Pepper Winters's Blog, page 36
March 10, 2014
March 7, 2014
!!DESTROYED IS LIVE!!
Good Morning (Afternoon)
It’s here!
Destroyed has just hit the shelves!
It hasn’t been easy.
I missed my first release date as I wasn’t satisfied, but it’s finally published and ready to be devoured.
BUY LINKS
Barnes and Noble – COMING SOON
Kobo – COMING SOON
iTunes – COMING SOON
I’m best known for writing Dark Erotica, however, I wanted to show a variety in my work and Destroyed is more Grey Romance. I’ve penned that term and it means: it’s not fluffy, but it’s not brutal. It’s COMPLETELY different to Tears of Tess and Quintessentially Q. It ruined me writing it as I had to tame a lot of what I wanted to do, but the story is still deep and I hope you enjoy the journey Roan Fox goes through.
I must admit I’m freaking out, hoping people enjoy. I want to thank you all for enjoying and being such amazing, supportive readers.
I’ve been asked what I’ll be working on next, and I’m happy to announce Q is keeping me captive once again. Twisted Together is my next book due for release, and I’m also working on a secret project called Indebted. I can’t wait to share with you. It’s dark. It’s kinky. It’s brutal. Obviously, I’m loving writing it!
I can’t thank you all enough for being so patient with me while I wrote this book and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
BUY LINKS
Barnes and Noble – COMING SOON
Kobo – COMING SOON
iTunes – COMING SOON
Don’t forget there is a GIVEAWAY running too. Signed Paperbacks, Swag, Ebooks. 
March 4, 2014
DESTROYED RELEASE DATE
After all your amazing support and patience while I make sure Destroyed is as best as it can be, I can announce a release date!!
FRIDAY 7th MARCH!!
*BOOK: Destroyed*
*GENRE: Grey Romance (not too dark, but not fluffy either)*
*RELEASE DATE: 7th March (Friday)*
*AVAILABLE ON: Amazon, Kobo, iTunes, Paperback, and Barnes & Noble*
*GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20324107-destroyed
<https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20324107-destroyed>*
*BLURB:*
She has a secret.
I’m complicated. Not broken or ruined or running from a past I can’t face.
Just complicated.
I thought my life couldn’t get any more tangled in deceit and confusion.
But I hadn’t met him. I hadn’t realized how far I could fall or what I’d
have to do to get free.
He has a secret.
I’ve never pretended to be good or deserving. I chase who I want, do what I
want, act how I want.
I didn’t have time to lust after a woman I had no right to lust after. I
told myself to shut up and stay hidden. But then she tried to run. I’d
tasted what she could offer me and damned if I would let her go.
Secrets destroy them.
February 22, 2014
NINE TEARS OF TESS TEASERS & WINNERS
Over the last day, I’ve posted some AMAZING teasers created by the very talented Gel Marino. I want to share all of them here with you and announce the winners of the nine DESTROYED ARC winners for sharing on FB, and the winners of either an ecopy of Tears of Tess or Quintessentially Q that was running on my page a few days ago.
TEASERS
WINNERS
NINE DESTROYED ADVANCE READER COPIES
Handed out early March.
Terry Briody
Trish Bacher
Clare Mansmann
Nadine Winningham
Jennifer Diaz
Colleen Farrell
Rachel Hilliker
Amy Moore
Gemma Harding
WINNERS
EITHER A COPY OF TEARS OF TESS or QUINTESSENTIALLY Q
Winner can chose which they would prefer
Momo Xiong
Kyla Clarkston
Amanda Dotson
Laurie Lunn
Winners please email me: pepperwinters@gmail.com to receive.
Thank you so much for sharing and being so awesome!
February 20, 2014
8000 LIKE and DESTROYED RELEASE GIVEAWAY
To celebrate 8000 likes and Destroyed upcoming release I’m giving away:
1 x signed copy of Destroyed
1 x signed copy of Tears of Tess or Quintessentially Q
Signed Swag
Ribbon Bookmarks
ebooks
If you want to enter here is the link: RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
Also, because I suck and don’t know how to use technology, I just approved 52 comments on my blog. I’m SO sorry for those who have commented and I haven’t replied. I’m terrible LOL
Hope you all have an amazing day!!! xxx
February 15, 2014
DESTROYED UPDATE
Hello Everyone,
I’ve putting off writing this as I didn’t really know how to say it. When I first published, I swore I would share the ups and downs of my publishing journey and this new book, Destroyed, showed me a new lesson that I’d like to share.
Before I start, I’ll share a bit of the writing process for this one. I have written 160,000 words in 3.5 weeks. I have deleted 60,000 words as I didn’t know the characters enough to start with and the story kept evolving. And I just made the heartbreaking decision to delete yet MORE words and rewrite the entire ending. Why am I doing that? I lost faith in myself as a writer and it played havoc with my mind.
