Author: Debbie

I'm a retired librarian and the award-winning author of the Cobble Cove, Buttercup Bend, and SOUP THE SUPERNATURAL KITTEN cozy mystery series and other novels, short stories, poems, articles, and a novella. My books include CLOUDY RAINBOW, REASON TO DIE, SEA SCOPE, MEMORY MAKERS, TIME'S RELATIVE, MEOWS AND PURRS, MEMORIES AND MEOWS, A MIXED BAG OF CAT TAILS, and A MYSTERY BOX OF CAT TAILS. My Cobble Cove cozy mystery series published by Solstice Publishing consist of 6 books: A STONE'S THROW, BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE, WRITTEN IN STONE, LOVE ON THE ROCKS, NO GRAVESTONE UNTURNED, and ROCK A BYE BYE BABY. My standalone short story collection featuring the Cobble Cove characters is SNEAKY'S SUPERNATURAL MYSTERY AND OTHER COBBLE COVE STORIES. My Buttercup Bend series published by Next Chapter Publishing includes THE CASE OF THE CAT CRAZY LADY, THE CASE OF THE PARROT LOVING PROFESSOR, THE CASE OF THE LLAMA RAISING LIBRARIAN, THE CASE OF THE WHALE WATCHING WEDDING PLANNER, THE CASE OF THE REPTILE RESCUING RESCEPTIONIST, and the forthcoming CASE OF THE BULLFIGHTING BUILDER. I've also written a paranormal romance, CLOUDY RAINBOW, and short stories of various genres published as eBooks and in anthologies published by the Red Penguin Collection. My poetry appears in the Nassau County Voices in Verse and the Bard's Annual. My latest book is SUITCASE STORIES, a collection of mostly mystery short stories. My forthcoming standalone gothic mystery is LOOKING FOR LUCY. I'm a member of Sisters-in-Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Cat Writers' Association. I live in South Carolina with my husband, daughter, and 3 cats.

Author Spotlight, Books, New Releases, Solstice Publishing

Author Spotlight: Cozy Mystery Author Lois Crockett

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Debbie

Welcome to the Literary Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors. Today, I am chatting with Lois Crockett from Coconut Creek, Florida.

Thanks for joining us, Lois Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.

I understand you have a new release coming out today, January 27, 2017. Congratulations! Please tell us a bit about it.

Tough Luck Lane is my debut novel from Solstice Publishing. It is a Cozy Mystery, the first in a series about bartender and all-purpose drunk wrangler Stacey Jennifer Longacre and her quirky compadres in the Key West-style Compound where she lives in Pompano Beach, Florida. New to the area from her beginnings in Lake Okeechobee – she was born in a trailer off Tough Luck Lane – she lands a job as a cocktail waitress in a dubious nightclub where unsavory goings-on are happening to some of the young girls working there. They seem a little “too” young and when Stacey stumbles across one of their bodies on the beach she is determined to get to the bottom of things. Likeable, but with a touch of sand, Stacey is an ordinary gal you’ll root for as she untangles webs of deception and puts herself in the middle to do the right thing, in spite of her Tough Luck attitude.

Next in the series is Indigo Hour: there is never a right time for a wrong call and Stacey gets that wrong call at the indigo hour one morning that turns her world upside down and inside out. The indigo hour is that time just before dawn and just after dusk when the sky is a deep, indigo blue and babies are born, old people pass, and anything can, and does, happen.

The Third Persuasion is the third installment in the series. Stacey’s at a Memorial Day Beach Picnic when a shot rings out and all hell breaks loose. Stay tuned…

Wow! Those all sound wonderful. As you know, since you’re a fellow Solstice author, I also write a cozy mystery series, the Cobble Cove mysteries that feature a librarian who is a co-author of a mystery series. I have currently also written three in the series with the first being reprinted soon and the third following shortly after. The second book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, was published in October.

Describe your goals as a writer. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? What are you planning to do to reach these goals?

I’m hoping to dovetail a successful writing career with the close of my successful business career in about five years. I’ve been a radio disc jockey and the first female club DJ in the state of Florida. Also did a stint as an evening anchor radio journalist. I held an FCC First Class Radiotelephone License with Radar Endorsement which allowed me to be a Chief Engineer for a Priority I broadcast facility at the end of my radio days. I’ve been a bartender, waitress, secretary, executive secretary and an executive, up to and including a couple of corporate Vice-Presidencies. My favorite job is Customer Service and today I work for a medical company helping to onboard and serve our clientele.

