Pepper Winters's Blog, page 27

COVER REVEAL & TEASER FOR FINAL DEBT (OH, & FOURTH DEBT HIT NYT & USA TODAY)

It’s that time….the end of an era….I can’t believe how FAST it’s gone.

By the time Final Debt is released, I will have completed the following in just over ONE year.

Written six books all LARGE books at 70,000 words to 120,000 each
That’s a total of over 530,000 words for the Indebted Series
I also wrote Ruin & Rule and Sin & Suffer another 250,000 words and delivered them to my publisher.

That is a lot of writing! And I’ll be so sad to say goodbye to Nila and Jethro, but also looking forward to my other projects coming soon!

I have to say, I am SERIOUSLY in love with this cover, though. What do you think??

The final book in the multiple New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Dark Romance Series is almost here.

RELEASE: November 2015

PRICE: $3.99

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1A1wpch

BLURB

The Last Book in the New York TImes Bestselling Dark Romance Series. Where love tries to triumph and darkness continues to reign….

“I’m in love with her, but it might not be enough to stop her from becoming the latest victim of the Debt Inheritance. I know who I am now. I know what I must do. We will be together—I just hope it’s on Earth rather than in heaven.”

It all comes down to this.

Love versus life.

Debts versus death.

Who will win?

Pre-order is available to those on iBooks (all other platforms, Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Kobo will be closer to release date)

iBOOKS PREORDER: http://bit.ly/1A1wpch

If you aren’t signed up when my books are released, here is the link. (A message is only sent when a book is published: Please make sure pepperwinters at gmail.com is approved in your inbox)

http://eepurl.com/120b5 

TEASER TO FINAL DEBT

(subject to copyright, unedited)

NILA WEAVER

“NO!”

I pushed back, gripping the handrails of the private jet, throwing my weight against Daniel’s incessant pushing. “Stop!”

“Get up the fucking stairs, Weaver.” Daniel jabbed his elbow into my spine.

I stumbled, bashing my knee against the high tread. “You can’t do this!”

Daniel cackled. “I think you’ll find we can.” He shoved me higher.

My heart hurt—as if every mile between us and Hawksridge was a blade slicing me further from Jethro’s protection.

Time once again stole my life.

One moment, I’d been love-bruised and adored, tiptoeing back into the Hall; the next I was trapped, forced to dress in jeans and a hoody, and obey Daniel as he lurked in my doorway, barking orders to pack a few meagre belongings.

My pussy ached from having Jethro inside me. The dampness of his release still decorated my inner thighs. My mind raced, doing my best to see a loophole, figure out a way to stay.

I hadn’t had time to shoot him with the gun Jasmine gave me. I couldn’t scream and shout and hope to God Jasmine heard me so at least she could warn Jethro.

I couldn’t even text Kite with Daniel lurking over my every move.

The only hope I’d had was packing the altered clothing where I’d sewn knitting needles and scalpels into the hem and cuffs, hiding weapons in case I was taken by surprise.

I wanted to cry for my forward thinking.

The few hopeless weapons would be my only ally.

Two days.

I would’ve been free in two days.

Now…I was a true Debt Inheritance Victim, walking her final steps…

to the guillotine.

As if the cover reveal and awesome release with FOURTH DEBT wasn’t enough, I heard last night that not only did FOURTH DEBT hit #1 on iBooks in the UK, USA, and Australia, but it also hit the New York Times and USA Today!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE!!!!!

If you didn’t see my other blog post, the Indebted Series has been translated into Italian and available in September if you’d like to read in a different language. 

iBooks: http://apple.co/1h6etYl

The cover is also brand new and revealed today, too!

If you haven’t started this series, the first book, Debt Inheritance is FREE on all platforms:

DEBT INHERITANCE (Indebted #1)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/17UZImo

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1yjMNiW

Nook: http://bit.ly/1Cl8rau

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1zoFkFL

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1w3FtOq

Links to the rest in the series are below:

DEBT INHERITANCE (Indebted #1)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/17UZImo

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1yjMNiW

Nook: http://bit.ly/1Cl8rau

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1zoFkFL

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1w3FtOq

FIRST DEBT (Indebted #2)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1BjpblH

iBooks: http://bit.ly/15JNGeU

Nook: http://bit.ly/10PcYWi

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1qmB3d7

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1zSgiJw

SECOND DEBT (Indebted #3)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1uAbTPY

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1zMz5Mg

Nook: http://bit.ly/1ujMc0l

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1xgCSvb

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1MDbvWy

THIRD DEBT (Indebted #4)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1CzXUI0

iBooks: http://bit.ly/17KywXP

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1GE9vMk

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1yxJBHU

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1DglADL

FOURTH DEBT (Indebted #5)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FMK85L

iBooks: http://bit.ly/17cYh1Q

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1CQ9ZYn

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1GM4rG1

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1ODra86

FINAL DEBT (Indebted #6)

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1A1wpch

EPIC POST ONCE AGAIN…GET READY FOR RAW HONESTY

Has six months gone by? I’m not sure, but I have another epic post to deliver. (which normally comes every six months or so…) If you’re going to read the below, my advice is to go get a nice drink, grab your glasses, and put aside a few minutes because, I warn you…it will be another long one.

Once again, ignore typos, I don’t censor myself when I do a post like this so what you’re getting below is raw, open honesty that is meant to show all facets of writing: from the made-up confident author at signing events, to the neurotic writer hiding in her house. There is no such thing as a perfectly confident person, we all have those moments where no matter how awesome things are going or how content we are in what we’re doing, that the inevitable ‘I can’t cope and don’t want to get up in the morning’ happens.

And that’s okay.

It just means you have to be kind to yourself and have a quiet day, or slap yourself and get over it…either way…we’re not super-humans and all have different highs and lows that we can’t control—no matter how much we like to think we can.

Right, now onto my point…

Last week, I released my 10th book. This is where I say, it’s my favourite book ever, or the best book in the series, and talk up my creation. After all, it’s MY creation. Something I’ve slaved over for hours a day, gave up my time to the characters, and invested myself in a world that no one else can see.

However, I’m not going to do that.

I’m going to be HONEST. I can’t talk for all authors but I can talk for me…and when I’m talking about my work, or signing books for readers at events, or even replying to wonderful messages, I always feel a little uncomfortable.

Why?

Because I KNOW they aren’t perfect. I know you’re supposed to love your work as if it was your own child, because there truly is a part of me that goes into every creation—just like childbirth (only nowhere near as messy or painful) (then again, the cursing and sometimes frustrated tears can get a bit ugly.) Instead, I actually grow to dislike my books. By the end of writing, re-reading, beta-implementing, critique-fixing, and editing, I see so many faults and flaws that I feel like an imposter when someone says they loved it, or grants me a glowing review. It’s only through THAT (the OMG I loved it) feedback that I can take a step back and try and see it through their eyes and think…yes, it’s not THAT bad, it’s readable, so now I shall relax a little and claim ownership of this mess of a tale.

Does that surprise you?

To hear that as an author, I cringe when I release, wondering if others will see the faults that I do? Should I lie and say I love every book I’ve ever written, every chapter, every character? Should I admit that after numerous trusted critiques and edits, I never feel the book is good enough? Should I keep secret that even after ten books, I feel as if I’m playing dress-up and still don’t know what I’m doing, nor deserve the incredible support that I’ve been given?

Maybe I should.

Maybe that’s what people expect. Maybe the only acceptable response is ‘Yes, I deserve this and I know what I’m doing.’ Just like seeing my books on the shelf for the first time in Barnes & Noble and Target should’ve been an awe-inspiring moment rather than a ‘holy crap, why ME? Why am I on that shelf and not so many other incredible authors? What makes my fumbling around worthy enough that people forget that I’m an imposter, just rocking in her corner after every release? Perhaps it’s because if the author doesn’t 100% LOVE ADORE and OBSESS over her own work, then how can others be expected to love it? Good question, and one that I don’t have an answer to.

