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Young Adult Crime (yeah okay, there's some romance too)?

Happy Reading!

Ana

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Published on August 06, 2020 04:00

July 23, 2020

Author Spotlight: Sophia Florenza

Welcome to Sophia Florenza, fellow author! Today we're talking about the second novel in Sophia's Divine-less Series, Descending. Meet Sera, who is in the process of rescuing Fallen Archangels through the seven circles of hell. Between discovering her own powers and getting to know her mates, Sera's adventures are one steamy ride!

**Warning**

This book has mature content * reader discretion advised!

Descending: Interview

Since Descending is the second book of the series, can you give us a quick (no spoilers!) recap of book one?

Lucifer lost a bet with The Creator and Sera Dante was basically “recruited” to Descend through the Circles of Hell to recover the seven Fallen Archangels and one Pure Soul. She was kidnapped on her 21st birthday by Virgil and has met the enigmatic G at Hell’s entrance. Sera also discovers that she is not human and her two guides begin to train her on using her newfound powers that will save her throughout her journey.

I love the idea of a modern twist on Dante’s Divine Comedy. What inspired you to use this?

I read a reverse harem twist on the Alice in Wonderland books and I absolutely loved the series! I figured, why not write something I am extremely familiar with? I love history and mythology and The Divine Comedy had it all!

If you had to describe your book in ten words or less, what would they be?

Incorporating a classic story into an erotic fantasy.

By the end of book two, we’ve met four archangels and, of course, Virgil. Which has been your favorite love interest (either the character himself, or his relationship to Sera) to explore?

G by far because he’s the bad boy that every girl wishes that she was the one to claim him. Most of the stereotypical “players” I have met in my single days were already broken hearted and too afraid to open up again, stringing you along on an emotional rollercoaster. I enjoyed writing the love-hate relationship because if Sera had a choice, she would drop G like a bad habit. But because they need each other, G is forced to actually be with her and get to know her, making him see the world in a different light.

What’s coming next for Sera and her mates?

More fighting, more sex, and definitely more Archangel drama. But they all need each other to survive Hell.

Ready for your own copy? Check the details below!

Descend: Book 1

Descending: Book 2

Still Descending: Book 3

Author bio:

Born and raised in New Jersey, Sophia Florenza is an Army veteran who works for the government. She enjoys writing her books during her spare time and hopes to someday become a successful writer.

Book synopsis:

It has been a long cold, ride through Hell! My name is Sera Dante, and I have been chosen by the Creator to save seven Archangels and one Pure Soul from Lucifer. Because, you know? The end of the universe stuff is happening. Anyway, I've been able to save three Archangels so far, and I still have more Circles of Hell to travel before I get to the Center. And I've had more Archangel drama to contend with than I ever wanted to deal with in a lifetime! Who says having multiple mates was going to be a breeze?

Thanks again to Sophia for joining us for this week's author spotlight!

The next author spotlight will be on August 13, where we'll talk to BB Palomo about her debut novel.

What are you in the mood for?

Young Adult Crime?

Happy Reading!

Ana

,,Strangers Saga: Baton Rouge: Book One

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Published on July 23, 2020 04:00

July 16, 2020

Book Spotlight: Strangers Saga

Hello all! In case you didn't know, it's already the middle of July. I know, I was shocked too. I hope you're all staying cool (unless you're one of those weirdos that likes the heat--then more power to you!)

Personally, I'm melting, so this is looking like a pretty good idea right about now.

I wish I could say I've never tried this...

But enough about that! We're here to talk about The Strangers Saga: Baton Rouge: Book One.

Talk about hot! (And I don't just mean the weather...hellooo Declan!) #bookboyfriend, am I right?

The Strangers Saga: Baton Rouge will consist of five books. Fun fact: they used to all be one.

Think Love Actually meets NCIS: New Orleans.

As I got into it, I realized the characters needed room to stretch their legs, and so the saga was born. Speaking of being born...

I arrived in this world on a brisk December day a couple-three decades ago, in--you guessed it--Louisiana. Not quite Baton Rouge, but close to it! Lafayette, where Sadie and Savannah escaped to after high school. I chose Louisiana as the setting for my first Strangers Saga...did I say first?--Yes I did...for that reason. Though I moved away when I was just four years old, in the times I've been back as an adult, I've fallen in love with the people, the culture, and, of course, the FOOD, all over again.

ICYMI (did I use that right?) I have lived in seven states in my life. And no, I'm not an army brat, or any branch brat for that matter. I'm just special.

And as a bit of a spoiler alert, there will be more Strangers Sagas with delightfully complicated story lines set in each city I've lived. After Baton Rouge is in the books (see what I did there?) we'll have an all-new, all-star cast set in Minneapolis.

