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Category: Authors
New Book Release Alert – Maggie’s Marriage by Gloria Hermann
I am proud to present the second book in the wonderful Cloverleaf series of sweet romances taking place in the small town of Birch Valley. This book was written by fellow Limitless Publishing author, Gloria Hermann. The information below is taken from her release blitz by Indi Girl Promotions scheduled today, January 5, 2016. The blitz includes a giveaway that you can enter. Thanks for reading, sharing, and supporting this author,
Synopsis of Maggie’s Marriage:
Marriage is hard work, but no one ever told Maggie that it would be this hard…
How did life end up so completely turned so upside down? When Maggie Trembley took her vows more than six years ago, she didn’t anticipate becoming just a wife, just a mother, and no longer…Maggie.
It’s impossible to cling to the bit of self-identity you have left when you’re someone’s everything…
Meeting and falling in love with Michael Trembley, a young and handsome attorney, was the easy part. Moving away from her family, raising their six-year-old daughter almost singlehandedly, and learning she is now pregnant again is an entirely different story. All she wants to do is retreat back home to Birch Valley and her loud and loving family, the O’Briens.
So when Maggie hits her breaking point, she takes their daughter and reluctantly leaves Michael to his endless hours at the office.
To be on top, you have to make sacrifices…
Michael Trembley wants to be the best – the best corporate defense attorney, the best son, dad, and husband – but he falls short in the last two on his list of priorities. Now his perfect world is anything but. The distance from his family is a major wakeup call, but what is he willing to sacrifice to make it right?
The journey of life is full of twists and turns. Will Maggie and Michael survive this bump in the road, or will their perfect idea of a family fall completely apart.
Buy Links:
- Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Vdd5Bo
- Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maggies-Marriage-Cloverleaf-Book-2-ebook/dp/B019PFPXQ6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1450978405&sr=8-2&keywords=Gloria+Herrmann
Author Bio:
I was born and raised in southern California and relocated to beautiful eastern Washington state in 2002. The rural small towns that speckle this vast area have inspired my ideal setting for most of the stories I write. The pine and tamarack trees covering the towering mountains, the shimmering lakes and rivers, the abundant wildlife, and the feeling of a time forgotten, all stir so many of my creative juices. I can’t thank my parents enough for dragging this city kid on long roadtrips up to this rugged foreign area, because now it is my home and I truly love my life here.
Reading was something that spurred me to begin writing at a young age. I enjoyed creating characters, different settings, and describing anything and everything. Storytelling, I have found is something I have inherited from both of my parents. I love attention to detail, using words to fully bring the picture alive, that is something I got from my dad. Creating characters and figuring out their story and how to achieve their happy ending comes from my mom. Then there is the smell of a book, new or old, the weight of it in your hands as you balance it open, seeing all those beautifully typed words spun and woven into sentences, this was created by a writer. I knew that was what I wanted to be when I grew up and here I am today, a real author.
Romance, I simply love it, that’s why I write it. I remember my mom giving me my very first paperback romance novel. It was a pretty exciting one filled with suspense and an overall excellent storyline, she had just read it and she felt it was suitable for my teenage eyes. That was it, I was hooked. I began to devour these romance stories that varied over the years from sweet to sultry, I consumed thousands of books and stories over the years. Each time I finished reading a novel, the desire to write my own grew stronger. As ideas for books swirled in my mind, it always had a romantic element to it, and I suppose it always will. What is there not to love about falling in love and finding that special person to share your life with? Who doesn’t wish for passion, butterflies in your stomach, and that happily ever after?
As a reader, I can’t even begin to thank all of the writers that have created so many emotions for me, falling in love with characters, mourning their loss, sighing as I close the final chapter or smiling when everyone lives happily ever after. As a writer, I just want to do the same.
Author Links:
- LIMITLESS PUBLISHING: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/gloria-herrmann/
- FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGloriaHerrmann
- INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/authorgloriaherrmann
- TWITTER: https://twitter.com/GloriaIsWriting
- WEBSITE: http://www.gloriaherrmann.com/
- GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/44480875-gloria-herrmann
- AMAZON: amazon.com/author/gloriaherrmann
Giveaway:
Indie Girl Promotion Links:
- Website: http://www.IGPromotions.Blogspot.com
- Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/IndieGirlPromotions
Author Spotlight Jennifer Allis Provost
Welcome to the Limitless Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors from Limitless Publishing. Today, I am chatting with Jennifer Allis Provost from Springfield, Massachusetts.
Thanks for joining me, Jennifer. Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.
I understand you have a novel that is just being released by Limitless today. Can you give me some details about it and the series it is part of?
