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New Release: Catch and Release by A. L. Vincent
TITLE: Catch And Release
SERIES: Fleur de Lis, Book #.5
AUTHOR: A.L. Vincent
“Thirty days to find Mr. Right…”
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Another Christmas season looms on the horizon, and Carly Devereaux is single. Again…
All Carly wants is to find the right guy, someone to snuggle during those long, chilly winter nights and watch cheesy holiday movies with. But she doesn’t have the best luck with men. She’s already dated every broke, neurotic, emotionally unavailable man in a five-mile radius. However, she’s determined to make this year different. This Christmas, she’s going to find the perfect guy.
The goal—find her true love by Christmas Eve…
Carly has thirty days to sort through mixed signals from her best friend, an unwanted attraction to the wrong guy, and a slew of horrible online dates. If something can go wrong with her love life…it will.
She won’t give up, though. She’s spent her last year trimming the tree alone. Now all she has to do is beat the odds and find Mr. Right.
AVAILABLE AT AMAZON! READ FOR FREE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED!
AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2gdeheb
AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/2fuOGeT
AMAZON AU: http://amzn.to/2fCRB2n
AMAZON CA: http://amzn.to/2eCEnpx
MEET THE AUTHOR: A.L. Vincent is a teacher/writer who lives in the heart of Cajun Country. Born in Oklahoma, A.L. became fascinated with South Louisiana after reading Interview With the Vampire. Finally, she became a Cajun transplant in 2001. When not getting lost in a story line, A.L. can be found cooking or enjoying live local music. A.L. has one son, and a furball of a dog aptly named Furby.
Limitless Publishing: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/al-vincent/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALVincentAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/soonergirl1975
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12945977-a-l-vincent
Author Spotlight: YA Author Jill Van Den Eng
Welcome to the Literary Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors. Today, I am chatting with YA author Jill Van Den Eng from Appleton, Wisconsin.
Thanks for joining us, Jill. 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.
My debut YA novel, “Divided Moon,” was published in 2012 by Solstice Publishing. The companion novel to that, “Gangbanger,” was just released November 15, 2016, also by Solstice Publishing.
I have not self published any titles, as I don’t have the time or money to do something like that. I have published in newspapers, periodicals and online sources as a journalist.
Very nice, and congratulations on your new release. As you know, I also publish with Solstice Publishing and also Limitless Publishing. My first book, however, was self-published by Booklocker.com. I’ve also written articles for magazines and online publications.
Tell us a little bit about your books. If you write a series, any upcoming releases or your current work-in-progress.
I write realistic YA fiction. I like to say they are contemporary, coming of age stories, but have seen “Divided Moon” classified as historical fiction since it is set in the 1990s, as is “Gangbanger.” They are set in the 1990s for a reason (I promise, I am not afraid to write about smart phone technology). Both stories feature main characters who are first generation Hmong in America. They live this divided life in which their immigrant parents want to keep the culture of their homeland and culture alive while their kids grow up in American culture.
I received good reviews for “Divided Moon,” and many say it made them think. The companion novel, “Gangbanger” just hit the street on November 15, 2016, and I am excited to hear what readers think. This story follows Moon’s brother, Ze, and his story as he breaks rank. It was an emotional story to write, that came largely from my gut and knowledge of that bond of friendship that is so strong when you are a teen.
Your series sounds very interesting.
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 have a lot of stories to write. I do feel like I am an “issue” writer who likes to cast light on things that people may not be aware of or never thought about much. I am pleased when I hear someone say my book made them think or informs them on something they didn’t know existed. I guess that is my goal, bringing forth things we may not otherwise see to better understand the people around us. That is the point of communication.
As a librarian as well as an author, I agree completely.
What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?
I don’t have a “type” of reader. I love them all. I wish more people would read my books. Being published by a small press has some disadvantages, one of them being outside of the library market. I make an effort to donate books to my favorite libraries so more people have the opportunity to read them. Although then I worry and want to check them out a few times so they don’t toss them for taking up too much space.
I know what you mean about small presses having the drawback of limited distribution, although there are some pluses to them, as well. I’m currently seeking wider distribution and formats for my psychological thriller that I am querying with agents. As far as small press books being outside the library market, I somewhat disagree with that. As a librarian who orders books for our fiction and mystery collection, I’m aware that many good, small press books are not ordered by libraries because they are not generally reviewed in library journals such as Booklist and Publisher’s Weekly. However, patrons can request that books not owned by their libraries be purchased. Donating is an option, but not always the best one for an author although exposure is important.
