Pepper Winters's Blog, page 38
January 1, 2014
2013 Wrap-up, Winners, and Thank You
I can’t believe another year has gone by. It seems time is speeding up and the days are getting shorter. I know it’s almost cliché for an author to say this year has been one of the best so far and that I’m blown away by the success my work has achieved—but it’s the truth.
I’ve always written.
I’ve always had an over active imagination and been an avid bookworm. My passion for lyrical sentences and storyweaving was ingrained into me right from a little girl, but I never had the guts or motivation to try and see if I could chase my ultimate dream. There were many times in my life that I would think—I would like to write. And then real life like bills and things would get in the way. Then one morning, out of nowhere, I sat up in bed and announced to my partner (hubby to be) that I wanted to write a book. That night we went to see Avatar in 3D and my mind exploded with how amazing and visual the special effects were. It really impassioned me to create something vivid and real. To paint a movie in people’s heads and prove to myself I could do it.
So, the four year long journey began. That next day we went to JB Hifi and bought my first laptop. And I became obsessed. I went from running my own business, and living a life already full of work and commitments to being consumed by that tiny laptop and word document.
And I sucked.
Honestly and truly. It was drivel. I dumped too much backstory. Told the story and didn’t show. My grammar was all over the place and the characters card board cut-outs. Terrible.
Writing was hard.
I got disillusioned and gave up. Hubby noticed I wasn’t glued to my laptop and asked why I’d stopped. When I told him I sucked and I was kidding myself, he yelled at me. Literally got all angry and threatened me to finish what I started—that he believed in me. He’d never been so angry with me before and it kinda pissed me off. It was my dream—not his. If I wanted to quit, he should let me.
But his asskicking was what I needed and the little voice in my head forced me back to work. I then found Query Tracker online and met a bunch of amazing authors all learning, and slogging through the process of conjuring a story. We banded together and critiqued each other’s MS’s until we found our voice and I grew to believe in myself.
It wasn’t an over-night success. I’d like to say that when I published Tears of Tess in September that it was the course of quick success, but it wasn’t. I taught myself from the ground up on how to write a believable story. For four years, I wrote and wrote and wrote. I did nothing else in my free time. I annoyed myself with how much I thought and breathed writing.
And then two characters sprang into my head and it was like a key unlocked in my brain. Tess and Q were so REAL and their story poured so quickly. Seven weeks from opening a blank document to pressing the publish button. But that skill of writing fast didn’t come from overnight. It came from an obsession that I would never give up until I succeeded.
And for someone who flunked English and left school at 16, I was pretty damn proud when reviews started coming in that people actually liked what I had to say.
So I did it all over again.
I wrote Quintessentially Q in six weeks and was over the moon that fans of Tears of Tess liked QQ even more! It made my year.
This last few months proved to me that if you chase your dream, ignore your fears, and never give up, all your aspirations can come true.
Tears of Tess has been nominated on so many bloggers Top 2013 Reads I can’t keep track. I get tears in my eyes every time I get tagged in some amazing post alongside other INCREIBLE writers.
Tess became an international bestseller in five days after publishing.
Agents started emailing asking if I’d like representation.
I sold print and ebook rights to a Turkish Translation publisher.
I received so many AMAZING messages that I couldn’t believe this had really happened to me. It all feels surreal. Still does and probably will forever.
The message of this long post is—I never stopped fighting for what I wanted. I wanted to be a bestseller, I wanted to write a book people enjoyed, I wanted to be unique, be known for being a good writer, and carve a small niche for myself in literary heaven. And I did that.
So if you’re a seasoned writer congratulations on chasing your dreams. If you’re yet to press publish—never stop striving.
The best things only happen when you fight for them. And I’ll never stop fighting. Never stop learning, growing, writing.
But none of my success would’ve been possible without the AMAZING support of bloggers and reviewers who helped spread the word of Tears of Tess. I couldn’t have done this without the amazing readers who gave an unknown author a try and bought her book. Who left reviews, and spoke highly of it to their friends. The word of mouth Tears of Tess received was invaluable to its success and that is priceless to me.
