Jennifer Probst's Blog, page 13

Boost Your Writing Mojo With Music…

Music is integral to not only my writing career, but my life.

On one of my numerous vacations this summer, my husband and I were listening to some good old eighties music, and even decades later, we knew all the words. Singing loud and off key, we belted the songs out in pure happiness, bringing us back to certain moments of our youth and memory.

Music does that. It reminds us of where we were in life when a certain song came out or became popular. It sets a mood, and drags us back to our first love, first kiss, first heartbreak, first fight.

But there’s something else music has done for me that has helped tremendously. It’s brought me back from the brink of failure and depression. It’s given me back my hope and channels the spark inside we all have that can never be distinguished.

The flare of determination and stubbornness and drive for success.

We have all reached moments in our life of hopelessness. Sometimes, writing is just too hard. Sometimes, the business rips out our hearts and leaves us soulless. Sometimes, it just hurts too much to go on, whether it’s to finish a deadline, or make a bestseller list, or reach a certain level of sales so you can quit your job or make your publisher happy.

That’s okay. It’s not supposed to be easy. But I’ve been through those moments more times than people may believe, and there is something that always helps me move forward and re-ignite the creative, fierce light inside me.

Music.

When I was young, Irene Cara belted out her popular song, Fame. I’d dance and sing it in the driveway, positive one day I would become a famous author. I clung to the words and believed I could do it. There was just something within the song that lit a fire inside me.

I was obsessed with the Rocky franchise. OBSESSED. Besides the movies, I’d listen transfixed to the songs by Survivor, but one of my all time favorites was the theme song where Rocky climbed the famous steps in Philly, thrust his hands in the air, and celebrated his success. Still gives me goosebumps. When I felt down and battered, I’d turn to the theme song by Bill Conti, Gonna Fly Now, and channel Rocky.

My parents were huge Barry Manilow fans, and I shared the love. My best friend and I would listen to him as we drove to the beach during the summer, along with Billy Joel. When times got particularly rough, I’d turn to his song, I Made It Through The Rain. It inspired me to fight through my sadness and celebrate where I was. He was a friend who never even knew how much he helped.

Over the years, many songs have come into my life and changed me for the better. I Lived by One Republic is on constant repeat. Fight Song by Rachel Platten makes me feel fierce, along with Katy Perry’s Firework, Roar, and Rise.

Turning to music when things get rough is a good way to remind ourselves we are not alone, and we will get back up and back to work.

Being a creative artist brings up an array of emotions that sometimes causes great depression and sadness. But grabbing onto a piece of light in the darkness can make all the difference.

Sometimes it’s a book, or a movie, or a friend.

Sometimes, it’s a song.

I love creating playlists for each one of my books which creates my own special memory and brings readers a glimpse of the real work behind the scenes.

Feeling down lately? Turn off Facebook where too many outside emotions can influence you. Turn off Twitter and IG and Snapchat and email.

Turn on your Ipod.

Do you have a special song that has helped you through hard times or helped you with your writing?

 

 

The Top Ten Sucky Mom Moments of the Summer!

School is open next week.

I’m just as sick and sad as the kids. Yes, I haven’t worked on a regular schedule all summer, and am way behind my next deadline, and practically deserted my fabulous Probst Posse street team and only Facebooked posts about vacations and cocktails and foods I shouldn’t be eating but who the hell cares? Summer rocks. I don’t want to go back to work and I don’t want to wear boots and I don’t want my kids to go back to school. I’d be happy to live in summer my whole life and that’s just the way it is.

BUT…I can’t. I need to go adult again and try to convince my kids next week won’t suck the big one. During Labor Day weekend, there are tons of countdowns going on. Best music of the summer. Best books of the summer. Best movies of the summer.

How about THE TOP TEN SUCKY MOM MOMENTS OF THE SUMMER?

I got a few.

1. Another summer gone and my youngest one still doesn’t know how to tie his shoes. Do they make velcro sneakers for teens?

2. Even though I had plenty of extra time, I still fed my kids crappy waffles and chocolate chip pancakes out of the box. For a little treat, I’d microwave some bacon and sausage and call it a morning. I’m a real rock star.

3. Piggybacking on the breakfast thing, I realized I’m still cutting up my boys’ waffles and putting on their syrup. Do they even know how to cut their food with a fork and butter knife? Why is it still easier to do it myself?!

