Julie Kenner's Blog, page 8

J. Kenner’s Featured New Releases for May 28, 2021

Six new book from fan favorite and best selling authors, including Darcy Burke’s Phoenix Club romance Improper and Deanna Chase’s supernatural romance Witching for Moxie. I had the pleasure of reading Improper early, and it is so, so fabulous!

Don’t forget to scroll down for the video!

Improper by Darcy Burke$4.99AmazonAppleNookKobo

 

“Improper in all the best ways. I loved this book.” – Amazon reviewer

Broken by Ella Miles$9.99AmazonAppleNookKobo

 

“Great collection! So many obstacles between Zeke and Siren to get to their HEA. (…) Their story is action packed, suspenseful, filled with twists and turns, and a definite page turner. This was a great series.” – Amazon reviewer

Tie Me Down by Melanie Harlow$2.99 (or Free with KU!)AmazonWanna join Kindle Unlimited?

 

“This is a second-chance, friends-to-lovers, small-town romance with all the feels.” – Reviews by Tammy and Kim

Savage Ending by Lisa Renee Jones$5.99AmazonAppleNookKobo

 

“Savage Ending is a blend of passion and suspense that brings the best closure to this series. Jones is a master at her craft and continually blows me away with her inventive stories. I cannot get enough!” -A Midlife Wife

You Light Up My Midlife Crisis by Robyn Peterman$4.99 (or free with KU!)AmazonWanna join Kindle Unlimited?

 

“I love a storyline that pulls you into it’s world so completely you don’t even come up for air. That’s when you know it’s good!” – Amazon reviewer

Witching for Moxie by Deanna Chase$4.99Amazon

 

“I am so loving this new genre of paranormal women’s fiction!” – Amazon reviewer

https://youtu.be/AkOcPe5JIIM

Embedded video not working? Just click here: https://youtu.be/AkOcPe5JIIM

AUTHORS:

If you’d like your title to be considered for the Friday New/New-ish Release blast, just fill out this form. Don’t hesitate to send your title in early!
CLICK HERE FOR TO SUBMIT A FEATURED NEW OR NEWISH RELEASE  

If you’d like your title to be considered for the Tempting Tuesday Steals & Deals, then this is the form you want:
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A TEMPTING TUESDAY “STEAL OR DEAL”

The post J. Kenner’s Featured New Releases for May 28, 2021 appeared first on J. Kenner.

Check it out: Tools for Writers!

While a writer can get by with only a pen and paper — or a manual typewriter and a ream of heavy bond — why would we want to? One of the fun things about writing is all the gadgets and software and resources available to writers these days. (Not that I procrastinate with software or gadgets … ahem.)

The hard truth is that it is all too easy to go down a rabbit hole of “resources” that can help you write. But at the same time, there are some legitimate tools that can not only be fun and fascinating, but can also (yay!) help you be more productive.

Here are just a few, culled together from my own computer and office, not to mention asking a few other author friends what they utilize and like – and I am totally going to dive in and check out their recommendations.

So dig in, explore the list, and feel free to drop your favorites in the comments because I am only scratching the surface here!

NOTE: For the most part, these are links related to getting your story written. I’ll do another post with resources for marketing and promoting your story later, including cover design, keywords, and all that jazz!

For Story and Character Ideas

The truth is that pretty much anything can spark a story idea or give you insight into your characters. For the last year, hanging out in coffee houses and watching people hasn’t been much of an option, but one of my favorite things to do is to watch obscure documentaries. And, of course, watch television shows, movies, and read books (no, it’s not cheating! it’s filling your well!)

Another fun place to find ideas is Atlas Obscura. I subscribe to their mailing list and always find buzzy ideas! Same goes with other interesting mailing lists and websites!

For Worldbuilding

If you like to plan out your world (especially useful if you write Fantasy), check out these awesome sites suggested by author Marlayna James!

World Anvil – (I haven’t played here much yet, but Marlayna says: “incredible, versatile platform with tons of added features, stories, manuscripts, images, videos and sounds. You can choose to share your work for free or add a paywall to make yourself some extra cash!”

Other recommendations from Marlayna:

Inkarnate – map, dungeon, and world-building software.

