Zara West's Blog, page 13

Meet Awesome Romance Author Savannah J. Frierson

I am excited to start the new year by interviewing multi-published, award-winning, USA bestselling author, Savannah J. Frierson. She is here to tell you about what she writes and why.

Welcome Savannah!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m originally from South Carolina, and I realized I wanted to write as a career during my junior year of high school. I completed my first original work, Reconstructing Jada Channing, as my senior thesis at Harvard University, earning the Dorothy Hicks Lee Prize for most outstanding thesis concerning African or African-American literature. In 2007, I released my first novel, Being Plumville, which earned several SORMAG Readers’ Choice Awards in 2007 and an Emma Award nomination for Debut Author of the Year at the 2008 Romance Slam Jam Conference. Since my debut, I’ve published over twenty works ranging from short stories to full-length novels. In addition to writing, I also enjoy reading, traveling, and singing.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I chose romance because I wanted to read about unconventional women getting their romantic happily ever afters, and I chose to write it because I wanted to envision unconventional Black women, in particular, getting their happily ever afters. Also, I primarily write interracial romances featuring Black women because so often Black women are told either 1.) nobody wants them; 2.) only Black men will genuinely want them; 3.) if they date outside their race, they’re traitors who hate themselves. As a Black woman who is very proud of her heritage and who is also attracted to not just Black men, I want to explore what that means, because those comments flew in the face of “love is love” and all the other platitudes we tell ourselves about romance. “Love isn’t political; love overcomes all.” And yet, that’s not true in real life. However, because I can create worlds and narratives, I can make that true in my stories and hopefully give a blueprint or a glimpse into how readers can make it true for them too.

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

It was 2005/2006, and I was writing an interracial romance set in the late 1960s on a newly integrated college campus in a fictional Georgia town. Agents . . . weren’t having it. One even said I talked about race too much in my novel! And I was flabbergasted because when you sub to agents, you have to give them a query, a full synopsis, and the first few chapters/pages of the manuscript. This agent had ample time to realize what the story was about and, therefore, why discussing race was crucial to it. But that rejection set me on the path of indie publishing and I’m glad it did. This is your work. You have to trust that the person who will represent you understands you and your aims. And I’m frankly glad indie publishing wasn’t the perceived death knell it was a decade ago (almost two now!). And that manuscript eventually became Being Plumville, which is my most reviewed work by far.

Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

There are so many! But I currently have two that have been placed further and further on the backburner. One is a story that has some epistolary features and is set during the Vietnam conflict. I’m torn with whether to bring it up to a more current time period or keep it where it is (especially since there’s one reader out there who keeps me honest about that project—shout out to Keisha!). The other follows the best friend of the male protagonist from my debut novel Being Plumville, but that hasn’t been published (over ten years later) because I realized the story I thought I was telling isn’t that story at all, so I have to reset and start afresh. So, timing, mostly, why those two stories haven’t been officially published, but I hope in the next few years I can get them together.

What project are you working on now or what book will be next?

I am working on the next story in the Be Mine series called All Mine. It’ll take place a year after the events of Be Mine. It’s about how the foursome continues to adapt from a friendship to the romance, especially after the honeymoon phase is over. But a new, unanticipated shift may be on the horizon.

Be Mine by Savannah J. Frierson [image error]

Ingrid Harris has never had a Valentine, but she’s determined to change that this year. Luckily, she has three housemates she can ask to be her boo for the day, but she doesn’t realize asking one can lead to having them all, and well into the night.

But only if she wants.

And why wouldn’t she want? Why settle for one Valentine when she can have three? And maybe for longer than just a day or a night?

 

 

Buy Links
Be Mine:  AMAZON | BOOKS-TO-READ

Learn More about Savannah J. Frierson [image error]

Savannah J. Frierson is a USA Today best-selling and award-winning author who crafts full, happily-ever-afters for the independent women who are late-bloomers in love. She taps into women’s softness to show this vulnerability as a strength to be embraced and celebrated. Savannah’s characters find empowerment through love, and she hopes her dear readers do too.

Savannah is represented by the wonderful Saritza Hernandez at The Corvisiero Agency and is also a PAN member of the Romance Writers of America. She is the current vice president of the Lowcountry Romance Writers of America Chapter and a member of CIMRWA and Carolina Romance Writers Chapter.

Website https://www.sjfbooks.com

Facebook https:www.facebooks.com/savannahjfrierson

Twitter  https://twitter.com/sjfbooks

Savannah would love to hear from you.
Please post your questions and comments below.

The post Meet Awesome Romance Author Savannah J. Frierson appeared first on Zara West Romance.

JL Lora Writes Romantic Suspense and more

I recently meet JL Lora at the New Jersey Put Your Heart in a Book Romance Writers Conference. She is here today to talk about her writing and what inspires her.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m JL, Dominican-American author who loves the food, ID channel, fashion, teacups, and romance stories that melt my heart. I’ve been writing since I can remember. My mom says I used to make up stories about historical figures. So…historical fanfic. LOL!

I write steamy contemporary and romantic suspense. My stories are about people who are not 100% good or 100% bad, but they’re 100% real. My stories are a collage of sexy, bold, sophisticated, and raw.

My first series is The Trinity—Boss, Made, and Steel—tells the story of three women that rise to become the most powerful cartel in New York and finding love in the type of men they swore never to mess with. My second series is A Love for All Seasons. Each book is represented by a season and deals with family secrets, love, friendships, and rising above trauma.

I also have two standalones, Some Nights and Some Mornings. I call them the sister stories because the heroines are sisters and each has a big role in each other’s books.

I live in Maryland with my family and a funny little kitty terror named Trinity. Come chat me up on social media.

Where do you get your ideas?