My first Limitless title, Changing Teams, was released November 10, 2015. The sequel, Changing Scenes, releases today, January 5, 2016. There will be two more in the series, Changing Fate and Changing Dates, release dates TBD.
My series with Limitless is contemporary romance—however, I wouldn’t call myself a romance writer. I’ve also got an urban fantasy series published through Spencer Hill Press called the Copper Legacy. Copper Girl and Copper Ravens are out now, and Copper Veins will release May 3, 2016. I’ve also got an epic fantasy series out, with the first installment, Heir to the Sun, available now. The sequel, The Virgin Queen, is being finalized as we speak—stay tuned for a release date! I also have short fiction in several anthologies. Check out my website for more specifics.
Wow! You certainly sound like you have a lot of writing going on. Can you tell us a little bit more about your books?
Since this is the Limitless Lounge, let’s talk about the Changes series. The first book is all about Sam and Britt, and a rather large secret Sam is hiding. Like, elephant in the room large. Britt thinks she’s found everything she’s ever wanted in Sam. Then the cat’s out of the bag, and she wonders if she can ever trust him again.
The second book, Changing Scenes, follows Britt’s best friend Astrid. She’s a world-renowned model used to fabulous parties and wearing shoes that cost more than her rent. When she meets a small-town chef named Donnie, she realizes that image isn’t everything. But how will Donnie ever fit into her life, and she in his?
Would you describe your goals as a writer to us. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? What are you planning to do to reach these goals?
It’s funny you should ask this, since I’m currently transitioning away from my career of the past fifteen years into a more creative field. I spent quite a lot of time—too much—trying to be a grown up, and in early 2015 I decided that I just wasn’t going to spend my days as a cubicle monkey. So I decided to take the plunge and earn my MFA, which will be complete in 2017. With that, I’ll be able to take on more adjunct teaching positions (I already teach marketing and writing workshops) to supplement my writing income. I’ve also built up a small backlist, and I’m set to release five, possibly six books in 2016, and at least one short story. To sum up, my goal is to leave the cubicle farm behind by 2017. Nope, not ambitious at all.
Congratulations on your upcoming degree, and best of luck with all your “unambitious” plans – lol.
What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?
Anyone who appreciates complex relationships, romance, and a bit of adventure will enjoy my books. Even my contemporary romances have adventure. After all, what’s more adventurous than love?
That’s so true. I think my books tend toward mystery, but I always think the romantic touches add something no matter what genre you write.
What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?
Get out and network. Follow writers on Twitter, join a book group, hang out at your local libraries and bookstores, and talk to people. If you can, attend some writing conferences, especially those where you can pitch agents and editors directly and get feedback on your work. By and large writers are very supportive, and the advice you’ll get from them will be priceless.
I like that advice especially the part about going to libraries since I’m a librarian, but I also agree it’s great to have the feedback and support of fellow writers.
What hobbies and interests do you have besides writing?
Does drinking coffee count as a hobby? Wait, that’s more life support. I have five year old twins, so you could say that I enjoy ferrying them around and peace and quiet.
Oh, my gosh. How do you do it? I have an 11-year old, so now that she spends so much time in her private space, I have more time to write. I guess that explains your answer about drinking coffee.
What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?
My toughest challenge right now is balancing the work I want to do—writing—with my day job. Hence the exit plan described above.
Makes sense. My work compliments my writing, but it’s hard to manage both at the same time. I’d love to write full-time, but I can’t give up my day job just yet. My dream is that, by the time I retire, I have built up my writing and fan base enough to do it full time.
Can you please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. so readers can connect with you.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jennallis https://www.facebook.com/copperraven
Twitter: @parthalan
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2975887.Jennifer_Allis_Provost
Website: http://authorjenniferallisprovost.com/
Thanks for the interview. It was very nice to talk with you in the Limitless Library Lounge today, and I wish you the best with your your new release and those that follow.
Feature Friday January 1- Amy Reece – The Seeker Series
I am proud to present this week’s Feature Friday author, Amy Reece. Every Friday, I feature an author from Limitless Publishing, my own publisher, and their books on this blog. The books are available in paperback and eBook. Please support these outstanding writers by spreading the word to your friends, family, and co-workers.
✤✤ The Seeker Series by Amy Reece ✤✤
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
SEEKER, The Seeker #1
✤ SYNOPSIS ✤
Ally Moran has always just known about things—things she shouldn’t really be able to know…
Suddenly when she starts having vivid visions about a former friend who is in desperate trouble, the adults in her life think she might hold the key to an ancient mystery.
Jack Ruiz has a troubled past, but is trying to make a fresh start at a new high school…
He just wants to keep his head down and graduate, hopefully before he turns 20. The last thing he needs is to get involved with a feisty redhead and her psychic visions.
