Angela Kay Austin's Blog, page 10
April 6, 2014
My Writing Process
I’ve been tagged by Glynis Rankin to write a little about my writing process. I’ve been asked to discuss my writing by others, and so I had to think about for awhile when Glynis asked me. What could I say that would be different? What could I say to make it more interesting?
I’m still not quite certain, but I thought I would write what I was moved to write.
What am I working on?
I am working on a Historical Paranormal Romance. African-American history can be rather difficult to face. Because of that reason, I challenged myself as an African-American woman to write a story that would make me proud, and create a world that could absorb some of the ugliness of our past. Absorb it, and shape my own world that, although built around history, is a world filled with possibilities that African-Americans did not have in the 1800s.
How does my work differ from the work of others in the genre?
Curious question. As writers we all believe that our own unique experiences help color the stories we tell. And that that is what makes each of my stories different from the stories others who write within the same genre. And in kind makes others stories different than mine. The more I experience and learn, the richer and more unique my stories will be.
Why do I write what I do?
I write stories about women, relationships, and family. Why? Because I love to tell stories of strength and survival. I believe people are capable of incredible things. Sometimes, we forget it, and we give up. We accept whatever is presented to us. Whatever is easy. But, sometimes, when we take what is given to us, we miss out on something so so much greater.
How does my writing process work?
My process is pretty simple. I write whenever I can, and I write what touches my heart and mind. It may not appeal to everyone, but if my stories connect with one other person, I feel I have told the story that I wanted to tell.
Next, visit a couple of my friends, and discover what they feel and think about their writing processes.
April 4, 2014
Follow your #dreams
One of my favorite shows on television is The Voice. Why? Because of the sentiment of the show. The dreamers that step up on the stage aren’t judged by anything but their voices. They get to shake off the nerves, if they can, of performing for some of the biggest celebs out there. The first few shows aren’t live, so no worries there. But, what about the audience? Most of them thrive in front of the crowd. Which is a good thing.
I find myself searching for opportunities in the writing world like the performers have found with The Voice. A group of writers so dedicated to their dream, that they live and breath words.
I love writing, and there are times when I feel I must simply have my laptop on my lap, or I will simply not have a good day. Sometimes, the only thing I really want to do is write. Create my characters’ world, and invite others into their comfy and crazy little lives.
Surrounding myself with others who enjoy telling stories as much as I do is just one of the ways I push myself as a writer. Staying connected to them helps me to continue with my love for what I do.
What do you do to help you continue to follow your dreams?
Here’s a little something about my latest release, Rumer.
Rumer Wilson married the love of her life ten years ago, has two beautiful children, and what she believes is a wonderful life to prove it. But, does anybody ever control love? Her world spirals into an unfamiliar place of uncertainty for everything she holds dear, when her husband falls in love with a woman hiding secrets.
Sebastian Ortiz has loved many women. Rumer is a means to an end. He doesn’t want to hurt her, but he needs her – for revenge on the man who hurt his sister – the sister he’s protected from harm his whole life.
Neither Rumer or Sebastian could imagine what comes next…
March 22, 2014
Guest Author — Dorothy A. Bell
This week, Dorothy A. Bell joins me at Romancing the Pen to share a little about herself. Can you imagine what it must feel like to meet the love of your life when you are a child? She is a very lucky woman.
Join us at Romancing the Pen for more!
March 15, 2014
Guest Author — Harper St George
Every author knows one of the hardest things about writing is finding a really good network of fellow authors who can help you answer some of the questions everybody has: where can you find critique partners, how do you submit your manuscript, or who should you submit it to?
Beginning tomorrow on Romancing the Pen, Harper St. George shares with us some of the places she used when she first began her writing career.
Join us on Romancing the Pen, and add your own ideas to the list!
Montana Territory, 1887
Heiress-turned-outlaw Charity Blake is determined to get back the fortune the Davenport banking family took from her father—even if she has to hold Brent Davenport ransom to do it! After all, the seductive charmer stole something even more valuable from her five years ago: her heart. But once she has Brent in chains, Charity must face the fact that her desire for the man has grown from the sweet dreams of a young girl to the unquenchable passion of a woman. And soon it’s not clear whether she’s the captor, or the captive….
March 8, 2014
Guest author — Charmaine Gordon
This week, I’m welcoming Charmaine Gordon! One of my fellow VHPers. For any of you who follow me, you know I met Charmaine in cyberspace, and she has made a wonderful impact on my writing career.
Charmaine’s story is a fascinating one, and each time I take a look into her world, I continue to be amazed.
I hope that you will join me in welcoming Charmaine! Join us, and see if she and her stories don’t capture your interest, too.
Grace didn’t say no to the Big Man On Campus, Scott Dwyer. And then her life changed…
Grace makes her way to a new town and with the kindness of strangers, establishes a business called The Pet Emporium where she grooms , what else? Dogs and cats.
Years later, a too-close encounter of an unpleasant kind with a skunk and Scott’s German Shepherd reunites the former lovers.