The stories usually just come to me when I’m in the middle of doing something completely different like walking, showering or even doing the dishes. I would hear a line and it goes from there. Sometimes, I don’t even get to know the characters well in advance because the story just wants to come out. But they do adopt quirks and experiences from the people in my life.

My most recent novel, Some Mornings, is the perfect example. Sierra is a Dominican single mom whose qualities are all an homage to all the moms I know. She’s dedicated, loyal and full of heart.  She’s down on her luck and has been hurt, but she has this amazing ability (like the women I know) of bouncing back and showing up every day for those she loves. She’s there for her kids, her sister, and even her difficult mom.

Her story was so very special and finding the right hero for her was such a pleasure. As different as they are, and as heavily attracted to each other as they are, they have these core values that bring them together. He’s a protector, a good guy, something she’s never had. It was a trip to write this story but really rewarding.

What would your characters say about your writing and their book?

Sierra and Matt are both passionate so they would love their chemistry on the page but I think they would appreciate their growth from beginning to end even more. They go through so many ups and downs, not to mention the drama, they would end up exhausted in the end. Hahaha.

Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?

I’m antsy to get back to my organized crime world. I am hoping by the end of next year I have something cool to announce in that respect. Wink wink.

Romantic suspense is my first love. It keeps calling to me.

Can you tell us about any other upcoming books, series, or writing plans?

I’m currently writing the third book in my A Love for All Seasons series. Every book in that series is unique and the issues so complex. In The Summer I Loved You, Adri & Cam’s story was full of complications and surprises. In The Winter of My Love, we see a beautiful relationship born out of two people thrown in an impossible situation. My heart still has not recovered from it.

I am hoping to finish the next book very soon. It’s a surprise. But I can tell you, it’s full of conflicting emotions, drama, and sexiness. I’m hoping you fall for this couple like I have, headfirst.

SOME MORNINGS: A New City, and a Sexy Morning Arrangement, Gave These Friends A Second Chance at Love by JL Lora[image error]

New city.  New job.  New life.

Recently divorced single-mom, Sierra Torres’ life is a hot mess. And now, her car’s been stolen.  When she reports the theft, a tall and broad-shouldered blast from her past walks in. Years ago, he disappeared without a trace after a perfect seven minutes in heaven.

The provider.  The supporter.  The survivor. 

Police officer Matthew Hunter lives to serve and protect, not only the people of Baltimore City, but what’s left of his family. He’s the responsible one—the reliable cop. Seeing Sierra again ignites a fire in him he thought he extinguished a long time ago. One look into her fiery brown eyes and it all comes back.  But Sierra’s not interested in romance—just a little fun.

However, hearts have a mind of their own.  Feelings deepen each time they see each other.  Soon, that’s not enough. They crave more. But when things begin to unravel after their past catches up with them, are their seven minutes in heaven over for good?

Buy links:

Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/y52o55mm

iTunes: https://tinyurl.com/y3n48ue3

B&N: https://tinyurl.com/y633s5qe

Kobo: https://tinyurl.com/y3s84vet

Google Play: https://tinyurl.com/yxj9ffyq

[image error]Learn more about JL  Lora

JL Lora is a Dominican-American author. Her stories explore the dark side of good characters, people living in the gray areas of life while playing the cards life has dealt them. She loves strong heroines and their equally powerful Men. She currently lives in Maryland, pursuing her dream of writing compelling, sexy, can’t-put-down stories about empowered, badass alpha heroines and take-your-breath-away alpha heroes. You can find her and or chat her up on Social Media.

Website:

www.JLLora.com

Social Media:

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/authorjllora

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jtothelove

Instagram: https://instagram.com/JLLora

Googreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16348102.J_L_Lora

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-l-lora

The post JL Lora Writes Romantic Suspense and more appeared first on Zara West Romance.

Meet Awesome Romance Author Laura Haley-McNeil

~No One is More Important Than Our Readers~

Romance author Laura Haley-McNeil writes sweet love stories that tug at your heartstrings. Today, she introduces us to the newest release in her Beaumont Brides series and pays homage to readers.

Welcome Laura…

What was the most interesting place you ever visited?

I’m originally from California and now live in Colorado. I’ve spent most of my life traveling in the west, but little on the east coast. My husband is a good sport so when I told him I wanted to visit the south, he agreed. We’ve visited many interesting places, but one that fascinated me was Charleston. I love it when a book’s setting is so important that it becomes a character. I had read Pat Conroy’s South of Broad and had to know what was so special about this area of Charleston. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with this amazing city and I wanted to use it as a setting for one of my books. That finally happened and When Love Whispers, Book 2 of the Beaumont Brides Series, was born. It was fun to write this book because it helped me to remember the city and the people.

Another city I visited that impressed me is Prague in the Czech Republic. It’s a beautiful city and fortunate  n that it wasn’t bombed during World War II so many of it’s old buildings still stand. If you have seen the movie Amadeus, you will realize how beautiful this city is—this movie was filmed in Prague. My husband is a pianist so visiting the city was meaningful to him also. There is music everywhere. As we crossed the Charles Bridge, we expressed our amazement that many famous composers also crossed this bridge. Now wouldn’t that make a great premise for a time travel book? I don’t write time travel, but that’s definitely a book I’d want to read!

Where is your favorite place to write?