While Jack valiantly attempts to keep Ally at arm’s length, she is equally determined to be a part of his life. Who will win this battle of wills?
More importantly…
Can this unlikely couple work together to find answers to Ally’s visions before someone gets killed?
✤ PURCHASE ✤
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1USeFcQ
DREAMER, The Seeker #2
✤ SYNOPSIS ✤
Meet Ally Moran, a 17 year-old who also happens to be psychic. Oh, and she’s getting more psychic with every passing day, so much so that she’s been sent to Ireland to check in with the Seer Council to see what’s up with her freaky new powers.
Jack Ruiz is her 19 year-old boyfriend, a former troublemaker who’s back on track and trying desperately to graduate. His plans did not include falling in love with a psychic trouble-magnet.
Last month they worked together to save a friend in deep trouble and ended up solving a school-wide mystery. But now there’s a new guy at school, Remy Giles, and he seems just a little bit too interested in Ally for Jack’s liking. And why does Ally keep dreaming about a kidnapping? Last month seems like a cakewalk compared to this semester…
Ally’s trying to solve a mystery, but Jack is just trying to keep her alive.
✤ PURCHASE ✤
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1RsoGyn
SEER, The Seeker #3
✤ SYNOPSIS ✤
✤ SYNOPSIS ✤
Ally Moran and Jack Ruiz are starting their first year in college and are looking for peace and quiet for the first time in their relationship…
However, it may be too much to hope for.
First, Ally’s long-lost father shows up, making her question everything she thought she knew about her past.
Meanwhile, Rémy Giles and the mysterious Mina have accompanied Ally home from France so they can try to figure out what the newest prophecy could possibly mean.
Is Ally the next Oracle?
And if all this weren’t enough, Ally fears she is being stalked, and she appears to have a secret admirer who is sending her creepy personal messages in the college newspaper. However, no one else has seen this “supposed” stalker, so she fears she may be going crazy.
As Jack and Remy fight to keep Ally safe against the looming danger,
Ally begins to fear for the one thing she can’t bear to lose…her sanity.
✤ PURCHASE ✤
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1fAysh8
ORACLE, The Seeker #4
✤ SYNOPSIS ✤
✤ SYNOPSIS ✤
Spending her junior year in college in France should be the adventure of a lifetime…
Too bad Ally Moran’s only doing it to keep her family and friends safe from a killer. When Mina goes missing, the illusion of safety disappears and Rémy must finally confront his feelings for her.
Jack has been patient for a year, but he can only be pushed so far before he takes matters into his own hands and flies to France to bring back the feisty red-haired psychic he loves.
Love may conquer all, but the identity of the true Oracle is still up in the air.
Until that’s settled, no one can have a happily-ever-after…
✤ PURCHASE ✤
✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤
✤ MEET THE AUTHOR: AMY REECE ✤
Amy Reece lives in Albuquerque, NM, with her husband and family. She loves to read and travel and has an unhealthy addiction to dogs. She loves wine and friends, in that order. Stay tuned for the rest of The Seeker Series, coming Summer and Fall 2015
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyReeceAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AReeceAuthor
Author Spotlight J.P. Ratto
Welcome to the Limitless Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors from Limitless Publishing. Today, I am chatting with Judy and Pete Ratto, husband and wife writing team known as JP Ratto, from Jupiter, Florida.
Thanks for joining me, Judy and Pete. Please take a seat and make yourselves comfortable.
I understand you have a novel that is just being released by Limitless today. Can you give me some details about it?
We had done all the research for self-publishing our novel, when a friend suggested we submit to Limitless. We were thrilled when they accepted our manuscript. EVERYTHING TO LOSE, a mystery/thriller, is the first in a series of Lucas Holt novels and our first collaborative effort. We have at least three Lucas Holt novels planned. The first, EVERYTHING TO LOSE is being released today, 
December 29th. Two more in the initial trilogy are tentatively set for release in the Spring and Fall of 2016.
How exciting. Would you describe your goals as a writer to us. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? What are you planning to do to reach these goals?
Our immediate goal is to finish the two remaining Lucas Holt novels. We are considering an offshoot series showcasing one of the supporting characters. We love Lucas Holt and depending on the reception he receives from readers, we will continue to create more cases for him to solve.
That sounds like a great plan. As a romantic suspense/mystery author myself, I know how involved you can get with your characters. In my sequel to A Stone’s Throw published this past November by Limitless, I am creating lots of new characters that can have their storylines developed if I continue it as a series.
What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?
Our targeted reader would be anyone who reads mysteries and thrillers. We’ve intentionally written the book to appeal to both men and women. Hopefully, we’ve balanced description and character development with enough action and intrigue.