You certainly have a wide variety of interesting work experience. I’ve been a librarian most of my life and have also worked as a secretary. I have experience in journalism, too, when I volunteered as an editor on my college newspaper.

What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?

This is, clearly, a beach read. If you’re not at the beach already, Tough Luck Lane will take you there. I’m hoping for readers who love a good story with lots of action and adventure as well as a quirky, offbeat and funny look at life. The series is not at all formulaic and the sidekicks will change with each story.

Sounds like fun. My cozies are a bit more serious. Although they take place in a small town and also feature quirky characters and a library cat and golden retriever, they border a bit on traditional mysteries especially the first, A Stone’s Throw, that features a bit of romantic suspense.

What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?

Keep going. Enjoy the journey! Sure, the goal is to get published and achieve the recognition you dream your work deserves – but the friends and colleagues you’ll make along the way are amazing!

A goal is a dream with a plan. Keep dreaming. Keep planning. Keep writing. Try everything! Especially when bringing your work to the marketplace. You never know what’s going to work.

Inspiration can strike anywhere so keep an open mind to new experiences and fresh ideas.

I agree completely. It takes time to build an audience and fan base, but meeting other authors and readers is a very worthwhile party of the writing experience. It’s also important to experiment and challenge yourself. I am publishing a romantic comedy novella in February, Jack Trumps Ace, that is very different from my cozy mystery writing. I also enjoy writing other genres and have short stories in Fantasy and Horror anthologies, as well.

What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?

I was sidelined for a couple of years with a chronic illness that is now manageable although a bit of a pain-in-the-butt now and again. The support and encouragement I got from my husband and very dear friends got me through the worst of the struggle and kept me writing or, at least, editing until I was well enough to pick up the reins again.

I’m sure that helped strengthen your writing. I’ve also found that writing can be very therapeutic.

Have you taken any writing or publishing classes? If so, please provide information about them and if you feel they helped you further your professional skills.

I’ve enjoyed writing since I was a kid. I’d make up stories to share in class and took every English and writing class I could get my hands on. To this day, I attend as many workshops and classes as time and money permit on everything from writing, dialog, and conflict, etc. to marketing and developing a brand/presence. Florida is very good to writers and there are workshops galore.

Excellent. I’ve also been writing since childhood. We currently have a writing group at my library that I helped establish that is run by a writing teacher. I’ve also taken many online writing and publishing courses.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

Reading, of course! At the Beach! Or… At home with my husband, stretched out on our recliners with good books, warm blankets and Weeble our calico cat curled up between us.

My husband, John, is the bass guitarist for The Big City Dogs, a well-known local band. It’s fun to be a Rock Wife on weekends. All the band mates and wives are friends so we’re like a little family.

Nature walks in Fern Forest, our local woods, canoeing down the Loxahatchee River and traveling. Our favorite trip was to Muir Woods in Northern California where we enjoyed the beautiful redwoods.

Sounds relaxing. While I’m not a beach person, I do enjoy walking and nature. I also have a cat, two of them in fact. One is Siamese and the other a tabby, but I’ve had cats most of my life but never a Calico. I think they’re beautiful and would love to have one in the future.

What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?

I love it all. Especially telling a good story. I’m all about the story actually, and will do anything it takes to make it entertaining and enjoyable.

The publishing business is new to me and I love the challenge of learning a new industry. Solstice has played a huge part in making it easy and fun.

I love writing, too, as well as being a librarian. Books have always been important to me. I’ve also found the staff and authors at Solstice are very helpful and talented.

Please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. so readers can connect with you.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToughLuckLounge?fref=ts

Blog: http://toughlucklounge.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lois.crockett?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com.LoisCrockett @ LoisCrockett

Thanks, Lois. I enjoyed that interview and learning about you and your books very much and am sure the readers of this blog did, too. I wish you the best of luck on the release of Tough Luck Lane (sorry for the pun).

