Haley Rhoades's Blog, page 6
May 22, 2019
First Public Appearances
Hello Readers
I’m officially stepping out of my comfort zone and attending public author events this summer. I hope you will stop by to see me. I’ll have swag, books, and fun conversations waiting at my table.
Iowa friends find me at Valley West Mall in Des Moines, Iowa.
Missouri and Kansas friends find me at the Downtown Marriott in KC.
To ensure you receive the books you are interested in Pre-order books or arrange autographs here.
May 16, 2019
2nd Author Anniversary
May 19th, 2019 marks the second anniversary of publishing my first book. This journey has been so much more than I ever thought it could be. Originally, I thought I would sell a book or two to close friends. Hundreds of books later, I’m humbled by my readers, fans, and followers.
To Celebrate, I’m Giving away a Bag of Swag!
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ღ 
Giveaway
May 9, 2019
April 29, 2019
A Work In Progress…
So, I am in the process of moving my website to WordPress. Please be patient and check back soon.
Thanks,
Haley Rhoades
December 9, 2018
Shopping, Shopping, and More Shopping
The Holiday Season Can be Costly, Busy, and Stressful.
What type of shopper are you?
A. I shop for hours, comb the ads and racks for great deals, and enjoy every minute of it.B. I make a list and shop only for items on my list with military precision--shopping is not fun.C. I shop online. I can find everything I need without the crowded stores and stressed customers.D. I find someone else to shop for me. I'm not a shopper and never will be.E. I shop early. I shop throughout the year and stash items throughout my home.F. I wait until the last minute to shop. My recipients are lucky to get whatever I can find moments before they open them.G. I wrap my own purchases.H. I have my purchases gift-wrapped at the store.
I love the holidays. I look forward to November 1st so I might put up my tree, lights, and sprinkle in Christmas music. As for shopping, I am not a shopper. I attempt to do as much shopping online as I can. For other items, I make a list and quickly shop for only the items on it. I do not browse. I do not walk hours in the mall enjoying the sounds, smells, crowds, and displays. I love gift-giving just not the procuring of said gifts.
I learned years ago, that shopping early is costly for me. Although I claim to have my shopping done, I tend to add more items here and there as I find them. Thus, my family receives more gifts than they should. I tend to shop the first half of December but I create a shopping list starting in January to keep track of my gift ideas.
Whatever type of shopper you are, I wish you luck as you seek to secure your gifts.
Still looking for gift ideas? Think books.
A book exists for everyone. When searching for a book as a gift, consider what you enjoy reading and share a good book you've read. Think of the hobbies, travels, and interests your family/friend might enjoy and purchase a book on one of those topics. Check out their social media pages for ideas, too. See if they are a member of Goodreads. If so, genres and books they enjoy will be posted there. Coffee table books are also a great gift idea.
Here's a Free Gift Idea
It costs nothing to leave a review for an author once you read a book. Indie Authors especially love reviews. Feedback from readers encourages authors to continue writing. Whether the author is a personal friend or not, a review is a great way to share good books with other readers, boost sales for the author, and let them know readers do care about their writing.
It only takes a few words and a minute to write a review. "I enjoyed this story." "Kept me on the edge of my seat." "A great beach read." A few words or paragraphs, both are greatly appreciated.
Speaking of Books
I currently have 5 books on sale for 99¢ for the holidays. Download a book or 5 for yourself and remember Amazon allows you to send eBooks as gifts. It's easy and a great way to shop for others on your list.
Haley Rhoades on Amazon
Happy Holidays,
Haley Rhoades
What type of shopper are you?
A. I shop for hours, comb the ads and racks for great deals, and enjoy every minute of it.B. I make a list and shop only for items on my list with military precision--shopping is not fun.C. I shop online. I can find everything I need without the crowded stores and stressed customers.D. I find someone else to shop for me. I'm not a shopper and never will be.E. I shop early. I shop throughout the year and stash items throughout my home.F. I wait until the last minute to shop. My recipients are lucky to get whatever I can find moments before they open them.G. I wrap my own purchases.H. I have my purchases gift-wrapped at the store.