Excellent. I’m sure it helps that the two of you, a man and woman, are writing it.
What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?
Our advice is to read in the genre you are writing and learn all you can about the craft of writing. Then apply it to your own work. Whether a writer decides to self-publish or take the traditional route, the goal should always be to produce a polished story that will appeal to publishers and readers.
Very good advice.
What hobbies and interests do you have besides writing?
As we write full time, our writing takes up most of our days. We both love to read and make time for that. Twice a month we participate in a writer’s critique group attended by wonderful local authors. Judy paints watercolors and sings soprano in our church choir. Pete enjoys reading and photography. We spend time with friends and love a walk along the ocean.
Nice hobbies.
What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?
The best thing about being an author is when creative ideas flow and the setting and characters come alive to the extent that they practically write the story for you. There isn’t much that we don’t like about being an author—but if we never wrote another synopsis, we wouldn’t miss it!
As Pete is a outliner and Judy is a pantser, the toughest challenge is plotting the entire story before writing one word of the manuscript. We compromise with an outline that is very flexible.
Lol. I haven’t met an author yet who enjoys writing a synopsis. I can identify with Judy, as I tend toward being a pantster myself, but I’ve also done a bit of planning with my follow up book. I think a flexible outline is the most beneficial for writing. It sounds like you both bring different and yet complimentary styles to your working relationship.
Can you please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. so readers can connect with you.
Website: www.jpratto.com FB Author page: www.facebook.com/jp.ratto.1/
Twitter: @jandpratto Goodreads:
Our bio and the first chapter of EVERYTHING TO LOSE is on our website.
Thanks for the interview. It was very nice to talk with you both in the Limitless Library Lounge today, and I wish you the best with your your new book and those that follow. I’m also including your blog tour information that includes a giveaway that might be of interest to my readers.
☆҉☆‿➹⁀☆҉☆ #NewRelease #LimitlessPublishing #OneClick #KindleUnlimited
҉☆‿➹⁀☆҉☆
Celebrating the #NewRelease for Everything to Lose by @jandpratto and @limitlessbooks
#KindleUnlimitedDownloadFree
#OneClick
Amazon: http://goo.gl/KdCk4R
Amazon CA: http://goo.gl/xW2uY4
Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/0nSkhH
Amazon AU: http://goo.gl/Q86mDw
#AddToGoodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28024256everythingtolose
#Giveaway
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/81aa7894775/
Check out the great #TeaserPics and Read Chapter 1
BLURB
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR LUCAS HOLT IS ON A MISSION…
Lucas Holt specializes in kidnap recovery. ExDelta Force and a former NYPD detective, he has
spent the last fifteen years burying himself in case files to cope with the unsolved abduction of
his daughter, Marnie.
JANET MAXWELL JUST CAN’T LET GO…
After the death of Janet’s husband and son in a tragic car accident, she hopes Holt’s expertise
can locate the daughter she gave up for adoption seventeen years ago. Janet knows her actions
will have explosive repercussions for the girl’s father— presidential candidate, Todd Grayson.
With no family, hope of finding her only daughter is all she has left. Or is there a more sinister
motive?
THERE’S NO GREATER INCENTIVE FOR A FATHER THAN PROTECTING HIS
DAUGHTER…
On a mission to bury the constant reminder of his failure to recover Marnie, Holt agrees to
Janet’s proposal. But at what cost? When his inquiries lead to news of the death of another
woman, Holt can’t shake the feeling something is off about the whole case. And when new
evidence surfaces about Marnie’s disappearance, finding her and finding Janet’s daughter
become the same treacherous mission.
Crooked candidates, hired mercenaries, and his own life on the line—will Holt find it inside him
to risk everything in the line of duty?
THERE’S NO TELLING HOW FAR YOU’RE WILLING TO GO WHEN YOU HAVE…
EVERYTHING TO LOSE.
Author Bio
JP Ratto is a husband and wife collaborative writing team. EVERYTHING TO LOSE is the first
of a threebook series featuring private investigator Lucas Holt.
Judy began writing full time six years ago. She attended Hofstra University’s Writing Intensive
in the summer of 2010, and participated in a Hofstrasponsored writing and critique group from
2009 to 2012. She has written an upper middlegrade fantasy adventure and a children’s
mystery chapter book. Judy also does freelance editing.
Pete Ratto, a former member of the U.S. Navy serving half his enlistment with the U.S. Marine
Corp, is a retired corporate accountant and is now writing full time.
