Colleen Young's Blog, page 10

February 14, 2020

Let's Write About Sex, Baby

Episode 2 is out now! In honor of Valentines *and* Singles Awareness Day (we represent two totally different ends of the relationship spectrum so we got you, no matter what your status is

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Published on February 14, 2020 06:11

February 12, 2020

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

My bestie Nikki and I spend so much time talking on the phone about writing, productivity, what we're watching & reading that we thought it was time to start a podcast! We just launched; find "Pencil Me In" anywhere you stream your podcasts.Check us out and let us know what you think! Website I Instagram









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Let Me know if you have any thoughts or comments on future episodes!


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Published on February 12, 2020 07:32

February 10, 2020

Fighting Prose Interview with Elle Ann Brown

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.











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This weeks interview is with Elle Ann Brown! How long have you been writing?

Fiction writing since 2016, but I also wrote five two-act plays for youth dinner theaters from 2005-2009 and always enjoyed writing throughout school.

If you've written several books, which is your favorite?

I joke this is like picking your favorite kid, but I think my favorite is Mental Perspective because I got to tell the series story from the guy's point of view and it stretched me as a writer.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

I really like anything with a love story and also dystopian type stories. I also tend to gravitate to stories that have main characters in YA and NA ranges.

How do you get in the mood to write?

Since I write while at home with my 4 kids, I have to get up and down dozens of times, but I typically light a candle and go for it. I try to write until a scene is done so I don't forget the feelings and emotions that are going into the story. And lattes. I make those a bunch too.

How do your characters come together?

I usually have the characters loosely sketched from the very beginning when I have the skeleton of the story, but they come to life as I write them, i.e quirks and how the respond to each other. Usually in all of my initial brainstorming of the plot, the characters don't have a name, but once I pick their names, the muscles and skin start to bring the character to life in my mind.

How do you get your ideas?

My ideas usually come in the form of a question: How would a story about XYZ play out? And then I go from there. Some scenes I base off of real life experiences, like when my husband and I went on a couples painting class date, and other times I use good ol' google if I need to know what it looks like during the fall in New York.

What do you admire the most about the writing world?

OH MAN, that is a huge question. I didn't actually start reading for pleasure until I was 32 years old, so the literary world is still relatively new to me. I try to take something away from every book I read and use it to help perfect my skill, even though I am mostly reading for entertainment.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

Mom. I mom so hard. My kids range from 14-5 and are in a mixture of online and local public schools, so my days are full. I also pastor a church with my husband where music is a major part of my life. My first love, if you will. :)

Have you always been creative?

Other than writing, I am a musician and singer, as I said above, but I also made custom cakes and cookies for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, gradations, etc. from 2009-2017. I actually stopped when writing became a part of my life because it was too much to keep on juggling both at the same time. Maybe one day I will pick it back up, but I enjoy writing so much that I don't miss baking really.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

I think about this sometimes because I don't think I have had writers block, *knock on wood*. I will say that sometimes it flows a lot easier than others, and if that is happening I just don't force it and go back to it later.

When you sit down to write, is it easy or hard? If it's hard, what makes you keep showing up?

The hardest thing about writing for me is overthinking. I will look at a sentence and can see five different ways to say the same thing, so trying to pick the version I like the most is what I probably spend too much time on.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Have your main idea of the plot, and go for it. Don't worry about how many words you have down or even what genre it will fit in (I still can't pick the right one for myself either) and let it come to life. You are the one telling the story, so take it where you want. If you have an idea, jot it down so you don't forget. I usually have a running note on my phone for ideas on my current WIP and books yet to be written.

What is your dream writing location?

My family and I went on a twelve-day RV trip from Texas to Idaho and back a couple of summers ago, and that was so cool to write while having some of the best scenery to enjoy. However, most of the time I am writing on my couch or the desk at home.

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

What is your book about? Which I never know how to answer of course, mostly because of spoilers, ha!