What happens in between are their stories of beginnings and endings and love lost, then found.
February 19, 2014
Guest author — Ken La Salle
My guest this week joins us to discuss his latest memoir — The Day We Said Goodbye.
It is a book for anyone who has lost someone, anyone losing themselves… and anyone who is lost. I hope you’ll drop by Romancing the Pen to read more about Ken, and his latest release.
What do you do when your father is losing his life just as you are losing your mind?
Run like hell.
At the close of A Grand Canyon, Ken La Salle and his beloved Vicky drive off into the sunset. It’s a fairy tale ending, providing your idea of a fairy tale includes suicide attempts, hallucinations, and crippling self-doubt.
Now, in The Day We Said Goodbye, it’s time to live the dream. Vicky and Ken get married, travel the world, and embrace the warm light of love. Or so Ken wanted to believe. But he never really dealt with the impulses that drove him to the edge of the Grand Canyon, now manifesting in schizophrenic episodes, like when his ex-wife shows up at his wedding.
And it doesn’t help that his father is dying and Ken has to find a way to say Goodbye.
February 15, 2014
#Giveaway and #contest with Romance Novels in Color
As an author of several Romance novellas and short stories, on Valentine’s Day it’s a natural for me to be a little excited and give away everything!
Here’s info!
Prizes: A copy of Scarlet’s Tears. The winner must be able to receive a gift from Amazon.us
Eligibility: You must be a subscriber to RNIC newsletter. Click here to join RNIC’s newsletter. You can also join my newsletter, or download my app to keep up with the latest news about my new releases and contests.
How to enter: Leave a comment on the RNIC website to include the names of the heroines in all nine of my books.
Deadline: February 21, 2014 at 11:59PM EST
February 9, 2014
#Love-Struck Valentine’s Day Hop
Fantasy and romance authors want this to be your best Valentine’s Day, ever. To do that, forty-three of us have joined forces to offer readers a chance to win a Kindle Paperwhite loaded with books to keep you company through this long cold winter! In addition, each of us is hosting a giveaway on our site. It’s Love-struck Madness!
Don’t forget grand prize is a Kindle Paperwhite stuffed with 43 e-books
Start the hop on February 10th, HERE.
For my gift this Valentine’s Day, I am offering an e-book copy of my book On The Frontline, which includes two short stories. They are sweet heartwarming stories for the holiday. I will give one copy away to the person who is first to leave the correct answer to the following three questions:
-What are the names of my hero and heroine in Derailed?
-What are the names of my hero and heroine in Scarlet’s Tears?
-On The Frontline is a dedication to what group of people?
The winner of the e-book, must be able to receive a gift from Amazon.us. To receive the gift, you must supply your email address.
At midnight CST on February 14th, entries will be closed, and a winner will be selected. The winner of Angela Kay Austin’s giveaway will be announced on Angela Kay Austin’s blog, and the prize will be sent via Amazon.us. (All three answers must be correct to win. Only one prize will be given away.)
Don’t forget to visit the other authors in the hop! Check them out here.
February 8, 2014
When it’s #cold outside…
I must admit that I’m not the cold weather person who races off to the slopes at the first sign of snow. When I do plan trips to ski resorts, it’s mainly so that I can curl up by the fire with a hot drink, and stare out of a window. Snow and mountains are beautiful to me, but I have no real desire to “tackle” them — at all!
But, what I don’t think I realized is that since I returned to TN from D.C., I have come to believe that when it’s cold outside, I should not have to be outside for ANYTHING! The only thing I want to do is curl up underneath a blanket, and have hot tea piped into me.
How do I do that?
I layer up like I’m heading to Alaska — which I think, lately, has been warmer than TN! — every time I leave the house.
On the bright side, I am making my way through quite a few books. Nothing wrong with that 
What are you doing when it’s twelve degrees outside?
February 5, 2014
How structured is your life? #relaxalittle
Okay, so the other day, I had a conversation with a co-worker that went something like this…
Me: “I need to find some time to relax a little.”
Her: “Me, too. I leave work, and spend an hour in my car in rush hour traffic. Then, I cook dinner, and it’s time for bed.”
Me: “I know. After work, I go to the gym, and after that run a few errands, and the day is over.”
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My life is so planned out, and it was lost on me. I go to the gym three days a wee. I attend class one day a week. I write two days (sometimes more) a week. I blog one day a week. It’s amazing how short the week seems, sometimes. How is it there are never enough hours in a day, or enough days in a week, or enough weeks in a month? I mean, come on.
Do you remember when you were a child, and you couldn’t wait until you were an adult. Why? Why did we rush it? We just didn’t know how truly sweet it was, did we. Our parents had all the responsibilities, and all we had to do was go to school, and play. Awh, playing
Do any of us remember what it means to play?
I think that’s what I need to do. I need to play. I think I would love to play on the streets of Rome Yep.
What are you doing to relax a little?
