Amy R. Anguish's Blog, page 18

Author Interview: Shannon Sue Dunlap

I haven't read Shannon Sue Dunlap's new book yet, but it's definitely on my TBR list. It sounds like so much fun, and today, I am thrilled to get to know Shannon a bit more too. See what you think about this new-to-me author and her books. Be sure to read all the way to the end to find out how to get one of Shannon's stories for free. Your new story revolves around a mayoral election. What made you choose politics for your romcom?

I don’t consider myself very political and hope readers won’t be wary of the election setting. I’d created the adorable town of Sweetheart for an indie romance called Decoy Valentine. In that story, Lanette Johnson, the mayor’s opinionated wife, played a prevalent role. After I’d finished the book, I was going about my normal life when a question occurred to me. What if Lanette got mad at her husband and decided to run against him for mayor? That’s all it took. It was too hilarious a setup to ignore.
 
Your characters are a small-town girl and a big-city guy. Which one do you think you're more like? Or are you comfortable in both places?
 
I’m big-city all the way and relate to my hero Ryan’s ignorance of the small-town pace.
 
Are you working on anything new you can share with us?

I wrote a novel about four golden girls who live on a cruise ship and spend their days matchmaking the people around them. I just adore these clever, caring, and feisty ladies, and I hope to introduce them to readers as early as next year.
 
I know you're a music teacher. Have you garnered any inspiration from your students or teaching life?

The sequel to Lone Star Sweetheart is set in an elementary school, and I’m drawing from my many years of memories as I write the first draft. Good thing I keep notes on my phone when my students say and do adorable, funny things. They are a treasure trove of material.
 
I've got to admit, I'm rating books higher lately if they can make me laugh out loud. How hard was it for you make sure humor was in your new book? Can you share an example?

Some authors find tears easy. For me, it’s laughter. It wasn’t hard to make the book funny because that’s who my characters are. Loud-mouthed Katherine, bossy Lanette, quirky Deanna. These ladies generate the comedy with their personalities. I feel this is true to life. Comedy is all around us if we only take the time to savor each other’s eccentricities.
 
I'm right there with you on loving vintage clothing and musicals. Do your characters share our love for "old-fashioned" things?

The heroine in my indie-published book Reality Show Romance loved the poofy fifties dresses. And in my new novel, Deanna Day embodies the vintage-loving side of me. Her name is a combination of two of my favorites from classic musicals: Deanna Durbin and Doris Day. Even though she’s a side character in Lone Star Sweetheart, I plan to give the old-fashioned girl her own story someday.
 
Last, but not least, can you please tell us one thing about yourself that very few people know already?

I once baked a Thanksgiving turkey with the gravy bag still stuffed inside. Not having a ton of culinary experience, I didn’t realize it was in there. If there are any single guys out there looking for a great cook…keep looking.

Oh no! The good news is, that's a lesson easily learned and not repeated. Thanks so much for sharing with us today!

And for the readers, keep going. Shannon has a free story offer down in her information below. ;) 
Lone Star Sweetheart

Katherine Bruno’s passionate, unfiltered temper makes her the shrew of small-town Sweetheart, Texas. When she’s drafted to help the mayor’s wife run against her own husband, Katherine meets opposing big city political consultant Ryan Park. The good-looking, flirtatious campaign manager gets under her skin, but fraternizing with the enemy is off-limits.
Katherine must battle her lack of experience, campaign sabotage, and her growing feelings for Ryan as she strives to succeed. His unprejudiced acceptance of her strong-willed character beckons her heart, but his jaded rejection of God is an insurmountable barrier. Will Ryan return to his faith and stay with her in Sweetheart or leave when the election ends? Shannon Sue Dunlap writes books with a dose of laughter and a spoonful of Love. One of the greatest compliments you can give her is saying her story made you laugh-out-loud. She loves traveling around the world, singing tunes from classic musicals, Dr. Pepper, and Jesus.
 