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

Wow, what an awesome thought! I'm going to have to go with Luka on this one. He looks at the gift of life in a way I wish I could every day.

What do you think makes a good story?

When I get drawn in and can picture the scene in my head like a movie and feel connected to the characters, that is a great story. Even more so if it makes me want to binge. If it takes me more than three days to read a book, that usually means I am not as into it.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I always thought I would be a teacher, but my mom thought I would be a professional cheerleader. In a way, I have traits of both. I help my kids with their school and (most days) enjoy it, and I am a natural encourager to others. Plus, does the inner cheerleader ever die? Mine hasn't. ;)























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Links to Elle Ann BrownInstagram I Website I Twitter








Mental Notes

By Elle Ann Brown















Mental State (Mental Notes)

By Elle Ann Brown








“Thank you for letting me interview you and Good Luck with everything Elle Ann! ”

— Colleen

If you happen to know an author that would be great for my Fighting Prose series be sure to send them my way!

Thanks for reading!

XoXo- Colleen
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Published on February 10, 2020 01:15

February 4, 2020

Fighting Prose Interview with Georgia Coffman

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.











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This weeks interview is with Georgia Coffman! How long have you been writing?

I wrote my first short story as a freshman in high school, but I'd been doodling with words before then. I've been writing on and off since then, but I decided to commit to a writing career almost five years ago when I started graduated school. I earned my master's in writing in 2017 and haven't looked back.

If you've written several books, which is your favorite?

I've only published one book so far, with a second in the works. I think this second one is my favorite because it pushes my limits and is also a hate to love romance, which is my favorite kind. It releases in April.

*I've written three others, though, that were really just a way for me to develop my voice and craft. As of right now, I only plan to publish one of those in the future. :)

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

Romance for sure! I like to read all kinds of romances - contemporary, new adult, paranormal, suspense. But my favorite to write are definitely contemporary and new adult.

How do you get in the mood to write?

I write in the mornings. That's when I'm most productive and creative. I like the stillness of the morning, just before the sun rises. My mind is quiet, save for the characters and their story. With a steaming cup of coffee and my laptop in front of me, I'm ready to tell that story before the stress of the day overpowers the characters' voices.

How do your characters come together?

This is a fantastic question! I'm still fairly new at this, so my writing process is still coming together, but I find I like to create characters that complement each other. So, if they have similar goals, drive, etc., they feed off each other. If a hero is lacking in one attribute at the beginning of a story, the heroine is strong in that regard and helps the hero grow. And vice versa. This way, the characters 'fit.' I don't like to force chemistry and compatibility. I feel it's hard for a reader to relate and be engrossed in their relationship if it's forced. So, I like to develop characters in ways that they can grow together.

How do you get your ideas?

I read and watch movies a lot. I also really like stand-up comedy. They pay attention to the minute details of everyday life, and it's fascinating to me how they create jokes based around the. They're things average people might miss. It's interesting to me how jokes and storylines come full circle during a set, and I like to incorporate similar strategies and structures in my stories. Not just with the humor I insert, but with other plot points as well. I also get my ideas from meeting new people and learning their stories. From getting out of my comfort zone and seeing what happens, how I feel, how it sparks an epiphany. Ideas are all around us :)

What do you admire the most about the writing world?

This is difficult. There are many people I admire in the writing world for different reasons, for sure. Many of them have helped me grow in various ways. I admire Jennifer Probst, Kandi Steiner , Rachel Van Dyken, and many others. Colleen Hoover is definitely up there too. Her writing transports me with every story. I can't read one of her books without knowing I have a full free day because once I start reading her words, I won't be able to stop. I hope to have the same effect on people with my stories. To read something I write and feel like they're part of the story and of the characters' journey.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

I like reading and watching movies and TV shows with my husband and dogs. We also like to take the dogs to the park or lake. Fitness is also a big part of our everyday lives. Other than that, I have a full-time day job as a receptionist.