We live in a very small house, which is fine for two people, but it means that I don’t have an office. Instead, I sit in a chair in the family room, prop my laptop on my lap and my feet on a hassock, and write. The family room used to be a breeze way between the laundry room and the garage so it’s very small. Whoever designed the family room did me a great favor by adding large windows that overlook the patio. Again, one of the previous owners built planters along the wall surrounding the patio. I love flowers and spend most of the year planning what to plant in the spring so that I have a beautiful view from spring to fall with flowers blooming all season long. The winter is beautiful, too. I love watching the snow fall. I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful place to write.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

The first time I read a romance novel I was in heaven. I love romance and happily ever after. That’s what I wanted to write. I love larger than life men and women who aren’t afraid to stand up for what is right. I love reading a book that crafts a plot around the romance.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Because I still have a day job, I’m often tired when I get home from work, and it would be so wonderful just to relax and read or go out with friends, but I also love to write. To switch my mind from work to writing, I start reading. While I’m reading, ideas come to me and soon my fingers are tapping the keys. It’s not perfect, but it gets me started. I don’t edit while I write. Because I don’t always know where the book is going, I keep writing because I want to find out the end of the book. I find that writing is like reading. I sometimes surprise myself with the direction the story takes. I hope the reader is surprised, too.

Can you tell us about any other upcoming books, series, or writing plans?

I love Christmas and I love billionaire romances so that is my next series. I’m working with the editor on the first book in the series, but sadly, I don’t think it will be ready for this Christmas so hopefully I’ll have a couple of Christmas books for next year.

What project are you working on now or what book will be next?

The romantic suspense series I’ve been writing has seven books. The series is called the Crystal Creek Series. It’s a ranch in Colorado that is loosely based on the ranch where my father was raised. I loved writing this series for that reason. Then because I always wanted to write a Brides series, I created Beaumont Brides. When Love Whispers is the 2nd book in the series.

Do you have any websites, blogs, or books about writing that you would recommend?

I listen to podcasts when I drive to and from work. Two that have been immensely informative are The Creative Penn by Joanna Penn and Self-Publishing Formula by Mark Dawson. Both authors are British. They’ve been self-published for years and share a wealth of knowledge. If you’re looking for information about writing and publishing, I’d recommend their websites and podcasts.

Is there anything special that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

No one is more important than you, readers and fans. There isn’t an author who doesn’t love you. If you have a favorite author, please let them know how you feel about their writing. I follow Danielle Steel who is very busy and very famous, but she takes the time to reach out to her readers. Another writer who has impressed me with his outreach to his readers is Ken Follett. I once heard a radio interview with him. It’s my understanding he lives in the UK, but this interviewer lived in California, so Ken Follett flew to California to give the interview in person. When asked why he did so, he replied, “I want to sell books.” What better way to sell books than to interact with those why buy your books? It was a wonderful interview and I was very impressed with his gregarious personality. I hadn’t read his books before, but now I’ve read several.

When Love Whispers by Laura Haley-McNeil [image error]

Sometimes, love comes in packages.

As the top ranked student at Charleston’s military academy, Preston Lowe excels in class, in sports and with women. Only Willow Dockery, a barmaid at the city’s trendy nightclub, sees the pain in his eyes when he’s out with friends having a good time. But Willow doesn’t know how Preston inwardly struggles to forget a past that could derail the career he’s worked hard to achieve.

Willow wrestles with her own secrets. After a disastrous relationship leaves her broke and disillusioned, she vows never to let anyone rob her of her dreams again. But as she gets to know Preston, it’s as if their tumultuous pasts meld together into something so startling it transforms their relationship and their lives forever.

Wherever Love Finds You is the 1st book in the Beaumont Brides Series

 

Buy

[image error]

[image error] Learn more about Laura Haley-McNeil

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Laurel Haley McNeil would love to hear from you. Have you read her books? Want to read them?
Post a comment for her.

The post Meet Awesome Romance Author Laura Haley-McNeil appeared first on Zara West Romance.

Love Romantic Suspense? Meet Author Sharon Wray

Sharon Wray writes romantic suspense with incredible alpha male heroes. Today she talks about her writing life and where she gets her ideas.

Welcome Sharon..

Tell me about yourself

Hi Zara and thank you for inviting me onto your blog today. I’m a romantic suspense author who writes the bestselling Deadly Force series. This series is about a group of ex-Green Berets accused of vicious war crimes who are determined to prove their innocence and find the enemies who want to destroy them before time runs out. As these men struggle to rebuild their lives and redeem their honor, it’s the women they love who teach these alpha males that Grace always defeats Reckoning. I’m also a librarian, wedding gown designer, mother of twins, and caretaker of a one-eyed rescue dog.

What is your most recent release?

 My most recent release, ONE DARK WISH, is the second book in the Deadly Force Series that’s known for National Treasure-type plots. The heroine, Sarah Munro, is a historian who specializes in 17th century pirates. Her hero, ex-Green Beret Nate Walker, has just been released from the U.S. Army’s secret prison hospital in Maine. When Sarah and Nate meet in a remote colonial-era cemetery outside of Savannah, GA, and they’re threatened by a Fianna assassin, Sarah and Nate realize their very different lives are somehow connected. Unfortunately for them, that connection is a 17th century unsolved pirate cipher.

While Nate is on a secret mission of his own to redeem his honor and save the rest of his men in prison, he’s also been ordered to stop Sarah from solving that old pirate cipher. An order he ends up ignoring that, in turn, puts the two of them in even more danger.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

My books are all fiction, yet I always tie in forgotten bits of history. In ONE DARK WISH, I did a ton of research into the pirates the plagued the early colonial coastline in the 17th and 18th centuries. Specifically, I studied the types of ciphers and maps these pirates used. The struggle with writing a contemporary romantic suspense is that characters have so much technology and access to information that can solve a mystery or a question almost immediately. But for this series, I wanted the villain to resurrect old ciphers that have never been solved in order to throw off the hero Nate Walker and the rest of his men. So I used the story of an old pirate cipher, that has never been solved and was supposedly used during the Revolutionary War, to throw off Nate and Sarah.

This cipher supposedly hid the location of hide sites the pirates used to store and move their illegal merchandise to both the black and white markets. In ONE DARK WISH, Nate and Sarah are worried the enemy is moving illegal weapons through these hide sites. I needed Nate and Sarah to rely on their intelligence and wits instead of googling the answer. And because Nate and Sarah have been pitted against each other, if they don’t solve the cipher and find the hide sites (and the weapons) the people they love will die.