Links:
https://shannonsuedunlap.com/
***Receive a free sweet romance novella for signing up for her email list.***
​
https://www.facebook.com/shannonsuedunlap
 
https://www.instagram.com/shannonsuedunlap/

Behind the Story: Benjamin

Operation: Find a Guy might come across as a bit of an opposites attract story. After all, Skye is a free spirit, only looking for adventure. Benjamin Smith, on the other hand, is fairly down-to-earth. He's an up-and-coming attorney who wears bowties, after all. How much more opposite could they be?
Well, Skye *might* be in for a surprise there. You see, Benjamin isn't as boring as she expects him to be. She ought to have figured that out when she almost hit his bike with her car on their very first meeting. Oops.
And when she discovers he drives an antique orange pick-up truck ... her preconceived notions are busted.
Benjamin does take things seriously, though. he seriously loves where he lives, nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Loves his family and God. Loves good food. ;) And loves a good hike.
He also loves his job. An estate-planning attorney might not be the most interesting position in the world, but he loves seeing people walk out of his office with peace. Something Skye can't quite understand.
She also can't understand what he sees in her. After all, aren't they completely opposite? And she told him straight out that she didn't want a serious relationship. So, why does he keep coming back for more?
What do you think? Could you fall in love with a guy like Benjamin? You get to find out soon! Pre-order is available now. Save $1 by ordering your kindle copy before June 13th. ​Skye Jones has one goal for the summer—keep her father from taking away her convertible. That’s the only reason she’s agreed to work at her sister’s bridal shop in Boulder, Colorado. It will buy her some time to figure out if there’s a non-boring job out there. Why else would she have anything to do with weddings when she has no interest in marriage?
Benjamin Smith can’t quite figure out how he ended up a groomsman in two different weddings over the summer, but with his sister and a cousin both getting married, he’s spending a lot of time at Happily Ever After events. Falling for a blonde with no dreams of settling down wasn’t in his five-year plan, but the more he sees Skye, the more he wants to figure her out. But all she sees him as is a boring attorney and her complete opposite.
Romance was supposed to be for Skye’s friends. But Colorado might hold more than she knew she was looking for.

Behind the Story: Skye

Skye.
Skye, Skye, Skye.
We met her first in Destination: Romance . She was the third friend on that trip, the one who was all about soaking up the fun and making sure everyone else did too. Now, she's getting her own trip and her own story. And ... her own romance, although it wasn't her intent.
Skye, you see, doesn't want to fall in love. Or have a boring job. Or settle. She wants a life full of adventures and fun. If only she could figure out what that was supposed to look like. And in such a way as to save her beloved red convertible.
Why does she need to save her car? Because her father has threatened to take it away if she doesn't get a real job by the end of the summer. So, she's biding her time in Colorado with her sister Rain, working at Rain's wedding business, and scrambling to find a job she doesn't hate.
She never considered the idea she might meet someone who would change all her plans. Not to mention her idea of what adventure looks like.
And she definitely didn't expect him to wear bowties. ;)
Skye definitely has some growing up still to do. And growing never comes without a few pains. So, her story might start out all about fun, but I think you'll find a bit of depth there too.
What do you think? Ready to meet Skye? Her story is on pre-order now! Save a $1 if you order the kindle version before June 13th. ​Skye Jones has one goal for the summer—keep her father from taking away her convertible. That’s the only reason she’s agreed to work at her sister’s bridal shop in Boulder, Colorado. It will buy her some time to figure out if there’s a non-boring job out there. Why else would she have anything to do with weddings when she has no interest in marriage?
Benjamin Smith can’t quite figure out how he ended up a groomsman in two different weddings over the summer, but with his sister and a cousin both getting married, he’s spending a lot of time at Happily Ever After events. Falling for a blonde with no dreams of settling down wasn’t in his five-year plan, but the more he sees Skye, the more he wants to figure her out. But all she sees him as is a boring attorney and her complete opposite.
Romance was supposed to be for Skye’s friends. But Colorado might hold more than she knew she was looking for.

