C.J. Ives Lopez's Blog, page 15

April 1, 2022

Jesse Bond

Today in the spotlight, we are featuring Jesse Bond

Jesse is a traditionally published author of Contemporary and Paranormal, Reverse Harem, M/M. Polyamorous, Urban, and High Fantasy.

She has 18 published works, including three being written for releases later this year.

The Freedom Wolve’s Series (3 books), The White River Pack -The Secret of LycaonThe Clear Lake Pack The Cymoid Chronicles Series (4 books), Sylvan Captured -Sylvan BoundSylvan TamedSylvan Enlightened Saviors of Veradeum (4 books series -1 to release in June, the last is being written). Solar Wolf RisingWyvern’s GambitMen of Sand & Stone The Timber Man, a Creature Features Series novella strange Side of Mystic Soup, a Sandwich Shop Series novellaInnocent Duplicity, a Crazy Town Series novella, Daffodils for Dimitri a Flower Shop novellaViolet Thunderstorm, a Flower Shop novellaVanilla Cupcakes & Twisted Rainbows, a Cupcake Shop novellaWilde Persuasion, a novel. The Merge co-authored with CK Timber.)Jesse finds inspiration from nooks she has read. IShe is a gamer and finds inspiration in RPGs. However, she also finds inspiration in life in general.

Jesse’s Professional Bio

Born in 1981, Jesse Bond is the pen name for Heather MacDougall. Growing up, Jesse split her time between living in Southern Oregon and Arizona. In 2001, Jesse moved to Colorado to live in the Great Rocky Mountains in a tiny mountain town where she still resides. Wife and mother of two, her favorite activities include video and board gaming, hiking, camping, and reading. That is of course when she isn’t writing her next steamy romance novel. Nothing makes Jesse happier than eight-legged mollusks, dragons and other fantasy creatures, magic, and tacos. Primarily a romance author, you’ll find Jesse’s books range from paranormal romance, urban, and high fantasy, and all shades in between right down to contemporary. In addition to traditional romance, she also enjoys writing reverse harem and LGBTQ+ love stories. Don’t be surprised if you find something outside of the romance genre though, Jesse loves to write any chance she gets and will try everything if the inspiration hits.

Favorite Quote The difference between crisis and adventure is attitude.

Favorite book CP Harris: The Boy Who Loved Wicked

Miblart CoversWant a cover designed by the best cover designers – Head to MIBLART and find the gateway to selling great books!BOOK A CONSULTATION NOW

Engage with Jesse on Facebook and learn why and how she writes these outstanding books.

LINK BELOW!

https://www.facebook.com/jesse.bond.378199

Want to be featured, head to our homepage and click on our spotlight button to learn how.

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Published on April 01, 2022 05:35

March 31, 2022

LoLo Paige

Today in the spotlight, we are featuring LoLo Paige

LoLo is a hybrid author of Romance.

She has Written 5, with 2 titles on the market, and 3 under a traditional contract to be released later in 2022.

Lolo finds inspiration all around and never lets it stop flowing through her.

LoLo Paige Professional Bio

LoLo Paige is an award-winning author who writes romantic suspense and romantic comedies. Hello Spain, Goodbye Heart won an RWA chapter award for best romance in 2020 and her romantic suspense books have garnered six independent publishing awards in 2020 and 2021 for best romance. Her books were featured and reviewed in Publishers Weekly Booklife Magazine, and her true story about escaping a runaway wildfire won a 2016 Alaska Press Club award. Her books have ranked No. 1 on Amazon Bestseller Lists in global markets, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Lolo has decades of theatre experience acting in stage comedies, and comedy is her first love. She is also a playwright and a screenwriter and is a member of Stage 32, Alaska Writers Guild, and Alliance of Independent Authors. Lolo lives in Alaska with her husband and two golden retrievers.

Favorite Quote: Never give up! Never surrender! —Galaxy Quest

Favorite book: All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. His prose is beautiful, his characters rich and complex, and his storytelling is superb.