Both are avid readers of mysteries, thrillers and suspense. Active in a critique group made up of
local authors, they enjoy discussions on all aspects of the craft of writing. Pete enjoys
photography, writing and going to the beach. In her spare time, Judy paints watercolors and to
her husband’s delight, cooks an occasional dinner. They have a son and a daughter, both grown
and living in New York. Pete and Judy live in southern Florida with their cat, Gillian.
☆Connect With the Author☆
Website: http://www.jpratto.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jandpratto
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jandpratto
Publishers Profile: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/jpratto/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14721366.JP_Ratto
☆҉☆‿➹⁀☆҉☆ #NewRelease #KindleUnlimited #DownloadFREE ҉☆‿➹⁀☆҉☆
Hosted by #EnticingJourney
Cozy Chat with Leighann Dobbs
Although I consider myself a romantic suspense author and fan, I also used to be an avid reader of cozy mysteries especially those featuring cats. For those of you who also share that interest, I will be featuring Cozy Chats with cozy mystery authors on this blog. If you are an author who writes a cozy series and would like to participate in a future Cozy Chat, please contact me.
Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Leighann Dobbs about her Blackmoore Sisters Paranormal Cozy mystery series.
Hi, Leigh Ann. Thanks for joining us on Cozy Chat. Have a seat and help yourself to some tea while we talk.
Can you tell us a little bit about the Blackmoore Sisters series? What gave you the idea for it?
The series focuses on four sisters who have paranormal gifts. I’ve always loved the idea of being gifted somehow but sadly am not blessed that way so I live vicariously through my characters. One sisters sees ghosts, another has powers with healing crystals, another has amped up intuition and the forth can read auras, see energy trails and do powerful things with energy. Oh, and of course there is a cat that has her own powers 🙂
That sounds very interesting. I love paranormal themes, and cats always add a great touch to cozies. Do you have any advice to other authors about writing cozies or writing in general?
Plotting out a good story with lots of action and conflict is key. For me, I have to really think about the plot so I can add the appropriate foreshadowing, clues and red herrings.
I have started to see that myself as I’m finishing the second mystery based on A Stone’s Throw.
What are you currently working on? Do you have a new release planned soon? If so, please provide details about it. Is it part of the series or the start of something else or a standalone?
I just completed book 7 in the Blackmoore series, Spell Found, where the girls go to Salem Mass in search of an ancient relic. It released in early December.
Sounds great. Do you write any other genres than cozies?
I also write historical romance and am starting a romantic suspense series in 2016 that I will be co-writing with two other authors.
Nice. Can you tell me how you got started in writing?
I’ve always been an avid reader and being an author was a dream for me. But I never thought I could write books anyone would want to read, so I spent most of my life as a software engineer. When Amazon opened up the world of self-publishing I gave it a try and now here I am with over 25 self published books.
That’s quite an accomplishment. Many writers, including myself, are voracious readers. As a librarian and author, I’m involved in books in both my occupations. I agree that self-publishing has opened up many doors to authors. I self-published, Cloudy Rainbow, my first novel but opted to publish A Stone’s Throw with Limitless Publishing.
Do you have any hobbies besides writing and reading?
I like gardening, drawing and antiquing.
Is there anything else you’d like readers of this blog to know about you and/or your books?
Just that I appreciate every single person that has taken a chance on me and read my books- my readers are the best!
I feel the same way. The reason we authors work so hard promoting our books is to share them with readers. Without an audience, our writing would be meaningless.
Thank you so much for joining us on Cozy Chat today, Leighann, and good luck with your Blackmoore Sisters series and the new one you are working on.
Thanks. Also, Dead Wrong, the first book in the Blackmoore Sisters series, is currently available free on Amazon.
Good to know. I may download a copy. Thanks again, and Happy Holidays to you!
Feature Friday December 18 – The Bargain by Lisa Cardiff
I am proud to present this week’s Feature Friday, The Bargain by Lisa Cardiff. Every Friday, I feature an author from Limitless Publishing, my own publisher, and their books on this blog. The books are available in paperback and eBook. Please support these outstanding writers by spreading the word to your friends, family, and co-workers.
The Bargain from @limitlessbooks: by @LCardiff_author
✩✩ NOW AVAILABLE ✩✩
✯ Publisher: LIMITLESS PUBLISHING
★✯ SYNOPSIS ✯★
“The Bargain” (Book #1)
“Unveiled” (Book #2)
“Confessed” (Book #3) coming Fall 2015…
Three weeks, twenty-one days, or five hundred and four hours…
That’s all it took to derail my life and twist it into something unrecognizable. One moment I had Evan, the man I thought I’d marry. The next moment shattered the illusion.
Now I have no one.
Except him.
Ryker Vargas, and I don’t really have him. He’d never belong to any one but himself. He sucked me into a web of lies and now it’s too late. I took the bait. I’m a prisoner of the Vargas Cartel.