End of a Series

When I first started writing my Roadtrip Romance books, I was only going to write the one. As I sat at a writer's retreat, chatting through the plot with a friend, she said, "You could turn it into a series." 
What? No. I didn't write series. I wrote stand-alone books and was quite happy doing so.
But the idea was there. And it wouldn't leave me alone.
You see, the first book has three friends: Katie, Bree, and Skye. And while the story is mostly about Katie, I was growing to love Bree and Skye too, and wanted to know what happened to them.
Thus, a series was born. This has been an interesting process, to say the least. I ended up completely rewriting the second book to have my couple broken up instead of on their honeymoon. And Skye ...
Well, Skye was the one I wasn't sure about when I started. After all, in the first book, she's rather flighty and almost mean at times. What could make her that way? How could I possibly redeem her?
But after sending her to Colorado for the summer to work in her sister's wedding shop (a job she doesn't love), and introducing her to Benjamin ... well, I hope you like what happens in the third book.
We're just over two weeks from release. The series is almost complete.
Have you enjoyed hanging out with characters you already knew from other books? What makes you love a series? Or do you prefer stand-alones? What are you hoping happens in Skye's book?
​Skye Jones has one goal for the summer—keep her father from taking away her convertible. That’s the only reason she’s agreed to work at her sister’s bridal shop in Boulder, Colorado. It will buy her some time to figure out if there’s a non-boring job out there. Why else would she have anything to do with weddings when she has no interest in marriage?

Benjamin Smith can’t quite figure out how he ended up a groomsman in two different weddings over the summer, but with his sister and a cousin both getting married, he’s spending a lot of time at Happily Ever After events. Falling for a blonde with no dreams of settling down wasn’t in his five-year plan, but the more he sees Skye, the more he wants to figure her out. But all she sees him as is a boring attorney and her complete opposite.
​
Romance was supposed to be for Skye’s friends. But Colorado might hold more than she knew she was looking for.

Author Interview: Ellen Withers

In case you didn't know, Scrivenings Press is my publisher, and the company is more like a family in many ways. Needless to say, I'm always excited to meet/get to know another Scrivenings author. Ellen Withers is one I actually got to meet in person last fall when she came to Nashville for the Christy Awards. I'm also blessed to be her content editor for a novella coming out later this year. Needless to say, I'm more than excited to introduce her to YOU now. Because obviously you'll love someone I already love, right? Read on. Ellen, congratulations on the release of your first novel! What is one of the biggest things you’ve learned through the process of getting this book published?
 
I’ve learned so many things, but the most important is being grateful to God for blessing me with a publisher, editors and the other authors of Scrivenings Press who have helped me get this book published. I’m also so grateful for the support of my friends and family who share my excitement at being a published author.
 
You’ve chosen to write a mystery. What is it that draws you to that genre?
 
I grew up reading Harriet the Spy and Nancy Drew mysteries and found them fascinating. I’ve lived my life with a strong sense of right and wrong. Mysteries usually put all the pieces together and allow us to cheer when the bad guy gets caught. I love the complete collection of Sherlock Holmes and anything written by Agatha Christie. Even my insurance career involved solving mysteries, such as How did this fire start? How did this collision occur? Who was at fault?
You also have a novella collection releasing later this year. What was one of the hardest things about writing for that book?
 
The collaboration part of the novella collection was terrific because Tonya Ashley and Jenny Carlisle are encouraging and fun to work with. The struggle was that I ended up with edits from my mystery hitting the same time as I was completing the draft of my novella. My co-authors were patient, and I made the mystery edits on time and met the novella deadline with their encouragement ringing in my ears. I’ve learned to allow more time for editing.
 
I know you used to be a insurance fraud investigator. Do you find a lot of the stories and experiences gained during that time popping up in your writing now?
 
I signed a non-disclosure agreement when I retired, so I can never write about any specific experience I had as a fraud investigator. What I can draw upon are all the experiences I’ve had inside courtrooms watching trials, testifying as a witness in litigation, watching law enforcement officers and firefighters do their investigations. It helps me write how people feel when they’re testifying or being interrogated by law enforcement.
 
You have quite a bit published in the non-fiction world, in various magazines and papers. What first made you decide to switch and try your hand at writing fiction instead of non-fiction? Was it a hard transition?
 
I was writing factual reports in my insurance job and pined for a creative aspect of writing. To make that transition, I attended local writers’ conferences and learned about nonfiction opportunities. The conference instructors taught me about AP Style and to ask publications if they needed help. I found a part-time job with the local newspaper writing about local people. That led to writing for a Little Rock magazine in 2006. I’m still writing book reviews and an occasional article for the same magazine today.
 