Miblart AffiliateWant a cover designed by the best cover designers – Head to MIBLART and find the gateway to selling great books!BOOK A CONSULTATION NOW

Engage with LoLo on Facebook and learn why and how she writes these outstanding books.

LINK BELOW!

https://www.facebook.com/lois.simenson


Want to be featured, head to our homepage and click on our spotlight button to learn how.

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Published on March 31, 2022 07:49

March 25, 2022

L.M. Archer

Today in the spotlight, we are featuring L.M. Archer

L.M. Archer is a self-published author of M/M Romance.

She has Born in Sickness, Sweetness in Innocence, Paradise in Death, Gentleness in Sin, Cool for the Summer, and All Wrapped Up (Novella) as her published works.

L.M. finds inspiration from music, and she makes soundtracks for each of her books.

L.M.’s Professional Bio – L.M. Archer was first drawn to writing as a way to express her feelings when oftentimes, she found that she couldn’t say them out loud. That’s why her writing is more on the dark side of the romance spectrum. She tends to write in a way that showcases real scenarios and events. Her books tackle mental health, moral values, religion, and many other topics that are raw and real. She is not afraid to make her readers look at the darker side of humanity and question the very foundation of life and existence. The topics in her books can be triggering, but she is a firm believer that you need to shed light on certain situations. Keeping them in the dark only hurts more.

Favorite Quote“Art never responds to the wish to make it democratic; it is not for everybody; it is only for those who are willing to undergo the effort needed to understand it.”- Flannery O’Connor

Favorite book – Harry Potter Series because it really changed my life. Before them, I didn’t really like to read. They showed me that reading could allow me to escape into new worlds. They became a part of me in so many ways

Miblart Covers Want a cover designed by the best cover designers – Head to MIBLART and find the gateway to selling great books!BOOK A CONSULTATION NOW

Engage with L.M. on Instagram and learn why and how she writes these outstanding books. www.instagram.com/lmarcherbooks

Want to be featured, head to our homepage and click on our spotlight button to learn how.

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Published on March 25, 2022 04:53

March 24, 2022

C.K. Sorens

Today in the spotlight, we are featuring C.K. Sorens

C.K. is a self-published author of YA urban fantasy.

C.K. Sorens has two books published, and we are featuring Trimarked. She has a new book coming out in October that will be part of the Realm of Darkness Anthology.

Finding her inspiration from reading, C.K. Sorens believes her personal experiences and observing life is the highlight of her inspiration.

C.K.’s Professional Bio CK Sorens lives with her husband, Kristoffer, three sons, and dog, Pippin. She enjoys days at the beach, day hikes, and sitting on the patio with a small fire.

CK is the author of the Trimarked series, a Y.A.Y.A. urban fantasy series. To keep tabs on future books, you can find her on social media and at her website, www.cksorens.com.

Favorite Quote If you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it.

Favorite book I love the Farthest Away Mountain by Lynne Reid Banks. It’s one of the first books I read where the heroine doesn’t need a man’s help and doesn’t end up with the prince and shaped a lot of my own thoughts on writing and life because of that.

Miblart CoversWant a cover designed by the best cover designers – Head to MIBLART and find the gateway to selling great books!Book a Consultation Now

Engage with C.K., learn why and how she writes these outstanding books in her Facebook group. There is nothing like becoming a part of an authors group and getting the inside scoop on their fabulous books.

LINK BELOW!

facebook.com/groups/216867580458973

Want to be featured, head to our homepage and click on our spotlight button to learn how.

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Published on March 24, 2022 06:29

Kelly Siebold

Today in the spotlight, we are featuring Kelly Siebold

Kelly Siebold is a self-published author of contemporary romance.

She has Shattered, Mended Hearts, Complete Me, Beautiful Scars, Broken Ties, and the book we are featuring here “PROTECT ME” releases on April 1st.

Kelly finds inspiration from reading and everyday life.

Kelly’s Professional BioI live in TN with my husband and our daughter. I like the snow, even though, we don’t ever get much, Hallmark, and traveling. Oh, and give me sports!