Eldritch Foundry (JK note: I think I NEED to do this for Damien Stark and Devlin Saint! And maybe for some of the demons in the Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series!)

Flowscape – create 3D landscapes for your worlds!

For visualizing your characters

Folks in one of the rooms where I hangout in Clubhouse are having a fabulous time building characters with FaceApp – AI Face Editor.

And Artbreeder does something similar in that it creates character images by blending two characters together! (This is not a tool I use personally, but it sounds like oodles of fun!)

For Plotting

Scrivener – I write in Scrivener and love it so much. I probably only use about 2% of this very versatile writing software, but I like it because each chapter can be it’s own file (for that matter, each scene can be its own file) and yet you can read it all in one document (and search as one document). You can set target word counts, color code files, and do soooooo much more. (I often keep an entire series in one file). I’ve been using it as a WordProcessor+ for years, but others get even more out of it. It will even format your eBooks, though I don’t know how to do that (I use Vellum, which I’ll talk about in our follo.

If you already use Scrivener and want to dig deeper – or if you’re thinking about it but are nervous – Author Gwen Hernandez has some terrific classes about onboarding and best-utilizing Scrivener. Check them out here!

Plottr – I’ve just started using this, and I think it’s going to be great. Best part for me — it integrates with Scrivener! (Warning, the beta of newest addition of Act Structure keeps cashing on me, but if you don’t turn that beta on, it is working great. YMMV)

Aeon Timeline – lots of folks swear by this software that can help you keep track of your timelines and your plotlines. I am not one of those people because it totally overwhelms me. But check it out and decide for yourself!

Campfire Blaze – another super-fun site that I had a great time playing with (though I haven’t yet made it part of my process).

For tracking progress and staying on track with writing, I use Pacemaker.press, which lets you put in your estimated word count and how many days you have to hit it, and it creates a daily schedule with a word count goal based on how you want to parce out the words (i.e., every day the same or starting slow and building…). I’ve also heard good things about Writetrack which is a similar program.

Aside: I’ve been told about a word count app that has you killing monsters with the words you write. I think that is AWESOME but I can’t find it! If anyone knows, please share!

For Craft and Wordsmithing

Of course, you’ll also want to make sure your words are spelled right, you’re using interesting words, and your grammar is correct.

Check out Prowritingaid.com for so much info (it will tell you about grammar, overused words, spelling, etc. etc. etc.). It also integrates with Scrivener. I’ve only recently discovered this tool and it is truly fabulous. It’s in the same ilk as Grammarly, but I prefer ProwritingAid. Check them both out and see what works best with your process!

For that perfect word, check out onelook.com!

For Getting Started and Honing Your Story

Of course, the above tools are only useful when you have a story! That’s too much to go into in one post, but be sure to follow my Writes-and-Wrongs Wednesday posts where we go deep into the craft of story.

In the meantime, though, here are some great starting points for helping you dive in and learn about story structure:

The Save The Cat series is a terrific place to start for plotting and structure help. Originally written for film/TV the same storytelling principles apply to books, too.

If you write romance, Romancing The Beat by Gwen Hayes is a great place to start, and a fast and fun read!

Michael Hauge has so many terrific articles at his story mastery site! Check them out!

For Formatting (for print and/or eBooks)

My go-to for formatting is Vellum, which just gets better with each update. It, however, is currently only available on Mac.

Scrivener does do formatting, though I can’t speak to how easy it is.

It is possible to format in Word, but I would suggest doing a search for sites to learn how. (If you can afford it, I recommend getting Vellum!)

I have heard of Atticus, which I believe recently launched, but haven’t yet spoken with anyone who has used it yet, though I’ve seen some really solid reviews! Especially if you don’t have a Mac, it’s worth check out!

Formatting wraps up this blog post … we’ll check in on promo & marketing (and getting that cover!) in another post soon!

A final note: Check out my Author Resources http://jkenner.com/links on my Links page to see updates and more! (scroll to the bottom of the links page for writing resources!

Thanks to Rachel Grant, Toni Anderson, Marlayna, and the authors who hang out in the Writers Craft + Career room on Clubhouse for helping me gather these suggestions!

What do you have to add? Drop a comment below!

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J. Kenner’s Tempting Tuesday Steals & Deals for May 25, 2021

From best selling and fan favorite authors, here are nine amazing reads sure to tempt you!

