Fresh Fiction Blog | Elisabeth Barrett | Moving Outside your Comfort Zone

There are many things I'm not super comfortable doing. Topping that list would have to be exercising. I know I'm supposed to do it, that it's good for me, that it'll keep me healthy and improve (and potentially prolong) my life. After a gestational diabetes scare with my last kid, exercise is pretty much essential. Sadly, I do everything else on my list before exercising. It has never been a huge priority, and I'll be honest: gyms scare me.

Recently, I got my rear in gear, and attempted to overcome my fear by going to an exercise class – one of those popular barre classes – near my home. It was completely intimidating. All those beautiful women sculpting their already-perfectly toned bodies freaked me out. So what did I do? I signed up for five more classes, just to prove to myself that I could keep up with the big girls.

Did I get thinner? No. Did I get toned? A little bit. Did I change? Definitely. It motivated me to ditch the classes and start power walking with a friend. A friend who's a great conversationalist, who keeps me honest, and who has similar motivations for exercising.

In my debut novel, DEEP AUTUMN HEAT, which releases on July 9^th, the heroine, Lexie Meyers, is a professional chef in Star Harbor, Massachusetts. She's quite happy doing what she's doing, and is excited to launch the next chapter in her professional life—opening up a catering business out of her already-successful restaurant. Problem is, her personal life has stagnated because she doesn't have the time or the inclination to get involved with anyone. But when Seb Grayson, former bad-boy and current celebrity chef swaggers into her place and demands a piece of her famous coconut cake, her carefully constructed walls start to crumble. Seb uses all his charm and wit to break down her resistance, but because she's been burned in the past, she really makes him work for it. When she and Seb first meet, she's attracted to him, but knows it would be unwise to get involved:

From across the room, Lexie studied Sebastian. Slowly, deliberately, he ate her coconut cake. Ignoring his brothers, he would take a bite, close his eyes, and chew, as if he were trying to make the experience last as long as possible. Lexie stared at the strong line of his jaw as it moved up and down. When he finished one bite, he took another, seemingly lost in pleasure. He looked blatantly sensual, as if he might devour more than just the cake. As if he were devouring a lover with those perfect, wicked lips. She tried to imagine the low moans of appreciation he might be making.

Her mouth grew dry again.

With difficulty, she dragged her gaze away and shook her head.

"Don't go there," she muttered to herself in warning. The last thing she needed was to encourage him. She didn't have time to get wrapped up with Sebastian Grayson this morning. Or ever.

Star Harbor residents considered Lexie to be no-nonsense. Spunky. She didn't feel so spunky at the moment. Deep inside, she knew that if she challenged this man, she'd lose. The thought made her feel oddly drained. He was pushing her close to her limits, but she wasn't going to crack. She'd have to shut this thing down before it even got started.

Lexie is so anti-change that she's not interested in even making a go of it. Seb realizes that his usual tactics won't work, and cools down his arrogance and pride. With these changes, slowly Seb begins to wear down her defenses, and in turn, Lexie begins to open up to him. When Seb helps Lexie prepare for a food tasting, she starts to see how they could make their relationship work:

She moved on to Sebastian's station. He'd acted, in essence, as her sous chef, preparing components for her to use in her dishes. Just now, he was slicing some raw carrots into thin, elegant ribbons for a garnish. She stood next to him and watched for a few moments.

"Not bad," she said admiringly. "It's interesting to see it done without a mandoline."

Seb snorted as he continued to work. "I could do this in my sleep."

"I'm sure you could. I appreciate you helping out here today. You really didn't need to, you know."

He stopped slicing and looked up from his workstation, directly into her eyes. "I know," he said slowly. "But I wanted to." He held her gaze for a long moment, then bent his head back down. His hands resumed their expert rhythm, as if he'd never stopped using the knife.

"I appreciate it," she repeated softly, before moving back to her own station to complete her dishes. Maybe she and Seb could work. They were compatible in both the bedroom and the kitchen, and he treated her like an equal. Respected her. She could get used to this."