4. I had intentions to read a lot to them this summer and be at the library once per week. Fail/Fail. But they definitely reached master status on the 3DS…

4. I forgot bath and shower day. I think at times they’ve gone the entire week and I comforted myself by saying chlorine from the pool washes away the germs. Dear God, does it???

5. They go to bed at midnight. The rule is as long as they don’t bother me, I don’t really care when they go to bed. At times this summer, I’ve finished up my book, looked at the clock to see 1am, and realized my boys were still wandering around the house doing shit. This cannot be a good thing.

6. The summer math homework for my oldest one is still untouched in the same place I left it in June.

7. The summer book list for my youngest one is still untouched in the same place I left it in June.

8. I forgot to put sunscreen on my boys. A. LOT.

9. My son still wore footy pajamas all summer because I never put away his winter shit.

10. We never had one play date with the hundreds of people I swore we’d see all summer—even our neighbors.

What’s your suckiest Mom moment of the summer?!

 

Typing The End and What Writers Do Next…

 

I typed the END on my twenty-eighth book yesterday. And yeah, that’s an empty wine glass in the picture.

Don’t judge.

It’s a short novella coming out for the Christmas holiday. This was a tough writing year. I wrote two big books back to back, finished a novella to wrap up the Searching for series, and then figured out I had to write this holiday story in two weeks. As usual, I overshot, thinking I could get more done than I should because I believe I have special super powers no one else has.

Umm, yeah. I don’t. In fact, I’m as far from a superhero as Lex Luther. I like to fiddle a lot, and watch too much BRAVO television, and like naps, especially when I get stressed. Of course, I show up to my office every day, which is my job, but sometimes the writing doesn’t go the way I imagined it should. Sometimes, I just puke words out in massive quantities in a panic, and found myself trapped in my pajamas for three days straight and no idea what’s happening around me when I finally emerge from the cave.

I live a weird life.

Anyhoo, as I typed The End and cried – because somehow, some way, this story actually came out really good, I thought about how nice it was going to be to take a break. I gave myself one in July which lasted 2-3 weeks. It was heaven, but I figured with all that free time off, I’d return to my office dying to write. I figured my MUSE would be itching to get back to work and produce a story of mastery because I’d given her so much free time to refill the well.

It kind of backfired on me.

I remember when my oldest son went to school for the first time. I was devastated. I collapsed in the driveway, sobbing, when he pulled away on the school bus.

I guess I was being a tad overdramatic because the driver stopped and asked if I needed an ambulance.

When I returned to the house, I was broken hearted. I missed him. I wandered the empty rooms, picking up his stuffed animals, crying like he’d left for college, and eventually found my way back to my office. I still had my little one at home, and when I put him down for a nap, I figured I’d do a bit of work.

Hours later, I was pissed I had to go pick my oldest son up. Taking care of one child was so much easier than two! Add in pre-k and I had all this extra time I never imagined. Even better, they were both going back TOMORROW! Hell, what had I been upset for? This was the best damn invention in the world of motherhood – SCHOOL!

I experienced the same type of issue after giving my Muse time off. She had gone on vacation and when I knocked politely, telling her we needed to write this Christmas story now, she raised her martini and said something really rude. She wasn’t ready to go back. She’d gotten a taste of the good life, and damned if she was getting locked back up in the servants quarters.

Let’s just say she never really came back voluntarily. Like the bitch of a boss I am, I finally tossed out her cocktail and shoved her ass in the chair. Then we wrote the damn thing.

Today, we looked at the calendar, planning another mini vacation of cocktails and fun and discovered…

My next book is due on Halloween. And I have to start it ASAP. I have the weekend off, which of course, will be filled with blog writing, and email catch up, and some promo, and copyedits. I scheduled an in-depth writing retreat with one of my besties next week so I could knock out some serious word count.

But here I am, back in the fire of deadlines. And here I am, promising myself next year will be different. I’ll give myself more breathing room and space and be more relaxed with my writing schedule.

My Muse knows I’m a big fat liar. She’s gone away and is in serious sulk mode. It’s gonna get ugly next week when I tell her I plan to write 7K per day and won’t accept anything less, especially since I’m removing all of my usual distractions.

Have I used my sacred blog space to whine about my life to you, my dear readers?

No. I just want to make a simple point.