Thank you to all the other awe-inspiring authors I call friends, who let me into this dream-like world of books, writing, and all things character-love.
Thank you for every message, every tweet, and comment. I will never stop appreciating every single reader and always be humble that people enjoy my work.
2013 made my dreams come true, but 2014 will bring everything my heart desired: To have the courage to call myself a writer. Up till now—even with the sales of Tess and QQ, I still felt unworthy of calling myself an author. If someone asked me in person what I did, I didn’t mention it. I don’t know why, but I always felt like I still had more to prove.
But now, thanks to you, I have the courage to call myself a storyteller first and everything else that I am second. I am a writer through and through and will be until my last breath on this earth. To find your true calling, your reason for existing and be able to do it is the best gift on earth.
So thank you universe. Thank you everyone. Just thank you.
To wrap up this post I’m also mentioning the winners of the 6000 Like Facebook Giveaway!
Thanks to everyone who participated and congratulations to the winners!
Signed Paperback of either Tears of Tess or QQ: Chris
Ecopy of Tess or QQ:La Gina Reese
Ecopy of Tess or QQ:: Lori Parker
Ecopy of Tess or QQ: Alison Fess
Ecopy of Tess or QQ: Angel Truman-Stitt
Ecopy of Tess or QQ: Kathy Dirisi
Sparrow Ring: Chasity Morrison
Monster in the Dark Bracelet: Sabrina Taylor
Monster in the Dark Bracelet: Rebekah E
Monster in the Dark Bracelet: Kristina Ohrberg
Monster in the Dark Bracelet: Vikki Ryan
Monster in the Dark Bracelet: Maria Malaveci
The Goodreads Giveaway for Two Signed Paperbacks of Quintessentially Q has also ended. The winners are:
Kristi Correll and Laina Gruver
Happy New Year Everyone!!
December 30, 2013
Day One DESTROYED & Teaser
I announced yesterday that I would be trying to write 80,000 words in 8 days. Yesterday was day one and a dismal fail. (hangs head in shame)
Word count achieved: 3898 (long way of 10,000 words)
Here are my excuses:
1. I set up my work station and wrote furiously. But being a new book, I hadn’t quite figured the characters out yet and it was a jumbled mess.
2. I had a stack of signed paperbacks to send to people too, so I figured I’d go and do some errands and let my brain unscramble all the plot points driving me mad and not making sense. I stood in the queue at the post office for about an hour (all the while jotting furiously in my notebook) so progress was made on the actual storyline so yay me. The bad thing was the chapter I wrote before–unusable. So that will be deleted.
3. I then headed back to work and Hubby wasn’t in the mood to build anymore so we headed home. And at home I got distracted. No excuse. I blame Facebook.
So, first day. FAIL.
I did make some chapter headers though!
Unfortunately, today it’s New Years Eve and I forgot we have plans with friends and then the compulsory watching fireworks and drinking too much tonight–so Day Two will also be a FAIL. So I’m not counting today otherwise this experiment will suck. lol
Now for the TEASER!!
This is for DESTROYED coming soon!
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20324107-destroyed
Her eyes locked onto the jagged scar that started in the middle of my right cheek and ran down my neck. Not exactly fun to have half your face hanging off your skull only to wake up not dead as you’d hoped but
disfigured and forever repulsive.
“I hope you don’t use that as your pity card.”
I growled. Loudly. “Quit while you’re ahead, lady. Go back to your ridiculous
article.” I swivelled in my chair and slammed down the bourbon. Women. All daughters of fucking, venomous fate.
A minute ticked past, maybe more, as I stewed in the self-pity cocktail that was so familiar.
A soft voice said, “Scars don’t scare me. You don’t scare me. So get over yourself and try to be less of a bastard next time someone orders you a drink.”
December 29, 2013
A CHALLENGE, NEWS & UPCOMING BOOKS
Good morning everyone,
I have a bit of a newsy post today about tentative release dates for my upcoming work, what titles are coming first, and a bit of a challenge that I set for myself.
