Kaylene Winter's Blog, page 13
July 8, 2021
ROMANCE INSPIRATIONS & BLIND ITEMS
Hey everyone, hope your summer is off to a great start. My husband surprised me with a quick trip to Maui for our 18th wedding anniversary, which was special because that’s where we got married! We are so fortunate to have a good friend who let us stay at his house. Our beachfront anniversary dinner was spectacular.
My husband is my favorite person. For many reasons. Not only is he handsome and charming with a rogue Irish accent, but he’s funny and generous and loyal. He’s strong, has a huge heart and protects me with everything he has. We have been through a lot over the past decades, from owning businesses together to losing parents to traveling the world. There’s no one I’d rather go through life with.
Honestly, there is a little bit of him in every one of my male characters. From a phrase to a gesture to a character trait.
Which brings me to….TIMELESS! It’s with my editor right now!
Next week I’m going to share a TON of dates for you to mark on your calendar, this week I thought I’d bring back some blind items for you to try to guess.
BLIND ITEMS – Production CrewOne of my jobs back in the day was working production at big stadium events. I got to do a lot of weird and fun jobs – see if you can guess!
BI1: This 90’s solo artist was known for his ballads, remakes of classic R&B songs and gorgeous hair (as well as celebrity actress wives). Hands down, the nicest most courteous performer I’ve ever seen. He hung out with the production crew. His entire touring team were wonderful. He smiled and joked. And, he was actually really great live!
BI2: This metal band, who were most popular in the late 70’s/80’s, were from another country. They had a ton of hits in the early 80’s and were on MTV quite a bit. They also skewed a bit older than a lot of the other bands on the channel. My job was to guard the dressing room at the Seattle Coliseum, to keep the scantily clad groupies at bay. Hands down, the most aggressive ladies I’ve ever seen at a show. Thwarting their efforts had to sting a bit…
BI3: This extremely (still!) sexy solo rocker did something that wasn’t sexy at all. He acted like a complete and total diva. He was the opening act for a much bigger band (at the time), but the Seattle Coliseum only sold about three thousand tickets out of a seventeen-thousand seat venue. After two songs, he stormed off stage. After the shows, one of my glamorous jobs was to collect all of the towels from the stage and the dressing rooms and put them in giant laundry bags. I saved this guy’s room for last. When I went to pick up the last towel, which was in the shower area, I discovered it was covering a pile of poop. He didn’t have a dog with him…
On that note, I’ll bid adieu for this week.
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June 23, 2021
LIMITLESS COVER REVEAL
At long last, we have our new cover!
All the way from Minneapolis, Minnesota— Garret McCall in all his glory.
Garret was such a pro on the shoot we did with Regina Wamba. I’ve never seen someone transform into a sexy rock star drummer with the snap of a finger the way he did. He was such a good sport, spending hours in the make-up chair getting all of Jace’s tattoos put on. He even got behind the drums and gave it a whirl.
Carson, who plays Alex, is also such a pro. Can you believe these two only met the day they did the photo shoot? I can’t imagine a more perfect duo to bring Alex and Jace to life. One of my favorite details about this shoot are the Black Frye boots that Carson wears throughout.
I hope you were able to join Garret and I in my Rockstar Romance Reading Group last week. If not, just click on the Announcements section and you’ll be able to watch it. He’s such a doll, and so talented.
I hope you love being immersed in my LTZ world as much as I love creating it.
AUDIO BOOKS!I have a really exciting announcement: As we speak, the LTZ worlds are being recorded into AUDIOBOOKS! I’ve spent the past couple of months “auditioning” the voices of my beloved characters. I’m pretty sure you’re going to love them. Each book will have dual narrators, just like the chapters. I’ll be announcing release dates by the end of summer, maybe sooner.
MORE!Timeless is going to my editor the first week of July. I’ll spend the rest of the month refining and editing and honing and proofreading, and I’ll have pre-order up really soon. In parallel, I’m working on finalizing the cover.