I know you’re in a singing group. Should we expect to see future characters doing something similar (I’m totally in, if we do! That sounds like a really fun story idea!)?
 
That does sound like a fabulous story idea! I’ll have to ponder that and get back to you. Singing is my escape from everyday tensions and concerns. When I sing, I just think about the music and how uplifting it can be. I’ll bet a devotional associated to how hymns make us feel would uplift readers.
 
It definitely would! I know you love to travel quite a bit. What is the favorite place you’ve ever been?
 
Traveling equals learning to me and I think that’s one reason I love to go places. I’m half German and getting to see and experience Germany, Austria, England and The Netherlands was amazing. Also, my father fought in World War II. I have been able to follow the path his battalion took from England, to landing in Normandy, through Belgium and into Austria and Germany. That generation was the greatest generation, thanks to all the sacrifices they made to keep us free.
 
Last but not least, can you tell us one thing about you that very few people know already?
 
I’ve had several serious health threats in my life. I was diagnosed with cancer twice and I had a heart attack. Yet, here I am, cancer free and enjoying a healthy heart. Modern medicine and God have kept me here and I’m happy to stay for as long as He wants me on Earth. In the meantime, I will share my experiences with people who might suffer from the fear of cancer or heart issues. I don’t like to talk about it or dwell on my experiences unless those experiences will help others cope with their diagnoses.

That is awesome. Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Ellen!

And for the rest of you reading this, keep reading to find out more about this gorgeous book of hers coming out this month!
Show Me Betrayal

A joyous event years ago turned into a horrible nightmare. Has the nightmare returned?


Two deaths occur decades apart. Is it possible these deaths are related? What motivates a killer, who got away with murder sixty years ago, to kill again? Was it uncontrollable rage or to silence someone who fit all the puzzle pieces together and deduced who committed the crime?
Set in the picturesque town of Mexico, Missouri, Show Me Betrayal takes flight in words and emotions of rich characters woven together into a story you won’t want to put down.

Ellen is an award-winning fiction writer, freelance writer and retired insurance fraud investigator. She is excited about her mystery/dual-time series, Show Me Mysteries, which is set in her picturesque hometown of Mexico, Missouri. Scrivenings Press will release the first book of the series May 16, 2023.

She is also proud to be one of three contributors to a Christmas novella collection titled A Gift for All Time, due in 2023 from Scrivenings Press.

For more information about her books, writing tips and guest author highlights, visit her website at www.ellenewithers.com and her Facebook page, Ellen E. Withers. Follow her column on how to win writing contests in Writers Monthly Magazine PDF.
​
When not writing or reading, Ellen enjoys spending time with her family, traveling the world with her adventurous friends and performing with Top of the Rock Chorus, a Sweet Adeline chorus in central Arkansas.

Website: https://ellenewithers.com/
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071728886831
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BWZ1G7JS
Instagram profile: https://instagram.com/lnwithers?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Behind ... or Not

Do you do the yearly Reading Challenge on Goodreads? I've done it for several years now and always seem to surpass the number I set (125 for the last few years). But this year, when I log in to Goodreads, I usually see a message like the one above. See those words right under the little line showing my progress?

"behind schedule"

But I've been reading. Pretty much reading as much as normal. How is that possible? And should I care?
Well, for one thing, it's not completely accurate. Because I have read several books while editing that I can't yet add to Goodreads since they won't release until this summer.
For another thing, one of those books in my Goodreads list of having read was actually a whole collection of books, but they only counted as one instead of the endless collection that I didn't even really enjoy that much.
And for the last thing, it doesn't really matter in the long run. Not because I'll probably catch up with myself somewhere through the year (usually around Christmas). And not because I know it's not accurate.
It doesn't matter, because it's just a number I randomly set, thinking that's probably about how many I'd read. I don't care one way or another if I reach it as a goal. I simply like the way they let me go back at the end of the year and see the books I've read that year, which was longest and which I ranked highest or lowest. It's a fun tradition now.
Still, though, it's a bit disheartening to see that "behind schedule." The idealist in me wants to catch up. And then the part of me rooted in reality shakes her head and says, "Seriously. It doesn't matter."
Do you ever set a goal that's more for fun than necessity, but still feel bad if you don't live up to it? Is your reading year off to a slow start? What kind of goal did you set for yourself reading-wise this year?

