Erica Monroe's Blog, page 2
November 19, 2019
The Rookery Rogues are back!
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While Kindle Unlimited was a fun experience for a short time, it’s always been a cornerstone of my business to be available wherever e-books are sold. Much like I believe everyone deserves a happily ever after, I believe that readers should get to buy books wherever they choose. 
September 13, 2019
What am I working on now?
I’m working on A SPY NEVER SURRENDERS, book 2 in the Covert Heiresses series. Currently, I’m in the plotting stage, which means I’m writing a lot of interesting research books and staring at the wall until the magical solution to my plot problems occurs to me.
The Rookery Rogues are now in Kindle Unlimited
For a limited time, the Rookery Rogues series is now available in Kindle Unlimited. That means with your KU subscription, you can read the books for free! Click the images below to be taken to the page for each book.
Don’t have Kindle Unlimited? No worries! You can still purchase the Rookery Rogues from Amazon. And the Gothic Brides and Covert Heiresses series are still wide.
A Dangerous Invitation
Secrets in Scarlet
Beauty and the Rake
Stealing the Rogue's Heart
February 28, 2019
On Slowing Down…
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Or, why you haven’t released a book in awhile, Erica?
I have always wanted to be a writer. I remember babbling to my mother on long car rides, starting a story and not ending until we’d arrived at our destination. (It is no wonder my childhood nickname was Chatterbox). I remember writing my way through high school, finding the love of my life, and knowing we were meant to be because he always, always took my need to write seriously. I remember going to college on a writing scholarship. I did not know what the future held, but I knew I needed to study writing – for me. Only on the page did I feel truly in control, truly talented. For the entirety of my early twenties, I became the embodiment of several Hamilton lyrics – whenever there was a problem, I wrote my way out. I wrote like I was running out of time, even before I received the multiple autoimmune disease diagnosis that truly does limit my time and quite possibly my future lifespan. I wrote because I didn’t know how to do anything else; because I needed it to breathe.
It took a long time to gather up the confidence to craft my first solo novel, but through it all, I had a burning passion. I was convinced, above all, that I was meant to be a writer. Nothing else compared. I wrote one book, convinced I’d change the landscape of historical romance with my working class romance. (Hubris, thy name is Erica, right?) It didn’t, and I didn’t. But I wrote two more, because I was determined. And still, I was having fun. I was creating.
But over time, I stopped writing for me, and began writing what I thought I was “supposed” to be doing. The market changed, scams abounded, and the system started to largely look rather broken. I stopped being able to separate the business of publishing from my creating. I began to judge myself by the money I made (or didn’t), by the successes of others. My confidence in my writing abilities was swallowed up by voices of doubt, as I’ve tattooed negative words upon my soul, as if my worth can be judged by another’s opinion. I know that to be a writer – to work in publishing – means you must get used to rejection. You must have skin like a rhinoceros, so thick arrows bounce off of you. I am not, nor have I been, someone who things deflect off of. I am an open, gaping wound, my emotions spilling out of me for all to see. This has been my greatest gift, for those deep emotions are what drew me to writing in the first place. I had a friend, years ago, once say that I approached writing like a method actor does–I feel the emotions of my characters. I look for things that will put me in the right mood. Writing, in the past, was always a catharsis because of this. It’s why when everything stopped being so healing, so rewarding, that I knew I needed to take a look at where I was heading.
Please know that I am, and have always been, tremendously grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in my (relatively short) career in publishing. I love my readers, and I love Romancelandia. And it’s that very love that’s led to me taking a step back in the past year and a half, because I want to continue to write for many, many years to come. I knew that if I continued trying to do it all, I’d end up so exhausted I’d never want to write again.
So I took a step back. I’ve spent the last twelve months heavily focused on turning more inwards, on finding ways to still the rushing whirlwind that is my mind. I cancelled my last remaining deadlines, and I’m not contracted for any new books. I’ve focused on my health, and in consequence, my autoimmune flare-ups have been less. Fibromyalgia has a way of making you readjust your priorities quickly–when you’re battling daily cognitive problems (brain fog), pain throughout much of your body, and a bone-deep, unconquerable fatigue, you learn you’ve only got enough time in the day to do some of your work, and so you choose that which is most important. (See the Spoon Theory here for a great explanation of this).
