Bella Roccaforte's Blog, page 3

KindleUnlimited Paranormal Box Set – Alpha’s Awakened

Amazon US :: Amazon UK :: Amazon CA :: Amazon AU

Dive into these wickedly sexy paranormal romances. This boxed set is filled with bad boys that you crave – vampires, shifters, dragons, and more! Grab it now. It’s only available for a limited time!

VIKTOR Heart of Her King by Julia Lake Mills

One has a chance for revenge, the other a chance for redemption. Together they must make a choice. Together they hold the key. Together only they can save the Heart of Her King.

Somnus’ Love by Nicole Garcia

Lailani is a human who longs for the love she cannot have.

Somnus, the God of Dreams, will never give his heart to another woman again after the death of his first love.

Can their hearts be mended? Or will it be too late to heal the wounds that have scarred them both?

The Dark Delta (Dark Brothers, Book Three) by Cora A Murray

Brody Dark; wild brother, womanizer, and pack delta. He enjoys his women and his job, they are his life, until he comes face to face with the one woman who can tame him. His mate.

Kennedy has a secret of her own, one that can destroy Brody and the pack he loves so much. She is taboo and Brody cannot be involved with her and remain with his brothers. 

Is fate strong enough to keep them together or will pack law force them apart?

DESPERATELY SEEKING SIXTY-NINE by JD Frettier

Meet Bonnie & Peter Hampton, a quintessential hippie couple who met in 1969 at Woodstock and began a love-filled journey.

Fast forward 47 years when Bonnie dies after a night of hot sex. She’s whisked up to Purgatory, aka The Green Room.

Follow her on the hilarious quest to channel the love of her life and have the sex toys removed from her closet before the kids start sorting through her things.

Winter Eve (Shifters of Ashwood Falls book 1) by Lia Davis

Danica Welsh was born to be the leopard pack healer. An accident involving a drug-induced youth left her badly burned and scared—emotionally and physically. All hope of mating and family becomes a distant dream. When she finally starts to accept the long, lonely existence ahead of her, a stranger crashes into her life, and her heart.

On the Run by Casey Hagen

How to celebrate turning 30…a psychic, matchmaker, and a pint-sized gypsy lady who promises true love in a one-ounce bottle dangling from her gnarled fingers. Sierra Mercer, has her career as a luxury hotel manager on lock, her newly purchased dream home, the only thing missing is an Adonis to waltz into her life and sweep her off her stilettoed feet.

A Gypsy’s Kiss by Susan Griscom

Despite his vow to stay single and play as many college women as he can while the fun lasts, Hawk Covington can’t ignore his attraction to the lovely and spirited Breena Cassidy. And she can’t get the hunky star hockey player out of her mind once a single touch of his hand reveals something utterly strange and exciting.

Never Die by N.L. Hoffman

Riley Cole is a lone wolf. Metaphorically speaking, that is.

As she gets closer to the answers that she seeks, something otherworldly happens… Riley becomes an actual wolf.

With the help of Sheriff Luke Thatcher, can Riley get to the truth and save those closest to her before it’s too late?

Demons by C.J. Hartnett

Succubus demons thrive on sex for power. Except Mina. It’s a simple life. No attachments. No attractions. But when she meets Caleb, the sex is phenomenal and she actually feels something. Caleb just wants a one-night stand, but after having mind-blowing sex, he changes his mind. They agree to be friends with benefits. When Mina and Caleb learn the truth, will their white-hot passion be enough to stop them from killing each other?

Double Desire by A.K Michaels

Always on the run…in case he tracks me down. He’s relentless. He’s evil. He’s the devil incarnate. He’s my father.

I’m in Vegas on a job, and the last thing I expect is to run into two hot guys when I’m knocked on my ass. Literally. A powerful Vampireand a sexy Wolf who scoop me up with promises of help, support…and so much more. I see it in their eyes…the hunger, the lust…and if I believe what they say…love. But can I take the gamble? Risk everything and stay. Do I put my trust in them to keep me safe and give them the one thing I’ve kept locked up my entire life? My heart.

Zane, Flames of Vampire Passion, Book One by Elaine Barris

Paranormal Author Lindy Beck is about to learn that the world she writes about is very real when she arrives at an adult convention to sell her books, and finds Zane there at her table claiming to be her assistant. Little does she know how drastically her life is about to change, with his entrance into as Zane takes her from her colorless world and immerses her into his vibrancy. Their passion is a flame that will not be extinguished.