Have you always been creative?

Yes - I've always liked drawing. I used to draw portraits, and then I started painting a few years ago. Now, I mostly just write since I don't have a lot of time to do much else.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

Honestly, and I'm sure some might roll their eyes HA, I haven't. If I'm having trouble writing, it's usually because I'm stressed, overwhelmed with life, distracted, procrastinating because I know I need to write an emotionally draining scene, etc. I'm prone to letting the distractions get the best of me and keep me from writing because the distractions are easier. Writing is hard, and I'm not always in the mood for that challenge. I find that if I do yoga, go for a walk, or lift weights, my mind clears, and I'm much more ready to get those words in. I'm always glad I do it too because at the end of the day, no matter how difficult the day is or how off my writing feels, I find peace and joy and fulfillment in writing.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

I think the most important piece of advice for me to give at this point is to write without a filter, worrying about how you'll market it, what category it fits into, etc. There's so much pressure and fear when it comes to writing in the first place, so why add more stress before you've even written the book? Write the story that's in your heart the way you want to tell it, and the rest will fall into place.

What is your dream writing location?

A balcony overlooking the beach where I can feel the soft breeze that brings with it the salty smell. Add a comfortable chair, a cup of coffee with French vanilla creamer, and I'd be in heaven!

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

Why strippers! Although I only have one book out so far, it's the first in a series which follows a group of strippers from a Vegas male revue show. The idea seems very unlike me, I guess HA. When the idea for this series came to me, though, I had to start writing it. It's fun, sexy, and heartfelt. There's a lot of drama to explore when strippers and Vegas and love are involved :)

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

Sebastian Davis. He's funny, vulnerable, and sexy, and he's also a dreamer on top of all that. I like that he brings the best out of the heroine in Strip for Me. I'd want to be his friend.

What do you think makes a good story?

Other than an intriguing plot, I think the characters can make a good story. I am invested in a story when the characters are relatable, likable (even when I don't want to like them!), interesting, raw, etc. If I can feel for the characters like they're my friends, I tend to enjoy a story that much more.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I'm not sure, honestly. I went through various phases - I wanted to be an actress, a doctor, a baker, and a zillion other things. As a young teenager, I wanted to be an author, but once I started high school, I wanted to be a radiologist. I actually earned a bachelor's degree in biology and had plans to go to medical school, but it didn't work out that way. I'm much happier doing what I do now!























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Links to Georgia CoffmanInstagram I Website I Facebook








Strip for Me (Naked Heat Book 1)

By Georgia Coffman








“Thank you for letting me interview you and Good Luck with everything Georgia! ”

— Colleen

If you happen to know an author that would be great for my Fighting Prose series be sure to send them my way!

Thanks for reading!

XoXo- Colleen
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Published on February 04, 2020 03:05

January 29, 2020

Fighting Prose Interview with Olga GOA

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

This weeks interview is with Olga GOA! How long have you been writing?

Well, I started my writing in 2013 year. My first book is FATEFUL ITALIAN PASSION. I went through so many obstacles and, of course, improvement of my writing to make it look good. But I am glad what I archived. It makes me happy!

If you've written several books, which is your favorite?

FATEFUL ITALIAN PASSION 1,2. I do not know why, maybe because I adore writing about Veronica and Milano, they are my gems and my favourite characters. I like to show their emotions and their love, how they overcome obstacles and try to change themselves. I also discover psychological problems in the relationships and mental disorder. This is one of themes in the literature that I am interested in to explore. I adore to show people the true meaning of love. That's why I called a big part of this book series Veneziani Family - FATEFUL ITALIAN PASSION. Passion is not love, love is something more. And the journey to be loved and love in return is not so easy as it seems. ;)

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

Dark Romance, Erotic Romance. I like to make books steamy, suspenseful, twisted. I do not like boring books, I like to being on pins and needles when I am reading. ;)

How do you get in the mood to write?

