Rebecca E. Neely's Blog, page 35
May 6, 2015
Romance Author Katie Hamstead Talks About Prioritizing
Please welcome romance author Katie Hamstead today, romance author and busy wife and mother. She shares how she prioritizes, and a little bit about her books, Branded, her New Adult romantic suspense, and Dancing in the Athenian Rain, due to release in September.
Katie, how do you save time during the writing process and/or boost your writing productivity?
In all honesty, I don't think I have anything to save time or boost productivity for writing. As a pregnant mother with a highly energetic four year old and husband, promoting published works, editing soon to be released works, doctor's appointments, and a busy lifestyle, writing is often hard to fit in.
My biggest trick would have to be making it a priority. During the day, my focus is on my kid, work, housework, and so forth, so squeezing in time is nearly impossible. Even out and about, my phone helps me promote and work through emails etc. But because I need to keep writing as something important on my to do list, I make sure my day stays very structured. I have "quiet time" in the afternoon for my kid (because she won't nap anymore.) This is a time I get on my laptop and make myself as busy as possible. The other times I use is after my hubby has gone to work to before he wakes up and in the evenings when he is distracted with other things and the kid is in bed. The evening time slot isn't very frequent though, so I make use of it when I can.
It really is something everyone has to address in their own way. Everyone gets in "the zone" differently, and everyone has different circumstances they have to work around. So I believe, as long as it's important to you, you'll find a way to make it work.
BOOKS BY KATIE HAMSTEAD
BRANDED
Terrorists have invaded Sydney, and Allison King barely escapes her brother’s wedding reception alive. She and her siblings flee, but their parents are killed by firing squad. Now Ali’s on the run and terrified. While searching for other survivors, she is captured by the General who leads the invasion. He’s smitten by Ali, and when she refuses to submit to his whims, he brands her for death. In a wild act of defiance, she snatches the branding rod and sears the mark onto his face. Marking not only him but also sealing her fate. Ali manages to escape and flees into the bush once more where she finds a group in hiding. Even with the scars left by the General, Ali learns to love and falls in love with the young man who found her—Damien Rogers.But the General is hunting her. When he discovers their location, and finds her with another man—Damien—his wrath is kindled and his obsession is inflamed. Ali must put herself on the line or the General could kill her family, those who help her, and most significantly, the man she loves.Links for BRANDED: Goodreads | Amazon
DANCING IN THE ATHENIAN RAIN - COMING IN SEPTEMBER
When Donna is sent back in time to Classical Athens, she's furious at Dr. Stephens for sending her against her wishes. Then a Greek soldier purchases her to be his wife.
She's forced to learn a new language and culture, and faces her fears of never returning to her own time. The society hates her, especially because they think she’s an Amazon, which forces her to confront her issues—being compared to her genius brother, borderline abusive friends, and a cheating boyfriend.
But her husband, Peleus, is kind and patient. Although against her best judgment, she allows him into her heart. He counters all the negative voices from her past, but those voices drive a wedge between them. She must let go of her fears, her inhibitions, and insecurities, and admit her feelings, or she could lose him and the life they’ve built.
ABOUT THE AUTHORBorn and raised in Australia, Katie’s early years of day dreaming in the “bush”, and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing.
After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dog.
She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing. She currently works as an Acquisitions Editor with Curiosity Quills Press to help support her family.
Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports and be a good wife and mother. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.
CONNECT WITH KATIE
Blog | Facebook | Twitter| Goodreads
Katie, how do you save time during the writing process and/or boost your writing productivity?
In all honesty, I don't think I have anything to save time or boost productivity for writing. As a pregnant mother with a highly energetic four year old and husband, promoting published works, editing soon to be released works, doctor's appointments, and a busy lifestyle, writing is often hard to fit in.
My biggest trick would have to be making it a priority. During the day, my focus is on my kid, work, housework, and so forth, so squeezing in time is nearly impossible. Even out and about, my phone helps me promote and work through emails etc. But because I need to keep writing as something important on my to do list, I make sure my day stays very structured. I have "quiet time" in the afternoon for my kid (because she won't nap anymore.) This is a time I get on my laptop and make myself as busy as possible. The other times I use is after my hubby has gone to work to before he wakes up and in the evenings when he is distracted with other things and the kid is in bed. The evening time slot isn't very frequent though, so I make use of it when I can.
It really is something everyone has to address in their own way. Everyone gets in "the zone" differently, and everyone has different circumstances they have to work around. So I believe, as long as it's important to you, you'll find a way to make it work.
BOOKS BY KATIE HAMSTEAD
BRANDED
Terrorists have invaded Sydney, and Allison King barely escapes her brother’s wedding reception alive. She and her siblings flee, but their parents are killed by firing squad. Now Ali’s on the run and terrified. While searching for other survivors, she is captured by the General who leads the invasion. He’s smitten by Ali, and when she refuses to submit to his whims, he brands her for death. In a wild act of defiance, she snatches the branding rod and sears the mark onto his face. Marking not only him but also sealing her fate. Ali manages to escape and flees into the bush once more where she finds a group in hiding. Even with the scars left by the General, Ali learns to love and falls in love with the young man who found her—Damien Rogers.But the General is hunting her. When he discovers their location, and finds her with another man—Damien—his wrath is kindled and his obsession is inflamed. Ali must put herself on the line or the General could kill her family, those who help her, and most significantly, the man she loves.Links for BRANDED: Goodreads | Amazon DANCING IN THE ATHENIAN RAIN - COMING IN SEPTEMBER
When Donna is sent back in time to Classical Athens, she's furious at Dr. Stephens for sending her against her wishes. Then a Greek soldier purchases her to be his wife.
She's forced to learn a new language and culture, and faces her fears of never returning to her own time. The society hates her, especially because they think she’s an Amazon, which forces her to confront her issues—being compared to her genius brother, borderline abusive friends, and a cheating boyfriend.
But her husband, Peleus, is kind and patient. Although against her best judgment, she allows him into her heart. He counters all the negative voices from her past, but those voices drive a wedge between them. She must let go of her fears, her inhibitions, and insecurities, and admit her feelings, or she could lose him and the life they’ve built.
ABOUT THE AUTHORBorn and raised in Australia, Katie’s early years of day dreaming in the “bush”, and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing.After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dog.
She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing. She currently works as an Acquisitions Editor with Curiosity Quills Press to help support her family.
Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports and be a good wife and mother. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.
CONNECT WITH KATIE
Blog | Facebook | Twitter| Goodreads
April 29, 2015
Author of Romance, Layne Macadam, Shares Her Time Saving Tips
Please welcome romance author Layne Macadam, all the way from down under! She's sharing her writing tips for saving time, increasing productivity, and some more about her recent release,
OBSESSION DOWN UNDER
.
Thanks for having me here today Rebecca. I have been thinking about your question: What is a good writing tip that saves time and increases my productivity?
When I first started my writing journey, I confess, I was more of a Pantster, often vague, and not really having a clear direction of where my story was heading. That became very stressful and wasted a lot of time and energy until I realized I needed to be much more organized and have more structure in my work if I was going to make a career of writing.
Hence after a lot of research I turned my writing technique around and started to plan everything. Planners know exactly where they are going. Character, settings, and story and even marketing details worked out before the actual writing begins. Without an outline I ramble and what should have taken two chapters has taken ten!
I follow the five-act paradigm beginning with the exposition, the rising action, the turning point, the falling point, and last of all the resolution. If I have a rough draft in my notes of all these steps I find that my story writing will flow and not get bogged down.
The other things that help with my productivity are simple, my work place has to be tidy, everything needs to be at my fingertips, and last but not least I set myself deadlines, which I find keeps me motivated.
OBSESSION DOWN UNDER
Aspiring author Jessica Butler-Reid has never done anything exciting in her entire life. The daughter of a Minister and his aging wife, she sees her life heading down the same tedious predictable path has her mom’s, organizing church fetes, bazaars, and bake-offs.
