T.K. Rapp's Blog, page 12

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT – Michelle Escamilla

Since publishing, I have been able to meet so many amazing people. I don’t think the word “amazing” can be used enough to describe this group. We write different genres, yet we all support and promote each other! What more can you ask for from peers? I love what I have the opportunity to do what I love, because I get to meet people like Michelle.

Synopsis of Torn:

TORN

Ryleigh is a young woman who has everything she could ever ask for, until one night she runs into her first true love.

She has to figure out does she stay with the man she married or does she give long lost loves a second chance?

Get to know…

Michelle Escamilla

You published your first book, Torn, this summer. What made you want to tell this particular story? I had an old friend just pop into my life, but nothing like their story. But I just started to write about that and then it snowballed as I wrote, LOL!
What is your process when creating a story? When I start a story, I start out with the characters. I want a story that people can relate to the characters. Then I try to build a story around them.
When you create your characters, are they based on anyone you know? Is there any part of your story that you can relate to personally? That’s funny you ask, I tend to base them on some experiences that I have had. Now, they aren’t exact but I do put some personal ties to each of my characters.
What is your favorite part of creating a story? What is the hardest? My favorite part of creating the story is ACTUALLY creating the story and brainstorming. The hardest part is making it tie together sometimes.
Have you always wanted to be a writer? If not, what did you want to do? I did not. I wanted to be a police officer for the longest time! Funny how I went from one extreme to the other. LOL!
Given the option, would you rather be traditionally published or self-published? Why? Well, I would like a publishing company to recognize me, but I’m loving the idea that *I* published my own book. It gives me a sense of control as well as accomplishment.
Who would you consider your inspiration personally? Professionally? Personally, I’d have to say my friends. I have the best cheerleaders behind me and they inspire me. Professionally, other authors, their writings, their encouragement- I truly am inspired to write because of them.
What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment? BIGGEST is becoming a mom. Then in second place is writing two books.
What do you feel is the biggest misconception about writing and writers? I’d have to say that we have an “easy” job… writing is actually hard and when you have to EDIT… oh man, don’t get me started on edits… LOL!
If someone came to you and said they were writing a book, asking for your advice, what would you tell them? First I’d say, “YAAY!! That’s awesome!” My advice, totally do it! If you have a story to tell, put it down on paper! Even if you don’t publish it, what an amazing accomplishment to put it all down on paper!
If you had to choose, who would be your top 3 favorite authors? Why? Oh man… just 3? Okay, I have to start with Maya Banks. I LOVE her stories. I know its actually two authors but Christina Lauren- sexy and funny stories. Then I think that I’d pick Sylvia Day, I had the pleasure of meeting her and she was SO sweet but also her stories are great…Okay if I didn’t list indie authors- please to don’t hate, I still love all of you!
Are you reading anything right now? What? No *sniff* I will be though come November haha!
What are you working on right now? I’m finishing up edits on my second book that releases on Halloween!
If you could say anything to your readers, what would you say? I’d say… Thank you SOOOO much for your support! I truly appreciate each and every single one of you.

Learn more about Michelle Escamilla by clicking the link below:

FACEBOOK

Filed under: Author Spotlight Tagged: 2013, Author Spotlight, Michelle Escamilla, writing

Vanity…

As you know, last weekend, Being There, was on sale for $0.99, and I cannot thank everyone enough for1-clicking! 10% of every book sold in October is being donated in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Rose

THANK YOU! The response has been overwhelming and distracting, because I should be writing.

I’m also excited to announce that last weekend

Being There

hit #4

on the Amazon “Love & Romance” best seller list!!

Blown away, doesn’t even reach what I’m feeling. Again, THANK YOU!

What’s Coming Up:

Jenn from Back Off My Books , will be hosting a blog tour for Being There next week! There are some wonderful bloggers participating, so hopefully you’ll check them out. I will be sure to post more when it happens.
I’m still working on Mine to Lose, which I hope to send out for editing at the end of the month. This story has taken turns that were not expected, so I’m beating my head, and crying, as I write. Hopefully I will be able to share some teasers soon.
There will be a new Author Spotlight tomorrow, Ms. Michelle Escamilla will share a little of herself with us, and I’m looking forward to that!
ONE MORE THING!!! Have you read Perfect Regret from A. Meredith Walters? If not, you need to….go 1-click now!!! I read it in one night, because honestly, I love everything she writes. I laughed and cried and didn’t want it to end, but as all things do…

I know I have more, and I would love to share, I really would. But I need to get back to visiting with Emogen from Mine to Lose, so I can figure out what is going on with this girl. She’s a bit of a mess, and stubborn, but I love her! (It’s easy to see why people are drawn to her.) She has two pretty amazing, and completely different guys giving her attention, but only one has her heart. She just needs to tell me who it is! She’s actually quite frustrating at the moment.

