M.J. Greenway's Blog, page 12
October 29, 2015
Author Interview: Marie Piper
I'm thrilled to welcome fellow writer Marie Piper to my blog today. We have a few things in common, we shared a release day and our stories both have cowboys. Her new release Haven's Flame is the first in a series and a historical, sexy romance set in the Old West. It sounds like a great escape on a cold fall evening. It's available now on Amazon. To get to know Ms. Piper better, I asked her a few questions.
What is your process for plotting out your novel?
First, I free write. I’ll do this for a few weeks, jotting down ideas and scenes in a notebook I carry around. Next, I’ll use those scribbles to create a rough outline of the story and start filling in the blanks – what is missing? What needs to be elaborated? By the time I’ve filled out those scenes/characters/moments, I generally have a good grasp of the story or book, so it’s pretty easy for me to complete a first draft from there.
Also, as soon as I reach the point where I’m building chapters, I’ll start sending chunks of the book a chapter or two at a time to one of my best friends, Aleisha. She’s my Beta Reader, and great at telling me when things are working, and when they’re not. She was instrumental in my writing process for Haven’s Flame, and I can’t wait to get her feedback on the things I’ve written for the second book in the series….
What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
Well, I’m the mom of a noisy, curious, adorable and smart four year old. Most of my writing takes place while he’s in his classes, or once he’s gone to bed. I’ve had to learn how to cram a lot of writing into short periods of time. I’m still working on it.
Do you write in one genre or multiple genres? Why?
I consider myself a writer of romance and erotica. Sometimes the line between the two genres is blurry. Much of my stuff is Western-based. I’m a huge nerd for the Old West. However, I have several pieces coming up in some anthologies over the next few months, and quite a few of them are contemporary, and two are even paranormal-focused.
What was your path to publication like?
I’d been tinkering with the manuscript for Haven’s Flame, and submitted it some places and got some good feedback. Then I took part in a Twitter pitch event and that’s where Limitless came on my radar. Once I’d signed with them, things moved quickly and efficiently and boom – now I have a real book!
What advice do you have for someone who dreams of writing and having a book published?
Write what you like to write, and what you like to read. Westerns aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re mine, and it’s a fun gig every time I get to sit down and write because I’m doing what I love.
Click here to buy Haven's Flame on Amazon
Marie Piper earned her B.A. in English Literature from Michigan State University, and lives in Chicago. She loves travel, coffee, and surrounding herself with her book hoard. Marie has several short pieces of romantic/erotic fiction being published in anthologies over the next few months, and recently launched her steamy Western series, FIRES OF CRICKET BEND, with Limitless Publishing.
Say hi at @mariepiperbooks
What is your process for plotting out your novel?
First, I free write. I’ll do this for a few weeks, jotting down ideas and scenes in a notebook I carry around. Next, I’ll use those scribbles to create a rough outline of the story and start filling in the blanks – what is missing? What needs to be elaborated? By the time I’ve filled out those scenes/characters/moments, I generally have a good grasp of the story or book, so it’s pretty easy for me to complete a first draft from there.
Also, as soon as I reach the point where I’m building chapters, I’ll start sending chunks of the book a chapter or two at a time to one of my best friends, Aleisha. She’s my Beta Reader, and great at telling me when things are working, and when they’re not. She was instrumental in my writing process for Haven’s Flame, and I can’t wait to get her feedback on the things I’ve written for the second book in the series….
What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
Well, I’m the mom of a noisy, curious, adorable and smart four year old. Most of my writing takes place while he’s in his classes, or once he’s gone to bed. I’ve had to learn how to cram a lot of writing into short periods of time. I’m still working on it.
Do you write in one genre or multiple genres? Why?
I consider myself a writer of romance and erotica. Sometimes the line between the two genres is blurry. Much of my stuff is Western-based. I’m a huge nerd for the Old West. However, I have several pieces coming up in some anthologies over the next few months, and quite a few of them are contemporary, and two are even paranormal-focused.
What was your path to publication like?
I’d been tinkering with the manuscript for Haven’s Flame, and submitted it some places and got some good feedback. Then I took part in a Twitter pitch event and that’s where Limitless came on my radar. Once I’d signed with them, things moved quickly and efficiently and boom – now I have a real book!