I read bestseller books of Dark Romance genre and they pushed me to write my own story. I thought, why not? I just have really original thoughts to show love in a different way and show how people can be mistaken thinking they love. Love is a part of action, not words.

How do your characters come together?

Well, I just have a movie in my head when I am writing. Nothing is impossible for me. I can write about any characters and make them real. I like make my books realistic, that's why I am not a big fan of fantasy books if they do not show our real life. The exception is Harry Potter because this book series showed that wizards face the same problems as humans and go through betrayal, hate, jealousy, death and love.

How do you get your ideas?

Just pop up in my mind. :) And I watch many movies and series, also read books to find something unique for myself. I never copy other authors' ideas, I try to mix something that no one tried before in writing. ;) So I like to be unique in my writing's world, I think to copy other authors' writing is not a professional move.

What do you admire the most about the writing world?

Well, such a hard question. Ha-ha. I admire many authors... But I can make a shout out for my favorite ones. I admire Pepper Winters because of her style and language she uses for her books like INDEBTED SERIES and others. She knows how to pick the right word and how to impress their readers with twists. I like how detailed her description is, fantastic just! I admire her talent to create unique stories. :) She inspired me to write Club Drunken Cherry book. I thank her for that. :)

And, f course, I support Erika James because she opened a Dark Romance genre for me and pushed me to write my first story. Her book Fifty Shades of Grey became my first in this genre. I love her FIFTY SHADES series because of their psychology and suspense as well, not just because of erotic content, no. I like how she shows the conflicts in her books and how a main character's difficult childhood influences on him. I adore Sylvia Day books as well, they have some charm and naughty mood, but my favorite series of her are CROSSFIRE series. They are so emotional and hot, they so intense that I can read calmly, I am nervous, like I was reading FIFTY SHADES series. But Sylvia Day books shows some things in a special angle and aspect. I think this both series even have some things in common but the characters are different as plots ;) That's why I do not understand how people can say that both series are copied each other, this is not true.

I also like Katy Evans book series like REAL series. I've never read books about mental disorder before, so when I read and found out that we write both using this theme, I was very surprised and pleased to know! Remy is an amazing character and as dark as my Milano. They have similarities because both has a mental disorder but they are completely different.

I also adore books by Sylvain Reynard like GABRIEL INFERNO series that will be adapted for the screen in next year like series FIFTY SHADES was. I won't mind to see INDEBTED and CROSSFIRE series on a big screen! That would be great!

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

I am working as an accountant. A normal job but sometimes is so boring. I like to do different things in my job because I am a creative person, so I think I had to become an English teacher in my country or a musician.

Have you always been creative?

I am always creative.

No, I am not painting and sculpting but I adore this art and always in awe from people who do it. I applause them because this art shows their passion and point of view of life. I like cooking but not a big fan of baking something. Lol. This is not my biggest hobby.

I adore signing, playing on piano, dancing, I adore create great teasers for my books on YouTube or just fan videos for movies or favorite series. Actually I can make any video teaser if you ask me to do, I feel the music and the action of the video to determine how to create the best teaser. I am working as a video engineer and I love that job but I am doing that for free for myself and sometimes for a payment if authors want me to make it for them.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

Yes, I did have writers block. It happened because I always so dedicated to my writing and I just was tired. What did I do to get out of it? Well, I just stopped writing and relaxed, reading some books, going to the concerts, and walking in the streets. If a writer is focusing almost time on their books, it can drive him crazy, lol. So we do not need it, we have to make a break from writing and enjoy being ourselves.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

To believe in yourself. If a new author doesn't believe in itself, he never will reach his goals. And he must reading many books to find his own style and genre if he doesn't know it yet. And to be unique. To copy other authors' ideas is not so great, and I suppose a beginning author have to discover many things in his life and ask his friends or relatives about their lives and find his own story to say. So many things can inspire authors to write, so I think it depends on an author what things he will use for inspiration. ;)

What is your dream writing location?