New Releases

New Release: Bound to Their Faete by Sarah Marsh

Posted on January 25, 2017 by Debbie

Bound To Their Faete, Book 3 in the Beyond The Veil Series, now available!
Blurb:
To be given visions of the future is no small gift. But gifts such as these do not come without a burden.
Corrine has spent most of her life on the run, fleeing madmen who would see her gift used for their own evil purposes, leaving behind her entire realm and all those she cared about. When she finally finds sanctuary with a surprising ally, her worst fears come to fruition when the Goddess sends her a vision that threatens to rob her of the only thing she can’t let go—her mate.
In hopes of saving her chance of a future she risks everything, but even her visions can’t warn her of the grave consequences of her decision. When one mate turns into two, Corrine will have to return through the Veil to find the help to reverse what’s she’s done.
Wolf Alpha Gabe Errikson has spent years pining for a woman who was never meant to be his—or at least not according to his wolf. But he would give up anything, including a traditional mating to be with the woman he loves. When he finds out that Corrine has been keeping something from him since the very first day they met, will he be able to forgive her in time to save them all?
As an Alpha of his own cougar pard, Braxas isn’t accustomed to sharing—especially when it comes to his mate, but the first time he’d seen Corrine, he knew. It also hadn’t taken him long to see that his long-time friend and ally, Gabe, was hopelessly in love with her as well.
Can two powerful Alphas come together to save the woman they are fated to from a darkness that is like nothing any of them has ever known? Or will they be bound to their fate?

Amazon: https://www.amzn.com/B01N5SPRMP
Evernight: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/bound-to-their-faete-by…/
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/bound-to-their-faete-mfm

New Releases

New Release: Dani’s Return by Ariel Marie

Posted on January 25, 2017 by Debbie

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♥«´¨`•°..´*•.¸(*•.¸ ♥¸.•*´)¸.•*´
LIVE NOW
♥«´¨`•°..Ariel Marie..°•´¨`» ♥
.¸.•*(¸.•*´ ♥`*•.¸)`*•.
*´¨✫)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)*´¨
✮ (¸.•´✶ Dani’s Return•*´¨)*´¨

Written by Ariel Marie
Cover by Frina Art with Self Pub Book Covers
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 1/25/17

Blurb:
Ace Levatino was the new alpha wolf in town. He returned to his hometown to challenge for his rightful place as alpha and to finally claim his mate. There has only ever been one woman for him and her disappearance 10 years ago still haunts his every thought. His wolf demands that he find her.

Daniella Harper was tired of running. Ten years ago she left everything that she held dear to get away from her betrothed. She refused to mate with one of the most vicious alphas in the Midwest. With a heavy heart, she ran far away and started a new life but devastating news would send her running back home.

Coming home has Daniella realizing how much she had missed her family and with the new alpha’s attention she’s no longer sure she wants to leave again.

Now Live For $1.99.
Dani’s Return Universal Link→ myBook.to/DanisReturn

ADD TO GOODREADS
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31568842-dani-s-return…

Join FB party
Releasing January 25, 2017
https://www.facebook.com/events/1571372666504463/

Author Spotlight, Solstice Publishing

Author Spotlight: Epic Fantasy Author Rival Gates

Posted on January 22, 2017 by Debbie

Welcome to the Literary Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors. Today, I am chatting with Rival Gates from Omaha, Nebraska.

Thanks for joining us, Rival. Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.

How long have you been published? What titles have you published and with which publisher? Have you self-published any titles? Please give details.

abstract colorful sword cross heaven on dark background

I was originally published in 2013 by Solstice Publishing. They put out my first two books, “Quest for the Red Sapphire” and “Sapphire Crucible.” Then I went to Sarah Book Publishing for a change of pace. They published “Mandrean Revenge” and “Repercussions Abound.” I have at least two more books scheduled with them.

Very nice. Tell us a little bit about your books — what genre you write, if you write a series, any upcoming releases or your current work-in-progress. If you have an upcoming release, please specify the release date.

I write High or Epic Fantasy depending on your terminology. My books are all part of my Sapphire Chronicles series. I am just starting the fifth book called “The Thief Master of Ravensburg.” I hope to be done with it by the end of the year as I write very slowly and constantly check my work for inconsistencies.

Editing is a time-consuming process, but it’s crucial to producing a quality book.

