Season Vining's Blog, page 2
January 2, 2018
Where do you read?
In the new year, I have done nothing but make lists. Lists of books I want to write, experiences I want to have, projects I want to finish, etc. One of the big things on my list is creating a completely “ME” reading nook. There are a couple of spots in my home I can make this happen and I’m here to DREAM BIG, so come along!
Where do you read? Is it in bed? Or maybe on the sofa while your favorite show plays nonstop on Netflix? In the closet to hide from the kids? In your car at stop signs? (I don’t suggest that at all.)
Here is the inspiration for my future reading nook:
THE FEEL
I want cozy. That is the defining word here. CO-ZEE! I love the feel of these spaces, the eclectic furniture and fun accessories. I’m definitely taking some cues from these spaces.
THE SEATING
The only thing to say here is COMFORT. While I love aesthetics, curling up on something so soft it feels like a hug, is priceless. I want pillows and blankets and maybe snacks hidden in the cushions. HA!
THE SHELVES
The best part of a reading nook are the BOOKS! So, while I’d be happy surrounded by messy stacks, having a creative and fun place to hold your most valuable possessions is nice. I may have to break out the power tools and see what I can come up with on my own!
THE LIGHTING
I love natural lighting. Having the sun warm you and highlight the pages of your book is a fantastic way to pass the day. But I also love picking out lighting. Pendant lights are my fav and offer so much variety, I can’t ever just choose one. Here are a couple I like and a link to a whole site full of them. Go take a peek. Which one would give you the best reading nook light?
And check out more HERE!
This may be a bigger task than I originally planned, but I can’t wait to get started and enjoy my kid-free, dog-free, sound-proof, comfy, cozy, well-lit reading nook!
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June 7, 2017
Tips on being a romance writer
Being a romance writer does require creativity. But, just like any other job, it requires some work. Here is what I’ve learned during my journey as a romance writer:
Do the research.
No, I’m not suggesting you do THAT kind of research. Surely you know enough about sex to get through a rough draft of sex scenes. And if you don’t, just fake it till you make it, like you did with that one boyfriend who thought the clitoris was a kind of dinosaur. What I’m suggesting is basically a professional form of eavesdropping. Observation and attention to detail are your best friends as a romance writer.
Study couples—how they interact, how they speak, their body language, how they fight, and most importantly, how they make up. Take notes (discreetly) in your phone of phrases or actions that resonate with you. But don’t go too far. You don’t want to be that person dictating the scene in a coffee shop like a nature documentary narrator. The people around you are your greatest inspirations. Use them. You may even interact with them. If things go further than that, remember to use protection and at least offer breakfast in the morning. Yeah, baby!
Grow some balls.
This is figuratively, of course…because…eww. I mean that the publishing world can be a tough place. If you’re a timid introvert who would rather die than socialize and promote yourself, this is going to be difficult. Of course, romance writers are notorious for living in their pajamas for days at a time—greasy hair pulled up in a knot, surviving only on peanut butter crackers and room temperature coffee—so that they can make deadline.
But there comes a time when you have to put your big girl panties on (and pants too—sorry not sorry). You have to become that outgoing, social butterfly you’ve always avoided. If you have to, create an alternate persona for these times. Make her anything you want her to be, like a character from your book. Let her wear glasses or sexy underwear, whatever works. You’re the author; write your character’s personality. Inside, you can still be the hot mess that you’ve always been. But outside you’ll need to be a bad ass, confident writer with a tough veneer and a killer vocabulary.
Once you’ve mastered this technique, it will also come in handy when you’ve got to face your five aunts who read your books and want to discuss blow job techniques over Thanksgiving turkey and green bean casserole.
Don’t ever apologize.
Many times, the romance genre is dismissed as fluff. “It’s just smut,” they’ll say. When my first book was published and I told people I was a writer they would ask, “What do you write?” I would always look at the floor and mumble “romance novels,” in a quiet voice that was contrite and begging not to be judged. Right away this sent the message that I was insecure about what I wrote. That wasn’t the case at all! But our misogynistic society told me to be ashamed of romance, and so I played my role perfectly. Until one day, I realized… “I published a book! No, wait! I published THREE books! That is nothing to be embarrassed about!”
There was a whole epiphany that followed with lots of internal monologue. There may have been dancing, a chorus of “I am Woman,” and maybe a crotch grab or two. I knew there was nothing to apologize for. I am proud of my books. I work hard. I invest time, heart and soul in everything I write. And it took me a while, but I know now that no one can tell me how to feel.
Be original.