What interesting jobs have you had?

I’ve been very lucky. I’ve had the opportunity to live overseas and travel and work in all sorts of unusual places. The most interesting job was when I worked as junior case worker for the American Red Cross in South Korea. I worked in the northern city of Uijongbu and spent a lot of time up at the DMZ (the border between North and South Korea) handling cases for young soldiers. This was before cell phones and the internet so if a soldier had an emergency at home, the family would contact the Red Cross and we’d have to deliver the message and help them deal with the aftermath. Sometimes we got permission to send them home and sometimes we just offered them long distance phone service. Things were so much more remote before the internet and cell phones. And, if the soldiers were in the field, it could take days if not weeks to deliver their message. It was a difficult yet rewarding job and I’d go back in a minute and do it all over again.

Is writing something that comes easy to you or not?

Writing is always a struggle for me. It doesn’t help that my books are long (over 130K) with complicated romance and suspense plots intertwined. I write slowly and do a ton of revisions. My drafts are also incredibly long, much longer than the finished books, so I need the time not just to get down the story but to edit and condense. I’m also really slow. I wish I was a faster writer, but that’s not the case. I do outline, though, and that does help. Without an outline, I’d be completely lost.

But, having said all that, I still love writing more than I’ve ever loved any other job I’ve ever had. Besides my family, writing is the most important thing in my life.

My favorite place to write

This is such an interesting question because it changes with each book. Right now I’m writing on my couch. But the book I just finished I wrote almost exclusively in a coffee shop near my house. The book before that I wrote at my kitchen table. I don’t know why it changes with each book, but once I find a rhythm for that story I stick with it. I’m just now finishing up a novella for the Deadly Force series and for that I’m writing at a small desk in my bedroom. I’m not sure how long that will last, though, because the chair is not comfortable at all!

[image error]

Coming Soon!

Will I have a new book coming out soon?

Yes, the third book in the series IN SEARCH OF TRUTH will be out February 24, 2019. Here’s the blurb: Some treasure is hidden in plain sight… The last thing anthropologist Allison Pinckney expects is to inherit the key to a seventeenth century pirate cipher that makes her the target of two brutal arms dealers. But to save those she loves, she must solve the cipher. When this perilous mission takes a dangerous turn, she reluctantly seeks help from ex-Green Beret Zack Tremaine, the one man she’s been avoiding. Because if she gives into her long-buried feelings for him, it will cost them their lives.

Zack Tremaine is haunted by regrets. Years ago, he betrayed his men and lost the only woman he ever loved. Now that his men are caught in a fierce rivalry between two deadly enemies, his only hope is to find Allison. She holds the secret to a pirate treasure, making her his only chance to save his men and redeem his honor. Even if she breaks his heart again.

Advice for aspiring writers

My advice comes directly from a speech Winston Churchill gave at Harrow School on October 29, 1941: “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never-in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense.”

[image error]ONE DARK WISH by Sharon Wray

Her life must be forfeit for his to be redeemed

Historian Sarah Munro is not used to being shot at, but that’s just what happens while she’s poking around cemeteries on Georgia’s Isle of Grace, searching for the key to a centuries-old cipher. Her quest has unwittingly drawn the attention of two deadly enemies intent on destroying each other—and anyone who gets in their way.

Ex–Green Beret Major Nate Walker is on a mission of his own: to restore the honor of his men. To do that, he is required to stop Sarah—or one of his own men will die. Caught in the middle of a deadly rivalry, Nate can’t afford to trust the woman standing in his way. But his heart says he can’t afford not to…

Where to Buy

AMAZON http://bit.ly/ONEDARKWISH

AMAZON AUDIBLE: http://bit.ly/OneDarkWishAudible

BOOKS A MILLION http://bit.ly/OneDarkWishBAM

KOBO: http://bit.ly/OneDarkWishKobo

INDIE BOUND: http://bit.ly/2kMTZeG

BARNES & NOBLE: http://bit.ly/OneDarkWishBN

iBooks: http://bit.ly/OneDarkWishiBook

Google Play: http://bit.ly/OneDarkWishGP

Sourcebooks: http://bit.ly/OneDarkWishSB

 

Learn more about Sharon Wray [image error]

Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/sharonwrayauthor

BookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/sharonwraybookbub

Website for newsletter & blog: http://bit.ly/sharonwrayblog

Instagram: http://bit.ly/sbwrayinsta

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharonbwray

Pinterest: https://www.instagram.com/sbwray/

Sharon would love to hear from you.
Post your questions and comments below.

The post Love Romantic Suspense? Meet Author Sharon Wray appeared first on Zara West Romance.

Author Delsora Lowe: Writing Tips and a New Book

~From Little Red Wagon to Rescuing the Sheriff ~

My writer friend, author Delsora Lowe, writes small town contemporary and ranch-set romances set in Maine and Colorado. Today she is back to tell us more about her life as a writer and give us a few writing tips. And she has a new book out too. The Rancher Needs a Wife.

So take it away, Delsora…

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book? 

I actually was published in our high school literary quarterly with a story called The Little Red Wagon. It was from the point of view of a kid. I think I was a sophomore, and I had no clue my teacher had submitted the story. Needless to say, I was mortified because I thought no one would get it was a kid’s POV, and they would think that was the way I really wrote. Now I look back, and I am pleased that someone thought my fictional writing was good. Confession: I wasn’t the best student

Why Writers Should Read

~ Do you write? Do you read? ~

You have to read widely, constantly refining (and redefining) your own work as you do so. It’s hard for me to believe that people who read very little (or not at all in some cases) should presume to write and expect people to like what they have written, but I know it’s true. If I had a nickel for every person who ever told me he/she wanted to become a writer but “didn’t have time to read,” I could buy myself a pretty good steak dinner. Can I be blunt on this subject? If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that. Reading is the creative center of a writer’s life.

