Books – Page 14 – Ruff Drafts

Feature Friday April 14 – His Confession by Sophia Valentine

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Debbie

HIS CONFESSION by S. Valentine

The Black Door Trilogy, #1

GENRE: Erotic Romance

PUBLISHER: Limitless Publishing

★ SYNOPSIS ★

When Gabriella Woods finds matches from a gentlemen’s club in her fiancé’s pocket, her suspicions require a search for answers.

At the club, she realizes it’s not her fiancé’s fidelity that can’t be trusted…

It’s her own.

Darion Milano is daring, intriguing, and unpredictable…

Unable to get him out of her head—and against Darion’s explicit warning—

Gabi begins a torrid affair. No longer fighting the urge to enter the depth of his dark and mysterious lifestyle, she indulges in his most intimate desires.

They become the most exciting, wild, infatuated couple everybody knows.

Until his confession changes everything…

Her heart is telling her to stay.

Her instinct is telling her to run.

She can never match his outrageous ex-wife and become the fun, fearless woman he craves…

Or can she?

Discover a world of sex, secrets, and seduction.

★★ PURCHASE ★★

AMAZON US – Kindle: http://amzn.to/1PA96Nr

AMAZON US – Paperback: http://amzn.to/1oEu3Ov

AMAZON UK – Kindle: http://amzn.to/1NTaEhj

AMAZON UK – Paperback: http://amzn.to/1NTaEhj

★ BOOK TRAILER ★

WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoVV8l943j4

★ ★ WHAT EARLY REVIEWERS ARE SAYING ABOUT HIS CONFESSION ★ ★

“His Confession was a surprisingly engaging read with believable characters who were easy to connect with.It dealt with subjects a little different to what I’m used to, but the author did a great job of pulling me into her world.” – Mia Hoddell, YA/NA author.

“His Confession pulled me through from the first paragraph! The enigmatic Darion practically leapt off the pages and I could picture his every move and facial expression clear as day in my head! This story is definitely one to add to your “want-to-read” list-especially if you love a captivating plot as well as scenes so hot that they fog up your glasses. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it for future readers but DARION and GABI put Christian and Ana to SHAME! Enough said. LOL.” – Kiarra M. Taylor, contemporary romance author of THE QUARTER CHANGE.

“I loved it and I’m excited to read more to find out what happens. Darion is a great guy who was hurt badly and doesn’t know how to handle, which in steps Gabi. Love love love her! Hopefully she fights for him! When does the next book come out, as I’m dying to know what comes next! I also hope the girls get their own stories.” – Susan Flynn, Beta reader Writers club.

“S. Valentine does an exquisite job at creating a dynamic between two characters, both from different worlds, that goes beyond a physical attraction. His Confession is book one in The Black Door Trilogy. It is a fast paced story that is full of hotness and anticipation that heats you up from your head to your toes. Gabi, is tired of always playing it safe. Darion, has demons that he can no longer control. When these two get together, boundaries are pushed, control is tested and emotions run wild.” – AV. Scott, author of High Heels & New York.

“A brilliant book which leaves you wondering what happened in Darion’s past that has left him so wary and so afraid to put himself and his heart out there not to mention to put his faith and trust in Gabi, the one woman whose managed to penetrate the walls he’s built. I can’t wait for book 2 and I’m hoping that Darion and Gabi can overcome the obstacles that stand in front of them, including Eva, Darion’s ex wife.” – Rebecca Barber, author Nobody’s Obligation.

★ ★ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ★ ★

Valentine grew up in England. Studying English language and literature, as well as law, she worked in a solicitors for many years before moving to Spain. She does however still visit the UK, which in a way, will always be home.

Returning to her lifelong passion of writing books, she’s also a weekly columnist for The Ibizan newspaper on: lifestyle and fashion. Her other interests include reading, shopping and a nice glass of wine. She’s a social media addict, and loves connecting with new people.

For more information, please visit: www.s-valentine.wix.com/books.

If you join her newsletter, you will be the first to receive sneak peeks of chapters, teasers, news, giveaway prizes and more!

WEBSITE: www.s-valentine.wix.com/books

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/SophiaValentineAuthor

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/SophiaVAuthor

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/SophiaValentineAuthor

PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/SophiaVWrites

GOODREADS: www.goodreads.com/SophiaValentine

BLOG: www.lifestyleandliterature.wordpress.com

Newsletter sign up: www.s-valentine.wix.com/books

Books

Announcing Dial QR for Murder’s New Digital Component

Posted on April 10, 2016 by Debbie

DIAL QR FOR MURDER

(Digital Age Cozy)

by A.E.H. VEENMAN

✦✦ ABOUT THE BOOK ✦✦

Read, Listen, Explore. The New Age of Cozy Mystery…

This interactive component is for the first book in the Marjorie Gardens Mystery series, Dial QR for Murder. View landmarks and settings that appear in the novel, and join Isis Ferrelli on the early days of her investigation with an audio-visual tour.