I tried to keep Destroyed less dark. I wanted to show I can be diverse and offer a range of different stories, but I forgot what is in my heart and the characters in Destroyed turned it darker from what I’d originally planned which was great for me, but it wasn’t what I set out to do. My brain was overriding my heart and that’s where problems started happening.
I didn’t give myself free reign to write the book I wanted. It was hard. It was heartbreaking to keep deleting so many words. I would never do it again.
Destroyed is a story I’m proud of but not how it is. It needs to be made stronger; it needs a few more tweaks and the ending needs to be re-written. With that being said, Destroyed won’t be releasing on the 24th February. I hate to break a promise, but I would be breaking a promise to myself to only publish books I believe in if I put it out how it is. I want to deliver a book that’s original, sexy, angsty, and make you live the journey, and right now, Destroyed isn’t quite there. However, it’s not far away. I’m not going to put another release date—it’s just going to randomly appear, and I’m guessing it will be the first week of March, so it’s only a week or so delay.
I didn’t do this lightly, in fact, I’ve been killing myself over the past few weeks to avoid doing this, but the pressure is making the story worse than better, so I have to take a step back, learn to love the book again, and then pour my heart into editing it.
I can’t thank you all enough for your amazing support and wonderful words. I don’t know what I would’ve done without a lot of you these past few weeks. You’ve been beyond amazing putting up with my writing cave hours and my lack of emails.
The main reason why Destroyed hasn’t been an enjoyable journey for me was because I tried to pigeon hole myself. I lost WHY I write. The characters made me listen and forced me to write their story, however every step I was doubting if my story was mainstream enough—if the concept wasn’t too far out—if people would like it.
I began to hate my originality, thinking I would be turning people away from my work as an author and it took some serious soul searching to find the reason why I write: I WRITE TO TELL A UNIQUE STORY. I’m not here to write about topics already done. I’m here to write what I’m passionate about and sometimes that’s a completely different story to the one I think I’m writing. Tess and Q were SO easy to write—why? Because I gave them every part of me because I BELIEVED. Destroyed I lost that belief and man did I pay the price. Not only did I waste approx. 80,000 words but I lost the ‘fun.’ It became a chore.
I’m happy to report I’ve re-embraced my originality and got over my mini-meltdown. I think lack of sleep (I’m an insomniac) and trying to deliver a book I thought the market wanted, screwed me over. I took a step back and really LOOKED at what I’m trying to do. I’ve been BEYOND lucky to have the success as a writer that I have. I will be forever grateful for every single reader, blogger, reviewer, and friend who have shared the word of my books. However, with that success came immense pressure. I didn’t want to let anyone down by putting out a bad book. I let the fear of the unknown cripple my writing process. And I don’t mind saying I got caught up in the ‘’will this be another bestseller’’. Tess and Q got people’s attention, and I want to deliver book after book—but what if I deliver a book that nobody likes? Will they forgive me and keep reading what I put out? Or will my one chance at writing for a living go up in smoke?
Know what I told myself?
Destroyed is ONE book in hundreds that I have locked inside my brain. Some people will love it, some people will hate it. And that’s okay. That’s life. I dealt with both positive and negative reviews on Tess and Q so why did I let it crush me on this book that isn’t even released yet? Simple. I wanted to recreate the success of Tess and Q all over again. I want to gain more readers. I want to deliver my story into more kindles around the world. Not for money, or fame, but because it means more people see my characters which ultimately means more people to write for. I boxed myself in to a fearful little corner by making myself believe that Destroyed would flop and all of this success would’ve been a dream.
I keep thinking I’ll wake up and find out that I never published a book, and don’t have readers messaging me daily saying how much they love my work. I keep thinking they’ve made a mistake and if I release another book they’ll see the truth that I’m an imposter.
Those fears stole my happiness in writing and i was the only one who made myself feel that way. I let the stress take away my dream.
Those fears are still with me, but now I’m more balanced. I took time out to re-evaluate my goals and they’re pretty simple:
Write a book I’m proud of.
Write something as original as I can
Deliver characters who exist far past their release date
Stay personal and one on one with my readers
Never forget why I write: Because I CAN’T not write.
I had to remind myself of who I am:
I’m Pepper Winters and I write sexy taboo books that make you think, make you pant, make you squirm, make you scream. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
Once Destroyed is out, I’m throwing myself back into Tess and Q. I don’t mind admitting that I miss him. And then… then I’m going to go dark. I have a new character in my head that will give Q a run for his money and I can’t wait to enter the darkness once again and embrace who I am: I’m a lover of taboo romance and I’m okay with that :)
For all those writers out there, never forget who you are. There is so much pressure these days to write for an ever growing market full of so many different wonderful genres, but never write what you’re not passionate about.
For all the readers out there, I want to thank you in advance for giving my work a chance; for supporting me, and following me regardless of what book I put out. I hope I pay you back with an exciting story with Destroyed.
For all the bloggers and reviewers out there, I’m so sorry for the slight delay in Destroyed ARCs and thank you for putting up with me and my minor meltdown.
I can’t thank everyone enough.