An island, near the ocean, beautiful sunset or sunrise and I sit in the shadow, watching this beautiful nature and write my new story. :)

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

They ask from where did I get my ideas. :D

I say that I got them from my life or experience, also my relatives' life and friends'. I found some ideas in movies and books, even when I see a music video clip. ;)

I like to show some things that can be understandable for everyone. And what is so clear for all of us? Yes, the obstacles that other people overcome in their own life. ;)

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

Milano Veneziani from my book FATEFUL ITALIAN PASSION. Because he is so caring and protective, he doesn't lie and do not cheat, he understand what means trust of a woman and how to keep it. He can help when you do not expect it. He likes to support people even he doesn't want to show it or he pretend that he is an egoist and a cruel fucker as he says. Why? Because he never have seen love from their parents, love that any child has to have. He was wounded because from their indifference and wasn't able to find the exit in the dark room if his past as well. I would like to help him myself if it was possible and I met such a man. I think mental disorder people need our help and we shouldn't turn away from them. Some of them can be healing if they feel love and care. But of course, their condition depends on the level of their disorder and how they want to heal themselves. I mean, if a person doesn't want to heal himself, no one will help him.

What do you think makes a good story?

Twists, suspense, realism, emotions, dynamism.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a pilot, then I wanted to become a cosmonaut, then a singer. None of my dreams came true but who knows? ;) I also wanted to become a veterinarian. I adore animals and their unconditional love. They need our help. :) And I also dreamed about to be a writer like Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin. And who knew that I can become a writer in the future? ;) Ha-ha. God works in mysterious ways.























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Links to Olga GOA:Instagram I Blog I Twitter I Facebook








FATEFUL ITALIAN PASSION: Dark Italian Billionaire Contemporary Romance (Veneziani Family Book 1)

By Olga GOA















CLUB "DRUNKEN CHERRY": A Mafia Dark Romance (Fighters Against Darkness Book 1)

By Olga GOA








“Thank you for letting me interview you and Good Luck with everything Olga GOA! ”

— Colleen

If you happen to know an author that would be great for my Fighting Prose series be sure to send them my way!

Thanks for reading!

XoXo- Colleen
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Published on January 29, 2020 02:42

January 25, 2020

My Personal Hell: Writer's Block & How I Got Through It

It’s been two years. Two long years of me not being able to write, not being able to create something new. Sure, I could create a short story, commit myself to 10-15 pages of something—but then I would lose interest, or it would just get too hard to continue on, or I would doubt myself and if my work was worthy of being read by me or anyone else.

Looking back on this now, I guess you could say that I had a good old classic case of writer's block. I was doubting myself, losing my voice, trying to make my writing into something it wasn’t, feeling ashamed of what I had produced in the past. I was jealous of other people’s successes. Why can they create so much? Why can they seem to do what I once could do but can’t anymore? What’s happened to me?!

What Caused My Writer’s Block

Looking back, a couple of things happened that started this. First, a tough situation happened with a close friend of mine. I had to face a lot of unpleasant things about myself and how I was living my life. I had to grieve a part of me that could no longer exist within the limits of my lifestyle; I had to give up friends and relationships. 

I had to change and with that, I had to find a new normal and balance in my life. That took time—it took a long time. I always want to rush things: if I admit to feelings, then I want to be instantly done with those feelings. Now, I’ve learned that I will only suffer longer if I ignore things, if I don’t talk about them. Translation: I will be blocked in all areas of my life.

The second situation was that I began working. I run a business and when I started it in May 2018, it didn’t take me long to realize that my clients and business were taking priority over my writing. My creativity was immediately zapped and funneled into my clients. I am a people pleaser by nature, so I pushed my writing and my personal life aside to give it all to my business. 

Although I could see what was going on, I also knew between working, being a mother and a wife, my writing was the last thing that needed to be lifted up. A part of my heart broke at the thought of that, but I needed to contribute financially and make money for my family.