But when she innocently posts a help request on an Internet forum for some technical advice with her book, her life is changed forever when Australian cattle rancher, Whip McGregor, answers the call.
Jessica embarks on an adventure of a lifetime, but little does she know her decision to accept his offer of a two-week paid vacation to the land Down Under will, jeopardize more than one life and, have far-reaching consequences neither she nor Whip could have foreseen.
ABOUT THE AUTHORLayne lives with her husband, two dogs, and a cat on the mid-eastern coast of New South Wales, Australia. In addition to being an author she has a degree in history and holds down a full-time job.
She has always been an avid reader and voraciously consumes all types of fiction, but she particularly loves a happy ending, so writing romance seemed a natural progression for her. But as she sat at the computer one day — staring at a blank screen — it all seemed rather daunting. Yet once she finally started tapping on the keys, the words kept flowing, and what was meant to be a short story turned into a full-blown novel, DESIRE UNLEASHED , the first book in the “Desire” series.
Layne writes contemporary romance, paranormal, and sci-fi. With her passion for travel and a love of history an historical romance is not outside the realms of possibility.
When she’s not writing, you might find her tackling a craft project, walking by the lake, or in the kitchen creating some culinary delights.
CONNECT WITH LAYNE
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon
Thanks for having me here today Rebecca. I have been thinking about your question: What is a good writing tip that saves time and increases my productivity?
When I first started my writing journey, I confess, I was more of a Pantster, often vague, and not really having a clear direction of where my story was heading. That became very stressful and wasted a lot of time and energy until I realized I needed to be much more organized and have more structure in my work if I was going to make a career of writing.
Hence after a lot of research I turned my writing technique around and started to plan everything. Planners know exactly where they are going. Character, settings, and story and even marketing details worked out before the actual writing begins. Without an outline I ramble and what should have taken two chapters has taken ten! I follow the five-act paradigm beginning with the exposition, the rising action, the turning point, the falling point, and last of all the resolution. If I have a rough draft in my notes of all these steps I find that my story writing will flow and not get bogged down.
The other things that help with my productivity are simple, my work place has to be tidy, everything needs to be at my fingertips, and last but not least I set myself deadlines, which I find keeps me motivated.
OBSESSION DOWN UNDER
Aspiring author Jessica Butler-Reid has never done anything exciting in her entire life. The daughter of a Minister and his aging wife, she sees her life heading down the same tedious predictable path has her mom’s, organizing church fetes, bazaars, and bake-offs.
But when she innocently posts a help request on an Internet forum for some technical advice with her book, her life is changed forever when Australian cattle rancher, Whip McGregor, answers the call.
Jessica embarks on an adventure of a lifetime, but little does she know her decision to accept his offer of a two-week paid vacation to the land Down Under will, jeopardize more than one life and, have far-reaching consequences neither she nor Whip could have foreseen.
ABOUT THE AUTHORLayne lives with her husband, two dogs, and a cat on the mid-eastern coast of New South Wales, Australia. In addition to being an author she has a degree in history and holds down a full-time job.
She has always been an avid reader and voraciously consumes all types of fiction, but she particularly loves a happy ending, so writing romance seemed a natural progression for her. But as she sat at the computer one day — staring at a blank screen — it all seemed rather daunting. Yet once she finally started tapping on the keys, the words kept flowing, and what was meant to be a short story turned into a full-blown novel, DESIRE UNLEASHED , the first book in the “Desire” series.
Layne writes contemporary romance, paranormal, and sci-fi. With her passion for travel and a love of history an historical romance is not outside the realms of possibility.
When she’s not writing, you might find her tackling a craft project, walking by the lake, or in the kitchen creating some culinary delights.
CONNECT WITH LAYNE
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon
Please welcome romance author Layne Macadam, all the way ...
Please welcome romance author Layne Macadam, all the way from down under! She's sharing her writing tips for saving time, increasing productivity, and some more about her recent release,
OBSESSION DOWN UNDER
.
Thanks for having me here today Rebecca. I have been thinking about your question: What is a good writing tip that saves time and increases my productivity?
When I first started my writing journey, I confess, I was more of a Pantster, often vague, and not really having a clear direction of where my story was heading. That became very stressful and wasted a lot of time and energy until I realized I needed to be much more organized and have more structure in my work if I was going to make a career of writing.
Hence after a lot of research I turned my writing technique around and started to plan everything. Planners know exactly where they are going. Character, settings, and story and even marketing details worked out before the actual writing begins. Without an outline I ramble and what should have taken two chapters has taken ten!
I follow the five-act paradigm beginning with the exposition, the rising action, the turning point, the falling point, and last of all the resolution. If I have a rough draft in my notes of all these steps I find that my story writing will flow and not get bogged down.
The other things that help with my productivity are simple, my work place has to be tidy, everything needs to be at my fingertips, and last but not least I set myself deadlines, which I find keeps me motivated. OBSESSION DOWN UNDER
Aspiring author Jessica Butler-Reid has never done anything exciting in her entire life. The daughter of a Minister and his aging wife, she sees her life heading down the same tedious predictable path has her mom’s, organizing church fetes, bazaars, and bake-offs.
But when she innocently posts a help request on an Internet forum for some technical advice with her book, her life is changed forever when Australian cattle rancher, Whip McGregor, answers the call.
Jessica embarks on an adventure of a lifetime, but little does she know her decision to accept his offer of a two-week paid vacation to the land Down Under will, jeopardize more than one life and, have far-reaching consequences neither she nor Whip could have foreseen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Layne lives with her husband, two dogs, and a cat on the mid-eastern coast of New South Wales, Australia. In addition to being an author she has a degree in history and holds down a full-time job.
She has always been an avid reader and voraciously consumes all types of fiction, but she particularly loves a happy ending, so writing romance seemed a natural progression for her. But as she sat at the computer one day — staring at a blank screen — it all seemed rather daunting. Yet once she finally started tapping on the keys, the words kept flowing, and what was meant to be a short story turned into a full-blown novel, DESIRE UNLEASHED , the first book in the “Desire” series. Layne writes contemporary romance, paranormal, and sci-fi. With her passion for travel and a love of history an historical romance is not outside the realms of possibility.
When she’s not writing, you might find her tackling a craft project, walking by the lake, or in the kitchen creating some culinary delights.
CONNECT WITH LAYNE
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon
Thanks for having me here today Rebecca. I have been thinking about your question: What is a good writing tip that saves time and increases my productivity?
When I first started my writing journey, I confess, I was more of a Pantster, often vague, and not really having a clear direction of where my story was heading. That became very stressful and wasted a lot of time and energy until I realized I needed to be much more organized and have more structure in my work if I was going to make a career of writing.
Hence after a lot of research I turned my writing technique around and started to plan everything. Planners know exactly where they are going. Character, settings, and story and even marketing details worked out before the actual writing begins. Without an outline I ramble and what should have taken two chapters has taken ten!
I follow the five-act paradigm beginning with the exposition, the rising action, the turning point, the falling point, and last of all the resolution. If I have a rough draft in my notes of all these steps I find that my story writing will flow and not get bogged down.
The other things that help with my productivity are simple, my work place has to be tidy, everything needs to be at my fingertips, and last but not least I set myself deadlines, which I find keeps me motivated. OBSESSION DOWN UNDER
Aspiring author Jessica Butler-Reid has never done anything exciting in her entire life. The daughter of a Minister and his aging wife, she sees her life heading down the same tedious predictable path has her mom’s, organizing church fetes, bazaars, and bake-offs.But when she innocently posts a help request on an Internet forum for some technical advice with her book, her life is changed forever when Australian cattle rancher, Whip McGregor, answers the call.
Jessica embarks on an adventure of a lifetime, but little does she know her decision to accept his offer of a two-week paid vacation to the land Down Under will, jeopardize more than one life and, have far-reaching consequences neither she nor Whip could have foreseen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Layne lives with her husband, two dogs, and a cat on the mid-eastern coast of New South Wales, Australia. In addition to being an author she has a degree in history and holds down a full-time job.