All I can say is, YES I wish I believed in myself a little more, but at the end of the day, I’m GLAD I worry over every release and generally have a reservation on all my work.

Why?

Because it keeps me HUMBLE. My ego isn’t on a pedestal; I don’t believe I’m the greatest thing since salami, and I certainly don’t believe that my work is some award winning, bestest written stories ever invented.

In fact, I think the opposite. I’m a mess when it comes to publishing, second guessing myself, over analysing things, and getting upset with how I SHOULD have done it…even though I’d worked my ass off on every plot. I still don’t feel like I deserve the amazing readers, support, and incredible life I’ve been given…all because I’m still learning, still growing. I doubt I’ll ever feel completely worthy, and you know what? I’m GLAD. Because I think once you take this for granted, once you cock your chin and say with oozing confidence that ‘yes, my book made the New York Times because it deserved to be there’ then you’re no longer learning or growing. You’re COMPLETE and there is so much more I want to evolve into.

Whenever my books are lucky enough to hit lists and accolades, I want to shout from the hills that I’m so blown away and awed and okay, slightly proud–but the voice inside me is going….’but it’s not perfect, it’s not perfect, it’s not PERFECT.’ I can’t tell you the strange mixture of pride and embarrassment I get every time a book does well. It’s like this odd cocktail of happiness and disbelief and cringy fear that it was all a mistake.

Why am I telling you this?

It’s to explain how I feel when I see a discussion over my work, or a bad review, or a snide comment.

Does it hurt?

Of course, it does. I’ve put in a lot of time and commitment into this. It’s like someone coming into your house and going…’you missed a bit when you dusted. The house is FILTHY’ Even though you spent all morning cleaning, have blisters on your fingers, and really there is only a speck that you missed. It makes you see every figment filth EVERYWHERE and you go off into a tailspin cleaning things that don’t need to be re-cleaned. (exact thing with writing…if I could, I’d unpublish all my work, ‘re-clean’ and fix the specks before ever being confident enough to re-release.)

Everyone has their insecurities and mine is trying to please everyone. And no matter HOW MANY TIMES I remind myself that that just isn’t practical…it’s still a compulsion when trying to create a story for everyone. However, I also VALUE their opinions because nine times out of ten, I’m thinking the EXACT same thing. I’m rolling my eyes at certain things, and hating particular elements. And I’m not afraid to say that some of my books are better than others. That some I’m proud of and others…I’m not. And that’s okay, too.

I don’t know how better to explain it but I’m my own worst critic. No matter what thoughts you’ve had over my work, chances are I’ve already thought it, hated on my work, tried to fix it, and then got brow-beaten by my characters to leave it alone. I want everyone to know that your opinions are respected and encouraged. I have nothing against honesty because at the end of the day….NOTHING is set in stone because we all view things differently. It’s the deliverance and maturity that makes a difference—after all, there is nothing better than making your brain work than a good ole debate.

Right, back to my point….when I see a thread henpecking my work or tearing apart a fact, or plot, or character’s decision, two things happen. One, I immediately shut down. It’s not something I can help. I’ve always been that way. Call it a safety mechanism but if something emotionally hurts me, this gate slams up and I block it all out. It’s handy that little switch but it’s also is hard to flip back to happy again—even if I know it’s meant without malice, it does take me an hour or two to stop glaring at my ‘dirty house’ and just nod and accept rather than desperately try to fix the issues they’ve raised. The second thing that happens is, I AGREE WITH THEM.

Are you shocked?

You shouldn’t be after what I just explained above. Every fact, every plot, every character, dialogue, description, location, travesty, sex scene, make up scene, and growth that the books unravel is NEVER GOOD ENOUGH.

I agree that there are plot holes.

I agree that there are areas that are entirely fictional.

I agree that some parts could be trimmed and others could be elaborated and others could be cut entirely.

I agree that I have a typo here and there and I agree that it’s NOT PERFECT.

Because nothing and no-one EVER IS.

And that’s the best thing about books. Every reader has their own imagination and every author has their own creativity. The joy about writing is we can twist anything we want to create a fictional world. Fact checking and historical accuracy isn’t something I put first. I put the STORY first. I put EMOTION first. I’ll research and ensure I find enough plausible evidence to support my idea, but at the end of the day, I go where the characters tell me to go. If something doesn’t seem realistic in YOUR world, then that’s fine because it does in mine. That’s not to say that I DON’T AGREE that it isn’t realistic. I’m not claiming to be a historian or a doctor or a legal counsel, I’m a writer who has the freedom to take something and twist it into something else. If I make you FEEL and ENTERTAIN you for a few short hours, then that’s all I care about.

However, every book I release, the facts and basic world building are the things I worry most about, mainly because I know some won’t enjoy if it doesn’t fit into what they conceive as gospel or true. Which I GET and UNDERSTAND and like I said…AGREE with. HOWEVER, (and yes, there is always a caveat) what movie, book, comic, tale, or fable is ever entirely CORRECT? Even in contemporary romance (stories that are supposed to be based entirely on real life ask you to suspend believe.) How? Easy….

Have you ever read a book where the heroine has sex a few days after giving birth to the most darling baby ever and been OVER THE MOON? Yes. The reality: Post Natal Depression is a very common thing, let’s face it…babies are hard work, and the chances of her wanting to jump her husband a day or so after pushing out a child…not likely. The recommended ‘medical’ time frame is 6-8 weeks before she’ll feel REMOTELY like having sex.

Have you ever read a book where the hero is SO messed up from an abusive parent or trauma that he goes on a killing rampage and does horrible things, only to be redeemed because he can be ‘changed’? Yes. The reality: He’d end up in prison, or running from the law and NO woman would ever go…aw, he just needs love to know he doesn’t have to be angry with the world.

Have you ever read a book where someone went to the movies to see a show and it stated it was a new release, but you happen to know that movie didn’t come out for another two years? Yes. Did it matter in the overall story? Maybe…depends how much it bothered you, I guess.

The point is…every one of those is a TINY error, but an error nevertheless. To some it can be overlooked and others it will drive them mad. And that’s OKAY. We’re all different and I RESPECT everyone’s opinion. In fact, like I said…I agree with them. So much so, I’ll even pull apart my own books:

Would Tess have had the inner strength to overcome what happened to her in Tears of Tess and Quintessentially Q without any serious emotional scars? Probably not. I know I could never do that. Some people could…but the reality would be we’d all be f**ked…even with Q helping out.

Could Roan Fox ever really have had a relationship when he’d been so conditioned by a past of hatred and maiming? Definitely not. Don’t be silly.

Could the memory loss work really happen in Ruin & Rule as I wrote it….probably not. But then again…who knows with the human brain? Miracles happen and can’t be explained. Wondrous things occur all the time with no rhyme or reason…so yes…anything (fictional or real is possible) And another thing to mention….Ruin & Rule was released by a publisher, NOT self-published. Grand Central have highly trained editors, fact checkers, and professional helpers when creating the book for sale. I went into the contract with the publisher expecting to be ripped into pieces in my edits. I honestly was terrified to open the email when the edits came back…but know what happened?

Nothing.

The edits were kind and supportive (with a few tweaks, of course) but the overall story was left alone. Even though the girl was young in the flashbacks. Even though the love story had a lot of challenges that wouldn’t happen in any real world…they TRUSTED me (a huge publisher with many titles and authors in their stable) trusted me to tell MY story because at the end of the day…that’s all it was…a story. A love story. That’s all.