Seb forces Lexie to get outside her comfort zone (opening up) by using something she loves (cooking) to get in with her. Lexie changes, but the key is that she does it alongside Seb, who also changes. Once Seb stops with the overbearing behavior, Lexie opens her heart, and they're finally able to reach their Happily Ever After.

Will I ever reach my own HEA with respect to exercise? I'm not sure, but what I do know is that my modest attempts at change can only be for the best.

About Deep Autumn Heat:

In this sexy new Star Harbor romance series, featuring the too-tempting Grayson brothers, a celebrity chef turns up the heat for a local café owner—and things start to sizzle.

Lexie Meyers decides there's nothing sweeter than watching Sebastian Grayson's perfect, wicked mouth devour her coconut cake. He's hot, he's hungry, and he's sizing her up like she's the best thing on the menu. But she's been burned in the past and flings just aren't her thing. Too bad Sebastian can't resist a challenge.

Worldly, famous, and notorious with the ladies, Seb had planned a weekend of fishing and relaxation with his brothers. Until Lexie, with her kissable lips and frosty "get lost" attitude, makes him want to forget his culinary empire and create some magic with her. After he fires up his charm—including challenging her to a televised cook-off to break through her resistance—it's now hotter in the bedroom than it is in the kitchen and Lexie isn't sure whether she's lost her mind . . . or just her heart.

View an excerpt of DEEP AUTUMN HEAT on Scribd: Click here.

Pre-order Deep Autumn Heat: Kindle | Nook | ITunes | Other Formats

About Elisabeth:

Raised in a sleepy little Connecticut town, Elisabeth draws on her upbringing to write small-town romances. Her summers spent living and working on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard were the inspiration for the Star Harbor series, which kicks off with Deep Autumn Heat and continues with Blaze of Winter (coming September 2012). Currently, Elisabeth lives in Northern California with her husband and three children. Find her online: Website | Blog | Facebook

Giveaway:

One commenter will be randomly selected to win a NetGalley preview of DEEP AUTUMN HEAT. Contest ends July 11th at midnight (EDT).You'll need a NetGalley account, and to answer the question below:

What have you done that has put you outside your comfort zone? How did it change you?

Comments

I recently organised an 'emrgency services day' at the local Primary school I wark at. Fire brigade, Life boats and Police came into visit the children and we taught them basic first aid as wello - it went so well they want me to do it next year but boy! did I stress out organising it as I have never done anything like this before - but it was so worth it!
(Barbara Hanson 8:22am July 6, 2012)

I hailed from Woodbury, CT and enjoy small town tales. Never liked exercise, but did try CURVES in CT and later here in VA. UGH, boring. Knowing I had to do something to remain a size 10, I walk with my husband and our Golden Retreiver. Good luck on your latest and keep writing.
Patricia Pascale
(Patricia (Pat) Pascale 8:28am July 6, 2012)

I sold the house I had been in for 33 years, and moved into an apartment complex for senior citizens.
(Wilma Frana 9:18am July 6, 2012)

Sigh.... Do I need to exercise? Yes. Do I want to exercise? No. Gyms scare me
too. So, the "no" side of exercising generally wins out over the "yes" side.
(Jane Limback 9:22am July 6, 2012)

I love these comments! The emergency services day sounds amazing (and challenging to organize), and we all know how difficult moving can be, especially to a completely new environment. As far as exercising, you know how I feel about that!
(Elisabeth Barrett 10:20am July 6, 2012)

I started excercising a few years ago. It's NOT easy in the beginning but it does get easier. Now I am trying to do weights and that's HARD as well.
(May Pau 10:20am July 6, 2012)

I started a position in direct sales even though I am very shy. I just decided I needed to do whatever I could to keep my family afloat during a difficult financial time.
(Amy Englert 10:25am July 6, 2012)