Rogue by CD ReissFree!AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

If you want to read about a badass BBF and you love mafia story lines, one click this now! — The Rockstars of Romance

Tempting the Player by J. Lynn0.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“The chemistry sizzles off the page! Tempting the Player will make you laugh out loud and stay up long into the night.” —Katee Robert, New York Times bestselling author

Marked by Rebecca Zanetti0.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“If you want hot, sexy, dangerous romance…this series is for you.”—Paranormal Haven

The Boundary by Ian O. Lewis0.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“Really well written book. The author is a genius.” – Amazon reviewer

More Jade by Laura PavlovFree!AmazonWanna join Kindle Unlimited?

 

“Laura Pavlov managed to steal my heart with this college and rock star romance combo. Jade and Cruz made me soft from the get go.” Elsa Gomes, Bookish Aurora

The Nanny and the Playboy by Sam Crescent0.99AmazonAppleNookKobo

 

“Great book and I’ll be checking out others in this nanny series.” – Amazon reviewer

Make Me Beg by Rebecca Brooks0.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“I loved the cat and mouse game this couple had going on it made for some really funny moments with the teasing, dirty talk and playfulness that both exhibited.” – Angels with Attitude Book Reviews

The King of Bourbon Street by Aidèe JaimesFree!AmazonWanna join Kindle Unlimited?

 

“Boom! What a book!”- Goodreads Reviewer

Vampire Instinct by Joey W. HillFree!AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

(Nook free download requires Code BNPJOEYFREE)
A standalone in the Vampire Queen series

AUTHORS:

If you’d like your title to be considered for the Friday New/New-ish Release blast, just fill out this form. Don’t hesitate to send your title in early!
CLICK HERE FOR TO SUBMIT A FEATURED NEW OR NEWISH RELEASE  

If you’d like your title to be considered for the Tempting Tuesday Steals & Deals, then this is the form you want:
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A TEMPTING TUESDAY “STEAL OR DEAL”

The post J. Kenner’s Tempting Tuesday Steals & Deals for May 25, 2021 appeared first on J. Kenner.

JK’s Featured New Releases for May 21, 2021

What are you in the mood to read? Here are six new selections from fan favorite and best selling authors, including the latest book in my Fallen Saint series, My Cruel Salvation, and Mari Carr’s Making His Play. Enjoy!

Don’t forget to scroll down for the video!

My Cruel Salvation by J. Kenner$6.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“This series was my most anticipated read, and now added to my favorites TBR list. #2021BookRec” – Crystal’s Book World

Dark Alpha’s Obsession by Donna Grant$3.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“I really enjoyed this story. The ending was great! There is a bit of intrigue, action, and if course a little steamy romance. I can’t wait to see what happens next.” – Amazon reviewer

Royal by Blair Babylon$3.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“As with all of Blair’s books, it is beautifully written, with an ending that will leave you breathless, and I know you will enjoy it!” – Amazon reviewer

Devil’s Deal by Aleatha Romig$4.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“Deliciously sinful! The Devil’s Deal is twisty and sexy and leaves you on a gasp worthy ending. Great start to a new series!” Laurelin Paige, NYT bestselling author

Make Me Wilder by Serena Bell3.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

★★★★★ “This book sizzles right from the start! I lost track of how many times I genuinely laughed out loud.”

—Goodreads reviewer

Making His Play by Mari Carr$3.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“Loved this LOL, heart warming, steamy, friends helping friends romance that will warm your heart with laughter, tears and love.” – Amazon reviewer

Click to watch the video

AUTHORS:

If you’d like your title to be considered for the Friday New/New-ish Release blast, just fill out this form. Don’t hesitate to send your title in early!
CLICK HERE FOR TO SUBMIT A FEATURED NEW OR NEWISH RELEASE  

If you’d like your title to be considered for the Tempting Tuesday Steals & Deals, then this is the form you want:
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A TEMPTING TUESDAY “STEAL OR DEAL”

The post JK’s Featured New Releases for May 21, 2021 appeared first on J. Kenner.

For Writers: The art and craft of writing dialogue – PART 3

This week I’ve posted the final part (3) of my writing dialogue workshop, Beyond He Said, She Said. Click here for the YouTube link or scroll down for the embedded video … and then come back next week for the final installment!