Oh, one more thing— Did I mention I’m getting the band back together? Make sure you follow me on all of my social channels for exciting behind the scenes material, announcements and maybe even a chance to participate in the LTZ band photo shoot.
Stay tuned.
Until next time!
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June 11, 2021
EXCLUSIVE READER GROUP
Hey everyone, I took a couple of weeks off after the exciting release of the new ENDLESS cover, I hope you liked it! It was super fun to travel for the first time for vacation. My husband and I, together with three other couples visited Punta Mita, Mexico and it was the first time in a long time I took a few days to just relax.
Oh and of course work on TIMELESS. My first draft is due to my amazing editor, Grace, in a few short weeks and I’m really excited to share Zane and Fiona with you all. I fall in love with my characters as they tell their stories through me, and these two are no exception.
I’m also enjoying working on new content for all of my social platforms and have big plans to do more live events on Facebook, IG and TikTok – you can follow me on all of these platforms, links are in this newsletter.
Which brings me to the point of this newsletter: If you want EXCLUSIVE CONTENT like interviews with the “real” characters in my story (e.g. the models), talks with other authors, different bloggers, and the other awesome people who help make the Less Than Zero world possible, you must join my exclusive Facebook Reader Group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockromance
MEET GARRET MCCALL (AKA JACE)Do this by Monday and you will get to meet the incredibly talented and handsome Garret McCall, aka Jace, who will be joining me for a video chat Monday, June 14, 2021, at 9 pm EST/6 pm PST in my reader group!
We will have other exclusive content like sneak previews of upcoming works, chances to help me name characters, and the ability to talk about all things LTZ uncensored!
I hope to see you there!!
NEW RELEASES BY MY FRIENDSI love to lift up my fellow author friends and want to tell you about some new releases while you wait for the delicious cover of LIMITLESS and for my new book TIMELESS, out in September.
FALSE START: By Sasha Marshall: – a really cool story about football, a kitten and 14 dates. Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B092JGT41Z/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
NO BETTER THAN ME (The Breakables Book 2): By Tylor Paige. A rollercoaster ride of rockstar deliciousness.
HARRISON’S WEDDING: By Sian Ceinwen. Another installment in her popular Cruise Control Heroes series dropped last weekend!
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May 18, 2021
ENDLESS NEW COVER REVEAL
Today’s the DAY!!!!
I’m so excited to reveal my gorgeous new cover for Endless!
What do you think?
She ripped out my heart…
My only dream is to escape my abusive childhood.
Leading Less Than Zero to the top of the charts is my ticket out.
Until Zoey Pearson gives me a new dream.
And passion beyond anything I thought possible.
Nothing prepared me for it to end. Abruptly. Definitively.
My songs of heartbreak have made LTZ the biggest band in the universe.
But nothing I do can make me forget her…
I let him go so he could follow his dreams…
My love of music led me to Ty.
He’s a gorgeous, sweet rocker who was made just for me.
The man he trusts most asked me to let him go.
So I did and I’m having a hard time living with my decision.
Now he’s the hottest rock star in the world
Because of chart-topping songs that eviscerate me.
Ty’s changed, he’s immersed in a life of excess and debauchery.
I don’t recognize the man I can’t stop loving…
When fate throws us together eight years later, fireworks are explosive.
But our hearts are still fragile.
Will Ty forgive Zoey for shattering his heart?
Or will his past bad deeds come back to destroy her?
ENDLESS is a steamy, complicated, angsty, rollercoaster, delicious second chance romance…
Available for purchase now! http://getbook.at/ENDLESS
Did you see the gorgeous trailer for ENDLESS? Watch it here!
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May 13, 2021
ENDLESS TRAILER REVEAL
Just a short post today.