It’s not supposed to be easy. No one promised us easy. It doesn’t matter what passion or job you are pursuing, from college to day jobs, our lives nowadays are spinning out of control with more and more responsibilities tacked on. We need to do more with less. We have little down time, and when we do grab it, most of us feel guilty.

My only advice is for all of us to grab the moments. It’s what’s happening now—and when a good moment comes, just steep yourself in it. Be happy. When you take a break, push away the guilt, because I’ve also learned when the truck hits you, I doubt I’ll regret I didn’t write one more book in my life.

I bet I’d regret I didn’t enjoy myself more, or watch my boys grow up, or grab five minutes to watch the sunset. You don’t need endless hours to find breathing space—all you need is a moment when you are completely present.

I’m going out to dinner tonight to celebrate me writing The End. I’m going to spend some time with my boys this weekend.

And then I’ll be back to work on Tuesday, doing a job I love more than anything.

Have a great weekend my peeps!

 

Typing The End and What Writer’s Do Next…

 

I typed the END on my twenty-eighth book yesterday. And yeah, that’s an empty wine glass in the picture.

Don’t judge.

It’s a short novella coming out for the Christmas holiday. This was a tough writing year. I wrote two big books back to back, finished a novella to wrap up the Searching for series, and then figured out I had to write this holiday story in two weeks. As usual, I overshot, thinking I could get more done than I should because I believe I have special super powers no one else has.

Umm, yeah. I don’t. In fact, I’m as far from a superhero as Lex Luther. I like to fiddle a lot, and watch too much BRAVO television, and like naps, especially when I get stressed. Of course, I show up to my office every day, which is my job, but sometimes the writing doesn’t go the way I imagined it should. Sometimes, I just puke words out in massive quantities in a panic, and found myself trapped in my pajamas for three days straight and no idea what’s happening around me when I finally emerge from the cave.

I live a weird life.

Anyhoo, as I typed The End and cried – because somehow, some way, this story actually came out really good, I thought about how nice it was going to be to take a break. I gave myself one in July which lasted 2-3 weeks. It was heaven, but I figured with all that free time off, I’d return to my office dying to write. I figured my MUSE would be itching to get back to work and produce a story of mastery because I’d given her so much free time to refill the well.

It kind of backfired on me.

I remember when my oldest son went to school for the first time. I was devastated. I collapsed in the driveway, sobbing, when he pulled away on the school bus.

I guess I was being a tad overdramatic because the driver stopped and asked if I needed an ambulance.

When I returned to the house, I was broken hearted. I missed him. I wandered the empty rooms, picking up his stuffed animals, crying like he’d left for college, and eventually found my way back to my office. I still had my little one at home, and when I put him down for a nap, I figured I’d do a bit of work.

Hours later, I was pissed I had to go pick my oldest son up. Taking care of one child was so much easier than two! Add in pre-k and I had all this extra time I never imagined. Even better, they were both going back TOMORROW! Hell, what had I been upset for? This was the best damn invention in the world of motherhood – SCHOOL!

I experienced the same type of issue after giving my Muse time off. She had gone on vacation and when I knocked politely, telling her we needed to write this Christmas story now, she raised her martini and said something really rude. She wasn’t ready to go back. She’d gotten a taste of the good life, and damned if she was getting locked back up in the servants quarters.

Let’s just say she never really came back voluntarily. Like the bitch of a boss I am, I finally tossed out her cocktail and shoved her ass in the chair. Then we wrote the damn thing.

Today, we looked at the calendar, planning another mini vacation of cocktails and fun and discovered…

My next book is due on Halloween. And I have to start it ASAP. I have the weekend off, which of course, will be filled with blog writing, and email catch up, and some promo, and copyedits. I scheduled an in-depth writing retreat with one of my besties next week so I could knock out some serious word count.

But here I am, back in the fire of deadlines. And here I am, promising myself next year will be different. I’ll give myself more breathing room and space and be more relaxed with my writing schedule.

My Muse knows I’m a big fat liar. She’s gone away and is in serious sulk mode. It’s gonna get ugly next week when I tell her I plan to write 7K per day and won’t accept anything less, especially since I’m removing all of my usual distractions.

Have I used my sacred blog space to whine about my life to you, my dear readers?

No. I just want to make a simple point.