And man, have I learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned I can’t function when I’ve got everyone else’s expectations in my head. I have to take time to recharge, and I’m a lot more introverted than I used to be. I’ve curtailed a lot of my social media usage, and that’s led to more time spent reading, or watching television – more time consuming media that makes me feel creative and gives me peace. I know now, that in order for me to create, I have to really want to do it. I’ve got to love what I’m writing–and learn how to write again for the joy of it, instead of the business. I’ve learned that the goals I had, aren’t the right goals for me. In this stage in my life, I don’t do well with the uncertainty of a writer’s income, and so being a full-time writer isn’t my dream right now. Instead, I’ve embraced running my author services company, because that provides me with the stability and variety I was craving. When I edit other authors’ books, and when I write marketing material for them, I’m using a different skillset than when I’m writing my own stuff. It’s given me a balance, and a satisfaction I was desperately missing.
What does this mean for my books? Mostly, that I’m still pretty darn slow. Because writing is no longer my primary focus, I have to work my books in around my other work deadlines. I expect I’ll release one full-length book a year, or two novellas. This is a better schedule for my physical health, and definitely a better schedule for my mental wellbeing. I don’t know when The Lady Rebels will be finished–I still fully intend for it be published, but I refuse to put out a book that isn’t at its best. I’ve rewritten it four times, and I think I finally have a handle on it, but it’s been a really, really hard book to write. I also hope this year to bring back Covert Heiresses, but I can’t make promises on when that series will continue either. I write all of this because I believe in being transparent with you, dear reader. I don’t like to commit to things I can’t do, so I wanted to make you aware of my new timetable.
And I think–I hope–that these changes have helped me. The words are coming back to me. The fear is starting to dissipate, and I’m beginning to get excited again. I’m so utterly thankful to those of you who have reached out to offer encouragement to me, who have told me you’ll wait as long as needed for me to release a new book. You have been seriously a lifeline, and you’ve helped me patch up the pieces of my tattered soul.
Slowly but surely, I’m rediscovering the artist I always wanted to be, and I like her.
February 11, 2019
Killing Words Giveaway
I’m participating in this great giveaway for romantic suspense. How would you like to read that next bestseller on a Kindle Fire 7 tablet? Win an Amazon gift card or a prize pack of e-books from your TBR list? Enter now and if you’re one of our lucky winners you could decide which books we’ll buy for you from millions on Amazon.\
Enter the giveaway at this link, or in the widget below
Plus, don’t miss our book fair with plenty of heart-pounding reads for mystery, thriller, and suspense fans, all priced 2.99 or less. We’ve got a bonus giveaway, too!
This giveaway is sponsored by the authors listed below
Alex Gordon • Amanda Uhl • Angela Merlo • Ben Westerham • Cathy Perkins • CJ Zahner • D. Lieber • Erica Monroe • Ethan Jones • Jacki Delecki • Jacqueline Diamond • Joan Reeves • Kat Drennan • KL Donn • Krista Wagner • Leah Ashton • Lucy Lakestone • Maria Elena Alonso Sierra • Marie James • Rhondi Ann • RM Alexander • Stephanie Queen • Susan Jean Ricci • Suzanne Jenkins • Taylor Marsh
December 6, 2018
Gothic Brides Audiobooks
The first three books in the Gothic Brides series are now out as audiobooks, available exclusively through Audible! All three novellas are narrated by Sandra Elizabeth Cullum with Archieboy Productions, and she has done a great job at really embodying the spirit of these dark, emotional books. It was definitely a surreal experience hearing Sandra read the books – what a joy to hear my words brought to life! I hope you enjoying getting to listen to these books.
Click on the covers to be taken to the Audible page for the book!
THE MAD COUNTESS: Audible[image error]
Already have the e-book? Purchase the audiobook at a discount rate with Amazon’s Whisper Sync!
THE DETERMINED DUCHESS: Audible
Already have the e-book? Purchase the audiobook at a discount rate with Amazon’s Whisper Sync!
THE SCANDALOUS WIDOW: Audible
Already have the e-book? Purchase the audiobook at a discount rate with Amazon’s Whisper Sync!
July 25, 2018
Gothic Brides Boxed Set Release!
I may have had a lot of fun with emojis in creating this.
