T.K. Rapp's Blog, page 10

RELEASE: Redeeming the Amazon

The wonderful L.V. Lewis has a new book, just in time to redeem those gift cards you got for Christmas! Redeeming the Amazon is presented as part of The Den of Sin series.

Redeeming the Amazon

Redeeming the Amazon Excerpt:

“What just happened? We were in a good place until all of a sudden, we weren’t.”

She shrugged like a gawky, inexperienced teen, afraid to go all the way with the boy she liked she wasn’t sure would still like her in the morning. He hated that the cancer had done this to her. Robbed her of her confidence.

“Karen, I would never hurt you.”

She smiled. He’d been going for intimacy, for sincerity, but apparently his heartfelt declaration struck her as funny.

“You know I won’t take advantage if you let me in,” he said, giving her a glimpse of his own vulnerability. This was as much about him as it was about her. Then he realized this statement was innuendo-laden as well, when her grin broadened.

“Exactly how do I know this?”

He would not let a moment of levity steal the inroads he was determined to make. “Because you know I’ve been where you are, even though on the surface it looks like I’ve dealt with and overcome all my issues with body image. Will you take a chance and go places with me intimately that you haven’t with anyone else?” He hoped like hell she could trust him. She hadn’t backed out when she found out he was her partner for the weekend, so there had to be something to her acceptance.

“How cunning. You knew the one thing—the only thing—that makes living inside our imperfections so difficult. I’m not surprised you get it.”

She smiled that same smile he saw in his fantasies. The one that says more than her words. She squinted, and laugh lines seemed to appear from nowhere. There was no guile or arrogance in it, just the tentative smile of a woman who was once very self-assured and was again trying it on for size.

It was that smile Paul had responded to first, before he’d discovered other interesting things as he’d continued to watch her. The way she walked with such grace, one might believe she was floating. The way she saw through bullshit as if she had a built in meter for it. Even his. The intensity with which she viewed life was even atypical, a study in contradictions for one who’d stared death in the face and made it back down.

“If we do this your way, I’ll have one rule.”

Desperation made him reckless. “Anything.”

“The lights must be off.”

“Except that…” He stood and paced. “Karen, we’re supposed to leave our inhibitions at the door.”

“Okay. Suppose I were to blindfold you instead?”

He stopped in his tracks and smiled involuntarily. “That sounds promising, but if we get any kinkier than that, we might have to change floors.”

“Let’s just get the mechanics down now, shall we?”

“That doesn’t sound particularly sexy.”

Her expression challenged him. “I’m going to make you rue that statement before this weekend is over.”

“Game on,” he said.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-The-Amazon-Den-Sin-ebook/dp/B00HI5WHSI

Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/391451 (Discount Coupon Code YL37F)

ARe:  https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-redeemingtheamazon-1382988-149.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/redeeming-the-amazon-l-v-lewis/1117852210?ean=2940149042982

And be sure to enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/52a4d211/

Filed under: New Books Tagged: December 2013, L.V. Lewis, New Release, Redeeming the Amazon

My Puppy

Thirteen years ago, I begged my husband (then my fiancé) to buy me a puppy. We were going to be getting married in a few months and I told him a puppy would keep me from wanting kids right away. (LIE!) He loved me so much, and knew how badly I wanted a puppy, that he gave in. I was so excited when I went to this home and saw the cutest little puppy who came walking over toward me, at least as best she could. I fell in love with the white little fur ball and took her home then and there.

We named her Dixie, after the place where my husband and I had our first date.

This girl was my best friend, and she loved me. She made the drive from Texas to California and we adjusted together. Nothing was as hard as hearing her screams…yes, screams, when I would go to work. I was convinced she stopped as soon as I left, but just to be sure, I got a small tape recorder, you know, the tiny one that lasts 30 minutes? Well, she screamed the whole length of the tape. She was used to having me with her, and when I went away, she hated it.

That was my girl…she loved me.

When I got pregnant with my first, I would get on the floor and play with Dixie all the time, making up for the lack of attention she would get when the new baby came home. I remember talking out loud and telling her I didn’t think it was possible that I would love a baby more than her. I truly believed that, because I wasn’t a mom yet. Of course that wasn’t true, because I love my children so much more, but I still loved her and babied her.

Dixie-Do

Dixie was many things: Mean, because she didn’t like many kids / Stubborn, that dog would wait before doing anything, to see if you changed your mind / Playful, OMG, the dog would stand on her hind legs and wave her front paws to get your attention…and it worked every time / Sweet, my sweet girl would sit with me on the couch, or when she slept in my bed, she’d cuddle right behind my knees. She was a second mom to my girls, chasing them and entertaining them, until she got too old to care.

We made six moves together, went through two hurricanes, several plane rides, and countless other life changing events. She was my girl, everyone loved her because her energy and personality were adorable.