First: THE CHALLENGE
I’m a very lucky writer. I can write upwards of 12,000 words per day if I know where the story is going and the characters are talking to me. However, I don’t pull a lot of those. Maybe two in one book process. Normally, I sit around 5-8,000 comfortably and that allows me to finish a book like Quintessentially Q (which came in at 116,000 words) in 6 weeks. Once my first draft is done, I go over and over and over it. I tend to do six drafts before I’m satisfied. So now you know a bit of my process, here is my challenge to myself.
I have SO many books that I want to write this year that I need to get the whip out and get cracking. 2014 already feels like I don’t have enough time, so… I need to become a machine.
What is my challenge you ask? I’ll tell you.
CHALLENGE DETAILS: **WRITE an 80,000 word book in EIGHT DAYS**
(Not edited, or complete, but first draft written and done in eight days)
My hubby has kindly let me have a week off normal work to do this ridiculous challenge. I have a feeling by the end of it my brain will be mush, my fingers swollen, and I won’t be able to talk in full sentences, but I’m willing to give it ago.
RULES
I’ll be writing minimum 10,000 a day (hopefully a few more so I can have some words as back-up.) Every day I will post my progress in installments, and then every night share a teaser.
The book I’m writing? DESTROYED.
This is the first time you’ll have heard about this book. It came to me quickly, the characters landed in my head and didn’t leave. And the only way to get them out is to write them out.
Let me introduce you to Roan Fox and Hazel Hunter.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20324107-destroyed
DESTROYED
She’s a woman with a dirty secret.
I’m complicated. Not broken or ruined or running from a past I can’t face. Just complicated. For good reason.
I thought my life couldn’t get any more tangled in deceit and confusion. But I hadn’t met him. I hadn’t been sucked into his lies or taught to run from everything that he is. Instead, I let him ensnare me, seduce me, trap me with secrets—Hazel Hunter
He’s a man with a killer secret.
I’ve never pretended to be good or deserving. Despite the shadows I live in, I’m ultimately a slave to my secrets and that gives me a free pass to chase who I want, be who 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 how could I deny her? How could I deny my one chance at redemption? But then she tried to run. I’d found a cure to my existence and damned if I would let her go—Roan Fox
And secrets silently destroy them.
PROLOGUE
I didn’t believe her when she said she was complicated.
She didn’t believe me when I said I had secrets.
I didn’t believe the truth, even when she let me glimpse behind her mask.
She didn’t believe that I wasn’t strong enough to live with the consequences.
I thought she was a saint.
She thought I was a sinner.
Too bad we didn’t try to find the truth.
We both paid the price.
We destroyed each other.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20324107-destroyed
So, now you know my challenge. Will you help support me? If you see me online and not working–ask what my word count is. Share my teasers if you like them, and generally throw pompoms if I make my target and heckle me if I don’t. :)
Now, onto other news.
UPCOMING BOOKS & TENTATIVE RELEASE DATES
(I won’t give exact dates as I don’t want to let you down if life gets in the way and I can’t deliver on time. However, I’ll update those dates as the books become closer to publication)
If you follow me, you’ll know I have two books currently published.
Tears of Tess (which is still on sale) http://www.amazon.com/Tears-Tess-Monsters-Dark-1-ebook/dp/B00EV9LSJI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1388350135&sr=1-1&keywords=tears+of+tess
Quintessentially Q: http://www.amazon.com/Quintessentially-Q-Monsters-Dark-2-ebook/dp/B00HBF3FPO/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1
AND NEXT UP IS:
1. DESTROYED
(Please see above for blurb and prologue) The cover is being designed currently and if I manage to complete my challenge, it will most likely release: Late Jan / Early Feb 2014
2. TWISTED TOGETHER
The third and final book in the Monsters in the Dark series.
Blurb: “After battling through hell, I brought my esclave back from the brink of ruin. I sacrificed everything—my heart, my mind, my very desires to bring her back to life. And for a while, I thought it broke me, that I’d never be the same. But slowly the beast is growing bolder, and it’s finally time to show Tess how beautiful the dark can be.”