 Stephen King On Writing

I  Love to Read. Do You?

Reading is one of my greatest pleasures. If I had my way, I would send many hours a day immersed in a book. For this reason, being a professional writer makes perfect sense for me. To be a successful writer, I can justify my hours inside a book as a job essential.

Next time someone questions why you have books stacked from floor to ceiling, or why you are too busy reading to pay a social call, use one of these delicious excuses.

Why Writers Should Read

To be inspired
To absorb literary language
To learn new words
To develop empathy through identification with characters who are not like you
To keep your brain active
To escape your everyday world
To become a better reader
To find writers you love.
To support fellow writers


How Writers Should Read

Okay. So now you have explained those piles of books. But how should you approach them as a writer?

Read for structural ideas
Read to discover what will excite readers
Read to analyze structure, character, and plot
Read to study the voice and pacing of different authors
Read to see what works and what doesn’t in storytelling
Read to see how theme and motif can be expressed
Read to discover writers who write like you do. and those who don’t
Read to see what writing techniques work and what ones don’t
Read to find comparables to use in your query

 

 

What Writers Should Read

Do you tend to read the same kinds of books all the time? Branch out and try some of these.

Genres and styles you write in
Genres and styles you don’t write in
Books set in places you write about
Books set in places you have never been
Nonfiction books about writing
Nonfiction books about self-actualization
Books about marketing and running a business

AND…

Stephen King’s On Writing – the book every writer must read!

 

More on Reading and Writing

What Makes You Want to Read a Book? 

I love to read, but not during National Writing Month

The real importance of reading is that it creates an ease and intimacy with the process of writing… Constant reading will pull you into a place… where you can write eagerly and without self-consciousness.

 Stephen King On Writing

 

What are you reading right now?
I welcome your thoughts and comments.

The post Why Writers Should Read appeared first on Zara West Romance.

Debbi Cracovia Teaches Writing

~ Writers Are Always Learning ~

Are you a writer or interested in becoming one? Debbi Cracovia has some writing workshops for you. [image error]

Welcome to my blog, Debbi….

 

What interesting jobs have you had? How have those jobs affected your writing?

I was a corporate trainer for an educational company and in that roll I learned how to give performance feedback that motivates the receiver. I have incorporate some of those techniques in my Workshop ‘How to Critique with Grace and Compassion.

Where do you get your ideas?

I grew up in Manhattan and there are characters and story ideas on every block. Most of my ideas just pop into my head. When I see something like a creepy old brownstone or a modern sleek high-rise I always think – What if?

Of course, watching The Twilight Zone and Night Gallery and Star Trek as a child opened my mind to the strange and unusual, which is why I write Sci-Fi, fantasy when writing fiction.

Do you ever experience Writer’s Block?

Yes, writer’s block is real and happens to almost every writer at some point in their writing career. The first step is to know the source of it. Where does it come from? The good news is writer’s block can be crushed with a little self-reflection and some work. I’m in the process of designing a workshop to help author’s overcome writer’s block. Look for it in 2020 at OIRWA. For me, there is nothing worse than staring at a blank screen.

Can you tell you about your challenges in getting your book published?

Since my first fiction novel is not yet out, I’m still facing challenges. First, there was the challenge of writing fiction. Fiction is a completely different animal than non-fiction. Just saying, if you try to write fiction in the same way as non-fiction you will have a very hard time getting anyone to read past the first or second chapter, No one, and I repeat, no one wants to read a novel with an omniscient, passive voiced, head-hopping narrator.

Second, once the novel is written, revisions begin. Don’t get me started, this is by far the biggest challenged for me.

Thirdly, once the manuscript is ready to go, the challenge becomes – how do I find the right people to send it too? This is where research comes in.

So do you have any advice to give aspiring writers?

Don’t give up!! Keep growing, read a lot, find your cheerleaders, and above all spend the time it takes to learn your craft. Editors and agents will love for it.

I began writing after reading a book by Sylvia Day entitled Pleasures in the Night. I loved it so much that I was inspired to share my stories. This past summer I was lucky enough to tell Ms. Day just how much she impacted my life.

I’m what I like call pre-published, but I do have interest in my series. Book one is written, and I’m currently working on book two. Yay me – no seriously it’s been long journey of which began as a sprint and ended up like slow, foot dragging jog. You know what I mean. While I have a number of non-fiction pieces floating around the world, I needed to learn how to write fiction plain and simple.

At one point I worked as a corporate trainer for an educational company where I designed and conducted trainings on various subjects for franchise and company employees. I’ve taken that experience and designed a few workshops I know will help authors along their writing journey.

The first workshop is entitled, How to Critique with Grace and Compassion. Need I say more? This came about because most writers know that at some point they have to share your work with an editor, agent, beta reader, or contest judge. This can be very scary especially for newer authors. But this is exactly why finding a critique partner or critique group is so important. But how do you find a good one? Where do you look? Once you found a critique group of partner how is everything suppose to work? Most critique partners or group want you to reciprocate or participate but what does that look like? You might even think, how can I help? I cover all this and more and I give everyone a chance to critique samples to hone their skills.

My next workshop is in November 2019 with https://pennwriters.org/critique-with-grace/

As I mentioned above in the questions and answer section, I’m currently researching and designing a workshop about Writer’s Block. Writer’s Block is Real, but it’s Not a Disease. This workshop will have simple fixes that will help most writers overcome what I like to refer to as Blank Page Syndrome. We’ll look at the reasons behind WB and examine the ways to get back your writer’s brain.