She turned 13 in September.

Last night, she died.

My heart hurts so much. My home is much quieter this morning that it has ever been. There’s no Dixie scratching at the door to go outside to potty. There’s no Dixie dragging her bowl around my kitchen floor for water. There’s no Dixie shadowing me around the house. She was going blind, but she went everywhere I went. Just yesterday morning, she got a spurt of energy and was being super cute. While I typed, she laid on the floor next to my desk, until I got up to do something else…then she followed. Her bed is empty now, and it makes me cry to look at it.

My sweet little puppy, friend Dixie, is gone and I know we’ll be okay. I loved that dog more than I have loved any other. Our other dog, Wickett, is very sad. She’s quiet and laying still…her tail isn’t wagging, but when she’s outside, she wails.

My husband buried her under an elm tree last night, and when I see it, I will think of my Dixie and the joy she brought to me and my family.

Dixie 9/19/00-12/17/13

I love you Dixie-Do and I miss you so very much.

Filed under: Ramblings Tagged: Loss

COVER REVEAL!

I am so excited! I am debuting the cover for my upcoming book, Mine to Lose!

So, here it is:

Mine to Lose – Book Cover

 

 

Mine to Lose – eBook Cover

Filed under: Uncategorized

Blogger Spotlight – RMWTPC & BOMB

I’ve spotlighted some wonderful writers, and I have loved reading the answers they give to my questions. These ladies are supportive and funny and whatever other positive thing you can say about them.

However this week, I wanted to change it up a bit, so I asked questions two of my FAVORITE bloggers who have been so encouraging and kind. Lisa runs Reading My Way to Penned Con, and Jenn runs Back Off My Books, and both are seriously the most hysterical, fun, kind, crazy and lovely ladies. I love them so much…can’t even put into words how much! Below are their answers to my questions…and I encourage you to go like them on Facebook or follow their blogs!!

FOLLOW LINKS:

RMWTPC: FACEBOOK, WEBSITE, TWITTER

BOMB: FACEBOOK, WEBSITE, TWITTER

What made you want to start your own blog?

RMWTPC - When I made the decision to attend Penned Con, I thought it would be fun to chronicle my experience of preparing for and reading through the author list  in a 365 day kind of way.

BOMB - I just wrote this long wordy answer that was totally boring and I was like, “meh.”  The short of it all is I was frustrated that some of the books I loved were not getting as much book love on the current blogs out there.  Easiest solution I realized was to spread the love myself.  The result was starting my own book blog.  I never expected to make so many amazing friends from it and I have. What started as a hobby to spread my love for books turned into so much more.  It has given me back a sense of self if that makes sense.  I love that I took a hobby such as reading and turned it into not only something constructive but something that has connected me to amazing people.

What genre do you prefer reading the most? The least?

RMWTPC - I enjoy romantic comedy (my movie preferences run the same way) but can read most anything….except for stuff with lots of blood and guts.  No blood and guts for me thanks.

BOMB - It would appear that I am an anything Romance girl.  NA/YA, Contemporary, Dystopian, Sci-Fi, Paranormal, Comedy, Urban Fantasy.  Just tack Romance in with it and I am there.  Granted I also love more than that but that is where I am knee deep right now, in the past the works of Dan Brown and Michael Crichton captivated me.

What are your thoughts about reviewing books? Do you find you hold back in reviews?

RMWTPC - When I started my blog, I decided I would not write reviews of what I had read for a couple of reasons.  #1 I was reading authors based upon their attending Penned Con so not all books would be something I would normally select to read and #2 I did not want angry authors waiting for me in St. Louis with baskets of rotten tomatoes.

BOMB - I do not hold back and can’t find it in me to do so.  If I finish a book and found issue with it I will tell it like that in my review.  I will post reviews less than a 3, if I finish it I tell it like it is.  Now granted, I believe in critiquing the work, not attacking the author.  So that said if I rate a book under a 3 you will know why and I will explain it as clear and concise as I can without taking shots at the author.  Things I will note and often will cause a review to be rated low include but not limited to: Continuity problems, believability of plot, editing issues.

Not everyone likes all books, so how do you handle it when you either, don’t like a book, or don’t finish it? Do you still review?

RMWTPC – Once again, not really reviewing the books I read but more providing a recap and interview questions.  I like to understand where the stories come from and this provides me an opportunity to get some additional backstory and share it with my blog followers.

BOMB - I abandon the book if I really can’t get into to.  Books are for enjoyment and escape; they shouldn’t feel like work for me.  If I abandon then I wont review because it isn’t fair, something might have happened that would have turned the review around but I never got to that point. If someone personally asks me I will tell them straight up I abandoned it and the reasons why.

Is there one story that has stuck with you over others?

