Santa. A single mom and her special son. And a Christmas carol that creates a miracle nobody would ever expect.
Darryl by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 43,950. Language: English. Published: December 11, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Collections & Anthologies, Fiction » Romance » Holiday
A future almost shattered. A strange new friend. And a holiday party that does more than raise a glass to good cheer.
Liam by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 44,380. Language: English. Published: December 4, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Collections & Anthologies, Fiction » Romance » Holiday
High school sweethearts. A shotgun-style Christmas wedding. And a bomb dropped just days before the nuptials that could end it all forever.
Travis by
Price: Free! Words: 48,530. Language: English. Published: November 27, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Collections & Anthologies, Fiction » Romance » Holiday
A crushing breakup. A secretive fiancé. An unwelcome new face in town. And a Christmas miracle that could fix it all…or ruin everything.
Wanted in Texas by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 47,630. Language: English. Published: April 24, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Collections & Anthologies
Two people bad at relationships. Two criminals at large. As authorities vie for peace, two hearts struggle to unite. It seems like it will take a miracle…and then one happens.
No More Grace by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 53,790. Language: English. Published: February 27, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Collections & Anthologies
The perfect lie. The deception that goes viral. The truth that should set them free…but instead, it threatens to kill.
Left in Texas by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 52,150. Language: English. Published: December 26, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Collections & Anthologies
The right girl. The wrong past. The mystery double life that catches up to her. The special gift that begs for blood...
No More Faith by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 48,980. Language: English. Published: October 31, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Medical
The accident that nearly destroys him. The team that miraculously pulls him back together. And the lie told that could change both of their lives forever.
Stolen in Texas by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 47,780. Language: English. Published: September 26, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » Western
The secret that everyone knows. The tragedy that pulls them apart. The shocking past that catches up and takes it all…except the most important thing.
A Town without Pity Series Box Set Books 1 - 5 by
Price: $9.99 USD. Words: 290,940. Language: English. Published: August 1, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Collections & Anthologies
If you don't like highly addictive, page-turning western romances with engaging characters, medium heat and cliffhanger endings, move on, please!
No More Shame by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 51,510. Language: English. Published: July 25, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Medical
The deadly family secret. The perfect crime. The impossible romance. And the man who can end it all with one phone call.
Broken in Texas by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 51,940. Language: English. Published: June 26, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » Western
She takes her secret to the grave. He can’t live again until he knows. But will the person he trusts tell him before he loses everything…again?
No More Doubt by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 55,240. Language: English. Published: April 25, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » Western
The wrong girl. The right moves. The dirty business deal that ends with a mule and a gun...in the hands of someone Chase least expects.
Stuck in Texas by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 53,920. Language: English. Published: March 21, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
The millionaire. The orphaned Texan woman. The deadly night that changes everything. The contract that nobody bargained for.
No More Luck by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 52,480. Language: English. Published: January 31, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Military
The little white lie. The wasted years together. And the mistaken toe tag that ends up saving a life.
Torn in Texas by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 53,790. Language: English. Published: January 17, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
She returns home. He watches over her. Then they both find out the truth, amongst a killer…a day too late.
Found in Texas by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 53,020. Language: English. Published: November 15, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Western, Fiction » Romance » Western
A woman he hates. A man she hates more. An unwanted child. And a man who tries to take it all away with one signature
No More Dice by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 58,430. Language: English. Published: October 23, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Western, Fiction » Romance » Western
Some angels wear cowboy hats. Some villains wear poker faces. Home isn’t always where the heart is…and sometimes it isn’t only the good that die young.
Lost in Texas by
Price: Free! Words: 60,540. Language: English. Published: September 13, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Western, Fiction » Romance » Western
(4.00 from 1 review)
The cowboy refusing to mourn. The city girl in a strange predicament. The scoundrel that thinks fiancés come with a price tag.
No More Time by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 54,750. Language: English. Published: July 31, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
A kidnapping gone wrong. A chronically ill child. And a union nobody sees coming…except the barrel of a gun.
No More Fear by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 53,860. Language: English. Published: May 22, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Western, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
Two lawyers; as unlikely a union as two Scorpios…the secret that could ruin their lives…and the miracle that saves them.
No More Pain by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 60,270. Language: English. Published: March 6, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
An unexpected union. A mystery intruder. A miracle. And a wedding that threatens the family.
No More Games by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 60,550. Language: English. Published: January 2, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Suspense, Fiction » Romance » Western
The right man. The wrong time. The lie that can’t outrun the past.
No More Lies by
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 58,400. Language: English. Published: November 7, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
(3.00 from 1 review)
Men are Lisa’s magnets. Kurt is her Kryptonite. Until he discovers the true woman behind the act.
No More Tears by
Price: Free! Words: 60,780. Language: English. Published: September 5, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Western, Fiction » Romance » Suspense
(3.50 from 2 reviews)
A riches to rags cowboy. A hardened cowgirl. The gunshot that erases all doubt.
To Hide in Holly Springs by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 103,550. Language: English. Published: August 6, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Coming of age, Fiction » Mystery & detective » General
“An eye for an eye.” Layla Dixon never dreams of living in the small town of Holly Springs, North Carolina. Having been born and raised in New York City, the teen never fathoms the idea of ever leaving her hometown. Until one day when a horrific scene makes her beg to be anywhere but home. Her parents, both doctors, are kept in the dark when their daughter begins to display strange behaviour.