But wait, you say. Sadie's brother got a job offer in Minneapolis. Did you plan this?

I'm not telling. Also yes.

For now, I'll leave you with the blurb that will have you clicking straight through to the link enabling you to get your sweaty hands on your very own copy of Declan and Sadie's story--Strangers Saga: Baton Rouge: Book One.

,A girl is murdered. A conspiracy unfolds. And ten strangers find themselves unwitting participants in a grand scheme by a shadowy group known only as the Quad.

,When Sadie Nichols discovers her cousin Justine’s drug addiction, she moves back to Baton Rouge to begin the process of adopting Justine’s teen daughter, Eva. While Sadie is laser-focused on opening a business and providing a good life for Eva, the last thing she expects is to run into the boy next door – her childhood crush – Declan Park.

,After spending several years in New Orleans working his way up to detective, Declan moves home and lands his first big case – a murder at the Governor’s mansion. Witnesses provide a suspect and a perfectly matching story, but Declan knows nothing in police work comes so easily.

,Amid dealing with a media frenzy and corruption that goes beyond his wildest imagination, Declan is forced to confront newly unearthed feelings for the girl next door. Gone is the girl and in her place stands a successful business woman in the process of becoming a mom to a teenager. Declan needs to decide whether he can fit into Sadie’s life – and then convince Sadie it’s where he belongs.

,So good, right? I know you'll need this, so here's the link:

,Books Two-Five are in the works, but I know you'll want to be the first to know when they are ready to release. How do you do this? Glad you asked.

,Scroll to the very bottom of the page. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Amazon. (Let's also be friends on Goodreads and Pinterest, but you won't see new book announcements there--those will be just for fun.)

,See how easy that was? Aren't you glad you stuck around?

,Join us next week for an author spotlight with Sophia Florenza and her book, Descending: Book 2 of the Divine-less series. See you there!

Did you miss last month's Book spotlight? Find it here:

Book Spotlight--Abstraction; A Parker Grey Novel

What are you in the mood for?

Young Adult Crime (yeah okay, there's some romance too)?

Happy Reading!

Ana

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Published on July 16, 2020 04:00

July 9, 2020

Author Spotlight: Wendy M. Kok

I’d like to give a big, warm welcome to Wendy M. Kok, fellow author and fellow (former) Wisconsinite! We’ll be talking about her debut novel, A Grey Resort. You’ll meet Brooke, a teenage girl with special gifts, as she navigates the supernatural world found right in her own backyard. Uncover dreamy Aaron’s secrets and find yourself wanting more. This is a YA-paranormal romance with lots of down-home charm.

Thanks for joining us, Wendy!

A Grey Resort: Interview

A Grey Resort is set in a small town of Wisconsin, much like where you grew up. Tell us what it was like to spend your childhood on a lake resort?

It was a wonderful experience! My parents owned the resort for quite a long time, and we often had these large picnics on the weekends along the lake. Lots of people would show up, and my dad would be the one firing up the grill. Later on, he would get out his guitar, and entertain the crowd. It was a precious time for me which I will never forget. I feel lucky to have this experience, and to be able to meet different people from all walks of life.

There are so many fun anecdotes that really plunge the reader into small-town life. How many of these characters and situations are based on real experiences?

There were several, the resort and town are inspired by the place I grew up. The characters in my book are loosely based on real people, but I’ve changed names and elaborated quite a bit. That’s the fun of being a writer!

If you had to describe your book in ten words or less, what would they be?

I would say by the way my readers have described it: hard to put down, an interesting way of describing situations and events, and the characters and place are hard to forget.

Where did your inspiration for Aaron and his supernatural world come from?

To be honest, over the years, there was some unusual activity experienced near the resort and the woods surrounding it. Of course, it didn’t happen exactly like it did in the book, but there is definitely a palpable energy. It was wonderful living on the lake and being surrounded by woods, but there is an eeriness there that is hard to explain.

What’s coming next for Brooke and Aaron?

There is a lot of stuff going on with these two, as well as the introduction of several new characters. I am so excited to get this out to my readers! There is a lot of fun stuff in store, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you! I have several people waiting for me to finish this second book, and I can tell you that the bulk of it is done. It just needs to go through a series of edits. Stay tuned!

Ready to get your own copy? See details below!

‘A Grey Resort’ is available on Amazon, B&N, target.com, Bookbaby bookshop, and other various retailers.