This module contains:

♦ Sightseeing images

♦ Tourist information

♦ Written excerpts from Dial QR for Murder

♦ Audio excerpts read by Author A. E. H. Veenman. (You’ll also hear the correct pronunciation of her last name!)

♦ Scenes from the upcoming Digital Age Cozy, “Prepped for the Kill” Book 2

♦ And an Overview of the Marjorie Gardens Mystery series with Video Trailer

Find a quiet corner and put on your headphones…experience the:

Now Available on #Kindle for 99 Cents!

✦✦✦ ‪BUY YOUR COPY TODAY! ✦✦✦

http://www.amazon.com/Dial-QR-Murder-Interactive-Component-ebook/dp/B01E0NO9GI

✦✦✦ CONNECT WITH AUTHOR A.E.H. VEENMAN ✦✦✦

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.exobia.com/aehveenman

MARJORIE GARDENS WEBSITE: http://www.mythugshot.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AEHVeenman

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MG_Mystery

AMAZON AUTHOR PROFILE: http://amzn.to/1KEYwA4

GOODREADS:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4852550.A_E_H_Veenman

A Stone's Throw, Books

My Exciting Mystery Romance is on Sale This Weekend

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Debbie

For less than $1, you can read a great mystery romance this weekend. A Stone’s Throw will be 99 cents until Sunday, April 10th. Pick up a copy at this great price. http://amzn.to/1W9ogxj

Widowed librarian Alicia Fairmont needs answers…

After her husband is killed in a hit and run accident, Alicia travels upstate to his hometown of Cobble Cove, New York, hoping to locate his estranged family and shed light on his mysterious past. Anticipating staying only a weekend, her visit is extended when she accepts a job at the town’s library.

Secrets stretch decades into the past…

Assisted by handsome newspaper publisher and aspiring novelist, John McKinney, Alicia discovers a connection between her absent in-laws and a secret John’s father has kept for over sixty years. But her investigation is interrupted when she receives word her house has burned and arson is suspected, sending her rushing back to Long Island, accompanied by John.

Back in Cobble Cove, cryptic clues are uncovered…

When Alicia returns, she finds a strange diary, confiscated letters, and a digital audio device containing a recording made the day her husband was killed. Anonymous notes warn Alicia to leave town, but she can’t turn her back on the mystery—or her attraction to John.

As the pieces begin to fall into place, evidence points to John’s involvement in her husband’s accident. The past and present threaten to collide, and Alicia confronts her fears…

Has she fallen in love with her husband’s killer?

Books, Cover Reveal

Cover Reveal: When They First Practice to Deceive by Carolyn La Roche

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Debbie

Coming Soon from @limitlessbooks – #WhenTheyFirstPracticeToDeceive by @CarolynLaRoche

✦✦✦✦✦ COVER REVEAL ✦✦✦✦✦
WHEN FIRST THEY PRACTICE TO DECEIVE
Author: Carolyn LaRoche
Series: The Secret Lives #3
Publisher: Limitless Publishing
✦SYNOPSIS✦
All Jessy Wallace wants is a happy marriage, but her husband is a liar and in over his head…

Jessy has spent the last decade happily married to her husband, Sam. But when she finally lands a job at Dixie’s Place, a hole-in-the-wall diner, she learns not all is well in paradise. Officer Sam Wallace has been spending the majority of their marriage in the beds of other women. Fed up, Jessy kicks her husband to the curb.

The last thing she wants is another messy relationship…

Uncertain if her husband ever truly loved her, Jessy gets caught completely off guard by the intense attraction she feels for Trey Smith, the night cook at Dixie’s Place. But she recognizes some telltale signs, and discovers he’s an undercover FBI agent. Jessy curses herself for falling for another lawman. To make matters worse, her soon-to-be ex-husband might be involved with Trey’s case.

After the death of his wife, FBI agent Trey Smith has spent the last four years married to his work…

But when Jessy starts waitressing at the diner where he is working undercover, he falls head over heels for her. Her ex-husband, however, is one of the top suspects in Trey’s case, and all Trey wants to do is protect her. He can’t lose this once in a lifetime chance at love.

Jessy is the soon-to-be ex-wife of a suspected criminal.

Trey Smith is an undercover FBI agent.

Can their love overcome the odds, or will it all come crashing down under the weight of lies and deception?

✦✦✦ COVER DESIGNER ✦✦✦
WICKED BY DESIGN
https://www.facebook.com/WickedByDesignRobinHarper

✦✦ ✦✦ MEET THE AUTHOR ✦✦ ✦✦
Carolyn LaRoche grew up in snow country but fled the cold and ice several years ago. She now lives near the beach with her husband, their two boys, two finicky cats and one old dog. When she is not at the baseball field cheering on big hits and home runs, she is busy teaching science to unwilling teenagers.