So, how did I work through these factors to blast through writer’s block?

Achieving Balance in My Business

It took me a while to gain a balance with my business. Part of the reason that I worked from home was so that I could still have a lifestyle that provided the best of both worlds, but there I was: working 6-8 hours every day and having breakdowns because we had no food in the fridge and I didn’t have the energy to make it to the store. 

After about nine months, I took an inventory of how much of myself I could give away. For me, that was three hours per day, maybe four, which left plenty of time for my family’s needs and my own.

Setting Boundaries

When a client asked me for something, the old people-pleasing me would get right on it, in that moment, dropping everything (I was doing) for them. The new me had to start saying, “Yes, I can do that, tomorrow morning.” That taught me how to set up boundaries for them and myself. 

Some of my clients didn’t like this shift; they wanted me right then and for that reason, some of those relationships had to change. I realized that I couldn’t give them what they needed and on the other hand, they knew they needed someone who had a looser schedule than I could provide. My client load decreased, but I also started to raise my rates, so it all balanced out.

Realigning My Intentions

My family experienced a very hard death last summer. I was doing my own grieving but also feeling the loss through all the family. It was like a rock being tossed into a lake; the ripples hit everything and everyone. 

I held people who had been constant figures of strength in my life while they sobbed from grief. From all of this, I felt like God was reminding me that things aren’t infinite, you don’t get second chances, you’ve got to live and be your best version in the process. 

My aunt, the one who passed, was such a light in the world. Her funeral was so crowded that people couldn’t even fit into the church. I looked around and thought, I want this.  I want to live a life that is so bright and so wonderful that people can’t help but be attracted to that light, to a light that shone as brightly as hers. I needed to realign my own desires. What could I be doing better? As with all days, I had the intention of writing—I want to write, but my laziness or my fears or my TV habit get in the way, so I didn’t.

After starting a special writing-themed Instagram, I felt a new freedom that I didn’t have before. I found a community of people just like me that were out there hustling, talking about their writing process, how much fun they were having with this craft. My purpose started to form and it was, “I want to be a writer.” So, if that’s what I want, then why am I wasting my time doing other things? If my aunt, a great supporter of my writing, were here, she would listen to me, crack a joke, and tell me to do it already.

So I did.

Putting Pen to Paper (or Fingers to Keyboard)

In December 2019, I sat down in a coffee shop with an empty notebook and some jams (that’s a 90s term) ringing in my ears. I lined out a brand-new story idea. I created characters, scenes, layers upon layers upon layers. I couldn’t write fast enough; my hand began to cramp. 

After all the Christmas holiday hoopla, I set a rule for myself: No TV until I get 1000 words in every day. Shockingly, I’ve stuck to it. I’ve been busy and missed two or three of these days but the very next day, I would double up on words so that I still meet my goals. With the new guidelines I set up for myself, this means that I am producing again, starting to fulfill my intentions, and that makes me shine with happiness.  

I hope that some of these tips help you with your journey and help you understand mine a little better!


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Published on January 25, 2020 02:56

January 17, 2020

Fighting Prose Interview with Taylor Bambico

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

This week interview is with Taylor Bambico!

How long have you been writing?

Though I've been writing since I was young, I started the clock officially eleven years ago.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

I don't really have a favorite genre to read. I'm currently on a mystery/murder-mystery/fantasy kick. I write contemporary romance, with a pension for small town and new adult fiction.

How do you get in the mood to write?

Sometimes you have force yourself into the mood, which can produce good or bad material. Either way is a plus: if its good, it stays; if its bad, I change it to where I like what I have. Then there are times the mood will just hit you and you end up on a roll.

How do your characters come together?

I start with a basic concept and go from there. Over development of the story, they are changed in numerous ways, most of the time for the better.

How do you get your ideas?

Reading, imagining, and life experiences.