What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?
Revise, revise, revise. Don’t be afraid or offended by critique. It is so important to see the flaws in your work so that you can improve it. Writing a story is bringing the reader on a journey, you want them to get “lost” in the book, almost in a trance where they can’t put it down. That is what makes reading fun! You can’t get there without a heck of a lot of work on story and prose and generous feedback.
That’s good advice, although you can’t please every reader. I’ve found that editing and revising often take longer than the initial writing which is just a rough draft.
What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?
Like a lot of writers, I would say the biggest challenge in the beginning is the rejection. It is hard to hear no over and over again, but it is part of the process. Even established authors with published stories get rejected. At least the published authors I know. I often take rejections as opportunities to make the work better and I appreciate it when editors and agents offer advice and reasons the story didn’t resonate with them.
That’s very true. I feel the same.
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 have taken tons of classes and workshops. I highly recommend the Summer Writer’s Festival at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, as this was a fun place to take a class for a weekend or a week for not much money, and they often have week long or weekend classes that can target what you are writing with good faculty. For those writing for children, I highly recommend joining SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). I have been to regional and national conferences, and they are invaluable for making connections with fellow writers and illustrators, as well as agents and editors.
Yes. Classes and conferences can be extremely helpful for authors especially those connected with professional associations.
What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?
I am a Master Gardener Volunteer, although I feel this is a misnomer. I have done the classwork (and got a 99.5% on my final exam), have a garden, and do the volunteer and education to keep my license, but I feel like a noob. I have some advice, but mostly, I am learning from those around me. My goal is to get to a place where I can truly help others with gardening advice.
Nice.
What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?
What I like most is my books. I love them all so much! What I like least is marketing. I am still learning about that portion of it, and wish I could give a free copy to everyone, while still making a living off this.
I also find marketing a challenge, and I believe most authors do, as well. They would rather write than promote. Unfortunately, if you can’t sell your books, publishers will no longer back you.
Please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. and include some book cover graphics and author photos if possible.
Blog: www.jillysbookblog.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JillVanDenEng
Twitter: @MoonOverMadison
Instagram: jill.vandeneng
Introducing Cobble Cove Character Chat
I have some exciting news to share, but first, I want to thank all those great authors who helped me and my characters host our Cobble Cove mysteries birthday party on Facebook this past week. The guest hosts did a wonderful job, and we had a great turn out of readers.
Now for the big news. My brilliant 7th-grade daughter came up with a great idea which includes all the characters from the Cobble Cove mysteries hosting a monthly event called Cobble Cove Character Chat on the first Wednesday of each month. There will be a different character each month. That character will “chat” with anyone who visits the page that day. The character will post some information about themselves, maybe share an excerpt from a book in which they appear, and also offer a contest, freebie, or something else of interest to readers. Those who visit the CCCC event page may ask any question(s) they want of the character of that month. Doesn’t that sound like a lot of fun? Why not drop by and check out the first chat on Wednesday, December 7?
The event page is located here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1826399190969939/
Pre-Orders Open for Solstice Publishing’s A Winter Holiday 2016 Anthology
The end of year holidays are filled with joy as decorations go up worldwide. Parades give everyone a chance to join with others in happiness. Families make plans to gather for meals and celebrations.
A season for joy…
A season for celebration…
A season for family…
Solstice Publishing presents eleven talented authors with a dozen stories that portray the winter holiday season in many ways. Each tale will fill you with wonder, joy, and a sense of earned togetherness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm8GCXvEYik&feature=youtu.be
Celebrate with K.C. Sprayberry, Donna Alice Patton, Johnny Gunn, Susan Lynn Solomon, Debbie De Louise, Elle Marlow, Leah Hamrick, Eden S. Clark, E.B. Sullivan, M.A. Cortez, and Rebecca L. Frencl this winter holiday season.
http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01N41UOYH
My story, Christmas with My Characters, is included in this anthology. Here is the blurb:
The characters from Debbie De Louise’s Cobble Cove cozy mysteries gather in the Cobble Cove library to celebrate the holidays. Each character receives a gift from the author; and Alicia, the main character, reads some excerpts from the first book, A Stone’s Throw, and the new release, Between a Rock and a Hard Place.
