Marilyn Vix's Blog, page 5

Scrivener Online Workshop Saturday, May 22

Greetings everyone,

I wanted to let you all know about a fabulous opportunity to learn about one of the helpful writing programs available and used by many writers. If you’re planning on writing a book or have already begun, this program can help get you organized. It’s at a very reasonable fee, and it is available for nonmembers. So, please check it out, and register soon. It’s being hosted by my local RWA chapter, Silicon Valley RWA.

Gwen Hernandez: Scrivener Half-Day Workshop Saturday, May 22, 20219:00 AM – 3:00 PM

REGISTER HERE!

We’re offering a morning beginning Scrivener workshop, and an afternoon advanced Scrivener workshop. Join us for either or both!

Morning session prices: $5 for SVRWA members/$10 for non-membersAfternoon session prices: $20 for SVRWA members/$25 for non-members

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PST Plot or Pants with Scivener 3

“Scrivener is excellent writing software for both plotters and pantsers. Want to find out what makes it so popular, or learn some new tricks? The author of Scrivener For Dummies will walk you through the basics and cover some of her favorite features.

You’ll learn how to:

create a new projectorganize your manuscriptimport your existing work, notes, and picturestrack your word countcolor code your filescreate a storyboardand more!

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch break

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Advanced Scrivener

(Topic TBA, but likely to cover compiling, revisions, and some time for Q&A)

About Gwen

Gwen Hernandez (she/her), the author of Scrivener For Dummies, helps writers all over the world master Scrivener through online courses, in-person workshops, and private training. When she’s not using Scrivener to write romantic suspense, this lifelong nomad likes to travel, read, run along the beach, flail on a yoga mat, and explore her current home of Southern California.

Learn more about Gwen at gwenhernandez.com or ScrivenerClasses.com

For a FREE TRIAL VERSION OF SCRIVENER, go to: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview

Gwen has a blog post on updating to Scrivener 3 here: https://gwenhernandez.com/2021/03/24/scrivener-3-for-windows-has-arrived/

Scrivener 3 works on both Mac and PC!

Review of “Rebel With Time”

“Rebel With Time” is available as a Kindle Unlimited title at Amazon.com.

I’ve had so much time with COVID-19 isolation to do a lot of reading, which has been a good thing. So, when I came across the opportunity to review a particular romance with an interesting message, I jumped at the chance. I do love to support debut romance authors, and I certainly have enjoyed the book, “Rebel With Time” by Safa Shaqsy. It’s helped me reflect on the fact that we all wish we had the ability to make our own choices in life, and what a great freedom this is if we can. Of course, it also made me think about how much of that freedom was in degrees. Degrees to choose our own life and how much society and families impose on our own freedom of our pursuit of happiness is something that can be taken for granted.

REVIEW: “Rebel With Time” is written by Safa Shaqsy.  FOUR Stars ****

A young Muslim woman from Oman wants to follow her own heart and not the traditional rules her parents have set down for her. Her sister, though supportive, is ready to find a traditional marriage match. With rebellion in her heart, Jamila breaks several rules to start following her dream of becoming a model. She finds herself being attracted to the photographer at the agency, and secretly starts to date him. Will she be able to follow her dreams and be with the man she chooses, standing up to her parents and their traditional beliefs? Or will she succumb to her duty and marry the man her parents find for her.

I did enjoyed this romance. The struggle hits home in many women, whether we are rebelling against customs set upon us or rigors in society that say we cannot do the same things as men, these struggles unite women worldwide. The writing is basic and gets the job done. The style took me awhile to get used to, but eventually I found myself being pulled into the story and reading quickly to the end. I could feel the emotion of Jamila’s struggle. Safa Shaqsy really helps you connect with both Jamila and her sister, Zahra. Their relationship is beautifully portrayed, and is the hidden gem in this novel. I do recommend this for readers that enjoy a different point of view in terms of women’s issues and problems. It will have you cheering for Jamila and for her to win the freedom to make her own choices.

“Rebel With Time” by Safa Shaqsy is available on Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.

Interview with Ann Jackson

Ann Jackson is the author of the relationship advice book, “To My Love Forever”.