Amazon link:

Author bio:

Wendy M. Kok was raised in a small, resort town in Northern WI. Her parents owned and entertained a summer resort for over twenty years. It was there she learned to fish, appreciate wildlife, and forge friendships over the years with people that would often come and stay year after year. This upbringing was the inspiration for her debut novel, “A Grey Resort” which was launched July 29th, 2019 to critical acclaim.

Wendy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Grand Valley State University. Wendy has two sets of twins, and when not running around playing taxi to teenagers, likes to spend time writing and working on graphics for her social media pages. Her second book is expected to be released later this year.

Follow her on:

Website- www.wendymkokauthor.com

On Facebook –@wendymkokauthor

Amazon Author Page- www.amazon.com/author/wendymkok

Instagram- @wendykok4

Goodreads- Wendy M. Kok

YouTube Channel- #theshortandtallofit

Bookbaby- https://store.bookbaby.com/book/a-gre...

Book synopsis:

It's the summer of 1984, and strange things are happening in the woodsy, sleepy town of Neelsville, WI. One evening, Brooke Larken decides to go fishing at her lakeside resort. She doesn't realize that her simple decision to go fishing, changes the course of her life forever. Here she meets a mysterious stranger, and gets the shock of her life. Follow Brooke as she discovers something very sinister about her town, and the people in it.

Thanks again to Wendy for joining us for this week's author spotlight!

The next author spotlight will be on July 23, where we'll talk to Sophia Florenza about her novel, Descending: Book 2 of the Divine-less series.

What are you in the mood for?

Young Adult Crime?

Happy Reading!

Ana

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Published on July 09, 2020 04:00

July 2, 2020

In the Works: June Update

Oh look, summer is finally here. Wait, it's already July? What just happened?

Tell me I'm not the only one that feels this way! On the plus side, I've been writing like a maniac. Writing what, you ask? Stick around, and I'll tell you.

First and foremost, I have some fun things in the works for the blog. I'm talking author spotlights! Make sure to check back next Thursday when Wendy Kok joins us to talk about her debut novel, A Grey Resort.

But that's not all! On July 23, we'll be talking to Sophia Florenza about her book, Descending: Book 2 of the Divine-less series.

So what have I been up to?

The main star of June has been the up-and-coming Gifted Series release, titled By the Light of the Moon. This will be number nine--you heard me, NINE. I absolutely love writing this series. So many fun characters have joined the Elemental world since Jade and Talon met in Allure of Home. Speaking of Allure of Home...

AUDIOBOOK NEWS. Allure of Home is in the last stage before release! Just waiting on the final approval from Audible. *Happy Dance*

Back to By the Light of the Moon. I have been wanting to do a retelling of Beauty and the Beast since...well, since I first saw the movie. Which came out in '91. Which means I was (hold for some astonishingly quick math) somewhere between being born and a teenager. Dreams and stubbornness have won out, and I am finally putting to paper my version of this classic.

Abiah goes to work at a castle, owned by a mysterious man the people of the small Mexican town call El Diablo. While she works to restore the beauty of the rundown estate, she discovers the truth about the beast behind the man.

And the only thing darker than his secrets are her own...

There's also a giant library.

Look for By the Light of the Moon in October!

What are you in the mood for?

Young Adult Crime (yeah okay, there's some romance too)?

Happy Reading!

Ana

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Published on July 02, 2020 04:00

June 25, 2020

Dealing with Writer's Block

How I Deal with Writer’s Block

Writer’s block has many forms. Staring at a blank page with no clue what to say. Writing half a sentence, deciding you hate the word in the middle, stopping to do twelve minutes of googling for a synonym.

For me? The most common type of writer’s block is the inability to FOCUS. I’ve had days where I’ve written nearly ten thousand words. I’ve had days where I scrolled Pinterest to find the exact shade of blue eyes for the love interest in a book six down in the series. Most days, I’m right in the middle.

Like most self-published authors, I had the dreaded day job when I first started out. That meant I wrote in the evenings, sometimes late into the night, and most often on my breaks. Back then, I set myself a modest goal of writing a thousand words a day.

Some may think that sounds scary, others might laugh. For me, it was a target I knew I could hit, every day. I timed myself a few times and found out I can type a thousand words in about forty-five minutes. This is an average ranging from typing like a demon to the stop-and-google. It was an average that I felt comfortable with achieving every day.

That’s one of the first keys of getting over writer’s block. Set yourself an attainable goal to hit every day. Maybe you start with fifty words. Maybe you knock out three thousand. Whatever you can do, make it your goal.

Side note, some days I wrote less than a thousand words, and there were days I didn’t write at all. Both are okay. Forgive yourself. Just don’t let it become a habit.