I never thought I’d be another statistic, another girl abducted in a foreign country, my entire future washed away by an impulsive, split second in time.
But it’s true.
My name is Hattie Covington and I’m a statistic, but statistics never tell the whole story.
✦✦ #OneClick ✦✦
✯ #oneclick →→ http://amzn.com/B00U8ZYO1I
✯Paperback→→ http://amzn.com/1680580779
★★ Meet the Author ★★
Lisa Cardiff
After spending years practicing law and a million other things, Lisa decided to pursue her dream of becoming a writer and she must confess that inventing characters is so much more fun than writing contracts and legal briefs. A native of Colorado, she lives with her husband and three children in Denver.
Visit her http://www.lisacardiff.com/
Find her on https://www.facebook.com/lcardiff11
And https://www.twitter/LCardiff_author
Author Spotlight Elizabeth Roderick
Welcome to the Limitless Library Lounge where I will be interviewing fellow authors from Limitless Publishing. Today, I am chatting with Elizabeth Roderick from Shandon, California.
Thanks for joining me, Elizabeth. Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.
Can you please share with us how long you’ve been publishing with Limitless and what titles you’ve published with them? Have you self-published any titles or published with another publisher?
Please give details.
I got my first contract from Limitless mid-September, 2015. I have no other published books. I have a lot of other books written, but I’ve only been pitching agents and editors for a little over a year, so I feel lucky to have found a publisher so soon, especially one as wonderful as Limitless.
Congratulations. Can you please tell us a little bit about your book — what genre it is and any upcoming releases or your current work-in-progress.
My upcoming publication with Limitless, Love or Money, will release on January 12, 2016. That one is a single-title LGBT erotic romance/crime thriller.
I also have a series of seven YA contemporary fantasies written. Those were my first books, so they need revision. I additionally have an adult contemporary single-title, a YA contemporary duo, and a YA contemporary romance. The YA romance is in revision stage, the other two are being looked at by agents right now.
Would you describe your goals as a writer to us. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? What are you planning to do to reach these goals?
My main goal (other than to just keep on writing) is to begin building a fan base, and to learn how to market and grow that fan base. I plan on pitching my adult contemporary to Limitless next, if the agent currently looking at it decides to pass; it isn’t a romance, like my upcoming publication, but it has similar LGBT and erotic themes, as well as crime thriller elements, so it would have a similar or identical audience and could help me hopefully achieve some momentum in the adult market.
I also want to find an agent and publisher for my YA contemporaries within the next few years. It is my goal to go “big” with these novels. The duo and the romance both have main characters with serious mental health disorders, but they are characters that I believe have appeal for a general audience; they’re compelling people with compelling stories that I think a lot of readers can identify with. I would like to introduce my characters and their stories to people who might shun folks in real life with their disorders, and make them look at the issue of mental health in a new light. It’s sort of a lofty goal as a writer, to make the public more comfortable around people who suffer from psychosis, but it’s something I feel strongly about.
And, of course, in the next few years I’d like to complete at least twelve more books. Since I wrote twelve in the last two years, I think that’s pretty doable.
Wow! Twelve books in two years. Did you ever sleep or eat – lol. Actually, I wrote A STONE’S THROW in two months and am working on the sequel which I should finish in another month. It’s the editing, selling, and promoting that takes so much time in my opinion. Your goals sound incredible, and I wish you luck with them.
What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?
My different genres would have different audiences, but I think most of my stuff will appeal to folks who like something a little dark. I have a lot of humor and lightheartedness in all my stories, but they still deal with stuff like addiction, incarceration, abuse, and mental health disorders.
It’s probably a good idea to add some humor to those type of books as long as it’s done in the right way.
What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?
Keep writing. Never give up. Believe in yourself. Know that what you’ve already written is beautiful, and that you will just get better and better with every word you write.
Excellent advice. All of us authors need to follow that, the ones new to the field as well as veteran writers. I think it’s common for authors to be self conscious of their works and sensitive to criticism, but they shouldn’t allow those feelings to interfere with their progress.
What hobbies and interests do you have besides writing?
I’m a musician. Since I left Seattle, I haven’t been in any bands, but I give lessons and still play just for fun (my daughter and I jam a lot). Guitar is my main instrument, but I play keyboards, bass, and a little drums. I write songs of my own, too. I also really enjoy cycling, running, hiking, ethnobotany, and mushroom hunting. I cook and bake a lot, and make my own recipes (my daughter and I are compiling a cookbook). I keep a garden and chickens.
