Katie Hamstead's Blog, page 50

Soul Mate Publishing Author: Zen DiPietro

Bio:
Zen DiPietro is a lifelong bookworm, a fantasy/sci-fi writer, a dancer, and a mom of two. Also red-haired, left-handed, and a vegetarian geek. Absolutely terrible at conforming. Particular loves include badass heroines, British accents, baba ganoush, and the smell of Band-Aids. Writing reviews, author interviews, and fun stuff at www.womenofbadassery.com. Very active on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

1.     Tell us how you came to be an Author with Soul Mate Publishing.
I signed on with SMP in the very typical way. I did my research and queried with the desired materials. I got a request for the full manuscript and sent it. Some time later, I was offered a contract.
I actually wasn’t sure at first if SMP would be a good fit for my particular book, since it is a modern epic fantasy with some sci-fi and romantic elements. But I found that SMP is really stretching beyond its romantic roots and getting into all kinds of genres. I like being a part of something progressive and new, so I was glad to become a part of that.
2.     What do you enjoy most about being a SMP Author?
It’s such a great community of authors, with so much variety. I was really welcomed into the fold and the other authors are so helpful about chiming in with their experiences. Publishing can be a very hurry-up-and-wait industry, so it’s very valuable to have author friends who understand the unique nature of the business. SMP authors really reach out and go out of their way to help one another. There’s just not enough of that in the world, so I value it tremendously when I find it.
3.     What have your experiences been like working toward being published?
I’ve been fortunate to get just enough rejection to appreciate acceptance, but not so much rejection as to crush my soul. It’s also interesting to find out how inaccurate people’s perceptions of writers and the publishing industry are. Patience and the ability to work alone are incredibly important, so being an introvert works to my advantage.
4.     What would you have done differently?
So far, I wouldn’t change anything. (Knock on Kindle.) The things that didn’t work out for me were learning experiences that needed to happen.
5.     How has your book been marketed?
I’ve put in a ton of work into marketing my new series, which doesn’t even come out until March. My book blog www.WomenOfBadassery.com features strong heroines who don’t follow any rules about how women are supposed to be. It’s a subject that I’m passionate about, and my own books fall into that category. I love sci-fi and fantasy, so I’m an avid consumer of such books as well as a producer of them. In the process of building my blog, I’ve also built up an audience that is interested in the same things that interest me. Hopefully that will equate to my book being seen by the people who will appreciate it.
6.     Any advice on how to better market a book?
Doing a ton of research is key. The first thing to consider is genre. Everything follows from there. Tapping into the right venues and outlets is critical. Social media is very important, not just for marketing books but for finding them. I find all my reading material via social media.
7.     Last question; If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, when would it be, and what would you be wearing?
It’s hard to decide whether to revisit someplace I love or to try out somewhere I’ve always wanted to go. I’ll go with the adventurous side, so Ireland will be my answer. I’m the only redhaired person anywhere on my family tree, and I’ve always thought that being somewhere with a lot of gingers would be pretty amazing. Plus, I can listen to an Irish accent all day long. I’d love to see all the beauty of Ireland in person, which would be so different than what I’m used to here in the States.
I’d try to find a time to go that would offer good weather but not be during the high tourist season. I’m not a fan of long lines. As for what I’d wear, I’m guessing I’d kit myself out in native tartan. And a tam. And a sporran. Because it would be awesome and I don’t care if people give me the “she’s obviously a tourist” fish-eye.

Seeking Sorrow: Guardians of Terath, Book OneA logical ninja-like judge called a justice and a mercurial wizard-like guy who uses a natural resource called mana. An empathic psychologist called a reader and a painfully polite young hired blade. Add in a master archer with a quirky sense of humor.These five people are thrown together to quietly get to the bottom of a mysterious mana event that must stay quiet. If the population of Terath becomes aware of the truth, it will spark a civil war. That war would pit the majority of the population against the powerful minority with the ability to harness and manipulate mana. The resulting cataclysm would decimate the population and tear apart the foundation of society.The five people chosen for this must reconsider everything they thought they knew about mana, even as they learn to trust one another’s abilities. They must embrace everything they never wanted to prevent the devastation of their world. One of them will be forever changed.Even success comes at a price.