Thanks for reading! And, if you were curious about the title, The Avett Brothers released their new album yesterday, (click here) Magpie & the Dandelion. I have LITERALLY listened to Vanity over 100 times already. It is my favorite song! My husband is teasing me because I sing it non-stop, and not quite well.

Until mañana!

XO

~T.K.

Filed under: Books, Breast Cancer Support, Dreams, Exciting, New Books, Thoughts, WFDs, Writing Tagged: 2013, AmWriting, Author Spotlight, Being There, happy dance, Inspiration, T.K. Rapp, TKAM78

Being There on SALE…

So, this weekend ONLY, Being There is on sale on Amazon & Smashwords for $0.99.

That’s 99 PENNIES!!

Go get your copy now because come Sunday, it goes back to regular price!

(Click the image below for AMAZON)

BEING THERE

Filed under: Uncategorized

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT – Amy Queau

I cannot tell you how excited I am for this week’s spotlight! Okay, let me see if I can try. You know when something clicks and you just can’t wait to scream about it, yeah, that’s how excited I am. This is one Bad-Ass chick, and I should know!  ;) Amy Queau is author of the Progress Series which includes Progress, Interrupted and Rewired, which is set to release at the end of November. (I hear there will be a cover reveal for Rewired soon…cannot wait to see it!!) I laugh, probably daily, at something she says, and I’m so glad to have her on my side because she tells me how it is, and I love it!

Enough!! Let me show her off already!

Synopsis of Progress:

Progress by Amy Queau

He is exactly what she needs. But how far into his mind is she willing to go?

Jesse has a curious attraction to Charlie, a hostess at the restaurant where he works. Outwardly he’s rude, awkward and unapproachable. But his sudden bursts of charm are inescapable. A devastating childhood filled with physical and emotional abuse have left him complex and frigid.

Charlie, an innocent, is quickly mystified. Her craving for him generates an infatuation and a purpose. Losing weight and gaining confidence, she begins taking more risks. She defies her past, damaged and tender, in order to move ahead.

If nobody makes the first move then nobody gets hurt.

Their journeys take them down parallel paths which leave them just as emotionally unmatched and conflicted as the day they met. As the story progresses the viewpoints change, giving the reader an insight to the character’s thoughts and feelings.

Progress is the first book in the Progress Series.