Join my Books Birthday Party Featuring Giveaways, Contests, and Prizes
You are invited to the Cobble Cove Mysteries Birthday party taking place on Facebook Tuesday night, November 15 through Wednesday afternoon, November 16. Join me and 8 other authors in celebrating the one-year birthday of A Stone’s Throw and the one-month birthday of Between a Rock and a Hard Place.
The party will feature giveaways, free books, contests, and fun. Some of the hosts may also bring virtual birthday presents, decorations, food, and drinks. Alicia and Sneaky the library cat, characters from the Cobble Cove cozy mystery series, will make special guest appearances on both days.
The schedule of authors and the link to the event page are listed below. I look forward to seeing you at the party.
Tuesday, Nov 15:
6:30 – 7:00 pm – Alicia (from the Cobble Cove Mysteries)
7:00 – 7:30 pm – Alisha Vincent
7:30 – 8 pm – Natalie Silk
8:00 – 8:30 pm Ali.Brandon
8:30-9:00 pm Natalina Bell
9:00 – 9:30 pm – Sneaky Cat (from the Cobble Cove Mysteries)
Wednesday, Nov. 16:
10:00 – 10:30 am – Debbie De Louise Author
10:30 – 11 am – Steve Lindahl
11 – 11:30 am – Ramona Marek
11:30 – 12 noon – Author Charmain Zimmerman Brackett
12 noon – 12:30 Sneaky Cat (from the Cobble Cove Mysteries)
12:30 – 1 pm – Sophia Valentine
Cover Reveal: Catch and Release by A. L. Vincent
***Cover Reveal!!!**
Amazon Link: http://a.co/dkCGVbW
Another Christmas season looms on the horizon, and Carly Devereaux is single. Again…
All Carly wants is to find the right guy, someone to snuggle during those long, chilly winter nights and watch cheesy holiday movies with. But she doesn’t have the best luck with men. She’s already dated every broke, neurotic, emotionally unavailable man in a five-mile radius. However, she’s determined to make this year different. This Christmas, she’s going to find the perfect guy.
The goal—find her true love by Christmas Eve…
Carly has thirty days to sort through mixed signals from her best friend, an unwanted attraction to the wrong guy, and a slew of horrible online dates. If something can go wrong with her love life…it will.
She won’t give up, though. She’s spent her last year trimming the tree alone. Now all she has to do is beat the odds and find Mr. Right.
New Release: Merge by Erin Lee
Merge
Book Three
“Lola Party of Eight” series
by Erin Lee
“Why should we give up our lives for hers?” – Zoe, the dreamer
“Because she gave up hers for ours.” – Maria, the mother
Lola was never any good at math. Just thinking about it makes her head hurt: Two arms, two legs, ten fingers, ten toes. One brain, eight alter egos. Sometimes, the numbers just don’t add up. Of course, it doesn’t help that an unknown factor has been added to the equation – a new alter who insists he has all the answers.
After more than thirty years in a mental hospital, dissociative identity disorder patient Lola Murray thought she’d finally silenced the voices. But after her mother’s death, Lola finds herself right back where she started, plus one.
As she lays dormant in a mental hospital, her eight alter egos must decide—once and for all—to merge or let Lola go forever. What does it take to get a control freak, a know-it-all, a recluse, comedian, dreamer, protector, techy, and child to agree? It’s really a matter of how you, they, or “we” see the bigger equation. Is it possible for nine to become one? Nine lives. One body. Will a merge finally set them free?
Paperback now available. Ebook releases 11.11.16!
Merge: Book Three, “Lola, Party of 8” series (Lola, Party of Eight) (Volume 3)
by Erin Lee
Link: https://amzn.com/1533413215
Author Spotlight: Marie Lavender
Welcome to the Literary Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors. Today, I am chatting with Marie Lavender from Indianapolis, Indiana.