Describe your goals as a writer. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? What are you planning to do to reach these goals?

My first goal is to complete the series. In between the books I will be promoting them to help add to their success. My ultimate goal is to reach best-seller status and have them made into movies.

Excellent. I have a mystery series, but I also like to work on standalone titles of various genres. Some readers have suggested I try my cozy series with the Hallmark Channel. I wish you luck with trying for a movie.

What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?

I think any age bracket would be interested in these books. Mostly I think they’re geared to Young Adults.

I’m a librarian, as well as an author, and I know that there’s quite a bit of crossover between YA and adult novels. For instance, the Harry Potter series is read by all ages.

What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?

Agents are worth their weight in gold. Keep applying to agents until you get one. Once they are on the job, let them find you a publisher. They can find you places you could never find on your own. Otherwise, you can try it on your own but it’s harder to get into a publisher without an introduction from an agent.

I agree completely and have been querying agents for several months now in the hope of finding a large publisher for my psychological thriller.

What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?

It took me a year and a half to find an agent. Then it took another year and a half to publish my first book. Both problems I blame on having a 900-page manuscript. It scared off both agents and publishers. We finally decided to separate it into my first to books and it was picked up within a month.

Yes, many aspects of publishing are take longer than the writing itself.

Have you taken any writing or publishing classes? If so, please provide information about them and if you feel they helped you further your professional skills.

I took writing classes in high school but tested out of most of them in college. The ones I did take honed my skills but I received excellent grades in at the time. The biggest thing I learned was not to argue when someone just doesn’t like your writing style. This helped me deal with editors who had a different style.

Good point.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

I like to read and watch sports. Whenever possible I spend time with my family.

I’m the same, but I don’t watch sports. I got into binge watching Bones and Castle (I love both shows probably because I write mysteries). I work full-time so, when I’m not working or writing, I also try to find time to spend with my husband and daughter.

What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?

What I Like most is seeing my dreams in print. What I like least is promoting the book. It takes me away from writing. The toughest challenge is generating sales.

Most of the authors I’ve interviewed have expressed the same feeling about marketing their books. I also find it a challenge.

Please list your social media and book links for people who would like to connect with you and/or buy your books.

Web Site: http://www.rivalgates.com/

Blog: http://www.rivalgates.com/blog

http://rivalgates.tumblr.com/

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1qqrjiB

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rivalgates1

Purchase “Quest for the Red Sapphire”

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1npYd0S

Purchase “The Sapphire Crucible”

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1lGfOVN

Purchase “Mandrean Revenge”

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1L9c76S

Barnes & Noble : http://bit.ly/1QYOL2y

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZL_knO95Tk

Purchase “Repercussions Abound”

Kindle: http://amzn.to/2cGyNmy

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2cGyNmy

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1f8PJNr

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32194785-repercussions-abound

Thanks so much for the interview, Rival. It’s been a pleasure having you on the blog. Best wishes on finishing your series and landing a movie deal.

Books, New Releases

New Release: Dragon Trap by Sarah Marsh

Posted on January 21, 2017 by Debbie

NEW RELEASE! SARAH MARSH’S SEXY SCI-FI – DRAGON TRAP!

BLURB:

All Marisol Lewis had ever wanted was a family, but her ex-husband back on Earth made sure that would never happen while they were together.

Now? After waking up on an alien planet, she has a plan and she’s more determined than ever to see it through on her own. When the contract comes up that will give her exactly what she’s always dreamed of, she’s eager to sign on the dotted line and begin the journey to her new home planet of Dolovia.

But when things go horribly wrong, she ends up surrounded by mad doctors and Frankenstein space pirates. Luca and Baelion are dragon shifters with a troubled past, shunned by their own people, they now work for the Coalition Council taking rescue jobs that no one else can do.

They manage to find Marisol—but their rescue plans take a wrong turn and they all end up stranded on a dangerous quarantined planet.

Mari finds out the hard way that life often gets in the way of best-laid plans…and dragon shifters most definitely do get in the way of hers.

Good thing for her that dragons are naturally quite stubborn once they decide they want something—and they’ve decided she’s theirs.