Get to know…

Amy Queau

Your book, Progress, tells the story of Jesse and Charlie, and while I haven’t had the opportunity to read it yet, it does sound amazing. What is it about these characters that you loved and/or hated?  ~ Oh boy. There’s so much to both love and hate – because that’s the kind of friendship they have. It’s about two people who are caught in a kind of ‘friend zone,’ because they’re both so scared (for their own reasons) to take their relationship a step forward.  Jesse has a very unfortunate past with family loss, the foster system and abusive parents. Those things alone are difficult thing to write about because if you truly put yourself in their shoes you realize how traumatizing those situations are. So while you hate him for the things he says and does, you can’t help but have a soft spot in your heart for his story. Charlie is obese and has suffered a lot of abuse and bullying growing up. She’s inexperienced, naïve and has never been in a relationship simply because she’s never ‘put herself out there.’ So having a friendship with Jesse opens her eyes to the way a ‘bully’ thinks, how she feels about herself, and gives her motivation to move ahead. I love the growth in Charlie’s character in Progress. She starts out weak and awkward and morphs into the person she’s always dreamed of being: strong, determined, and beautiful.
Progress is part of a series, with the final installment releasing in November. What can you tell us about this book, without giving it all away? ~ I get chills thinking about it. I’m so excited for everyone to read it! Okay, so what I can say is that there IS an HEA! Ha! I only say that because not only are the endings to the first two books devastating, but they’re also cliffhangers. We get a better glimpse into the minds of all three characters, as I’ve written from Charlie’s, Jesse’s, and Sam’s POV in Rewired.
Are you sad to see the series end? What will you miss most about writing these characters? ~ I am gutted. I really am. I love these people so much and I hate to see them disappear. But I’m very happy with how it has all ended. Writing these characters has been a very stubborn thing. Ninety percent of the time, Jesse refused to work with me and I resorted to punching him to the ground in my head. Ha… you think I’m kidding! But I think I’ll miss my own shocked reaction to the things he says, because I adore that kind of frustration a character can illicit. If Jesse made me gasp out loud during edits, I give myself a pat on the back.
Have you always wanted to be a writer? What made you take the leap to start writing? ~ I think it was always a ‘bucket list’ thing for me. But after the birth of my daughter (May 2012), I began writing. I’m not sure if it was a chemical reaction from the pregnancy or what, but I couldn’t stop. And I wrote the first draft of Progress in less than six weeks.
What is your favorite part of creating a story? What is the hardest? ~ My favorite part would be creating characters who are realistic. And though I enjoy reading about bachelor millionaires and their mistresses, its not something I write well. My books are filled with people who you could consider friends, family, or neighbors. People. Like you and me. The hardest, by far, is keeping a character likable. If Jane upsets you in chapter five, it’s not like you forget that when chapter eleven comes around. You have to explain to each and every reader in a way that will strike a chord. Otherwise Jane has lost respect for the rest of your story, and you’ve likely lost a few readers along the way because of it. So Jane needs to redeem herself. Those are just the small puzzles we have to try and solve when creating a story. Extreme actions require extreme explanations in order for your reader to stay invested. Piecing all those things together to keep a character memorable and likable is the most difficult thing for me.
What is your process when creating a story? ~ I really don’t have one! Every single one of my books has been constructed differently. Whether it began with a dream and spun from there. Or I began with the first chapter and wrote the whole thing out. With Rewired, I wrote two middle chapters and the epilogue first, then filled in the rest of it. I’m NOT structured with it at all.
How long does it take for you to create a story from start to hitting publish? ~ There’s no magic number there. It took me 10 months from start to publish with Progress. But it only took 3-4 months with the last two.
When you create your characters, are they based on anyone you know? Is there any part of your story that you can relate to personally? ~ Yep! And that’s all I’m gonna say.
Does music have an influence on your writing? If so, what do you listen to while you write? ~ I am not a music person. I know, strange. But I always prefer silence. For all three of these books, however, every time I hopped in my car I had Rx Bandits or Less Than Jake playing. It helped me get into character better as SKA was Jesse’s favorite music.
Given the option, would you rather be traditionally published or self-published? Why? ~ With the Progress series, I’ve enjoyed having control over the entire process. I think having this experience under my belt has really helped me to understand the industry. However going forward, I wouldn’t out-rule future projects to be left in the hands of an agent/publisher. With the economy being what it has been for the past few years, small independent publishers and print presses have gone out of business leaving the traditionally published market even harder to crack into. But I might just give it a go and see what happens.
What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment? ~ Becoming a mother. Nothing in my life has been as challenging, or rewarding.
If someone came to you and said they were writing a book, asking for your advice, what would you tell them? ~ Stay true to your story and don’t worry about writing it for anyone else. AND to start pulling up your big girl panties now, because this industry can be brutal. You gotta have a thick skin to survive the ride.
Are you reading anything right now? What? ~ I’m in the process of beta reading for two authors. So unfortunately I haven’t been able to get to much recreational reading. But I had started Unteachable by Leah Raeder and was really enjoying it.
What is something that most people don’t know about you? ~ My natural hair color! Ha! And honestly, I don’t even know myself anymore. I’ve been dying it since the fourth grade.
What can we expect to see coming up next? I know you have been tossing around a few fabulous ideas, do you think we’ll be seeing some of these come to fruition? When? ~ Oh, yes! I’m currently working on a book called New Road. I’m only approximately 10,000 words into it, but it’s coming along nicely. I hope to have it published in the spring 2014.
If you could say anything to your readers, what would you say? ~ Thank you. Your support and feedback amazes me every day. Much much love to you all!

Learn more about Amy Queau by clicking any of the links below! AND enter in her Rafflecopter giveaway on Facebook!!