It’s here! Gothic Brides: Volume 1 released yesterday in e-book. This boxed set contains the first three Gothic Brides books: THE MAD COUNTESS, THE DETERMINED DUCHESS, and THE SCANDALOUS WIDOW.
The Gothic Brides: edgy, atmospheric Gothic Regency Romance, exploring the dark, twisted corners of England–these books are not for the faint of heart. The Gothic Brides battle tortured pasts and face dangerous, suspenseful circumstances on their road to a hard-won happily ever after.
Boxed Set contains:
THE MAD COUNTESS – Book 1
True love must break the curse of madness when two best friends stay at a mysterious castle on All Hallows Eve.
THE DETERMINED DUCHESS – Book 2
Death is just the beginning in this dark, chilling Gothic romance between a powerful duke and an intrepid alchemist.
THE SCANDALOUS WIDOW – Book 3
Scandal proves deadly when a roguish Bow Street Runner reunites with an intrepid bluestocking to solve a murder.
Amz: http://smarturl.it/gbsamz
BN: http://smarturl.it/gbsnk
Kobo: http://smarturl.it/gbskobo
iBooks: http://smarturl.it/gbsib
To celebrate the release, I recorded this short video!
http://ericamonroe.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/VID_46850304_040551_857.mp4
July 17, 2018
Release Day for A Scoundrel’s Ruin!
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I’m part of an awesome boxed set with five other authors! This week only, it is $0.99! This is a limited time boxed set. My contribution is STEALING THE ROGUE’S HEART.
► Amazon
► Barnes and Noble
► Kobo
► iBooks
Embrace ruination and become engrossed as the scandal unfolds in each story by 6 USA TODAY Bestselling authors.
Dance With Me At Midnight by Samantha Holt
Charles always knew he’d be married within months of inheriting his title. He’s fully prepared to wed a woman he’s never met by summer.
Until he meets her that is.
Eloise is nothing like the poised, elegant and controlled woman he thought she’d be. Beautiful, yes, even with a damned parrot sitting on her shoulder, but hardly marchioness material.
Even if he does find himself a little intrigued by her.
Stealing the Rogue’s Heart by Erica Monroe
When underworld princess Mina Mason falls for her childhood best friend, Charlie Thatcher, their passion starts a rival gang war that threatens to inflame London. With darkness and danger at every turn, these two star-crossed lovers risk it all for love.
For The Love of a Widow by Christina McKnight
After years spent following her husband as he fought against Napoleon’s troops, Lady Lettie Hughes returns to London as a widow to take her place in Polite Society as the daughter of an earl. When nightmares of the battlefield plague her, she’ll find a second chance at love with the man she lost six years before.
Stolen by My Knave by Dawn Brower
Jackerson Carwyn, the Duke of Whitewood hasn’t led the charmed life some believe, and in fact, grew up in the worst parts of London. Lady Elizabeth Kendall grew up on whimsical tales told by her mother. They are an unlikely match, and yet, sometimes its hard to dismiss the ties of the heart.
Taming a Savage Gentleman by Tammy Andresen
Baroness Segrave needs a husband for society’s sake but she’d prefer he have no opinion at all. Which is why the Earl of Loudoun seems the ideal choice. With no fortune and a drinking habit, he should allow her to keep running her estate while living off the allowance she’d provide. But Loudoun proves to be both drunk and foolish. Suddenly a husband who is strong, capable, and appreciative of her gifts gains merit in her eyes. A man like Tom Maddox.
Scandalous Wallflower by Amanda Mariel
Jane and Caleb are brought together through an unwanted circumstance and discover something neither one believed they’d ever have, but can they let go of old hurts and beliefs long enough to embrace the gift fate bestowed upon them?
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May 5, 2018
Playlists for Erica’s Historical Romances
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One of the questions I’m asked often is if I write to music–and the answer is definitely yes! I have to have music playing and my headphones in to be able to focus on the story. As a fun extra, I’ve also compiled the playlists I put together for every book onto one page so that you can hear what I consider to be the soundtrack to each book.
April 24, 2018
Release Day for THE SCANDALOUS WIDOW!
[image error]It’s release day for THE SCANDALOUS WIDOW, book 3 in the Gothic Brides series! I’m thrilled to get to share Gabriel and Jemma’s reunion story with you, which has just the right amount of roguish Bow Street Runner love and plucky heroine crime-solving. 