Thanks for joining me, Marie. Please have 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 have been officially published since 2010, though I did have two stories published in a university anthology back in 2005. I’ve released 22 titles under the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, fantasy, romantic suspense, mystery/thriller, science fiction, literary fiction and poetry. Some were published under different pen names, but I’m working on moving all of those previous titles under one name. I’ve also had poems and stories published in anthologies. Yes, some of my books were self-published. Others were through my publisher, Solstice Publishing. Solstice found me in 2012, and my first book with them, a historical romance titled Upon Your Return, was released in February of 2013. From then on, I released Magick & Moonlight, a romantic fantasy; Upon Your Honor, book two of the Heiresses in Love Series; Second Nature, a paranormal romance/urban fantasy and book one of the Blood at First Sight Series; A Little Magick, a children’s fantasy and book two of the Magick Series; and Second Chance Heart.
Here is my bio:
Bestselling multi-genre author of UPON YOUR RETURN and 21 other books. March 2016 Empress of the Universe title – winner of the “Broken Heart” themed contest and the “I Love You” themed contest on Poetry Universe. SECOND CHANCE HEART and A LITTLE MAGICK placed in the TOP 10 on the 2015 P&E Readers’ Poll. Nominated in the TRR Readers’ Choice Awards for Winter 2015. Poetry winner of the 2015 PnPAuthors Contest. The Versatile Blogger Award for 2015. Honorable Mention in the 2014 BTS Red Carpet Book Awards. Finalist and Runner-up in the 2014 MARSocial’s Author of the Year Competition. Honorable mention in the January 2014 Reader’s Choice Award. Liebster Blogger Award for 2013 and 2014. Top 10 Authors on AuthorsDB.com. Winner of the Great One Liners Contest on the Directory of Published Authors.
Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Since 2010, Marie has published 22 books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, fantasy, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. She has also contributed to several anthologies. Her current series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series and The Blood at First Sight Series.
It sounds like you have quite a diverse writing career. Tell us a little bit more about your books — any upcoming releases or your current work-in-progress. If you have an upcoming release, please specify the release date.
I am a multi-genre author, so you’ll see my books in various genres. I often cross genres. In both my published books and works-in-progress, you’ll notice comedies, historical tales, paranormal, science fiction, dystopian and time travel stories, as well as general romance. I’m currently editing Directions of the Heart, a contemporary romance/romantic drama collection of four tales. And I hope to finish Blood Instincts, a futuristic paranormal romance/urban fantasy and book two of the Blood at First Sight Series, sometime in 2017.
Releasing on November 15th is Blue Vision, a sci-fi romance and book one of the Code of Endhivar Series.
You certainly are busy, congratulations on your upcoming release.
Blurb for Blue Vision
Brooke Sanders just wants to get away from her life for awhile. A remote cabin in Montana fits the bill. She doesn’t expect to encounter a mysterious stranger with unusual blue eyes, or events that cannot be explained…
Colin Fielding is on a mission – scout a planet and return home to Endhivar. Simple really. What he doesn’t anticipate is that fate has a pretty twisted sense of humor. Suddenly, this human calls to him, every part of him, like the call of a true mate, and he can’t deny the connection as he gets closer to her.
Little do they know, someone is out to do them harm, as well as the world Brooke holds so dear. Can they stop what’s coming before it’s too late? Or will the universe lose a perfect gem?
Book Trailer
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?
Well, as aforementioned, I plan to totally revise and re-release some titles from my backlist. I hope to have Awakening, a paranormal thriller collection, done in 2017. Other backlist titles to be released include Dark Secrets, a romantic suspense collection; First Target, a romantic mystery collection; The Game, an international romantic suspense saga; and Ms. Lavender’s Collection of Ramblings, a literary fiction and poetry collection. Also, I’d like to finish up the Magick Series with the final title in the trilogy, Magick Sunrise, another romantic fantasy with a somewhat futuristic angle. There may even be a Valentine’s romance, titled Project Cupcakes. Additionally, I hope to launch into two new series, The Misfits Series, a six-book romantic comedy series set in San Francisco; as well as the Witches of Moonhaven Series, a six-book historical romance/fantasy series about a coven of witches in the time of the European witch trials.
How will I do it? I guess I’ll just keep hacking away at the computer until it’s all finished. With 117+ works-in-progress, I’m not likely to run out of ideas for future projects!
And I thought the 11 manuscripts I found from writings I did in my twenties would be too much to handle. You are inspiring.
What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?
Anyone who is open to entering new worlds is welcome to read my books!
I’m sure that’s a wide audience.