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

WEBSITE

AMAZON

Filed under: Uncategorized

Find My Love…

Bully

It’s a word that is used often these days. It’s a powerful word. You hear it, read it or say it, and you likely cringe a little because of the image or feeling it invokes.

However, I know there are some people who hear the word and roll their eyes. They think it’s overused or say, “I was bullied, it happens to everyone.” Others say, “Eh, it helps you get tougher.”

The thing is, it does happen to many people, kids and adults alike. Every. Single. Day. That doesn’t make it right. What makes it worse, is that it seems there is a blind eye turned when it’s reported. No one wants to be “that” person, you know, the narc. And when it is reported, there seems to be this approach of holding hands and singing ‘Kumbaya’, and I’m sorry, that is a sorry solution. The only thing that seems to happen in that scenario is that the bully is empowered and the victim is left feeling powerless.

Me: about 3 or 4 years old

As I kid, I was picked on, teased and put down. Often. But, c’mon, who wasn’t in some fashion? It was crushing, and if I wanted to sit long enough to think about it, I can still recall how it felt. I remember hoping that, just once, I would fit in somewhere. Eventually I made wonderful friends. Some I still keep in touch with, and have grown apart from others, but all of those friends helped me become the person I am now. When you’re a kid, all you want is to fit in. Hell, as adults, isn’t that what we still want?

Fortunately, I can look back and wear the badge. Yeah, it happened to me, and I am tougher. I made it through, but some people aren’t so lucky. Whether it’s cyber, physical or emotional bullying, it’s painful and can cause real damage.

So why am I bringing this up in my blog today?

It’s simple. As a mom, I have tried to arm my kids with knowledge and I’ve tried to teach them compassion; to treat others with respect.

I look at kids and assume the best about them, assume their parents are instilling the same values. Yes, I realize we all have different values and morals, but I would like to think that the goal is the same: Kind, loving, smart, strong children. Right?

The thing about it is that some of those same kids, (you know the cute, popular and funny ones) are the ones who take food from other kids, who pass fake notes to embarrass classmates or who mock and tease for a laugh. So I am shocked when other parents don’t seem to care that their child IS that mean kid.

Is that a badge that is worn with honor? I don’t think so.

You might not know that October is National Bullying Prevention Month and it’s my hope that someday, all kids, teens and adults will be able to do whatever it is that makes them happy without fear of being bullied for it.

There are great sources of information at:

http://www.stopbullying.gov/what-is-bullying/

http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/

Thanks for reading and I’m hopping off my soapbox now. I really hope that if you were bullied, you leave a comment, however brief, to speak up and let others out there know they aren’t alone. Sometimes, just sharing that little bit with others can make a world of difference.

XO

~T

“Find My Love” by The Avett Brothers. OMG, this song, THIS song, just gets me choked up.

Filed under: Bullies, Insight, Ramblings, Thoughts, Tragedy Tagged: 2013, Bullies, Inspiration, National Bullying Prevention Month, Rambling, Stop Bullying, T.K. Rapp, Take a Stand

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT – R. Jean Wilson

What can I say about R. Jean Wilson???? Hmmm, even though she’s a Longhorn, I think she is fantastic!! Haha. She messaged me through GoodReads, and we have been friends ever since. She’s my sprinting buddy, and one of my go-tos when I need to vent about my WIP. I’m so happy to know her and introduce her to those of you who haven’t met her.

Synopsis of Clementine: 

Clementine

Addison Caldwell has her future laid out before her. She has good friends, applications in the mail for PA school, and sweaty yoga to take the edge off of her lack of love life. Just when she finds herself right where she wants to be, Addison stumbles on a familiar stranger standing before her at a coffee shop. He’s beautiful and brilliant. She’s immediately drawn to him and can’t put her finger on how she could possibly have met him before. She finds herself tumbling head first toward a man that she knows is in a league composed solely of him and a bevy of Victoria Secret Supermodels…

“Wait,” he said, reaching out to touch her hand.

The second his hand reached hers, Addison felt a warmth spread through her body. The innocent contact stopped her mid-stand and she whipped her head down. His sturdy hand was barely resting on hers, and yet it was as if he had clenched it directly onto her heart. Holy. She pulled her hand back instinctively, confused by her body’s reaction to such an innocent touch. 

What the hell am I getting myself into?