Favorite Quote“I don’t believe in God” “It doesn’t matter. He believes in you.” Count of Monte Cristo

Favorite bookThe Marriage Effect-Karla Sorensen – It’s one of my favorite tropes-fake marriage. She’s misunderstood but loves hard, and he’s grumpy but loves hard.

Miblart cover designWant a cover designed by the best cover designers – Head to MIBLART and find the gateway to selling great books!Book a Consultation now!

Engage with Kelly and learn why and how she writes these outstanding books in her Facebook group. There is nothing like becoming a part of an author’s group and getting the inside scoop on their fabulous books.

LINK BELOW!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/kellyseiboldsromancereader

Want to be featured, head to our homepage and click on our spotlight button to learn how.

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Published on March 24, 2022 06:16

March 18, 2022

Katherine E. Soto

Katherine Soto writes fantasy and has published a few books.

Her most recent being featured here Grey Dawn of Dharaven Bk 1: Katz Island, which has recently been released, is now available; however, her previous book Abducted, an alien romance anthology, is no longer available.

Katherine finds inspiration from her muse, a dragon who brings characters that tell her their stories. She is inspired by daily life and the things that happen around her. She is a people watcher, which we love because people-watching is how seeing the world makes it all worthwhile.

Katherine’s Professional Bio: Katherine Soto is a writer of fantasy novels. She was born and raised in California, spending a few teen years in Georgia and Tennessee. She has a BA in Anthropology and earned three teaching credentials. She taught for twenty years, fifteen spent teaching in 6th grade learning handicapped classrooms. Her first writings were free-form poetry, although there are fond memories of creative stories written for her grandmother. Katherine enjoys composing short stories, flash fiction, poetry, sci-fi/fantasy novels, and nonfiction. She claims her writing muse is a dragon who rampages in her mind until she sits down and starts creating. She has written a sci-fi/fantasy fiction novel with a series in mind. She enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy books, creating art journals, and antiquing.

Favorite Quote: Create new worlds each day! We are star stuff- Delenn-Babylon5

Favorite book: Wizard’s First Rule by Terry Goodkind

Keep your eye on Katherine and her fantastic new series below.

She is also having one of her poems featured in Issue #4 of The Authors Porch magazine, which is set to be released on April 4th, 2022

Follow Katherine: https://linktr.ee/KatherineESotoAuthor

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Published on March 18, 2022 12:08

January 5, 2022

Writing is her Passion

Tell us a little about yourself.

Chelle Rose fell in love with reading when she picked up her first James Patterson novel as an adult. She loves writing and always has. Writing is her passion. She’s excited to share her work with you. Chelle currently resides in Florida with her wonderful husband and son. She is excited about this next stage of her life. Between her family and her writing, she stays super busy and loves every minute of it. She hopes you enjoy her stories that remind us that there’s hope in even life’s darkest moments. After all, in the darkest night skies, the stars shine the brightest.

Why Do you write?

I write because ever since I started writing I can’t not write. It’s my outlet, my escape from everything negative past and present. There is little I love more than creating characters that hopefully my readers will fall in love with as much as I have.

What genre do you write and Why did you pick this genre?

I write steamy romance with a bit of suspense. It’s my favorite genre to read so I think I naturally gravitated towards it in my writing. However, I go where the characters lead me.

Tell us about your book.

Stella has learned the hard way to never let anyone in… but Jamie has a way of slipping behind her defenses… Stella is just fine being alone. Her past leaves her wary of everyone, not just potential romantic relationships. Sure, she’s had friends with benefits, but protecting her heart has always been rule number one. She knows that when you let someone in, that’s how you get hurt. As a romance author, she writes people’s happily ever after while never having experienced her own. A chance encounter with another author, a suspense author, no less, leaves her on guard. He’s attractive, somewhat dominant, and makes her feel like one of her heroines. Stella is used to ruling her head and heart… but with Jamie, she feels completely out of control. Can she let love in? Or will this meet cute turn into heartbreak? Stella’s friends don’t call her Fort Stella for nothing… so why is keeping Jamie out so difficult?