Fine Lines: Deadly Dreams Book 1 by Bella Roccaforte

Shay Baynes is living her dream…until it turns into a nightmare from Hell itself.

Shay’s highly successful comic series, Sanguine Specter, holds a secret…it’s based on her nightmares. Finally she’s able to feel something other than the crippling numbness after the death of her sister…and her fiancé dumping her. She’s riding high on her success when the gruesome tales in her comics suddenly become horrendous reality.

Fur Ever Yours by Melanie James

The Fates etched Rafe & Mina’s destiny in stone long ago. Now, one twisted wolf seeks to destroy them both. Will he succeed or will Mina and Rafe’s bond be strong enough to survive? The legends and sagas of the Norse tell tales of mystic warriors, the Berserkers. Heroes with hearts so fierce, loyal and courageous the Gods endowed them with a supernatural gift—the spirit of the wolf. As the time of the Gods faded into the shadows of yesterday, the wolf warriors held fast to their old ways, becoming outlaws in their ancestral lands. In a new age, in a new land, the packs rebuilt their lives faithful to their sacred ways. In the pack of Black Paw, one man stands above all others, Rafe Erikson. His unquestioned authority and skill have fulfilled all but one part of his destiny, to find his mate. What happens when he learns that his destined mate is bound to the twisted leader of a rival pack? In the saga of Black Paw, there can be only one choice: To follow your destiny at any cost.

KindleUnlimited Contemporary Romance Box Set!

Hey hey check this out! Ten other authors and I have put our first in series contemporary romance in a KindleUnlimited Box set for a limited time. This set is chock full of romance and suspense and you can get them all in one place.

These books are not available anywhere else but in this box set!!!

Amazon US ::  Amazon UK :: Amazon AU :: Amazon CA

A Deadly Obsession by Melanie James

Jake Matthews never wanted the life he was born into. He’s worked hard to keep his past a secret from everyone around him including the love of his life. When an unknown force comes after the woman he loves, will he give it all up to protect her? Redemption, justice, and vengeance. Will Jenny and the men in her life be able to see where one ends and another begins? It’s a fine line between right and wrong. How far will someone go to protect the ones they love? How much are they willing to risk?

Love Me Always, Book One of the Love Me Always Duet by Susan Pierce.

With vicious career ambitions and a set of rules she wears like armor, Chase thinks her life is under control… because love isn’t a part of it. Enter Jared Bryan, super cocky and heart-crushingly gorgeous country music star, who is hell bent on winning her over, and she suddenly finds herself riding the line between hate and desire. Or is it more? Throw in a bachelorette trip to Vegas, a horrifying wax experience, and a handful of crazy friends, and this sizzling Contemporary Romance will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and have all the feels!.

Business Pleasures (Pleasures of the Heart book 1) by Lia Davis

Kenton has wanted Aimee since the day she walked into the interview. Now he has the chance to make her his and nothing or no one is going to stand in his way. Especially not the ex-husband newly released from prison who has revenge in his sights.

Falling in Fiji by Casey Hagen

A woman betrayed…
Corinne Anderson designs the most stunning engagement rings on the west coast. A jewelry designer for the jet set and engaged to marry the man of her dreams, Corinne thinks she has it all—until her engagement explodes in spectacular fashion. Devastated, Corinne dares a sexy stranger to help turn her honeymoon from broken to breathtaking.

 

Sunset and New Beginnings
~A Heaven’s Beach Love Story by Terri Riggs

Mandi and Josh have both sworn off love. But if they will let it, the magic of Heaven’s Beach may help them find a way to let the sun set on the past and together discover a new beginning.

RELATIONSHIP RESUSCITATION by Jennifer Theriot

Meet Jayne & Phillip Miller, original homeowners on Juniper Court.
He’s a successful attorney and she’s a flourishing blogger. 
Head over heels in love and approaching 50, their relationship needs a little jump start. It’s game on when Jayne challenges Phillip to a Relationship Resuscitation contest….

 

Broken Wide Open by Susan Griscom

Leo D’Amoré was just a man Grace met while enjoying a little un-honeymoon retaliation against the man she was supposed to marry, at an exotic resort, miles from home…

They became friends. No last names, no promises, commitments, or ties. Yet even after she returns home, she can’t get him out of her head. Too bad she’ll never see him again. 