Oh, and if you want to follow along, here's my Goodreads page. Feel free to follow me!

Author Takeover: Fifty Years Later

It's time! Time for the next book in our Stained Glass Legacy series to release.
Regina Rudd Merrick is guesting on my blog today to talk about the memories and research done to write a book set in the time when she was a little girl. Do you think you could do the same?
When I began writing Window of Peace, all I had was a story outline for the Stained Glass Legacy series, of which mine is second. Heather Greer’s Window of Opportunity is book one (1920s), mine is book 2 (1970), Amy’s Window of the Heart is book 3 (current day), and Erin Howard’s Window of Time is book 4(dystopian future).
How hard could it be? I was alive in 1970. I remember it well.
Tip #1. When you think something’s going to be easy, hold that thought.
Yes, I was alive, but I wasn’t an adult in 1970, like my characters. I was six. Six years old. My PARENTS were in their 20’s!
I started researching the time period. The clothes, I remembered. I’d just been going through old photos of my family, so that wasn’t hard.  ​The cars? My dad and husband are car lovers and can point out minute differences in model years in certain cars. Dad could identify the 1960s and 70s, Todd the 1970s and 80s. Actually, the truck MC’s grandfather drives was my grandfather’s truck – a pink International Harvester pickup. I had to fudge the year because I didn’t know what model it was. The last car in the story is a Galaxy 500—my husband’s dream car when he was a child. (His pedal Fire-Chief car was that model!) It was the car Sherrif Andy Taylor drove in The Andy Griffith Show.
But I was writing about young adults in 1970. Adults who had endured war, hardship, and all the trauma that goes with it. It was tough. To research, I put out queries to my Facebook friends. When I asked what Veteran’s Administration healthcare was like for returning Vietnam veterans, the answer was, “Suck it up, Buttercup.”
Wow.
My female lead is a veterinarian. Not impossible at that time, but there was still the idea that a woman should relinquish a job that a returning veteran needed. My character, Nancy Jean Baker, had endured abuse at the hands of her father and a family friend, which could have either crushed her or made her a force to be reckoned with.
I chose the latter. She was determined. She left home and accelerated her education. She could outperform any male veterinary student at Auburn University.
It was hard, reading some of the accounts of men my father’s age who took on and suffered from the ravages of war. They faced these things because their country called them.
My main character was a K9 handler, and I found out that at this time, there were over 5,000 dogs in service in Vietnam, and the vast majority were considered “surplus equipment” at the end of the war. They saved countless lives, both military and civilian, but they didn’t get to come home. Most were either euthanized or left behind to fend for themselves. I can’t imagine having worked with a dog, depending on it for your very life, and having to abandon it.
What do you think? How hard would it be for you to have to research the years you grew up in for a book? Ready for the next book in our Quadrilogy?
Regina's book is on pre-order through today (save a $1 on kindle if you order it before it releases tomorrow). And feel free to click the picture below to be taken to the first three chapters for a sneak peek. ;)
Window of Peace

Before being drafted, U.S. Army Lieutenant K9 Handler Michael Connor (MC) Dunne led charmed life. He had a plan. He would finish veterinary school, get married, and take over the local animal clinic. Enter the Vietnam War.
When MC arrives, injured, back in Park Haven, Tennessee, there’s a new vet in town, Nancy Jean Baker, hired when the local veterinarian suffered a heart attack. So much for his plan.
Violent flashbacks and nightmares pull him away from his faith and turn him into a hermit, fearing that he will hurt those he loves. His safe place is the family farm, working on the old cabin and chapel that his great-uncle built in the early 1900s. He assists his grandfather in repairs to the buildings and the stained-glass window that is a family treasure from Ireland.  ​Regina Rudd Merrick is a multi-published author, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, lover of all things fun, beachy, and chocolate, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Married to her husband of nearly 40 years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and lives in the small town of Marion, KY. Connect with Regina on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or on her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com .