Limitless Publishing: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/carolyn-laroche/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolynLaRoche
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarolynLaRoche
Website: http://carolynlarocheauthor.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7734909.Carolyn_LaRoche

Author Spotlight, Authors, Books, New Releases

Look Who is in the Author Spotlight – Jennifer Loring!

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Debbie

Welcome to the Limitless Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors from Limitless Publishing. Today, I am chatting with Jennifer Loring from
Philadelphia.

Thanks for joining me in the library lounge, Jenn. Please have a seat and make yourself comfortable.

How long have you been publishing with Limitless? What titles have you published with them? Have you self-published any titles or published with another publisher? Please give details.

I signed a three-book deal with Limitless in July 2015. So far, I’ve published Firebird (The Firebird Trilogy #1) with them, and it is now in production as an audiobook. The second book, What’s Left of Me,” will be released on July 26. I have also published Beautiful Things with Fox & Raven Publishing—who are sadly no longer in business, Conduits with DarkFuse, Those of My Kind with Omnium Gatherum, and about three dozen short stories in various magazines, webzines, and anthologies.

Wonderful! Can you 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 in several genres—horror, dark fantasy, steampunk/dieselpunk, contemporary romance, and paranormal romance. My current works-in-progress are the final book in The Firebird Trilogy, and a stand-alone sci-fi romance novella that will be out around the holidays. On deck are a paranormal romance, a m/m shifter novella, a cosmic horror novel, two horror novelettes, and two steampunk novellas, as well as the expansion and re-release of Beautiful Things. I may also try to get a hockey-themed novella out around the holidays. I do have a number of releases this year but no solid dates yet except for “What’s Left of Me” (Firebird #2) coming out on July 26.

Sounds like you are quite a versatile writer.

How would you 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’ve been writing full-time for almost a year and a half now, which was my biggest goal. This year, between novels, novellas, and short stories, I’ll have at least five and maybe closer to ten releases, so that’s another goal achieved—having a steady output. I’m continuing to refine my marketing techniques in order to spend more time writing and less time promoting.

I think most writers would prefer to spend more time writing than promoting. I know I would.

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

Since I write in multiple genres, I like to think there’s something for everyone.

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

Be professional at all times. Learn the business side of the industry. Far too many new writers know next to nothing about contracts, royalties, copyright, etc. Plenty of websites (Writer Beware, for example) deal with this sort of thing, and many experienced writers are more than happy to answer questions, too. Educate yourself before you sign a contract or self-publish.

Great advice.

What hobbies and interests do you have besides writing?

I love playing video games. And reading, of course! I have an undergrad degree in studio art, so I also love photography, painting, collage, and drawing when I have time.

Great creative outlets to complement your writing.

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

What I like most is that I’m doing what I love, bringing the stories in my head to the page. I’ve always been a creator; it’s in my blood. What I like least is promotion. Being an introvert, it’s not easy for me (and I suspect most writers) to sell themselves no matter how good their book is.

I can certainly identify with that. It’s very true for most authors.

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

http://jennifertloring.com

https://www.facebook.com/JenniferTLoring

https://twitter.com/JenniferTLoring

https://www.pinterest.com/jennifertloring

Thanks so much Excellent. It’s been nice chatting with you, Jenn. Good luck with all your forthcoming books.

Books, Cat Writer's Association, Cats

Celebrate National Tabby Day with Buffy the Cat

Posted on April 2, 2016 by Debbie

Hey all you cat lovers, did you know that a very important day is coming up soon? To celebrate the release of “Making the Most of All Nine Lives: The Extraordinary Life of Buffy the Cat,” (see my review), the 1st National Tabby Day will kick off at the Bideawee Animal Shelter, 410 E. 38th Street, New York, NY 10016 on Saturday, April 30th. The event will feature adoptions from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a special celebration from 12-2 with author Sandy Robins. The book launch will feature drinks and treats for both two and four-legged guests.

Anyone who adopts from the shelter during this event, will receive a special starter kit for their new pet and a photo-op with the book’s photographer, Paul Smulson.

Author Sandy Robins is an award-winning pet lifestyle expert who has appeared on radio and television. She is also a member of the Cat Writer’s Association. Dr. Paul Smulson is an oral surgeon who has also worked as a photojournalist for Chicago Daily Defender, Sport Magazine, the Chicago Sun-Times, and Fox Sports’ Beyond the Glory. Before turning his camera lens to his orange Tabby, Buffy, he spent years photographing zoo animals.

So mark your calendar for April 30th and join the fun in New York City, or if you can’t be there, celebrate National Tabby Day by picking up a copy of Making the Most of All Nine Lives.

A Stone's Throw, Books, Contest

Can you Make a special Sandwich or Judge one?