She has always been an avid reader and voraciously consumes all types of fiction, but she particularly loves a happy ending, so writing romance seemed a natural progression for her. But as she sat at the computer one day — staring at a blank screen — it all seemed rather daunting. Yet once she finally started tapping on the keys, the words kept flowing, and what was meant to be a short story turned into a full-blown novel, DESIRE UNLEASHED , the first book in the “Desire” series. Layne writes contemporary romance, paranormal, and sci-fi. With her passion for travel and a love of history an historical romance is not outside the realms of possibility.
When she’s not writing, you might find her tackling a craft project, walking by the lake, or in the kitchen creating some culinary delights.
CONNECT WITH LAYNE
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon
April 22, 2015
Romance Author Christina Kirby Shares Her Time Saving Tips
I'd like to welcome fellow Soul Mate author Christina Kirby to my blog. Today, she's sharing some valuable tips that save her time during her writing process. She's also sharing some more about her contemporary romance, SAFE AT HOME.
Now, let's hear some more from Christina!
Time. The ultimate four letter word. No matter what stage of publishing you’re in, you are affected by time in some way.
Before I was published, I had all the time in the world to fiddle with my writing and write whatever I wanted. Then, I finished my first manuscript and started the querying process. That’s when I learned what a cruel thing time could be.
You spend months upon months waiting to hear if someone saw the brilliance in your writing you hope is in there and if you’re lucky, you get the call. After the happy dance, champagne, and phone calls to everyone you’ve ever met are finished, the clock starts ticking. On one hand, you’re in a hurry for your work to be sent out into the world. On the other, YOUR WRITING IS GOING TO BE OUT IN THE WORLD. It can’t come soon enough and it’s too soon all at once.
Enter the editing stages. Editing generally requires a fast turnaround and in the midst of that process, you should be writing your next book. Because after all, that’s how you make it in this business. You write and write and write. This is where it becomes apparent that there aren’t enough hours in the day. So how do you do it? How do you fit it all in?
For me, it’s a matter of getting a little done every day. Granted with two young kids that doesn’t always happen, but I put forth a genuine effort to write each day. Some days I get 2,000+ words down and others I only get about 300, either way it’s getting me closer to my goal.
Sounds easy, but as we all know there’s tons of distractions out there. Hello internet – the ultimate time suck. Stay offline, screen your calls, and whatever you do, don’t turn on the TV! Those are the best tips I can give you because they are the ones that help me the most. Now stop reading this post and get to work. *wink*
SAFE AT HOME
Driven by fear and desperate to protect her family, Samantha is forced to leave Chicago and everything she’s worked to achieve, only to start over by tossing a dart-at-the-map. The Georgia townsfolk’s true Southern charm is the unexpected prescription needed to heal her soul, and the sexy carpenter who touches her heart are distractions she didn’t plan on, but they might offer her a chance at a new life, if she can let go of her past.
Town heartbreaker, Spencer Malloy, isn’t looking for anything serious. His days are perfect working as a contractor, attending his nephew’s baseball games or taking him fishing. He never expects to fall for the big city girl, Samantha. She’s not his type, timid and closed off, but in her unguarded moments, he’s intrigued by the woman he can’t get out of his mind. The urge to get closer to her grows stronger each day, and when the shadow of evil resurfaces, he vows to protect Samantha, even if it means abandoning his home and joining her on the run.
When confronted by the man who’s bent on revenge, Samantha must choose between running again to save the people she loves, or if she has the strength, to stay and fight for her new life.
GET IT ON AMAZON!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christina Kirby holds a degree in Public Relations from Auburn University. She worked in banking for four and a half years before deciding to become a stay at home mom to her two sons. Moving every couple of years because of her husband’s job, Christina has had the opportunity to meet all kinds of people and live in many different states. Fortunately, writing is something she can take with her no matter where she lives.
Christina is an avid reader of romance, young adult and anything having to do with pop culture. She also knows a copy of Entertainment Weekly and a chocolate chip cookie can cure anything.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Newsletter | Website
Now, let's hear some more from Christina!
Time. The ultimate four letter word. No matter what stage of publishing you’re in, you are affected by time in some way.
Before I was published, I had all the time in the world to fiddle with my writing and write whatever I wanted. Then, I finished my first manuscript and started the querying process. That’s when I learned what a cruel thing time could be.You spend months upon months waiting to hear if someone saw the brilliance in your writing you hope is in there and if you’re lucky, you get the call. After the happy dance, champagne, and phone calls to everyone you’ve ever met are finished, the clock starts ticking. On one hand, you’re in a hurry for your work to be sent out into the world. On the other, YOUR WRITING IS GOING TO BE OUT IN THE WORLD. It can’t come soon enough and it’s too soon all at once.
Enter the editing stages. Editing generally requires a fast turnaround and in the midst of that process, you should be writing your next book. Because after all, that’s how you make it in this business. You write and write and write. This is where it becomes apparent that there aren’t enough hours in the day. So how do you do it? How do you fit it all in?
For me, it’s a matter of getting a little done every day. Granted with two young kids that doesn’t always happen, but I put forth a genuine effort to write each day. Some days I get 2,000+ words down and others I only get about 300, either way it’s getting me closer to my goal.
Sounds easy, but as we all know there’s tons of distractions out there. Hello internet – the ultimate time suck. Stay offline, screen your calls, and whatever you do, don’t turn on the TV! Those are the best tips I can give you because they are the ones that help me the most. Now stop reading this post and get to work. *wink*
SAFE AT HOME
Driven by fear and desperate to protect her family, Samantha is forced to leave Chicago and everything she’s worked to achieve, only to start over by tossing a dart-at-the-map. The Georgia townsfolk’s true Southern charm is the unexpected prescription needed to heal her soul, and the sexy carpenter who touches her heart are distractions she didn’t plan on, but they might offer her a chance at a new life, if she can let go of her past.
Town heartbreaker, Spencer Malloy, isn’t looking for anything serious. His days are perfect working as a contractor, attending his nephew’s baseball games or taking him fishing. He never expects to fall for the big city girl, Samantha. She’s not his type, timid and closed off, but in her unguarded moments, he’s intrigued by the woman he can’t get out of his mind. The urge to get closer to her grows stronger each day, and when the shadow of evil resurfaces, he vows to protect Samantha, even if it means abandoning his home and joining her on the run.
When confronted by the man who’s bent on revenge, Samantha must choose between running again to save the people she loves, or if she has the strength, to stay and fight for her new life.
GET IT ON AMAZON!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christina Kirby holds a degree in Public Relations from Auburn University. She worked in banking for four and a half years before deciding to become a stay at home mom to her two sons. Moving every couple of years because of her husband’s job, Christina has had the opportunity to meet all kinds of people and live in many different states. Fortunately, writing is something she can take with her no matter where she lives. Christina is an avid reader of romance, young adult and anything having to do with pop culture. She also knows a copy of Entertainment Weekly and a chocolate chip cookie can cure anything.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Newsletter | Website
I'd like to welcome fellow Soul Mate author Christina Kir...
I'd like to welcome fellow Soul Mate author Christina Kirby to my blog. Today, she's sharing some valuable tips that save her time during her writing process. She's also sharing some more about her contemporary romance, SAFE AT HOME.
Now, let's hear some more from Christina!
Time. The ultimate four letter word. No matter what stage of publishing you’re in, you are affected by time in some way.
Before I was published, I had all the time in the world to fiddle with my writing and write whatever I wanted. Then, I finished my first manuscript and started the querying process. That’s when I learned what a cruel thing time could be.
You spend months upon months waiting to hear if someone saw the brilliance in your writing you hope is in there and if you’re lucky, you get the call. After the happy dance, champagne, and phone calls to everyone you’ve ever met are finished, the clock starts ticking. On one hand, you’re in a hurry for your work to be sent out into the world. On the other, YOUR WRITING IS GOING TO BE OUT IN THE WORLD. It can’t come soon enough and it’s too soon all at once.