Through these tough times, our real relationships might be going through more ups and downs then many romance novels. If you need some helpful advice on what to do about love in your own relationship, I’ve found an author with a knack for helping others in the business of love. Ann Jackson is an International Relationship Coach. She has a unique approach to empowering her client’s to understand the real meaning of love for their better lives. She has more than 20 years experience counseling couples, and now her wisdom is available in her book, “To My Love Forever”.

I had a chance to talk to Ann Jackson about reading memories, how she writes, and what writing means to her.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Ann Jackson: As a child, I enjoyed reading. One day in high school, my teacher asked me to read a paragraph. While reading, I mispronounced the word “rifle”(gun) as “riffle”. The class started laughing, but my teacher surprisingly stood up for me. She said, “Do you know Miss Jackson is one of the best readers in the class?” That truly made me feel special.

2) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Ann Jackson: For me, writing is like storytelling. You gain so much knowledge throughout life, good and bad, and now you have the opportunity to shed light on someone’s path.

3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Ann Jackson: I enjoy writing late at night when the world is asleep. I get tons of inspiration in those moments.

“To My Love Forever” is a book about loving yourself first to love others. This book teaches women how to speak life into their significant other when it comes to dating, romantic relationships and marriage. Most men are operating from a place of hurt, sadness and disappointment from past traumas. This book helps women to build a place of sanctuary for their hearts, a place to come home. One way to help with this is to guide women to seek love within themselves and not outside, and this looking for the love and healing inside will warm the hearts in the others around them.

Help conquer your doubts, fears and insecurities about a future together, and work towards moving forward into genuine love.

“To My Love Forever” is available at Amazon.ca and Amazon.com.

Interview with Allen Roberts

Allen Roberts is the author of the new romance, Dominated by Romance.

I love to share those hidden gem authors. You know, the authors you hear about when talking with your friends over a good glass of wine. This is one budding romance author I’ve just got to share with you.

Let me introduce you to Allen Roberts. His new novel, Dominated by Romance, is a steamy romance that explores how no one can run from true fate and love. It’s a great read during these lockdown and isolation times, and I am proud to have the chance to ask Allen all sorts of questions. From reading memories, to advice for new writers, Allen Roberts tells all.

What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Allen Roberts: A funny fact about me is that when I was a child, I loved to read. I had a few bookcases full of books. Everything from the illustrated classics like Treasure Island, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, etc. to the entire Hardy Boys series and so on. However, as an adult I prefer to write fiction than read it. The reading that I do now is primarily non-fiction books on business, sales and marketing, etc. and its usually on audio. But I would have to say my favorite memory from reading was doing so with my mother. Especially now since she has passed on.

Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Allen Roberts: I enjoy the works of various authors for various reasons.  Of course, Stephen King is the master of horror. I’ve always been inspired by his style of writing a specific amount each day and letting your creative ideas flow and take the story wherever it may go. Also, I’ve always liked the works of John Grisham.

Do you have a writing routine? Explain what works for you.

Allen Roberts: I find that I’m most creative early in the morning and late at night. I can’t be sure, but I believe it has to do with the peace and quiet around me and the calm and relaxed state of my mind at those times. I generally don’t write in continuity.  I tend to write a scene at a time, usually out of order, and then weave them all together. Since childhood, I’ve had an attention deficit. So, I find that breaking large projects into smaller ones works best for me, keeping me engaged and focused.

What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Allen Roberts: I actually have three other stories in the plotting stage after I finish the sequel to Dominated by Romance which I plan to release later this summer. I’m not certain yet if they will be three different series or if they will be three standalone books, but all of them are romance novels.

How did you get started writing romance?

Allen Roberts: I have always had a strong inclination to write romance. Multifaceted love stories that delve into the characters’ emotions and desires and evoke emotion in readers. I just never took the steps to put myself out there. Now that I have, I’m very happy with the process and look forward to enjoying the results.

What would be a favorite recipe for your character Kelly Branson?

Allen Roberts: One of my favorite recipes is a Chicken Alfredo made with a cream cheese-based sauce. I can see Kelly’s character enjoying a dish like that. Especially if it was made for her by Elliott from scratch.