                  

Hurricane (Book One – In the Midst of a Storm Series) by C.L. Pardington

Emory University student, Remy Lockwood, led a privileged life on his family’s plantation in Savannah, GA. All he wanted was a week of fun with his best friend when he hit Miami Beach for Spring Break, and a chance to get away from his ex-girlfriend, Willow. He never thought that his decision to get away would lead to Davina Romero, a waitress struggling to put herself through school at Johnson and Wales University. Sparks fly and unavoidable attraction consume them; however, Willow isn’t about to let go and is willing to do anything to derail any chance of a future between Remy and Davina.

Time, jealousy, and mistrust are all tough foes to fight, and Remy and Davina’s fates seem determined to tear them apart.

Will tragedy and disaster brought on by Mother Nature finally bring them together?

Decadent Dreams by Nicole Garcia

He’s hiding a secret that has been eating him alive for years.
She’s slowly breaking down the impenetrable wall he’s built around his heart.
Can they overcome their differences and constant bickering before love is no longer an option for either of them?

Deep in the Heart by Madison Sevier

Single mom and owner of Infini-Tea & Coffee shop, Shelby Lynn Mitchell has a nice, quiet life in Infinity. Despite the constant interference of her matchmaking mother, Shelby has no desire to get wrapped up in any romantic entanglements. Her last love was also her first and when he left town, she closed off that piece of herself, vowing to focus on her business and raising her young son.

Hell hasn’t frozen over, but Jake Seymour is back in town and he’s on a mission. His presence forces Shelby to face her past and suffer the consequences of keeping a secret from Jake for six years. While caring for her ailing mother, raising her son and dealing with a torrent of feelings she thought she buried long ago, Shelby soon learns love is what matters most. And love always wins.

 

Girl on a Swing (Book 1 Wounded Bird Series) by Bella Roccaforte

Sometimes the road to love takes a detour. 

Wren is working to reclaim her life after leaving her abusive alcoholic husband, but she didn’t know she was going to reclaim her passion. 

Maddox had always loved Wren from afar but she was off limits. He stood by her side through all the struggle, but when he can’t contain his own feelings their relationship heats up. 

Will Wren and Maddox find their way to the ultimate love?

Help Me Pick My Cover

Hey Hey! I’m finally getting back in the groove of things and I’m working hard on getting A Wolf’s Hunger: Dax written for you guys! I do need a little bit of help if you don’t mind. I can’t decide which cover I like best.

Help me decide! Please leave a comment with which one is your favorite. Blue Smokey or FIRE.

FIREBlue Smokey

Beach Please…Retreat!

Writing Retreat

I’ve begun my journey home from a fabulous writing retreat
in Virginia Beach. As with anything called a “retreat,” the expectation would
be to feel renewed. I’m a little tired but definitely renewed and reinvigorated
about writing what I love.

Don’t let the name fool you. There was not a lot of writing
happening, and I’m long enough in the author tooth to know that should’ve been
the case with so many fabulous ladies in one place. Yet here we are. I made
this crazy-ass writing goal like always, and I’m at about 50% success rate in
getting writing done at retreats. The bad news is that I did not make my goal.
The good news is that it’s okay.

Part of the retreat was about not being too hard on
ourselves as authors, that it’s okay to take care of us sometimes and okay not to
pump out books like a factory. I’ve never done that, but I know many who have. More
power to the fast writers.

We had many discussions about all things business in writing,
all the tasks and businessy side that I prefer to ignore but really can’t if I
want to continue writing. This is an expensive hobby and I need it to at least
pay for itself. There are things like keeping track of taxes and expenses and the
like. My brain prefers to leave those things to someone else, but at the end of
the day, there is no one else who is going to run the business side of my writing.

Then there was the fun stuff, the real meat of the retreat. There
was the hot tub, the bonding, and the Cards Against Humanity where I may have
picked up my new signature revenge move – shit in someone’s laptop and close
it. All these years I’ve been thinking the threat of shitting on someone’s
pillow was the ultimate revenge. Who knew?

We talked about things that are holding us back. For me, it
was very simple when I broke it down – fear. Fear is holding me back. I can talk
all day long that it’s about having a full-time job and being the sole
caretaker of my children, and that I don’t have time to write and produce what
I should while running my business. Of course that’s part of it, but not what’s
at the root.

When I sit down to work on whatever story I’m writing, I am
afraid. What if you don’t like it? What if you find out that I don’t know a
good story from a hole in the ground? What if you find out I can’t comma to
save my life and that maybe my personal view of love and romance is inherently
flawed? Writing a book is like standing naked in front of a crowd, and I’m
afraid.