RMWTPC – This blog journey has introduced me to so many wonderful authors and their stories.   The stories that stick with me most are those that draw out raw emotion either in the happy or sad variety.  So on that subject I can say that Lori Otto’s Emi Lost and Found series put me through the ugliest cry of my life, but the book was so well written, I could not help but love it.

BOMB - I have a list of them that stick with me! Sadly the list is getting so long and my memory so sucky that I know I forget them sometimes when people ask.  I am going to tell you though that the longest lasting story that hails from my childhood would be The Chronicles of Narnia.  I remember first reading that in middle school and can’t wait to share it with my children.

Can you name a character that you have read, that you feel you connect with?

RMWTPC – I think that maybe my emotional reactions to Emi from Emi Lost and Found by Lori Otto and Lacey in Destructive Silence probably hit home the most, but I also feel like Janie from Neanderthal Seeks Human is my kindred spirit.

BOMB - There is one character I read recently who I wish I could be more like, does that count? Ellen James from The Infamous Ellen James. I love strong female leads that know what they want and go for it, that exude intelligence and dependability and have a bit of the crazy in them.

What do you feel makes a great story?

RMWTPC – One that takes me somewhere I’ve never been in a way that makes me glad I am along for the ride.  Stories that make you think, aren’t predictable and have great character development.

BOMB - Great character development, strong plot, answers questions and attention to details.  If I get distracted over questions and details that pop up and remained unanswered or are not clarified it detracts from the story for me.  When all those line up then the foundation for a great story is made.  After that point it is the individuality of the story and the characters.

Who are your top 5 favorite authors?

BOMB’s Picks!

RMWTPC – Let me preface this by saying I am fascinated by African,  Asian and Middle Eastern culture so my go to authors are:

Amy Tan

Pearl S. Buck

Kheled Hosseini

Barbara Kingsolver

and

All the authors attending Penned Con…because they rock!

BOMB - I can’t pick just 5!! Lol.  Here are just a few of my favorite authors:

Have you been to any author signings? If not, do you plan to attend any?

RMWTPC – I went to my first author signing in Detroit in September.  I was able to meet Tara Sivec, Jasinda Wilder, Denise Grover Swank and Sandi Lynn who are all attending Penned Con.  I was also able to meet Jack Wilder, Jasinda’s husband.  I plan to attend the Cleveland Author event in April thanks to my lovely lickie friend Kimberly Stedronski and I cannot thank her enough for the tickets!  Then the Penned Con big event is in September where I am going to be fangirling you like crazy Ton!

BOMB - No, but I am going to Penned Con in St. Louis this September to meet some awesome authors and bloggers!  I am getting quite excited and hope I don’t chicken out when it comes to getting on the plane.

You have quite a few followers. What is the nicest compliment you have received?

RMWTPC -Honestly, I think the nicest compliments I receive are from the authors I have gotten to know through my blog.  They are extremely appreciative of any and all promotion they receive from bloggers and are generous to a fault.  I have done a few live interactive author events, and when other authors who attend approach me and ask if I can help them, well that is about a big a compliment as I could ask for.

BOMB - One of the winners of a giveaway I ran came back to tell me how much she enjoyed the book she won; then told me because of my recommendation of another book she started that series and was hooked and loved it. Knowing that my recommendation got someone to read a book and they loved it means the world.

What are you reading right now?

RMWTPC – I am reading two ARCs right now.  One is entitled Exquisite Betrayal by A.M. Hargrove and it is actually about a blogger and an author who fall in love.  The other that I am reading and cannot wait to get back to is Mine To Lose by this incredible author that I love dearly by the name of TK Rapp.  I call her Ton because I know people and am kind of a big thing.

BOMB - I just finished Hard As It Gets by Laura Kaye and I freaking LOVED it!

With New Years around the corner, what books are on your top 5 for 2014?

RMWTPC – Lol, top 5, try top 70.  I have about 70 more authors to get through before Penned Con and need to get back on schedule if I am going to make my goal.

BOMB - Crap!  I can’t even think of what is coming with all that I have to finish reading now and the new releases this month. Okay I got to think about it a little and these are the books I am very excited to see released at least in the first part of the year:

Mine To Lose by T.K. Rapp

Famine by Monica Enderle Pierce

Fade In by M. Mabie

Scare Crow by Julie Hockley

Point of No Return by Tiffany A. Snow (Team KADE)

I know for a fact there are like 20 more that I am dying for too but again my mind and you said only 5.

If you could say anything to your readers, what would you say?

RMWTPC – Don’t restrict yourself to one genre or authors on the best seller list.  Through RMWTPC I have been introduced to genres and stories I would have never given a second look had it not been for this project. Authors like Kimberly Stedronsky and Eric R. Asher have opened my eyes to paranormal/urban fantasy.   Authors like you Ton, Lori Otto, Penny Reid and Daisy Prescott have shown me that there are gorgeous stories out there if you look for them.