How much time do you dedicate to your author career?

A lot. Several hours a day. I get up at 2 am so I can write and do whatever else I need to do related to being an Author.

How long on average does it take you to write your books?

3-4 weeks.

Presenting Sponsor Teaching you how to use the power of your voice. https://www.mastertalk.ca/What is the best money you have ever spent on your author career?

Either my PA or Editor.

What is the most difficult part of being an author?

Marketing.

What is the best piece of advice you have for other authors?

Start marketing early.

What is your favorite book?

I don’t think I have one favorite book. I’m currently enjoying reading everything by Eva Ashwood. She writes a lot of RH and I’ve been enjoying those lately.

Jose & Coffee BEST COFFEE THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN!!! http://www.thirddaycoffeeseguin.comProvide direct book link for purchase

Social media sites

www.facebook.com/chellerosebooks

www.instagram.com/chelleroseauthor

www.tiktok.com/chellerose

Authorwebsite

www.chelleroseauthor.net

Want to be on The Authors Porch Blog? It’s easy; just fill out the form on our Homepage, and we will get you up and going. We send the blog out to thousands of our followers; we want to shine the spotlight on you.

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Published on January 05, 2022 05:21

December 16, 2021

Escaping Reality Finding my Voice

Tell us a little about yourselfI spent her childhood in and out of foster homes, and spent my young adult life searching for a love to fill a void within myself. Poetry and art were my forms of escaping reality finding my true voice. Nestled away in my small cozy apartment in downtown Morgantown, WV, I spend my free time sipping on a cup of coffee, being artsy with my two children, and getting lost in the night sky.Why Do you write?I started writing when I discovered I was better at expressing myself through written word. I started writing because I could be myself without judgment – I can be wild, imaginitaive and care-free. Most importanly, I am able to be brutally honest with myself and with my readers. I have a strict policy to always be honest when writing. I honestly couldn’t have picked a better way to fully express what I hold deep within.What genre do you write and Why did you pick this genre?I write from a personal point of veiw, realistically. My genre, if any, would be labled as melencholy. I didn’t choose this way of writing rather it chose me. I have tried my hand at many other forms but I always seem to fall back in line. Now, if we are speaking of genres as in novel, short story, plays, poetry ect… I started out writing plays at a young age. Not long after, poetry found it’s way to me. I fell madly in love with the freedom that came with poetry, and the inspiration that rooted from sadness. The connection with emotion formed into words. It is magical! Chell1 Tell us about your bookI am in the works of a trilogy. This trilogy is about my life, my struggles, ghosts, heartbreaks, etc… Showing the ways I come to terms with these trials, and trying my best to move forward with my life. (The third book to this trilogy is in the works.) The third book that I posted here is a poetry prompt book I wrote with my best friend. We wanted to help people find their voices and find a love for writing through poetry.How much time do you dedicate to your author career?I try my best to dedicate my time when I am free from school, caring for my children and work. It is a hard career to juggle but it is one I do hope to eventually make my only career. Even if it doesn’t become anything I will never stop finding the time and peace to write. How long on average does it take you to write your books?I take roughly a year for each book. This gives me time and new experiences to write about. This also helps give me time to dedicate promotion equally to each book release.What is the best money you have ever spent on your author career?$10 tops! I know that is a low price and sounds pretty cheap. However, by spending only $10 to join my local artwalk… I sold out of books and made more money in one day than I could have ever imagined making. Which was greatly needed, and went right back into funding my newest book release.https://linktr.ee/rose_colleen_poetryWhat is the most difficult part of being an author?Quiet! Finding peace and quiet is one of the most difficult quests. I cannot write with distractions. Also, being too much in my head. Overthinking and reliving certain moments from the past. It can be both good and bad for my mental well-being