I love the holidays. I look forward to November 1st so I might put up my tree, lights, and sprinkle in Christmas music. As for shopping, I am not a shopper. I attempt to do as much shopping online as I can. For other items, I make a list and quickly shop for only the items on it. I do not browse. I do not walk hours in the mall enjoying the sounds, smells, crowds, and displays. I love gift-giving just not the procuring of said gifts.
I learned years ago, that shopping early is costly for me. Although I claim to have my shopping done, I tend to add more items here and there as I find them. Thus, my family receives more gifts than they should. I tend to shop the first half of December but I create a shopping list starting in January to keep track of my gift ideas.
Whatever type of shopper you are, I wish you luck as you seek to secure your gifts.
Still looking for gift ideas? Think books.
A book exists for everyone. When searching for a book as a gift, consider what you enjoy reading and share a good book you've read. Think of the hobbies, travels, and interests your family/friend might enjoy and purchase a book on one of those topics. Check out their social media pages for ideas, too. See if they are a member of Goodreads. If so, genres and books they enjoy will be posted there. Coffee table books are also a great gift idea.
Here's a Free Gift Idea
It costs nothing to leave a review for an author once you read a book. Indie Authors especially love reviews. Feedback from readers encourages authors to continue writing. Whether the author is a personal friend or not, a review is a great way to share good books with other readers, boost sales for the author, and let them know readers do care about their writing.
It only takes a few words and a minute to write a review. "I enjoyed this story." "Kept me on the edge of my seat." "A great beach read." A few words or paragraphs, both are greatly appreciated.
Speaking of Books
I currently have 5 books on sale for 99¢ for the holidays. Download a book or 5 for yourself and remember Amazon allows you to send eBooks as gifts. It's easy and a great way to shop for others on your list.
Haley Rhoades on Amazon
Happy Holidays,
Haley Rhoades
December 3, 2018
Our Diversity Shines During the Holiday Season.
Hoping your Holidays Hold Good Health, Happiness, and Heartwarming Moments.
Our diversity shines during the holiday season.
Do you say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" to others this time of year? Does your "Happy Holidays" mean only Christmas and New Year's?
I challenge you to learn at least one new item about a holiday not your own.
Saint Nicholas Day (Christian)Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexican)St. Lucia Day (Swedish)Hanukkah (Jewish)Christmas Day (Christian)Three Kings Day/Epiphany (Christian)Boxing Day (Australian, Canadian, English, Irish)Kwanzaa (African American)Omisoka (Japanese)Yule (Pagan)Saturnalia (Pagan)
Holiday ShoppingAs you seek the perfect presents for everyone on your list, remember books make a great gift. Let's consider adopting the Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóð, or “Yule Book Flood”.What is Jolabokafloo? (Find out more on this link.)
Book SaleGreat gifts at great prices. Five books are on sale for 99¢ for the holidays. At this awesome price, you need more than one.
Haley Rhoades on Amazon
Did you know you may purchase eBooks as gifts on Amazon? It's easy to share your favorite books with everyone on your list. No need to wrap--Amazon will do all of the work. For last minute shoppers, this is a terrific way to ensure gifts arrive in time.
You deserve to enjoy the holiday season.
Remember to take some time for yourself during this busy season. Treat yourself to a massage or mani/pedi, find a cozy chair to read a great book, or buy yourself a gift.
Happy Holidays,
Haley Rhoades
November 1, 2018
Go With The Flow—When Life Gives You Lemons…
Starting at a young age we are told to ‘go with the flow,’ ‘adjust our sails,’ and ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ I’m knee-deep in it all right now.
October punched me in the gut, but I made it out alive.
A medical condition that worsened over the course of the last year became unbearable. My husband and I canceled our Las Vegas vacation for several physician appointments and tests. I had surgery on Friday, 10/26. I felt much better by the day after surgery and recovery is progressing with no complaints on my part. My family has been very supportive.
‘Adding more fuel to the fire’ a few days prior to surgery, I received a call that they were selling our rental home and we needed to move prior to the end of our lease on 2/1. ‘When it rains it pours.’ I’m full of old adages, aren’t I?
After viewing ten homes, we found a place we like even more than our current home. Our move date is 11/14, so I am now frantically boxing up while constantly reminding myself to take it easy, not lift 10 pounds, and rest with ice often.
These two unplanned events have caused me to pause my editing of my current WIP, Tailgates and Heartaches book two in the Locals Series. Plans to release by the end of November have now changed. This also means I will not be writing book three during Nanowrimo 2018.