Did you miss the first part? You can find that video here, then follow through all of them: https://youtu.be/N3chOeyaDQo

Got questions? Post them in the comments here or on YouTube … or email me at jkennerinfo@gmail.com

Happy writing … and happy writing dialogue!

https://youtu.be/JtsI6-SZw_s

The post For Writers: The art and craft of writing dialogue – PART 3 appeared first on J. Kenner.

Wow! The final chapter of Ellie & Devlin’s steamy trilogy is HERE!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “..calm before the storm…action filled…steaminess…heartache…joy…heart pounding chapters…all the emotions are still racing through me as I wrap my head around this story …

Just a few things that were expertly sprinkled and woven into this amazing read… Control. Passion. Fears. Wishes. Problems. Secrets. Desires. Wit. Grief. Anger. Chemistry.”

Mom’s Guilty Pleasure Blog

[image error] My Cruel Salvation

To say that I loved writing Ellie and Devlin’s story would be an understatement, and I am beyond thrilled that My Cruel Salvation is now available!

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I adore these two strong people, what they’ve overcome, and the love they found. Writing this third and final book in the story of their romance was a rollercoaster ride, but I think what I loved the most was getting the pieces of Devlin’s past down on the page and truly getting a look at the circumstances that formed the man.

I hope you fall as hard for this couple as I have! Devlin and Ellie’s trilogy is now complete!

Let me know what you think! I’d love your feedback!

You can email me at jkennerinfo@gmail-com

The Fallen Saint SeriesStory #1My Fallen Saint[image error]Story #2My Beautiful SinStory #3My Cruel Salvation

The post Wow! The final chapter of Ellie & Devlin’s steamy trilogy is HERE!!! appeared first on J. Kenner.

JK’s Featured New Releases for May 14, 2021

Twelve amazing new releases from fan favorite and bestselling authors including Darynda Jones’ 1001 Dark Nights book The Gravedigger’s Son, Lexi Blake’s story collection Taggart Family Values, and Kristen Proby’s steamy Off The Record. Which will you choose to read first?

Don’t forget to scroll down for the video!

Heirly Ever After by Magan Vernon$3.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“The story is very cute, sweet and down to earth. Slow burn romance very fun to read.” – Amazon reviewer

Royal Line by Carrie Ann Ryan & Nana Malone$4.99AmazonAppleNookKobo

 

“Absolutely loved this story and can’t wait to delve deeper into the world of this family.” – Amazon reviewer

The Gravedigger’s Son by Darynda Jones$2.99Amazon

 

“This is a must-read for any paranormal fan and any fan of Darynda Jones and the world of Charley Davidson.” – Amazon reviewer

Taggart Family Values by Lexi Blake$3.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“There are many laugh out loud moments, some that will bring a tear your eye and there’s even a glimpse into the future. Absolutely fantastic reading!” – Amazon reviewer

Bossing the Cowboy by Kennedy Fox$4.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

There are so many moments that make your head spin, your heart race and absolutely swoon at the connection between these two. Their banter and wit but also that chemistry! It was hot and passionate!”
-Suzanne, The Witchy Bibliophile

Contempt of Kourtney by Eve Langlais$3.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“Eve Langlais is wonderfully entertaining!” – Amazon reviewer

 

Good To Be Bad by Lili Valente & Lauren Blakely$3.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“Good to Be Bad will leave you feeling a little flushed, and your heart super happy! I devoured this book in one sitting because it is simply yummy perfection!” ~ Jodi on Goodreads

Off the Record by Kristen Proby$4.99AmazonAppleNookKobo

 

“The Seattle series is one of the best series and I love that it keeps getting more people involved. Kristen Proby is one of the best.” – Amazon reviewer

From Little Tokyo With Love by Sarah Kuhn$10.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“I absolutely adored this funny, fierce, big-hearted book.”
—Morgan Matson, New York Times bestselling author of Save the Date

Tempting Fate by Kerrigan Byrne$4.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“Read it, you can thank me later.” – Amazon reviewer

Beach House Romance by Cora Seton$4.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“What a fun, entertaining and heartwarming new series. I’m so excited for future books with the other characters.” – Amazon reviewer

Office Hate by Rachel Van Dyken$2.99 (or free with KU!)AmazonWanna join Kindle Unlimited?