All of this stems from some childhood bullshit about my
mommy not loving me enough, but I’m a grown ass adult. My mother is long dead,
and here I am alive and well still being afraid of her words and the words of others
like her.

I’ve been working on it. I really have. When you grow up
with a narcissistic parent you tend to gravitate toward narcissists. You can’t
help it. It’s a thing, so talk to your therapist and they will confirm this.
I’ve been working to purge the narcissists from my life and my scope of
existence. No more token narcissists for me. I’m quitting cold turkey.

The real wakeup call was when the words of a “friend” kept
me from doing something that I loved because her words fueled the fear in me. That’s
when I realized that I had allowed someone in my life far too much power over me.

I have gotten back to writing and did before this retreat.
I’m currently working on Dax and hope to have him released this summer. Then I
will move on to the next one, but I’m not sure what it’s going to be. I know
what my reader wants, but I’m not sure if I can do that one just yet. I have to
find a little more peace before I can tackle Moon Wake.

This retreat was an excellent exercise in seeing what our
community should be: supportive, loving, and safe amongst other authors. I
learned so much about how you, the readers, want to see more on social media,
and I have to start getting used to Instagram – gag. I don’t like taking
pictures of myself, so I’m going to have to be creative. You have been warned.

I also learned that no matter what we discuss in respect to
marketing, social media, release schedules, or the hot genres, at the end of
the day it’s about writing what you love. I will continue to write the stories
I love, the stories that burn inside me to get out. I don’t know that I’ll ever
change my views on romance, but you never know; magic is always afoot and I
love the unexpected.

9/11 Never Forget – No, really never forget

If you’re over the age of twenty, you remember September 11, 2001. You likely remember exactly where you were, exactly what you were doing, and exactly who you were with or what you were eating for breakfast. If you were an adult, you remember the complete and utter disbelief that rocked your entire being. You had no actual understanding of the monumental event that was occurring, nor could you imagine the massive loss of precious life America would sustain or how it would affect the people.

Throughout history, we’ve only had a handful of tragedies on American soil; none of them have been of this magnitude. Our false sense of security was demolished that day, and we still don’t know what to do with those feelings.

Our thoughts turned to the people we knew that lived in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Were they okay? How close to the Twin Towers die they work or live? How close were they to the Pentagon? And so on.

We watched the scene unfold, terror immobilizing us, seventeen years later still able to recall the place we were standing when the second plane hit.

Thousands died that day. It was a tragedy, and the first time since the Revolutionary War that we became acutely aware that we’re vulnerable to foreign attack—and technically, the Revolutionary War wasn’t foreign.

What did America do with this new world we were thrust into, where we had to admit that we were vulnerable, that we weren’t liked by all people, nations, and religions? Because, before that, we thought we were impervious. We were the greatest country on Earth, right?

As a people, we did nothing good in the long run.

Of course, there are hundreds of accounts of bravery and kindness. Our first responders and volunteers met the mark, going above and beyond. They put their own lives at risk to save or recover victims of the massacre. Those brave men and women will never be the same emotionally after what they saw and went through. Some will never be the same physically, and they made incredible self-sacrifices. For that, I’m eternally grateful.

What good did I expect—or foolishly hope—to come of this? I hoped that we’d come together as a people, a nation, and a community. We did, for a minute, but it didn’t last. Not only did it not last, but our nation has become uglier with each passing year.

We’ve allowed politics, religion, race, and socioeconomical differences to divide us to the point of violence. Not that we didn’t have violence before—we certainly did—but it’s so much more prevalent now. I weep for the future of my children in this dark new world.

I’m very private about my political beliefs and intend to stay that way. If you’d like to discuss what I believe, I’m happy to do so, but I’m not duking it out on social media. I have very calm debates with friends and family regarding politics and religion. I listen to their differing views and try to find something that resonates with me. If I can’t, I still respect their opinions. Because, here’s a secret: You don’t have to agree with someone to remain respectful.

That’s fundamentally what we’re missing. We’ve lost all contact with respect for others and their right to have opinions.

So many of you have posted “Never Forget” as we mourn the loss of the thousands of people who died this day, seventeen years ago. I feel your sentiment, I feel your loss, I feel your sense of mourning.