What advice do you have for someone who dreams of writing and having a book published?
Write what you like to write, and what you like to read. Westerns aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re mine, and it’s a fun gig every time I get to sit down and write because I’m doing what I love.
Click here to buy Haven's Flame on AmazonMarie Piper earned her B.A. in English Literature from Michigan State University, and lives in Chicago. She loves travel, coffee, and surrounding herself with her book hoard. Marie has several short pieces of romantic/erotic fiction being published in anthologies over the next few months, and recently launched her steamy Western series, FIRES OF CRICKET BEND, with Limitless Publishing.
Say hi at @mariepiperbooks
October 27, 2015
October 26, 2015
My #Pit2Pub Twitter Publishing Pitch Success Story
Today on Kristen D. Van Risseghem's blog I talk about my path to publication. She's the author of The Guardian, Sword & Stilettos and host of the #Pit2Pub pitch-fest on Twitter. The next event will be February 3, 2016. You can read my interview here.Author Sophia Valentine also featured Dating Maggie on her Lifestyle and Literature blog today. She's a fellow Limitless Author with an upcoming erotic romance series due to release in February. Click here to read my interview.
Photo courtesy Michael S. via Yelp
Photo courtesy Michael S. via YelpOctober 24, 2015
Graveyard Scene Excerpt In Time for Halloween
My new writer friend Jennifer Weiser featured an excerpt from Dating Maggie on her blog today. She's the Author of the compelling new YA Novel The Touched.
In my debut novel, the main character, Maggie ends up on a date in a celebrity filled graveyard. Just because Rudolph Valentino is buried there doesn't make it romantic. Or does it? Click here to read what unfolds.
Photo courtesy of Harald C. via Yelp
October 22, 2015
Book Bloggers: Sign ups for Dating Maggie Reviews and Promo
If you are a book blogger looking for content (promo or reviews). Dating Maggie is releasing next week and there is a sign up for release day. And there is another sign up for the end of November. Thanks for considering featuring my debut novel on your blog:)
Blogger sign up Oct. 27th Release Day Blitz
Blogger sign up for Nov. 27th Limitless Publishing's Feature Friday
Thanks to Leila Tualla for hosting me on her blog today!
Blogger sign up Oct. 27th Release Day Blitz
Blogger sign up for Nov. 27th Limitless Publishing's Feature Friday
Thanks to Leila Tualla for hosting me on her blog today!
October 20, 2015
Top 10 Reasons to Read my Book
Me in LA back in the day.I'm an avid reader but I understand how hard it can be to take a chance on a new writer. I mean I watched Cindy Crawford's Meaningful Beauty informercial that promised me the fountain of youth but I still wouldn't let myself fork over fifty bucks.The good news is that my book is cheaper than the fountain of youth. It's only $3.99 for the e-book. That's the same price as a grande latte.
And if you are over the age of 25 (Maggie's age) this story will take you back to that youthful time of yore. If you are younger, you will probably relate to Maggie's struggles as she pursues her dreams and tries to find love in the big city.
Still not convinced? Here are ten more reasons to read my debut novel:
1. There's a hot rancher in it. This list could really end here.
2. You loved Bridget Jones's Diary and hope Dating Maggie is half as entertaining.
3. Holidays are around the corner and you need a unique gift to lift a friend's spirits.
4. You know me, maybe by my "real" name and you're curious what's under the cover.
5. It's fall and you are looking for escape in the pages of this modern love story.
6. You like to be able to tell folks at parties that you are a "Patron of the Arts."
7. Getting to the sexy/humorous sex scenes sounds like fun.
8. You are a big-city dreamer just like the main character.
9. It's time to renew your license at the DMV and you need something to read while you wait .
10. Your book club needs a new story to discuss over wine.
But wait, there's more.
Bonus reason:
You live or have lived in LA or Portland, OR and enjoy reading stories that are set there.
October 17, 2015
Pre-Order Dating Maggie on Amazon
Click HERE to Pre-Order Dating Maggie
The e-book will be delivered to you on release day-Oct. 27, 2015. It's FREE if you have Kindle Unlimited. A paperback version will be available by release day as well.