My last example is: Could the Indebted Series ever exist if I didn’t take a little bit of this world, a little bit of that world, and a whole lot of inspiration from characters?

No.

It wouldn’t.

Fair and simple.

The entire concept is based on suspending belief and just enjoying the ride. No one would ever be indebted. No one would ever get away with that. However, the story isn’t about debts or family feuds, it’s about MONEY and POWER and GREED and the fact that YES, all of that DOES HAPPEN. It’s happening as we speak all around us. The government blinds us, the companies we trust lie to us, and ultimately those 1% who own the world’s wealth have carte le blanche to do as they like, whenever, wherever, and to whoever they want…no questions asked. Because money buys silence, loyalty, fear….it RULES the world. No other explanation. And that’s what the Indebted Series is about.

Right, I’m getting to the end of my epic post so you can get ready to swig your drink and go back to whatever you were doing before I stole you away.

It’s no secret that I’m a lover of chemistry and true connection between characters, soul-mates, and best friends. In fact, I blatantly admitted it in Ruin & Rule. The main character LOVES The Princess Bride. She quotes it often, and that comes entirely from me. If you ask me what my favourite movie is: It’s the Princess Bride.

Why?

BECAUSE NOTHING ABOUT THAT MOVIE IS LOGICAL, PRACTICAL, REALISTIC, OR PROBABLE BUT MAN IT’S THE BEST ROMANCE EVER.

He dies for her, he becomes a pirate for her, he never stops loving her even when she doesn’t trust in true love. THAT is what reading is for me. The escape from reality and the POWER of true love. And that’s what inspires me with EVERY book. No matter if it’s contemporary, fantasy, or plain made up.

I never said I was an author.

In fact, to this day if someone asks me what I do, I STILL say I’m self-employed rather than I’m a writer or a storyteller. I don’t know why, maybe because I still don’t feel qualified to claim that I know what I’m doing. I’m still learning, still growing, and if people ask which of my books is my favourite, I have no answer because the honest answer is I STILL HAVEN’T WRITTEN IT YET (I think I stole that from Stephen King) But it’s true, so I’m using it.

So, to those I let down by not hiring a historian, or lawyer, or other fact checker, I apologise.

To those who think I should get feedback on certain things before releasing, I apologise.

And to those who believe every book should be perfect, I apologise.

Because everything I put out will never be perfect. The characters will take me wherever they want to take me and I’ll let them because it’s the LOVE and EPICNESS that I’m chasing, not the facts. I also don’t have the luxury of taking a year to write each book, making sure every part that I mention is spent with hours of research. In today’s world people expect everything NOW and I’m no exception. I want to write my next book NOW. I want to write what Nila says to Jethro or the new characters in my head are arguing about in my new series NOW. If that means that my work isn’t flawless (not that that is ever possible with so many individuals and opinions reading it) then I’m okay with that.

As long as my legacy reads: SHE MADE ME FEEL WITH HER BOOKS then I’m happy. And will happily bow to those who point out the errors and will learn and grow from them. To those who didn’t enjoy my work for one thing or another ‘thank you’ for being respectful and discussing your dislikes where I can’t see them. Thank you for being diplomatic and keeping emotion out of it when focusing on a plot hole rather than a personal issue. And thank you for being courageous enough to speak your mind so that I can evolve as an author and also learn FROM YOU. Because there is no better way to teach each other than with kindness and discussion and interaction rather than a stuffy old library book. I don’t often do this, but if you DID have an issue with any part of my work, then a respectful email outlining the issue is more than welcome and I will see what I can do to either fix, amend, or tweak so it’s more fitting with the reality you prefer. (No promises I will though, because at the end of the day…this is MY story and I hope you’ve enjoyed it enough so far to continue the journey with me.)

For those who trust me to take you away from our slightly broken world and twist the facts a little THANK YOU. Thank you to those who debate on my behalf, and truly so sweet to support me—I love both sides of this delicate balance I live in. Love or hate my work, I’m getting a reaction which is more than I can ask for. I can’t tell you how much your messages and support mean. I know I say it often but without you saying you enjoy my work…I truly wouldn’t have any fondness for my own books because all I would see is flaws. It’s only through your enjoyment that I can see their merits.

I hope I got my point across, even with my rambling, and hope I showed that I’m human. I see what you see. I worry over what you worry. And I also have the same issues even when I stamp my name on the book and press publish. The true point I’m making is….I’m grateful for every feedback and hope that even if you didn’t like this series or this book or this character, that you enjoy my writing enough to try another one.

And now for a shameless plug….Forbidden Flaws which will come out in a few short weeks will be based entirely in real life with no need for historians. However, if there are entertainment lawyers or any actresses around, feel free to email me and I’ll ask you to beta read so I can get my Hollywood facts straight. Same goes for my upcoming release in 2016 which I’m HIGHLY excited about and can’t WAIT to release the covers and blurb.

Thank you for reading, even if it was convoluted and I hope the honesty worked both ways. I can see your frustration with not having a book living up to your ideals and I’m eternally grateful for those who appreciate what I’m trying to do. I’m just a simple girl, tapping away on her keyboard and playing God with her make-believe worlds. I truly have the best job around, however when it’s time to come out of my imagination and invite people inside…it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But then again…you never get anything rewarding without a little pain. After all, pain comes with pleasure and pleasure comes with pain. Being a writer ensures I get equal doses daily.

Have a great night, everyone, and like I said, my email is always open. No matter how busy I get, I will always have time to respond to passionate, caring people…no matter if it’s to agree or disagree. That’s why I love what I do…because we are all DIFFERENT and that’s 100% perfect. Maybe it’s the only perfect thing in the world…all our imperfections joining into one perfection.

Never change! And have a good day. Bye!!!

INDEBTED SERIES IS NOW IN ITALIAN!

COVER REVEAL SURPRISE!!!!

Not only was Fourth Debt the best release ever, but the INDEBTED SERIES has been bought by Newton Compton, a highly respected Italian Publisher.

Jethro and Nila will be translated into Italian and available in bookshops and online! Here is the pre-order link for Debt Inheritance on iBooks, and the new cover!!!! So excited about this and can’t wait to see this series be translated into many different languages around the world.

***

Io ti appartengo

Pepper Winters

The Indebted Series

Un passaparola incredibile

Bestseller del New York Times e di USA Today

«Tu sei una mia proprietà. Ho un documento che lo dimostra. È innegabile. Tu sarai mia fin quando non avrai pagato il tuo debito». La famiglia…

Released: September 10, 2015

iBooks: http://apple.co/1h6etYl

If you haven’t started the series, Debt Inheritance is FREE and Fourth Debt just released!

FREE

DEBT INHERITANCE (Indebted #1)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/17UZImo

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1yjMNiW

Nook: http://bit.ly/1Cl8rau

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1zoFkFL

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1w3FtOq

NEW RELEASE

FOURTH DEBT (Indebted #5)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FMK85L

iBooks: http://bit.ly/17cYh1Q

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1CQ9ZYn

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1GM4rG1

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1ODra86

FOURTH DEBT IS LIVE and SIGNED PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY

Hi Everyone!

I can’t believe how fast time has gone. The past few months have been a whirlwind of non-stop writing and then an incredible signing tour around the USA. I’ve never been so humbled or awed as I was by the turn-outs at the events and I can’t thank you all enough!

Now, onto the good news!

FOURTH DEBT (Indebted #5) is LIVE!

FOURTH DEBT (Indebted #5)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FMK85L

iBooks:  http://bit.ly/17cYh1Q

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1CQ9ZYn

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1GM4rG1

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1ODra86

If you haven’t started this New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Series, the first book is FREE.