Have a great weekend.
Pepper
Oh, and there is a giveaway going on over at my page. A signed copy of Tess or QQ, a signed copy of Destroyed, ebooks, bookmarks, and swag up for grabs.
Link is HERE
February 4, 2014
TOTE VOTES
I need your help I’m currently designing some Tote Bags for signing events and for anyone who wants one. I have three concepts available and I need your votes on which one you prefer.
Please comment or comment on the FB threat which one you prefer. :)
TOTE ONE
TOTE 2
TOTE 3
ALL TOGETHER
Your votes would be amazing!
Also, for the next two weeks only you can grab some Monsters in the Dark clothing thanks to Teespring. Limited time only. Tank Tops / hoodies / sweat shirts / t-shirts available.
February 2, 2014
RELEASE DATE UPDATES
I thought I would do a post explaining the release dates of my upcoming work. As you know (if you follow me) I’m a writer who can only write the story when a character is talking loudly to me. In this case, Destroyed was the one screaming at me. I made the decision to follow Zel and Roan’s story before completing Tess and Q as I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to Q’s world just yet.
DESTROYED has evolved from my last blog post. I said it was grey compared to the blackness of Quintessentially Q. I’d now called it dark grey…. a little darker than I intended but that’s the way the story went and I can’t deny the characters.
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20324107-destroyed
It comes out on the 24th Feb 2014 with a blog tour starting the first week of March. If you’d like to sign up here is the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hRjY...
TWISTED TOGETHER
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
The third and final Monsters in the Dark has had to be slightly delayed (ducks for cover) I know I said around March, however I didn’t take into consideration the fact I have a book signing in The Gold Coast and a family holiday afterward which will cut into my writing time. The moment I get back, I’ll be writing furiously and it will most likely be published May (ish) I’m not confirming a date anymore than that as:
1. I don’t want to let you down
2. I have found that writing Destroyed I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself with a quick release date. My friendships have suffered as I am working 24/7 and I never see my hubby. I need to enjoy what I’m writing and from now on won’t be confirming a release date until I have the book done and with an editor. This allows me to deliver on the dates I promise without killing myself or disappointing you if I don’t make it.
3. I DO promise however that it will be out and on both paperback and ebook shelves BEFORE the Edinburgh signing. Hand on heart. :)
SINS OF SILVER
This is a very exciting project and I’m really looking forward to sharing Hunter and Cleo’s story with you. It will be dark. It will be kinky. And oh yeah, there’s bikers :)
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Again, Chantal and I won’t be announcing a confirmed release date until closer to the time however I can confirm it will be August (ish)
Other books will be announced as they come.
One other one to be aware of is the fantastic anthology of 12 amazing dark stories called MAKE ME. Available for pre-order at 0.99 and will only be on the shelves for a very limited time.
Preorder here: http://www.amazon.com/Make-Me-Twelve-...
I would also like to take the opportunity to thank each and every blogger, friend, reader, and supporter. I know I haven’t been around much while I try and get Destroyed completed in time. If I don’t respond to your message quickly, or take a few days to reply to your email it doesn’t mean I love you any less, it just means my cave is where I’m living currently and I’ll be back up for air as soon as I can.
Thank you for supporting me, for standing by me, and being there for me. I can’t thank you enough and I’ll make it up to you the moment Destroyed is done.
Have a great weekend everyone xxx
January 30, 2014
Make Me. Twelve amazing dark reads for only 0.99
I was asked to be part of an amazing collection of dark romance authors and jumped at the chance to be involved.
For one month from the 3rd of March there will be 12 delicious reads all for only 0.99. After the month is over it will be drawn from the shelves and never be available again.
PRE-ORDER
You can pre-order now to make sure you don’t miss out: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I...
Take a trip to the dark side with 12 books by some of the hottest names in edgy romance, including USA Today Bestselling authors CJ Roberts, Eliza Gayle, and Aleatha Romig!
Pam Godwin – Beneath the Burn
Skye Warren – Wanderlust
Claire Thompson – Enslaved
Cari Silverwood – Take Me Break Me
Annabel Joseph – Comfort Object
Aleatha Romig – Consequences
Shoshanna Evers – The Man Who Holds the Whip
Annika Martin – The Hostage Bargain
Jasmine Haynes – Take Your Pleasure
Eliza Gayle – Play With Me
Pepper Winters – Tears of Tess
CJ Roberts – Captive in the Dark
These e-books would cost over $40 if purchased separately. This set will only be available for a limited time, so order your copy now!
January 29, 2014
MONSTERS IN THE DARK LIMITED EDITION CLOTHING
***MONSTER IN THE DARK CLOTHING***
I’ve been asked a few times lately if I could create a tank top and a hoodie for Monsters in the Dark. I’ve got around to doing it and there is a selection of t-shirts / tanks / long sleeve t-shirts / hoodies available. The campaign is for a limited time only so if you want one order soon.
Thanks so much!!
http://teespring.com/monstersinthedarktanktop