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What is the best piece of advice you have for other authors? TAKE YOUR TIME! Do not rush the words. Do not force yourself to meet certain deadlines. Live and be within your writing. Look up words in the dictionary and play around. Join in on poetry prompts. I promise they are fun and a good learning experience. TAKE BREAKS! If you find yourself stressed and anxious know that it is okay to step away. Only you can allow yourself to be pushed so far. You do not want your poetry to be anything further from your truth. Meaning, do not let others force your hand to write about things or in ways that do not sit well with you. Try not to force certain emotions and ways of being to get a few lines/words out. Your mental health and safety matter more than a poem that may only be popular for a day. REMEMBER why you started writing. Find a way to Escaping Reality Finding my Voice but in your own way. NEVER let your ego get the best of you. You may be a good writer but, we all have our styles and ways. Maybe, some are better at getting their emotions out grammatically. Maybe, some write shorter while others are lengthier. All in all, we are all writers with much to say. Poetry is exactly that. Emotion in all its uncensored and incredibly messy glory.What is your favorite book?Of mine? I would have to say, ‘Ghostly Blues’. Of another author? I truly enjoyed reading, ‘The Lovely Bones. Also, I cannot forget about, ‘The Alchemist’. I fell in love with ‘The Alchemist’ within the first few chapters. An absolute MUST read! Jose & Coffee Direct book link for purchasehttps://linktr.ee/rose_colleen_poetrysocial media sites https://instagram.com/rose_colleen_po... to be on The Authors Porch Blog? It’s easy; just fill out the form on our Homepage, and we will get you up and going. We sent the blog out to thousands of our followers; we want to shine the spotlight on you. Can’t find the services you need as an author? Let us help you; we have you covered!

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Published on December 16, 2021 09:50

December 9, 2021

Ramblings of a Self-Published Author

I recognize; it’s been a while since we have seen each other. I’ve been elsewhere in a cave, scribbling away, building worlds and characters to entertain you.


If you believe any of what I have just said, you, my friend, live in a fantasy realm. I’m totally making that up. I’ve been away thinking of what to compose for you. So you are getting ramblings of a self-published author.


Like, seriously, what should I write about that you haven’t previously heard fifty million other occasions by fifty million diverse individuals, and what will cause you to take notice and wish to read further?

Presenting Sponsor https://www.mastertalk.ca/


I chose the author interviews because The Authors Porch is all about promoting authors, suddenly that dried out, and authors didn’t use that service, which I accept; they have to choose time away from their writing careers to draft up words about themselves. Heck, I’m not too fond of self-promotion.


So, here I am, having a pass in the dark, wondering if you will listen to the ramblings that I encounter as a self-published author, along with factors I perceive within the self-published author field.


One thing rings true; anxiety is on an all-time high. I have over 2K friends on Facebook and another almost 2K on Twitter and 500 Instagram, a few on TikTok, 4K on my mailing list, and I could point out the other social media and groups, but you see the jest of what I’m trying to deliver. I place my ear within the self-publishing world very close to the floor, so to speak.

.99 Cent Ebook for the holidays https://www.amazon.com/Hopeless-City-CJ-Ives-Lopez/dp/B092PG442J


Anxiety has hit the majority of authors, and they have every right to be. This business will break you down if you are not ready for it. I woke up at 3 am wondering why me, dear God, why am I awake when my workday at my full-time job starts at 7 am, and I have to be on my A-game because somewhere along this self-publishing adventure, I created two businesses as well.


SO here I sit, a full-time job, two business’s, a writing career, kids on their way home from college for the holidays, a husband who doubts if he will ever see his wife again, six dogs who require time with their mommy, and a seven-year-old little girl inside of me going, when do we get to play.


Are you screaming yet?


Here is the fact, being a self-published author can activate an abundance of anxiety. Some coping techniques will help you, but you need to understand you are working in an uphill battle. The battle does not have to be won in one day. Relying on other authors and working with them will help you.

Jose & Coffee https://www.thirddaycoffeeseguin.com/


Do not assume you have it all figured out, and DO NOT be a snob. We all learn in varied ways, and jointly we can succeed.


So many people try to hold a secret formula in their purse and not share it. Some of the most successful self-published authors write books about being best-selling authors and making six figures. They share their successes. Why not do that too.