BOMB - Thank you.  Thank you for following me, thank you for taking the time to read my recommendations and put your belief in my recommendations.  It means everything to me

Filed under: Author Spotlight Tagged: Blogger Spotlight, BOMB, Jenn, Lisa, RMWTPC

Tuesday Teaser – Mine to Lose #5

Mine to Lose


MINE TO LOSE STORY AND TEASERS COPYRIGHT 2013. T.K. RAPP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Emogen’s Goodbye

Today’s teaser is SUPER late….perhaps for the late crowd (my awesome, wonderful late-night soul mates)? Some may have seen when I posted this on Facebook earlier, but just in case.

If you check back tomorrow, you might notice that posts are different. Well, there’s a reason, so stop by and meet two of my very favorite bloggers, and Thursday is the Mine to Lose COVER REVEAL!!! I’m so excited!!! So until tomorrow!

XO

~T

Filed under: Books, Teaser, Writing Tagged: 2013, AmWriting, Emogen, Mine to Lose, MTL, Ryan, T.K. Rapp, Trey, writing

Wobble…

This is the happy dance that I’m doing because: I’m DONE!!

(Seriously…I had to stop after I wrote that sentence to dance all by myself, because I’m a nerd like that!) 

Me & some LSU folks doing the Wobble (that’s as close as you’ll get to seeing me do it!)

A&M-LSU Montage

Thanksgiving break started with a bang! My hubby and I made a trip out to Baton Rouge to hang with some awesome people to watch the A&M v LSU game. Traffic getting there was a nightmare, but it was all good. We drove right in to see REK (Robert Earl Keen for those who don’t know) and it was seriously probably his best performance. I’ve seen him 4 times, but this one was just great! There weren’t too many fans there to see him, because most were there to see Kelly Pickler, so we were pretty close. Best part, he ended his set with a song that I listened to everyday while my husband was deployed 9 years ago.

Anyway, the Aggies lost; it was cold and rainy, but we had so much fun! I mean, we got to see REK, tailgate and gamble. What’s up!?! And it’s totally acceptable to start drinking at 7am (I started at 10) when the game starts at 2:30.

When I got home, it was back to work…

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, then you already know that I FINISHED writing Mine to Lose!! I stayed up until 2:30 Thanksgiving morning and wrote the two most amazing words….

No two finer words in the world. (??? BS!!!)

My sis and me by the fire

It made for a really sleepy Thanksgiving, and this year, I couldn’t blame it on the turkey. Thanksgiving was fantastic because, not only did I finish my book, but I got to spend the day at my sister’s house with the Tenacious 10 doing what we do best….nothing! The kids played, dad and the guys watched football, while my mom, sis and I relaxed. And damn! She (my sis) had a beautiful set up!! Later, my brother in law and hubby had a fire going and my sister and I hung out warming up next to it all night. 

So now, Mine to Lose is in the hands of some of my most trusted friends, critique partners, authors and family. I’m waiting on feedback before final edits. I’m a little nervous because…well, this is nerve-wracking. BUT, I’m so happy that it’s done, and I am proud of the story. I’m working on the cover, which I hope to reveal, maybe next week. My current publish date is January 9, but we’ll see, it might come sooner.

I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you aren’t letting the Xmas hustle and bustle wear you out. Tis the season, right? 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OH!!! I almost forgot, one more thing…TODAY is my parent’s 37th wedding anniversary! They are the cutest couple. I swear, you catch them giving each other looks, laughing and teasing and I love it. They have been a wonderful example of a successful marriage…not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard work and worth the time and effort to see it through. I am so proud to have them in my life and wish them another 37!

HAPPY 37!! (Seriously…still so cute!)

XO

~T

Wobble by V.I.C. because….it’s so much fun!

Filed under: Books, Exciting, Feedback, Goal Setting, Insight, Ramblings, Uncategorized, Writing Tagged: 2013, AmWriting, Anniversary, Emogen, Family, happy dance, Inspiration, Jumping, Mine to Lose, MTL, Rambling, Ryan, T.K. Rapp, Tailgating, Trey, writing

Tuesday Teaser – Mine to Lose #4

Mine to Lose

Mine to Lose story and teasers Copyright 2013. T.K. Rapp. All Rights Reserved.

TREY MILLER #MTL

This is the question I haven’t wanted to answer to anyone, even myself. Do I have feelings for Trey?

“Do I find him attractive? Yes. Do I enjoy working with him? Yeah, he makes me laugh. But do I have feelings for him? No.”

The moment the words come out, I know it’s a lie. Of course I have feelings for him, otherwise I wouldn’t have been the slightest bit jealous that he had a date with him the other night and I wouldn’t be trying to figure things out. My heart rate wouldn’t sound in my ears when he compliments me.
___________________________________________________________________

***Sooooo, a few people have read Mine to Lose, and a few of them have a team…but I won’t say who they’re in love with. You’d have to ask them. I STILL love both guys.