But think about this for a moment:

Two-thousand nine-hundred seventy-seven people died on 9/11. They weren’t all Americans, and they weren’t all white, black, brown, or purple. They weren’t all republicans, democrats, feminists, fundamentalists, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindis, Atheists. They weren’t all pro or anti-choice.

What were they all? They were all people.

You’re mourning all of them today; remembering them.

You’re mourning the dead republicans, democrats, Christians, Muslims, Hindis, and Atheists—ALL of them. Right? You aren’t saying a prayer today that says, “Lord, please let all the liberals rest easy in your arms in heaven, and Fuck the democrats.” At least, I hope that’s not what your prayer sounds like.

When you took that moment of silence to consider the loss, were you trying to figure out how many anti-choice people died so you can only count them in your remembrance? No, you were remembering the dead, all of them.

I challenge you, while you’re mourning the lost, to consider your interactions with the living. Before you condemn an entire group of people for what they believe, think about them as a living, breathing people. That asshole that cut you off in traffic this morning? They likely didn’t mean it and probably just weren’t paying attention; bless their heart and move on. It will be better for you in the long run, I promise.

Really think about your interactions with people—whether you agree with them or not. Agree to disagree if you must.

During the heated election, I lost one friend due to differing opinions. It had NOTHING to do with opposing political beliefs; we actually agreed on most points. That friendship was lost because of how she treated other people with differing opinions. I won’t tolerate that, and neither should you.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t express yourself and your beliefs, just that you need to respect others, even if you don’t agree.

Let’s remember the lost with kind hearts and treat the living as though they could be lost tomorrow.

Win a Kindle Fire! All Things Magical Giveaway!

ALL THINGS MAGICAL
Paranormal Romance & Fantasy Giveaway
August 22 – September 12
Enter for Your Chance to Win!

How would you like to win a prize pack of paranormal romance or fantasy ebooks by your favorite authors? Enter and you could take home one of four packs where YOU tell us which books to buy for you. We also have a Kindle Fire 7 and Amazon gift cards up for grabs!

 

This Event is Sponsored by the amazing folks below!

Allyson Lindt • Amanda Uhl • Angela Roquet • Angela Sanders • Angelique Armae • Arizona Tape • Aurrora St. James • Bella Roccaforte • Cailin Briste • Candace Sams • E.B. Black • Elizabeth Rose • Karen Michelle Nutt • Katherine Gilbert • Kerry Blaisdell • Kristy Tate • L.E. Harrison • Laura Greenwood • M.C. Cerny • Mary Morgan • Maureen Bonatch • Mia McKimmy • Michele Barrow-Belisle • PJ Friel • Siera London • Sorchia DuBois • Tena Stetler • Aileen Harkwood

Check out the awesome book fair and find some new-to-you-authors.

Plus, don’t forget to shop our All Things Magical Book Fair for best-selling and highly-reviewed ebooks on sale just for this event, and a bonus giveaway for a leather-bound spell journal!

https://bookwrapt.com/things-magical-book-fair/

Wal-Mart is Selling eBooks and it’s Awesome!

Get your eBooks on Walmart

Walmart is teaming up with Kobo to offer eBooks. It’s already underway and it’s really exciting. You do NOT need a Kobo reader, you can download the app from GooglePlay or the Apple App Store.

For the big launch Wal-mart is offering thousands of eBooks at deep discounts.

Go check it out NOW!

You can read on almost any device (still testing to see if it will download on the Kindle). You can grab your app here: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/p/apps.

They’ve got some really great deals going now for the launch, A Vampire’s Thirst: Grey is one of those deals. You can snatch him up for only 99 pennies! Go get it now!

Why is this so cool?

only served KindleUnlimited books. You will have to do a specific search for an author or title to find a book that’s not in KindleUnlimited. Amazon also gives preferential ranking and visibility to books in KindleUnlimited on their website.

Bottom line is, if our book isn’t in KindleUnlimited and we aren’t selling a TON of copies our visibility is about zero. That’s where I am – I’m at zero.