Look for dates and times at Outreach International Romance Writer’s of America 2020. OIRWA offers workshops each month and you don’t have to be a member of OIRWA or even RWA to sign up. http://www.oirwa.com/forum/campus/ or sign up for my newsletter at https://luv2write2.com/

 

Pennwriters Online Class
November 4-29, 2019Critique with Grace & Compassion for Writers, Beta Readers, Contest Judges & Critique Partners

 

This workshop was designed for anyone who will give and/or receive critical feedback from others. Including but not limited to: Writers, beta readers, contest judges, and critique partners.

Topics Covered:

    The many types of critique partners, groups, contests and critiquing outlets available to writers.
    What to look for when critiquing other peoples writing.
    The best techniques to motivate other authors.
    How to work with less than helpful criticism with grace, even when you don’t agree.
    What you need to start your own critique group.
    Judging a writing contest? This is what you should do.

Participants will learn some tried and true ways to give constructive, professional and motivational critiques.

Each participant will have the opportunity to share a short excerpt (3-4 pages) from their WIP, but only if they choose;-) Everyone will have a chance to offer a critique to a live submission.

At the end of the workshop we’ll see if we can’t find a few people who want to continue to critique each other’s work after the workshop ends.

More about Debbi Cracovia

With over twenty years experience in the corporate world, Debbi Cracovia has trained hundreds of people in the areas of Company Policies and Procedures, Management & Sales techniques. In her role as a Manager and Human Resource professional, she has motivated employees through constructive feedback and positive critique to help him or her to improve performance and feel motivated to do the best work possible.

It is her wish to bring some of those techniques and methods to writers, beta readers, critique partners, and contest judges so they can give positive helpful critiques that motivate not deflate. She is a current member of RWA, HVRWA, NJRWA, FFPRWA where she is FF&P’s Mudpuddle moderator – critique group, and your current OIRW Campus Coordinator. She lives and plays in the very cool state of New York and is close enough to the Big Apple to visit anytime she likes but far enough away she doesn’t hear the noise of the city at night. Email her at djcracovia@yahoo.com.

Connect with her on FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Luv2write2.co

 

 

Do you have a question for Debbi. She would love to hear from you.

The post Debbi Cracovia Teaches Writing appeared first on Zara West Romance.

Debbie Cracovia Teaches Writing

~ Writers Are Always Learning ~

Are you are writer or interested in becoming one? Debbie Cracovia has some writing workshops for you. [image error]

Welcome to my blog, Debbie….

 

What interesting jobs have you had? How have those jobs affected your writing?

I was a corporate trainer for an educational company and in that roll I learned how to give performance feedback that motivates the receiver. I have incorporate some of those techniques in my Workshop ‘How to Critique with Grace and Compassion.

Where do you get your ideas?

I grew up in Manhattan and there are characters and story ideas on every block. Most of my ideas just pop into my head. When I see something like a creepy old brownstone or a modern sleek high-rise I always think – What if?

Of course, watching The Twilight Zone and Night Gallery and Star Trek as a child opened my mind to the strange and unusual, which is why I write Sci-Fi, fantasy when writing fiction.

Do you ever experience Writer’s Block?

Yes, writer’s block is real and happens to almost every writer at some point in their writing career. The first step is to know the source of it. Where does it come from? The good news is writer’s block can be crushed with a little self-reflection and some work. I’m in the process of designing a workshop to help author’s overcome writer’s block. Look for it in 2020 at OIRWA. For me, there is nothing worse than staring at a blank screen.

Can you tell you about your challenges in getting your book published?

Since my first fiction novel is not yet out, I’m still facing challenges. First, there was the challenge of writing fiction. Fiction is a completely different animal than non-fiction. Just saying, if you try to write fiction in the same way as non-fiction you will have a very hard time getting anyone to read past the first or second chapter, No one, and I repeat, no one wants to read a novel with an omniscient, passive voiced, head-hopping narrator.

Second, once the novel is written, revisions begin. Don’t get me started, this is by far the biggest challenged for me.

Thirdly, once the manuscript is ready to go, the challenge becomes – how do I find the right people to send it too? This is where research comes in.

So do you have any advice to give aspiring writers?

Don’t give up!! Keep growing, read a lot, find your cheerleaders, and above all spend the time it takes to learn your craft. Editors and agents will love for it.

I began writing after reading a book by Sylvia Day entitled Pleasures in the Night. I loved it so much that I was inspired to share my stories. This past summer I was lucky enough to tell Ms. Day just how much she impacted my life.

I’m what I like call pre-published, but I do have interest in my series. Book one is written, and I’m currently working on book two. Yay me – no seriously it’s been long journey of which began as a sprint and ended up like slow, foot dragging jog. You know what I mean. While I have a number of non-fiction pieces floating around the world, I needed to learn how to write fiction plain and simple.

At one point I worked as a corporate trainer for an educational company where I designed and conducted trainings on various subjects for franchise and company employees. I’ve taken that experience and designed a few workshops I know will help authors along their writing journey.

The first workshop is entitled, How to Critique with Grace and Compassion. Need I say more? This came about because most writers know that at some point they have to share your work with an editor, agent, beta reader, or contest judge. This can be very scary especially for newer authors. But this is exactly why finding a critique partner or critique group is so important. But how do you find a good one? Where do you look? Once you found a critique group of partner how is everything suppose to work? Most critique partners or group want you to reciprocate or participate but what does that look like? You might even think, how can I help? I cover all this and more and I give everyone a chance to critique samples to hone their skills.

My next workshop is in November 2019 with https://pennwriters.org/critique-with-grace/

As I mentioned above in the questions and answer section, I’m currently researching and designing a workshop about Writer’s Block. Writer’s Block is Real, but it’s Not a Disease. This workshop will have simple fixes that will help most writers overcome what I like to refer to as Blank Page Syndrome. We’ll look at the reasons behind WB and examine the ways to get back your writer’s brain.