Purchase Link:

www.bookstrand.com/book/dragon-trap

Author Bio:

Sarah Marsh was born in British Columbia where she still lives, she has only recently began her writing career finding it the perfect outlet for taking the edge off a nine to five office job. She’s been a science fiction and romance junkie for years and when her imagination started to take the characters she’d read about even further in their adventures she decided to try writing something of her own.

Sarah’s also a former pastry chef and spends a lot of time cooking and baking for friends and family as well as painting and knitting. Her biggest weaknesses are animals of any kind…she even loves the ones that wake you up at four in the morning because they can almost see the bottom of their food dish.

When it comes to life in general she’s a big believer that laughter is the best medicine and that there’s no such thing as too much love, which is why she’s such a sucker for a happy ending.

Books, Cover Reveal

Cover Reveal: Fame Secrets by Cora Kenborn

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Debbie

FAME AND SECRETS by Cora Kenborn

Lords of Lyre #2

Limitless Publishing, LLC

Releasing March 14th!

Purchase Book 1: http://amzn.to/2jE0mxE

An empty house in Hollywood isn’t what Phoebe Ryan envisioned when she said “yes” to a rock star’s proposal…

Phoebe is pregnant and alone in Tinseltown. She had hoped for a fresh start, but instead gets flashing cameras and tabloid gossip while her famous fiancé is on tour. Then the body of a young woman surfaces, bearing the same scars Phoebe has kept hidden for years. Phoebe fears the nightmare she can’t forget has come to collect an overdue debt.

Julian Bale struggles to balance his life as a touring rock star and his new role as a family man…

Everyone wants something from him, but he just wants to go home to the woman he’s fought so hard to keep. When inside information comes to light, threatening his fiancée and unborn child, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect what’s his, even if it costs him everything he’s worked for.

Phoebe and Julian thought they left the drama and danger behind, but they thought wrong…

When the monster from Phoebe’s past claims the most innocent of victims, accusations and grief shred what they’ve fought to build. Some say tragedy can make or break a family, but can Phoebe and Julian unite to fight for what was taken from them, or will fame and secrets ruin everyone?

MEET THE AUTHOR: Cora Kenborn writes romantic suspense novels with strong heroines, complex alphas, harrowing danger, and snappy banter. She is the author of the rock star stalker series, Lords of Lyre but refuses to be pigeon holed into one specific genre. She loves delving into the twisted mind of a dark villain as well as giggling while writing rom-com banter.

Cora lives in Eastern North Carolina and is a true Southern girl, growing up on sweet tea, front porches, and the simple life. She says “y’all,” “fixin’ to,” and should you deserve it, will “bless your heart.” She’s the proud mother three hyperactive and occasionally adorable children, and the wife of a husband who tolerates her chaotic writer’s cave.

Although reading is her passion, she can usually be found watching true crime shows and crafting inspiration for twisted new tales. Cora admits to being a horrible cook, an even worse baker, and believes she’s more dangerous with a hot glue gun than any weapon on earth. Oh, and she and autocorrect are mortal enemies.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15178303.Cora_Kenborn

Publisher: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/cora-kenborn/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoraKenborn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/corakenborn

Author Spotlight, New Releases, Solstice Publishing

Author Spotlight: K.A. Meng Paranormal and Urban Fantasy Author

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Debbie

Welcome to the Literary Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors. Today, I am chatting with K.A. Meng from Grand Forks, North Dakota that she claims is one of the coldest towns in America.

Thanks for joining us, K.A. Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.

How long have you been published? What titles have you published and with which publisher? Have you self-published any titles? Please give details

I was published for the first time at the end of September 2016, a little over three months ago. My only publication right now is Superior Species with Solstice Publishing.

Congratulations.

Tell us a little bit about your books — what genre you write, if you write a series, any upcoming releases or your current work-in-progress. If you have an upcoming release, please specify the release date.

Superior Species is about an eighteen-year-old girl who moves to a new town to start a better life. Ivory Ames has caught the attention of four gorgeous guys. At Los Roshano University this isn’t normal, even when all the upperclassmen have perfect physiques, flawless complexions, and hypnotic looks. That’s not even the weirdest part. The town has a strict sunset curfew because of wild animals attacking. To keep her friends and herself safe, Ivory must figure out the truth behind the town’s mysteries before it’s too late.