Enter the editing stages. Editing generally requires a fast turnaround and in the midst of that process, you should be writing your next book. Because after all, that’s how you make it in this business. You write and write and write. This is where it becomes apparent that there aren’t enough hours in the day. So how do you do it? How do you fit it all in?
For me, it’s a matter of getting a little done every day. Granted with two young kids that doesn’t always happen, but I put forth a genuine effort to write each day. Some days I get 2,000+ words down and others I only get about 300, either way it’s getting me closer to my goal.
Sounds easy, but as we all know there’s tons of distractions out there. Hello internet – the ultimate time suck. Stay offline, screen your calls, and whatever you do, don’t turn on the TV! Those are the best tips I can give you because they are the ones that help me the most. Now stop reading this post and get to work. *wink*
SAFE AT HOME
Driven by fear and desperate to protect her family, Samantha is forced to leave Chicago and everything she’s worked to achieve, only to start over by tossing a dart-at-the-map. The Georgia townsfolk’s true Southern charm is the unexpected prescription needed to heal her soul, and the sexy carpenter who touches her heart are distractions she didn’t plan on, but they might offer her a chance at a new life, if she can let go of her past.
Town heartbreaker, Spencer Malloy, isn’t looking for anything serious. His days are perfect working as a contractor, attending his nephew’s baseball games or taking him fishing. He never expects to fall for the big city girl, Samantha. She’s not his type, timid and closed off, but in her unguarded moments, he’s intrigued by the woman he can’t get out of his mind. The urge to get closer to her grows stronger each day, and when the shadow of evil resurfaces, he vows to protect Samantha, even if it means abandoning his home and joining her on the run.
When confronted by the man who’s bent on revenge, Samantha must choose between running again to save the people she loves, or if she has the strength, to stay and fight for her new life.
GET IT ON AMAZON!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christina Kirby holds a degree in Public Relations from Auburn University. She worked in banking for four and a half years before deciding to become a stay at home mom to her two sons. Moving every couple of years because of her husband’s job, Christina has had the opportunity to meet all kinds of people and live in many different states. Fortunately, writing is something she can take with her no matter where she lives.
Christina is an avid reader of romance, young adult and anything having to do with pop culture. She also knows a copy of Entertainment Weekly and a chocolate chip cookie can cure anything.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Newsletter | Website
Now, let's hear some more from Christina!
Time. The ultimate four letter word. No matter what stage of publishing you’re in, you are affected by time in some way.
Before I was published, I had all the time in the world to fiddle with my writing and write whatever I wanted. Then, I finished my first manuscript and started the querying process. That’s when I learned what a cruel thing time could be.You spend months upon months waiting to hear if someone saw the brilliance in your writing you hope is in there and if you’re lucky, you get the call. After the happy dance, champagne, and phone calls to everyone you’ve ever met are finished, the clock starts ticking. On one hand, you’re in a hurry for your work to be sent out into the world. On the other, YOUR WRITING IS GOING TO BE OUT IN THE WORLD. It can’t come soon enough and it’s too soon all at once.
Enter the editing stages. Editing generally requires a fast turnaround and in the midst of that process, you should be writing your next book. Because after all, that’s how you make it in this business. You write and write and write. This is where it becomes apparent that there aren’t enough hours in the day. So how do you do it? How do you fit it all in?
For me, it’s a matter of getting a little done every day. Granted with two young kids that doesn’t always happen, but I put forth a genuine effort to write each day. Some days I get 2,000+ words down and others I only get about 300, either way it’s getting me closer to my goal.
Sounds easy, but as we all know there’s tons of distractions out there. Hello internet – the ultimate time suck. Stay offline, screen your calls, and whatever you do, don’t turn on the TV! Those are the best tips I can give you because they are the ones that help me the most. Now stop reading this post and get to work. *wink*
SAFE AT HOME
Driven by fear and desperate to protect her family, Samantha is forced to leave Chicago and everything she’s worked to achieve, only to start over by tossing a dart-at-the-map. The Georgia townsfolk’s true Southern charm is the unexpected prescription needed to heal her soul, and the sexy carpenter who touches her heart are distractions she didn’t plan on, but they might offer her a chance at a new life, if she can let go of her past.
Town heartbreaker, Spencer Malloy, isn’t looking for anything serious. His days are perfect working as a contractor, attending his nephew’s baseball games or taking him fishing. He never expects to fall for the big city girl, Samantha. She’s not his type, timid and closed off, but in her unguarded moments, he’s intrigued by the woman he can’t get out of his mind. The urge to get closer to her grows stronger each day, and when the shadow of evil resurfaces, he vows to protect Samantha, even if it means abandoning his home and joining her on the run.
When confronted by the man who’s bent on revenge, Samantha must choose between running again to save the people she loves, or if she has the strength, to stay and fight for her new life.
GET IT ON AMAZON!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christina Kirby holds a degree in Public Relations from Auburn University. She worked in banking for four and a half years before deciding to become a stay at home mom to her two sons. Moving every couple of years because of her husband’s job, Christina has had the opportunity to meet all kinds of people and live in many different states. Fortunately, writing is something she can take with her no matter where she lives. Christina is an avid reader of romance, young adult and anything having to do with pop culture. She also knows a copy of Entertainment Weekly and a chocolate chip cookie can cure anything.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Newsletter | Website
April 15, 2015
Author Ryan Jo Summers Shares Her Tips for Organization at Writing Events
It's my pleasure to welcome author of romance Ryan Jo Summers to my blog today. She's graciously provided me with fantastic advice for attending a book festival, and with the RWA conference approaching in July, I'm sure many of these tips apply.
Ryan is also sharing some more about her Christian time travel love story, SHIMMERS OF STARDUST - available on Amazon.
Thanks Ryan!
By the time this has been transformed from article to blog entry, I will have just attended my second book festival at our local college. My first year (2014) was overwhelming in that I had no clue what to expect and I happened to be battling the after-effects of a bad cold as well. This year I both make fresh plans built on last year’s knowledge and I also hope things will go smoother.
So here are a few planning tips I’ve stopped to consider:
BOOKS —it’s a book festival so there should be books, right? The guidelines stated self-published authors needed to bring their own supply to be split with the coordinating bookstore. Authors with traditional publishers will have their books already ordered and supplied by said bookstore, with the same split ratio as self-published.
Now, my books are with a traditional publisher, but I am also suspicious by nature. Just to humor myself, I packed a dozen of my books. Upon arriving and checking In, I could not find my books anywhere. Seems the coordinating bookstore had not ordered any. I never did learn the reasons why, nor do they really matter. All I can say is it was mighty convenient I had my own handy supply. We split what sold (I made no profits that day) and brought the unsold ones back with me. This year, I will still have a supply in the car, just in case.
SIGNAGE —In the past, with just one book, I simply took the framed cover off the wall, dusted it off, and placed it on an easel on the tabletop, along with a few copies for display. That won’t work now because my framed copy now requires a ten foot ladder to reach (I’ll probably never dust it again) and I have three books to showcase. So I had to re-think my approach.
This year I am taking all three covers to the local framer and have them mounted on foam board in either 10 X 12 inch or 10 X 14 inch sizes. The first one can still sit on the table, flanked by the paperbacks and props. The other two, still only available in e-book for another few months will rest on an adjustable music stand beside the table. I found a bit of luck when I stumbled upon the stand on EBay, with case, brand new, for under $14 and no shipping cost. The fact that this whole new display concept has cost me less than twenty dollars appeals to my frugal side.
SWAG AND PROPS —because my first book dealt with racehorses, I had a small horse statue on the table, to invite interest. Not a toy, this is an antique equine, standing about six inches tall. I have unsuccessfully racked my brain for props to tie into my other two, but if something catches my eye before the date, I’ll include it somehow.