Put my books in KindleUnlimited you say? I have a few titles enrolled in KindleUnlimited, but did you know that Amazon pays us a FRACTION of a penny for a “page read”? Of course, the payout each month varies, but the average over the last year has been .004~ per page read. Here are the recent numbers:

January 2018 – $0.0044794811
February 2018 – $0.0046601
March 2018 – $0.00449
April 2018 – $0.004561157
May 2018 – $0.004543
June 2018 – $0.0046
July 2018 – $0.0044936099158692

Based on the most recent payout numbers that would mean if a reader read Saint, cover to cover I could possibly be paid .75.  If a reader buys a copy at 2.99 I would be paid ~2.04 for that purchase. I used the word “possibly” because Amazon doesn’t tell us what they are paying per page read until the 15th of the NEXT month. This would be like you showing up for work for a month, then two weeks later your boss saying, “We’ve decided that your work for last month was only worth $2/hour.” Would you be okay with that?

I’m not crying in my Wheaties over what I’m being paid. I made a choice to put Saint in KU because I wanted to gain more visibility and get my work to more readers. But, the simple truth is I felt backed into a corner. I felt as though I had to put Saint in KindleUnlimted to hopefully gain a few readers.

Most of my other books are published “wide”, which means you can find them on iBooks, GooglePlay, Kobo and Barnes & Noble. But honestly, because Amazon has the market cornered I sell very few books on any of those platforms.

This is why Wal-mart selling eBooks is important to me. A real contender out there that can gain marketshare, that’s going to give authors (and readers) some breathing room. Really open up the free market again. That will be a game changer for the passionate writers and readers seeking quality.

I did a poll on my Facebook page, the question was: How many of you use KindleUnlimited. The results were mind blowing. Of the 82 comments, 92% only read books in KU. Now here’s the compelling part and this really baked my noodle. So many of the folks that said they use KU commented on the quality of the books. That they were okay with the poor quality of many of the books, they’d rather read a bad book than no book at all. I completely understand that. When you want to read you want to read. I personally have never compromised on the quality of the book I’m reading.

I try desperately not to compromise on the books I’m writing. I’m certainly not saying I’m the best writer out there, I honestly live in fear that one day y’all are going to figure out that I have no idea what I’m doing. But there is something in my work that can’t be “mass produced” or faked.

Passion.

You may not like my writing style, it’s okay, it’s my style and when I’m writing that’s my beautiful place I go that I want to share with you. I’ve definitely got a couple of stinkers out there, I think every author does. But largely if you read any one of my books, I promise you will FEEL. The emotion will pop off the page and grab you somewhere deep down. That’s what I want to do, I want to touch you in some way and I pour that into my work. Good or not, great story line, hook, plot, all of the things I’m always working to improve I promise you, there will be passion in every book I publish. If you didn’t get a little misty-eyed when Aunt Rain was killed or chill bumps when Maddox proposed to Wren I question whether you have a soul, lol.

I see so many “authors” in groups that are specific to publishing on KU to make that six figures a month. They’re doing it, they’re making a ton of money. But it doesn’t sustain because the quality and the passion isn’t there.

That’s why Wal-mart is important.

I’m not saying you’re not going to find bunch of stinkers on there. But I would bet dollars to donuts that you will find a much higher quality there in general. I can’t speak to their search results yet, the jury’s still out on that. But they are serving eBooks in a partnership with Kobo. Kobo is not new at this game, they’ve been in the eBook distribution biz for quite a while.

You started reading because you wanted to escape. You read good books as a kid. If it didn’t grab you, you didn’t finish it. Now, with how the world has changed just in the last ten years there is NOISE everywhere. Social media is largely a cesspool of negativity (accept on my page, I only post happy things). Don’t get me started on the news, I can’t watch it anymore. Marketing is everywhere telling you that you are defined by the label on your jeans or the emblem on your car. Get back to your happy place as a reader and spend that time wisely reading good books. Books that move you, provoke thought or just allow you to escape.

I’m a tiny little fish in this sea. I love writing and I hope if you’ve read my work you can see my love and passion flow from the pages. I want to write until my fingers won’t work anymore, I want to tell you stories until my brain is too feeble to form them. Without a free market, without a way to pay for publishing my books I’ll keep writing, but I won’t be publishing. There are thousands of others out there just like me, who will keep writing. The problem is they will no longer be able to share their stories either.

Encourage and support a free market for writers, before all of the hidden gems become extinct.

It’s Been Five Years!

Holy Shit!!!

Five years ago today I published INK: Fine Lines (Now Fine Lines: Deadly Dreams #1). Where in the world has the time gone? How did it all slip by and how is it possible that I now have more than twenty books published? Two completed series and all these amazing new friends?

It really has been a huge roller coaster ride, so much has changed in my life, writing, outlook, everything has changed – for the better.