Someone once told me that there are no original ideas anymore. I call bullshit. Sure, art inspires other art, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t original. A lot of things happen in real life that readers would be quick to call out as “unrealistic” in a novel. That’s where things get tricky. Keep your stories fresh and inventive. Find a balance between what works for your characters and what works in the world you’ve created. Sure, there are tried and true (and predictable) formulas that work for some authors (cough-Nicholas-Sparks-cough).
But what works for one book writer, doesn’t necessarily work for you. If your story is reminiscent of others, then find a unique way to tell it. Don’t ever, ever, ever write to create a bestseller. Just when you think you’ve written an amazing new release of what’s trending now, the trend will change. Then you and your novel are left behind. Plus, if you’re writing just for the money… you’re in the wrong business. Most of us still have our day jobs. Basically, write for you!
Make friends.
It is a great time to be a romance writer. The romance genre is filled with authors of every race, sexuality, gender, and background. It’s so easy to find people to connect with. With the wide world of social media, it is easer than ever to stalk—I mean befriend—your favorite authors. Of course there are divas who exist in every profession. But I promise, most of us are super nice.
Those who have been in the business for a while are almost always willing to offer advice or answer questions. It’s rare to find such a large group of women who empower and encourage each other so freely. You will find a reliable network in the romance writers’ community. Build your tribe and work to be a contributing member. These are friendships that will last a lifetime.
Have fun.
Lastly, don’t take everything so seriously. Writing is a job, but it is an exciting one. It is something that makes you giddy when you sit down and get to spill your brain onto a keyboard. It grants us a high, an adrenaline rush, just to be doing what we love. And if it doesn’t, then you’re not doing it right.
Learn about my next sexy adventure in Chaos and Control.
Season Vining is the author of romance novels, lives in the dirty South, has sriracha in her purse, needs more shoes, and doesn’t give a shit about the Kardashians. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.
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October 28, 2015
Louisiana Book Festival
This year, I’m honored to be one of the many featured authors at the 12th Annual Louisiana Book Festival. The 2015 Louisiana Book Festival is Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, in downtown Baton Rouge at the State Library of Louisiana, the State Capitol, the Capitol Park Museum and nearby locations. There is live music, festival food, and tons of books! There are talks all day from featured authors, a children’s tent, activities, and a great time!
At 10:45 a.m., I will be speaking in the Senate Committee Room C in the State Capitol building. Come join me to hear about my writing process and the whole story building process behind my latest novel, PERFECT BETRAYAL. It will be a casual talk along with plenty of time for any questions. Please come by, say hello, and stay for some fun information.
I will be signing in the Barnes & Noble tent directly after. I hope to see you there!!!
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May 11, 2015
WIN an advance copy of PERFECT BETRAYAL
My third novel, Perfect Betrayal, will hit shelves on August 18, 2015. You can win an advance copy HERE! Get your hands on Taylor and Levi’s story before anyone else.
All you have to do is provide a link to your review of one of my previous novels, Beautiful Addictions or Held Against You. Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, blogs…no matter where you reviewed, you’re in. Didn’t get around to reviewing? Do it now and then enter to WIN!
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January 21, 2015
HELD AGAINST YOU success!
My second novel, HELD AGAINST YOU, is now out in the world. It is inspiring road trips and the re-watching of John Hughes films. 
Kat seems to keep everyone laughing and her mysterious bounty hunter seems to keep them sighing. It’s been a long road and there are too many people to thank individually, so I’ll say a collective THANK YOU! 
The audiobook for HELD AGAINST YOU is in production now with Audible.com and will be released soon! I’ll post again when I have a release date for that!
Meanwhile, my second Barnes & Noble signing was a great success. I did a reading from Kat’s point of view and gave everyone a taste of her craziness. So many people came to show their support, say hello, and get their book signed. I appreciate each and every one of you. It was nice seeing some old familiar faces and meeting some new ones!
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December 15, 2014
HELD AGAINST YOU pre-order giveaway!
Do you like sexy, adventurous books? Do you like free stuff? Well, I’ve got a treat for you. Pre-order HELD AGAINST YOU in print or ebook before January 11, 2015 and enter the giveaway below to win a grab bag of PRIZES!
Accused of a horrible crime and on the run, Kat has been rejected by everyone she loves. She’s a fugitive from her past, flitting from town to town with nothing but the clothes on her back. Until she meets a man who literally stops her in her tracks.
This notorious bounty hunter, with his stunning good looks and powerful instincts, never fails to capture his prey. But there’s something about his newest mark that gets under his skin–and it’s not just the naked innocence he sees in her eyes. Behind his ice cold demeanor, he has his own secrets… and now his lively, vulnerable captive is about to crack him wide open.