What do you admire the most about the writing world?

Stephen King.

When you look into his past, how it shaped him, and how he went from as low you could go to an entire new level, its intriguing.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

Most of my time away from writing is spent creating content for YouTube, maintaining a presence on Twitter and Instagram, and planning for my writing.

Have you always been creative?

Yes. I use to draw, but grew board of that. Eventually I found I really enjoy painting with acrylic on canvas. I use to work with 1/6 scale action figures, but not so much anymore.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

Yes. And its not so much that I don't know what to write, but more unsure HOW to write something. To correct the issue, I will step away from the computer, listen to music that fits the story and imagine how the scene might take place.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

There will days this is frustrating.

You will question why you are doing this.

But once its on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, or even in paperback, you will be glad you persevered.

What is your dream writing location?

Somewhere with a great view of a lake with a mountain behind it.

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

How do you find the time to write?

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

Riley Kane from "Para Bellum." She would just be fun to hang around with; her life as a super model and fairly laid back personality interests me.

What do you think makes a good story?

Characters who are well developed and plot. I've tried to read books that are acclaimed to be "phenomenal" but I lost interest thirty pages in. The writing may be great, but if the characters bore me and the story is not moving, I lose interest.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to compete in monster truck racing.























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Links to Taylor:Instagram I YouTube








Para Bellum

By Taylor Bambico















Silent Rage: Volume 1

By Taylor Bambico








“Thank you for letting me interview you and Good Luck with everything Taylor! ”

— Colleen

If you happen to know an author that would be great for my Fighting Prose series be sure to send them my way!

Thanks for reading!

XoXo- Colleen

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Published on January 17, 2020 05:18

January 16, 2020

The Event Cover Reveal

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If you read Cory’s journey, this picture means a lot. She has a hard battle and needed help along the way but only one person was able to provide that. I’m excited about all the new Taking Flight Trilogy covers and I hope you are too!

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Published on January 16, 2020 06:02

January 13, 2020

Tips to Stop Sabotaging Your Writing

This week in our monthly The Write Place meeting we covered these tips to Stop Sabotaging Your Writing. It brought up some great discussion. If you’ve overcome some of these I’d love to hear about it.

How to Stop Sabotaging Your Writing


Waiting for the perfect time: Are you stalling? If you keep telling yourself that you need 'x' and 'y' to succeed, then it's time for some imperfect action. Fear and perfectionism can keep you frozen in place, chained to an unsatisfying comfort zone. The best antidote is to write something, anything. It doesn't have to be perfect and it doesn't have to be a complete novel. Don't wait for the stars to align or the perfect week of no-distractions to arrive. Start by taking small messy steps forward. Stop dreaming about what you could do in the future and begin now with what you have.

Takeaway: Set incremental, achievable goals, and relish in the successes!


Prioritizing badly (or not at all): In an over-scheduled life, filled with work and social obligations, it’s easy to get stuck in the cycle of ´busyness´. As part of a society that glorifies ´busy´, filling your day with mundane tasks is a difficult habit to quit. If you are reading this and nodding in agreement, try asking yourself what really matters. What do you want to achieve in the long-term? How could you allocate your time accordingly?

Takeaway: Make writing a top priority.


Fear: Stepping outside our comfort zone is scary. Whether it´s fear of failure or fear of success, both are a threat to our self-image. Impostor syndrome, self-doubt and fear of failure are all tied to a lack of self-confidence and feeling unworthy of your own success. While you may not be able to shake this fear overnight there are steps you can take to push ahead.

Takeaway: Choose good mentors & don’t quit.


The Comparison Trap: The more you compare yourself to others the less time you have to invest in your own work. While it's fantastic to have author role models (and we all love a good fangirl/fanboy moment) realize that you are just as capable of achieving massive success. Admire those authors all you want, then put your head down and focus on your own work.

Takeaway: Keep getting better & do the work.