I had an aggressive plan in place to release book two Thanksgiving week and book three Christmas week. I’m most disappointed for letting down my fans. On my recent trips to the grocery store, a few of my fans discussed book one and their excitement for book two. Although I realize my readers will understand, their excitement feeds my desire to write.
While under the heat pad for the three weeks prior to surgery and now all day while I pack up our home, I am constantly thinking of my characters, brainstorming new ideas, and wanting nothing more than to open my laptop and write. It’s true when an author isn’t writing, we are thinking about writing. It haunts me. My plan is to hurry and pack so I can return to the work I love.
For every book, I write two more ideas for books pop into my mind. It’s addictive, it’s consuming, and I love every minute of it.
I hope you will be patient as I wrap up our move, then get back to editing book 2.
I hope your November finds you happy, healthy, and able to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends.
-Haley Rhoades
October punched me in the gut, but I made it out alive.
A medical condition that worsened over the course of the last year became unbearable. My husband and I canceled our Las Vegas vacation for several physician appointments and tests. I had surgery on Friday, 10/26. I felt much better by the day after surgery and recovery is progressing with no complaints on my part. My family has been very supportive.
‘Adding more fuel to the fire’ a few days prior to surgery, I received a call that they were selling our rental home and we needed to move prior to the end of our lease on 2/1. ‘When it rains it pours.’ I’m full of old adages, aren’t I?
After viewing ten homes, we found a place we like even more than our current home. Our move date is 11/14, so I am now frantically boxing up while constantly reminding myself to take it easy, not lift 10 pounds, and rest with ice often.
These two unplanned events have caused me to pause my editing of my current WIP, Tailgates and Heartaches book two in the Locals Series. Plans to release by the end of November have now changed. This also means I will not be writing book three during Nanowrimo 2018.
I had an aggressive plan in place to release book two Thanksgiving week and book three Christmas week. I’m most disappointed for letting down my fans. On my recent trips to the grocery store, a few of my fans discussed book one and their excitement for book two. Although I realize my readers will understand, their excitement feeds my desire to write.
While under the heat pad for the three weeks prior to surgery and now all day while I pack up our home, I am constantly thinking of my characters, brainstorming new ideas, and wanting nothing more than to open my laptop and write. It’s true when an author isn’t writing, we are thinking about writing. It haunts me. My plan is to hurry and pack so I can return to the work I love.
For every book, I write two more ideas for books pop into my mind. It’s addictive, it’s consuming, and I love every minute of it.
I hope you will be patient as I wrap up our move, then get back to editing book 2.
I hope your November finds you happy, healthy, and able to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends.
-Haley Rhoades
Go With The Flow—When Life Gives You Lemons...
Starting at a young age we are told to ‘go with the flow,’ ‘adjust our sails,’ and ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ I’m knee-deep in it all right now.
October punched me in the gut, but I made it out alive.
A medical condition that worsened over the course of the last year became unbearable. My husband and I canceled our Las Vegas vacation for several physician appointments and tests. I had surgery on Friday, 10/26. I felt much better by the day after surgery and recovery is progressing with no complaints on my part. My family has been very supportive.
‘Adding more fuel to the fire’ a few days prior to surgery, I received a call that they were selling our rental home and we needed to move prior to the end of our lease on 2/1. ‘When it rains it pours.’ I’m full of old adages, aren’t I?
After viewing ten homes, we found a place we like even more than our current home. Our move date is 11/14, so I am now frantically boxing up while constantly reminding myself to take it easy, not lift 10 pounds, and rest with ice often.
These two unplanned events have caused me to pause my editing of my current WIP, Tailgates and Heartaches book two in the Locals Series. Plans to release by the end of November have now changed. This also means I will not be writing book three during Nanowrimo 2018.
I had an aggressive plan in place to release book two Thanksgiving week and book three Christmas week. I’m most disappointed for letting down my fans. On my recent trips to the grocery store, a few of my fans discussed book one and their excitement for book two. Although I realize my readers will understand, their excitement feeds my desire to write.
While under the heat pad for the three weeks prior to surgery and now all day while I pack up our home, I am constantly thinking of my characters, brainstorming new ideas, and wanting nothing more than to open my laptop and write. It’s true when an author isn’t writing, we are thinking about writing. It haunts me. My plan is to hurry and pack so I can return to the work I love.