As they drive across the country together, neither of them can deny the spark of attraction between them. Will their journey force these two passionate opposites together…or will their dangerous secrets be too much to bear?
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November 30, 2014
Do you Wattpad?
For those of you unfamiliar with Wattpad, here is the most basic information straight from the sight itself.
Wattpad is a place to discover and share stories: a social platform that connects people through words. It is a community that spans borders, interests, languages. With Wattpad, anyone can read or write on any device: phone, tablet, or computer.
Sometimes, when I need a break from the larger projects, I’ll switch over to write short stories. It’s an easy way to keep your mind in that creative space and keep fresh ideas coming.
To me, short stories are much more difficult to write than full-length novels. They require all of the same elements as the 80,000 word books, but it must be very condensed. This means each line must be necessary, each word of dialogue must move your plot forward and reveal something important.
I’ve published my short story, Beau Hunter, on Wattpad. It is free to anyone who wants to read it. I’ll continue to post my short stories there and maybe even some samples from my novels and future works. So keep an eye out and HAPPY READING!
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August 19, 2014
Held Against You Cover Reveal
Today I get to share my newest project with you guys! Held Against You is my second novel. It is a New Adult Romantic Suspense about a bounty hunter and his target. The story starts with him capturing her and, of course, an EPIC road trip ensues. There are tons of 80′s pop culture references, a couple of sexy brooding men, one sassy heroine, and dangerous secrets between them.
Available in ebook & print from St. Martin’s Griffin:
January 13, 2015.
Here’s the official blurb:
Accused of a horrible crime and on the run, Kat has been rejected by everyone she loves. She’s a fugitive from her past, flitting from town to town with nothing but the clothes on her back. Until she meets a man who literally stops her in her tracks.
This notorious bounty hunter, with his stunning good looks and powerful instincts, never fails to capture his prey. But there’s something about his newest mark that gets under his skin–and it’s not just the naked innocence he sees in her eyes. Behind his ice cold demeanor, he has his own secrets… and now his lively, vulnerable captive is about to crack him wide open.
As they drive across the country together, neither of them can deny the spark of attraction between them. Will their journey force these two passionate opposites together…or will their dangerous secrets be too much to bear?
The best part of this beautiful cover, is that we didn’t use a stock photography site to find the image. These are not models. This is a real couple! How cool is that? I had so much fun writing this story and can’t wait to share it with you guys on January 13, 2015. I’ll be sharing some teasers along the way, so stay tuned to my Facebook page and Twitter for updates.
In the meantime, add it to your Goodreads TBR list! 
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August 12, 2014
First Solo Book Signing
Two weeks ago, I was honored to hold my first solo book signing event for Beautiful Addictions! It took place at Barnes & Noble Citiplace in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (my hometown). During the days leading up to the signing, I was distracted by attending the Romance Writers of America convention in San Antonio, TX. Overwhelmed by the people, education, networking, and socializing during the conference, I had little time to worry about the signing. Somehow, worries crept into my subconscious and I dreamed that no one showed up except a mariachi band and two guys dressed as Thor. I blame you, San Antonio, and late night television.
On Sunday, June 27th at 3 PM. I sat at a small table near the front of the store to begin the signing. By this point, so many people had lined up, that they were blocking the store’s entrance. So, the lovely folks at B&N moved me to a larger area and set up some chairs. When I finally was situated to start signing, I was overwhelmed with the number of people lined up to have their books signed.
My view from the front of the line!
Courtney, from B&N, and my bestie, April, helped keep me signing and moving the line along. They were experts at keeping things organized.
A view from upstairs.
So many people came, that we sold out of books. (Sorry to those who didn’t get one.) The day was amazing and I was completely overwhelmed by the folks who came to show their love and support. After an hour and a half of signing, the line had cleared. Courtney initiated a short Q&A session where we answered very serious questions, like “Is Tristan single?” (Thanks, Mom.) And then, we were done.
What a great way to celebrate a book that I’m so very proud of. When all was said and done, I signed over 90 books. Then, I did some hand stretches, exhaled, and walked next door for a sangria margarita. Thanks to everyone who made that day so special!
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June 24, 2014
Vote for Tristan
“The character of Tristan is amazingly complex, the bad-boy with the genius IQ, inked and infinitely intriguing. Cover those tats with an Armani suit, groom him to GQ perfection, and he would still radiate raw appeal.”
“I want you. All of you. I want to possess you. I want to love you and protect you.”
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