My gosh those are some varied interests. You sound quite well rounded – lol. I love the idea of a mother/daughter cookbook. My daughter loves creating her own recipes, so that might be a fun project for us, as well, although I never have much time to experiment with recipes. I ordered my daughter a Kidstir breakfast kit for Christmas thinking we could do some of it together over her vacation break. She is always complaining that there’s nothing good for breakfast (she won’t eat cereal). I’m not sure I’ll buy the subscription, but I wanted to try it out with a sample kit. She might be a little old for it now (she’s 11) because the recommended age is up to 10, so we’ll see what she thinks of it.
What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?
My favorite part is drafting. I love being lost in a story. I’m a pantser, so I write for the same reason I read: to see what happens next. What I like least is marketing. I have no idea how to do it, and it frankly frightens me. I love interacting with people, but social media is rife with opportunities to be misinterpreted, or to say the wrong thing. My biggest challenge I think is to just keep believing in myself on my bad days. I’ve not had a lot of support from my family for my writing at times, because it can consume me so entirely, so that dynamic has been challenging, as well.
I can relate to all of that. I’m also a pantster, although I’ve tried to organize and plot the sequel to A STONE’S THROW a bit more because I had such a tough time editing the first book and have learned some things to avoid. I also dislike marketing and promotion, although it’s such an important part of the process. One thing I’ve found that helps is the great camaraderie among Limitless authors who are so wonderful about promoting one another. I suffer from self-doubt, too. I think most writers do. There are definitely issues in managing time with family and fitting in writing.
Thank you for a great interview. I’m sure readers will enjoy it. Can you please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. so readers can connect with you.
I’m @lidsrodney on Twitter.
https://www.facebook.com/elizabethroderickauthor/
https://elizabethroderick.wordpress.com/
Thanks again for joining me in the Limitless Library Lounge today, and good luck with your new release and future books!
Cozy Chat with L.J.M. Owen
Although I consider myself a romantic suspense author and fan, I also used to be an avid reader of cozy mysteries especially those featuring cats. For those of you who also share that interest, I will be featuring Cozy Chats with cozy mystery authors on this blog. If you are an author who writes a cozy series and would like to participate in a future Cozy Chat, please contact me.
Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with L.J.M Owen about Olmec Obituary, Book One in the Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth series. It is a planned cozy mystery series of 9 books.
Hi, L.J.M. Thanks for joining us on Cozy Chat. Have a seat and help yourself to some tea while we talk.
Can you tell us a little bit about this new series? What gave you the idea for it?
Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth is the story of an archaeologist/librarian who solves ancient mysteries from across the globe, with plenty of forensic science, culinary exploration and historic trivia along the way. There are ancient libraries, modern libraries, cats and – of course – recipes in the back.
Book One in the series, Olmec Obituary, introduces Dr Elizabeth Pimms as she struggles with a job she doesn’t want, a family she both loves and resents, and the volatile excavation director of a royal Olmec cemetery. Amid seventeen concealed skeletons, an evolving mental library and Welsh soup Elizabeth strives to determine cause of death for a 3,000 year old athlete before being fired.
This first mystery, and the second one, feature the archaeology of ancient Mexico. The remainder of the series will explore the ancient cultures, homicides and libraries of Egypt, Mongolia, Persia, India, China, Britain and Crete.
My original inspiration for the series was a sense of wanting to give back.
Like many quiet, studious children I never quite fit into the world around me. I spent much of my childhood escaping into storyworlds created by others. As an adult, tired, stressed and overworked, I continued to snatch an hour or two in those otherworlds to recharge my batteries.
As a writer I realized I wanted to construct another space for readers to escape to. I figured the most sensible course of action was to draw on what I knew. I have a degree in archaeology, a degree in library management and a PhD in palaeogenetics, so felt most comfortable writing about these subjects. I could also indulge my love affair with other cultures, past and present.
And like many, I am intrigued by the classic whodunit. I love to pit my reasoning skills against the fictional detective of the hour.
So Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth was born. It’s a mix of the archaeology of Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody series, the forensic science of Kathy Reichs’ Temperance Brennan series and the cozy setting of TV series such as Midsomer Murders or Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. With more libraries.
My hope is, ultimately, that the Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth series becomes another place of refuge for readers everywhere.
How very interesting. I don’t know if you know that I’m a librarian as well as an author, and your series sounds especially appealing to me – cats and libraries how can you go wrong?
Do you have any advice to other authors about writing cozies or writing in general?
Read the books you love. Read the kind of books you want to write. Study the basics of storyworld, character, plot and theme. Sit down and write for at least an hour a day. Research how to improve your writing. Rinse and repeat.
Remember that if you love what you write chances are someone else will too. Some people will also hate it. That’s just how it works. The important thing is to know exactly what sort of book you have written and make it clear to potential readers to increase the chances so that the people who pick it up have a good chance of liking it.