The Man with the Black Belt by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 73,680. Language: English. Published: August 6, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Anthologies » General, Fiction » Inspirational
Young Sam has long ebony hair, caramel skin, a wicked kick, and he is hated by many. An old man holds a bitterness for him, just waiting for the boy to screw up, and when a young girl exploits him in a deplorable manner, Mr. Seamington's wish comes true. Years later, as Sam drives to the dojo one afternoon, he grips the steering wheel as he witnesses a horrific scene.
Complicated by
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 60,620. Language: English. Published: September 9, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Clean & wholesome, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
What would you do if the love of your life suddenly didn’t want the same things as you? What if you had an unfulfilled dream and only your partner could make it come true?
Decisions by
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 53,550. Language: English. Published: September 9, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » Clean & wholesome
Cassandra has never known romantic love. Her son, her parents, and her friends love her…but no man ever has. Until she’s torn between two.
Misunderstood by
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 53,660. Language: English. Published: September 9, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Clean & wholesome, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
On the surface, Kendra is seen as the apartment’s gossip, but underneath she’s a woman who has felt pain in a way that most haven’t. Hiding behind a pair of non-prescription lenses is a girl who loves, laughs, cries, and enjoys life…all from behind her living room curtains. Ian, the heartthrob that lives in her apartment, doesn't know she exists.When they meet, there's no telling what can happen.
Would You Still Love Me? by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 89,800. Language: Canadian English. Published: June 1, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Inspirational, Fiction » Romance » Clean & wholesome
A dramatic story about a young actress who, in her youth, falls in love with an actor, and later seeks him out. But when he falls in love and marries her, he doesn’t marry the real her, just a sanitized version. After she’s involved in a near-fatal plane crash, he learns who she really is, as she remains comatose in hospital. Once he's learned the truth, will he still love her?
When Will Knocks at Your Door by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 67,700. Language: English. Published: March 1, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Crime thriller, Fiction » Romance » Suspense
Her bad-boy lover is no good for her, but she doesn’t realize how much until her house is ransacked and she’s left for dead. Overcome with grief, Ripley begins seeing her life as hopeless. Her father steps up. But he doesn’t anticipate his plan backfiring. Suddenly Ripley's heart is on the chopping block again. Her life begins to change, and it all starts when Will knocks at her door.
Don't Mess with Daddy's Girl by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 67,920. Language: Canadian English. Published: February 26, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Police Procedural, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Crime thriller
A serial killer, a stock broker, and a police chief’s daughter clash in this mysterious tale of greed and love. Michael is forced to choose between his most precious asset and the love of his life, when a serial killer tries to take what matters most to him. Police chief Mark Tame and his team hunt for clues with Michael’s help, when they realize that the killer is linked to Michael.
Seven Lies, Four Truths by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 95,730. Language: Canadian English. Published: January 19, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Psychological thriller, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Crime thriller
When your dream means changing someone else’s life, what lengths would you go to to make it come true?
Betrayal Only Comes in Green by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 69,600. Language: English. Published: July 14, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Police Procedural, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Crime thriller
*****5 Stars from Readers Favorite****** His wife is dead. His only son is a drifter. He lives alone in his quaint San Bernardino town and likes it that way, until well-known Nevada criminals discover something about Saul Jessup that makes him rather interesting.
The Wheels of Change by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 91,230. Language: Canadian English. Published: January 17, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Crime thriller, Fiction » Mystery & detective » Police Procedural
Simon Cross is a type-A personality advertising executive, who has a penchant for sleeping with married women. When one lover’s husband learns of the affairs, Simon finds himself at the mercy of a madman. The advertising executive develops a very different view of life and the people around him, but not before things are radically changed in ways he never dreamed possible.
No Thanks, Mommy, I Peed Yesterday by
Price: Free! Words: 13,820. Language: Canadian English. Published: October 2, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Relationships & Family » Parenting, Nonfiction » Children's Books » Humor / General
She thought she'd laughed a thousand times...then she had kids. This kids-say-the-darndest-things style memoir will keep you laughing for days! Fun for all ages.
The Wife of a Lesser Man by
Price: Free! Words: 65,420. Language: English. Published: March 18, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Police Procedural, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Crime thriller
Mark is Chief of Police for the LAPD. His return to work after a heart attack is eventful as his team hunts down a serial killer. Mark is used to unexpected situations at work, but when he finds himself amidst a shocking mystery at home, his hands are tied. Being pulled in all directions, Mark thinks the situation could not be worse…until he learns the next bullet has his wife's name on it.
Blessed and Betrayed by
Price: Free! Words: 62,310. Language: Canadian English. Published: November 28, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Suspense, Fiction » Women's fiction » Chick lit
Victoria’s lived a lie all her life, and she finds out at the worst time: when her lover proposes marriage.
I'll Never Wear a Backless Dress by
Price: Free! Words: 18,320. Language: Canadian English. Published: September 18, 2012 . Categories: Nonfiction » Health, wellbeing, & medicine » Physical impairments, Nonfiction » Health, wellbeing, & medicine » Medicine » Allied health services / physical therapy
A memoir on living with the back deformity known as Scoliosis.

Sandy Appleyard's tag cloud

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