Now that I write full time, things have changed. There’s not so much pressure to write RIGHT NOW because there won’t be any time later. I spend more time marketing and networking. I get distracted.

Though it seems like an adverse effect, now that I have more time to write, I seem to write less.

What do I blame? Writer’s block, of the NO FOCUS kind.

So, what do I do?

First option: write anything.

And I mean ANYTHING. As fast as you can. Don’t reread, don’t correct, don’t google. Just let it flow. I do this in a journal-style word document that I just keep adding to whenever I feel the need. This is most effective when I’ve got something on my mind, and I need to clear my head.

Journaling is fantastic, and I highly recommend giving it a try. Having said that, as an adult, I only do it once in a while. I WRITE FOR A LIVING. That’s like a mechanic coming home and spending the evening working on their own car. Even if they love it and couldn’t imagine doing anything else with their lives, it doesn’t usually happen.

But man, sometimes you just need to let it all out. Most recently, I did this when the protests and riots had taken over every news and media outlet. I felt enraged and helpless and ill-equipped to do anything positive. Whenever someone asked me my opinion, I either wouldn’t give it, or I would get so riled up I’d start to yell.

I found during those first few days that my attention severely lacked. I was disenchanted with the world. It can be very difficult to write romance while you’re feeling like the world is full of hate.

So I let it all out. Several pages worth. I turned the TV off, and I could focus again.

Second option: get up and do something physical.

I have a punching bag in my work area. When I find myself lacking focus, I get up and do a round (or ten). It clears the cobwebs and wakes me up. If I’m not feeling that, I’ll take a stroll around my yard. I’m spoiled and have ten acres of woods to explore, so I do this daily anyway. But before that, I would take a walk around the block, or even a few laps around the house.

Stretching, or yoga, is also excellent for this. I highly recommend doing one or the other each day, especially if you’re sitting at a desk for most of it! Your back will thank you.

Third option: music.

I listen to music while I write. But it has to be specific music. Some tunes distract me. Some make me want to get up and move around. I don’t listen to those. I have a small and very select playlist that is for writing only. Some of it is instrumental, most of it is not. All of it will go into the background and occupy that part of my brain that is a bad influence so that the rest of my brain can focus on the page. Find your music.

Try putting on headphones. When my normal music isn’t working, I’ll put on a good pair of headphones. This blocks out all other ambient noise and also makes me feel like a hacker in a movie who’s typing furiously to unlock pentagon firewalls. Super focused, man.

Fourth option: cleaning.

Nine months ago, I moved into my beautiful first home with my now-fiancé. The entire thing happened in a whirlwind. In three days, we went from applying for a loan to putting in an offer. Forty-five days later, we closed and moved on the same day.

For the next three months, I didn't spend one full day at home. Between working, selling at craft fairs, and a couple of family events thrown in (not to mention quitting my day job and immediately going on a two week roadtrip for a bookfair--thanks sis for coming with!), my house was in shambles. Boxes still hadn't been touched, piles of crap blocked me from any of my work stations. I was home for the first time in months, gung-ho to write my heart out, and I couldn't. I struggled for days, constantly distracted by all the little (and big) projects that I'd been ignoring.

So, even with a (albeit self-imposed) deadline looming, I spent a full day in my loft, which had been designated as a library/music room, unpacking books and alphabetizing and bringing in more shelving. The next day I cleared off my desk and moved the piles of junk to the other side of the room before putting it all away (even though most of it wasn't organized). On the third day, I cleared all the counters in the kitchen.

And finally, I could focus.

Working at home can be tough. I never truly had trouble with it until this move, because I'd always been organized until then. Some of you might think you work better in disarray, but I challenge you--clear off your desk. I mean everything except computer and maybe your cup of coffee. See what happens.

When my first three tricks don't work, it's usually because I have an undone chore looming in the back of my mind. Floors that need vacuuming. Dishes that need washing. Crafts that need to be put away. Trust me. Your brain will thank you, and so will your psyche when, at the end of the day, you can truly relax with that glass of wine and guilty-pleasure TV show.

Option five: change of scenery.[image error]

Last but not least. When nothing else has worked, I take my laptop and find somewhere new to sit. Outside, weather permitting, is my favorite. In my loft library is my second favorite. Where I don't sit? In the living room or in bed.

The living room is for gathering with family and friends, or to watch TV. Bringing work into that space is a big no-no for me.

The bedroom is for sleeping. I won't allow a TV in there (sorry fiancé) and rarely use any electronics--yes, that includes TV and phone--two hours before bed. There have been many studies on this, but I'll spare you the boring reading. No distractions=good night's sleep. No distractions=good writing. See what I did there?