Also, when you are feeling some triggers, take a break, don’t think you have to figure it all out overnight. Success comes when you least expect it, so that square peg in the round hole, stop it.


Collaboration is the key to being successful. Reach out to other self-published authors and create groups where you read each other’s work to give feedback. Don’t be so selfish that all you do is promote.


Marketing is the hardest thing out there for self-published authors, and yes, you are stressed out over it, but here is the thing, when you read each other’s material and become fans of each other’s stuff…. are you catching my drift…. BOOM, the marketing takes off because now you have other people that care about your success the same way you do.
Stop having those shallow friendships that simply let you share in their group and don’t even like your post!
You all know how that goes!

Checkout some of my other books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B08BV3D94S


Either way, take some time for yourself, have a coffee while sitting on a porch, recliner, or wherever you are, and don’t worry about the things you cannot change, but about the things you can and be excellent because that is why you write.


You do something that so many can’t; you create an entire world inside your head and help others escape.
You’ve got this; you’re a whole boss.


I’m here to tell you; you will succeed. You need to define success in your way and not in someone else’s way. While our at it, let me know how you like Ramblings of a Self-Published author.

Want to be on The Authors Porch Blog? It’s easy; just fill out the form on our Homepage, and we will get you up and going. We sent the blog out to thousands of our followers; we want to shine the spotlight on you. Can’t find the services you need as an author? Let us help you; we have you covered!

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Published on December 09, 2021 05:57

December 1, 2021

Uncle Sams Misguided Children

Tell us a little about yourself

I served in the US Marine Corps from 1993 until 2010, hence some of the title Uncle Sams Misguided Children. I left my small hometown two days after my 18th birthday for Parris Island in the summer of 1993 and never looked back.

During this time, I was stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kingsbay, Georgia (Security Forces), 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) at Camp Pendleton, California (Infantry Scout), India Battery 3/14 in Reading, Pennsylvania (Forward Observer Scout), Special Operations Training Group/Combined Arms Staff Trainer II MEF at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (Chief Instructor), Sierra Battery 5/10 (Liaison Chief), RCT 7 in Al Asad/Fallujah, Iraq (Fires Chief).

I ended my career as a Gunny, where I then settled down in the Philadelphia area birthplace of the nation, the Marine Corps, and home to Tun Tavern, the most iconic bar in the history of the Marine Corps. Today I work for the DOD as a civilian, I’m a father, a husband, a soccer coach, a Leatherneck Nation Motorcycle Club brother, and now… a published writer.

Why Do you write? 

I have always loved writing and storytelling. My writing combines both. Born in a Bar allowed me to share my stories with other Marines, and reminisce about our shared experiences. It’s therapeutic in a way, it brings laugher and happiness trying to piece together events that happened years ago in a time where everything is too serious or heavy.

It also brings great satisfaction knowing that Marines who participated in sharing their stories have been able to bond with others and rekindle friendships from years past.

What genre do you write and Why did you pick this genre? 

Humor. Born in a Bar was twenty years in the making. A close friend of mine made a comment one night about documenting the hilarious drunken adventures that we had gotten into over the course of a career in the Marines. For years I had to ask myself why anyone would care to read stories about drunken nights and strippers. Then COVID happened. Several veterans that I knew committed suicide over a year and a half. It was truly heartbreaking.

A junior Marine of mine commented to me one day about sharing an adventure my section took in San Antonio, and I did. The story created a whirlwind of laughter and comments. This became me “why.” If I can share stories to make people laugh in a time where everything is seemingly negative, and that makes veterans reach out to other veterans to laugh about their stories then I just created a buddy check-in itself.

https://www.amazon.com/Born-Bar-Stories-Misguided-Children/dp/B09KN4J7PZ/refTell us about your book 

Born in a Bar: The Untold Stories of Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children is a book, unlike anything I’ve seen or read recently. It’s a collection of short humorous bar-type stories submitted by Marines to make people laugh at the dumb shit we do on a daily basis.

Marines are known for our professionalism in uniform, our prowess in war, but rarely are our off-duty antics of drinking, swearing, tattoos, and dating strippers talked about outside the confines of the barracks. This book includes all of that.