Books about ... Books

You know I love to read. Seriously. But I've discovered another thing I love about reading, and that's reading about book lovers. Because I always find something else to read while reading those.
What am I talking about?
Last week, I read a book called Authentically Izzy by Pepper Basham. It's by far my favorite read of the year so far. Izzy is a book lover, and she's constantly referring to and quoting books she loves.
Have you read anything like that? Well, here's the thing, in listening to her gush about her favorite books, I added to my TBR. ​A re-read of the Lord of the Rings series has been on my list for a while now, but I really want to after reading about Izzy's love for them. And I've been interested in picking up another Agatha Christie. 
She also mentioned Wodehouse, and I don't think I've read any of his. And I think she quoted the Count of Monte Cristo, which has been on my list of "need to reads" for a while. Maybe this year is the year to do it.
Another author who has introduced me to other books by her mentions of them in her own is Katherine Reay. She's a definite favorite of mine, right along with Basham. Reay's books are often about book lovers and because of her, I've read Daddy Long Legs, which I adored. She's also almost convinced me to read A Picture of Dorian Gray.
There's just something about reading about other people as they gush about books that makes you want to try them out for yourself. Or at least, that's the way I function.
What about you? Do you love reading about book lovers? Have you ever tried out another book because you read about it first?

Author Interview: Janilise Lloyd

I haven't had a chance to read this beautiful book yet, but I'm excited to. Brand new author, Janilise Lloyd is here to chat today, and her story, The Whisperer's Wish, looks absolutely wonderful. So, sit down and stay a few minutes to get to know Janilise and her new story. Janilise, congrats on your first book release! You say you never thought you'd end up an author, so what changed your plans? What first encouraged you to pursue writing?
 
As a kid and teenager, writing was never something I considered doing for fun. As far as I knew, it was just something I used for classes in school. But I have always loved to read, and though I didn’t recognize it when I was young, I also loved storytelling. I used to make up little stories when I was cleaning or on long road trips with my family.
 
When I was in my early twenties, my husband had a different work schedule than me, so I often had evenings to myself. A story idea came to mind and I decide—purely for the fun of it—I’d try writing it down. That’s when my foray into the writing world began. That story grew and changed. I began to see writing as a hobby and then something I sincerely wanted to pursue. My love for it has only grown since then.
  
Your enthusiasm for helping young people write is beautiful. What is your best tip for younger people hoping to write?
 
My best tip is to give yourself quiet time to be alone with your own thoughts. In today’s world, the options for consuming other people’s creations are endless. But you’ll never truly create something of your own until you give yourself the time to be with your own imagination. While other people’s creations can serve as a spring board or inspiration for your own ideas, don’t let them crowd out the time you can take to develop your own. While in the beginning stages of writing, you have to let your own creative self take control. Write what you think makes a great story and forget about all the other pressures and distractions.
​Of all the genres you could have chosen to write, you chose fantasy. What made you lean toward that niche?
 
I love writing fantasy because there’s so much freedom in it. I can create absolutely anything I want. I’m not bound by the laws and rules of this world, and for me, that embodies a lot of what reading is all about. It’s an escape into the impossible. I love creating worlds that readers want to get lost in.
 
What was the hardest part of creating your own world in your book?
 
It takes me a lot of time to develop a world. I’m very much a discovery writer when it comes to world building. I usually start with a basic premise of an idea and it grows and blossoms as I go. So the hardest part is knowing just how much writing I’m going to end up throwing away through drafts and revisions.
 
Is one of your characters more like you than any of the others? In what way?
 
There are similarities between myself and the female main character, Laurelin. The biggest similarity is that we’re both motivated by family. She’s desperate to save her dying little brother and goes to extraordinary lengths to try and help him. In the same way, there’s not much I wouldn’t do to help one of my own family members who need me. But we’re also very different. Laurelin is braver and better at speaking her mind than I am. That’s a common trend I’ve found in my own writing. I tend to write my female leads with some of the characteristics I wish I had.
 
You say you're a big fan of sweets (I am too). Do you have a favorite or a go-to you crave more often than others?
 
I love ALL the sweets, so it’s hard to choose. But I do think I can narrow it down to three favorites: cinnamon rolls, banana bread, and sugar cookies. And now I need to get up and find myself a snack.
 
Last, but not least, can you leave us with something about yourself that very few people know?
 