DEBT INHERITANCE (Indebted #1)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/17UZImo

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1yjMNiW

Nook: http://bit.ly/1Cl8rau

Kobo:  http://bit.ly/1zoFkFL

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1w3FtOq

There are Six Books in total and the last in the series (Final Debt) will be released Oct / Nov 2015.

You can find the entire series below and can pre-order for Final Debt (Indebted #6) if you’re an iBooks user. (Other platforms will be available closer to release)

DEBT INHERITANCE (Indebted #1)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/17UZImo

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1yjMNiW

Nook: http://bit.ly/1Cl8rau

Kobo:  http://bit.ly/1zoFkFL

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1w3FtOq

FIRST DEBT (Indebted #2)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1BjpblH

iBooks: http://bit.ly/15JNGeU

Nook: http://bit.ly/10PcYWi

Kobo:  http://bit.ly/1qmB3d7

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1zSgiJw

SECOND DEBT (Indebted #3)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1uAbTPY

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1zMz5Mg

Nook: http://bit.ly/1ujMc0l

Kobo:  http://bit.ly/1xgCSvb

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1MDbvWy

THIRD DEBT (Indebted #4)

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1CzXUI0

iBooks:  http://bit.ly/17KywXP

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1GE9vMk

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1yxJBHU

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1DglADL

FOURTH DEBT (Indebted #5)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FMK85L

iBooks:  http://bit.ly/17cYh1Q

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1CQ9ZYn

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1GM4rG1

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1ODra86

FINAL DEBT (Indebted #6)

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1A1wpch

I’ve also just heard some INCREDIBLE news that Fourth Debt is #1 on the iBooks store in both, AMERICA AND AUSTRALIA. I have to pinch myself and can’t believe it. NUMBER ONE!

ADVANCE REVIEWS

FIVE STARS

This series is EPIC!! (And I would LOVE to see it made into a mini-series.) I’m in denial that there is only one more book left in this series! I don’t know how Ms. Winters dreams up these plots, but I’m glad she has such an incredibly vivid imagination and I can’t wait for the next book in the Weaver/Hawk family saga.—Book Bella

FIVE STAR

I can’t say much without giving the story away but i will say Pepper Winters has done it again. Another fantastic, gripping book that throws surprise after surprise at you.—Fictional Book Ho

GIVEAWAY

To win a Signed Copy of Fourth Debt, please click this link to enter:

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/145576-fourth-debt

OTHER NEWS

Before I left on my signing tour, my publisher, Grand Central, released the first book in the Pure Corruption Series, RUIN & RULE. The second book (and last in the series) is due out on the 26th January 2016. If you haven’t read this book, I can best describe it as an angsty romance full of heart and a touch of darkness. It isn’t as dark as my other work, but has a love story that I truly believe in and hope you enjoy.

RUIN & RULE

Amazon: http://amzn.to/17cXi1G

iBooks: http://apple.co/1eqRhSP

Kobo: http://bit.ly/19qraZR

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1FVtwL0

Google Play: http://bit.ly/17iExdf

 

RUIN & RULE

AUSTRALIA

Amazon: http://bit.ly/1HDjEKS

iBooks: http://apple.co/1KzDTcZ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1M0HIoS

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1CgOjvt

 

SIN & SUFFER

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Tm7TKI

iBooks: http://apple.co/1HbVvp3

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1MfyF3l

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1S9pqDv

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1Rl9GCh

 

REVIEWS FOR RUIN & RULE

FIVE STARS

This is Pepper at her finest combining a badass hero to die for, a feisty determined heroine and a plot so layered in complexity it will make your head spin—Becs Glass

FIVE STARS

I’m a big fan of Pepper Winters and Ruin & Rule, did not disappoint. Her writing is the stuff book lover’s dreams are made of. Intriguing, captivating characters. Great storytelling. SO much suspense and mystery!! HOT scenes. And I do mean HOT—Cover to Cover Book Blog

UPCOMING RELEASES

The rest of 2015 is very exciting with plenty more releases to come. I also have a VERY exciting project coming in 2016 that I can’t wait to reveal. The covers for these books are my favourite ever, and the characters have stolen my heart. I’m dying to announce the titles and description (but that will have to wait till closer to the new year.) For now, here are the confirmed releases coming up:

Forbidden Flaws (Standalone Contemporary Romance) Sep / Oct 2015

Final Debt (Indebted #6) Oct / Nov 2015

Sin & Suffer (Pure Corruption #2) 26th Jan 2016

Je Suis a Toi (Monsters in the Dark Novella) Between Dec-March (A more confirmed date will be announced soon.)

Thank you again for all your incredible support and kindness and I hope you enjoy Fourth Debt. Please don’t hesitate to message me and let me know your thoughts!

Have a great day,

Pepper

FOURTH DEBT AVAILABLE from Amazon, iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Google Play

FOURTH DEBT (Indebted #5)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FMK85L

iBooks: http://bit.ly/17cYh1Q

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1CQ9ZYn

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1GM4rG1

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1ODra86

FIVE SIGNINGS DOWN & CANADA BOUND

If you saw my last post about my travels in Los Angeles and signing at Night of Corruption and then my trip to Arkansas and Little Rock Book Jam, you’ll be up to date on where I’ve been after this post. I also mentioned San Diego and our earlier-than-planned departure where we then spent eight days (and yes, a very long time) in Las Vegas.

You’ll have to excuse any typos because I must admit, my brain has been running on adrenaline for a while now, and we’ve finally arrived at our family’s house in Montreal where I can relax a little and it means my mental capacity is rapidly failing in favour of sleep.

First up, I’ll fill you in on Las Vegas. We managed to squeeze in a lot of stuff while we were there. We went to two Cirque Shows (Mystere and KA) we walked over 100 kilometers (combined days) being nosy and exploring every casino and hotel. The gondolas in the Venetian, the conservatory and fountains at Bellagio. We also had a car for a few days and drove to the Valley of Fire and explored the desert in 40 degree heat before driving around Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. It was fascinating.

On Saturday, there was the Love N Vegas signing. The night before I was lucky enough to finally catch up with a friend, Lauren Blakely and her husband for drinks and meet Aussie Lisa, Nina Grinstead, and all the amazing girls from Literary Gossip. They’re all so amazing. The signing went off without a hitch (all thanks to Glorya Hildago for bringing my books to Vegas from LAX) and to Ellie the organiser.

Next up was the signing in St Louis. We only had three nights there and I wish we had more time to explore. We were locked in the hotel really for the two day signing with two after parties which meant we only got about 3 hours free for a stroll. We did manage to get down to the Arch and river which was stunning and so warm, and the way the signing was organised meant everyone had a relaxed vibe and we could all chat and mingle. The panels and workshops were great too (even though I had to swallow my nerves and be on one talking about sex. Lol)

It truly was a whirlwind flight to St Louis and we left at 6.00am on the Sunday to fly to New York. We used our new love of UBER to get to our hotel and for the next two days explored the Big Apple and had some down time just me and hubby. I finally met my agent, Erica Silverman at Trident Media and had a lovely lunch with her before having lunch the next day with my editor, Lauren Plude and publisher, Amy Pierpont (Forever, Grand Central) and meeting the team. They were all so incredible lovely and kind and I’m so happy to be under their umbrella.

The last stop for our whirlwind tour of America was a signing that I’d asked Natalie from Between the Sheets to put together. She so kindly arranged one of the best signings I’ve been to, and did it so effortlessly. It had to be a night signing as I was flying out on Saturday morning (poor planning on my part but there you go) The event started at 6pm and went to 10. I have NEVER been so overwhelmed in my life with the amount of love and support given to me. The line up was insane (at one point over three hours long) and no one complained or grew irritated. I could never have signed everyone’s books if it hadn’t have been for my husband’s help. He kept the line moving, never stopped smiling and truly made me so honoured to have him there beside me. I could go on and on about that night, but I’ll sum it up in a few pictures instead.