*Information sourced from Writers Digest & Wild Mind for Authors.

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Published on January 13, 2020 01:02

January 5, 2020

Fighting Prose Interview with K. T. Egan

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds. This week I’m interviewing K. T. Egan an up and coming indie author!

How long have you been writing?

Does the scribblings of a six-year-old count? If so, about seventeen years.

Of the books you’ve written, which is your favorite?

I've just finished one but it is the first in a four book series entitled Anderson Creek. Out of the four books (including the three drafts that I'm revolving around) I think my favorite is going to end up being the last in the series, A Patriot's Way.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

I don't really have a favorite genre to read. I'm currently on a mystery/murder-mystery/fantasy kick. I write contemporary romance, with a pension for small town and new adult fiction.

How do you get in the mood to write?

I'm always in the mood to write. I don't actually stop jotting down ideas and plotting scenes, even if I only have a few hours a week to commit to actually writing right now.

How do your characters come together?

They come and go in waves. My characters for the Anderson Creek series came together like a whirlwind: Maverick, the young lawyer who almost destroyed his happily-ever-after. Roxanne, the aspiring author who takes a detour to Las Vegas until Maverick nearly dies. Cheyenne, Roxanne's busy-body, disgruntled best friend who has relationship issues and is unaware of what to do with kids. Wesley and Connor, brothers raised by a widower father and two very different people: a photographer and a goofball, and a serious, somber young soldier with a pure sense of purpose. And Silas, the sixth Anderson Creek kid, who is a wonderful supporting character but just very bland. The other books that will stem out of Penn Ridge, Pennsylvania, are still forming in the back of my head but there are some really exciting things around the corner for this little slice of the world.

How do you get your ideas?

It usually just comes to me. For instance, my Anderson Creek series, I came up with the main plot for All You Hold On To (Book 1) with a question: What would happen if you gave your current partner power-of-attorney over you and then you broke up? From there, the entire series started to take place. And now I have little tidbits of three full length novels, a novella, and a couple of spin offs based on the small town, Penn Ridge, Pennsylvania, I created for the series.

What do you admire the most about the writing world?

Oh there's so many people. I've always been inspired by so many strong, female authors that I don't think I could chose.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

I'm a full-time copy editor at an international developmental finance consulting firm, a part-time manager at an ice cream shop, a blogger, an avid knitter, an obsessed cat mom, a partner, and an amateur chef.

Have you always been creative?

I have been writing since I was six years old; from little stories I'd come up with for my toys (a lot of them had to do with court cases - I was a fair judge at six) to where I"m at now. I always knit, a lot, it's almost compulsive. And I like to cook and bake.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

For writers block, I pick up a pen and sit down with a yellow legal pad to sketch out ideas. It works fantastically.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Keep writing - a second draft, a third draft, even a tenth draft. They're not all going to be winners, but by the time your gut is telling you its down you'd have put in a wealth of work.

What is your dream writing location?

The Colorado mountains, in the snow, in a small cabin with a huge fireplace and limited access to people. I'd get so much done.

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

Which character do you like the most? (It's Wesley - he's my favorite!)

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

Caleb Anderson, Cheyenne's grandfather. I modeled him after my Grandpa, who passed away a couple of years ago. I think it would be amazing to sit down and talk to Caleb, just to see how deep the comparison between the two would run.

What do you think makes a good story?

Realistic characters who are driven by a sense of purpose and a desire for something more. They don't have to always have happy endings they just have to be sincere.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a JAG lawyer and a writer - I'm halfway there! Law school was just too much of a commitment. Oh well, at least I have my books!























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Links to K. T. Egan:Instagram I Goodreads I Facebook

“Thank you for letting me interview you and Good Luck with your book release K.T.! ”

— Colleen

If you happen to know an author that would be great for my Fighting Prose series be sure to send them my way!

Thanks for reading!

XoXo- Colleen

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Published on January 05, 2020 05:35