Get to know…

R. Jean Wilson

You published your first book, Clementine, this summer, a sweet story about finding love, but more importantly, finding yourself. What does this story mean for you? Why was Addison’s story so important to share? - This story was truly a personal journey for me. I started writing to challenge myself and I knew right away what I wanted to create for my first story! People often ask how much of Clementine was based on my life and while most everything is fictitious, the locations around Austin and the dates the main characters go on are all inspired from real life.
I LOVE the cover of your book; it’s simple and beautiful, and intriguing. Did you come up with the creation, or was it created for you? - I’m so glad you like it! I created the cover and I already had a girl in mind that I had visualized as Addison. She’s a blogger with quite a following (barefootblonde.com) and she was generous enough to allow me to use her image for the cover!
What is your process when creating a story? - My process seems to change with every story that I write. Clementine was a challenge because I was getting my bearings on my writing style and trying to recreate a story that was deeply personal. I ALWAYS have music on while I’m plotting and writing, even if it’s turned down low. It helps with my creative process!
When you create your characters, are they based on anyone you know? Is there any part of your story that you can relate to personally? - I think I’m like most authors; I include little snippets of my personality in all of my characters. I did find myself creating perfect, idealized characters in Clementine, and with my next two books I’m realizing my characters are much more flawed! (I’m not sure what that says about me as a writer, hah!) 
Rivalry question here J. Your story is set in Austin, Texas for part of the book, what is it about Austin that makes the perfect setting for Addison’s story? Do you think she was an Aggie at heart?? (KIDDING!!) - HAH! Oh boy, do I love the Texas/A&M rivalry. I’d never been to Austin before my freshman year at the University of Texas, and the moment I stepped foot in the city I fell in love. Most of the significant events in Clementine take place in iconic locations around Austin. (Addison jumps off the Lamar Bridge with Holden and that bridge is in the heart of downtown Austin!)
Have you always wanted to be a writer? If not, what did you want to do? - Oh gosh, I wish. I changed my major in college more than anyone I know. Let’s just say that while in school I worked for an art gallery, a country club, a doctor’s office and a design company! - The best part is that all of my odd jobs become woven into my stories. In Clementine, Addison studies to become a Physician Assistant (that was one of my goals at one time in college and I loved using all of my useless O-Chem knowledge during the book! )
Given the option, would you rather be traditionally published or self-published? Why? - This question is still up in the air for me. There’s something magical about the idea of walking into a book store and seeing your books on the shelves. A lot of family and friends would probably take my writing a bit more seriously if they saw my book on shelves, rather than solely online. That being said, I absolutely love the indie, self-published world. I’ve never met such a tight-knit group of friends/supporters. I’ve met some amazing women (wink, wink) while self-publishing and I could never dream of leaving that behind!
What is your favorite part of creating a story? What is the hardest? - Favorite part: Creating the characters. I LOVE delving into their motivations and what makes them tick. I create pinterest boards of each character and I try to really get to know them even before I start writing. - Hardest part: Definitely not enough time to create stories. If I had it my way, I would write stories all day, every day!
Who would you consider your inspiration personally? Professionally? - I tend to gravitate toward women in comedy for both personal and professional inspiration. Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mindy Kaling are all women that I look up for many reasons. They’ve completely pushed the limits of female comedians and are all so down to earth. I think humor is one of the best qualities a person can have, which is probably why I gravitate toward these ladies. Life is hard for everyone, and people who choose to laugh their way through it are inspiring to me!
What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment? - Oh gosh that’s a tough question. I was really proud to make UT cheerleading while in college. I worked so hard for years to get to that level and still can’t believe I actually earned a spot on the squad. - Within the past year though, I would definitely say that my greatest accomplishment is taking the step to self-publish. At times, it’s scary to see friends around me starting full-time careers, knowing that I’m going out on a limb, but there’s nothing that satisfies me quite like writing and I know I have to stick with it.
What do you feel is the biggest misconception about writing and writers? - I feel like this misconception stems not from being a writer, but from working from home in general. I’ve heard the phrase “Oh, you must love working from home and having all that time to do (fill in the blank).” Writing isn’t a 9-5 job, and while there are jobs that are much more demanding, this misconception still irks me!
If someone came to you and said they were writing a book, asking for your advice, what would you tell them? - Simple: DO IT! So many people are interested in writing but they never take the first step. Even my dad has chatted with me about writing now that he’s retired, but I fear he’ll never take the leap to begin. I try to encourage fellow writers. I know the joy I find in writing and I want anyone around me interested in the field to experience that joy as well!
If you had to choose, who would be your top 3 favorite authors? Why? - Mindy Kaling: Not only for her book but also for her writing on The Office & The Mindy Project. Screen writing is an artform! -Jonathan Safran Foer: His books move me more than anything else I’ve read. He’s so talented! -JK Rowling: I have to include her. I’d be lying if I said reading Harry Potter didn’t influence my childhood. I grew up reading her books and I often times find myself thinking of her when I’m creating stories.
Are you reading anything right now? What? - I just finished writing my second novel, Solace, and the moment I finished I went to TOWN on a bunch of books on my TBR list. I’m not reading anything right now because I’ve started a new WIP and want to stay focused, but I can’t wait for Aleatha Romig’s final book in her Consequences trilogy to come out in a few days. I might have to take some time off to read it!
I know that you are working on another book, or three, what can you tell us about any of these books? Will they be romance, like Clementine? - The WIP I just finished is titled Solace. It’s completely different than Clementine and I had a BLAST writing it. It’s a YA sci-fi/fantasy with suspense and mystery at every turn. I felt like my blood pressure increased while writing the book, haha, but I’m so proud of it! It’s being edited right now, but I’m so excited to share it soon!
If you could say anything to your readers, what would you say? - You guysssss. (in a Jersey accent.) Really, you amaze me and I’m so happy to have met such amazing readers. I know how important reading is in my life, and I love the idea that I can give someone that feeling through creating stories of my own. I hope that my writing offers a few minutes of escape for anyone looking to find it!