That sounds very interesting.

I write Paranormal and Urban Fantasy stories. Superior Species is planned for a series. I am editing the second book now. I don’t have a release date.

Good luck with that.

Describe your goals as a writer. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? What are you planning to do to reach these goals?

My main goal is to finish the Superior Species books which will take the next few years. I need to write them. My plan is to write the books, put it aside for a bit, and then edit it. My goal is to release two a year.

Nice. I write a series, too, although I enjoy writing short stories and standalones. I find it’s always good to put a first draft aside after you finish it and then go back and edit when it’s fresh to you again.

What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?

I hope to attract readers who are interested in the paranormal just like me. I believe those who are tired of monsters not being scary anymore will enjoy my books. My plan is to bring the fear back for them. My characters might be good-looking, but they’re still monsters.

Interesting point. I sometimes enjoy a touch of the paranormal in the books I read. My self-published book, Cloudy Rainbow, was a paranormal romance, and I also have another that I started and hope to finish one day.

What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?

Never give up. If you want to be an author, write the book, find a great writers group or friends to polish it, and then submit it. Keep submitting until you are published. I do recommend going with a publisher the first time. You need help. I’ve learned so much in the last few months. For those self-published and are making it, I applaud you.

I agree. You have to be persistent to get noticed in this competitive field. You’re also right about self-publishing. It’s not for everyone, although some people do well.

What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?

My biggest struggle was trying to find a publisher. I had a lot of rejections, but I never gave up.

It’s very hard to break in; but like the saying goes, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” I’m currently querying agents for another title. No bites yet, but I’m not letting the rejections stop me from continuing to submit.

Have you taken any writing or publishing classes? If so, please provide information about them and if you feel they helped you further your professional skills.

I’ve taken two writing classes in college. I’m also involved in critique groups. They helped me out and shaped me.

I’m involved in my library’s writing group now, and I also took some online writing and publishing courses. In addition, I had journalism experience from the work on my college newspaper.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

My hobbies are reading, watching TV and movies, and playing board games. I’m a homebody and I’m proud of it.

There’s nothing wrong with being a homebody. I think most of us authors are. I like to travel a little but mostly to conferences and with my family in the summer, but I don’t like to spend too much time away especially since I have cats.

What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?

I like being an author because it’s my dream job and I’m slowly building the career to do it. What I dislike is how long it is taking. I want to write every day only, but I like to eat. The toughest job so far is marketing my books. I’m still trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t. Can’t I have a fairy godmother? *Twirls wand* The next day, I’m a best seller.

Lol. I feel very much the same. I work full-time, so I can’t devote much of the day to writing except the early morning. Marketing is tough. It can be frustrating and time consuming without much reward. However, I agree the best marketing tool for authors is to write more books. You have to prioritize all the rest including eating and sleeping, of course.

Please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. and include some book cover graphics and author photos if possible.

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/KAMengAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KAMengAuthor

Website: http://www.kamengauthor.com/

Blog: http://www.kamengauthor.com/blog

Superior Species buy link Amazon: getBook.at/SuperiorSpecies

Superior Species trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOzCNL3irmg

Wonderful! Thanks for the interview, K.A. I wish you all the best on your series and future writings.

Guest Post

Guest Post by Speculative Writer Nicole Luttrell

Posted on January 18, 2017 by Debbie

It’s my pleasure to feature fellow Solstice publishing author and speculative feature writer, Nicole Luttrell, with a great guest post about writing.

Hi, my name’s Nicole. I’m a writer. I kind of make a big deal out of that. Specifically, I’m a speculative fiction writer. That means I write horror, science fiction and fantasy. I wrote a book called Broken Patterns, and I sort of think it’s the best fantasy book since Dragonriders of Pern.

Am I a little full of myself? Yeah, I’ll admit it. Calling myself a speculative fiction writer a hell of a mouthful.

I also happen to be a professional author.

I love the hilarity of that sentence, you know? A professional author? I can’t think of anything less professional, you know? I mean, think about it.

We make up stories and tell them to people for a living. We have imaginary friends and they talk to us. Lots of writers, like myself, write in our pajamas, on our couches, with a cup of coffee. We are the last people you’d think of as professional. We’re really just big kids, playing with our imaginary toys.