 

“This office romance is one in the making that you do not want to miss out on. I really could not put this one down and loved every moment of Olivia and Mark. GO ONE CLICK THIS ONE NOW!!!” – Amazon reviewer

Click the image to play the video

The post JK’s Featured New Releases for May 14, 2021 appeared first on J. Kenner.

For Writers: The art and craft of writing dialogue – PART 2

This week I’ve posted Part 2 of the writing dialogue workshop I started last week. Scroll down for the YouTube video … and then come back next week for the final installment!

Did you miss the first part? You can find that video here: https://youtu.be/N3chOeyaDQo

Got questions? Post them in the comments here or on YouTube … or email me at jkennerinfo@gmail.com

And do let me know if you like the video format!

Happy writing … and happy writing dialogue!

https://youtu.be/p9z-CZE7FCE

The post For Writers: The art and craft of writing dialogue – PART 2 appeared first on J. Kenner.

Tempting Tuesday Steals & Deals May 11, 2021

Six tempting reads from best selling and fan favorite authors, all under three dollars! How could you pick just one?

Sisters by Choice by Susan Mallery$2.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“Susan Mallery delivers another heartfelt story of love and family.” –Fresh Fiction

Red Stone Security Series by Katie Reus0.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“All 3 books have action, suspense, and romance. Katie Reus is a talented author!” – Amazon reviewer

Ask For It by Sylvia Day0.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“Plenty of sizzling passion and dangerous drama.”—Booklist 

Before She Was Mine by Amelia WildeFree!AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“Every once in a while there comes a book that changes your life. This one ROCKED!” – Amazon reviewer

Spring Fling by Laurelin Paige0.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“A delicious, sexy, clever story with fun, modern twists that feels like a night out with your best friends as they share their hilarious dating tales!”– Lauren Blakely, #1 NYT Bestselling Author

Maybe Later by Claudia BurgoaFree!AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“Maybe Later is a unique, sexy and heartfelt romance that hits all the right spots. You’ll feel everything while reading this gem of a romance.” Mary Dube from Frolic

AUTHORS:

If you’d like your title to be considered for the Friday New/New-ish Release blast, just fill out this form. Don’t hesitate to send your title in early!
CLICK HERE FOR TO SUBMIT A FEATURED NEW OR NEWISH RELEASE  

If you’d like your title to be considered for the Tempting Tuesday Steals & Deals, then this is the form you want:
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A TEMPTING TUESDAY “STEAL OR DEAL”

The post Tempting Tuesday Steals & Deals May 11, 2021 appeared first on J. Kenner.

Featured New Releases May 7, 2021

What are you in the mood to read? We have new books from bestselling and fan favorite authors, including sweet romance, supernatural, and Navy Seals. Enjoy!

Don’t forget to scroll down for the video!

Maybe We Will by Melissa Foster$4.99 (or free with KU!)AmazonWanna join Kindle Unlimited?

 

“The emotional, fast-paced story line, captivating hero and heroine, and stellar cast of supporting characters in the de Messiéres family make for a winning romance.” —Publishers Weekly

The Rise of Fortune and Fury by Sawyer Bennett$4.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“This series was nothing like I have ever readbefore. It was paranormal at its very best. It was original, passionate, and all-consuming.” – Ria, Reading Is Our Satisfaction

Cursed Luck by Kelley Armstrong$6.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“This was a must buy. And a must reread. I can not wait to read more from this series.” – Amazon reviewer

Fate of Storms by Meredith Wild & Angel Payne$7.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“Be prepared to be blown away by the third book in this series, Fate of Storms!!” – Amazon reviewer

A Seal’s Honor by Jen Talty$2.99 (or free with KU!)AmazonWanna join Kindle Unlimited?

 

“Jen Talty is an awesome author. This book pulled me into the story from the first page.” – Amazon reviewer 

With This Cake by Samantha Chase$4.99AmazonAppleNookKoboGoogle Play

 

“The perfect candidate for an awesome beach read, don’t miss this sweet, humorous, heartfelt, feel-good romance!” – Amazon reviewer

Click the image to watch the video

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