Who would be your choices to play Kelly and Elliott in a movie of your book “Dominated by Romance”?

Allen Roberts: Ok, I know this will sound crazy, but for Elliott, I see Leonardo DiCaprio because Elliott almost seems to me like a mixture of the romantic gentleman Jack Dawson in Titanic and the successful and confident Jordan Belfort in Wolf of Wall Street. Both of which, he portrayed very well.

For Kelly, I’d have to say I’m not completely sure. It would have to be someone who could portray Kelly’s timid yet strong personality and bring her transformation to life. Perhaps Dakota Johnson?

Did you use any inspirational playlist or other things to help you get in the zone to write Dominated by Romance?

Allen Roberts: I generally don’t listen to music or anything while I write only because it’s a distraction for me. My “zone” generally comes from excitement.  I’ll get an idea and be like, “Oh, that would be good for the book” and as I expand the idea in my mind, it excites me and inspires me to write it out.

What advice do you have for beginning romance writers just starting their writing journey?

Allen Roberts: Just do it. Put yourself out there and don’t hold back. Perception is reality and the results will be whatever they will be, but at least you’ve done something that is important to you and that makes you happy. Not everyone can say they’ve done that.

What is writing to you in one sentence?

Allen Roberts: To me, writing is a powerful release of imagination and emotion.

Recommended Read: Dominated by Romance by Allen Roberts

Dominated by Romance is a story about a young woman that has never had luck with love. Kelly Branson has reached her mid-twenty’s experienced conclusion; all men end in toxic relationships. She swears off love and relationships insisting that love is just not for her.

Then, in walks Elliot.

Sidestepping him doesn’t work. He keeps coming back, empowered to try harder with her. He senses her hurt and pain, and works to unlock the obscure desires within her. He mesmerizes her into breathtaking fantasy play, which compels her to confront her beliefs and discover herself in ways she never knew possible.

Will he bring her back to the side of love? Will she let herself discover passion again?

Dominated by Romance is available at Amazon.com and is a Kindle Unlimited title.

Join Allen Roberts for a promotional event on Facebook to celebrate the release of his new book. Fun, games, and prizes are involved in this FB party on Friday, April 30, 2021, 7pm-9pm EDT. Come join the fun at: http://facebook.com/allenrobertsbooks.

For more information on Allen Roberts, please visit his website here.

Interview with Celia

Celia is the author of the new destination romance “Spanish Roots”.

Spring is in the air, and it’s a good time to find new books and authors to enjoy this time of year. I always keep my eye out for fabulous authors that I like to introduce my followers to, and I think I’ve found a great new author for you to put on your reading list.

I’d like to introduce you to Celia. She has written an award winning debut novel, “Set My Soul On Fire”.  She’s delved in romantic thrillers, and is treating us with a new destination romance in Spain. She writes character driven books inspired by the people she may meet. Her characters are strong, deep caring women with a strong love for family that might block some of their dreams. She lets their passions guide her stories. I had the chance to talk to Celia about her reading memories, authors that inspire her, and what she has in store for us with her future projects.

What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Celia: Sitting in front of a real dancing, coal fire, warm, safe, and cozy with my cat purring on my lap, visiting and exploring the world of a story.Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Celia: Victoria Holt’s historic, mystery novels. I love whodunit’s and she combined, romance, and mystery with a puzzle to solve. My Spanish Roots has the same combination but in the modern world of Spain.Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Celia: No routine, I am too chaotic for that. I am also retired, so I do as I please with no schedule. Some days I do not even know what day it is. So I write when I am in the mood, or my imagination gets sparked.What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Celia: I would like to write something funny. There is so much that makes me laugh in my life and would love to put it in a book. However, I have tried; but I find it hard to do funny, witty. I do not have that gift. I am one of those people that cannot even report a funny ‘joke’ properly, at least not so it makes people laugh. I usually mess it up. What is writing to you in one sentence?
Celia: Putting your fantasy into words.

“Spanish Roots” is the journey for a women’s soul that leads her to discover more about herself as well as her past. When Mireya’s adopted parents die in a car cash, she inherits their hacienda in Spain. She finds some letters that may lead to discovering her birth parents. With a friend of her adopted father, Gemma, she sets out to Spain on holiday to claim her inheritance and find some answers to why she was adopted.