Now, this part will sound like an academy award speech, but I couldn’t NOT say thank you to everyone who has helped me on this tour. This part freaks me out when I start to name names as I know I’m going to forget someone (please don’t hate me if that happens.) I’m also going to go in reverse order.

AN EVENING BETWEEN THE SHEETS, 31st July 2015

A mega thank you to Natalie for putting together a kick-ass, intimate event that went off so smoothly and hosted over 250 people in a short time span. You pulled it off perfectly, and I can’t thank you enough.

A huge thank you to Yaya and Selena who I’ve grown close to online and was dying to meet face to face. I’d envisioned taking you guys out for a drink afterward and catching up for an hour or two. I didn’t expect to finish signing so late, nor the line to be so long. I guess we’ll have to catch up online like we always do or skype. Selena, thank you for all my amazing gifts, my bracelets and notepads.

Thank you to K.A Linde, E.K Blair, Rebecca Yarros, Corinne Michaels, Claire Contreras, Mandi Beck, Whitney G, Geneva Lee, Elizabeth Grace, Mia Asher, Faith Andrews, and Livia Jamerlan for an amazing signing and getting to squeeze you.

Thank you to Kelley Lynn, Jessica Salyer, and Suzi Retzlaff for kindly looking after Aleatha Romig’s table while she and Mr. Jeff were unable to attend due to a death in the family.

Thank you to everyone who brought me a gift. I know I thanked you personally, but I wish I could fly over there and squeeze you all again. Thank you to everyone who left a note in that incredible letter-filled box. Mia, Claire, Aleatha, Effie, Melissa, Ilona, and so many others. It blew my mind to have such sweetness on paper.

Thank you for the incredible red velvet Q cake. It was hands down delicious! Your son is an incredible baker.

Thank you to everyone who waited in line, smiled instead of frowned, and made me tear up a little while signing when I took a moment to look up at the sea of faces and go ‘wow, this is my life. This is REAL. I’m truly doing this.’ I got goosebumps, hovering in that second and finally realised how much my life has changed.

ST LOUIS, 23-24 July 2015

Thank you to Rick and Amy Miles for putting together such a fantastic event. The two days were well planned and the author lunch was a fantastic ‘time out’ to spend with fellow writers and just say hi to friends we don’t often get to see.

Thank you to Aleatha Romig for collecting my books and bringing to the event for me. Thank you to Skye Callahan and her hubby for not only collecting us at the airport, but taking us back too.

Thank you to every reader who came to see me, for the bottle of whiskey, the bracelets, and messages.

Thank you to Angela and Matthew Scroggins for the INCREDIBLE gifts that would’ve taken weeks to create. Every gemstone and scrapbooked word touched me and I’ll treasure them forever. I’m still blown away by the generosity and detail in each gift.

LAS VEGAS, 18th July 2015

Thank you so much to Ellie Mclove and her incredible team for putting together an amazing event. Planet Hollywood hosted the large number of people with grace and it was an insane time to meet people I’ve looked up to and respected for so long.

Thank you to Aussie Lisa who flew from Australia to see me in Vegas and for making me those incredible Indebted mousepads. Thank you to Nina Grinstead for her advice and awesome friendship.

Thank you to Laine Chin for looking after us so well with our room and the great lunch we had together.

Thank you to so many authors who made that night so much fun, Rachel Brookes, MN Morgy, Lili St Germain, CJ Roberts, Lauren Blakely, and so many more.

Thank you to the girls all wearing their Indebted T-shirts and proudly pimping my work. I’d sign all your boobs if I could J

LITTLE ROCK, 11th July 2015

Thank you so much to Jenny Sims for putting together one of the most relaxed and fun events ever and storing my books for me until it was time. It was an awesome location, chilled out, and great atmosphere. I’m gutted that we didn’t spend more time in Arkansas as it looked like a fabulous place to drive around and explore.

Thank you to Whitney G who came to say hi and the awesome drinks we all shared at the Irish pub with Skye Callahan, Lyra Parish, and Rachel Brookes. I have such happy memories of that place.

NIGHT OF CORRUPTION, 8th July 2015

A mega thank you to Glorya Hildago for putting together such a seamless fantastic event. Her skills at organising astound me. Any event you’re putting together, woman, I’m in. And I’m stealing you to run my life forever.

Thank you to C.D Reiss who had the great idea to have a private evening signing in a church. Classic!

Thank you to the Socal Book club once again for my incredible Ruin & Rule cake—I still drool thinking of that. And to my proofreader, Erica who came to say hi, and every reader who waited in line once again to share a part of themselves with me.

I’m nervous ending this section as I know I’ve forgotten people, but please know that each kind word, hug, photo, and effort to come see me while I’ve been in the USA has imprinted on my soul and will never leave. I’ll forever remember this trip and the sheer gratefulness that I was able to do it and meet such incredible people. I feel indebted to YOU for buying, sharing, and enjoying my work. I didn’t deserve gifts or cards—just knowing you look forward to my next release is more precious than anything. So THANK YOU TO EVERYONE. Xxxx

CANADA

Unfortunately, as much as I loved the USA, all good things must come to an end, and hubby and I are now in Canada. We have just arrived at my brother in law’s house and plan to spend the next few days relaxing, catching up, and spending time with family. I’ll also get some writing done, seeing as I wasn’t able to write in America. I’ll be keeping you up to date on what I’m up to, and will be concentrating all my efforts on FOURTH DEBT, which will be releasing in NINE days! OMG, that’s come fast.

SIGNED PAPERBACKS IN A BOOKSTORE

While I was away, I was kindly invited to sign a few of my books and leave at the Li’l Book Bug Bookstore. The details are below. They have STRICTLY limited stock and also have Fourth Debt signed and ready to be shipped on release day. You can order using the form below, or use the contact details.

Sold by Li’l Book Bug, 842 W. Palmdale Blvd., Palmdale, CA 93551 (661) 274-1431

website: www.lilbookbug.com, facebook: www.facebook.com/lilbookbug

email: lilbookbug@yahoo.com

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12rCPbUGa57Ns7Cj2YOtVV3p18encFVPVtOmNeP0dOPs/viewform

SIGNED PAPERBACKS, CHEAP SHIPPING

Now, because I live at the bottom of the world and postage is daylight robbery, I was able to sign a few and leave with Glorya Hildago in Los Angeles. She has VERY limited stock and you can order via the form below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lx9-_sh3F5CYPNRL7_CrC-BA64DKsha8IVMFVzZkTbg/viewform

Pepper has signed a LIMITED number of paperbacks that can be shipped within USA for domestic shipping.

Limited Stock, subject to availability

Price will be advised once ordered

You will be emailed if your order is not available

Books are SIGNED but not personalized. If you want personalized, please order using the paypal buttons at www.pepperwinters.com

And that’s about it for now. I’m off to have brunch with my Canadian family and then I’m going to write for the first time in a month. (heaven) I’ll be back soon with teasers and updates of Fourth Debt, seeing as it will be releasing so soon!

Have a great day everyone and once again, THANK YOU!

RUIN & RULE is in AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

I’ve had some fabulous news that Ruin & Rule is now available on the shelves in Australia and New Zealand.

In Australia it’s been spotted in: Dymocks, Collins, WHSmith, and all indie bookstores. In New Zealand it’s currently in The Warehouse and Paper Plus.