I started exercing over a year ago and lost 30 pounds!!! This book sound very interesting and I'd love to read it!!! Thanks
(Bonnie Capuano 10:43am July 6, 2012)

When I was in high school, I was really shy. I took Drama and Speech and Debate. The classes were scary for me. When I took Speech and Debate, it was my first year of high school. I really got teased by the senior guys! I found out how clueless I really was. It was an eye opener, but completely necessary to give me the independence and confidence that I needed. It worked for me! I never even worry now when I have to talk in front of a crowd.
(Sandy Fielder 11:45am July 6, 2012)

Super impressed by Amy and Sandy who've overcome shyness. It's very difficult to confront a fear and overcome it, so well done! And to the folks who are exercising and having success - you're seriously motivating me!
(Elisabeth Barrett 2:42pm July 6, 2012)

I'm not comfortable with exercising...and often I'm shy...but
as a Grandmother, I've tried to change it all so my
grandchildren can see it is possible. Sounds like a good
book.
(Mary Hay 2:51pm July 6, 2012)

My intention to exercise and my follow through are two different things. I feel better once I get to the track and walk, but I can find LOTS of reasons not to go :).
(Robin McKay 3:03pm July 6, 2012)

ok with it once i get there but getting there is hard
(Debbi Shaw 3:07pm July 6, 2012)

I don't feel comfortable around groups of people. But I do enjoy golfing. So I joined a golf league which is forcing me to be around groups of ladies in the league.
(Sue Farrell 3:42pm July 6, 2012)

I hate being around people i don't know very well, but can't stay home alone anymore so I joined a line dancing group and its been so much fun, I was scared at first and kept going back and forth at the door of the dancehall, bar-anyways, after we all got there and the teacher was really hot and funny and we introduce ourselves it was a really fun evening.I didn't want the night to end-even made new friends and had a drink afterwards and each week it gets better!So glad that I started going...
(Carole Fiore 4:12pm July 6, 2012)

Like Carole above, I'm not comfortable in groups of people whom I don't know well. My solution was to join my local Roller Derby league originally as a volunteer, now as a staff member, where I run the Box Office and supervise the Front of the House. Extreme? Maybe, but it gets me out of the house and meeting people I wouldn't have otherwise met!

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 4:30pm July 6, 2012)

I'm not big on stepping out of my comfort zone. But I have found I love reading about guys that do not share that fear or just don't live in those zones. This sounds like a great read!!
(Kelli Jo Calvert 4:32pm July 6, 2012)

Meeting over a coconut cake. What a sweet beginning for a romance.
(Gladys Paradowski 4:47pm July 6, 2012)

It's too bad that I can't get in on your contest, since I don't have a Net Galley account, nor plan on getting one for one book!! As much as I'd love to win it, I suppose I'll just have to wait until I see it on the shelf - I love it that much. Anyway, what I did which was way out of my comfort zone was to start a new life with my Husband in the prime of my life with just a few items, in our pop-up camper. We lost our house after my Husband lost his job, and we hung on as long as we could, using everything we had. It was a bit scary at first, but we finally relocated, and being the survivor that I am, I believe that living where we are now has been a much better decision. I am a better person as a result, have learned a few lessons, and am stronger in spirit. Best of luck with your book. It really sounds wonderful, and I can't wait to read it.
(Peggy Roberson 5:08pm July 6, 2012)

I'm seeing lots of positive change here - becoming stronger people, feeling better, making a difference for family members - this is what gets me going in the morning. Knowing that there is not only room for change when I step outside my comfort zone, but knowing that I have the potential to be a better person when all is said and done. Keep 'em coming!
(Elisabeth Barrett 5:47pm July 6, 2012)

The cover of your book is awesome! I finally commited to exercising on a daily basis too. I'm walking and running on the treadmill and trying to work up to just running. I didn't know I would like it so much! Good luck on your book!
(Renee Pajda 6:47pm July 6, 2012)