Learn more about R.Jean Wilson by clicking any of the link below:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

TUBMLR

Filed under: Author Spotlight, Books, Insight, New Books, WFDs, WFFDs, Writing Tagged: 2013, AmWriting, author, Author Spotlight, books, Clementine, Inspiration, R.Jean Wilson, writing

Soldier…

Being There

As you most likely know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a devastating disease that affects so many around the world. We all know someone who has been touched by some form of cancer, and I wanted to do my small part. During the month of October, I will be donating 10% of all sales from my book, Being There, to an organization that offers complete breast healthcare for all women. If you haven’t read my book yet, NOW would be a great time to pick it up, and support a wonderful cause.

Please spread the word and help me raise money to donate to this fabulous organization!

Thank you so much!

XO,

~T (P.S. Purchase Links Below)

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Amazon
B&N

Diesel

KOBO

Sony eReader

Smashwords

I LOVE “Soldier,” by Gavin DeGraw, and it seems a fitting title for this blog post.

Filed under: Book Review, Breast Cancer Support, Writing Tagged: 10% Giveback, 2013, AmWriting, Being There, Breast Cancer Awareness, Cass, Drew, Inspiration, Support, T.K. Rapp, Thankful, The Rose, TKAM78

Hook…

There is quite a bit going on this week. (There will be 2 posts and an Author Spotlight) So I’m posting this giveaway today, but I have more to say. So come back tomorrow to read about what’s going on in the month of October!

Click the link below to Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for

T.K.Rapp’s 1700 Likes Giveaway

Thank you so very much to my Facebook friends who got me there! I’m so lucky to have you

Also, a special Thank You to the wonderful Bloggers and Authors who contributed to my giveaway. You are all so amazing and I’m lucky to know you!

Jenn from Back Off My Books, Lisa from Penned Con Here I come, Nickie Seidler, BJ Harvey, Kate Lynne, Vicki Green, J.M. Miller, Brittainy Cherry, Melinda Sutherland, Elizabeth Isaacs, Neeley Bratcher, Nikki Narvaez, M.K. Oien, Kimberly Stedronsky, R. Jean Wilson, Amy Miles, Penny Reid, Jessica Wood, Laura Dunaway & S. Moose

Hook by none other than Blues Traveler. Great song!!!