XO
~T
P.S. Tomorrow, some news and stuff like that. So check back, if you’re interested

Filed under: Teaser Tagged: 2013, AmWriting, Emogen, Excerpt, Mine to Lose, MTL, Ryan, T.K. Rapp, Teaser Tuesday, TKAM78, Trey

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT – Stacey Lynn

I love Thursdays! I love them so much because, I get to interview my friends, and post their answers for all of you. Some questions are different, but there are a few that remain for all of them. The answers they offer make me smile, laugh and give me something to think about.

Today, I have the pleasure of spotlighting Stacey Lynn! I love this girl because she’s witty, talented, honest and super nice! She has written books, Just One Song, Don’t Lie to Me, Just One Week and the upcoming Remembering Us. She is one of the few people who has looked at my current WIP to help me out and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. The indie world is a great place because of people like Stacey!

Synopsis of Just One Song:

Just One Song

Nicole Parsons had the perfect life, made complete with the suburban home and the proverbial white picket fence. When  tragedy struck and she lost the most important people in her life, she turned away from everything she loved before; shutting out every reminder of the perfect life she lost. 

It has been one year, three months, one week and six days since the accident, and Nicole is ready to stop counting the days she’s survived, and begin living again. 

On a dare from her best friend, Nicole encounters Zack Walters – the popular alternative rock star and man who signifies so much of her past – and suddenly everything in Nicole’s safe and quiet life changes. 

When she’s forced to face the pain she’s carried for so long, will she truly be able to heal from her past and begin to live again? 

Or will her new adventure ruin her completely?

Get to know…

Stacey Lynn

You published your first book, Just One Song, in April of this year. What has that experience been like for you? Have you always wanted to write a book? ~ The experience has made me want to vomit, as well as pop open a bottle of champagne and celebrate like a mad woman. I can’t describe all the emotions I’ve gone through this year. It’s just been completely surreal. I have always written. I’ve always kept a journal. I used to write poetry, and random songs and lyrics pop into my head all the time. Up until I sat down to start writing Just One Song, the most I’d written in the last decade was a grocery shopping list.
Your books have received really great reviews. What are your thoughts on reviews? Do you read them? How do you handle negative ones, or do you tend to ignore those? ~ I read every single one. And every single one makes me cry – either happy tears or ugly tears. Some of the negative reviews are really helpful. I don’t think most people set out to right a negative review to hurt the author so I take it in stride and the spirit it’s intended. One of the reviews that makes me laugh the hardest is actually a 2 star review. But it was hilarious, and I can see where she’s coming from. *shrug* To each their own, really. Some people are going to love the stuff I write, some people will spend hours scouring the internet for gif’s to ensure I know how much they hated it.
Are any of your characters based on people in your life? Do you find that there is one character that is based on you? ~ Nicole, in Just One Song, is most like me in her interests and looks, probably. Emma in Don’t Lie To Me is strong. I think if you could combine Emma and her friend, Macy, they’re who I would like to be. Strong, sassy, and could give a crap what anyone says.
Do you have a set method for creating your story, or do you find that every story requires a different means to develop? ~ It’s totally different. On some stories, I see the people before I see their story. With Don’t Lie To Me, I saw the story and had to create the people. With Just One Week, I already knew the characters and had to wait to write it until I could see their story. Some stories are written w/ random scenes at a time, and with others, I always know what’s going to happen next.
What is your favorite part of creating a story? What is the hardest? ~ My favorite part is when I’m so enraptured in the characters that I lose a little bit of grip on reality. Some days, I walk around in a haze while the characters are in my head. I love it when I sit down to write something, and I totally think I know how it’s going to end, only to find my characters totally change it on me. I love not knowing what’s going to happen. The hardest? The times when I can’t see them and they’re not talking to me. I know that sounds crazy. I’m not, I promise But sometimes, I want to sit down and get lost in my pretend little world and all I hear is crickets. That’s the hardest.
What are your thoughts on Indie v Traditional publishing? When you wrote your first book, did you query, or decide to self-publish outright? ~ I think both are valuable and both are important. I think the traditional publishing world is starting to take notice of a lot of great new indie authors and it’s amazing to see fellow indie authors have their dreams come true. I self-published Just One Song. I didn’t even consider querying an agent. Mostly, that book was a “bucket list item” and a dare to myself to see if I could write a book. I had no idea anyone would buy it, much less like it. I do currently have a foreign rights agent for a foreign deal that I’m *almost* ready to announce. Querying agents, even knowing I had an interested publisher made me want to vomit. Traditionally published authors have my highest respect for going through that process and facing all that rejection.
What do you feel is the biggest misconception about the current Indie Publishing atmosphere? ~ That we’re all in it to make a buck. It’s offensive to hear people talking about rolling in the money, or what not. I pour my soul into every book I write, and I’m assuming most, if not all, authors do. I cry with my characters, I lose sleep, I freak out right along with them when something horrible happens. Authors write because we HAVE to. Because the stories are so loud inside of us, that we have to get them out.
What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment professionally? Personally? ~ Professionally? Gosh. Publishing Don’t Lie To Me, probably. It was “easy” to publish the first book when I had no idea what I was doing. The second one came with expectations that I didn’t know I could live up to. When it made the Amazon Bestselling List w/in the first week, I cried. I just never imagined such an amazing response to my books. My husband and I laugh about it all the time. It’s just been …. There’s just no words for it. Mind-boggling? Amazing? Insane? Awesome? They don’t seem like enough. Personally? I have four kids. I had them all within 5 ½ year time span. The fact that we’re all still alive at the end of every day is a miracle. Oh! And my husband and I are celebrating our 10 year anniversary tomorrow. That’s pretty special
If someone came to you and asked your advice about writing a book, what would you tell them? ~ DO IT! Write what you love. Write what you feel. Don’t let your story be stopped by people who think you can’t do it. And when it gets hard….KEEP writing. Every writer hits a wall. And it happens in every story. Just Keep Writing.
Your latest novel, Remembering Us, is due to release in January. I LOVE this story so much, it’s amazing! What can you tell people about it? ~ Gah! No! I hate talking about my books before they’re published. I can never do them justice. Adam and Amy. I love them. She comes from a wealthy family with heavy expectations. He….doesn’t. But he plays soccer and he’s totally hot. And he’s awesome in so many areas. Ack! I feel like I can’t talk about it without spoiling any of it. Lol. Amy wakes up from a coma and slowly, her memories return to her as dreams. But in her dreams she sees a completely different side of Adam than she sees when she’s awake. She grows a ton. She has to figure out how she got to where she is, and if the man who claims to love her is the guy everyone seems to love, or the guy who scares her when she dreams. She has to figure out who she really is. It’s intense. I hope. I don’t know. I’m so glad you love it. I hope everyone loves Adam and Amy. It was so much fun to get into their heads. It will be out January 14th.
What is the best compliment you have received from a fan? ~ Oh my gosh. I got the best compliment just today. Someone has read Don’t Lie To Me THREE times! I laughed…and then I cried. I love reading. I read a book a day almost. For me to re-read a book once, not to mention a third time? It has to be special. I was so amazed by the message. It was a total blessing to me.
Have members of your family read your books? What do they say about them? ~ Yes! My grandma pimps out Just One Song to everyone she meets. She’s awesome. My dad even read them They’re all incredibly supportive and are amazed as me at the success. I’m incredibly fortunate.
Thirteen is unlucky. Lol
If you had to pick, who would be your three favorite authors? ~