If you’re out and about down-under take a picture for me with Ruin on the shelves!! I’d love to see them looking pretty.

If you prefer ebooks, here are the links for Australia sites:

RUIN & RULE

AUSTRALIA

Amazon: http://bit.ly/1HDjEKS

iBooks: http://apple.co/1KzDTcZ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1M0HIoS

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1CgOjvt

USA TRIP SO FAR. TWO SIGNINGS DOWN

It feels as if I’ve been away from home for EVER but in reality it’s only been 8 days. In that time I’ve done the following:

Had a twenty-four hour delay so we arrived into LAX a day later than planned. We stayed at the Hollywood Roosevelt which was a stunning hotel and we were lucky enough to be upgraded to a Pool Cabana room, however every night the DJ would play until early hours and wasn’t exactly conductive to sleeping after a very long flight, combating jetlag, or preparing for a 3.30am flight the next day. Overall, the stay was amazing at the hotel, but I’m a nana when it comes to hotels and prefer serenity to a nightclub so won’t be rushing back.

We arrived on the 7th July and on the 8th July we had the NIGHT OF CORRUPTION with other incredible authors such as Kristy Bromberg, Christine Reiss, KI Lynn, Callie Hart, Raine Miller, and JM Darhower.

Not only was the event INCREDIBLE with a huge thanks to Glorya Hildago and her amazing organisation skills but the Ruin & Rule cake blew my MIND. I was so lucky and honoured to be there.

That night I had some amazing drinks with Kristy Bromberg and her husband and ended up crawling into bed after 3am room service.

I was also able to sign a few copies of Ruin & Rule at Santa Monica and shook hands with the manager. Very cool to see it on the shelves!

The next day, hubby and I toured LAX before flying out the next morning at the crack of dawn to Little Rock via Houston. We landed to the sounds of a jazz band and a relaxed heat wave. Heaven! Checking into the Wyndham Waterfront we had dinner with other authors and readers before getting ready for the signing on the 11th July. Once again, the event was amazing and Jenny Sims did a fabulous job. It was so much fun to say hi to everyone and then go out for dinner with a group of us afterward.

Unfortunately our time in Little Rock was short and we left the next day at 0900 to fly to Vegas via Houston. (All these annoying connecting flights) Got to vegas at midday and picked up a SUV to drive 7 hours to San Diego. We didn’t have a hotel booked and ended up booking something last minute on the way there and checked into the Ocean View Villa at midnight. The location was fabulous, right on the beach. The next two days hubby and I had a great time exploring and enjoying the sunshine.

We loved it so much in fact, that we extended our stay at the hotel from 2 nights to 3 and then to 5. However, last night we went back to a local bar in Ocean Beach to enjoy the chicken wings for the second time. Something inside me wasn’t comfortable and I even took off my wedding rings and didn’t take my phone or wallet with me–which is unheard of for me–just because I had a FEELING.

We ate and had a good meal but then a few guys walked in and instantly the vibe in the bar changed. My hubby tensed and not long after, we left. Unfortunately, as we left, one of the men blocked the exit like a bouncer and another stood in our way on the footpath with a knife in his fist. My hubby grabbed my shirt and shoved me forward, hissing to run, which we did. Three blocks to the hotel. I’m not going to say anymore as yes it was a scary experience but overall we LOVED San Diego so don’t want to ruin our memories of it. We did however leave two days early because we were uncomfortable staying. I want to add an amendment to an original pic I posted on Instagram about the Tilted Stick two nights ago. I’d posted that it had cheap pints and great wings, however that was where this incident occurred. I recommend using safety in numbers and don’t go late. We were at the wrong place at the wrong time, however I would hate anyone lse to be in the same situation and not as lucky as us to get away without being hurt or robbed.

We are now in Vegas and thanks to the amazing Laine Chin, have a fantastic room, enjoyed yummy room service and tomorrow heading to the Grand Canyon for an explore. I think we’ve crammed in as much as possible in 8 days. I’m tired but very happy. I can’t wait for the Love N Vegas signing this weekend!!!

I’m missing our little bunny but not the cold at home and can’t believe I still have 6 weeks to go before having to return to snow! Rock on summer!

Hope you all have a great night.

Also, if you haven’t read Ruin & Rule yet, here are the buylinks for America and Australia again.

RUIN & RULE

Amazon: http://amzn.to/17cXi1G

iBooks: http://apple.co/1eqRhSP

Kobo: http://bit.ly/19qraZR

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1FVtwL0

Google Play: http://bit.ly/17iExdf

 

RUIN & RULE

AUSTRALIA

Amazon: http://bit.ly/1HDjEKS

iBooks: http://apple.co/1KzDTcZ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1M0HIoS

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1CgOjvt

 

SIN & SUFFER (Second Book. Two books TOTAL)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Tm7TKI

iBooks: http://apple.co/1HbVvp3

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1MfyF3l

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1S9pqDv

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1Rl9GCh

 

 

 

Thanks so much!

RUIN & RULE is LIVE!!!!!

Hi guys,

I am currently in an airport waiting for my flight to Los Angeles. Unfortunately, I’m supposed to be already there but our connecting flight was delayed due to pilot sickness so I’m running 24 hours behind and will be in the air when Ruin and Rule releases. So, hope you all enjoy it and can’t wait to hear your feedback.

Please be aware, Ruin & Rule is book one in the Pure Corruption series and has a cliffhanger. Sin & Suffer will be the following and LAST book of this duet or duology and releases on the 26th January 2016. There are TWO books, no more, no less :)

Right, now the fine print is out of the way, let’s celebrate!!!!!

Here are the buylinks for Ruin & Rule!!

RUIN & RULE

Amazon: http://amzn.to/17cXi1G

iBooks: http://apple.co/1eqRhSP

Kobo: http://bit.ly/19qraZR

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1FVtwL0

Google Play: http://bit.ly/17iExdf

 

RUIN & RULE

AUSTRALIA

Amazon: http://bit.ly/1HDjEKS

iBooks: http://apple.co/1KzDTcZ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1M0HIoS

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1CgOjvt

 

ADVANCE REVIEWS

5 *****

This is Pepper at her finest combining a badass hero to die for, a feisty determined heroine and a plot so layered in complexity it will make your head spin. – Becs Glass  / Sinfully Sexy

5 Brilliant Stars

I’m speechless,wow this is absolutely fantastic!What a wild ride!I have read books from Pepper Winters before but this one is something else.. – Pavilna loves Dex

5 Stars

Pepper Winters delivers a story filled with love, strength, regrets, severity, corruption and a dangerous world of revenge and deceit. –Katrina, Goodreads

**

Hope you all enjoy!!

In other news, Fourth Debt will be releasing on the 11th August and up for pre-order

FOURTH DEBT (Indebted #5)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FMK85L

iBooks: http://bit.ly/17cYh1Q

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1CQ9ZYn

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1GM4rG1

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1ODra86

I’ll be travelling around the States now so replies to messages etc will be slow but I hope you all LOVE Ruin & Rule and have a great week!!!!

ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE EPIC NOVEL-SIZED POSTS: BURN OUT & GRATEFULNESS

(there will be typos. Just ignore them. This is the only place I’m not a perfectionist with my word choices)

About twice a year, I do an epic blog post about how my life has changed since writing and publishing, how I did it, and the stresses and disbelief that I could. I’ve shared heartache and triumph in the hopes that anyone out there struggling with something in their life, failing to harness the courage to leap and achieve their dreams, or just a little bit lost will find something to inspire them and show, that as humans, we all have doubts and jealousy and flaws, but it’s how we deal with those flaws that make us a better person.