Filed under: Giveaway, Milestones, WFDs, WFFDs, Writing Tagged: 2013, AmWriting, Giveaway, happy dance, Inspiration, Jumping, T.K. Rapp, Thankful, TKAM78

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT – Laura Dunaway

My Author Spotlight this week is a woman that I have come to know via Facebook, and she’s one of the kindest people I’ve “met.” It’s always nice when you connect with someone who shares the same fears and hopes you do. Although, the more writers I meet, the more I find a recurring theme…big dreams and sometimes bigger fears, but all of them have taken the leap to see theirs through. And that’s what Laura Dunaway has done…

Synopsis of Distorted:

Distorted

Aly Chase has worked for Paul Pierce for years, loving him from afar. He is handsome, rich, and the powerful CEO of Pierce Homes. Just when Aly has decided her love for him is futile and vows to move on, Paul begins to give Aly the attention she had always desired, forcing her to feel confused by his actions. 

Then there’s Aly’s best friend, Ethan Baker. He’s sweet, handsome and charming. He is also in love with her. He’s accepted that Aly and he will only be friends, until one day Aly realizes that her feelings towards Ethan are way more.

Aly is caught in between the man she’s loved for so long and the man that has always been there for her. As her feelings are pulled and tugged in both directions, she must make a choice before her distorted life loses both of them.

Who will end up winning Aly’s heart?

Get to know…

Laura Dunaway

Distorted is your first novel, a story about unrequited love on several levels. Is that a subject you are familiar with? What about this story was so important for you to share? ~ It’s definitely not something I am familiar with.  It was completely made up in my head.  Not sure I felt there was anything important to share necessarily.  I’m just a huge romantic at heart and love the angst of a romance.
What made you choose Distorted, as the title of your book? ~ Because the whole story is completely distorted, especially a certain scene.
Is there any part of your story that you can relate to personally? ~ Not at all.
When you create your characters, are they based on anyone you know? Are there any characters that are a large piece of you? ~ No, they’re not at all.  Aly is a part of me in her being so wrapped up in a guy and how emotional she is.
Have you always wanted to be an author? ~Yes!
What is your favorite part of creating a story? ~ Being able to write from the heart.  I love it when my characters speak to me and tell me how they think the story should go.  I love having the inspirations and being able to create that whole story.
What do you consider the hardest part of writing? ~ Focusing.  I have so many story ideas in my head, it’s hard for me to focus on just one.
You self-published. Did you attempt traditional publishing, first? ~ Nope, I always knew I’d self-publish.
As we both have discussed, you can’t please everyone. You have gotten some wonderful reviews, but how do you handle negative reviews? Do you read them, or choose to ignore them? ~ I am very emotional so I thought negative reviews would kill me.  So far, I’ve handled them okay.  I have to remind myself it’s one person’s opinion and I knew going in not everyone would like my story.  I used to read them all the time but now I don’t check much anymore.
Who would you consider your inspiration personally? Professionally? ~ So many people in my life.  My parents, my husband, my grandparents, siblings.  That’s probably more than you intended but I come from a very close and supportive family.  Professionally I also have many.  My editor, Jennifer Roberts-Hall, is a huge one.  She keeps me going and is my cheerleader.  I wouldn’t be here still if it weren’t for her.
What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment? ~ That I WROTE a book!!!
What do you feel is the biggest misconception about writing? ~ That it’s easy.  It’s not.
If someone asked for your advice about writing a book, what would it be? ~ Do it!  Don’t let anything hold you back.  You can ask a million people for advice but ultimately, it’s up to you and how you want to do it.
If you had to choose, who would be your top 3 favorite authors? Why? ~ Wow, this is tough. I love Mary Higgins Clark.  I love mysteries and have been reading her books since I was a teenager.  My grandmother and I would always read and talk about her books when we were finished.  I think she is a great author and a great role model. I also love a new up and coming author, RE Hunter.  I have been privileged to be able to read her book that will be out in November, Undone.  It is such a great book and the male MC is going to be everyone’s next book boyfriend.  Watch out ladies, you’re in for a treat. I also recently found a great author named Whitney G.  She wrote Mid Life Love and I absolutely loved this book.  She is very sweet and has the sequel to that coming out soon.  If you haven’t read her, do it.
Are you reading anything right now? What? ~ Yes, I am reading Arsen by Mia Asher.
Are you working on another book now? If so, what can you tell us about it and when do you hope to publish? ~ I am working on the sequel to Distorted.  It’s about the guy she didn’t choose and his HEA.  I am hoping to publish in January.
If you could say anything to your readers, what would you say? ~ Thank you so much for reading my book.  That’s what every writer dreams of when they publish, that someone will read their book.  We put our heart and souls into our work and to have someone take the time to read it means the world to us.  Thank you.