Don’t forget swag like bookmarks, items themed to your book, lots of business cards, or any items tied in to give away. If I had a book dealing with cars, I’d maybe have inexpensive keychains with the cover and my name to hand out. If my book dealt with kitchens or cooking, I’d think to have refrigerator magnets. Sports? A small sport appropriate ball emblazed with cover and name. This exercise can really get the creative wheels grinding.
PEOPLE —if you have family or friends living near your book festival site, have them come visit you. This would be great if they could time it during a slow spell. It sounds underhanded but have them cluster around your table, showing interest. Others will want to know what’s so great at your table and wander over. F & F can then wander off, looking at other author’s tables and you have a new crowd to share your books with. It taps into the natural curiosity we have when we see crowds of people anywhere and want to go see what’s up.
THE EXTRAS - This is a lengthy but important list of things we don’t necessarily think of until we’ve done some festivals or signings without them. Apart from the above mentioned items, don’t forget to always pack a pretty table cloth. I bought a long one from the local party supply store for $2. The extra length lets me cover a regular sized banquet table or fold down to cover whatever size table I have been assigned. If the table is older or a bit worse for wear, the pretty tablecloth will hide that as well as just having more ‘street appeal’. Don’t forget the adhesive tape for securing said tablecloth and other bits of signage you have. It is also handy to loan out and make friends at nearby tables. Pens are a no brainer but worth mentioning. I keep a rainbow of pens spread out, ask book buyers their favorite color and sign using their choice. They seem to like it and I think it adds a personal touch.
Newsletter sign-up sheet. I use a lovely lined page journal I was given, opening to a new blank line and leave a pretty note asking people to sign up. I can add the date and location later, reminding me where these readers were found.
Like many, I use a candy dish, with individual hard wrapped candies. No sticky fingers at my table please. Yes, I have had an issue once or twice of unsupervised kids just trying to get the goods while mom or dad was shopping elsewhere. There are polite but firm ways of dealing with that. In that vein, a small bottle of hand sanitizer is usually a blessing, even if you don’t have it on display, but just readily available.
Other items I know to always pack are gum or mints, for my breath. Water bottles. Cough drops or lozenges. Small package of tissues. Can’t you tell I had a cold the last time? I also pack a sweater or cardigan, just in case the venue is chilly inside. I like something I can easily pull on and off as needed, if needed. For wardrobe malfunctions, a few safety pins are great. Blisters from new or seldom used shoes can benefit from band aid adhesives. And cosmetic touch ups for all that smiling you are bound to be doing. For me, this is simply a tube of lip gloss. Lastly, a small lint roller. I have pets, which means no matter how hard I try, there will be pet hair lurking somewhere on my outfit. Normal to me, scandalously unsightful to some others. I am there to impress others.
This may seem like a lot of stuff to pack and cart, but really, most of it is pretty small. I can carry it in two bags. I leave the heavy books out in the car, unless I find I need them due to some ordering oversight. I have a shoulder bag in which the signage, swag, table cloth, cards and small extras fit into. My personal pocketbook, or purse, holds my wallet and other small items like tissues and lip gloss. Because the new music stand hasn’t been carried yet, though it is in its own case, I think it will still fit in the over the shoulder bag. If not, my pocketbook will, so I will still arrive with everything I need for a two day book festival in only two bags.
A couple years ago I went to Goodwill and bought a decent sized suitcase on rollers and with a pull up handle. It cost me $8 and was a worthy cause. I keep my books stored in there anyway. When I pack for events in which I am required to bring my own books, I like this case. I have two handy side pockets for small items, cargo space for larger items and a netting over the top for flat, delicate items. It’s a bit bigger but I can wheel that sweet thing into any venue or up and down streets with ease.
SHIMMERS OF STARDUST
Civil War hero turned renegade, Logan Riley, is hanged by the law in 1869. His story should have ended there. Except Anthropologist Dr. McKenzie Lynne is hired by a team of physicists, protected by the military, to find a valuable missing link to their time travel theories. She finds Logan, in the back on a cave, buried in glittering gold dust and very much alive. Taking him to the base camp, she learns what they really want him for. Horrified, she reacts, bolting and talking their living treasure with her.
Now pursued by the military and the obsessed physicists who will stop at nothing to get their quantum link back, Kenzie and Logan must fight to stay alive and stay hidden. Covering distances in the deserts and mountains of New Mexico and Arizona, each moment is a challenge to stay alive and one step ahead of the hunters. Staying free means a lifetime on the run, but getting captured means a terrible consequence for both of them.
Meanwhile. Kenzie's strong Christian faith works on Logan's bad-boy heart, convicting him of his lawless past, better than the hangman’s noose had. With Kenzie's help, he tries to allow the grace of God into his life while fighting to preserve both of theirs. Undeniable affections bloom between them as tense moments turn into longer periods of growing love. Can their newly formed love survive the coming showdown between the armed military closing in, determined physicists, Kenzie's Christian morals and Logan's nineteenth century cowboy code of outlaw justice?
CONNECT WITH RYAN
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Amazon Author page
Ryan is also sharing some more about her Christian time travel love story, SHIMMERS OF STARDUST - available on Amazon.
Thanks Ryan!
By the time this has been transformed from article to blog entry, I will have just attended my second book festival at our local college. My first year (2014) was overwhelming in that I had no clue what to expect and I happened to be battling the after-effects of a bad cold as well. This year I both make fresh plans built on last year’s knowledge and I also hope things will go smoother.
So here are a few planning tips I’ve stopped to consider:BOOKS —it’s a book festival so there should be books, right? The guidelines stated self-published authors needed to bring their own supply to be split with the coordinating bookstore. Authors with traditional publishers will have their books already ordered and supplied by said bookstore, with the same split ratio as self-published.
Now, my books are with a traditional publisher, but I am also suspicious by nature. Just to humor myself, I packed a dozen of my books. Upon arriving and checking In, I could not find my books anywhere. Seems the coordinating bookstore had not ordered any. I never did learn the reasons why, nor do they really matter. All I can say is it was mighty convenient I had my own handy supply. We split what sold (I made no profits that day) and brought the unsold ones back with me. This year, I will still have a supply in the car, just in case.
SIGNAGE —In the past, with just one book, I simply took the framed cover off the wall, dusted it off, and placed it on an easel on the tabletop, along with a few copies for display. That won’t work now because my framed copy now requires a ten foot ladder to reach (I’ll probably never dust it again) and I have three books to showcase. So I had to re-think my approach.
This year I am taking all three covers to the local framer and have them mounted on foam board in either 10 X 12 inch or 10 X 14 inch sizes. The first one can still sit on the table, flanked by the paperbacks and props. The other two, still only available in e-book for another few months will rest on an adjustable music stand beside the table. I found a bit of luck when I stumbled upon the stand on EBay, with case, brand new, for under $14 and no shipping cost. The fact that this whole new display concept has cost me less than twenty dollars appeals to my frugal side.
SWAG AND PROPS —because my first book dealt with racehorses, I had a small horse statue on the table, to invite interest. Not a toy, this is an antique equine, standing about six inches tall. I have unsuccessfully racked my brain for props to tie into my other two, but if something catches my eye before the date, I’ll include it somehow.
Don’t forget swag like bookmarks, items themed to your book, lots of business cards, or any items tied in to give away. If I had a book dealing with cars, I’d maybe have inexpensive keychains with the cover and my name to hand out. If my book dealt with kitchens or cooking, I’d think to have refrigerator magnets. Sports? A small sport appropriate ball emblazed with cover and name. This exercise can really get the creative wheels grinding.
PEOPLE —if you have family or friends living near your book festival site, have them come visit you. This would be great if they could time it during a slow spell. It sounds underhanded but have them cluster around your table, showing interest. Others will want to know what’s so great at your table and wander over. F & F can then wander off, looking at other author’s tables and you have a new crowd to share your books with. It taps into the natural curiosity we have when we see crowds of people anywhere and want to go see what’s up.