It’s not supposed to be easy. No one promised us easy. It doesn’t matter what passion or job you are pursuing, from college to day jobs, our lives nowadays are spinning out of control with more and more responsibilities tacked on. We need to do more with less. We have little down time, and when we do grab it, most of us feel guilty.

My only advice is for all of us to grab the moments. It’s what’s happening now—and when a good moment comes, just steep yourself in it. Be happy. When you take a break, push away the guilt, because I’ve also learned when the truck hits you, I doubt I’ll regret I didn’t write one more book in my life.

I bet I’d regret I didn’t enjoy myself more, or watch my boys grow up, or grab five minutes to watch the sunset. You don’t need endless hours to find breathing space—all you need is a moment when you are completely present.

I’m going out to dinner tonight to celebrate me writing The End. I’m going to spend some time with my boys this weekend.

And then I’ll be back to work on Tuesday, doing a job I love more than anything.

Have a great weekend my peeps!

 

Facebook LIVE Event, Book Club, and Sales!

 

Summer is here!

Already my house is trashed, my grocery bill is too high, and I’ve been interrupted with my work to fetch, carry, and COOK. Ugh! How much can children eat?

A. LOT.

But let’s talk about all the fun, cool things going on this week.

1. I am doing my first Facebook LIVE event. I’m a bit nervous but totally ready to dive in so I can reach more of my beloved readers. I’ll chat about the book a bit and read 2 excerpts and take questions. Here is the event link to click on at 7:30pm EST TODAY to see me!

Facebook LIVE

At eight pm sharp, I’ll be switching over to my Probst Posse street team page to hold a special book club meeting. There will be spoilers though, so if you haven’t read Everywhere and Every Way, you may not want to join. If you are like my son who likes to know everything before he even reads the book – come and join us!

Just hit this link and ask to join the page and I’ll get you in. I’ll be giving away some cool things, too.

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/probstpossestreetteam/?ref=bookmarks

2. I have a brand new book trailer for Everywhere and Every Way! I’m hoping this will entice more readers to take a chance on this new series and buy. Honestly, the reviews I’m receiving has been unmatched, so I’m thrilled readers are embracing this HGTV inspired romance and loving it!

 

BOOK TRAILER

 

3. SALE, SALE, SALE!

Wow – the sales are off the hook this week for my books so scoop them up before they disappear!

The Marriage Bargain is on sale for 1.99 at Ibooks and Amazon! Not sure how long it will last so this is a great time to start my Marriage to a Billionaire series and get hooked! Click on my home page tab for ALL buy links!

Summer Sins is part of the Hot in the Hamptons collection – and we’ve decided to box the entire three book set for only 2.99! This is a limited sale, and the boxed set will be removed from all sites on August 1st, so this is your last time to snatch up one of the hottest summer series! Click on my HOME tab for all buy links!

 

There’s no excuse not to get reading this summer. Grab your cocktail, grab a book, and enjoy!

 

Writing Truths on Release Day by Jennifer Probst

It’s my release day.

Everywhere and Every Way is live everywhere – in paperback and digital forms – and the start of a brand new HGTV inspired romance series. Think Property Brothers. Talk about inspiration…

It’s so very hard to try and express how a writer feels when her book goes live. I compare it to watching one of your children go out in the world and be their own person. Suddenly, you realize you may have birthed them, but they belong to themselves.

Same as a book. From creation and birth, to the hard teen years of the sagging middle, to endless revisions to make sure they can live and thrive on their own, this book has a special place because it’s the beginning of a brand new world that completely captivated me.

Diving into a new series is scary and exhilarating. I so want everyone to love the book as much as I did.

I also know everyone can’t. That would just be…weird. Like living in a Stepford world where nothing goes wrong.

NYT Bestselling Author Bob Mayer once told me this: “Once the book is published, it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to the world.”

He’s right. I can only watch from afar and hope my book is loved. I feel like I worked as hard as I possibly could, and regret nothing.

Still, I haven’t slept in two days, and my stomach feels like I’m ready to take a final in high school!

And that is why writing also takes a leap of faith. Like motherhood. Or anything else really beautiful and worthy in this life. So, I’m stepping back, concentrating on the new book I’m currently birthing, and need to trust whatever happens it will all be okay.

Thank you for all your wonderful reviews, social media support, and telling all your friends about this book. Without you, there would be no stories to tell.