Ann M. Martin (Babysitters Club. I had every single one and read them w/in a day. It started my love for reading)

John Grisham (I really have to thank my dad for leaving all of those books laying around all the time)

Colleen Hoover (because seriously? She’s a genius)
Are you reading anything right now? ~ I read two earlier today But nothing at the moment. I might start something soon. I discovered Tiffany Snow’s Kathleen Turner Series the other day. I’ve already all five. They’re so much fun!
If you could say anything to your fans, what would you say? ~

I have fans? No shit?!

The very idea that I have fans or readers who love my books is mind-boggling.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

I owe them everything. 

Learn more about Stacey Lynn by clicking any of the links below:

FACEBOOK

WEBSITE

Filed under: Author Spotlight Tagged: 2013, author, Author Spotlight, Just One Song, Stacey Lynn, writing

Tuesday Teaser – Mine to Lose #3

Mine to Lose


Mine to Lose story and teasers Copyright 2013. T.K. Rapp. All Rights Reserved.

He starts to loosen his grip on my hands, but I hold firm to his, wanting him to talk to me. “We’re friends, right, Trey?”

Shaking his head, a sardonic smile on his handsome face, he finally answers, “Yeah. We’re friends, but it’s felt like more. Shit, I wish it didn’t, because I know you don’t feel the same.” 

I free one of my hands from his grasp and reached out to his face and he eyes me skeptically, “Trey, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel something. But-”

MTL – The Park

Before I can finish my sentence, he cups my face in his hands and plants the softest, sweetest kiss to my lips. Butterflies that went away some time ago, reappear, causing my pulse to accelerate. He stops kissing me and rests his forehead to mine, and my eyes remain closed. It was a beautiful, perfect kiss, and one that I have imagined before. Hell, it was even better than the way he kissed me in my dreams all those nights.

Emogen and Ryan? Emogen and Trey? WTH?! Do you have a favorite yet? I have no idea who I’m rooting for right now, but I can tell you this, I LOVE both of these guys. Well, check back next Tuesday for another Mine to Lose teaser.