For every book, I write two more ideas for books pop into my mind. It’s addictive, it’s consuming, and I love every minute of it.
I hope you will be patient as I wrap up our move, then get back to editing book 2.
I hope your November finds you happy, healthy, and able to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends.
-Haley Rhoades
October punched me in the gut, but I made it out alive.
A medical condition that worsened over the course of the last year became unbearable. My husband and I canceled our Las Vegas vacation for several physician appointments and tests. I had surgery on Friday, 10/26. I felt much better by the day after surgery and recovery is progressing with no complaints on my part. My family has been very supportive.
‘Adding more fuel to the fire’ a few days prior to surgery, I received a call that they were selling our rental home and we needed to move prior to the end of our lease on 2/1. ‘When it rains it pours.’ I’m full of old adages, aren’t I?
After viewing ten homes, we found a place we like even more than our current home. Our move date is 11/14, so I am now frantically boxing up while constantly reminding myself to take it easy, not lift 10 pounds, and rest with ice often.
These two unplanned events have caused me to pause my editing of my current WIP, Tailgates and Heartaches book two in the Locals Series. Plans to release by the end of November have now changed. This also means I will not be writing book three during Nanowrimo 2018.
I had an aggressive plan in place to release book two Thanksgiving week and book three Christmas week. I’m most disappointed for letting down my fans. On my recent trips to the grocery store, a few of my fans discussed book one and their excitement for book two. Although I realize my readers will understand, their excitement feeds my desire to write.
While under the heat pad for the three weeks prior to surgery and now all day while I pack up our home, I am constantly thinking of my characters, brainstorming new ideas, and wanting nothing more than to open my laptop and write. It’s true when an author isn’t writing, we are thinking about writing. It haunts me. My plan is to hurry and pack so I can return to the work I love.
For every book, I write two more ideas for books pop into my mind. It’s addictive, it’s consuming, and I love every minute of it.
I hope you will be patient as I wrap up our move, then get back to editing book 2.
I hope your November finds you happy, healthy, and able to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends.
-Haley Rhoades
August 9, 2018
Rising Author Tag
The Rising Author Tag
I was tagged by my author friend, Annie Woods. Click here check out her post: Annie Woods Answers to The Rising Author Tag
Do you write the title before, during, or after the writing process?All of the above. For the Surrogate Series, the titles came to me during the writing process. The Third Wheel came to me after the writing process. Boxers or Briefs came to me during a Hanes underwear commercial-before the writing process. The Locals Series titles came to me before the writing process (these are the books I am currently writing).
What is your favorite genre to write?My books thus far are Women’s Literature or Chick Lit as it is often referred to. They also fit in the Contemporary Romance category. As these are the only books I’ve published thus far, they would seem to be in my favorite genre. (But my passion for writing lies elsewhere-see next question.)
Is there any other genre you want to try to write?
My goal has always been to write Young Adult and New Adult books. I have several stories begun in these genres and will work on them after my current work in progress (WIP). Confession--these are my favorite genres to read.
Where is your favorite writing spot?
My writing spot varies depending on my mood and the scenes I will be writing. I write most often in bed after my husband falls asleep until the wee hours of the morning. I love my office. It is a Paris-themed room with crimson and royal blue on the walls, the accents, and the furniture. I have twinkle lights strung on the ceiling of the office. On gloomy days or after dark the lights are a favorite of mine. I live in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. So, the weather allows for writing outside in early spring and fall. My fur baby, Nala, enjoys relaxing with me when I write outdoors.
Do you handwrite or type your first draft, and why?
I type my first draft on my laptop. As I edit I write on paper then transfer it to the laptop document for the second draft. I tend to have a notebook with free-writing ideas to prompt my writing.
Can you tell us about your current WIP?The Locals Series is set in a small rural town in rural Missouri. Athens is a fictional town. The series follows a group of nine friends in the years immediately following high school graduation. The stories compare the lives of those born, raised, married, and choose to be life-long small-town residents to two characters that can’t wait to escape small-town life and never return. Each book follows one couple's relationship with the group of friends.