SMP New Release: The Widow's Walk by Carole Ann Moleti

A suspenseful romantic read just in time for Valentine's Day

What if you got a second chance?

Blog landing page http://caroleannmoleti.blogspot.com/p/the-widows-walk.html
Buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Widows-Walk-Carole-Ann-Moleti-ebook/dp/B00PHYCLHY

       Blurb

   Mike and Liz Keeny are newlyweds, new parents, and the proprietors of the Barrett Inn, an 1875 Victorian on Cape Cod, which just happens to be haunted. By their own ghosts. The Inn had become an annex of Purgatory, putting Mike, Liz, and their infant son in danger. Selling the historic seaside bed and breakfast was the only answer, one that Liz and her own tortured specter refused to consider. Were they doomed to follow the same path that led to disaster in their previous lives? Was getting out, getting away, enough?

             
Excerpt:

    Silk rustled as she ran her hands over the dress. The lavender scent deepened as Elisabeth swirled around inside, Her mind went numb as the ghost took control. She slipped out of her clothes and stood naked in front of the mirror. She put up her hair, preening for her husband, before she stepped into the middle of the deep green skirts and pulled them up over her waist, slipped her arms into the sleeves, and twisted them behind her back to fasten the buttons. She used the buttonhook to do up the shoes, then peered out into the hallway.
Liz bundled the sweat suit into her arms, along with the soap and paper goods, and hurried to the attic door. It wasn't until she placed her hand on the banister and started up the steep staircase to the roof that Elisabeth's needling eased. Like an addict in the throes of withdrawal, just the promise of being up there, her spirit communing with the long lost sea captain, offered relief.


Bio

Carole Ann Moleti lives and works as a nurse-midwife in New York City, thus explaining her fascination with all things paranormal, urban fantasy, and space opera. Her nonfiction focuses on health care, politics, and women's issues. But her first love is writing science fiction and fantasy because walking through walls is less painful than running into them.

The first book in Carole's Cape Cod paranormal romance novel series, The Widow's Walk, was published by Soulmate. Her short fiction appears in the Toil, Trouble and Temptation Anthology by Mocha Memoirs Press. Short stories set in the world of her novels are featured in Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts, Bites: Ten Tales of Vampires, Beltane: Ten Tales of Magic, and Seers: Ten Tales of Clairvoyance.

http://amazon.com/author/carolemoleti

http://Twitter.com/Cmoleti

https://www.facebook.com/caroleannmoleti

http://caroleannmoleti.blogspot.com

Soul Mate Publishing Author: Felicia Rogers

Felicia Rogers born and raised in the southern part of the United States is a Christian wife and mother, with a side interest-- writing. She won the Celebrate the Season Contest by Solstice Publishing in Sept. 2010 allowing her first novella, "The Holiday Truce" to be published. Since then she has published more than fifteen novels and novellas.

To learn more about this author visit her website at www.feliciarogersauthor.weebly.com or check her out on facebook at facebook.com/feliciarogersauthor.

website: Felicia Rogers AuthorFacebook: www.facebook.com/felciarogersauthoremail: feliciarogersauthor@yahoo.comGoodreads:  www.goodreads.com/feliciarogersAmazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Felicia-Rogers/e/B004FD7TLG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