XO

~T

Filed under: Books, New Books, Teaser, Writing Tagged: 2013, AmWriting, Emogen, Mine to Lose, MTL, Ryan, T.K. Rapp, TKAM78, Trey, writing

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT – A. Meredith Walters

Boy do I have a treat for you…

The awesome and talented A. Meredith Walters agreed to be my spotlight author this week and I am beyond thrilled. Her books and novellas, Find You in the Dark,Bad Rep,Cloud Walking,Light in the Shadows,Perfect Regret andWarmth in Ice have boosted her to be a NYT & USA Today, Best Selling Author, deservedly so!

I have been a huge fan of hers, ever since I read Bad Rep and have determined I will read ANYTHING this woman writes after reading that one. Maysie, Jordan, Generation Rejects, Olivia….UGH, OLIVIA, that book had my stomach in knots and I loved it! But, no one wants to hear me gush and rave over this wonderful woman (or maybe you do, LOL), because this post is to spotlight my friend and writer, A. Meredith Walters and her latest novella.

Synopsis of:

Warmth in Ice

The final chapter in Clay and Maggie’s epic love story that began with Find You in the Dark.

This novella takes place before the epilogue in Light in the Shadows.

It’s Clay and Maggie’s first Christmas together but will it be a season of joy or will it only bring heartache?

Clay and Maggie have gone through the dark and come out on the other side. For the first time, they are on this journey together. Fighting for something they both need and can’t live without…each other.

But a long distance relationship is hard. Particularly for two people who are still trying to build something solid on a shaky and troubled foundation. Clay is finally out of treatment and is living in an out patient halfway house. He struggles with what he wants to do and where he wants to go. Questions he worries he will never have the answers to. Maggie is trying to transition into college life and learning how to create a future with someone who is over a thousand miles away.

As the months pass and they struggle with being a part, old insecurities and fears take root and threaten a love that has come so far.

When Maggie decides to fly to Florida as a surprise for Clay on Christmas, she is unsure whether it will be the first step toward what they both desperately want or whether it could possibly be the end of it all.

But with the holidays approaching, Maggie and Clay are reminded that even when the days are coldest, you can still find the warmth and that hope and love are the greatest gifts of all.