One of my favorite things about the photo shoots I did with Regina Wamba and all of the gorgeous models is the video footage that came out of it. You may have seen some of the trailers for FEARLESS, today I’m super excited to present the official trailer for ENDLESS:
Watch the gorgeous trailer here:
If you, as a reader or blogger, want to get a first look at the new cover of ENDLESS, there is still time to sign-up to participate:
http://bit.ly/CoverRevealPromotionEndless
Don’t forget to add Endless to your Goodreads TBR:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53779206-endless
Or purchase today:
Have a great weekend, See you next week for the Cover Reveal!
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May 5, 2021
SUPER EXCITING AND EXCLUSIVE LIVE MAY EVENTS
As I’m gearing up for the re-release of ENDLESS with its BRAND NEW COVER on MAY 18, I realized you need to know about all of the cool LIVE events I have planned.
REGINA WAMBA VIDEO CHATRegina is my creative goddess, she’s responsible for my covers and my photos and everything down to LTZ’s logo. I know you don’t want to miss my video chat with her where you can ask questions and learn all about her creative process!
FACEBOOK
THURSDAY MAY 6
NOON EST/9 AM PST
www.facebook.com/groups/rockromance
www.facebook.com/kaylenewinterrockerromance
www.facebook.com/groups/myromancelounge
BRANDON KATZ/TARA SALERNO VIDEO CHATThis one is VERY exclusive for my Reader Group members – if you haven’t joined – do it NOW here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockromance
Join me as I talk to “Ty” and “Zoey” aka Brandon and Tara about modeling (Brandon has graced the covers of a ton of books) and the experience shooting during a pandemic. You’ll be able to ask questions and interact with this gorgeous couple, and I’m so excited for this event! Like I said, this is exclusive so don’t forget to join my private reading group.
FACEBOOK
MONDAY MAY 10
9 PM EST/6 PM PST
https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockromance
TIKTOKWe are at nearly 7,000 followers on TikTok y’all! How did this happen? Well, the rain room. That’s how it happened. I post exclusive behind-the-scenes videos from my photo shoots and this month, I’ll be popping in for some LIVE chats with all of you! Make sure to follow me on TikTok @kaylenewinter
That’s it, a short little update this week as we gear up for the new ENDLESS cover reveal next week!
Kaylene
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April 23, 2021
ENDLESS NEW COVER REVEAL
Hello everyone! As we head into May, I thought it was HIGH time that I gave you the real and true scoop on the new ENDLESS cover reveal. If you follow me on social media, you have seen some of the AMAZING behind the scenes footage and today is the day where I’m starting to slowly unveil the stupendous new shots of Ty and Zoey, aka Brandon Katz and his wife Tara Salerno.
I’ve also updated some of the “extra” stuff in the book itself, if you already own ENDLESS digitally, it will update automatically. I will also have a ton of giveaways on social media of what will soon be the “vintage” paperback version of ENDLESS.
To say I’m excited about the new cover is an understatement.
There are only a select few who have seen the final product, and everyone is blown away. I hope you are too.
BLIND ITEMSIt’s been a while since I’ve given you some blind items, and thought today is the day! I love to share stories from my days as a rock promoter and band manager, today I will share a couple of “blinds” from my time booking a big music venue in Seattle during the 90’s.
BI1:I rarely get starstruck anymore, but that wasn’t always the case. When I was in college, one of my favorite bands was a very alternative band that derived from a huge alternative band from the 80’s and a couple of satellite bands. Two of the band members recently toured with the daughter of the drummer filling in for the original base player. Of course, I see all of these iterations any time I can. I digress. The BI is the guitar player for this band had a solo show at my club, and I was not only smitten but starstruck. I saw the tour bus pull up in the parking lot, and knew that they were loading in. I peered out my office window, and THERE HE WAS. In all of his spiky-haired, black-eyeliner-wearing glory. Five feet in front of me separated by a door. My heart was beating super fast. I didn’t make an appearance until after sound check (which I watched from my giant picture window in the office). I went to our “green room” (which was really just a big closet) and introduced myself and said something along the lines of “Hi, I’m so excited for you to play here, your band is one of the reasons why I am in music today, and I love everything you have ever released.” He got a tear in his eye. Maybe he needed to hear that or something. But he hugged me and thanked me and it was one more reminder that our rock gods are really mortal, and they are creative souls who have the same insecurities as the rest of us. Guess who!