1.      Tell us how you came to be an Author with Soul Mate Publishing.I became an author with Soul Mate Publishing with my story, A Month in Cologne. This story was written as a challenge in which three concepts had to be inserted into the story. I had fun trying to insert a fluffy pillow, a porch swing, and I never can remember that third item! But I’m so happy that Soul Mate accepted the story and helped me bring it to life.
2.      What do you enjoy most about being a SMP Author?What I enjoy most about being an SMP author is working with the staff and meeting some great new authors.
3.      What have your experiences been like working toward being published?Working toward being a published author has been a learning experience, and not an easy one. I never realized how much work goes into editing and publishing the work. But the most important thing I’ve learned is how essential reviews are to an author. Reviews are something we can’t accomplish on our own, but without them we can’t promote in certain venues.
4.      What would you have done differently?As for what I would have done differently, sometimes I think that if I’d known how much work writing can be for such a small reward I might have stayed out of it altogether and just remained a reader. I love to read! Now I don’t get to do that as much as I like because I have to write or edit my own work. But on the other hand, if I’d kept my stories to myself then the characters in my head might not have been happy. So I guess it is best that I let them out.
5.      How has your book been marketed?A Month in Cologne has been shared by my street team, The Inspired Inkpot.
6.      Any advice on how to better market a book?I’m still looking for the best way to market. Like I said before without reviews most sites won’t list your work. Also most sites only market novels instead of novellas. So for me I think the best way has been word of mouth or offering a book for sale.
7.      Last question; If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, when would it be, and what would you be wearing?If I could go anywhere in the world, I would pick Scotland and I would go in current times. I would love to see the rolling hills filled with purple flowers. I have no idea what I’d be wearing, but I hope the pattern is plaid.
A Month in Cologne - Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JVAO2AEBlurb: Rachel Wilson has committed to working in Cologne, Germany, for one month. Consigned to a tiny apartment, she looks forward to completing her responsibilities to the museum so she may explore Europe and begin her new life. 
John Viteri is a confident museum curator, but when he arrives at his new job in Germany, he struggles to find God’s plan for his life. 

Thrown together, will Rachel and John allow God’s providence to guide them, or will they choose their own path?

Soul Mate Publishing Author: J.R Richardson

Bio:
A movie fanatic, a writer of stories, a lover of life.
Jo grew up in Maryland with four siblings, three parents and an endless number of cousins within the vicinity – but it was too cold up North for this thin blooded girl. So today, she lives in Florida with her two girls and a husband that shares her same sense of humor and basic take on life as we know it.
Life is too short to put dreams on the back burner.
Jo tells contemporary stories with romance, humor, the supernatural, the paranormal, suspense, mystery, action and anything else she can think up.
In 2012, she wrote Cursed be the Wicked, a character driven, paranormal mystery romance that was picked up by Soul Mate Publishing and released in March of 2014. Since then, Jo has also written a couple of short stories and recently contracted a romantic comedy entitled Cookie Cutter, with Little Bird Publishing, that is expected to release in the Spring of 2015.

Where you can find Jo:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | PINTEREST

1.      Tell us how you came to be an Author with Soul Mate Publishing.     Long story short, in 2012 I finished my first full length publishable novel. I queried, and queried and queried and queried until one day, Debby from Soul Mate sent me the nicest email, stating she loved the story so much, she wanted to publish it. I was spinning for a week.
2.      What do you enjoy most about being a SMP Author?     Writing what I want to write instead of feeling like I have to fit in to one particular genre.
3.      What have your experiences been like working toward being published?     It’s an awful lot of hard work, from editing to marketing yourself, to making connections and finding spots on blogs to get some exposure and sending out review requests, which in a lot of ways, feels like the query process. But totally worth it. I’ve learned so much priceless information over the past year and ½.
4.      What would you have done differently?     Honestly, no much. I think I would have made sure I cut out more writing time for myself instead of spending quite so much time on the marketing side. But live and learn. I know now. There needs to be balance, always.
5.      How has your book been marketed?     I did a blog tour, I’ve done a thunderclap campaign, had free days on amazon, sales, giveaways, and requested reviews from lots and lots of book review blogs.
6.      Any advice on how to better market a book?    I truly believe that word of mouth is the best marketing you’ll ever get. Don’t worry so much about placing an ad somewhere as much as getting reviews from readers and bloggers. And don’t fret too much over the not so great reviews, either. Even Jim Butcher and J.K. Rowling get them.

7.      Last question; If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, when would it be, and what would you be wearing?    Ireland, when the weather is at its best there (I’ll have to Google), and probably comfortable shoes.