Look for dates and times at Outreach International Romance Writer’s of America 2020. OIRWA offers workshops each month and you don’t have to be a member of OIRWA or even RWA to sign up. http://www.oirwa.com/forum/campus/ or sign up for my newsletter at https://luv2write2.com/

 

Pennwriters Online Class
November 4-29, 2019

Critique with Grace & Compassion for Writers, Beta Readers, Contest Judges & Critique Partners

 

This workshop was designed for anyone who will give and/or receive critical feedback from others. Including but not limited to: Writers, beta readers, contest judges, and critique partners.

Topics Covered:

    The many types of critique partners, groups, contests and critiquing outlets available to writers.
    What to look for when critiquing other peoples writing.
    The best techniques to motivate other authors.
    How to work with less than helpful criticism with grace, even when you don’t agree.
    What you need to start your own critique group.
    Judging a writing contest? This is what you should do.

Participants will learn some tried and true ways to give constructive, professional and motivational critiques.

Each participant will have the opportunity to share a short excerpt (3-4 pages) from their WIP, but only if they choose;-) Everyone will have a chance to offer a critique to a live submission.

At the end of the workshop we’ll see if we can’t find a few people who want to continue to critique each other’s work after the workshop ends.

More about Debbi Cracovia

With over twenty years experience in the corporate world, Debbi Cracovia has trained hundreds of people in the areas of Company Policies and Procedures, Management & Sales techniques. In her role as a Manager and Human Resource professional, she has motivated employees through constructive feedback and positive critique to help him or her to improve performance and feel motivated to do the best work possible.

It is her wish to bring some of those techniques and methods to writers, beta readers, critique partners, and contest judges so they can give positive helpful critiques that motivate not deflate. She is a current member of RWA, HVRWA, NJRWA, FFPRWA where she is FF&P’s Mudpuddle moderator – critique group, and your current OIRW Campus Coordinator. She lives and plays in the very cool state of New York and is close enough to the Big Apple to visit anytime she likes but far enough away she doesn’t hear the noise of the city at night. Email her at djcracovia@yahoo.com.

Connect with her on FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Luv2write2.co

 

 

Do you have a question for Debbie. She would love to hear from you.

The post Debbie Cracovia Teaches Writing appeared first on Zara West Romance.

Vampire Romance by R. E. Mullins

Fellow Wild Rose R. E. Mullins is back to tell us about her vampire romances. Along the way she answers questions about travels, writer’s block, and the struggles of getting published.

Take it a way R.E….

What interesting jobs have you had?  How have those jobs affected your writing?

I came up with the idea for my first book: It’s A Wonderful Undead Life while working as a Phlebotomist. The lab was always filled with racks of vials filled with blood. I couldn’t help but think, as I was drawing blood, that it would be a great job for a vampire.

Is there an event in your life that affected you as a writer?

I started writing while going through my divorce. It was a tough time. My youngest was only seven. So, after he went to sleep, I would write and write and write. Next thing I knew, I had over 97,000 words written.

What was the most interesting place you ever visited?

Rome Italy. What can I say about this place? It was like seeing history become flesh. A statue or fountain to appreciate around every corner. The ancient and new melded into a seamless and timeless city.

Do your travels influence your writing?

My travels to see some of the Mayan Ruins aided my descriptions of the fresh water cenotes and pyramids. In the final book, Book 4 of the series: Cold Hearted Vampire, I wove elements from one of the sacrificial ceremonies into the plot. Though I wrote the words to the song they sang during it (I couldn’t find the original words), the rest of it is pretty authentic.

How much research do you do for each book you write?

I love history, but have never been interested in writing Historical Romances. Weird, huh? I do love to research. In Book 3 of the Blautsaugers of Amber Heights (btw This is my favorite book of the series and Metta is my favorite character) A Vampire To Be Reckoned With.  Metta Blautsauger, has several flashbacks. At one point she receives a telegraph. That led to: What kind of dress would she have been wearing? Not only were the dresses of the period lovely but it was also when women started wearing Bloomer Suits to ride bicycles. Hmm, Metta could wear them at the Orcus Academy. What would be a good treat for the students? Huh, I didn’t know that Ginger Ale was one of the first sodas. Yes, I knew the original Coke had cocaine in it. Wonder when were condoms first used? Oh, really? That’s why vibrators were first invented! LOL…  By then it’s inevitable. By this time, I’ve gotten so carried away that I’m trying to cram one interesting tidbit after another into the story. By this time, I’ve wasted a ton of time. I also realize I’ve put in enough facts to lose track of the plot, and I’m forced most of it back out. My children like to point out that most of the historical references only appeal to me anyway. Bummer.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

In it now and have been for about a year. I won’t say that it’s because my older son moved back in with me while he renovates a house—but it might be because my older son moved back in with me…He does like to stop and talk whenever I’m typing.

Elf Ahearn: Regency Romance with a Gothic twist

~ Telling Stories ~

Today, I am interviewing fellow romance writer, Elf Ahearn. She has stories, animals, hobbies, and a fascinating career path to entertain us with.

So take it away, Elf…

I’m going to start by telling a creepy ghost story, and sorry, Zara, but it has to do with your name.

So when I was 14, a friend told me she heard this from her cousin, who she swore is a credible source.

According to this cousin, she and a pal were in her bedroom toodling around with the Ouija Board on a sunny, cloudless afternoon. They were laughing and joking and asking it all sorts of silly questions: Does Brad like me? Will I become a rock star? Stuff like that, and the pointer was moving to Yes and No, in a way that each of the girls suspected the other was pushing it. And then the pointer sort of took over and spelled out, “My name is Zara.”

The cousin tossed her friend a dirty look, but she mouthed back, “I’m not moving it.”