THE EXTRAS - This is a lengthy but important list of things we don’t necessarily think of until we’ve done some festivals or signings without them. Apart from the above mentioned items, don’t forget to always pack a pretty table cloth. I bought a long one from the local party supply store for $2. The extra length lets me cover a regular sized banquet table or fold down to cover whatever size table I have been assigned. If the table is older or a bit worse for wear, the pretty tablecloth will hide that as well as just having more ‘street appeal’. Don’t forget the adhesive tape for securing said tablecloth and other bits of signage you have. It is also handy to loan out and make friends at nearby tables. Pens are a no brainer but worth mentioning. I keep a rainbow of pens spread out, ask book buyers their favorite color and sign using their choice. They seem to like it and I think it adds a personal touch.
Newsletter sign-up sheet. I use a lovely lined page journal I was given, opening to a new blank line and leave a pretty note asking people to sign up. I can add the date and location later, reminding me where these readers were found.
Like many, I use a candy dish, with individual hard wrapped candies. No sticky fingers at my table please. Yes, I have had an issue once or twice of unsupervised kids just trying to get the goods while mom or dad was shopping elsewhere. There are polite but firm ways of dealing with that. In that vein, a small bottle of hand sanitizer is usually a blessing, even if you don’t have it on display, but just readily available.
Other items I know to always pack are gum or mints, for my breath. Water bottles. Cough drops or lozenges. Small package of tissues. Can’t you tell I had a cold the last time? I also pack a sweater or cardigan, just in case the venue is chilly inside. I like something I can easily pull on and off as needed, if needed. For wardrobe malfunctions, a few safety pins are great. Blisters from new or seldom used shoes can benefit from band aid adhesives. And cosmetic touch ups for all that smiling you are bound to be doing. For me, this is simply a tube of lip gloss. Lastly, a small lint roller. I have pets, which means no matter how hard I try, there will be pet hair lurking somewhere on my outfit. Normal to me, scandalously unsightful to some others. I am there to impress others.
This may seem like a lot of stuff to pack and cart, but really, most of it is pretty small. I can carry it in two bags. I leave the heavy books out in the car, unless I find I need them due to some ordering oversight. I have a shoulder bag in which the signage, swag, table cloth, cards and small extras fit into. My personal pocketbook, or purse, holds my wallet and other small items like tissues and lip gloss. Because the new music stand hasn’t been carried yet, though it is in its own case, I think it will still fit in the over the shoulder bag. If not, my pocketbook will, so I will still arrive with everything I need for a two day book festival in only two bags.
A couple years ago I went to Goodwill and bought a decent sized suitcase on rollers and with a pull up handle. It cost me $8 and was a worthy cause. I keep my books stored in there anyway. When I pack for events in which I am required to bring my own books, I like this case. I have two handy side pockets for small items, cargo space for larger items and a netting over the top for flat, delicate items. It’s a bit bigger but I can wheel that sweet thing into any venue or up and down streets with ease.
SHIMMERS OF STARDUST
Civil War hero turned renegade, Logan Riley, is hanged by the law in 1869. His story should have ended there. Except Anthropologist Dr. McKenzie Lynne is hired by a team of physicists, protected by the military, to find a valuable missing link to their time travel theories. She finds Logan, in the back on a cave, buried in glittering gold dust and very much alive. Taking him to the base camp, she learns what they really want him for. Horrified, she reacts, bolting and talking their living treasure with her.
Now pursued by the military and the obsessed physicists who will stop at nothing to get their quantum link back, Kenzie and Logan must fight to stay alive and stay hidden. Covering distances in the deserts and mountains of New Mexico and Arizona, each moment is a challenge to stay alive and one step ahead of the hunters. Staying free means a lifetime on the run, but getting captured means a terrible consequence for both of them.
Meanwhile. Kenzie's strong Christian faith works on Logan's bad-boy heart, convicting him of his lawless past, better than the hangman’s noose had. With Kenzie's help, he tries to allow the grace of God into his life while fighting to preserve both of theirs. Undeniable affections bloom between them as tense moments turn into longer periods of growing love. Can their newly formed love survive the coming showdown between the armed military closing in, determined physicists, Kenzie's Christian morals and Logan's nineteenth century cowboy code of outlaw justice?
CONNECT WITH RYAN
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Amazon Author page
April 8, 2015
Parnormal Romance Author Lia Davis Shares Her Approach to Characterization
It's a pleasure to welcome paranormal romance author Lia Davis. Today, she's sharing her approach to developing believable and interesting characters, and some more about her recent release, An Alpha's Fate (Ashwood World Book 1).
Lis is also offering a giveaway - an eBook from her backlist to one random commenter. :)
Since characters are the heart and soul of any great story, I'm always looking for ways to improve in this area. Thanks Lia! Tell us some more about how you tackle this vital aspect of writing.
A person’s personality is the foundation of that person. It is something we learn and discover as we grow. True there may be some traits that are hereditary, but our quirks and habits are taken from our environment. Those quirks help shape who we are.
When I sit down to plot a book, I look at my characters first. After all it is their story. First I have to know who they are. The most important thing is to know their goals, motivations and conflicts (GMCs) because the love story plot revolves around their wants and needs and the conflicts standing in their way.
In order to find out what the GMCs are I ask the following questions:
Where did they grow up?
Who raised them?
Was their childhood happy?
Only child? If not what is their birth order? (Yes, the birth order does have an influence on their personality)
What are their hobbies?
Do they have a special talent?
Are they hiding a dark secret?
What do they want to accomplish? Why?
What do they have to overcome and what is standing in their way?
There may be other questions that come to mind as I’m developing the hero or heroine. Most the time it depends on what the goals are. Many times I find out things that surprise me. Especially when working on a series. It’s fun to dig deeper into the secondary characters when it’s time to write their story.
As a reader, I love all kinds of personalities when it comes to characters. I love to see two people connect and grow. What are you favorite traits or quirks you like the best?
An Alpha's Fate (Ashwood World Book 1)
Greenridge Pack princess, Reagan Summers, will protect her wolves at all cost. After finding out about his illegal activities that harmed so many innocents, she kills the Alpha Wolf her father arranged for her to marry. Afraid and on the run, she turns to the only person she trusts, her true mate, Logan.
Birchwood Pack Alpha, Logan Webb, watched Reagan walk out of his life over ten years ago. When she contacts him needing help, something in her voice puts his wolf in full protection mode. But seeing her in the flesh wakes a raw, primal desire long buried.
Get it on Amazon!
Meet the AuthorLia Davis is a mother to two young adults and three equally special kitties, a wife to her soul mate, and a lover of romance. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers. But it's her home and she loves it!
An accounting major, Lia has always been a dreamer with a very active imagination. The wheels in her head never stop. She ventured into the world of writing and publishing in 2008 and loves it more than she imagined. Writing is stress reliever that allows her to go off in her corner of the house and enter into another world that she created, leaving real life where it belongs.
Her favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties.
Connect with Lia
Website: http://www.authorliadavis.com/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/mBWx5Facebook author fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Lia-Davis/137761469629592
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/368820509920377/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/novelsbylia
Tumblr: http://novelsbylia.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/liadavis35/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5829989.Lia_Davis
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Lia-Davis/e/B007Z0BH7S/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
About.me: http://about.me/AuthorLiaDavis
Get your eBook personalized at Authorgraph. http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/novelsbylia
Lis is also offering a giveaway - an eBook from her backlist to one random commenter. :)
Since characters are the heart and soul of any great story, I'm always looking for ways to improve in this area. Thanks Lia! Tell us some more about how you tackle this vital aspect of writing.
A person’s personality is the foundation of that person. It is something we learn and discover as we grow. True there may be some traits that are hereditary, but our quirks and habits are taken from our environment. Those quirks help shape who we are.
When I sit down to plot a book, I look at my characters first. After all it is their story. First I have to know who they are. The most important thing is to know their goals, motivations and conflicts (GMCs) because the love story plot revolves around their wants and needs and the conflicts standing in their way.
In order to find out what the GMCs are I ask the following questions:
Where did they grow up?
Who raised them?
Was their childhood happy?
