A. Kelly's Blog: Author nuggets and updates, page 2
January 2, 2021
New year, new website
As American songwriter Justin Tranter says, "A little makeover never hurt anybody." Well, I did exactly that to my website this new year.
I didn't think I would've released as many books as I did, so the old site had consequently outgrown itself.
The website is now tidier and simpler, and more mobile friendly. Check it out. It still has all the A Kelly goodness, including a free book offer.
akellyauthor.com
The makeover also means rebranding. Boy, was it a challenge! There were a lot more to consider than previously thought. On the bright side, during those days when I just couldn't write a goddamn word for my book, this project had kept me busy.
The part that took me the longest was the logo design. I probably shouldn't have spent so much time on it, but I couldn't help it. I wanted to stay away from the typical quill, rose or heart that's usually associated with romance authors. Coming up with a completely different theme was a beast of a job!
With the rebrand, I'm making slight writing changes this year. I've been diligently processing and actioning feedback from my author network, and of course from you all, my readers. Thank you! It has been so awesome! It's the best thing about being an indie author.
I'm currently preparing for my next release while pounding the keyboard hard drafting another new story. Watch the space!
Best,
A
I didn't think I would've released as many books as I did, so the old site had consequently outgrown itself.
The website is now tidier and simpler, and more mobile friendly. Check it out. It still has all the A Kelly goodness, including a free book offer.
akellyauthor.com
The makeover also means rebranding. Boy, was it a challenge! There were a lot more to consider than previously thought. On the bright side, during those days when I just couldn't write a goddamn word for my book, this project had kept me busy.
The part that took me the longest was the logo design. I probably shouldn't have spent so much time on it, but I couldn't help it. I wanted to stay away from the typical quill, rose or heart that's usually associated with romance authors. Coming up with a completely different theme was a beast of a job!
With the rebrand, I'm making slight writing changes this year. I've been diligently processing and actioning feedback from my author network, and of course from you all, my readers. Thank you! It has been so awesome! It's the best thing about being an indie author.
I'm currently preparing for my next release while pounding the keyboard hard drafting another new story. Watch the space!
Best,
A
January 1, 2021
Happy new year!
Happy new year, everyone. I hope you and your family are having a safe and relaxing time so far.
Here is for a brighter 2021!
Forgive me for feeling a bit cutey cutey. This bear orchestra was a gift from my mom many years ago. I thought today was the perfect time to put the pieces out on display and share them with you.
There were very high highs and very crappy lows in 2020. I'm leaving behind those lows, so I'm just going to say my absolute highlight here: it was my most productive year so far - I released a novella and my first audio book, then I launched a complete trilogy, finished writing the first book in a new series, and started the second one.
Covid played a small part because of the stay-at-home situation, but the main driver last year was my two-month sabbatical from my day job. It was a godsend, but unfortunately not something that I can repeat this year.
I'm still hoping to release three or four books in 2021, depending on work and travels.
The first cab off the rank is the Summer-Scipio Trilogy Box Set, which is available now for preorder. Details here.
If you like deep psychological romance, this box set contains more than 1000 binge-worthy pages. A warning, the trilogy is not a walk in the park, it's one hell of a journey to happily-ever-after.
Enjoy, and stay out of trouble.
A
Here is for a brighter 2021!
Forgive me for feeling a bit cutey cutey. This bear orchestra was a gift from my mom many years ago. I thought today was the perfect time to put the pieces out on display and share them with you.
There were very high highs and very crappy lows in 2020. I'm leaving behind those lows, so I'm just going to say my absolute highlight here: it was my most productive year so far - I released a novella and my first audio book, then I launched a complete trilogy, finished writing the first book in a new series, and started the second one.
Covid played a small part because of the stay-at-home situation, but the main driver last year was my two-month sabbatical from my day job. It was a godsend, but unfortunately not something that I can repeat this year.
I'm still hoping to release three or four books in 2021, depending on work and travels.
The first cab off the rank is the Summer-Scipio Trilogy Box Set, which is available now for preorder. Details here.
If you like deep psychological romance, this box set contains more than 1000 binge-worthy pages. A warning, the trilogy is not a walk in the park, it's one hell of a journey to happily-ever-after.
Enjoy, and stay out of trouble.
A
December 7, 2020
Don't Let Me Say Goodbye is live!
Don't Let Me Say Goodbye is live!
Summer and Scipio have gone through hell to find wonder in each other’s arms. When fate deals them yet another bad hand, the valiant couple gives everything they have to beat the insurmountable odds.
Don’t Let Me Say Goodbye is the emotional third book in the Summer-Scipio psychological suspense trilogy. If you like determined heroines, compassionate heroes, and powerful domestic thrillers, then you’ll adore this gripping tale.
"With a dauntless protagonist at the helm and a fast-paced storyline, this novel is a quick and easy escape." — Self-Publishing Review
Buy Don’t Let Me Say Goodbye to fight overwhelming adversity today!