When I hit publish on Fine Lines, I knew I was going to finish that series no matter what, but I never could’ve dreamed that was going to write and publish in eight series and a some of stand alones. It’s been a real trip.

I’ve learned a lot since that day. My writing has changed for the better in a lot of ways. I’m a little better at plot arc – my cliffhangers aren’t nearly as bad. I’ve learned that the emotional feeling when you complete your first series is indescribable, even for a writer. I literally wept like a baby when I wrote the end on that series. My son, Joe took a picture of me. I would post it, but honestly, I hadn’t slept for three days and I had to think too hard about the last time I had showered. I looked like I had just lived Shay’s time in that series – it was rough, take my word for it.

I still can’t punctuate much to the frustration of my editors, proofreaders and author friends. I’ve taken classes, read books, nothing helps. So, I will keep proofreaders gainfully employed! hahah

I’ve sold some books, that’s been cool. My goal has always been to make enough to keep publishing without dipping into my “personal” money. Sometimes I’m there, sometimes not.

I’ve created some really crazy worlds! Been some really awesome places and the most wonderful part of this is all the people I’ve met and become friends with.

When I look at the landscape of friendships and the people that have really been there for me over the last five years and still today…I met 99% of them through being a writer! That says a lot about the community of authors and readers.

Sometimes it’s overwhelming in a good way and sometimes bad. But on those bad days it’s like the universe knows and I’ll get an email or message from a reader thanking me for providing them with an escape. You have no idea how much that can turn it all around. That can bring me from the brink of rage-quitting to forging ahead boldly.

Thank you to all of you that have welcomed and supported me in this journey. There’s so much more to come! Keep your eyes peeled, lots of big things coming in the future and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride with me!

Hugs,

Bella

Find My Books on all Vendors:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2CnDXe0

iBooks: http://bit.ly/Bella-Roccaforte-iBooks

GPlay: http://bit.ly/Bella-Roccaforte-GPlay

Nook: http://bit.ly/Bella-Roccaforte-Nook

Kobo: http://bit.ly/Bella-Roccaforte-Kobo

 

2017 I Stormed the Castle

Another year has gone by. What have I learned?

So much.

What have I accomplished?

So much.

What have I got left to do?

So much.

It’s been an amazing year for me, which, by the way, doesn’t mean it was easy. It was hard, but beautiful in so many ways. This was the year of my “come back” and come back I did!

After having to take a year off from publishing due to life circumstances, I came back guns a-blazin’, swords a-swingin’.

I published six books last year, SIX. That may not sound like a lot to the voracious readers out there that read hundreds of books a year. But it’s a lot for an author to write. I did it while working a full-time job and being the sole caretaker of my amazing littles, Fox and Twila.

The INK: Series (Deadly Dreams) DONE!

The INK: Series (Now Deadly Dreams) has been completed. I wrote and published the last book! It was a triumph for me, even though it flopped. I giggle when I say that because it’s okay and it really is funny. Finishing the series was more important to me personally than selling lots of copies of the book. I’ve sold less than a hundred copies of Bold Strokes and despite the multiple emails of how much people loved the book, it still only got eight reviews. That’s okay. It doesn’t diminish the accomplishment in the least.

My die-hard readers (that have become my friends) still loved it and if I only entertained them and made them happy, it was all worth it.

Wounded Bird – DONE!

I published the Wounded Bird series. I know, it’s kind of crazy since it’s contemporary romance with a happy ending. But I did it and I love that story. It’s very close to my heart and soul. I may write more contemporary romance, but we’ll have to see where the tides are taking me.

A Wolf’s Hunger – Two Released, More to Come!

My beautiful friend AK Michaels messaged me one day and asked if I wanted to write in her A Wolf’s Hunger Series. Knowing that Ava writes the sexy smexy I was a little apprehensive since it’s not my forte. I explained to her that writing a scene where someone’s intestines were being torn out and used as a basket was far more in my “wheelhouse” than writing a sex scene.

Her answer, You’re a good writer, you can write anything you set your mind to. Now get off your ass and write in my series. Not her exact words, but pretty close. She came to me at a time when I was really starting to doubt myself. I was letting the self-worth demons win the battle, but she unknowingly stepped in and helped me save myself from myself.

I sat down and started researching. What do readers expect from this genre? Because I needed to deliver that! I didn’t want to let Ava down and I didn’t want to let myself down either.