Whenever I’m asked this question, I’m forced to confront how incredibly boring I really am. Haha So don’t count on any life-altering secrets being revealed, but here are a few tidbits. Despite my short height of five-foot-two, I played volleyball in high school, I enjoy running half marathons, and I can wiggle my ears. And finally—this can’t fly under the radar for too much longer anyway—I am pregnant with my second baby, due early September. Yay!

Wow! I'm thrilled to be one of the ones you choose to share that news with first! Sounds like lots of excitement in your future. Thanks for stopping by to chat with us.

And for you readers, keep going to find out more about her story as well as how to keep up with Janilise.
The Whisperer's Wish

For sixteen years, Laurelin Moore has been keeping a secret. She is a whisperer, and she knows that to reveal her gift now is a dangerous risk. Past whisperers have been exploited for their power. But Ausland’s queen is dead and acknowledging her magic is her only chance at becoming a Rook in the Pentax—a competition that will decide the kingdom’s next ruler.  

Laurelin isn’t in it for the crown, though. She’s after the wish that will be granted to the victor. A wish that would save her dying brother, Pippin. But there are dangerous undercurrents to the competition, and Laurelin finds herself at the center of it. She begins to search for answers and discovers a secret with the potential to shatter the entire kingdom.   Janilise Lloyd is a former junior high school teacher who lives in Northern Utah with her husband and toddler. She balances a love for running with a love for all things dessert. Her family likes to be on the go, so you will often catch them at the zoo, the park, or skipping rocks by the river. Janilise is the coordinator for the ScrivKids writing community for student writers and is a member of the Storymakers Guild. You can find her on Instagram or Facebook @janiliselloyd or on her website, janiliselloyd.com.  

Links:
Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon. com/dp/B0BV92BBTV
Website: https://janiliselloyd.com/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub. com/authors/janilise-lloyd
Amazon Author Profile: https://www.amazon.com/author/ janiliselloyd
Goodreads: https://www. goodreads.com/author/show/ 18965277.Janilise_Lloyd?ref= nav_profile_l
Instagram: https://www. instagram.com/janiliselloyd/
Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/janiliselloyd/

Update of Sorts

We're three months into 2023. Normally, I'd have some sort of exciting news to tell you about what I'm working on. Want the truth?
I haven't written much this year.
​It's a shocker, right? Well, not so much, considering everything else I've been doing. And I did start the year off with a book launch in February, which took up quite a bit of time. So does editing. And my other jobs. And my kids. And you get the idea.
These aren't excuses, though. Simply life. All that to say, there's not much new to talk about right now. But ...
Tax season is *almost* over. Sort of. Just a few more weeks to get through Easter and tax season. Then, I'm hoping that even with the busyness of the end of the school year, I can still find a few more moments to just sit down and hammer out words. Because I'm full of ideas of all sorts. And I really do want to write. I'm just really tired by the end of the day right now.
And all of this isn't to say I haven't been writing at all. Honestly, I haven't been writing what I'm supposed to be working on, which is the two stories coming out in 2024. Oops. But, I have been dabbling a bit with a couple other stories.
One is a Christmas story about a girl and a guy and some mistletoe and ... I'm not going to say more because I don't want to give anything away. But I really like what I have so far. Maybe a future novella? Or a future short story? Working title is "Same Time Next Christmas."
The other story I've been working on lately I'm calling "Wrong Email, Right Guy." It's about an author. And a guy she accidentally emails instead of someone else. And ... yeah. I'm pecking out a scene here and there, but I'm only seventeen pages in. Still, I'm hoping it will eventually become a freebie for my newsletter subscribers. How does that sound?
Plans for after tax season? I'd really love to finish Must Love Jane. I also had a fabulous idea for a retelling of Cinderella set in modern day West Virginia. Who loves fairy tale retellings? Besides me, of course. But I do need to finish up a few more scenes my publisher requested for For Better or For Granted, which releases next March. And I actually need to write the rest of my Christmas novella set to come out next year--a matchmaking collection! 
How's that for plans? This summer may be full of mad word sprints. But that's okay. Because the rest of the year is jam-packed full of releases! Whew! Three more before Christmas. Are you ready?
Which plans sound most exciting to you?