What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?
Never lose your joy for writing. When the “business” of being an author drags you down, you’ll need to go back to that time and time again, to renew your energy and live in the moment of the story as you follow the muse down unknown paths.
I like that. It’s very true. Although we authors are involved in so many tasks besides writing, it’s the writing that keeps us going as well as the readers who read our books.
What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?
I received a lot of rejections from literary agents and publishers before I found the right publisher. But I learned to be persistent, to never give up on my dream.
That’s the most important thing. If you want something enough, you will keep striving for it against the odds.
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.
Yes, I have. I actually took Creative Writing in middle school, high school, and then also majored in Creative Writing in college. Additionally, during my senior year at the university, I took a ‘literary editing and publishing’ class. It was a way to let us dip our toes in the water of publishing without running into the usual barriers. Of course I think taking a writing class helped me develop my writing skills. I would definitely suggest it too. In lieu of that, however, reading in the genre you plan to write in can give you an idea of the way those books are structured.
Yes, writing courses can be helpful; but, as you said, reading is also very important. I’ve always been an avid reader and, as a librarian and author, it’s helped me a great deal personally as well as professionally.
What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?
I love reading books, working on creative projects (like graphic design or even experimenting with home decor), and shopping! I also like cooking, listening to music and collecting gel pens.
Gel pens? I never thought of them as collectibles. I guess they make good ones for authors.
What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?
I have two favorite parts. One, I love being in the midst of writing a story, when the characters are talking to me and the plot is flowing perfectly. Secondly, I love hearing from fans that enjoyed a book, and especially when their interpretation is spot on, like they totally get the way the character came out on the page, the way he or she was intended. I really feel like I did my job well then.
I’d have to say the toughest part for me is still editing. Knowing what you should get rid of or change is hard on a writer. It’s like when a teacher critiques your child. Your first reaction is denial or even anger because that’s your kid. You love your child, and you would never try to change him or her. And you don’t like it when people say bad things about your kid. But you take a step back and realize Tommy might really benefit in the long run by studying or improving upon his skills. Let’s consider another analogy. Editing for me is like when you clean your house. You know you have to go through those steps to get to the other side and have a better looking place, but the work to get there is a real chore. When I first receive my editor’s comments on a manuscript, I groan a bit at all the scary marks across the page but then I quickly get over myself. I know this is just a necessary step on the way to making this the best product for my readers.
I share the same favorite parts about my writing that you do. I love when a story and characters come together as well as the twists and turns I try to feature in my mysteries. I also equally enjoy meeting readers and hearing their complimentary feedback about my writing. It’s very motivating. I also don’t love editing, but promoting is the toughest part for me because I have a hard time selling myself and my writing.
Please list your social media links, website, blog, etc.
Website: http://marielavender.com/
Blogs: http://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/
http://marielavenderbooks.blogspot.com/
http://marielavender.blogspot.com/
Graphic design company: http://www.ambrosiainnovations.com/
https://www.facebook.com/marie.lavender.58
https://www.facebook.com/MarieAnnLavender
https://twitter.com/marielavender1
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+MarieLavender/posts
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marie-lavender/27/187/10a
Amazon author page: Author.to/MarieLavender
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938764.Marie_Lavender
http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/1578-marie-lavender
http://www.pw.org/content/marie_lavender
http://manicreaders.com/marielavender/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJu8HjRVYCFOqcIoX6ZxdqQ/videos
Wow! You are really well represented online. It was a pleasure to have you on Ruff Drafts, Marie, and best wishes again on your book releasing next week.
Win a $90 Gift Card and Read Some Great Holiday Books
The two books in my Cobble Cove mysteries, A Stone’s Throw and Between a Rock and a Hard Place, are part of Book Enthusiast Promotions Holiday Blitz that features a $90 gift card giveaway in addition to wonderful holiday reads. Both my cozy mystery books take place near holidays.
A Stone’s Throw, with a sweet romance and a page-turning, twisty mystery takes place in November and includes a Thanksgiving scene at the quaint Cobble Inn.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place features the Cobble Cove Christmas Faire as well as a few scenes in New York City during the holidays, several new characters, and three crimes to be solved. 
More information on my books and how to enter the giveaway are included here: http://bit.ly/2fv3aLS
Ruff Drafts 