BI2My job at the club was to book bands and promote the shows so we had huge crowds – it was a big venue, and a lot of the money venues make are from sales of booze. In our case, we were only beer and wine, so the margins were even smaller. Sure, there is a cover charge and all, but you still have to pay taxes on the admissions, pay a sound person to be there, set up and run sound, and cover the costs of all of the staff that are working. Anyway, there was this band who was a big hit with the college fraternity circuit. I really liked all of the band members, and the drummer of the band actually was a member of the first band I ever managed. They really wanted to play my venue, but I was worried that the college crowd (largely underage) wouldn’t translate to a bar crowd (over 21) and we’d lose money. So I came up with what I thought was a genius solution: play a $5 show on a Tuesday or Wednesday night, and if you can get us to half capacity, I can maybe book you as a co-headliner on the weekend. They agreed and BOY did they prove me wrong. We had a line around the block and the show sold out nearly immediately after doors opened. That band went on to have several national hits, and although wasn’t in the first “wave” of the Seattle music explosion of the 90’s, is often lumped in with the entire movement – rightfully! Guess who!
That’s all for now – I would LOVE for you to go and follow me on Instagram. I’m almost at 1000 followers, and if we can get my followers to over 1000 by the time of the ENDLESS cover reveal – I will be doing a super fun giveaway!
Here is a link: https://www.instagram.com/kaylenewinterauthor/
FREE NOVELLAIf you haven’t read RESTLESS yet – here is a link to get it for FREE!!!
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April 8, 2021
GEARING UP FOR NEW COVERS
There are so many cool and exciting new developments in the world of LTZ! We have two very exciting new covers coming up for both ENDLESS and LIMITLESS using pictures Regina Wamba took in the epic February photo shoots.
As I get ready to reveal a ton of new content and lots of fun opportunities to interact, I thought it would be awesome to give you an idea of where you can find me most regularly and what you can expect to see there.
SOCIAL MEDIA INTERACTIONKaylene Winter’s Rocker Romance Page:
This is where you will find all sorts of announcements, book reviews, newsworthy events, contests and general noteworthy things around my book releases. All you have to do is like my page, and you are in! https://www.facebook.com/kaylenewinterrockerromance
Kaylene Winter’s Rocker Romance Reading Group:
This is my “member’s” only reading group where we only talk about my books and my releases. We can chat about storylines, plots, upcoming books and generally dish about all of the things that you love about LTZ. I will also host members-only contests and you’ll get a more intimate look at the world of LTZ. To join, you just need to answer a few questions: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockromance
INSTAGRAMI love all things visual, if you follow me on Instagram you will get the coolest graphics, I post videos and share cool stuff in my stories. You’ll also be able to comment and interact with me – I’m on Instagram the most, so please follow me there! https://www.instagram.com/kaylenewinterauthor/
TIKTOKTikTok is new for me, and what’s amazing is the TikTok world loves my LTZ videos! One post has nearly half a million views! I’d love for you to check me out and follow my TikTok – this is a platform that I will certainly be using more and more going forward. Follow me here: https://www.tiktok.com/@kaylenewinter
Tell your friends!!! As an independently published author, I’m also the CMO of my company – so if you feel so inclined to share and spread the word about the world of LTZ, I’d adore you forever (even though I already do).
VIDEO DISCUSSIONS WITH ME!If you were able to join me for the FEARLESS release, we had a really fun video party and Connor and Ronni even joined in the fun (aka Shorty and Christine).
I’m doing a fun interactive video interview this Friday April 9th at 8pm EST and Wednesday April 21st at 8 pm EST in Kaylene Winter’s Rocker Romance Reading Group! Remember to join my group >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockromance
I’ll be doing a lot more of these, can’t wait to see you there!
You will need to grant StreamYard permission to see your name at streamyard.com/facebook
SIGNED PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY!!!