Q gave everything to bring Tess back. In return, he expects nothing less. Tess may have leashed and tamed him, but he’s still a monster inside.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19015729-twisted-together?from_search=true
RELEASE DATE: Feb / Mar 2014
3. OFELIA
Blurb: What would you do if you knew you were going to die?
I’ll tell you what I plan to do.
• Travel the world
• Indulge in a Ménage à trois
• Get so deeply into trouble someone kills me before I waste away.
At twenty-one, Ofelia thought she had decades left to live. That was before the news. The news that changed her from prim honour graduate who always obeyed the law, to an adrenaline seeking rebel who no longer cares about her mortal body.
At twenty-nine, Griffen no longer has blood in his veins—he has cocaine. Carving a niche for himself as a business-savvy drug-lord amongst cutthroats and dealers, he’s looking for someone reckless. Someone who has no morals, expectations, or aspirations.
A woman who no longer suffers consequences meets the man who will ruin her life. Ofelia got what she wanted.
For better or for worse.
**The Golden Ashes Series follows four men involved with illegal dealings who fall for women too good for them. All separate stories, no cliffhangers. Intended for mature audiences**
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19546345-ofelia?from_search=true
RELEASE: June / July 2014
4. LAST SHADOW
Blurb: “My life wasn’t perfect but at least it was mine. Now, I live in hell and owned by others. I fell for a guy who promised me the world and sold me for five kilos of cocaine. I want nothing more than to end this existence of abuse and slavery. I’m not weak. I’m not giving up. I’m just done.”
Owned. Possessed. Used.
Lyric is a whore. After three years as a pawn in a high class game of bastards and sex, she’s had enough. Every hope and dream she’s ever had is inked on her skin—a reminder of why she should stay alive. But she’s lost all hope and the moment she runs out of flesh to tattoo, Lyric will find freedom. Freedom by death. As her last breath fast approaches, she needs nothing and no one…until him.
Kage was born to be one thing: a killer. Trained from birth, he’s an expert in blood and extermination—the last shadow his victims ever see. He’s the best at his profession; a ruthless, unfeeling assassin. He needs nothing and no-one…until her.
A man who lives to kill and a woman who wants to die. A serendipitous match…or so they thought.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18403217-last-shadow?from_search=true
RELEASE: August 2014
5. BROKEN CHANCE
Blurb: Working at the local race track for Beatrix Black is heaven and hell. She may or may not have a gambling problem.
Paying her way through college, Trix lives up to her name by using her skills as mathematics major to work out race algorithms and bets far more than she can lose.
The tips aren’t bad, and the view of hotshots in their suits ain’t bad either, until Arron Jackson appears. Betting heavy on a shitty horse, he wins the jackpot.
Then Trix’s luck runs out and her debts are called in.
Flashing his new cash, Arron has eyes on other ponies and tries to rope Trix in for a ride. In a game of chance they both battle to say on top, but someone has to lose and it won’t be Trix.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18134900-broken-chance?from_search=true
RELEASE: October / November 2014
Disclaimer
I also have a lot of unnamed books, drafts that may or may not come before these titles. I’m a writer who has to be consumed by the characters to do their story justice. So if Last Shadow talks to me before Ofelia, or Broken Chance before Shadow then I’ll update accordingly. But I will ALWAYS set a confirmed date when I know exactly what I can deliver.
I think that’s it for now. Now, I’m off to go and tackle the first 10,000 words on Destroyed! Hope you have a great day!
December 28, 2013
WINNERS of THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
Thanks to everyone who participated in the rafflecopter giveaway.
The winners have been drawn and they are as follows:
Congratulations to SARAH GRIFFEN. You’ve won the Signed Copy of Quintessentially Q. I’ve emailed you for your address.
Congratulations to MAGGIE STEALE. You won the signed swag pack with Monsters in the Dark bracelet. I’ve emailed you for your address.
Thank you again to everyone who shared and I hope you’re enjoyed Quintessentially Q.