After reading several amazing books in the genre and purchasing Naughty Words for Nice Writers by Cara Bristol I got to work on writing Saint: A Wolf’s Hunger. It still has the Bella-Twists to it, but another happy ending! It did great! The readers really enjoyed it!

What does any smart writer do when they have a series that readers love? They get to work on the next one. Mako: A Wolf’s Hunger was released in July. And the readers loved Mako.

Ava came to me again and said, “I have this crazy idea about Vampires. What do you think?” I said, “Hell yes.” I’m absolutely convinced of this woman’s brilliance and would follow her into Mordor for a great story.

A Vampire’s Thirst

We talked about A Vampire’s Thirst. I knew I was going to have to up my game for this series. I had to really find the balance between the way my mind works and what the readers want. But before I could do that, I had a thing to do. I had to finish the INK: Series.

Once Bold Strokes was released, I got to work on Grey: A Vampire’s Thirst. I LOVED writing this story. It’s my first book written in third person. I really feel as though I hit the mark. Found the balance between needing to write the princess that can save herself and the princess that can let her partner help her. The key was NOT writing real characters like Aiden and Eli. They weren’t really capable of helping Shay, she couldn’t trust either of them. But Mila could trust Grey. They have a love that will literally span eternity and they will be amazing partners forever.

So that was my six for this year. I’ve already released my first book in 2018, Lycan Her Mate in Milly Taiden’s Paranormal Dating Agency world. Another fun and sexy short.

Hopefully, I don’t offend anyone, but I find it chuckle-worthy that I’m writing sexy books now. Not that I don’t love sex, because, duh. But because I’ve always been uncomfortable writing it. I don’t know why. I’m not a prude and I’m usually the friend in a conversation that leaves others stunned by the amount of TMI that flows out of my mouth. I just had to figure out how to get that to translate in a pleasing way to the pages. So yeah, over the course of the last year I’ve given more women orgasms than most men do in a lifetime. BOOM!

And I’m loving it!

So what’s next?

Dax: A Wolf’s Hunger is coming in February, then Hunter: A Vampire’s Thirst is coming in March. After that, I have no idea. I’ve left the schedule blank for now.

There are lots of different directions I could go. I’m toying with creating a new series in the Blood Fairies world. I think it would be a blast!

I also have Moon Wake that needs to be finished. Then I can put the Crescent Hunter series to rest with the INK: Series and move on with my career. Leaving behind the stories I loved to write, but that not everyone loved to read.

You see, as a writer, we literally feed and thrive off of readers. Of course, we love taking the journeys into our stories, creating the worlds, moving the characters into the perfect position for finding love or disaster. But at the end of the day, we do it for you, the readers. When we know that you love a story or a character it’s like a direct shot of energy straight to our writing hearts.

I was in a cabin in the woods with my bestie Sarra Cannon. She was working on the book in the Shadow Demons Saga. We were talking about the book and the plot and she says, “I just really hope my friends love it.”

Wow, what a compelling statement. Her “friends” that she was referring to were the people in her Facebook group, Sarra Cannon’s Coven and all of her readers. I looked at her and didn’t say anything and let the words marinate in my head. She saw the look on my face and said, “What?”

I said, “You hit the nail on the head as to why you stress about this. Because to you, those thousands of people you’ve never met in real life are your friends.”

That’s how many of us indie authors feel. You guys are our friends. In many cases, some of the people I’ve met through them reading my books have literally become some of my daily, talk to friends. It’s a beautiful place this book world and I’m so glad I made the decision to tough it out and keep going.

So that’s where I am. Still loving writing, still loving life and still loving me for exactly who I am.

If you have any input on what you’d like to see from me this year, please let me know. Comment, email me, Facebook me, tap me on the shoulder (but be careful, I carry a gun and a knife so don’t be too sneaky). But please tell me, because I want to know.

PS: The inspirational post for 2018 is coming. Be on the lookout.

 

 

Grand Finale: Deadly Dreams

It is done.

Amazon :: iBooks :: GPlay :: Nook :: Kobo

The final chapter in the INK: Series, now the Deadly Dreams series, is in the hands of the readers. Some of you have become dear friends to me through this series. If that’s all I ever get from it, it was totally worth it. Many of you have known the struggles I’ve been through over the past five years. One of which being the near demise of my writing career due to the events in my personal life. The beta readers and ARC readers all seemed to have the same questions. I’m going to address those as I know them now. That doesn’t mean it won’t change later. I can do what I want.