That’s when the attractive Sandro walks into her life. He had been hired on to watch and protect the hacienda. But will there be a conflict between them when she finds out the true reason for her adoption?

“Spanish Roots” is the new release for Celia, and is available on Amazon.com. This is a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information on Celia and her other books, please visit her Amazon author page here.

Valentine’s Day Spicy Romance 2021 Giveaway on Prolific Works

https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/VeJRoyQf4clJ7RSydMYw

Greetings everyone! I’ve been trying to keep myself positive and upbeat, but I’ll tell you, this pandemic is tough. Some days are better than others. I’ve been basically isolating through most of it, and have even been told by my doctor that I need to continue “hiding” until I can get the vaccine. With how California is doing with that, could be several more months. It’s the first time I’ve been told I’m too young for something and regretted it, ie because vaccinations have only moved to 65 and over recently. I still got at least a few months to wait until my stick in the arm.

Meanwhile, I hope 2021 is going better for you than last year. I mean, anything is better than 2020. But I thought we’d all need a perk up. So, Lynda Belle joined with me to get together some of her author friends as well as I, to bring you some spicy and erotic reads for Valentine’s Day. Nothing is better than discovering a new author or reading something by one you already enjoy.

As usual, I’ve continued to pair with Prolific Works to do giveaways. Find a big assortment of genres and spice. Let’s just say, this might be beyond a sweet Valentine’s Day. It runs just through Sunday, Feb. 14. So, get your free ebook reads while you can. Stock up for this Valentine’s Day and President’s Day weekend.

Here is the link below to the giveaway:

https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/VeJRoyQf4clJ7RSydMYw

So, please enjoy the goodies. I hope it boosts your year a bit, and adds to your Valentine’s Day.

Remember, we’ll get through this together. Happy Valentine’s Day!

-Marilyn Vix

Interview with Rose Walken

Rose Walken is the author of the CIA mystery romance, “The Raven’s Call”.

There is no better way than spending New Year’s Day cuddled up under a blanket, favorite fur baby near by, and a nice cup of tea or adult beverage on hand. Personally, I think reading and great books saved me this year. So, I want to pass along what I’ve found, and give you a chance to read a great new author.

Her name is Rose Walken and she’s written a fabulous CIA mystery romance called “The Raven’s Call”.  Rose Walken is a speed-reading, coffee-loving, book-addicted East Coast romance author. She is also a mother of two angelic (while sleeping) children, a brother-sister pair of rescue kitties, and a loving, supportive partner. I had a chance to talk to Rose about her new book. She shares her favorite reading memories and what future projects she has in store for us.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Rose Walken: It is how quickly I would become immersed in the story. My first love was unicorns and horses. When I read books about them, like The Last Unicorn, Black Beauty, or Misty of Chincoteague Island, I imagined myself leaving my everyday life behind and living inside the story. It still happens, although the type of books I read has changed.

2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Rose Walken: My favorite romance author has always been Jude Deveraux. There are never more than a few sentences that I am aware of reading in her books. She pulls me into the story right away, and it is something I strive for in my writing.

3) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Rose Walken: Writing is a voice for the myriad of emotions, thoughts, and ideas in my head.

“The Raven’s Call” is an CIA mystery romance that will pull you in and not let you go. Mitch has spent nineteen years with the international elite. But nearing retirement, he decides to do one last mission—and its personal. But when Victoria McKinley walks into his life and becomes his unwilling accomplice, there’s not much he can do but reel her in, use her and carry out his duty. But the difference with this mission and all the others—he doesn’t want to walk away from her. Will he find a way to survive the mission with her? Or will he have to sacrifice his new relationship to save them both?

“The Raven’s Call” is available at several online retailers through this book link.

For more information on Rose Walken, visit her website at: https://www.rosewalken.com/.

Paranormal Romance Blog Tour 2020-Canceled

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It is with heavy heart that I have to announce the cancelation of this year’s PR Blog Tour. There was lack of interest, and I only had one sign-up which isn’t really enough to hold a whole week event. I’m guessing this year, 2020, is just too much in so many terms for a lot of us, and I just didn’t get the author sign-up needed.