Tears of Tess is on sale for another few days only. Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Tears-Tess-Monsters-Dark-1-ebook/dp/B00EV9LSJI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1388292734&sr=1-1&keywords=tears+of+tess
And Quintessentially Q: http://www.amazon.com/Quintessentially-Q-Monsters-Dark-2-ebook/dp/B00HBF3FPO/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1
December 24, 2013
New Book Coming Soon
So, two new characters have exploded into my head and I have had no choice but to listen. Ofelia will be published early 2014 and a cover is currently being designed which I’m dying to share :)
For now, here is the blurb. Hope you like it!!!
What would you do if you knew you were going to die?
I’ll tell you what I plan to do.
• Travel the world
• Indulge in a Ménage à trois
• Get so deeply into trouble someone kills me before I waste away.
At twenty-one, Ofelia thought she had decades left to live. That was before the news. The news that changed her from prim honour graduate who always obeyed the law, to an adrenaline seeking rebel who no longer cares about her mortal body.
At twenty-nine, Griffen no longer has blood in his veins—he has cocaine. Carving a niche for himself as a business-savvy drug-lord amongst cutthroats and dealers, he’s looking for someone reckless. Someone who has no morals, expectations, or aspirations.
A woman who no longer suffers consequences meets the man who will ruin her life. Ofelia got what she wanted.
For better or for worse.
**The Golden Ashes Series follows four men involved with illegal dealings who fall for women too good for them. Intended for mature audiences**
Add to Goodreads Here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19546345-ofelia
December 19, 2013
MONSTERS IN THE DARK BLITZ
It’s the 20th of December. I’ve been waiting for this day for a while!
It’s not only the day where I get to share Twisted Together’s cover with you, but I have two other things to share too!
Get ready for a long post with some colourful images!
NUMBER ONE on the MONSTERS IN THE DARK BLITZ
Tears of Tess is on SALE
For a limited time Tears of Tess is on sale.
Buy Links:
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id695859976
Barnes and Noble; http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tears-of-tess-pepper-winters/1116793584?ean=2940148520573&itm=1&usri=2940148520573
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/352510
NUMBER TWO on the MONSTERS IN THE DARK BLITZ
Quintessentially Q is available to read now. It’s been out for 4 days!
Review: Oh my GOD!!
What an incredible ride – I think this book just about ripped my heart out. I know it’s a well worn reviewer’s cliché to claim that a ‘book owned me’ but never was it truer than when i was reading Quintessentially Q. It’s heart-breaking. 5 stars.—Sinfully Sexy Books
Review: 6- Best book/Best Series of 2013- ★ Spoiler Free Review
Since I’ve started reading/reviewing books, I’ve never actually surpassed the five star rating, until Pepper came along with her sequel QQ! Ladies, this book made me FEEL. –Hook Me Up Book Blog
Review: I really have no words……..that rarely happens to me! This is such a uniquely beautiful story that I don’t know if anything I can say will do Q and Tess any justice! I have simply fallen in love with these characters, and their beautifully tragic story. 5 stars—Goodreads
BUY LINKS:
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/quintessentially-q-pepper-winters/1117678552?ean=2940148888772&itm=1&usri=2940148888772
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/388134
NUMBER THREE on the MONSTERS IN THE DARK BLITZ
I can finally show you Twisted Together’s Cover. Coming Jan / Feb 2014. Exact date to be announced.
“After battling through hell, I brought my esclave back from the brink of ruin. I sacrificed everything—my heart, my mind, my very desires to bring her back to life. And for a while, I thought it broke me, that I’d never be the same. But slowly the beast is growing bolder, and it’s finally time to show Tess how beautiful the dark can be.”
Q gave everything to bring Tess back. In return, he expects nothing less. Tess may have leashed and tamed him, but he’s still a monster inside.
Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19015729-twisted-together?from_search=true
I also have some AMAZING fanmade Trailers to show you.