Summer and Scipio have gone through hell to find wonder in each other’s arms. When fate deals them yet another bad hand, the valiant couple gives everything they have to beat the insurmountable odds.
Don’t Let Me Say Goodbye is the emotional third book in the Summer-Scipio psychological suspense trilogy. If you like determined heroines, compassionate heroes, and powerful domestic thrillers, then you’ll adore this gripping tale.
"With a dauntless protagonist at the helm and a fast-paced storyline, this novel is a quick and easy escape." — Self-Publishing Review
Buy Don’t Let Me Say Goodbye to fight overwhelming adversity today!
December 1, 2020
The Summer-Scipio Trilogy concludes with Don't Let Me Say Goodbye
"From this day forward, you shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter, and my arms will be your home."
I was searching for the most romantic wedding vow and this one made me a little teary.
It's a beautiful promise where one person offers himself/herself to be their partner's safety. To me, that's the epitome of love.
I'm not getting married anytime soon, but I am excited about Don't Let Me Say Goodbye (book 3 in the Summer-Scipio Trilogy). The couple's wedding vow shines in this emotional conclusion of the series.
Don't Let Me Say Goodbye is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. After a long, emotional journey, I promise, our beloved Summer and her husband Scipio will finally get their happily-ever-after. Forever, no cliffhanger.
And today, the cover reveal is here! I chose a green theme in this last instalment to signify hope and the evergreen nature of Summer's and Scipio's love to each other.
Don't Let Me Say Goodbye is available for pre-order. It will be live on Dec 9th.
I was searching for the most romantic wedding vow and this one made me a little teary.
It's a beautiful promise where one person offers himself/herself to be their partner's safety. To me, that's the epitome of love.
I'm not getting married anytime soon, but I am excited about Don't Let Me Say Goodbye (book 3 in the Summer-Scipio Trilogy). The couple's wedding vow shines in this emotional conclusion of the series.
Don't Let Me Say Goodbye is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. After a long, emotional journey, I promise, our beloved Summer and her husband Scipio will finally get their happily-ever-after. Forever, no cliffhanger.
And today, the cover reveal is here! I chose a green theme in this last instalment to signify hope and the evergreen nature of Summer's and Scipio's love to each other.
Don't Let Me Say Goodbye is available for pre-order. It will be live on Dec 9th.
May 3, 2019
When I'm in Your Arms - behind the story
When I'm in Your Arms is A Kelly's second novel. It begs you to keep an open mind as the story will take you on a roller coaster journey of love, lust, and obsession.
Here is the story behind the story.
Q1: Why did you write this book?
One Valentine eve, I caught a segment of an Australian news program The Project where one of the presenters shared her experience hiring a male escort (dining, pampering, cuddling - no sex involved). Intrigued, I did some research and wow, was I inspired!
Most male escorts' clients are men, but some escorts offer services for women and couples. Service limits are at the discretion of the individual escort, which usually depend on the level of trust he has with a client. Interestingly, client-escort relationships can sometimes go beyond physical or transactional. It doesn't mean they fall in love, but the experience is often more than just bang, pay and go. This fascinating aspect was the first trigger for my writing this book.
In addition, women's sexual need, unfortunately, is still considered taboo by many. People generally shy away from the subject, afraid of being politically incorrect. It shouldn't be the case; because women sexuality is important, and there is a lot to learn.
Q2: So what's your take on women's sexuality?
May I say women's sexual need is like a chameleon - it changes according to the environment around and within them, be it hormones, life events, interactions etc. One day it may simply be a physical need (just do it; no lovey dovey required), another time it may manifest into a need to be loved, to be understood or to be close to someone. Sometimes a sexual need is about opening up and feeling safe in your partner's arms.
Great male escorts are expert chameleons - in a sense that they change who they are professionally to accommodate their clients' needs and often fantasies. The reasons women hire male escorts vary - from needing a 'plus one' at their colleague's wedding, loneliness, fulfilling a fantasy, to specific circumstances such as healing a sexual trauma or even sex ed. Many such women feel they could be themselves in the company of their escorts, and one woman even said she felt human again after years of hurt and void.
Q3: How does this book differ from mainstream romance or erotica?
Most reviewers so far agree When I'm in Your Arms is nothing like any book they've read before, which I am very proud of. The story digs deep into women's sexuality from both a man's and woman's perspectives without holding back. It emphasises the need to explore romance and erotica as a genre beyond I love yous, blushing kisses and earth-shattering climaxes.
Q4: Do you think prostitution is wrong?
Prostitution has existed since ancient Mesopotamia.
It's absolutely wrong when it involves minors. It is wrong when it is conducted against a person's free will. It is wrong when there is unfairness in the transaction - where one party gets more than what they've agreed on, when someone is abused, robbed of their rights or threatened.