Well, except that we don’t just write in our pjs. We also write in waiting rooms, at red lights, during our lunch breaks. We write before our kids get up and after they go to bed. We write while other people go to the movies and go to bars and, you know, sleep.

We have to write in all of these times because most of us, including me, have day jobs. I have a full time day job, in fact. We write around jobs, school and families. In fact, a lot of us write around all three of those things at the same time. (Not me, though. I just have a full time job and two kids. Oh, and also a husband and too many pets.)

We weep over our writing, did you know that? We kill of your favorite characters, yes. But they were our favorite characters long before you ever heard of them. Characters don’t just exist for us, they live inside our minds. Killing one is gut wrenching.

Of course, the rough draft is only half of it. Once it’s done we start in editing. We edit, edit and edit some more. We edit our work until it glows. Until we could repeat the stories from memory. And sometimes we feel like we do that.

Usually, that whole repeating it from memory comes when we start promoting our work to everyone. Have you ever worked in sales? Imagine that, but all the time. The thing that makes it better and worse at the same time is that you feel like you’re selling a part of yourself. So you really believe that everyone needs what you’re selling, but you’re also taking every rejection hugely personally.

Finally, when we’re done with a book, we start all over again. Because writing’s an obsession, one that we cannot escape.

So professional writer is kind of a ridiculous thing to call us. It’s better to call us what we really are.

Addicts.

Connect with Nicole:

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/nicolecluttrell86/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/NicoleCLuttrell

Pintrest- https://www.pinterest.com/nicolecluttrell/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Paper-Beats-World-1408800012753200/?ref=bookmarks

Blog- https://paperbeatsworld.com/

Romantic Suspense

Have you read Desert Jewely by Natalina Reis?

Posted on January 17, 2017January 17, 2017 by Debbie

Rebellion brews inside Milenda’s heart as the date for the Trials approaches. As the heiress to the throne of Natale, she is forced to choose a consort from the survivors of the grueling quest across the desert.

Milenda’s heart belongs to Jaali and wants no part in the ancient and cruel ritual, but the Elders—the true rulers of Natale—will not back down.

Jaali was brought from the far North as a child slave. His only chance to be with the woman he loves is to volunteer for the Trials, no matter how dangerous or how much Milenda objects.

Together they begin their journey of discovery and rebellion against the Elders. But will their love be enough or will they lose everything they’ve fought for?

“This was what home felt like. It turned out she could indeed love and be loved.”

What People Are Saying About Desert Jewel

“Desert Jewel was a great read. I couldn’t put it down once I picked it up. I enjoyed Jaali and Milenda’s story. It was one wrought with peril. Their love was an enduring one that weathered a lot of storms. I have never read a book by this author before but I would like to read her other books. I like her writing style it flowed well and was very easy to dive into her story.”

“Desert Jewel was an interesting story about love, survival, and inner strength. Another impulse request on NetGalley, I was worried that it wouldn’t be as good as its fabulous cover artwork. However, I found myself staying up late at night just to finish it. I was captivated throughout and couldn’t help but keep turning the pages to see what would happen next.”

“I am almost sure that there is going to be a sequel. The story is far from over. I just can’t wait to read the rest of the story!!!”

“I absolutely loved Desert Jewel! Such an incredible adventure and romance! Both Milenda and Jaali were such great characters you couldn’t help but root for their love. Natalina Reis does an incredible job taking you into this world and making you feel all of the emotions of the characters. Milenda is a strong heroine character, which I always love reading about those types of characters, and Jaali is a strong hero who really cares for Milenda deeply. Milenda and Jaali both fight against the norms forced upon them and they both know what they want in life, freedom and real love. I am so happy I had an opportunity to read this book. It really is a hidden gem!”

All links: books2read.com/desertjewel

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Thanks for Making My Mystery #2

Posted on January 16, 2017January 17, 2017 by Debbie

Thanks to all those who voted for Between a Rock and a Hard Place in the P&E Reader’s poll category for best mystery and also to my wonderful publisher, Solstice Publisher. Although I came in #2, I am very proud to display my winner’s top 10 badge. There were a lot of great books running. I am pleased to have taken second place, and I owe it all to my friends, family, and fans. It means a lot to me.