This one is made by the awesome Swooning Over Book Blog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVCy8Y59dd4
This one is made by the insanely talented: Romancekolik: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLbQeZcKj7A&feature=youtu.be
For the first time EVER, the Monsters in the Dark books are together. Can’t wait to hold the box set :)
Thank you all so much for making today extra special and I hope you enjoy Tears of Tess and Quintessentially Q.
Author links:
Blog: www.pepperwinters.wordpress.com
Twitter: @pepperwinters
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pepper-Winters/539976006062848
Email: pepperwinters@gmail.com
December 17, 2013
Calling all readers, internet users
CALLING ALL READERS, FACEBOOK USERS
I’m putting together a massive blitz on the 20th December with some exciting links, updates, and reveals for the Monsters in the Dark series.
ANYONE can sign up. Doesn’t matter if you only have a facebook page, or twitter, goodreads etc. If you can help spread the word by posting on the 20th December sign up to receive the details and help me share the news!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zCUp5bh6f-y9rW8IoZOWCRVj_8YVq_EdYuh6cg2UwrM/viewform
If you are a blogger and already signed up for the blitz on the 20th Dec with Love Between the Sheets, you’ll receive the details from those awesome ladies :)
Thanks so much!!
December 15, 2013
Quintessentially Q is HERE!!!!
BUY LINKS
BARNES & NOBLE, NOOK, iTUNES to be advised.
Synopsis
“All my life, I battled with the knowledge I was twisted… fucked up to want something so deliciously dark—wrong on so many levels. But then slave fifty-eight entered my world. Hissing, fighting, with a core of iron, she showed me an existence where two wrongs make a right.”
Tess is Q’s completely. Q is Tess’s irrevocably. But now, they must learn the boundaries of their unconventional relationship, while Tess seeks vengeance on the men who sold her. Q made a blood-oath to deliver their corpses at Tess’s feet, and that’s just what he’ll do.
He may be a monster, but he’s Tess’s monster.
Series: Monsters in the Dark, #2
Genre: Erotic/Dark Romance
Release Date: December 15, 2013
Buy Links
(http://www.amazon.com/Quintessentially-Q-Monsters-Dark-2-ebook/dp/B00HBF3FPO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1387104426&sr=1-1&keywords=quintessentially+q)
QQ – Teaser
“You need me like I need you. I get it,” she murmured.
I ducked and nuzzled her throat, teeth aching to break her skin and lick. “And why is that?” My hand reached to cup her neck, not
squeezing—just a gentle coax, reminding her she was in my power.
Her mouth opened and her body melted against mine. “Because…”
My body burned for her; my ears strained for her answer. “Because…” I licked her lips, begging her to finish her sentence. I had to hear why she cared. It meant the world to me.
I would never have cared about another person loving me before. Now, I needed it more than anything.
Tess kissed me back, whispering into my mouth. “Because you’re my monster in the dark, and I’m yours.”
Purchase Book 1 of the Monsters in the Dark series
Buy Links – Tears of Tess
Amazon I Amazon UK I B&N I iTunes I Smashwords
*About Pepper*
Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero the better and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.
She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby (who speaks French—hot!) who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends. She loves to hear from her readers so hit her up at pepperwinters@gmail.com
*Connect with Pepper*
Facebook I Twitter I Blog I Pinterest I GoodReads
*Giveaway*
December 13, 2013
T.W.O DAYS!!
Quintessentially Q will be here in less than 48 hours!
Don’t forget to enter the 6000 like Celebration!!!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AEEfPceiBjHsWCrlxQHGYg1PVxDrO_u4HO5YB4zV7Sc/viewform
December 10, 2013
4 DAYS to go!!!!!
Quintessentially Q is almost here!!
I’m getting very excited an also freaking out. I hope you all enjoy!
For those who reserved a signed paperback I’ll be sending you the link soon. The books won’t arrive to me until the 30th Dec and then I’ll post to you and hope they arrive around the 10th Jan.
To reserve a copy please fill in this link.
Thank you so much!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S4mW0thiWOYCTV2Oez926KyN-oq_gXzHd9lovPHrzFo/viewform