As an occupation, no, I don't think it's wrong. It is a service, it is a source of income. Some male escorts have such deep empathy they give women an experience no other people can. The experience can be life changing - can you condemn it?
When prostitution gets in a way of a marriage or relationship, well, it's not the work itself that is wrong; the responsibility lies with the clients.
Q5: How did you get insights into an escort's life?
I read a few interviews and articles, and I also got to know a couple of professional male escorts. They were lovely men, ridiculously handsome and very respectful. On the one hand they were discreet, on the other they were quite open about sharing their life stories and their ups and downs of being an escort.
Q6: Why do you classify this book as LGBT?
Frederico is gay, although there are compelling reasons why he becomes attracted to Andrea. There is also a big twist in the story that makes it relevant to LGBT.
Q7: What's next for A Kelly?
I'm writing a trilogy. It is about a beautiful but troubled woman who is running away from her guilt of her father's suicide, from her mother's illness, her psychopath husband and ultimately herself. In her escape she meets a loving, loyal and handsome single father who tries to make amends from his previous marriage.
The story is mainly set in a sleepy town of Penguin, located in Australia's nature heaven - Tasmania. Both main characters are animal lovers, so be prepared for some canine cuteness along the way (although I must warn there is an element of cruelty here, which both characters fight against furiously).
Here is the story behind the story.
Q1: Why did you write this book?
One Valentine eve, I caught a segment of an Australian news program The Project where one of the presenters shared her experience hiring a male escort (dining, pampering, cuddling - no sex involved). Intrigued, I did some research and wow, was I inspired!
Most male escorts' clients are men, but some escorts offer services for women and couples. Service limits are at the discretion of the individual escort, which usually depend on the level of trust he has with a client. Interestingly, client-escort relationships can sometimes go beyond physical or transactional. It doesn't mean they fall in love, but the experience is often more than just bang, pay and go. This fascinating aspect was the first trigger for my writing this book.
In addition, women's sexual need, unfortunately, is still considered taboo by many. People generally shy away from the subject, afraid of being politically incorrect. It shouldn't be the case; because women sexuality is important, and there is a lot to learn.
Q2: So what's your take on women's sexuality?
May I say women's sexual need is like a chameleon - it changes according to the environment around and within them, be it hormones, life events, interactions etc. One day it may simply be a physical need (just do it; no lovey dovey required), another time it may manifest into a need to be loved, to be understood or to be close to someone. Sometimes a sexual need is about opening up and feeling safe in your partner's arms.
Great male escorts are expert chameleons - in a sense that they change who they are professionally to accommodate their clients' needs and often fantasies. The reasons women hire male escorts vary - from needing a 'plus one' at their colleague's wedding, loneliness, fulfilling a fantasy, to specific circumstances such as healing a sexual trauma or even sex ed. Many such women feel they could be themselves in the company of their escorts, and one woman even said she felt human again after years of hurt and void.
Q3: How does this book differ from mainstream romance or erotica?
Most reviewers so far agree When I'm in Your Arms is nothing like any book they've read before, which I am very proud of. The story digs deep into women's sexuality from both a man's and woman's perspectives without holding back. It emphasises the need to explore romance and erotica as a genre beyond I love yous, blushing kisses and earth-shattering climaxes.
Q4: Do you think prostitution is wrong?
Prostitution has existed since ancient Mesopotamia.
It's absolutely wrong when it involves minors. It is wrong when it is conducted against a person's free will. It is wrong when there is unfairness in the transaction - where one party gets more than what they've agreed on, when someone is abused, robbed of their rights or threatened.
As an occupation, no, I don't think it's wrong. It is a service, it is a source of income. Some male escorts have such deep empathy they give women an experience no other people can. The experience can be life changing - can you condemn it?
When prostitution gets in a way of a marriage or relationship, well, it's not the work itself that is wrong; the responsibility lies with the clients.
Q5: How did you get insights into an escort's life?
I read a few interviews and articles, and I also got to know a couple of professional male escorts. They were lovely men, ridiculously handsome and very respectful. On the one hand they were discreet, on the other they were quite open about sharing their life stories and their ups and downs of being an escort.
Q6: Why do you classify this book as LGBT?
Frederico is gay, although there are compelling reasons why he becomes attracted to Andrea. There is also a big twist in the story that makes it relevant to LGBT.
Q7: What's next for A Kelly?
I'm writing a trilogy. It is about a beautiful but troubled woman who is running away from her guilt of her father's suicide, from her mother's illness, her psychopath husband and ultimately herself. In her escape she meets a loving, loyal and handsome single father who tries to make amends from his previous marriage.
The story is mainly set in a sleepy town of Penguin, located in Australia's nature heaven - Tasmania. Both main characters are animal lovers, so be prepared for some canine cuteness along the way (although I must warn there is an element of cruelty here, which both characters fight against furiously).
Author nuggets and updates
Updates, insights and reflections from A Kelly
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