This blog post will be on a topic of BURN OUT & GRATEFULNESS. It doesn’t seem like the two go together, and they don’t really. But it’s two topics that I wish to cover.

I’ll start with BURN OUT.

Since July 2013, I’ve been working my butt off delivering book after book. At the start of January 2015, I stupidly decided to amp up my output which meant all I did, day after day, was sit on my butt and write and write and WRITE. I managed to write four and a half books (over 600,000 words) in that time but I still have to write three books before this year is done. In five days’ time, my husband and I leave for the USA and Canada for a two month book tour. I’d be lying if I said I was looking forward to it. The deadline of 6th July has been hanging over my head every month while I did my best to write 10,000 words a day. It meant I couldn’t do anything else. Lunch out with hubby? Nope. Taking the day off to just read and relax? Hell nope. I became chained to my deadlines and for six months I was able to keep up the pace.

But then last week happened.

Not only do I have to arrange a house sitter, hotels, flights, signings, paperbacks for the signings, and a bunch of other life stuff but I had an insane goal to finish FORBIDDEN FLAWS and have the first draft of FINAL DEBT done before the 6th July. I saw the last week stretched before me, knowing I should work my ass off to get as much done as possible but my mind decided to shut down. I’m not sick, but my body is lethargic, I want to sleep way more than normal (I’m an insomniac so that’s rare) and all I want to do is NOTHING. I don’t want to read, paint, and watch TV. All I want to do is turn my brain off and walk in a forest to get some much needed outdoor exercise.

I guess it’s my body’s way of telling me off. I’ve forced it to write and imagine and create for a solid six months with no break or mental stimulation that I’m now paying the price. I was going to push through it….that little voice inside your head that says ‘Stop being a drama queen’ ‘You’re over thinking it, you can do it’ ‘If you don’t do it you’ll have double the work later.’ Not only would my inner slave-driver not give me a rest, but the damn GUILT over not working was impossible to run away from.

Every morning I get up with the best intentions—to WRITE. To do 10,000 words. To complete my goals. But every morning I fail. (Have done for the past four days.) And now, I have five days before the two month trip and I’m nowhere near my goal—all because I’m being a pansy and not kicking my butt to work. But you know what I just realised this morning? You can’t FORCE yourself to work 24 hours a day—no matter how much you wish you could. There is such a thing as pushing yourself but there does come a time when you need to stop and just say…’you did good. You deserve a few days off’ regardless if you still have a crap load of stuff to do. Because in reality, we will ALWAYS have a crap load of stuff to do. It NEVER ENDS. And I guess our bodies and minds have safeguards in place so that we don’t just become machines and forget to live. We’re forced to take stock, relax and regenerate.

So…that’s where I’m at. For the next five days, I’m going to let go of my guilt, I’m going to do whatever the hell I want (and I have no idea what that is because I’ve been working so much for so long) and I’m going to get myself ready for this epic trip. Not only do I believe taking these five days to just blob, spend time with my rabbit and hubby, will help balance me out again, but I also think it’s what I’m MEANT to do. This trip is going to be amazing, but it’s no secret that I’m a WRITER and writers tend to be reclusive. I love hanging out with people, I adore meeting readers and chatting with every bookworm, but it is draining. Also, it’s winter here, so I’m not getting as much sunlight and my body is in hibernation mode. I figure if I’m kind to myself while my body is telling me to be, then the minute I get to sunny America, I’ll find my lost energy. My daily targets while I’m away include: writing an hour a day in the morning and at night, going to the hotel gym / pool, and exploring new places so I find my inspiration and drive again. In a strange way, I’m glad that I’m going to be a bum this week and have to work extra hard on the trip because it will help kick-start my energy again and knowledge that I can do this—no matter how tired I am currently.

My long winded point to this is—if you’re feeling drained, overworked, stressed, or just generally lethargic for no reason then stop listening to the guilt and just be kind to yourself. Take time out, go on a date, and don’t panic about what you SHOULD be doing. This is what you should be doing—recharging with no awful voice telling you you shouldn’t. My new goals are still lofty but I’m excited about them now, rather than freaking out. I want to get Forbidden Flaws finished by end of July (after touring America) and I want to get Final Debt finished by end of August (after touring Canada.) it’s not going to be easy working while busy and travelling but I’ll make it work.

Right, now that I’ve got that off my chest, it’s time for the GRATEFULNESS aspect of this post.

When I first started writing Tears of Tess, I put up my blurb on Goodreads and hoped to God that people found it before I released a couple of months later. A few added it, and I got giddy with excitement. Then a certain blogger found me and overnight I had 1000 TBR on Goodreads and an avalanche of personal messages asking to read the book. That blogger was Aestas Book Blog and if it hadn’t been for her, I might never have found the market and had my dreams come true. I will be forever grateful to her for talking so excitedly about the book and posting on her social media. I’d love to say that she also enjoyed Tears of Tess, but to this day I don’t believe she did. I expected to be heartbroken but I understand that everyone has their own opinions–and as long as you don’t become a terrible troll behind a hidden laptop–bad reviews and honest dislike are as acceptable as a glowing five star and fan mail.

I never approached her asking why she didn’t like it, as frankly, that’s not my place. It didn’t affect my incredible gratefulness toward her for launching my career and I will always be so honoured that she even chose to share my book. Even though Tears of Tess might not have been her thing, Aestas still shares my every release, creates teasers, and informs her followers of any sales and giveaways I have. The fact she does that even while my writing might not be her cup of tea blows me away. She is a true business woman and I have utter respect for that.

When Tears of Tess released, I woke up to 400 copies sold in a few hours. I couldn’t believe it. By the time the book published there were over 4000 TBR on Goodreads and that was thanks to bloggers, readers, and everyone on social media speaking about it. Yes, a few trolls got involved and 2 starred it in a group after I’d given out over 300 free copies, but they couldn’t take away the joy and amazement I felt at watching people I didn’t know recommending it. Bloggers who might’ve only had 200 followers messaged me asking to review. I gave them a copy. Readers who didn’t even have a blog, I gave them a copy. Anyone who took time out to request a copy, I gave them a copy. Why? Because I knew that it wasn’t the bigger bloggers, or the most likes someone had on Facebook that would drive Tears of Tess. It was the passionate people, the avid bookworms, and I couldn’t be more thankful that they helped Tears of Tess become what it did. Today, those bloggers who only had 200 followers now have over 20,000. The readers who didn’t blog now run bookclubs and indie bookshops. We all grew and evolved together and that is the best part of this writing business. The different facets and friends you make, no matter what city or country we live in. My moral on this is—if you’re a new writer, don’t go after the big blogs thinking that if they shared your link once that you’re made. It doesn’t work that way. You need passion and its those smaller bloggers, and avid readers that spread your work near and far.

I wish I could name every single blogger who helped me to let them know without them I would be nothing. That every post they made, every tweet, and amazing message gave me more than they ever knew. On my list that I’ve gathered over time, I have over eight hundred small bloggers who have grown, closed down, and changed in the two years I’ve been publishing. They’ve been with me from the beginning and I LOVE supporting new bloggers and reviewers. Without them, there would be no recommendations of good books, which would mean no writers being seen, so be kind and generous to everyone out there—you never know who will make or break you.

Before I wrap this up, I want to say one more thing. Once Aestas Book Blog mentioned Tears of Tess other bigger blogs noticed it and asked for ARCS. I handed them out, beyond nervous to hear what they thought. There was one such blog that I’d followed myself as a reader and hoped so much that they’d enjoy Tears of Tess. A few months went by and still no review. I stopped looking and again, figured they were being kind as they obviously didn’t enjoy it and instead of posting a scathing review just walked away professionally. Turned out, they went to read the book and a thread on Goodreads that wasn’t marked as spoilers tore apart the plot for Tears of Tess and ruined the story for them. The passion at reading disappeared and they decided not to read as spoilers SPOILED it. When I learned that, I understood completely and have always maintained a happy relationship with them. They kindly share my sales, new releases, and are always there for me–regardless that they haven’t read my work.