Only child? If not what is their birth order? (Yes, the birth order does have an influence on their personality)
What are their hobbies?
Do they have a special talent?
Are they hiding a dark secret?
What do they want to accomplish? Why?
What do they have to overcome and what is standing in their way?
There may be other questions that come to mind as I’m developing the hero or heroine. Most the time it depends on what the goals are. Many times I find out things that surprise me. Especially when working on a series. It’s fun to dig deeper into the secondary characters when it’s time to write their story.
As a reader, I love all kinds of personalities when it comes to characters. I love to see two people connect and grow. What are you favorite traits or quirks you like the best?
An Alpha's Fate (Ashwood World Book 1)Greenridge Pack princess, Reagan Summers, will protect her wolves at all cost. After finding out about his illegal activities that harmed so many innocents, she kills the Alpha Wolf her father arranged for her to marry. Afraid and on the run, she turns to the only person she trusts, her true mate, Logan.
Birchwood Pack Alpha, Logan Webb, watched Reagan walk out of his life over ten years ago. When she contacts him needing help, something in her voice puts his wolf in full protection mode. But seeing her in the flesh wakes a raw, primal desire long buried.
Get it on Amazon!
Meet the AuthorLia Davis is a mother to two young adults and three equally special kitties, a wife to her soul mate, and a lover of romance. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers. But it's her home and she loves it!
An accounting major, Lia has always been a dreamer with a very active imagination. The wheels in her head never stop. She ventured into the world of writing and publishing in 2008 and loves it more than she imagined. Writing is stress reliever that allows her to go off in her corner of the house and enter into another world that she created, leaving real life where it belongs.
Her favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties.
Connect with Lia
Website: http://www.authorliadavis.com/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/mBWx5Facebook author fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Lia-Davis/137761469629592
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/368820509920377/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/novelsbylia
Tumblr: http://novelsbylia.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/liadavis35/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5829989.Lia_Davis
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Lia-Davis/e/B007Z0BH7S/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
About.me: http://about.me/AuthorLiaDavis
Get your eBook personalized at Authorgraph. http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/novelsbylia
April 1, 2015
Stick a Pin In It! Author Carly Jordynn Shares Her Tips for Boosting Writing Productivity
It's a pleasure to welcome author Carly Jordynn today, as she shares her tips for boosting productivity with Pinterest, and some more about her novel, Forest of the Mist: Travelers, available on Amazon.
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. As an author, that could be said for the characters we create. I write young adult and middle grade fiction. Typically, there are several main characters with varying storylines that weave together to form the book. Trying to keep all those characters straight can be frustrating. I’m sure there are programs out there that will keep all those pesky details for me, but I find that hinders my creativity. I would rather invent something for myself. One thing that has been fun for me is Pinterest.
When I was a little girl, I would play with Barbie dolls. I loved to change her hairstyle, outfits, and add shoes and accessories. With each wardrobe change, Barbie became a different character. I don’t play with Barbie dolls anymore, but I can do something along that line on Pinterest. I can pin an actor/actress photo of who should play that character in a movie (hey, it could happen). I can pin different hair styles, special accessories, tattoos, shoes, clothing, etc… that I picture my character in. This gets the creativity going when I am stuck on a storyline. Sometimes finding that one unique item, like a tattoo, can take the character and story into a whole other direction. It helps me to focus on that character and really think about their background, likes, and dislikes.
So, the next time you are stuck with your character, create a character board and stick a pin in it.
FOREST OF THE MIST: TRAVELERS
Seventeen-year-old LILY LAVERY never dreamed her homecoming night would turn out like this. First, she was chauffeured to the dance by her parents, while her boyfriend followed in his car behind them. Second, she never dreamed her Dad would lose control of the car and wreck. Third, she never expected to become orphaned, in a coma, and enter an alternate reality, all in one evening. No, she thought she would arrive at the dance to the cheers of her classmates after being crowned homecoming princess at the big game, dance the night away with her handsome boyfriend, ALEX McGUIRE, and maybe end the night in his arms.
CONNOR O'BRIEN took one look at the girl, who arrived in the alternate reality known as Paradise Valley, and knew she would be trouble. She oozed it from the top of her tiara, down to her cheerleading uniform. Connor knew that type of girl and vowed to stay away from her. The problem was she looked so sad and broken from her experience. The large class ring on her left-hand, ring finger should have been enough to warn him away, but he found himself drawn to her anyway.
Together, Connor and Lily must battle Kramm, the Warrior King of the Dark Land, and his second in command, COLIN O'BRIEN , Connor's twin brother, in order to access the portal paths that will lead them back to reality and their sleeping bodies.
What will happen when they return? Will Lily continue her previous life with Alex, or will she stay with Connor, the man of her literal dreams?
CONNECT WITH CARLY
www.carlyjordynn.comwww.facebook.com/carlyjordynn777www.twitter.com/CarlyJordynnhttp://www.carlyjordynn.blogspot.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7200409.Carly_Jordynnhttps://www.pinterest.com/carlyjordynn/
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. As an author, that could be said for the characters we create. I write young adult and middle grade fiction. Typically, there are several main characters with varying storylines that weave together to form the book. Trying to keep all those characters straight can be frustrating. I’m sure there are programs out there that will keep all those pesky details for me, but I find that hinders my creativity. I would rather invent something for myself. One thing that has been fun for me is Pinterest.
When I was a little girl, I would play with Barbie dolls. I loved to change her hairstyle, outfits, and add shoes and accessories. With each wardrobe change, Barbie became a different character. I don’t play with Barbie dolls anymore, but I can do something along that line on Pinterest. I can pin an actor/actress photo of who should play that character in a movie (hey, it could happen). I can pin different hair styles, special accessories, tattoos, shoes, clothing, etc… that I picture my character in. This gets the creativity going when I am stuck on a storyline. Sometimes finding that one unique item, like a tattoo, can take the character and story into a whole other direction. It helps me to focus on that character and really think about their background, likes, and dislikes. So, the next time you are stuck with your character, create a character board and stick a pin in it.
FOREST OF THE MIST: TRAVELERS
Seventeen-year-old LILY LAVERY never dreamed her homecoming night would turn out like this. First, she was chauffeured to the dance by her parents, while her boyfriend followed in his car behind them. Second, she never dreamed her Dad would lose control of the car and wreck. Third, she never expected to become orphaned, in a coma, and enter an alternate reality, all in one evening. No, she thought she would arrive at the dance to the cheers of her classmates after being crowned homecoming princess at the big game, dance the night away with her handsome boyfriend, ALEX McGUIRE, and maybe end the night in his arms.
CONNOR O'BRIEN took one look at the girl, who arrived in the alternate reality known as Paradise Valley, and knew she would be trouble. She oozed it from the top of her tiara, down to her cheerleading uniform. Connor knew that type of girl and vowed to stay away from her. The problem was she looked so sad and broken from her experience. The large class ring on her left-hand, ring finger should have been enough to warn him away, but he found himself drawn to her anyway.
Together, Connor and Lily must battle Kramm, the Warrior King of the Dark Land, and his second in command, COLIN O'BRIEN , Connor's twin brother, in order to access the portal paths that will lead them back to reality and their sleeping bodies.
What will happen when they return? Will Lily continue her previous life with Alex, or will she stay with Connor, the man of her literal dreams?
CONNECT WITH CARLY
www.carlyjordynn.comwww.facebook.com/carlyjordynn777www.twitter.com/CarlyJordynnhttp://www.carlyjordynn.blogspot.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7200409.Carly_Jordynnhttps://www.pinterest.com/carlyjordynn/
March 29, 2015
Meet Romance Author Yolanda Ashton During the Spring Blog-a-Thon!
It's a pleasure to welcome romance author Yolanda Ashton during the Spring Blog-a-Thon, March 27th - March 29th, sponsored by Soul Mate Publishing.
Be sure to enter for a chance to win Amazon gift cards and great books - Click here to enter the Rafflecopter!