What makes you most excited about your current WIP?The final book Tailgates and Twists of Fate is my favorite. In the previous three books, Madison shares the story leading up to the final book. (The whole before you hear my story, you must know what occurred leading up to my current situation storyline.)
I grew up in a small town in rural north Missouri on a farm. I am using some of my childhood as a starting point for these books.
What do you hate (feel unsatisfied) about your current WIP?
I can’t write fast enough. These four stories consume my every thought. If I were free from editing, promoting my books, and posting on social media-I would be able to write as fast as my mind would like to.
Where’s your favorite place to do research for your WIP?I enjoy combing social media for posts and pictures to help me visualize my story. I enjoy creating Pinterest boards and refer to them often as I write. I pin items for the weddings I write about, tattoos they might get, hairstyles and even clothing to create my characters and scenes.
Please visit Haley Rhoades Author on Pinterest for insight into my stories and characters. Click here to view Haley's Pinterest Boards
Tag time!
I'm tagging
Bree M LewandowskiNikki MartinezMelanie A SmithLily S Thomas
for the same questions. You don’t have to do this tag, but if you do, I look forward to reading your answers! Just link back to this post so I can see it! This has been a lot of fun! I hope you enjoyed reading my answers to this tag!
Do you write the title before, during, or after the writing process?All of the above. For the Surrogate Series, the titles came to me during the writing process. The Third Wheel came to me after the writing process. Boxers or Briefs came to me during a Hanes underwear commercial-before the writing process. The Locals Series titles came to me before the writing process (these are the books I am currently writing).
What is your favorite genre to write?My books thus far are Women’s Literature or Chick Lit as it is often referred to. They also fit in the Contemporary Romance category. As these are the only books I’ve published thus far, they would seem to be in my favorite genre. (But my passion for writing lies elsewhere-see next question.)
Is there any other genre you want to try to write?
My goal has always been to write Young Adult and New Adult books. I have several stories begun in these genres and will work on them after my current work in progress (WIP). Confession--these are my favorite genres to read.
Where is your favorite writing spot?
My writing spot varies depending on my mood and the scenes I will be writing. I write most often in bed after my husband falls asleep until the wee hours of the morning. I love my office. It is a Paris-themed room with crimson and royal blue on the walls, the accents, and the furniture. I have twinkle lights strung on the ceiling of the office. On gloomy days or after dark the lights are a favorite of mine. I live in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. So, the weather allows for writing outside in early spring and fall. My fur baby, Nala, enjoys relaxing with me when I write outdoors.
Do you handwrite or type your first draft, and why?
I type my first draft on my laptop. As I edit I write on paper then transfer it to the laptop document for the second draft. I tend to have a notebook with free-writing ideas to prompt my writing.
Can you tell us about your current WIP?The Locals Series is set in a small rural town in rural Missouri. Athens is a fictional town. The series follows a group of nine friends in the years immediately following high school graduation. The stories compare the lives of those born, raised, married, and choose to be life-long small-town residents to two characters that can’t wait to escape small-town life and never return. Each book follows one couple's relationship with the group of friends.
What makes you most excited about your current WIP?The final book Tailgates and Twists of Fate is my favorite. In the previous three books, Madison shares the story leading up to the final book. (The whole before you hear my story, you must know what occurred leading up to my current situation storyline.)
I grew up in a small town in rural north Missouri on a farm. I am using some of my childhood as a starting point for these books.
What do you hate (feel unsatisfied) about your current WIP?
I can’t write fast enough. These four stories consume my every thought. If I were free from editing, promoting my books, and posting on social media-I would be able to write as fast as my mind would like to.
Where’s your favorite place to do research for your WIP?I enjoy combing social media for posts and pictures to help me visualize my story. I enjoy creating Pinterest boards and refer to them often as I write. I pin items for the weddings I write about, tattoos they might get, hairstyles and even clothing to create my characters and scenes.
Please visit Haley Rhoades Author on Pinterest for insight into my stories and characters. Click here to view Haley's Pinterest Boards
Tag time!
I'm tagging
Bree M LewandowskiNikki MartinezMelanie A SmithLily S Thomas
for the same questions. You don’t have to do this tag, but if you do, I look forward to reading your answers! Just link back to this post so I can see it! This has been a lot of fun! I hope you enjoyed reading my answers to this tag!