Or, I’d tell them only to my dog.

BUY HERE!!!

Also hop over to my Author Facebook Page for an amazing Rafflecopter contest to win a copy of the Property Brother’s Dream Home book and other goodies!

 Amazon

Ibooks

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Audible

 

What I Learned As A Writer Watching Project Runway…

 

I’m a reality television whore.

I don’t even care I’m telling you either. Yes, I’m highly educated. A feminist. An artist. But there’s just something about reality television that allows my consistently churning mind to turn off for a little bit, kick back with a glass of wine, and RELAX. It’s candy coated, sugary, delicious sweets for my brain. I’m swept away and when I come back, I feel better.

One of my favorite reality shows is Project Runway. Of course, I adore fashion, so besides gawking at the amazing stylish art that is created in a record time limit, I’m amazed at the creative process each of the designers deals with.

At the All Stars finale –I won’t spoil it in case people still have it on the DVR!—three designers created eight looks to make a complete collection. They did it in four days.

I’ve written a novella in a three day weekend. Personally, I’ve visited this hell before and it ain’t pretty. Watching the designers struggle to transition their sketches to reality reminded me of when I have a story so well thought out in my brain, I wish to God I could just tell it to the bookstores rather than actually write it. Because too many times when I commit the words to paper, it’s not what I originally wanted or dreamed of. It’s different. I either have to work with the skeleton I’ve sketched out on paper, tweak my original idea, or make it something else I hadn’t planned on.

Each designer had a unique design process. One painted first, then pieced together the outfit. One liked to create a bit from each outfit and work on them simultaneously. Another needed to complete one at a time in an orderly fashion.

Two designers seemed to embrace their processes wholly and utterly—owning their vision and execution with a determination that came from practice and time and sheer stubbornness. Both of them had done the show before and made it to the finale. Both were back to prove to themselves they could do win.

The third designer seemed to struggle with his creative process a bit more. He’d grown leaps and bounds from his past season, but once he gave up and surrendered to the negative, devilish, whispery thoughts in his head that said he’d LOSE because his outfit SUCKED and why the hell was he going through this crap anyway? He could go home and be happy and leave it all behind because it meant nothing anyway. Right? Right?

He walked away. But he came back. He had no choice because design was the driving force of his soul, and it was time he just accepted it and give in and give up.

He did. He finished a gorgeous collection. He proved what could be done, and learned the win wasn’t necessarily the prize money –like publication, and endless followers, and a movie deal, and FAME.

It was about his collection and how he loved what he put out into the world.

Some of the judges loved it and were very encouraging. One was extremely harsh and a tad cruel. She called herself honest, but I winced when she uttered some of her comments. You could tell he wanted to argue and defend. You could also tell when he accepted her words with a nod of the head and thank you, but his eyes told a different story. His eyes gleamed with his own rebellion, because deep down, he loved what he had done, and if he had to do it over, he’d do the same damn thing.

That’s power.

What did all this remind me?

Besides to dress better and somehow get invited to one of those cool fashion shows, it reminded me it’s about the book. The art. The product.

The win is wonderful. We go for the win, and there’s nothing wrong with it. But the REAL win is what we have created through our determination and blood and sweat and tears. When the new release erupts into the world, and butterflies take flight in my stomach, and fear of the unknown assaults me from all angles, I go back to the book.

Did I do the best I could? Did I write a great story? Did I do everything in my power to make it great and try to reach readers?

If it’s a yes, then I did my job. I can sleep at night. I can be proud of my art.

Next stop?

Project Runway!

Sigh. But first I have to go put on shoes….

 

Writing Romance, Posh, and a Party…

Happy Tuesday, peeps!

So, I have a confession.

I love shopping. And fashion. And pretty, glossy, big magazines with all the new trends.

This surprises many people because I’m also the girl who rolls out of bed, sticks her hair in a clip, and runs out. I wear pants with no zippers, super large old t-shirts, and sport bare feet. I would not be called a fashion or style icon. I’m just a writer.

But I don’t care. I like to look. When I do eventually go out, I like to wear fun, coordinated outfits that show my personality. I love bling and purses. I love shoes, but unfortunately I can’t wear heels, and I have a small collection of gorgeous shoes I take out, put on, and walk around my room in. Then they go back in the box. My poor feet just can’t handle them anymore like they did when I worked a 9 to 5 day job and used to be one of the best dressed in the office.

Oh, well,

So, imagine my joy when I found a way to combine my fashion love with online shopping, AND my books? Simply put, it’s the perfect love affair…

I am a Posh addict. What is Poshmark you ask? A community of women who sell items from their closet online. You can find anything on there, at great prices, but the best part is the extraordinary women who have created businesses, made money, and support one another doing what they love.

With my book, Summer Sins, Storme is a fashion designer who uses Poshmark and I’ve included some fab closets I follow within the book for fun.

Tonight, I’m co-hosting my first online party with romance novels as the theme – Downtown Romantic! Click on the link below and join me at 7-9pm PACIFIC time or 10 – Midnight EASTERN time to hang out, shop, and chat. My closet is @authorjpro to follow me. You can sign up for a FREE account and if you use code JAGEU you get ten bucks off if you decide to order anything, but this is NOT something where I get commission or you have to buy anything from.

Follow my picks on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #jensposhpicks. My IG handle is @authorjenniferprobst

You can also pop over to my Pinterest page to view items I loved in my Posh Closet.

Looking forward to drinking some wine, shopping online, and saying hello to everyone tonight!

JEN’S POSHMARK PARTY!

 

Vegas #RT16 and the Business of Writing…

Vegas wrecked me.

It pretty much wrecked every single author who attended the RT conference. In long lines as I was signing books, every single person blinked from tired eyes, saying the same thing. “It’s great, but I’m SO tired.” or “I’ve never felt so drained in my life!” or “That strip club was amazing—did you go?”

Umm, I’ll direct this blog post towards the first two responses.

RT is a big conference, but Vegas was a city that thrived on activity and sin. Smoking. Sex. Gambling. Partying all night. Drinking.

They had an oxygen bar to pump you back up and get you back in the game. That’s hard core, guys.

At least, for this poor solitary writer’s heart.

I have pegged myself as an introvert who does well in social situations. When I am pried and forced from my house, I actually end up enjoying myself and fill up from another person’s energy. People interest me. I forget sometimes how important it is to a writer to leave the office and LIVE. Writing book after book is productive, but it is precisely watching and studying human nature and the scenes that play out around us that fuel our imagination and creative purpose.

I’m happy I went. Sure, I needed a detoxification process when I returned, and I’m still jet lagged, and I still haven’t written a word because I’m having a harder time than I thought going back to my old routine.

But this conference, for me, served dual purposes.

1. Meet readers personally. In a cyber world, there is still something special about the personal touch. Shaking hands, signing books, chatting, saying “thank you” all of this is important in the cycle of life. It reminds us real people are at the receiving end of every story we write. It’s humbling to know how much readers love your books, and listen to what they have to say. I made contact with booksellers and librarians who hand deliver their books to their patrons. That’s important. One reader drove over 3 hours just to meet me, which made me tear up. I heard that some readers picked up and read my books just because of one thing.

I was nice to them.

That’s it. I was nice, they liked me, so they gave me a read. And I hooked them, because I rely on the quality of my stories to do my real talking for me.

To me, that was priceless.

 

Meet writers.

Networking and brainstorming was my other goal and I learned so much valuable information. Talking shop in person is crucial, and can give you much more information than the constant blogs and publications we read. Yes, they are important, but having a private conversation with other authors and hearing what they are doing, or trying, or failing at, is key. I brought back new ideas to try, learned about some hard parts of the business, and made new connections that were invaluable. I also laughed my ass off and had a wonderful time.

My final thoughts?

It was worth it to me. The social connections I made with so many wonderful people have filled up my well as a human being, and a writer. Now, I wouldn’t be able to attend these conferences constantly, because it is extremely draining. But I’d highly recommend trying something you’re comfortable with to get outside and meet people in person. Talk to them in person. Push your boundaries and do something scary, because that my darlings, is what makes you grow and become better.

Yes, you’ll be tired. You won’t get as much writing done. But I think sometimes, work is about the whole world of writing and creativity, and not just penning the words to paper.

Here’s a short list of some people I’ve met, spent time with, laughed with, shared Vegas secrets with, and who made me better. If I listed everyone, it would be a novel. These are just the names I remember as I’m writing this blog right now, right here.

Liz Berry, Jillian Stein, J. Kenner, Melissa Rheinlander, Amy Jennings, Kate Meader, Kresley Cole, Emma Chase, Alice Clayton, Christina Lauren, Laura Kaye, Molly O’Keefe, Megan Mulry, Rebecca Royce, Kristin Dwyer, Lauren McKenna, Liz Psaltis, Nina Bocci, Abbi and Adam from Gallery, Kristen Proby, Laurelin Page, Karin Tabke, Melody Anne, Larissa Ione, KL Grayson, Lisa Kessler, Mary Leo, Julie James, Catherine Bybee…

there’s more but this gives you a great idea!

PS: I took a crazy helicopter ride out of the Grand Canyon in a terrible hailstorm. It was touch and go, but I figured my odds of survival were pretty high, so I just held on and gave in to my inner badass. What a ride…

Vegas, Baby!

Vegas, baby.

A dream come true for me. I’ve never been and always wanted to visit the famed Sin City. Now I get to combine it with one of the best conferences of the year – the Romantic Times – where I’ll be able to meet readers, teach workshops, talk on panels, sign books, and network at the bar.

The conference runs from Tuesday, April 12th through Sunday April 17th, and I’ve got a packed schedule which means the odds of you seeing me are really, really high! Here’s a quick rundown of my appearances. Make note, because I’ll be tweeting and Instagramming flash giveaways for signed books – and I have TWO special ARCS of Everywhere and Every Way begging to get into a reader’s hands! PLUS an entire set of the Steele Brother series in paperback!

For those of you are can’t attend RT, fear not. I will run a special cyber contest on my Author Facebook page and IG account to win some free books – just because I’m sad you’re not with me and I love you! So stay tuned and check back regularly on the page. I’ll be using the hashtag #RT16 so keep checking that too.

Here is where I shall be for the next week:

Tuesday: VEGAS, BABY!

3:00PM – 4:15PM

Raucous antics, hilarity and fun romantic times games to start the party to RT 16 in VEGAS, BABY!

Wednesday:

Rising Storm Scavenger Hunt!

1:30 – 2:30pm

Come mix with the authors of the Rising Storm series and go to a goodie-loaded scavenger hunt throughout Storm, Texas! Visit the Storm Oak, Murphy’s Pub, Cuppa Joe, and other locations in Storm as you mingle with authors, learn about Storm’s places and characters, and play for a chance to win one of the 100 swag bags to be awarded to those who complete the hunt! Come join the fun!

 

Contemporary: Building a Successful Series

2:45 – 3:45pm

Bestselling authors of some of the most popular series of all time share their secrets for building exciting and sexy book worlds that keep readers coming back for more.

Contemporary Romance Books & Booze x 2!

4 – 5:00pm

Let’s talk billionaires, bikers, bad boys and alphas at a cocktail party to celebrate contemporary romance! Join bestselling authors for chats, giveaways, games and sexy romance…contemporary style. Bigger and Better

Friday:

1001 Dark Nights Sparkler!

12:20 – 1:20

1,001 Dark Nights is setting off fireworks! Come join us for a toast, some nibbles and fab swag. Mix and mingle with the brightest lights in the contemporary and paranormal genres while you learn their secrets and win prizes at this star studded event — hosted by the 1,001 Dark Nights co-creators, M.J. Rose and Liz Berry.

 

From Big Dreams to the NY Times List

1:30 – 2:30pm

New York Times bestsellers share their journeys from aspiring author with big dreams to hitting the New York Times list for the very first time. These authors will discuss what strategies they pursued to build their careers, why they think their book hit the bestseller lists, and tips for being successful in an increasingly competitive market.

 

Romantic Comedy Panel

2:45pm – 3:45pm

Join some very funny authors as they discuss their comedic strategies, pit falls, real life laugh out loud moments and how to tie it all into a bestselling novel or series. Hilarity to ensue! Will include a crass humor vs. sweet humor debate, how their real life plays into this and what not to say when you’re with them or you’ll end up in the book having a bird poop on your head or your skirt to be tucked into your ladywear.

 

Saturday: 10:00am – GIANT BOOK FAIR SIGNING!

6:00pm – FANtastic Day Party!

I will be signing and giving away FREE books!

My assistant Lisa, will be keeping things running smoothly from the home front and I’ll have lots of fun stories to share when I return. If I remember, of course. Think The Hangover number 4. Oh yeah…..