Yolanda Ashton is the alter ego of a thirty-something mother of three. Throughout daylight hours she’s an educational professional and during the nights (when she’s not daydreaming, reading and/or watching vampire drama) she’s writing, hanging with family and trying to recover from a day spent with middle school students.
A Will for Love by Yolanda Ashton
Lanya gave her love and trust to a man, only to find out their relationship was a lie. Shattered she decides she’s never giving her heart to anyone again. But when her ex, Mikael LockRidge, offers her a proposition she can’t refuse Layna finds being with him, makes it hard to resist the sensual pull between them.
Blackmailed to commit an act that still haunts him, Mikael accepts his current loveless relationship as karma. But when he receives unexpected help from the grave, Mikael realizes he wants back what he loss– he just has to convince the ex he gutted- to let him back in her life and her heart.
Connect with Yolanda
Website: www.yolandaashton.wordpress.comTwitter: www.twitter.com/YolandaAshtonMore Titles by Yolanda Ashton
Love is the best revenge..... Devastated after an emotional break-up, Alexis decides to finish her fall semester and leave East Brook College and the town of East Brook forever, certain starting over in a new place will soothe her wounded heart. Her plans are derailed when her ex-lover returns wanting another chance. Despite the chemistry between them and their sensual history, should she risk her heart again for a man who told her she wasn’t good enough for him or his tribe? Bowing to tribal pressure, Sean Yonah was forced to hurt his best friend and lover, the one woman he couldn’t get enough of. Now the Spirits say she may be his “other.” Sean knows what he did was deplorable, but if he doesn’t convince Alexis to forgive him, he’ll lose a lot more than the love of his life.
Be sure to enter for a chance to win Amazon gift cards and great books - Click here to enter the Rafflecopter!
Yolanda Ashton is the alter ego of a thirty-something mother of three. Throughout daylight hours she’s an educational professional and during the nights (when she’s not daydreaming, reading and/or watching vampire drama) she’s writing, hanging with family and trying to recover from a day spent with middle school students.
A Will for Love by Yolanda Ashton
Lanya gave her love and trust to a man, only to find out their relationship was a lie. Shattered she decides she’s never giving her heart to anyone again. But when her ex, Mikael LockRidge, offers her a proposition she can’t refuse Layna finds being with him, makes it hard to resist the sensual pull between them.
Blackmailed to commit an act that still haunts him, Mikael accepts his current loveless relationship as karma. But when he receives unexpected help from the grave, Mikael realizes he wants back what he loss– he just has to convince the ex he gutted- to let him back in her life and her heart.
Connect with Yolanda
Website: www.yolandaashton.wordpress.comTwitter: www.twitter.com/YolandaAshtonMore Titles by Yolanda Ashton
Love is the best revenge..... Devastated after an emotional break-up, Alexis decides to finish her fall semester and leave East Brook College and the town of East Brook forever, certain starting over in a new place will soothe her wounded heart. Her plans are derailed when her ex-lover returns wanting another chance. Despite the chemistry between them and their sensual history, should she risk her heart again for a man who told her she wasn’t good enough for him or his tribe? Bowing to tribal pressure, Sean Yonah was forced to hurt his best friend and lover, the one woman he couldn’t get enough of. Now the Spirits say she may be his “other.” Sean knows what he did was deplorable, but if he doesn’t convince Alexis to forgive him, he’ll lose a lot more than the love of his life.
March 28, 2015
Meet Paranormal Romance Author R.B. Austin during the Spring Blog-a-Thon!
It's a pleasure to welcome paranormal and YA romance author R.B. Austin today during the Spring Blog-a-Thon, March 27th - March 29th, sponsored by Soul Mate Publishing.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for a spotlight on another great author, and a chance to win Amazon gift cards and great books - Click here to enter the Rafflecopter!
Without further ado, let's hear some more from R.B., what she loves about Spring, and her novel, Fallen Redemption...
Spring is normally associated with new beginnings, but for me it signifies an end.
The end of wearing big bulky sweaters. The end of wearing three layers of clothes and still shivering. The end of driving with only two fingers because I, yet, AGAIN, forgot to grab my gloves. The end of wool socks that make my feet itch. The end of shrink-wrapped windows. The end of not wanting to be outside for longer than five minutes because it’s so frickin’ cold.
Oh, spring, you are perhaps my favorite season because you bring with you the end of winter.
Fallen Redemption by R.B. Austin
Cade committed himself to saving lives before he learned the full consequences of his life-altering decision. It wasn’t until he was tending his sick wife that he learned the enormity of what he’d done and he was unable to save her from the monster he had become.
Consumed with guilt and praying for absolution, he threw himself into killing every Fallen he could find to save the humans he’d sworn to protect. But then Emma, deliciously mortal and completely forbidden, swept into his world, stirring an overpowering desire. Now he’s not only fighting soulless creatures, but also his inner cravings, trying to maintain his distance and continue on his path to forgiveness. He won’t lose control again and lose another love.
About the Author
RB Austin is a writer of paranormal romances and YA novels. She puts her slightly neurotic organizational skills to good use managing her time as a wife, mother, full time worker, author, and blogger. Her dream is to become a full time writer and move down south where she can sit on the sunniest beach with her laptop and a bag of chocolates, writing what the voices in her head tell her to. In her spare time she enjoys knitting. Her current project is a dog sweater because even if it turns out ugly and full of holes her cairn terrier can’t complain. RB is a member of Romance Writers of America and is currently working on the second novel in her Trihune series and a YA supernatural novel. nnect with R.B. Austin.
Connect with R.B. AustinWebsite: http://www.rbaustin.comBloghttp://www.2unpublishedgirls.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rbaustinauthor Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/authorrbaustinGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/rbaustinAmazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/rbaustinPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorrbaustinAmazon buy linkhttp://amzn.com/B00E49OQ12
Be sure to check back tomorrow for a spotlight on another great author, and a chance to win Amazon gift cards and great books - Click here to enter the Rafflecopter!
Without further ado, let's hear some more from R.B., what she loves about Spring, and her novel, Fallen Redemption...
Spring is normally associated with new beginnings, but for me it signifies an end.
The end of wearing big bulky sweaters. The end of wearing three layers of clothes and still shivering. The end of driving with only two fingers because I, yet, AGAIN, forgot to grab my gloves. The end of wool socks that make my feet itch. The end of shrink-wrapped windows. The end of not wanting to be outside for longer than five minutes because it’s so frickin’ cold.
Oh, spring, you are perhaps my favorite season because you bring with you the end of winter.
Fallen Redemption by R.B. Austin
Cade committed himself to saving lives before he learned the full consequences of his life-altering decision. It wasn’t until he was tending his sick wife that he learned the enormity of what he’d done and he was unable to save her from the monster he had become.
Consumed with guilt and praying for absolution, he threw himself into killing every Fallen he could find to save the humans he’d sworn to protect. But then Emma, deliciously mortal and completely forbidden, swept into his world, stirring an overpowering desire. Now he’s not only fighting soulless creatures, but also his inner cravings, trying to maintain his distance and continue on his path to forgiveness. He won’t lose control again and lose another love.
About the Author
RB Austin is a writer of paranormal romances and YA novels. She puts her slightly neurotic organizational skills to good use managing her time as a wife, mother, full time worker, author, and blogger. Her dream is to become a full time writer and move down south where she can sit on the sunniest beach with her laptop and a bag of chocolates, writing what the voices in her head tell her to. In her spare time she enjoys knitting. Her current project is a dog sweater because even if it turns out ugly and full of holes her cairn terrier can’t complain. RB is a member of Romance Writers of America and is currently working on the second novel in her Trihune series and a YA supernatural novel. nnect with R.B. Austin.
Connect with R.B. AustinWebsite: http://www.rbaustin.comBloghttp://www.2unpublishedgirls.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rbaustinauthor Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/authorrbaustinGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/rbaustinAmazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/rbaustinPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorrbaustinAmazon buy linkhttp://amzn.com/B00E49OQ12