But I am not daunted. There is always next year. And I’m going to throw this event onto the bonfire of life, and move on to the next event. Basically, writing more of my next novella. If I can get the creative juices flowing. Yes. Even I’m having a tough time writing and I’m even moving to a new home now too. So, lots of changes spell difficulty writing and being creative.

But between the pandemic, a raging wild fires around my new house which thankfully was put out, it’s like almost it’s signs that this year is not to be just like any other. It’s okay to let go of some things.

I’m not really surprised that really in a way things are going this year. Promos for books are being put on the back shelf for some. Life is dealing all of us challenges we must pay attention to, and sometimes, things have to be let go.

But hopefully when the dust settles around 2020 and the glorious “It-has-to-get-better!” year of 2021 arrives, we’ll get back into the swing of things of the things we love, writing and doing things like concerts, eating at a restaurant. And this darn pandemic will start getting under control.

As it is, my vampires are whispering about what is going on in their world, and hopefully I’ll be able to get some writing done during the winter after I’ve moved. I can say, they’re going through the pandemic too. And what havoc it causes for the vampire world is forming and getting on pages. Hopefully, signing up and doing some Nanowrimo writing next month will help.

But it’s 2020. And I’ve learned not to under estimate this year. Let’s just all hang in this together, and get through the year safely.

So, stay safe, wear a mask, and hopefully the 2021 Blog Tour will be full of sign ups and enthusiasm. Read some good books. I’ll work on finding some more awesome authors to post about on my blog too. I know that reading will also get us through this tough winter.

Hang in there!

Until next time,

Marilyn

Paranormal Romance Blog Tour Coming Soon!

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It’s that time of year again. Time to settle in, get out your pumpkin spice flavored drinks, and curl up with a great, new author’s book. I have a line up of some fabulous Indie authors I want to introduce you to. I can’t wait for you to meet them. I’ll be posting a new author interview, a featured book, and maybe some other treats for your Halloween reading list.

The tour will start Monday, October 26 and run through Friday, October 30, just in time for Halloween. Get into the mood by stopping by each day to meet your new favorite author or even a new, book boyfriend. Look out for some old favorites, namely my titles, with some deals to be found. You never know what might turn up. Plus, there will be a giveaway for an Amazon gift card, a shopping spree sponsored by me.

Please follow my blog to get all the posts delivered to you! Each day will be a special treat with no tricks. Until then, enjoy this special season!

I love fall and Halloween! Until the 26th, stay safe,

-Marilyn Vix

Marilyn Vix Virtual Appearance For National Romance Month

Greetings everyone,

I hope you all are safe and healthy. During this pandemic, a lot of authors, including myself, have switched to virtual appearances. This is a great way to be able to still talk romance with everyone, especially during National Romance Month.

[image error]I wanted to let you know that I have a virtual appearance through the San Mateo Public Library. It just went live on Aug. 24, 2020. I read from one of my most popular titles, “Never Marry A Warlock Omnibus Edition.” This was a three part paranormal romance novella series I’ve put together into one print edition. I tend to write in serial novellas, and have even started the sequel series to this book with “Never Date A Vampire“. Eventually, I’d love to end with the last series having to do with shifters.

Here is the link for my virtual appearance:

https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4293/Adult-Teen-Virtual-Programs

[image error]Meanwhile, I’ve been going through some changes. I’ll be moving soon, and that will be strange and a challenge in these times. It is a step in the new direction I’m be heading which will be putting more of a focus on writing full time. I’ve even started my next novella, “Never Trust A Vampire”.

It’s been a bit difficult writing fiction through all the turmoil of 2020. So, I switched to nonfiction for awhile. I was able to finish a project I’ve been working on over the last year. It’s a beginner’s guide to self-publishing called: “Get Ready to Push the Button: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing“. I hope it inspires other writers to believe in their work and take that next step to self-publish.

I truly hope good health and safety to your family, friends and neighbors. Live well, and we’ll get through this pandemic together.

Stay safe!

Happy Romance Month!

-Marilyn