Learn more about Laura Dunaway by clicking any of the links below:

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Filed under: Author Spotlight, Books, Dreams, WFDs, WFFDs, Writing Tagged: 2013, AmWriting, author, Author Spotlight, books, Distorted, Inspiration, Laura Dunaway, writing

Don’t You…

…Forget About Me

As of yesterday, I had no clue what I was going to post today, and even thought, maybe I would skip this week.

**DISCLAIMER: After reading today’s post, you might agree, I should have shelved it.

Being There

As most of you know, I published my first novel, Being There, this past July. Before that, over the last year and half, I’ve been reading…quite a bit. Enough to annoy most people, but not as much as some other people I know. (You know who you are.)

Anyhoo, as an avid reader and lover of authors, I disappeared into the stories and had mad-crushes on these fabulous ladies’ brains. (No offense to men, I just haven’t read any book, as of late, by men.) It was easy for me to imagine that the stories they were writing came easily to them, and they worked some sweet magic to make them come alive in my head. Oh yeah, and that they lived a dream life.

Cut to present day…the one where I have written the aforementioned book, and am working on another:

What I assumed is “typical” writer behavior, influence, motivation or style is now completely out the window, because I see things from the other side. BUT, I’m only speaking from my personal experience, and will not assume this is the case for other writers.

You see, I have disappeared, rarely seeing the light of day, except when it is actually necessary. I could quite possibly be a vampire, if I knew anything about being one.

So what does this all mean; what is my point? Well, let me give you a rundown of a “Day in the Life of TK.” Are you ready? Okay, here it goes:

I get up (Thank God!) and get the kids up and out of the house. I rush out to the gym (if I make it) and come home and write. I try to eat some lunch followed by another writing attempt. Kids come home and we rush to do homework before extracurriculars begin. Drop off begins for the sports, only to turn around for pick up. Come home, eat dinner, get kids in bed, followed by a third and final writing attempt, which ends up being mostly Facebook fun. Sprinkle in some texts, the occasional lunch dates, and there you have it. 

So, A Day in the Life of TK; uneventful and yet, so much is left undone. I have to ask…did you notice anything missing here in this list of things I do? Well, if you didn’t I won’t point it out. I pretty much stay home all day, and if I don’t leave the house, guess what….I get to hang in my PJs all day. Not so much bragging about it, because, it’s cool, but only for a short time. I have some writer friends who, along with myself, could very likely form a club where the one thing that doesn’t get taken care of, is ourselves. But then I’d have to add to that that our kids probably do a fair amount complaining, spouses get a little annoyed and don’t get me started on the house.

Ultimately, we take care of all these things, but the one thing neglected is us.

Exhibit A

I walked into my kitchen and it looked like it still contained 3 nights worth of dishes and crap. It was a mess, and that’s putting it mildly. At this point, I realized, okay….I’ve got some things to take care of. Don’t believe me? See Exhibit A

Exhibit A ~ Before & After

I can’t show you Exhibit B, because, that would be me. OMG…I could use a little more of a schedule in my day in order to actually get some me time in. (Writing doesn’t count, it’s work because I have to use my brain.) I dubbed myself Queen of Procrastination, long ago; so I’ll get around to taking that shower, changing my clothes, coloring my hair and putting on makeup, at some point. In the meantime, I have too many thoughts running in my head that I am desperate to write down.

So there ya have it. A blog post that doesn’t really have anything to do with anything, but it’s my world today. Maybe some of my writer friend will weigh in with their thoughts on this??? And just in case you were wondering, I’m not at all complaining!! I’m doing something that I have wanted to do for so long. This life is truly a dream come true and I wouldn’t trade it. Thanks for checking in a seeing what random thing I had to say today. And check back tomorrow…another Author Spotlight.

XO

~TK

~Don’t You (Forget About Me) Simple Minds….this just makes me laugh all around! It’s just too fitting

Filed under: Books, Dreams, Embarrassment, Insight, Ramblings, Thoughts, WFDs, WFFDs, Writing Tagged: 2013, AmWriting, author, Being There, creativity, Rambling, T.K. Rapp, Thankful, writing