You only have a few more days to win 1 of 10 signed paperback copies of ENDLESS because the contest ends on April 12th!
Enter today! → https://www.goodreads.com/giv…/show/320993-endless-ty-zoey
BUNDLE OF STEAMY/EROTIC ROMANCE GIVEAWAY
Next week on April 12, I’m one of a few amazing authors participating in a BookSweeps promotion.
Fans of steamy romance, get ready to be hot and bothered (in a good way). Join 120,000 voracious readers who enjoy the best deals on sexy romances!
https://www.booksweeps.com/giveaway/march-2021/romantic-suspense-series-starters/
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March 17, 2021
FEARLESS IS LIVE!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!What better way to celebrate than with a rogue Irish bass player and the strong, sassy actress that brings him to his knees.
That’s right! Connor and Ronni’s story is here!
Get FEARLESS on AmazonJoin me tonight in My Romance Lounge in our video-optional party where some fellow rock star authors and Connor and Ronni (aka Shorty & Christine) will be joining us!!!
March 17
Join us for our FIRST RELEASE PARTY EVER – FEARLESS! Join our group to get all of the details (but there may be a couple of hot models dropping in to answer questions. Just sayin’)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/myromancelounge/about
MARCH 20 – 6:00 – 8:00 P.S.T
Join me in the Rockstar Romance Book Lovers Facebook group where all sorts of awesome Rockstar Romance authors are joining me to celebrate the release of FEARLESS – Kat Mizera, Sasha Marshall, Sian Ceinwen, Tylor Paige, Kella Campbell, Charli B. Rose. There will be hot men, lots of cool freebees and the chance to chat with your favorite Rockstar romance authors. Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/294126655055919/about
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March 12, 2021
FEARLESS RELEASE WEEK
Well, we are only a few days away from Connor & Ronni’s story in FEARLESS. I thought it is only fair to give you some behind the scenes SCOOP on my inspirations for writing the story.
For many years I’ve been an avid gossip column follower. I know, I know. But, hey. Mindless entertainment, right?
One of my very favorite sites of all times is Crazy Days & Nights here is a link: https://www.crazydaysandnights.net/ – it is supposedly written by an anonymous entertainment lawyer in Hollywood.
CDAN, as fans like to all it, has been working for years to expose a lot of horrible things that happen behind the scenes in Hollywood and in other parts of the world. The blind items posted about Harvey Weinstein went on for many years before he was exposed – in other words, it was NO SECRET to Los Angeles industry insiders. Or to CDAN fans.
Unfortunately, there is so much more – the stuff that’s in the book? All ripped from CDAN blind items. My favorite part about FEARLESS is just how fearless Ronni is in taking it all on and making things better.
Well, and the hot, hot, sizzling, steamy OMG-worthy romance with our stoic bass player (or is he stoic? Hmmm..)
PARTIES!
I would love for you to join me celebrating the release on Paddy’s Day! First, follow me on all my social platforms to get up to the minute information.
FollowFollowFollowFollowFollowFollowFollow MARCH 17Did I tell you that a few author friends and I started our own FB group called My Romance Lounge?
Join us for our FIRST RELEASE PARTY EVER – FEARLESS! Join our group to get all of the details (but there may be a couple of hot models dropping in to answer questions. Just sayin’)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/myromancelounge/about
MARCH 20 – 6:00 – 8:00 P.S.T
Join me in the Rockstar Romance Book Lovers Facebook group where all sorts of awesome Rockstar Romance authors are joining me to celebrate the release of FEARLESS – Kat Mizera, Sasha Marshall, Sian Ceinwen, Tylor Paige, Kella Campbell, Charli B. Rose. There will be hot men, lots of cool freebees and the chance to chat with your favorite Rockstar romance authors. Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/294126655055919/about
THANK YOU!Other than that, I can’t believe it’s time for Book 3! Thank you so much for sticking with me throughout this journey, it’s a ride of a lifetime!
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