Still skeptical, the cousin asked, “How old are you, Zara?”

“Twelve.”

“Are you in this room?”

“Yes.”

The cousin froze, but afraid to look like an idiot, she asked, “Where do you live?”

The pointer didn’t stir.

“Come on Zara,” laughed the friend, “where do you live—Heaven or Hell?”

Again, the pointer didn’t budge.

“Okay, if you’re in the room, show us a sign,” the friend demanded.

Suddenly a streak of light flashed across the street and an electrical transformer exploded into flames.

Without touching it, the girls watched as the pointer spelled out, “Zara is dead.”

I still get goosebumps from that story.

Is there an event in your life that affected you as a writer?

I hit the streets of Manhattan as an eager young actress with klieg lights in her eyes, and then the streets of Manhattan hit back—hard. Despite accolades from teachers and sterling reviews, I auditioned 10 million times and rarely booked a gig. Standing in front of casting directors made me so nervous the muscles in the back of my legs would contract so tight I could barely limp out. The result was, the paying jobs went to other blonds; the volunteer stuff went to me.

People who saw my acting hired me, so I was on the stage all the time (I did about 75 plays in the city), but gals cannot live on art alone.

As I neared the 19th year of this not-for-profit life, I read Somerset Maugham’s novel Of Human Bondage. There is a young artist in the book named Fanny Price who is untalented, starving, and so determined to paint, she kills herself when she realizes her ambition is impossible. In Fanny Price, I saw myself and it scared the bejesus out of me. What I had was a boatload of skill, but I couldn’t audition my way out of a paper bag. Ergo, when my ex-husband suggested we move out of the city, I leaped happily into a job as a small town reporter.

Now that he’s gone and I’ve met the love of my life, I write Regency romance.

Do you have an unusual hobby?

Yes, my hobby is collecting wild animals. By this, I do not mean I herd them into cages and stow them in the living-room. No, my collection roams the outskirts of my house eating bird seed that is not meant for them, or cat food they are not entitled to. Lately, Turkministan has been visiting. She is a persistent turkey who poops all over the driveway.

Also, there is Tiger Woods, a feral cat that I feed nightly, but who has to compete with invisible raccoons, a fox, and an opossum named Paunchy.

Furthermore, I have Fatty McFatfat, an obnoxious gopher who has stripped my phlox of every last leaf, and then there is Baghira… my arch enemy. Baghira is a three-and-a-half foot-long black snake who is not content to stay in the massive park flanking my home. No, each fall Baghira sneaks into my basement and leaves her disgusting skin draped down the concrete wall. Last year, I plugged all the holes in the foundation, so to get back at me, she slithered and slinked her way into the attic where she defiantly left that damn skin again. What’s worse, before she busted through my basement defenses this year, she disappeared a sweet little family of chipmunks who lived in the cracks and crevasses of the house’s substructure. I loathe Baghira.

In addition to the regulars, I have a gazillion deer, four bears, a coyote, a rattlesnake, and a mountain lion who visited three years ago. Oh, and this weekend we found a wasp’s nest the size of a Chinese lantern hanging over my husband’s car. Glad you asked about my hobby?

What interesting jobs have you had?

While I was striving to become a paid actress, I took a job in the insurance industry. That’s interesting? you might ask. It was for me, but perhaps more so for my employers. You see, I have zero math skills—zero. In fact, I was so unsuited for that job that on an insurance exam, when a question asked to use “illustrations” I drew pictures: stick figures with little signs on their chests indicating what bad risks they were. Insurance was a fascinating experience.

What project are you working on now?

I’ve already written the first two books in a series titled Scandals by the Ton. A Duke in the Rough is about a drunken boxer the heroine has to mold into a duke: think Rocky meets the Regency.

Book two is The Baron of Bad Behavior. It’s about an untamable miss who decides to marry the one man her father despises. Think Mylie Cyrus pursues Cary Grant… during the Regency.

Wish me luck! I’m as bad at submitting my novels as I was at auditioning. However, if you’re looking for something of mine to read as you wait for Scandals by the Ton to be published, check out A Rogue in Sheep’s Clothing (#1 on Amazon for a brief shining moment) and The Secret Life of Lords.

A Rogue in Sheep’s Clothing by Elf Ahearn [image error]

In Lord Hugh Davenport’s opinion, women of the ton perpetually hide behind a mask of deception. That’s hard for Ellie Albright, the daughter of an earl, to swallow—especially since she’s disguised herself as a stable hand to get back the prized stallion her father sold to Hugh to pay a debt. If Hugh learns her true identity she’ll lose the horse and her family will go bankrupt. Somehow, though, losing Hugh’s affection is beginning to seem even worse…

Buy Links
Amazon  $2.99
Barnes & Noble  $0.99
Kobo  $0.99


[image error]The Secret Life of Lords by Elf Ahearn

If Lady Claire Albright had one wish, it would be to forget brooding, powerful Lord Flavian Monroe. But even after two years of bewildering silence, she yearns to touch his sinuous arms and feel his calloused hands upon her cheeks. Then, on the brink of her come out, they accidently meet. His ward is ill, and he begs her to use her knowledge of healing to help the girl. But this patient is sick in a way that’s far different from what Claire expected—dangerously different. And, as she struggles to find a cure, Flavian resists rekindling their love. Is it the ward’s illness that keeps him cold and distant, or a dark and terrible secret?

Buy links:

Amazon

Kobo

Barnes & Noble

Learn more about Elf Ahearn

Website: www.elfahearn.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elf.ahearn?fref=ts

The Writer’s Cat Newsletter: email elfahearn@hotmail.com to subscribe

Love romances about strong women during the Regency period?
Let us know. Elf is waiting for your thoughts and comments.

 

The post Elf Ahearn: Regency Romance with a Gothic twist appeared first on Zara West Romance.