I got a new job out of my confort zone and it hasmade me see things from a new prospective
(Lilian Gamble 9:15pm July 6, 2012)

I am quite shy in a group, and parties or events are excruciating. I forced myself to go to the end-of-the-summer party my husband's job threw last Sept. It was a bit awkward at first but I enjoyed myself overall and got to meet all of his co-workers. I know I need to continue putting myself into social situations and I will keep feeling better with each experience. Best of luck to you with the new book! It sounds like a wonderful read!!
(Michele Hayes 9:30pm July 6, 2012)

Thank you for your post, Elisabeth. I just got a job that pays well, but is way outside my comfort zone. I'll be selling vacuum cleaners. I'm not exactly a born salesperson, but I'm confident I'm up to the task. There's a lot I don't know, but nothing I can't learn!

"Deep Autumn Heat" sounds like a fun read. Good luck with your new release!
(Mary Anne Landers 10:43pm July 6, 2012)

Elisabeth, congrats on your debut, DEEP AUTUMN HEAT. It sounds musty. Love the cover.
(Cathy Phillips 11:33pm July 6, 2012)

Travelling put me outside of my comfort zone but it I certainly grew and experienced a lot.
(G. Bisbjerg 2:01am July 7, 2012)

Skydiving. I am great with heights but once I got out on the wing of the Cessna I could see no good reason to let go of the darn plane. Eventually, with the instructor yelling at me a few times to go, I decided I just had to trust my harness. It was brilliant, I can highly recommend it.
(Clare O'Beara 5:29am July 7, 2012)

Taking my daughter out & about for driving lessons was certainly way out of my comfort zone.
(Mary Preston 5:33am July 7, 2012)

Exercising is ugly--the clothes, the sweat, the grunts of effort--but so
necessary. I was in fair shape until I was in an auto accident. Now I am not
allowed to do what I need to to lose weight. You never know when something
unexpected will change your plans. Thus saying I want all of you to realize
that as you get older it is harder and harder (and more necessary) to get your
weight down for a longer and healthier weight. Also take all those "some day"
plans and do them now!!! (This has taken me out of my comfort zone.) Now
to get back to my comfort zone give me a great book and the comfort of
thinking that some one of you took me seriously.
(Sandra Spilecki 12:56pm July 7, 2012)

I got talked into flying in a helicopter over the grand canyon. First time
flying. It was beautiful. I did real good till I got off and got back in my
truck. It was a pretty sight upchucking in the parking lot. I would do it
again though.
(Kim Cornwell 3:15pm July 7, 2012)

Trying to run again and facing a hill right away, of course. I ended up doing more of a jog-walk.
(Alyson Widen 5:20pm July 7, 2012)

Going to some gathering where I meet people I don't know and have to try to talk with when I would rather be home with my dog and reading a book
(Patricia Kasner 11:07pm July 7, 2012)

What I find fascinating is that many people have the same comfort zone issues - exercising, meeting new people, being in huge groups of people. Honestly, this is making me feel more like I'm not alone!

Also, I can tell you right now that skydiving (!) is completely outside of my comfort zone, and I give Clare serious kudos because I know I'm never going to be able to do it. Ditto bungee jumping. I've never been in a helicopter, but I think I could manage it.
(Elisabeth Barrett 11:46pm July 7, 2012)

I don't being around alot of people I don't know. Book sounds great,thanks for a chance to win it.
(Linda Hall 1:22am July 8, 2012)

I'm basicly a shy person, so when I was acked to do song leading at church, that and if you make a mistake, everyone hears it. It makes little difference knowing that I have a good voice, there is still that little bit of fear. Even after years of doing this, I still feel that. I also understand the exercise thing. The book sounds real nice.
(Nancy Luebke 4:32pm July 8, 2012)