How much time do you dedicate to your author career? 

*According to my wife, TOO MUCH. It’s a difficult balance between work, family, and writing. Besides having daily conversations with veterans about their stories, a near back-and-forth with my editor, I had to do a lot of research on self-publishing. That was extremely time-consuming.

Once this project began to take off I was also invited onto several podcasts which typically were at night on a weekday and last anywhere from one hour to three hours. I thought once the book was finally published I could slow down a bit but that hasn’t happened. Instead of phone calls and emails containing stories, I’m now responding to friends and family telling me how funny the book was.

I’d love to say I only spend an hour a day, but time adds up quickly trying to respond to all of them, not to mention promoting on social media trying to meet my book goals of donating $1775 to Save22. Eventually, when I retire, I’d love to dedicate all of my free time to writing.

How long on average does it take you to write your books? 

*Born in a Bar took me eight months from start to publication. This being my first book, it took longer than I expected. My book is also very different than most traditional books. Since I included stories written by other Marines, I had to find Marines willing to submit a story funny enough to be included and edit them to make them actually readable. Marines aren’t usually associated with our writing ability. This took up a lot of time.

The learning curve of using WORD, and self-publishing was huge. Little things like page numbering, mirrored margins, and order/layout were a constant battle. Now that I have a better process for editing, and have figured out some tricks using WORD and KDP, the second book will be much easier.

What is the best money you have ever spent on your author career? 

Without hesitation, my editor. My original plan was for this book to be written by Marines specifically for other Marines. I wasn’t going to worry about acronyms, or explaining certain military jargon. This book was for my crayon-eating military.

A good friend of mine, with zero military background, read a story I posted on Facebook and offered to help edit my project, and sent back one of my stories. What I thought I had done an excellent job on came back loaded with red marks. After speaking to her, I came to realize how important it would be to not only have a book that can be read and understood by anyone but has the feel of professionalism of a published book. What a difference it made.

Presenting Sponsor https://www.mastertalk.ca/What is the most difficult part of being an author? 

*Fear. Having the fear that no one will read it. Having the fear that the people who do read it will hate it. Since I dedicated my book to Save 22 Veterans, and included names of veterans submitted by their families on a dedication page, I was completely consumed by making sure the dedication page was correct.

The anxiety of having a veteran’s loved one read a book filled with stories of drinking and strippers was very taxing. For the first week or so after publication, I could only think, “My god… what if they hate it?” Thankfully, many of the relatives who submitted names were very happy to not only be included, but many suggested it’s exactly what their veteran would have wanted.

What is the best piece of advice you have for other authors? 

Find your WHY. I was told on numerous occasions by several publishers that new authors (who aren’t celebrities) won’t sell more than a hundred books, and will never make real money. So what. Writing a book in itself is a huge accomplishment and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Be proud of what you have done.

Don’t listen to naysayers, listen to and believe in yourself. Do your research and don’t give up. Seek out those who have done it and are willing to help. I didn’t write my book to become famous or get rich. If that is your only goal, you may struggle. My WHY was a hope that I can help one veteran.

What is your favorite book? 

I have so many, but one comes to mind immediately. Tell my sons: a father’s last letter written by Lt Col Mark Weber. Tell My Sons is a story that any parent, military or not, can and will relate to – thoughts of dying without our children really knowing who we were and what we stood for.

Mark, an Army officer, not only had to deal with multiple deployments and war but a life-threatening disease – cancer. Instead of giving up, Mark writes a series of letters to his children about what he learned throughout his life from courage and fear, seriousness and humor, to leadership and overcoming challenges.

It’s the book that makes you want to hug your kids and your parents. Ironically, it’s the complete opposite of Born in a Bar, which I hope my kids and family don’t actually read.

Jose & Coffee https://www.thirddaycoffeeseguin.com/Provide direct book link for purchase

Social media sites

 facebook.com/jesse.esterly.9

IG: BorninaBarUSMC

Website:

www.borninabar.com

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Published on December 01, 2021 05:47