That’s exactly what I believe, too. What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on Book Two in the series, Mayan Mendacity, which sees Dr Pimms contend with the maimed skeleton of a Mayan warrior, a vengeful Tikal Queen, the Phantom of the Stacks and an intruder in her phrenic library. I can’t wait to finish writing it! I’d like to release it ahead of Christmas next year.
Do you write any other genres than cozies?
I’ve started work on a range of short stories in other sub-genres of crime but at the moment I’m having too much fun with cozies with an archaeological twist.
I don’t blame you. I’ve written some short stories I’d like to gather into a collection one day, but they are very different than “A Stone’s Throw,” and I’m working on a sequel to that right now. My publisher, Limitless Publishing, is planning to put out a holiday anthology next year, and I’m hoping to contribute to that.
Can you tell me how you got started in writing?
I worked through some online writing courses and read widely on how to develop rich, rounded characters. I prepared the overarching storylines for the whole series and developed full character sketches for the top twenty characters in the series.
As I’m a very planned writer I love the ‘snowflake method’ developed by Randy Ingermanson, which he provides free on his website (just Google ‘snowflake method’). When it came to drafting Olmec Obituary I followed this method fairly closely.
To be honest, for me, it turned out that the process of writing was as natural as breathing. It’s everything else that goes along with being a writer that I struggle with. Typesetting, printing, distribution, marketing, PR and social media were far more challenging for me than writing.
I feel exactly the same. And, coincidentally, I also took online writing classes my library offered through Gale Courses before I wrote my novel. I’ve never heard of the snowflake method, but I will definitely check it out. Thanks for the info.
What are your hobbies besides writing?
I love investigating many branches of archaeology and history. I also spend a lot of time in the kitchen experimenting with a huge range of recipes – under strict feline supervision, of course!
lol. Cats do like to observe us humans
Is there anything else you’d like readers of this blog to know about you and/or your books?
As I’m Australian the series is written in British English. If a reader is used to American English I think this enhances their experience of escaping to another time and place, but I know some readers who prefer American English like to know about the slightly different spelling upfront.
Here’s a few links for readers of your blog who are interested in Olmec Obituary.
Paperback copies from Book Depository with Free International Shipping: http://bit.ly/1IR0H30
e-copies from Amazon: http://amzn.to/1XRgTNG
The Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth Book Series Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/1N8nyej
A Booklover Book Review: http://bit.ly/21LokWl
The Goodreads entry (with reviews): http://bit.ly/1QbUrub
Happy reading!
Wonderful! Thank you so much for joining us on Cozy Chat today, and good luck with the series.
Feature Friday December 11 – Lies by C.A. Harms
I am proud to present this week’s Feature Friday, Lies by C.A. Harms. Every Friday, I feature an author published by Limitless Publishing, my own publisher and their book on this blog. All purchase links and details are included. The books are available in paperback and eBook. Please support these outstanding writers by spreading the word to your friends, family, and co-workers.
✩✩ NOW AVAILABLE ✩✩
✰✯✰LIES✰✯✰
by C.A. Harms
Publisher: Limitless Publishing
✯SYNOPSIS✯
FBI Agent Joshua Phoenix goes undercover…Deep.
Thrust into a world of drugs and criminal activity, integrating himself into the Russian Mafia turned out to be much more than Josh bargained for.
It’s dark and it’s dangerous.
The lives they destroy along the way will never be the same.
The things he is forced to do will haunt him forever.
Even more importantly, he never planned on meeting her…
A chance encounter with Real Estate Agent Gabriella Shannon, has Josh questioning his ability to complete his mission.
And now the dark world may consume them both.
He’s in too deep.
Leaving now would only risk the safety of those around him.
But when his cover’s blown Josh is forced to make a decision that will reroute his future.
One decision.
The hardest decision he will ever have to make in his life.
And those he meant to protect will be the ones who suffer the most…
✦✦ #OneClick ✦✦
– PURCHASE –
- Kindle US: http://amzn.to/1HkoXiF
- Paperback US: http://amzn.to/1TcyFVu
✦✦ MEET THE AUTHOR✦✦
C.A. Harms is like any other addicted reader. She enjoys happy endings and HEA love stories. She hasn’t always been a lover of Romance and had once been addicted to a good Mystery. Just recently she has taken on a new liking and now is a full blown Romance novel addict.
She lives in Illinois and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. You will always find her with her kindle or paperback in hand as it is her favorite pass time.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-CA-Harms/354791947956151
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charms0814
Blog: http://authorharms.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6895633.C_A_Harms
Limitless Publishing: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/c-a-harms/
NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/1xsgHCS
Ruff Drafts 