Cooper Shaw lives his life under a pen name and enjoys the anonymity it provides during his journeys across the globe as a seasoned writer for a travel magazine. When his job lands him in his hometown of Salem, Massachusetts to cover the famous Festival of the Dead, he soon realizes that he can’t stay invisible forever as he faces ghosts from a past he’s been trying to forget ever since he left.
The city holds nothing but bad memories for Coop until he meets a quirky young woman with an old soul and curious insights by the name of Finnley Pierce. While she acts as his tour guide through a town he thought he knew, Finn helps him unearth the truth of his childhood and might even begin to open up his heart.
By unraveling the mystery of his father’s murder, Coop may finally accept who he is, where he came from, and perhaps even realize what he wants for his future.

Excerpt:
“It’s you.”

The woman from the front desk of the B&B. The fake Betsy. She’s right there, plain as day and still disheveled.

A smile crosses my lips involuntarily.

“Yeah,” she announces, with her very own brand of contempt, apparently not recognizing me at all.

I’m not sure whether I’m glad about that or not.

“It’s me,” she continues, “And if you don’t mind, I’m trying to listen to the lecture.”

“No,” I say, still grinning over at her like a complete idiot and still finding the need for her to recognize me. “It’s me.” I shift and put my things down to turn for her to see me full on. “From last night? At the Bed and Breakfast?”

Her facial expression doesn’t change one iota. “Yeah, I know who you are.”

“I was looking for you this morning.”

Her eyebrow lifts, her arms cross, and I’m feeling the urge to grin even wider.

Until she answers me.

“Why, so you could scream at me some more?”

“No,” I tell her. “Actually, I was hoping to apologize for last night, but . . .” I hesitate. I’m not exactly saying it like I’d planned to but in my defense, she kinda has this way of getting me all tongue tied.

“Hoping to?” she asks. “You were hoping to apologize?” She feigns flattery. “I am just so, thankful that you were hoping to apologize. Oh my, really, I just . . .”

She shakes her head as she trails off, and, ouch. I hold my hand up in surrender.

“Okay, okay, I get it. I apologize,” I tell her, quietly and leave it at that. I turn my focus back to the task at hand, but find myself mumbling an explanation. “I don’t even know what got into me, I’m just . . .” I breathe out and let it out, “having a bad week.”

“Bad week,” she mocks me under her breath. Then she slouches back into her chair. I’m thinking this conversation is over until I hear her ranting in angry undertones, “Did you know the number of public apologies that famous people make have tripled since nineteen-eighty? I don’t even wanna think about the number of private ones that aren’t being counted.”

I peek over at her, reluctant to say anything but curious as to where she’s going with this.

She catches me staring, and then whisper yells at me.

“Do you know how many of those apologies are probably genuine, Mr. Stone?”

It’s a good question. I hadn’t really thought about it. Before I can answer, she does it for me.

“Probably about one percent. And that’s being generous, in my opinion.”

“Look, lady, I just--”

People from the audience let out dramatic shushes and give us dirty looks before returning their attentions back to the speaker. A few minutes later, my row companion finishes her thought.

“Apologies are a dime a dozen. I don’t need an apology. What I need is sincerity.”

She settles down after that and I’m not sure if I’m supposed to apologize again or just shut up.

I go with shutting up.

Reviews:
“This is a beautifully crafted story with a plethora of plot twists! Several chapters end as cliffhangers and leave the reader scrambling to quickly turn the page to learn what happens next!”  – 5 star review from InD’tale Magazine
“Coop and Finn are two of those adorable characters that you can sink your teeth into; they had to work for their HEA; the flirty, sassy banter; the whole mystery of Coop’s father’s death; and the tiny bit of occult that works its way in -not too over the top, it is tiny things here and there that make it believable.  The book is well plotted, and is full of twists and turns.” – 5 star review from Lori at I am, Indeed
“I highly recommend this book if you're looking for adult mystery, romance, and a little spookiness to dabble in.” – 4 star review from Itching for Books

Links:
AMAZON | B&N | GOODREADS

Other works by Jo:
Coming Soon: Cookie Cutter – a contemporary romcom releasing in the Spring of 2015 through Little Bird Publishing.
Dealing with the Dead, a short prequel to Cursed be the Wicked in the voice of Finnley Pierce. (Available for FREE on Wattpad)
WATTPAD
Lost in Christmas, a short story included in Soul Mate Publishing’s 2013 Christmas anthology
AMAZON | GOODREADS

SMP Book Spotlight: A Might Good Man by Rebecca E. Neely

Hank Jerry…

Her personal and professional life on the skids, a family emergency forces her to return to the small town, and the aunt, she left behind.

Jack ‘Gent’ Darcy…

Fresh out of prison, he’s bent on cutting ties with the Creds, but when you're a war counselor in a national gang, they don't let you just walk away.

Injured and on the run, Jack lands on Hank's doorstep, and makes her a proposition she can’t refuse: write his story about life inside one of the most powerful gangs in the country.

It’s simple – she’ll get her career groove back, and he’ll bury the gang, then disappear – his version of freedom.

Only problem is, they can’t help falling for each other, and they’ve both got something to hide that could blow up in their faces.

With time running out and gang enforcers closing in, will the trust they’ve forged survive the ultimate test?
Rebecca E. Neely was born and raised in a small town in western Pennsylvania. Her father, an English teacher and a writer, instilled in her a love of words, and literature, especially short stories, at a young age.Her mother, a voracious reader, gave her Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild as a Christmas gift when she was nine, and Rebecca’s been hooked on reading stories of all stripes ever since.Rebecca’s parents also owned and managed a restaurant until she was about sixteen, and she grew up in the family business, working, cooking, and eating.Rebecca enjoys finding, and reading new authors via her Kindle. Live music inspires her, as do the characters she's blessed to have in her life, including her daughter, her boyfriend, and her mother.She loves drawing, crafting, walking, and camping. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, going to summer music festivals, and exploring cities she’s never been to before with her daughter.In a former life, she earned a B.S. in Accounting, and worked in that field for about a decade. Since 2001, Rebecca has freelanced, writing a wide variety of copy for local magazines, and businesses all over the country. She is a PRO member of Romance Writers of America.Visit Rebecca at www.rebeccaeneely.com, or stop by her Facebook page, at, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-E-Neely/740166889351411

Soul Mate Publishing Book Review: Forever After by Alexa Night

From Goodreads: 
Once upon a night not so long ago in a land not so far away, Sarah Evers meets her Prince Charming. She lives a happy life as the newest lawyer at Williams and Sons, not thinking love is a bump in the street away.

After a night of drinks with the gorgeous Declan Press, Sarah is swept into a whirlwind romance with the heir to a corporate kingdom. What her beloved fails to mention is that he plans to use her to secure his legacy before grandfather cuts him off.

When Declan's wicked stepmother lets it slip to ruin Sara's forever after and have her stepson cut off, she doesn't count on him really falling in love. Sarah must decide if she wants to follow her heart back to the doomed love, or her brain out west and away from all she wants.

My Review:
This was a fun read. It's quick, light, and finishes with a nice HEA.  There are some spicy scenes, so this book is for those who can take something a little bit naughty.
The main character is fairly typical, with a broken heart but she falls madly in love. She's cute, but definitely not naive. Delcan i simply a sexy billionaire that does everything right.
The only reason I didn't give this more stars is that at times it feels rushed and I kinda of wanted more from a scene than I got. Also, I think it probably needed another proofread as there are some missing words or typos here and there.
All up, I enjoyed this book.

Soul Mate Publishing Author: Amanda V.L Shalaby

Amanda L. V. Shalaby’s passion for all things Jane Austen was inspired by her mother and grandmother.  She now writes her own historical romantic mysteries. Amanda’s previously published works, Rhianna and Audra, both were nominated for the prestigious InD’Tale Magazine RONE Award.  Bleddyn Hall is her most recent novel. When Amanda is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Matthew, her Shih Tzu dogs, Isabella Jane and Huntley Rochester (yes, they were named after the characters from Jane Eyre), and her Persian cat, Sebastian.
 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Tell us how you came to be an Author with Soul Mate Publishing.Fortunately, my dear friend and fellow historical romance author Becky Lower introduced me to Soul Mate Publishing.  Her first contemporary novel Blame It on the Brontes was published with SMP last year. After that, I decided to pitch my latest historical mysteryBleddyn Hall – and the rest is (modern day) history!
What do you enjoy most about being a SMP Author?Definitely getting to know some of the other authors.  I’m still new to SMP, and I still have a lot of new folks to get to know, but I’ve made some wonderful new friends.  And read a lot of great SMP stories!
What have your experiences been like working toward being published?
Like many writers, I spent years looking for the right person to give me a break in the world of publishing.  There were a lot of queries sent out and plenty of rejections. One of the best things that I did was consult author/editor Teresa (Tracy) Grant (The Paris Plot) who gave me pointers on my first novel Rhianna.  I learned a lot from her and do not think I would have come as far as I have without that experience.

What would you have done differently?
If I had the opportunity to go back in time and do something differently, I would have probably consulted Tracy earlier!
How has your book been marketed?
Bleddyn Hall was released on February 11th and I'll have a blog tour shortly thereafter.  Details will be released on my blog amandalvshalaby.wordpress.com.
Any advice on how to better market a book?
There are lots of great ways to market a book, and a good publisher will help you out – especially with getting reviews – but who doesn’t just love free stuff?!  So I’m all about giveaways.  Giveaways are paramount!
Last question; If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, when would it be, and what would you be wearing?
Disclaimer: I am not a very adventurous traveler.  However, as an author of English historical mysteries, I would be happy to travel back in time to either Georgian or Victorian England, spend a Season in London or Bath while wearing silk taffeta gowns to breakfast.  Yes.  I think that would do very nicely!


Bleddyn Hall:After a whirlwind romance during the London Season, Lady Isabel Sutton finds herself quickly engaged to the handsome Lord Tresham Bleddyn, Earl of Dancy. But when his father passes away suddenly, Lord Tresham’s period of mourning delays their marriage and ruins the season for Tresham’s younger twin sisters, Annalise and Rosamund.
After the girls invite Isabel to their Yorkshire home, Bleddyn Hall, Tresham seems an entirely different man than the one she fell in love with in London. Not only that, but all is not well within the walls of Bleddyn Hall. The house’s dark secrets lead to murder, mystery and a gruesome discovery.Was Isabel’s happy future with Tresham nothing more than an illusion? Will she survive her stay at Bleddyn Hall?

Amazon

Cover Reveal: Cookie Cutter by Jo Richardson

Release date: March 23, 2015
Blurb: Iris Alden and Carter Blackwood couldn't be more different. Change-averse Iris likes her life neat and organized, while Carter's itchy feet mean he doesn’t plan to stay in the same place for long.

When Carter moves into the house across the street from Iris, to renovate it, she fights the disruption it causes in her life. Before long, though, it's not simply the house Carter's rebuilding, but Iris's heart, too.

Add it on Goodreads




Teaser:“What are you doing here?”

It’s Carter freaking Blackwood. Of course.

He smiles that ridiculously bright, white smile of his and lets out a soft snicker. “I’m fixing a floor for a friend, what are you doing here?”

It’s completely obvious what I’m doing here, seeing as I’m carrying two huge trays of sugar cookies in my arms.

“A friend? You just moved in. How do you have friends already?” I say it a bit harsher than I probably should but honestly, how does he have friends already?  James and I were here a good six months before people started really talking to me.  It was a year before I could call any of them friends. The edges of Carter’s mouth turn down and his head dips to one side as his shoulders hunch then settle.

“People like me, I guess.”

The smug look on his face is enough to make me want to slap it.  Or kiss it.

Wait. Not kiss it. I didn’t mean kiss it. Why am I staring at his lips?

“People who don’t want to kill me that is.  Are you okay?”

I blink, and search my brain, but I’m still not quite sure what to say to him, so I extend my arms. “I brought cookies.” As soon as I say the words, I hear them. I sound ridiculous and Carter’s bright eyes crinkle with amusement.

He closes his lids and he breathes the baked goods in. Then hums. The sound of his voice sends a vibration through me and I shiver. I am eternally grateful that he doesn’t see it happen.

His eyes open slowly. When they reach mine, I’m glued to his stare like a deer in headlights.

“Those cookies smell really fucking good, Iris.”

The bedroom eyes catch me off guard and my mouth falls open so I snap it shut. I’m a buffoon with no ability to speak.

“Can I have one?” He reaches out and I balance the platter with one hand, then slap his fingers with the other while I find words. A word that is.

“No.”

“Ow.” He pulls his hand away, like a child getting reprimanded, only when we make eye contact again, he doesn’t seem child like to me.

I wouldn’t say he’s angry. He doesn’t exactly laugh, either. And his eyes gleam as he stares at me. I hate his eyes almost as much as I hate his teeth. Maybe more. Dammit, I’m staring, again.

“They’re for Ally’s class,” I tell him. “Fundraiser, I mean bake sale.” I fumble my words. He’s so frustrating.
Other works by Jo:Cursed be the Wicked, a paranormal mystery romance, released March 2014 through Soul Mate Publishing
AMAZON | B&N | GOODREADS
Lost in Christmas, a short story included in Soul Mate Publishing’s 2013 Christmas anthology
AMAZON | GOODREADS
About Jo:A movie fanatic, a writer of stories, a lover of life.

Jo grew up in Maryland with four siblings, three parents and an endless number of cousins within the vicinity – but it was too cold up North for this thin blooded girl. So today, she lives in Florida with her two girls and a husband that shares her same sense of humor and basic take on life as we know it.

Life is too short to put dreams on the back burner.

Jo tells contemporary stories with romance, humor, the supernatural, the paranormal, suspense, mystery, action and anything else she can think up.

In 2012, she wrote Cursed be the Wicked, a character driven, paranormal mystery romance that was picked up by Soul Mate Publishing and released in March of 2014. Since then, Jo has also written a couple of short stories and her recently contracted contemporary romantic comedy, entitled Cookie Cutter, is set to release on March 23, 2015 through Little Bird Publishing.
Social Media:WEBSITE: http://jrrichardsonfics.weebly.comAMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/author/jrrichardsonficsFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JRRichardsonAuthorTWITTER: https://twitter.com/jofictionfreakGOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/JRRichardson

SMP Release: Phantom Traces by Claire Gem

A nerdy professor in a tweed jacket, a cheeky Goth chick, and a pipe-smoking, book-hurling ghost. Put them all together in an antiquated library and…well.Professor Jack Wood isn’t exactly nerdy, but his silver-streaked hair definitely ages him. He can thank Killer Dawn for that. He won’t be falling into the love trap again anytime real soon. But this new librarian has him curious, with her head-to-toe black Goth garb, piercings, and a defiant attitude to match. Definitely not his type of girl, but still…
Abigail Stryker’s got her work cut out for her. The last two librarians didn’t last a month before airborne books chased them off. But Abby’s determined to make her new life a go – and to stay as far away from older men as possible. Once was enough. Might be tough to do when the library’s best patron is none other than dreamy-eyed Jack Wood. And it seems the eccentric ghost may have taken a shine to her as well.
Claire Gem  writes for her life. An avid fan of romance and a good ghost story, she has lived in five states,  including Florida, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. She's worked as a hairdresser, a bridal designer, a lab tech, and presently in scientific research. Her loves are horses, fluffy cats, fishing, pretty things, and being a novelist. And wine. And chocolate.
Claire's idea of a great love story is one that transports you to another place and introduces you to new people so real, you miss them when you read The End.
She loves exploring - and writing about - the unexplained, which is why she recently earned her certificate in Parapsychology from Duke Institute of Paranormal Studies. You'll find her on Twitter, stalking the Ghost Adventures crew and all things #ghost and #haunted. 
A proud member of Romance Writers of America, New England Romance Writers Chapter, and Connecticut Romance Writers Chapter.
Since receiving her MFA in Creative Writing from Lesley University, Claire loves living in New England with her husband Clark, who's been her HEA for almost 35 years now, a Boston terrier named Chopper, a well-worn Mac laptop, and lots of daydreams.
www.clairegem.com@gemwriterFB: http://on.fb.me/1BhmfCj Goodreads: http://bit.ly/17zCJwY

Soul Mate Publishing Author: Rose Lange

Bio:
Rose Lange has been a reader since she was little.  Her joy for reading eventually turned into a passion for writing, which she started pursuing in high school. Her English teacher read her first manuscript, a contemporary romance, and encouraged her to keep writing. 
She is a member of Romance Writer’s of America, as well as the Wisconsin Chapter, where she has formed wonderful friendships.
Rose lives in Southeastern Wisconsin with her husband, son, and a mischievous poodle, Gizmo. She loves spending time in her “mommy” cave creating stories, and getting to know her characters.
When she’s not busy writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching old movies, reading, and shopping.
“Gracie’s Plan,” a contemporary romance, is her debut novel.
Website: www.roselange.comFacebook-https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rose-Lange-Author/1412819088993588?ref=hlTwitter-https://twitter.com/writingdiva82


1. Tell us how you came to be an Author with Soul Mate Publishing.
I attended a local Wisconsin conference, the summer of 2013, and pitched to Cheryl Yeko. She requested the full manuscript for review, and liked the story, however, told me it needed some revisions. So I spent three months plugging away, and crossing my fingers. But after I completed the edits, I was so nervous I waited a couple days. Finally I gathered enough courage to press that send button. On October 2, 2013 I opened “the” e-mail, and the first thing I did was scream. My son was sitting next to me, and he gave me this funny look, as if to say, “What’s wrong with you, Mom?” It was a great moment, and I was over the moon excited. I still smile when I think about it. Gracie’s Plan, a contemporary romance, was released August 26, 2014. I’m currently working on personal edits on my second manuscript.
2. What do you enjoy most about being a SMP Author?
I like the “family” feeling it has, and has had from the start.  I enjoy the friendly atmosphere on our Facebook page, and the Yahoo loop. We support each other, and guide each other on this exciting, and sometimes scary, journey. If I ever have a question, or need someone to bounce an idea off of, they’re always there. I also loved the fact that I had a say in my how my cover was going to look, and that I was able to keep my title.  Through every step of the way, I’ve always had the great support of my editor, and fellow SMP authors. I couldn’t ask for a better group, or a better publishing house. I’m very happy here.
3. What have your experiences been like working toward being published?
Challenging. I started writing when I was 14, wrote two books, then dropped it for a while. I eventually started writing again after my son was born, and now I can’t imagine notwriting. My road to having my first book published was, I’ll admit, rough. I thought personal edits were hard, but I had no clue how brutal edits could be. It was an eye-opening experience, but one I was glad to have, because it pushed me, and made me a better writer. My editor, Cheryl, made the process less scary, and was there for me every step of the way. I feel fortunate, and blessed to have her as my editor. She was just a phone call, or e-mail away, with any questions or problems. Being published can be scary, but it was nice to have someone holding my hand along the way.
4. What would you have done differently?
I wouldn’t have let social media intimidate me so much, and would have dived in sooner. I was afraid in the beginning, but now I just go with the flow. It’s not so scary anymore.
5. How has your book been marketed?
I currently have a web site, Facebook, and Twitter. Since I’m new at this, I’m still trying to figure things out as far as marketing goes. I do hope to have my book featured in my local paper soon, so that’s a good start. J
6. Any advice on how to better market a book?
I’m a newbie, so the best advice I have, as far as social media goes is, start small. One of my author friends suggested starting with a website, and Facebook, then to slowly bring in other platforms. That advice helped me immensely, because I wasn’t overwhelmed.  Start small, get comfortable, do the best you can, and write that next book! J
7. Last question; If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, when would it be, and what would you be wearing?
As I write this post, it’s cold, snowy, and miserable outside, so I would be happy to go on a Mediterranean cruise during the summer months. I’d be wearing a cute maxi dress, jean jacket and killer sandals, and a smile.
          Convinced by her mother that she’s not woman enough to keep her husband, Annabelle O’Sullivan files for divorce after two years of marriage. Shortly thereafter, she enters an abusive relationship that leaves her frail, scarred, and broken. She’s convinced this kind of love is the only kind she’s worthy of.
          Annabelle also never thought she’d see her ex-husband, Kade Hoffman again. But when her Aunt Gracie passes away, she’s not only inheriting her antique shop, but that it comes with a life-changing catch: that she and her ex-husband must live together in her aunt’s cabin for two months, before either can inherit anything.           Can she break down the barriers of her past, and find the courage to love again? 
 Amazon