But then along came, Ruin & Rule. I received an email from them asking for a beta copy and handed it over fast as I could. Perhaps MAYBE, just maybe, they could read this one without having anyone spoil it for them (being one of the first to read it) The same nervousness I felt when I first starting publishing came back and I panicked, thinking maybe I’d let them down. That all this time, they hadn’t read my work because of an outside issue but now they would know they didn’t actually like it and would feel obligated to continue sharing etc.

Yesterday, I was tagged in a review which I’m going to share below:

[image error]

I’m not going to lie. This made my day. Hell, week.

I feel like I’ve achieved something that I never thought I would, almost two years after Tears of Tess released.

[image error]

So, my moral to this tale is…even when it seems like your book wasn’t enjoyed or those you hoped would love it and become your BFF’s doesn’t happen, it doesn’t mean it’s over. Treat everyone with respect, understanding, thankfulness, and no pressure. And don’t expect anything! It’s when you expect things that you get disappointed for no reason. These bloggers aren’t bound to read or like your work. They’re there to indulge in their passion of reading books they WANT to read and those who have created a business from it, it’s their responsibility to remain professional and only recommend books they think their readers will like. It’s nothing personal. And if one book doesn’t get noticed, then the next one might, or the next or the next. It doesn’t really matter which one will because in the end, you’re writing because you can’t NOT write. If you’re writing for money, that’s great…but beneath it all, you have to have that driving desire to create, otherwise…you’ll just lose yourself.

Even though I’m burned out currently, I know that by the end of my five day break I’ll be champing to get writing again (in fact, I doubt I’ll even make it to five days) writing is an addiction and if you do it right, not only do you become addicted but loyal readers, too.

I’ll end this post with a BIG THANK YOU to every reader who has read my work, every blogger who has taken the time to review, and every private message letting me into your thoughts. Even if you haven’t liked all my work, I still thank you because you gave me another chance to write something that hopefully one day soon, you will enjoy. And if not, that’s okay too. I’m still going to be grateful for your support.

GENERALNESS & GIVEAWAY

I’ll wrap this up now and hope you all have an amazing week. I’ll be leaving soon on the signing tour and I’ll be sharing lots of photographs while i’m away on my instagram page. (approx. 3-4 pics a day–a sort of scrap book of the tour) if you want to stay in touch and follow what I get up to, please follow me over at:

https://instagram.com/pepperwinters/?hl=en

Oh, and today marks exactly SEVEN days until Ruin & Rule is released!! That’s gone so fast and to celebrate my publisher is giving away TWO SIGNED COPIES (one for you and one for a friend) over on my Facebook page. Head on over to enter HERE

[image error]

PERSONAL UPDATE

Because this post wasn’t long enough already, I thought I’d give a quick heads up of what I’ll be doing the next few months. Not only will I be writing and signing for the next two months overseas, but I’ll also be designing my forever house with my amazing hubby. We bought this piece of land a few months ago (our only splurge) and can’t wait to start building.

[image error]

Currently we have our neighbour’s sheep grazing it to keep the grass from becoming a forest. It’s two hectares of land and I’m dying to come up with a design that will suit both hubby and me.

Perhaps, I’ll win an insane lottery and build Hawksridge on there instead. Think Jethro Hawk would mind? For those who don’t follow my groups, Hawksridge estate was based on Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, England. Here is a pic;

Right, I’m truly wrapping this up now. The next blog post will be to celebrate the release of Ruin & Rule and don’t forget to head over to my Facebook page every day this week to win signed copies of the book! Tell people too :) The more the merrier.

Thanks for reading and hope I didn’t bore you too much! xxx

QUESTIONS ANSWERED ABOUT RUIN & RULE

Hey all,

Hope you’re having an amazing weekend so far.

I’ve been asked a few questions lately which I want to clarify for Ruin & Rule which comes out in 9 days.

QUESTIONS

1. Is this a Dark Romance?

Compared to say Quintessentially Q and Indebted Series, no, this isn’t as dark. However, it’s still set in a biker world so it’s not all petals and promises.

2. Is Ruin & Rule a standalone?

No, it’s not. There is a cliffhanger. However, the next book Sin & Suffer is the final book so it’s not a long running series. It’s known as a Duet or Duology. So yes, there is a cliffhanger but only one more book to finish the tale.

3. Does it follow the same characters?

Yes, Ruin & Rule and Sin & Suffer follow the same couple.

4. How long is Ruin & Rule?

it’s 136,000 words so a big book.

5. Where can I buy Ruin & Rule?

Online, like you can with all my books on Amazon, iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Google Play, along with on book shelves in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

6. Why can’t I get Ruin & Rule in a store in the UK or other country?

The rights for UK and other countries have to first be purchased, translated, and stocked. It will be available in the future hopefully. You can still buy online, or order a paperback through amazon.

7. What can I expect when reading Ruin & Rule?

Well, I hope you can expect my writing style, a book full of romantic angst, unfailing love, and twists and turns you don’t see coming. (This book focuses on love and relationships, it’s definitely the most angst filled and love-connected book I’ve written so far.

That’s about it for now, but if you have anymore, just let me know and I’ll try to answer.

GIVEAWAY

In other news, my wonderful publisher Grand Central will be giving away signed paperbacks on my Facebook Page starting Tuesday and counting down 7 days until release. If you want to enter to win, pop on over starting next week.

ADVANCE REVIEWS

5 Brilliant Stars

Pavlina loves Dex, Goodreads Reviewer.

The MC world is something new from this author so apart from my excitement for her new book I also was intrigued to see how she would drown in this world!!She did it very well!!Her writing is magical and poetic and she can captivate you with her words!This is a dark romance full of passion and twists !The plot is so brilliant, it messed up with my mind make me have questions all the time!! The writing is poetic and beautiful!

5 Stars

Jasmine, Goodreaders Reviewer.

I don’t want to give too much away but holy hell, this book was nothing like what I expected and to say that I’m blown away is a huge understatement. In a true Pepper style, she leads you on a path thinking you know what’s ahead and while the clues are obvious, she still manages to throw some curveballs in your way that sends your head and emotions on a tailspin. She pushes you near the edge but to only pull you back by a thread, trickle feeding you with past and present moments that constantly keeps you guessing.

It’s definitely not as dark like her previous works but what’s new is that she really dished out the angst here. OMG that glorious, delicious angst. Hands down, this is Pepper’s most angsty book to date. I swear this woman is a true wizard of words because this book had me exploding with all sorts of emotions. The confusion, the anguish, the fear, the despair of losing the love of your life; all these emotions cut me so deep and left me feeling so raw from this read. But above all, I was enamoured by the all-encompassing love as you find yourself reading a love story that transcends many.

BLURB

We met in a nightmare. The in-between world where time had no power over reason. We fell in love. We fell hard. But then we woke up. And it was over . . .”

RUIN & RULE

“She is a woman divided. Her past, present, and future are as twisted as the lies she’s lived for the past eight years. Desperate to get the truth, she must turn to the one man who may also be her greatest enemy . . .

He is the president of Pure Corruption MC. A heartless biker and retribution-deliverer. He accepts no rules, obeys no one, and lives only to reap revenge on those who wronged him. And now he has stolen her, body and soul.

Can a woman plagued by mystery fall in love with the man who refuses to face the truth? And can a man drenched in darkness forgo his quest for vengeance-and finally find redemption?