J.D. Ruskin's Blog, page 3
August 16, 2014
Free Audiobook
I'm giving away a free copy of the audiobook version of When One Door Opens. The raffle ends on Sunday, Aug 17th. Check out My Blog
August 14, 2014
Facebook Page
If you're interested in new release information, free reads, and giveaways, then like this link: page .
August 6, 2014
Audio book for When One Door Opens
I was thrilled when I first heard my novel When One Door Opens would be made into an audio book. I've been so fortunate that so many people have taken a chance on me and read my debut book. The process of making an audio book involves Dreamspinner sending me sample recordings of the narrators. I was a nuisance to everyone in my writing circle, making them listen to the recordings over and over again. I'm really happy with the narrator I ended up selecting. K.C. Kelly did a fantastic job narrating the novel. One of the reasons I selected K.C. Kelly was because he was the narrator for two novels I really enjoyed: Brute by Kim Fielding and Ethan, Who Loved Carter by Ryan Loveless.
If you're interested, you can hear a sample of the audio book on Audible, iTunes, Amazon
If you're interested, you can hear a sample of the audio book on Audible, iTunes, Amazon
Audio book for When One Door Opens
I was thrilled when I first heard my novel When One Door Opens would be made into an audio book. I've been so fortunate that so many people have taken a chance on me and read my debut book. The process of making an audio book involves Dreamspinner sending me sample recordings of the narrators. I was a nuisance to everyone in my writing circle, making them listen to the recordings over and over again. I'm really happy with the narrator I ended up selecting. K.C. Kelly did a fantastic job narrating the novel. One of the reasons I selected K.C. Kelly was because he was the narrator for two novels I really enjoyed: Brute by Kim Fielding and Ethan, Who Loved Carter by Ryan Loveless. If you're interested, you can hear a sample of the audio book on Audible, iTunes, or Amazon.
July 12, 2014
Inspiration for my novel When One Door Opens (Caleb)
The original inspiration for my novel When One Door Opens came from a real life news article. The article was about a woman who died in a fire in Chicago because she refused to leave the building. The woman was an agoraphobic. I remember being so shocked and saddened by this article. Imagine a fear so great that it can override your instinct for self-preservation. I'd never considered agoraphobia could be life threatening. The article also made me think about my own experiences.
I have had two panic attacks in my life, both in my twenties. The first one was the most serious. I was driving to work during the very first week of my first job after college. I was late and managed to take a wrong turn. My heart started to race and my hands to shake. It got so bad that I had to pull over, nearly ending up in a ditch. I thought I was having a heart attack. I thought I was dying. My cell phone was in my purse in the backseat, but there was no way I was going to reach it. I felt frozen. Fear doesn't give a crap about logic and reason. I was fear's bitch until she decided to let me go twenty minutes later.
I told no one about the panic attack. Not coworkers. Not friends. Not family. It was my dirty little secret until I started writing When One Door Opens. I've been really lucky not to suffer from panic attacks since then. I really appreciated the people who reached out to me when the book was published to tell me I'd captured their experiences with panic attacks accurately. I spent a lot of time reading firsthand accounts, realizing I'd shared a lot of the same symptoms and stressors. In When One Door Opens, Caleb has a severe form of agoraphobia, like the woman in Chicago, which leaves him a prisoner in his own apartment. Most agoraphobics can leave home with difficulty, usually with a trusted loved one. Caleb hasn't left his apartment in three years. By the end of the novel, Caleb has made progress but he isn't cured. Because recovery isn't a straight line, with a start and an end. It's more like a rollercoaster. Love can't cure agoraphobia, but it sure in the hell helps to have someone to hold your hand when the rollercoaster plunges over the edge.
Click Here For Buy Links
I have had two panic attacks in my life, both in my twenties. The first one was the most serious. I was driving to work during the very first week of my first job after college. I was late and managed to take a wrong turn. My heart started to race and my hands to shake. It got so bad that I had to pull over, nearly ending up in a ditch. I thought I was having a heart attack. I thought I was dying. My cell phone was in my purse in the backseat, but there was no way I was going to reach it. I felt frozen. Fear doesn't give a crap about logic and reason. I was fear's bitch until she decided to let me go twenty minutes later.
I told no one about the panic attack. Not coworkers. Not friends. Not family. It was my dirty little secret until I started writing When One Door Opens. I've been really lucky not to suffer from panic attacks since then. I really appreciated the people who reached out to me when the book was published to tell me I'd captured their experiences with panic attacks accurately. I spent a lot of time reading firsthand accounts, realizing I'd shared a lot of the same symptoms and stressors. In When One Door Opens, Caleb has a severe form of agoraphobia, like the woman in Chicago, which leaves him a prisoner in his own apartment. Most agoraphobics can leave home with difficulty, usually with a trusted loved one. Caleb hasn't left his apartment in three years. By the end of the novel, Caleb has made progress but he isn't cured. Because recovery isn't a straight line, with a start and an end. It's more like a rollercoaster. Love can't cure agoraphobia, but it sure in the hell helps to have someone to hold your hand when the rollercoaster plunges over the edge.
Click Here For Buy Links
October 19, 2013
EPIC 2014 E-Book Contest
I entered two contests this year for my first book, When One Door Opens, and managed to be a finalist in both. That is beyond awesome. I have also loved hearing from readers who enjoyed the book. It means a lot to me that you take the time to let me know.
Winners will be announced at EPICon in March 2014.
http://www.epicorg.com/
Winners will be announced at EPICon in March 2014.
http://www.epicorg.com/
October 1, 2013
Rainbow Awards
When One Door Opens is a finalist in the category of Gay Contemporary Romance for the Rainbow Awards. Yea! Congrats to everyone who made the list.
When One Door Opens
When One Door Opens
July 23, 2013
Character Interview
I'm putting to together a character interview in the form a free fic for Caleb and Logan from When One Door Opens. One of Daniel's college students will be interviewing them. Do you have any burning questions you'd like to ask them? Comment below and I will try to incorporate them into the free fic. I would love to hear from you.
When One Door Opens
When One Door Opens
March 19, 2013
Best Book for 2012 Nomination
I am excited to announce that When One Door Opens was nominated for Best Book for 2012 by Romance Reviews (TRR) in the category of GLBT - Contemporary Romance. The voting period is March 18 to 31, 2013, 12am to 11:59pm EST. If you enjoyed reading about Caleb and Logan, I would love to have your vote.
When One Door Opens
J.D. Ruskin