Thanks for the kudos Elisabeth! I thought that it made more sense to leanrn skydiving than to go bungee jumping, actually. You might just need to know how to use a parachute, but I can't see any rescue situation in which you'd need to know how to bungee. I skydived in aid of charity because I figured the one thing that would get me to go through with it was knowing the charity wouldn't get the money unless I did.
(Clare O'Beara 5:19am July 9, 2012)

I took a trip with my husband two years ago for 2 months driving and visiting many places around the country. I started the journey telling myself I would not let fear stop me and I did tons of things I never would have before. I grew up terrified of heights, water and I hate bugs. I have pictures of me climbing behind a waterfall, sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon, hiking, and many more. I even helped chop and split wood for a cousin in Colorado. Growing up in inner city Philadelphia that is pretty amazing to me. I can't wait to read your book.
Thank you
(Patti Paonessa 9:46pm July 9, 2012)

I was absolutely terrified of boats and recently I finally got
the courage to go on my friend's pontoon boat and now I love
boating!! You cant get me off the darn thing lol
(Ashley Applebee 4:14pm July 10, 2012)

this new book sounds great. take another chance on love. the chef might steal my appetite and heart, too.
(Maria Carmen Rosa 5:12pm July 10, 2012)

I am absolutely and completely terrified of heights, and my
job right now is preparing for an event and I needed to put up
tonnes of decorations at least 12 feet in the air and up, so
it has been a challenge and has totally freaked me out, but I
am not as scared any more.
(Melanie Isaac 11:57pm July 10, 2012)

i am afraid of heights i will not go on any rides or buildings that i can see down from this book sounds so good i have been wanting to read this
(Denise Smith 12:08pm July 11, 2012)

I started a water arobics class. I have met a lot of nice people and I am more flexable and in less pain. I still hate wearing a bathing suit.
(Kathleen Yohanna 2:10am July 11, 2012)

I have been trying to overcome eating problems. Earlier this year one of my digestive organs failed, and I would throw up everything I tried to eat - which has left me with some food trauma even after my surgery fixed the physical problem. It is hard to talk about, especially because not-eating became easier than being painfully ill, but I've been pushing myself to build up my relationship with food again. Like others have said, we can't let fear hold us back from being healthy or living our lives.
(Alyssa m 12:51pm July 11, 2012)

The book sounds great - and I'd love to win a copy. Best of luck with it!
(Nancy Reynolds 1:01pm July 11, 2012)

over 12 years ago I went vegetarian cold turkey (pardon the meaty cliche LOL) and it was one of the hardest things I had ever done. I was a meat and potatoes gal who was raised on WV country cooking and liked it but my conscious and ethics made keeping that diet up impossible. never regretted it and would never go back to eating animals.
(Angie Lilly 2:47pm July 11, 2012)

I JUST LOVE YOUR BOOKS AND I HOPE I WIN THE CONTEST BECAUSE I
HAVE NEVER WON ANYTHING IN MY LIFE AND I REALLY WANT TO WIN
SOME CONTESTS THANK YOU
(Shelly Caggiano 5:11pm July 11, 2012)

I am freaked out to highway drove and just finished a girls road trip where I logged over 19 hours driving time there and back :)
(Darci Paice 8:54pm July 11, 2012)

I'm very self-conscious around people, but after two total hip replacements,have decided to go to a gym. The quicker I can get my strength back the sooner I can get back to work. Enjoyed your blog.
(Sheila True 11:13pm July 11, 2012)

One very cold winter day, I gave a ride to a stranger just because of he
bitter old weather. I've never done hat before or since because when I
pointed this peron out to a neighbor they told m he was not really of good
character.
[email protected]
(Dottn,ie Vining 10:28pm October 3, 2012)

April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors

Elisabeth Barrett | Moving Outside your Comfort Zone

About Deep Autumn Heat:

About Elisabeth:

Giveaway:

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction BlogGet to Know Your Favorite Authors

Elisabeth Barrett | Moving Outside your Comfort Zone

About Deep Autumn Heat:

About Elisabeth:

Giveaway:

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors