Jennifer Probst's Blog, page 9

A Writer’s Perspective on Story…

A Star is Born is the best movie of the year.

In my opinion, of course.

Besides the acting and the music, there were themes that resonated with me as a creative artist. The most moving was the speech Sam Elliot gave to Lady GaGa when he was speaking about music. Here it is -give or take a few words:

“Music is essentially 12 notes between any octave. 12 notes and the octave repeats. It’s the same story, told over and over. Forever. Only thing the artist can offer the world is how they see those 12 notes. “

Mind blown.

In the romance genre, we are consistently told to think outside the box and bring a “fresh” take to a trope. They urge us to write “high concept.” Yet, there is not anyone who can claim a completely original story. We all use the same basic tropes to spin, from friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, makeovers, billionaires, best friend’s little sister, best friends’ older brother, revenge, second-chance, etc, etc.

Everything’s been done, my peeps. I’m not saying this to disappoint you, but to free you from these crushing expectations marketing, editors, and publishers try to place on your shoulders.

Sometimes, there’s an easy hook to spin to help sell it to readers. Sometimes, it’s not as clear-cut to pick out one particular piece to sell the sucker.

But I want to talk about story—not selling. And this quote from the movie reminds us all that the only thing you can bring to your book is your personal imprint. The way you see those same notes. Your individual perspective on the world and how you view it.

Transferring it from our minds to the page is the challenge. Like writing a song using the same twelve notes, there is a formula to story we shouldn’t be afraid of. Use the framework and be unique with your imprint. There are a million options and paths a character can choose, and each decision leads to a new outcome.

Structure is good. The challenge?

Use the structure to frame your story, but break open the guts of it and be brave. Take risks. Push characters. Push yourself. Begin with the ending. Make a risky choice.

How do you view love? Pain? Growth? Loss? How do you grieve? How is your character different from any of the other thousands of books you’ve read?

Most of the time, I don’t usually find these important clues until at least halfway through my book. My process is a journey of discovery, and then after the crap is on the page in all its glorious mess, I go back and realize there are plenty of gold nuggets to pick out. That’s when I layer. Add/delete/tweak scenes depending on what I’ve revealed about the characters. I make sure there’s a growth arc, and that he/she has changed on the last page from the person we met on the first page. Sometimes, I have to rewrite a lot because I’ve figured out something about my character I never counted on. That may change my story. Yes, it’s a pain in the ass, but if I ignored the call, it would be someone else’s story, and not unique.

Twelve notes.

One structure.

Endless possibilities based on your perspective.

When you begin to doubt and think your story isn’t special—that it’s all been done before—look in the mirror.

You are special, therefore, so is your story. Sure, it may suck in first draft, or even third draft, but never doubt you have something important to say that the world needs to hear.

Use your notes.

We’re waiting to hear them.

#writenaked

All About Character…

My son wore Spiderman pajamas to school. They had wings. They were way too small on him and hit about mid-calf. They were similar to footie pajamas since they were one piece, but without the actual feet.

He’s in middle school. Not elementary.

Yeah.

See, when he informed me of his plan to wear them for pride week, I kind of panicked. I was terrified of him being made fun of. I asked if anyone else at school was going to wear those type of pajamas. I tried to explain they were too small for him so he’d change his mind.

My son just shrugged the whole thing off. Said he thought it was pretty cool, and he was wearing them. He didn’t care what anyone else did.

I spoke to his brother and asked him if he thought it was a good idea. My second son shot me a look, and said, “If he’s comfortable, why aren’t you?”

Good question. Because from my experience in middle school, if I did something as brave and cool and unique as that, I’d end up being bullied and humiliated and be forced to move out of state. But guess what? That’s my experience. I was a shy, awkward, terrified kid who had her nose stuck in a book and jerked when a stranger said hello to me. I was a mess.

My son went to school in his Spiderman pajamas. When he got on the bus NO OTHER child was wearing pajamas. I felt sick to my stomach all day, worried about him.

When he came home, he was happy. Said he played basketball with a huge group of boys and when he swished it in, they told him he had Spidey powers. He got high fives. Other kids wore unicorn and Hello Kitty footies to school and they all shouted in the hallway when they passed each other.

I almost cried. From relief, and pride, that somehow my son had the strength of character to just be who he is. He’s told me he’s gotten hurtful comments before on some of his choices, but he doesn’t care. He tells me those people are not his friends, so what does it matter?

OMG. YES. He’s teaching me more lessons than a therapist.

Now, let’s switch to writing, which is the whole point of this lovely blog post.

I believe character is one of the most important things you can do to make your story explode off the page. I write about this extensively in my book, Write Naked, but since I’ve got 4K to write today and the words are coming slow, I figured I’d distract myself by a short blog post about it.

It’s very important to know who your character is. The beauty of this is that every person is different, and so is your hero and heroine. One book, you may be writing about a powerful, assertive, savvy business woman with a quick temper and a drive to success. Another book you may be faced with a gentle, shy bookworm who’s always battling to learn better social skills and kiss a boy.

Their pasts are different. Their viewpoints, their likes, their dislikes, and their goals.

This is the key for your story. The plot can be anything if you sketch out fascinating, dynamic, interesting, FLAWED characters who resonate with readers.

If you’re having trouble getting them sketched out on the page, use my son as an example. Use your mother, your friends, your husband, and your children. Pull on those experiences where you’ve met people who make you wonder what makes them tick. Tug the loose thread, make it unravel, and get messy.

I would sketch out my son as a hero who doesn’t fit into the usual job category – he thinks outside the box. He’s fearless because he’s comfortable with who he is. He pushes boundaries. He’s loyal to a fault, because if he keeps his word, he assumes someone else will, which leads him eventually to disappointment in others. He’s been in love with a girl since second grade and dreamed of taking her to the prom when he hit high school. Senior year, he realizes his dream and picks her up in a stretch limo, and gives her a single red rose instead of the usual corsage, and they dance slow, rather awkwardly in the high school gym with balloons and streamers hanging from the ceiling and he realizes he loves her.

He follows her to college and they have a passionate love affair but after graduation, she wants to move to Hollywood to be an actress and he wants to stay in New York where there’s actual seasons and snow for Christmas and not swarming with fake tans and fake people. They begin fighting, tearing each other apart, and finally break up to go separate ways. He falls into a deep depression and vows to never give his entire heart and soul to another woman again. He settles in New York and years later, gets engaged to a very nice, very sweet woman he thinks he loves. Later on, he comes face to face with his first love. They are both engaged to others. But the moment he sees her again, he knows he must do everything to get her back, because he will have only half a life without her, so he makes a grand gesture and asks her to choose him, and she does, but they leave a big mess behind, people who are heartbroken and betrayed and have to pick up their own shattered lives. They get married, try to have children, are challenged by fertility, and their relationship begins to erode. They separate years later, come back together, and adopt a child. They travel on great adventures together, raise their daughter, and then one day, are faced with the ultimate choice that affect the rest of their lives. What is it, you ask? Well, it’s—

Hell, I don’t know, this was just a rough example.

Is this my son’s story? Nope. He’s only 13. I have no idea what’s going to happen, but if you start with a foundation, or a big choice, or the point where everything they thought they wanted in life is completely lost, you can begin to figure them out, and then you can follow the story.

My characters are never fully known to me until the last portion of the book. Like clockwork, I receive the AHA! Moment, and then I go back to layer and fix all the scenes where I struggled because I didn’t know who he or she was yet. For me, writing the book is a journey to creating a full character.

But God knows, you have to start with something. Use the world around you for the push off.

Now, let me get back to my book.

Remember, my peeps. Don’t just write.

Write Naked.

Peace out.

Yeah, It’s Hard…

Writing I mean.

Other stuff, too, but we’ll talk about writing but first we’ll start with hiking.

Stay with me.

If anyone knows me at all, they know I despise exercise. When I was much younger, I fell in love with yoga and dreamed of teaching one day in my own studio. For almost a decade, I followed yogis and clocked in ninety hours of teaching, and mediated regularly to find my inner peace. This was a path revealed to me after too many years of anxiety, depression, and general fear of the world. Finally, I’d found something that worked.

Yep, writers are crazy.

Then I got old. And I had kids. And life changed, along with my goals. And my metabolism slowed to a crawl and suddenly I couldn’t touch my toes, let alone stay away from the sour cream and onion potato chips. I found myself back and forth on some various diets, losing 25 pounds, keeping it off for a year or too, then something would happen and trigger the next plateau and we’d be off again.

My point after this long tirade is I haven’t done yoga in centuries, or gone to the gym, and I’m really out of shape. I plan to tackle that now, but I won’t bore you with details. I’ll just entertain you with my weekend foray when my brother came up with the whole crew and we went hiking at Mohonk Mountain House.

I love Mohonk, and have even managed to complete the famous Lemon Squeeze hike – twice. But we usually have brunch and spend the day and park in this special lot where you climb some stairs and there is the lodge.

This time, brunch was sold out.

This time, we decided to park in the lot for commoners because it was only twenty-five bucks a carload and we had thirteen people.

This time, I was told I had to hike three miles just to GET to the lodge.

When I protested nervously this was not something that sounded FUN, I was inundated with positive accolades such as –“It’ll be a great way to kick off your new exercise routine!” and “The path is mostly level!” and “It’ll be so much fun and family bonding!”

Yeah. I bond really well with my family while watching Big Brother, but I was overtaken by the majority so I went along with this plan.

I’ll give you the short story.

It was not a level path. It began with an endless amount of steep stone stairs and when we bought our tickets I was already out of breath.

After a few minutes of straight walking and I had begun to relax, I was treated to an intense rock climb where I prayed I wouldn’t die. When we reached the top of the mountain via these giant rocks (where you had to lift your legs VERY high to get to the next rock) the “regular” path began. The three mile part.

Let’s skip the dramatics, shall we?

I made it. We got to the lodge and I got to have a milkshake and soak in the beautiful scenery and wander around the grounds. I skipped the Lemon squeeze hike because I could barely stand, but my crazy family did that, too.

After a few hours, we had to hike all the way BACK.

So, yeah. I almost died. My legs were so shaky, I had to turn on the Rocky theme song on my iphone just to power through the last mile, which was hiking DOWN steep rocks that made me weep with fear.

I wasn’t able to climb stairs for 48 hours. This is a fact.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff.

The family bonding was pretty amazing. When you are forced to walk for hours with nothing to distract you, there’s this thing that happens called TALKING. We chatted and laughed in different groups and had a blast.

I felt proud. I had attempted and succeeded in doing something that was out of my comfort zone.

I learned even though I think I couldn’t do it, I did. I may not have liked the whole thing, but I liked it AFTERWARD.

I pushed through real pain and really didn’t die.

As I do with everything in my life, it all connects to the writing.

It reminded me that sometimes writing is really hard and that’s okay.

Take the good days with gratitude and a smile.

Take the bad days with gritted teeth and Rocky playing in the background.

Surround yourself with inspiration.

Go onto social media and put a cry out for help to your peeps and ask for some major ass kicking.

Set a goal of 1K and write as many sucky words as you can in the hour. Fix that shit later. Much later.

Unless you are listening to music, lock your phone up until the words are done.

One word begets another. One page leads to another.

The painful parts of the book will pass.

The pride when the new words are written will help you sleep at night and remind you that this career you’ve chosen really IS worth it.

Remember, one step leads to the completion of a six mile hike.

Remember, 1K completed is the building block of a 100K book, but if you think of the goal too soon, you might as well give up because it seems overwhelming. Don’t think of the deadline or the goal. Concentrate on putting words on the page, fighting your way through.

I still don’t know how I’ve written the books that stand proudly on my bookshelf behind me. It seems like a mysterious, alien-like process I don’t believe I can duplicate. But I do, each and every damn time, because I put words on the page, my loves, and that is what you all must do.

Run the marathon.

Finish the book.

Go after the new job.

Start your own business.

Sell your shit and move to Hollywood.

There is only one thing you MUST do to accomplish all of it.

START.

Peace out, loves.

#writenaked

 

A Writer’s Truth…

I was driving home from dinner with my boys and peeked in the rear-view mirror.

My youngest had rested his head in my older son’s lap. My older son was looking down at him with a tender expression, stroking his hair. The evidence of brotherly love was carved into my son’s features, and I felt my heart explode in my chest and splinter into too many pieces. At that moment, I realized I was looking at the symbol of everything good in my life. My two boys, loving each other, at peace. Safe.

I knew it was a moment to treasure because it would change in a heartbeat. It was full of fragility.

But damned if I didn’t hold that moment as tight as a Mama bear could, and hug it into my very memory.

That, my peeps, is a mother’s truth.

I’ve read amazing books from authors who have been able to express that type of emotion and what those fleeting moments mean. How being a parent allows you to be the very best of yourself…and the worst. How to love another human being so much it’s an actual physical pain and fear that never goes away. Motherhood is full of so many complicated emotions, I could write about it the rest of my life and never tire or get bored.

On Friday, August 17th, my newest release, The Charm of You, hits all retailers. It was a beautiful book to write because it was a gift. I’ve been struggling with writing lately so this story not only flowed, but gave me my joy of writing back.

Yesterday, I received a message from one of my readers who scored an advanced copy. Besides gushing about how much she loved the book, she took the time to highlight a particular passage that struck her. She used the hashtag #truth. I could tell it had affected her and she’d remember that line.

This is what it said:

“I think we forget to stop and experience the totality of what we’re given, you know? I don’t want to waste my time. I want to pause and revel in the physical and emotional pieces of my moments, even if they’re jagged and sometimes painful.” She paused as if picking through her thoughts to better describe herself. He held his breath, studying the flickering expressions on her beautiful face. “Books make it easy to feel and be vulnerable. That’s probably why I love reading so much.”

When I re-read those words I’d written, I was struck by the truth. Yes, I’d written it from the viewpoint of my heroine, but it’s something I believed in my soul. It had come out in my work, to share with the world, without my knowledge. I was able to funnel such deep feelings and emotions because I always try to write with my heart and soul open.

I write naked.

I count myself humbled to be in the small percentage of the world that is able to share words and stories that may be relevant to others. Artists, teachers, lecturers can all share such a gift. We must treasure this ability. Hone it. Sharpen it. Practice it. Embrace it.

These are the moments that make a difference. The moments we tuck into ourselves to take out and mull over; treasure; re-live in the dark days or endless nights when we feel alone and need something to cling to.

It’s our truth.

Be proud to share your truth with the world.

After all, this is a writer’s job. Treat it with care because these things may be strong, but they are also incredibly fragile and fleeting.

Doesn’t this make it worth treasuring?

Doesn’t this make it worth sharing?

I say, hell yes.

Go write your truth. Not tomorrow, or next week. Right now.

We need it.

#writenaked

PS: If you’d like to purchase the Charm of You – a sexy romantic comedy– click on this lovely link right here!

https://books2read.com/u/3G9Vkp

If you’d like to purchase Write Naked (I also offer signed copies from my website) go here:

https://books2read.com/u/mZP0vD

The Top Things You Need to Know About Author Signings…by Jennifer Probst

I’m off to Denver for the big Book Bonanza signing and thinking about the various author signings. They are getting more and more popular for authors, and sprouting up in so many states, authors now have a huge selection to pick from.

I try to do my best to hit different geographical locations each year so I can meet the most readers possible. This past year, I’ve already done Rome, this week is Denver, and in September I’ll be in NYC and Kentucky.

Signings can get expensive, though, so authors need to be careful about which ones they decide on, and why. Most of the time, financially, I come out in the hole. Even if there are no table fees (but the majority DO have fees), and the books I sell, the amount for plane fare, taxis, eating, and miscellaneous (like the famous bar bill lol!) is way over what I make in book royalties. Also, my time away from my office is expensive. I could be using those days to write a new book, which is the fastest and most economical way to make more money in a writing career. I’m old now, too, so when I return, I usually need a minimum of 2-3 days of downtime, shoveling out from my administrative duties before I can even think about getting back to writing.

So, what do I really get back from attending an author signing?

Let’s go over them.

NETWORKING:

Most signings will have other authors attending who will make you fan girl. One of the best parts is scrambling around to each table, getting to meet so many authors face-to-face and get your own signed books and swag. There are usually dinners or reader parties so you get to network, meet new people, and get a fresh vision of the writing world. I always come home with a bunch of new friends I adore, my Facebook friend list explodes, and I read new work from authors I haven’t tried before. Plus, you get to meet all your old friends from before, and catch up. Everyone is always super friendly and welcome, and even if you’re going alone and are afraid to leave your room, if you take a deep breath and just go out there, I promise you won’t regret it.

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES:

I love to use author signings to see places I’ve never been before. It’s a tax write-off, you can take your assistant or a friend/spouse/child to be your assistant, and tack on a few days in the front or back of the signing for vacation. I’ve been to places I would have never chosen and am really grateful. Also, make sure you actually leave the hotel. Book some type of tour or sight seeing thing, and make sure you go out to dinner or lunch to experience the local cuisine. Grab a few authors you’ve never hung out with and tag along. I’ve met the coolest people that way!

MEETING READERS:

Simply put, meeting my readers is a priceless experience. I write in isolation, for a nameless, faceless public. But when I get to see a reader up close, my mind is blown. When she thanks me for my stories, or excitedly squeals about which books are her favorite, or shyly asks to take a picture, or apologizes for carting around a box of dog eared, well-loved backlist books for me to sign?

It’s the coolest thing in the entire world. Not gonna lie. I get all mushy and happy inside. Suddenly, all those hours of struggling with my character and my stories are worth it. Suddenly, I’m not worried about my sales, or if my latest book is tanking, or if I’ll be able to wrestle my current story into submission. I’m just humbled that a real live person is freaking out over a book I wrote. It gives me a reset in my mind. It motivates me to keep going and do better, because I just met a person who is reading my stuff and my stories are important to her.

There is nothing more inspirational than talking to readers.

This past month when I travelled to Rome, my husband was my assistant. Afterward, slumped in the chair, hand numb, exhausted beyond measure for signing for more than eight straight hours, he looked at me with a new expression on his face I’ve never seen before.

“I think I took 300 pictures of you,” he said in awe, shaking his head. “I saw a reader cry. And you got gifts! Good gifts! They love you.”

He got to see the Coliseum and the Vatican and eat pasta and pizza and stroll the ancient streets. But when I asked him what his favorite part was, he told me the signing, because he’d never experienced something that amazing. He was proud of me.

Pretty damn cool, huh?

OH, and trust me, I’ve also been the author who doesn’t have a line, sitting there with a big ass smile on my face while the author’s line beside me backs up in front of my table. But I got to talk to the people waiting in line and many of them bought my book! And the handful of people who did show up specifically to see me were gold. They kept me writing. Personal conversations and reader experiences remind us of why we are doing this.

Now, a few tips for the readers who come to this.

Yes, we are tired, and have signed endless books, but when you get to my table, I’m meeting you for the first time. I AM excited. I AM humbled. I AM grateful you read my books. I LOVE fangirling and LOVE talking about my books! Tell me your favorite couple, or book, or series. Ask me questions. Give me a hug (I’m Italian we hug everyone). Take a pic. Tag me on Facebook. Tag me everywhere.

This is why I’m here – for YOU. When you drag in that carton of books and apologize profusely, I’m in sheer heaven. I love signing your books. I love interacting with you. I wish I had more time, but I will make sure I use those precious few minutes the best way possible, so you feel special.

Because, my readers, all of you are.

After all, you made my dream come true.

Sign on, peeps.

Readers rock.

The Practice of Saying Good-bye…by Jennifer Probst

The baby birds are gone.

They flew the coop.

I have empty nest syndrome.

Maybe I should explain.

You see, we have nests built around my house in the Spring all the time. Many I need to dismantle before the eggs come, since they’re in dangerous places. This season, one mama bird was determined to build her nest on top of my fan/light on my beautiful back deck. Where I go and eat, and write, and hang out.

We had a bit of a battle that went on. She’d begin building it, I’d tear it down.

Until one morning, I woke up and there was a fully constructed nest, and her bird ass was sitting right in the middle of the nest, pretty much threatening me to toss her out on the street.

I surrendered. She won fair and square. I admire such perseverance in a mother and let her stay.

Because the sliding glass doors allow me to see everything up close, protected by the glass, I began to become somewhat obsessed with this bird family. I’d bring my coffee over to the door and watch her. Check on her multiple times throughout the day. Figured out the spot her and the daddy robin would perch when they gathered worms and needed to keep an eye on the eggs. They became like family.

I returned home from Memorial Day weekend from my brother’s house and immediately raced to see the nest.

The birds had been born.

They were naked, and tiny, and practically hidden in that deep nest except for their pleading, open beaks begging for constant food. I watched the father gather worms and feed the mother and the babies when she was too damn tired to go hunting for food. I watched the baby birds bother her all the time, begging for attention and nutrients or trying to squeeze more space from that nest for themselves. I knew feeding times, where she hunted for worms, what tree she flew to when she got scared, and I threatened my family with eviction if anyone went near the deck.

My husband began asking if I wrote anything during the day or if I just watched the nest.

I told him he was being ridiculous.

Of course, I wrote. Kind of.

The birds grew. They got feathers. Their necks now stretched over the nest. Things began to change. I felt the shift in the air, the energy, and experienced prickling anticipation to see what would happen next. I think I imagined a great goodbye scene where I watched the birds fly off, and I cried and videotaped it and it was beautiful and just like the movies.

But one morning, I got up and checked on them and the nest was empty.

They’d just left overnight, or at sunrise, as fast and mysteriously as mama bird had built her nest.

My husband celebrated by cleaning the deck and throwing a barbeque/pool party. The kids were happy and began playing baseball and kickball.

I was sad. I keep going to the window to check, then realize they’re gone.

This experience, of course, got me thinking about goodbyes. There are so many goodbyes we need to say in life. They are required in order to live to the fullest – hello and goodbye are sewn into the seams of our every day experiences. But most of them don’t happen in a big, emotional unveiling.

Most of them happen quietly. Simply. Organically.

Until we notice.

My boys are all long limbed legs, hearty appetites, and awkward, amazing smiles—hovering on the edge of a growth spurt that will eventually take them away. My dog is white faced, slower moving, and hard of hearing. My friends have children graduating and going into college, or high school, or middle school. Our parents are aging.

I’m celebrating my first Father’s Day without my dad. When Justified won the Triple Crown, there was a joy and grief inside of me that wept and laughed at the same time. He would have loved to see that race—it was such a beauty.

The romance industry is changing, morphing, finding its new place in a world of shrinking print and limited shelf space and discount pricing and lessening traditional contracts. Other wonderful things rise up though, making this industry exciting and adventurous and never staid or boring.

I spent endless months trying desperately to write a book that was one of the hardest I’ve ever produced, and now it’s finally in the last round of copyedits and I’m done. It’s just…over. I started a new book.

To my wonderful surprise – The Start of Something Good released last week and hit high on the Amazon charts at #11 in all books, with a #1 bestselling flag proudly displayed.

Every day, we say goodbye to one important, vital element we all tend to forget about.

Time.

Time passes and ticks away and we must hold on to what we have left.

We can mourn the losses—we are supposed to—but I think it’s important to be reminded of what is left when a goodbye is said.

Memories. Empty spaces that can be filled with other things—not necessarily better or worse – but different. Growth. Beauty. Change.

Hope.

Let’s try to celebrate what we can in the day to day regimen, because when we eventually need to say goodbye, we’ll have enough not only to sustain us, but to fill us.

I imagine those birds flying on their own, one day building their own nests on someone’s back deck.

The thought now makes me smile.

The Top Five Ways to Guarantee A Perfect Release Day…by Jennifer Probst

Ah, release days. Your book birthday. The day you sent your baby into the world to be cooed over…or slaughtered. The day you realize it’s time to let go—that your book no longer belongs to you and never will again.

I’ve had good release days and bad.

Want to know how to guarantee a good one?

Here’s the secret sauce I’ve learned over the years!

1. TRY not to obsess about ranking

All writers out there are throwing slimy bananas or hard apples at me- trying to get me to take it back. Yes, it’s almost impossible not to obsess about ranks on the day your book goes live, but it doesn’t have to overtake every moment. I learn to check once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once at night. No more—no less.

Because refreshing every single hour doesn’t help your ranks or your mental health. By restricting it to the time you eat a meal, you limit the crazy. Or at least, you try.

2. Treasure the GOOD reviews

Do you know how many times I’ll skim over a good review, pat myself on the back, and then go obsess for hours over the bad? Dude—that’s just not good. As humans, we’ve learned to relish the crappy and throw away the good, and release day is the time to reverse all that bad karma. Now, I gather every good review in a file with the link and some noteworthy quotes. Not only is it fabulous to go to when I feel like I’m tanking this writing career – but it reminds you how hard you worked, and how your story is touching people out there. Strangers. People who LOVE your book and think you are worthy. When did this get so hard for us to accept?

3. Celebrate

Some release days, I’d wave off my hubby and say I needed to man the computer. Check social media accounts, comment on every post, and hold down the fort. Then one day, I woke up. Hell—if I’m not going to celebrate my book birthday – who else will? It’s a time to take one lousy day out of our lives and tell ourselves – Good job. We don’t get that feedback as often as day jobs. We need to claim it for ourselves – so go to dinner, threaten your husband to send you flowers, eat chocolate, drink champagne. Feel fabulous. People all over the world dream of becoming a “real” writer – and we are. How wonderful is that?

4. Be grateful.

Instead of belly aching about your rank or how author A had an easier shot at reaching top 100 because of this, that, or the other thing – just take a breath and thank your lucky stars you published a book. Thank the people who email you or comment. Take an hour of release week and answer your fans, retweet other authors, be in this community we mostly love and adore. Gratitude changes our mental state and reminds us of the good we have in our lives. We need to be grateful for the writing.

5. Promote other authors.

Release day is like a sisterhood. Instead of greedily grabbing the spotlight, take some time to help shout out other releases from other authors. Read another author’s book and give them a review or a blurb. Remind yourself no one can do it alone – success is so much better with people cheering you on along the way. If you’re feeling jealous, or down because another author is doing so much better in the ranks than you are, turn it around by giving them a shout out. Buy the book. Do a tweet. Comment on a post that’s tagged them. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel by draining the jealousy poison and truly opening yourself up to helping others.

That’s it! My big list. OH – BTW – I happen to have this fabulous new release out called The Start of Something Good. It’s getting rave reviews. It has everything I love in a book, and I really hope you check it out.

Amazon kindle http://amzn.to/2o4tik0

Amazon print http://amzn.to/2o1Xv3e

I’m also over the moon to release a new Bundle with 1001 Dark Nights with these amazing authors!

1001 DARK NIGHTS BUNDLE 16 by Jennifer Probst, Tessa Bailey, Elisabeth Naughton, Laura Kaye & Erika Wilde https://amzn.to/2Jd8eng

 

One other thing: I’m sharing a release day with many other kick-ass authors who you should also check out. I’ve already bought a bunch and I hope you’ll give them a try – and apologize to the ones I missed!

Happy Release Day to All!

ORDER OF PROTECTION by Lexi Blake https://amzn.to/2sDoTpq

TEMPORARY GROOM by Author J S Scott https://amzn.to/2syqei6

DIRTY TALKING COWBOY by Stacey Kennedy https://amzn.to/2LYZOyd

UNDONE by Elisabeth Naughton https://amzn.to/2xPOQb8

BLAZING SUMMER by Denise Grover Swank https://amzn.to/2sIAovU

TALL DARK AND CHARMING by Erika Wilde https://amzn.to/2M1AVSC

MISADVENTURES WITH A ROCK STAR by Helen Hardt https://amzn.to/2Lp2zHQ

EVEN MONEY by Alessandra Torre https://amzn.to/2LpOJVP

THE GIRL AND HER REN by Pepper Winters https://amzn.to/2LXuoZ4

DIRTY EXES by Rachel Van Dyken https://amzn.to/2LYMavb

ONLY HIM by Melanie Harlowhttps://amzn.to/2kQtt06

#1 LIE by T Gephart https://amzn.to/2JgjJqt

THE CHATEAU by Tiffany Reisz https://amzn.to/2sHzVKC

THE ONE YOU CAN’T FORGET by Roni Loren https://amzn.to/2M053h2

THE RIGHT STUD by Ilsa Madden-Mills & Tia Louise https://amzn.to/2JvXxMo

THE KISS QUOTIENT by Helen Hoang https://amzn.to/2Ja7u2Z

UNEXPECTED LOVE STORY by Natasha Madison https://amzn.to/2Hotv8i

THE CHURCH by Celia Aaron https://amzn.to/2xKszeR

A Book About My Favorite Things…

Happy May my lovelies!

Finally – the weather is sunny and warm, baseball season is in full spring, and my son got inducted into the National Junior Honor society. Can I finally state: things are looking up?

I’m also thrilled to celebrate my newest release, The Marriage Arrangement which just came out this week! I think it’s a wonderful addition to the Marriage to a Billionaire series – pairing new and well-known characters, re-visiting the mysterious Book of Spells, and written as a complete standalone so everyone can enjoy.

Besides a delicious marriage of convenience trope, this story is filled with some of the greatest loves of my life. Ready for the countdown?

1. Wine.

Everyone knows I love wine. There’s a big sign in my house that greets you when you enter the door that says: WELCOME. I HOPE YOU BROUGHT WINE.

I decided to use the setting of an upstate New York winery *based loosely on Brotherhood Winery right here in the Hudson Valley** in order to bring a sensual tone to the book. There’s a delicious scene where the hero gives my heroine a wine tasting that’s intimate and sexy so I hope you break out that bottle you’ve been saying, sip some good wine and read the book!

2. Pastries.

Ah, dessert. Is there anything much better? Imagine what a person can glean from another after analyzing why a certain dessert is your favorite. I had a blast writing a particular scene in the book where the hero and heroine try to figure out each other’s secrets based on dessert choice. When I visited Siena, we went to Nonnis bakery and I wanted to live there. The scents of powdered sugar and fresh baked dough and rich chocolate wafted in the air. My sight was dazzled by the displays and my taste buds wept at the textures—from the fresh cream, the tart fruit, and the crisp cannoli shells.

3. Italy

I love Italy. I’ve been there twice and have another trip scheduled this year to Rome. I love the people, the warmth, the chaos, the cracked, ancient, twisted pavements. I love the lyrical language and the food. It’s one of my favorite settings to write in, so come take a trip with me to Milano and visit some main attractions.

4. Family

It’s the heart of every book I write. You’ll be introduced or re-introduced to one of my readers’ favorite characters – Mama Conte. Sit with her at the carved pine table and open your senses up. There’s bickering, family dinners, cooking, teasing, and so much love you will be warmed from the soul.

I hope you give The Marriage Arrangement a try!

ebook: http://amzn.to/2A383Wq

Print: http://amzn.to/2hSBIqV

What are your favorite things in the world to read or write about?

The Loss of Innocence–In Life and the Book World…by Jennifer Probst

I wanted to do one of those professional writing blog posts again, but since it’s my space, I’m going to discuss some other things that have been percolating in my mind lately.

Like, the Easter Bunny.

Yep, we’re past Easter and the coma of chocolate bunnies we’ve all climbed out of. But this Easter was different for me, and I’m still analyzing it. You see, this was a year I’ll never forget.

This was the year my son found out the Easter Bunny wasn’t real.

Now, there are a lot of different outlooks on the Tooth Fairy, and Easter Bunny, and Santa. This is a non-judgment zone, so whatever path you guide your children on I respect. This is my particular path I’m going to reflect on.

In my world, those fantasy figures represented something magical and beautiful in the world. An innocence that doesn’t last as long as it should. I raised my children amidst a ton of stories and magical ideas I spun—including a snippet where I found a part of the Easter Bunny’s tail in the door to prove he was real. I knew my son was getting way too old, so this year, I got ready to have THE TALK with him about the bunny and Santa. I bought a book on how to tell him. I made a speech. I practiced in my head. I needed it to be perfect because of my own horrific memory of what happened to me that I never truly got over.

What happened to me? Well, I was hanging out with a friend, who told me Santa wasn’t real, and I gave her a self-assured laugh and said, “Oh, yes he is!” We argued and she told me to ask my mother right now. I went upstairs and found my mother in her bedroom and said, ”Mom, is there really a Santa?” As I waited with confidence for her answer, a smug smile on my lips, she sat on the bed and sighed.

And ripped off the band aid. Did not delicately pull, or tug, or ease me into the idea. She just said, “Nope. Santa never existed.”

Boom. Mic drop.

I stared with open mouth, waiting for the discussion. None came. She looked pretty sad, but by then I was in so much shock, my world spinning on its axis, I just nodded and went back downstairs. When my friend asked, I told her she was right. There was no Santa.

Nothing was ever discussed again but my heart had been broken.

Do I blame my mother? No (well maybe a little bit). She said later she was afraid I was being bullied and figured she should tell me since I was so old. (I’m not discussing how old. I was not drinking age.)

Fast forward to this Easter. I’m prepped and ready, and my son informs me he can’t wait for the Easter Bunny to visit, and he feels sorry for the kids who don’t believe in him, because he KNOWS the bunny is real because I found the evidence of his tail years ago.

Ah, crap. Why do I have to embellish so much shit?

I figured I’d give him another year.

The night before, I set my alarm for 5:30am to get up and put the baskets out and hide the eggs. As my husband snored, I crept downstairs and began my chores. I had just finished hiding all the eggs when a door slammed open and my son trudged in. His gaze met mine, and he mumbled something about having to go to the bathroom. I froze in the hallway, afraid to move, and he quietly went back to bed so I thought I was safe.

When I came back downstairs at a more normal hour, I checked out his basket, watched him find eggs, and did our usual holiday routine. But I sensed something off. My son looked different. There was a lack of zeal and joy that was usually there.

An hour later, he came over to me, stared into my eyes, and said, “I know now there’s no Easter Bunny.”

Heart pounding, fighting nausea, I asked why.

He said he saw me hide the eggs. And then he said, “Just tell me Santa is still real.”

And I stared at him, all my perfectly rehearsed speeches …GONE. And where was the damn book? So, I said, “Well, he is, but not in the way you think.” And I rambled about him being a spirit and a whole bunch of other stuff I don’t remember while my heart broke at his face. I rambled, but we had to go to church and I told him we’d discuss more later.

I was tortured by this all day. When I finally sat back down with him, he brushed off my emotional pleas for him to talk to me and said he’d processed it and he was fine. He got it. He wasn’t mad at me, and he wasn’t upset.

And that was that.

I wish I could have handled it differently and wonder how he will view that moment later in life. My son is like me—full of creativity, believing in magic and goodness, his head swimming with his own stories. He’s full of FAITH. He knows how to believe in things you can’t see.

This long story has one point.

Magic—and the loss of it. As we grow up, we need to remove many of the things we believed in that have no place in the world of adults. I get it. Though, I still secretly believe in Santa—I just think he’s different from how we describe him now, and I hopefully my son believes that, too.

I think we all have those moments in life where innocence is ripped away, and we wonder if we’ll ever feel that mystical, joyful sense of wonder again. Change is hard. Growing up is hard. Shifting our illusions and what we want our reality to hold is hard.

Once, I wrote my books with a zeal and passion I will never be able to duplicate because life had not truly changed me yet. Yes, I dealt with a divorced family and an alcoholic father and financial issues, but my core was still the same. I believed with everything I had I’d be successful and famous. The gatekeepers meant nothing to me—even with the rejections I wrote the stories I craved to write, and when I read them, they are full of emotion and messy with the true beginner still learning craft. There was no such thing as being a social media expert, or mastering PR and marketing, and not only writing a great story but selling the hell out of twenty-four-seven.

I love re-visiting who that girl was and her simple dreams. Even after she learned Santa Clause wasn’t real.

When I delved deeper and began to sift through and find the magic moments I did experience later in life, a sense of peace came over me. There were many more than I thought.

The birth of my children.

When I saw Venice for the first time. And the Sistine Chapel. And Capri. Etc, etc.

When my book hit the bestseller list after thirty years of writing my ass off.

When I graduated from college with my master’s degree.

Saying I love you to a man I loved.

Getting married to the man I loved.

Holding Bella as a puppy for the first time.

The list is endless. I just needed to look again and remind myself of the things that rocked my world. And I know there’s more out there that I’m ready to experience.

Of course, this all goes back into the writing. It has to. Connecting with some of those moments and getting it on the page is the key of writing real. Writing naked.

That’s the way we keep it alive forever.

Do you have any magical moments that you’ll never forget?

The Professional Writer…by Jennifer Probst

Hello my peeps!

Umm, I just noticed it’s been two months since my last blog post.

Perhaps, because I’ve been deep in the cave writing two books back to back, had a big Disney trip so I can re-introduce myself to my family, and then came down with the plague.

Still, no excuses. This new blog revolves around my struggle and of course, focuses on my love for writing. I was thrilled to be invited to blog at the site, Women Writers, Women’s Books.

Go check it out right here – I promise you don’t want to miss this one! Just one click it. Now. Please…thanks!

http://booksbywomen.org/the-professional-writer-by-jennifer-probst/

Happy to be back – hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and Passover!

Jen