What tricks have you tried? What’s worked? Let me know in the comments

What are you in the mood for?

Young Adult Crime (with at least one love triangle?--hey, at least I didn't say romance)?

Happy Reading!

Ana

Abstraction (Amazon Link)

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Published on June 25, 2020 04:00

June 18, 2020

Book Spotlight: Abstraction

The Parker Grey Series

Ah, Parker Grey. My first book-child. A smart, sassy, morally-flexible teenage girl. Is there any other kind?

This book was dedicated to my mom, so it seemed fitting that we do a spotlight for Parker on my mom's birthday.

That's right! She's 29. Or 39. Which would make me 21. Or 11. I'll never tell ;)

Being the first book I published, Parker's character is the most like me. At least, the me in high school. I was in Key Club, the Trial by Peers program (yes it's real, though as far as I've found only exists in Nevada), and I even did yoga and martial arts.

The glaring difference would be that I was not, and am still not, a cat burglar.

(I swear Mom, I'm a good girl, see my halo?)

Parker was a labor of love, and the toughest to let out into the world. But as all children, eventually they have to venture out on their own to see what the world has in store for them.

The Parker Grey series currently has seven books, with number eight set for a December release. What has been your favorite Parker adventure so far?

In case you missed it: I did a character spotlight on Parker Grey with some fun tidbits, including the men of Parker Grey. Find it by clicking

Need to catch up? Grab your copy of Abstraction on kindle, kindle unlimited, or paperback!

What are you in the mood for?

Crime Trilogy?

Young Adult Crime?

Happy Reading!

Ana

Please remember to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads!

You can also follow me on Social Media by following the links at the bottom of the page

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Published on June 18, 2020 04:00

May 29, 2020

Audiobook News

The long wait is finally coming to a close--Allure of Home: Book 1 of the Gifted Series will be an audiobook by the end of summer!

We are in the production stages now, and will keep you up-to-date on the progress. Once completed and approved, the audiobook will be available on Amazon (for purchase, and through the unlimited program), iTunes, and, of course, Audible.

It has been such a joy to listen to these characters come to life. The producer has been an absolute joy to work with and has done a wonderful job capturing Jade's sarcasm and Talon's never-ending patience.

Do you prefer audiobooks to reading? Or using both simultaneously? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Reading,

Ana

Don't want to wait? Get your e-book or paperbook

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Published on May 29, 2020 15:09

April 24, 2020

FREE EBOOK: Allure of Home

Allure of Home (The Gifted, #1) by Ana Ban

Go back to where it all began. Get swept away by the dark and mysterious Talon. Be annoyed (and entertained) by the meddling of Jade's family. Fall in love all over again.

They are creatures of the night, searching for their one true mate...

At just eighteen Jade escaped small town life and found success as a photographer. When her grandmother is placed in a nursing home, Jade returns to find absolutely nothing has changed- unless she counts the dark and mysterious new resident.

Talon’s secrets have the potential to forever change Jade’s life. He’s been searching for his other half for more years than he cares to count and recognizes the instant he finds her. Every fiber of his being knows they are meant to be together- what he doesn’t expect is Jade’s absolute denial.

On their first encounter, Jade faints. On their second, she dumps iced tea in his lap. Talon’s patience is tested as he needs to convince his temperamental mate of their destiny. Jade discovers just how difficult it can be to ignore the Allure of Home.

This is the first book of The Gifted Series, and it's free for you until April 28!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1U5FLU

Happy Reading!

Always,
Ana

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Published on April 24, 2020 08:37 • Tags: free-book, paranormal-romance

FREE EBOOK: Allure of Home

Get your free copy of Allure of Home: Book 1 of The Gifted Series Go back to where it all began. Get swept away by the dark and mysterious Talon. Be annoyed (and entertained) by the meddling of Jade's family. Fall in love all over again. They are creatures of the night, searching for their one true mate... At just eighteen Jade escaped small town life and found success as a photographer. When her grandmother is placed in a nursing home, Jade returns to find absolutely nothing has changed- unless she counts the dark and mysterious new resident. Talon’s secrets have the potential to forever change Jade’s life. He’s been searching for his other half for more years than he cares to count and recognizes the instant he finds her. Every fiber of his being knows they are meant to be together- what he doesn’t expect is Jade’s absolute denial. On their first encounter, Jade faints. On their second, she dumps iced tea in his lap. Talon’s patience is tested as he needs to convince his temperamental mate of their destiny. Jade discovers just how difficult it can be to ignore the Allure of Home. This is the first book of The Gifted Series, and it's free for you until April 28! Happy Reading! Always, Ana