Get to know…

A. Meredith Walters

A little over a year ago, you published your first book. (Congratulations!) Since that time, you have written 4 novels and 2 novellas, which is amazing. Was writing something that you always wanted to do? ~ I’ve been writing since I was a kid.  I can’t remember a time I wasn’t writing.  I wrote my first “full length” novel when I was 13.  I remember I was obsessed with L.J. Smith, so it was about vampires.  Writing has always been such an escape for me.  I can’t imagine ever not writing. J
Self-publishing v. Traditional publishing always seems to come up for debate as to which is better. When you finished your first book, did you self-publish? Do you feel one way is better than the other? ~ Well I am self-pubbed all the way.  My very first book was actually a paranormal romance.  I shopped around for an agent, was given a million rejections and felt extremely defeated.  But then I caught wind of the self-publishing movement and I thought “hey, I can do that.”  There is something so wonderful about having absolute, 100% control over your book.  From the cover, to the content, to the marketing.  The downside to that is that it’s A LOT for one person, so I totally understand the appeal of going the traditional publishing route.  Having the publicity machine of a publishing house behind you.  However, my heart and soul will always be with the indie community!
I know that you have a background in counseling, and the problems your characters face, particularly in the Find You in the Dark Series, are very real. Why do you feel it’s important to address things like bi-polar disorder, borderline multiple personality disorder or even bullying? ~ I wrote the Find You in the Dark series because it was something that affected me both professionally and personally.  I’ve been the loved one of someone who suffered from severe mental illness.  When I started writing Find You in the Dark, it was after I moved to England and had stopped working as a counselor.  I wanted to tell the story of a couple, falling in love, but with more than your typical teenage angst.  I wanted to portray the scary and seemingly overwhelming obstacles of mental illness but it was so important to show the hope there as well.  That everyone is deserving of love.  Mental illness continues to be such a taboo subject.  Sure, we’ve come a long way, but we still have miles to go.  Clay’s journey was my attempt to shed light on a difficult topic and hopefully depict it realistically but with sensitivity.
The Find You in the Dark series was amazing! The way you wrote these characters, I felt for both of them, but also struggled with the draw these two had at such a young age, although I know that happens. When I read Light in the Shadows , O.M.G. I about died! I was crying and cheering them on, hoping that things would work out. You just published the novella, Warmth in Ice , part of The 12 NA’s of Christmas . This is the final chapter for Maggie & Clay. Was it hard to say goodbye to these two amazing characters? ~ I hated saying goodbye to them!!!  I had planned for Light in the Shadows to be it.  I was done.  But then when I was approached to write a novella for The 12 NA’s of Christmas, I just knew I wanted to write a little bit more of there story.  So many readers asked about those missing years between the last chapter in LITS and the epilogue.  What happened to Clay and Maggie to get them to that point in the epilogue?  So Warmth in Ice was my gift to all my readers who championed Clay and Maggie’s unconventional love story and it was my way of giving them that perfect ending.  The one I needed them to have.
I’ve mentioned a few times that I’m a huge fan of all of your books. Your characters are real and flawed and I love that. Bap Rep was so damn awesome! Was it always your intention to make this a series? Perfect Regret features bits of Jordan and Maysie, but this is Riley’s story, which was awesome. Will there be more coming from any characters in these books? ~ Honestly, Bad Rep was meant to be a stand alone when I wrote it.  It’s based on so many of my own life experiences.  But the character Riley was so strong and loud in my head that I needed to write her story.  And then the idea for a series came to me.  There will be two more books in the Bad Rep series.  The next will focus on Vivian and Cole and the last will be about Mitch and Gracie.  My idea was to show each couple at varying points in the life of their band, Generation Rejects, as they grow more and more popular.  This series was about depicting people with real life issues, experiencing real life stuff.  You may not always like them.  You may not always agree with their choices.  But that’s life.  Not everything is perfect and laid out how you want it to.
Are there any characters, from your books, that you can relate to? If so, who? ~ It’s so funny, because out of all of my characters, Riley from Perfect Regret, has gotten the worst response.  People think she’s a bitch.  But Riley is me!  Some of the stuff I wrote in her dialogue would come out of my mouth.  I’m snarky and seriously sarcastic!  Though I hope people don’t think I’m that much of a bitch, LOL!
What is the hardest part of writing for you? What is the best part? ~ The hardest part is when I hit publish.  It’s easy to write the story.  But it’s when you put it out there for everyone to read that the hard part begins.  When the reviews come in and some tear down what you spent so much time building can be extremely difficult.
What do you feel is the biggest misconception about being an author? ~ That we’re made of money, LOL!  Or that you just sit around all day doing nothing.  Or that it’s not a real job and is just a hobby.  Should I go on?
If someone came to you and asked your advice about writing a book, what would you tell them? ~ Just write it.  Don’t stop.
What is the best compliment you have received from a fan? ~ I’ve received so many amazing messages from readers, but I think the one that sticks with me the most is from a man who works in the mental health field but also suffers from bi-polar disorder.  He wrote to me after reading my Find You in the Dark series because he felt like it could have been his story.  He was Clay.  He told me he felt my books would help someone in a similar situation and that my books were realistic but full of hope and that the message was wonderful.  I’ve kept those emails and read them occasionally when I feel despondent about writing.  Knowing I touched someone like that is such an amazing feeling.
I know you have some very loyal fans that would love to see you in the states. I’m sure it isn’t easy to leave London and your family behind, but do you have any plans for signings in the US? ~ I’d love to get to the US for signings…but yes it’s hard leaving my 7 year old daughter.  But I hope to get over for some signings soon.  I really miss the states!
Has your husband read your books? Does your daughter ever ask to read your books? If so, what do you tell her? ~ I won’t let my husband read them!  I hate it when my family reads my stuff.  It’s horrible knowing my grandmother has read Bad Rep (particularly when she asks me about the sex scenes!)  My daughter just likes to see where I’ve thanked her in the acknowledgments, LOL!
Who do you consider an inspiration personally? Professionally? ~ My mother was my inspiration in every sense of the word.  She always encouraged me to reach for the moon.  Losing her eight years ago was the hardest time of my life but the lessons she taught me get me through every single day.
What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment both personally and professionally? ~ My biggest accomplishment was being a mother.  Having my daughter has fulfilled me in ways I never thought possible.  Professionally, being able to write for a living has ticked every single one of those boxes I had for myself.  Living my dream and trying to be successful at it is beyond awesome!
Are you working on something right now? What, if anything, can you tell us about it? ~ I’m working on two projects simultaneously.  One I can’t really discuss right now …but the other is Reclaiming the Sand…a New Adult story about a bully and her victim with Asperger’s and how they learn to heal each other.
If you had to pick, who would be your three favorite authors? ~ Phillipa Gregory, Anne Rice and Kelley Armstrong
Are you reading anything right now? ~ I’m reading the Devil’s Metal books by Karina Halle…LOVE THEM!
If you could say anything to your fans, what would you say? ~ Just thank you so much for all your love and support.  At the end of the day I would be NOTHING without you!  You rock!!!

Learn more about A. Meredith Walters by clicking the links below:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

BLOG

Filed under: Author Spotlight, WFDs, WFFDs Tagged: 2013, A. Meredith Walters, Author Spotlight, Bad Rep, FYitD, LitS, NYT Best Seller, Perfect Regret, USA Today Best Seller, Warmth in Ice