Posted on March 29, 2016April 1, 2016 by Debbie

I’m sponsoring a special, fun contest in my April newsletter. Here’s the info:

PB&J RECIPE CONTEST

April’s contest will appeal to all you cooks out there. For a chance at a $5 Amazon gift card or the ebook version of A Stone’s Throw, submit a recipe that you think will rival the McKinney’s PB&J sandwiches. The top recipe will win the prize mentioned plus be included in my next book. Two other runner-up recipes will also be included in my next book. Here is how the recipe is described in A Stone’s Throw:

“I make the peanut butter with fresh nuts and my special recipe. The jelly is preserved by us. Dad has canned varieties of other fruits and jams in the garage. It’s one of his hobbies.”

“I hope you like the sandwiches. I use sourdough bread spread with a small amount of jellied preserves over the peanut butter. There are a few secret ingredients in the preserves, but my dad doesn’t allow me to reveal them. Our family are peanut butter connoisseurs.”

Alicia bit into a triangular sandwich wedge. It was quite tasty, with a slightly sweet flavor. “Very good,” she told him. “I don’t eat much peanut butter, but this is better than any Skippy I’ve tried.”

To enter the contest, like my author Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/ and comment with your recipe on the pinned post on the top. Only newsletter subscribers are eligible to win. To subscribe to the newsletter, sign up at https://debbiedelouisewordpress.com or comment with your email on this post, and I will manually subscribe you. I will also need two judges for the contest. Judges will not be able to enter the contest, but they will receive a complimentary ebook or $5 Amazon gift card. Judges also must be subscribers to the newsletter. If you’d like to be a judge, please contact me at debbielibrarianwriter@gmail.com and list why you think you are qualified to judge. If there are under 10 entries, only one judge will be selected.

All recipe entries must be received by April 15. Judging will take place between April 16 and April 29th and the winner announced in the May newsletter. In the case of duplicate entries, only the first will be considered for any prize. Only one entry per subscriber. Facebook, WordPress, and Mailchimp are not associated or affiliated with this contest.

Authors, Books, Feature Friday

Feature Friday 25 – Carnival of Dead Girls by Carissa Ann Lynch

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Debbie

#FeatureFriday with @limitlessbooks @carissaannlynch

Carnival of Dead Girls

by Carissa Ann Lynch

Flockdale Files Book #3

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Nothing interesting happens in the podunk town of Lamison Point—until a freak show rolls through…

When a traveling carnival stops in the sleepy countryside, sixteen-year-old Josie Crowley is psyched to go with her new friend, Freya. But what started out as a fun-filled night of games, candied apples, and ferris wheel rides quickly spirals into a gut-wrenching encounter with one of the carnival attractions.

Once the excitement is over, Lamison is missing one of its residents…

When Freya is nowhere to be found, Josie suspects the carnival has something to do with her disappearance. Her goal to track down the elusive show leads to an alarming revelation—there is no record of it ever existing. And as she digs deeper, Josie is led to a mysterious town with a tainted past—Flocksdale.

Buried in Flocksdale’s sick, twisted history is where Josie may find the truth…

Creepy clowns, disfigured freaks, and a terrifying haunted house are the least of Josie’s problems…now she has to deal with a group of real-life monsters, otherwise known as the evil Garrett family and new, rising generation of hell-bound freaks.

If Josie is pulled into their world, she may become another member of a carnival of dead girls, where she goes in, and never comes out…

||| AVAILABLE NOW |||

Available in the Kindle Unlimited program!

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1RrGRDi

Check out the Flocksdale Files Series!

Have You Seen this Girl #1: http://amzn.to/1OziwFJ

House of the Lost Girls #2: http://amzn.to/1RrHcpE

||| CARISSA ANN LYNCH: Author |||

Besides my family, my greatest love in life is books. Reading them, writing them, holding them, smelling them…well, you get the idea. I’ve always loved to read, and some of my earliest childhood memories are me, tucked away in my room, lost in a good book. I received a five dollar allowance each week, and I always — always — spent it on books. My love affair with writing started early, but it mostly involved journaling and writing silly poems. Several years ago, I didn’t have a book to read so I decided on a whim to write my own story, something I’d like to read. It turned out to be harder than I thought, but from that point on I was hooked. My first and second books were released by Sarah Book Publishing: This Is Not About Love and Grayson’s Ridge. I’m a total genre-hopper. Basically, I like to write what I like to read: a little bit of everything! I reside in Floyds Knobs, Indiana with my husband, three children, and massive collection of books. I have a degree in psychology and worked as a counselor.

– SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS –

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

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1J8uk2Y

Limitless Publishing: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/carissa-lynch/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/carissaannlynch

Authors, Books, Cozies, Cozy Chat, Cozy Mysteries, Cozy Mystery, Cozy Series

Cozy Chat with Harper Lin

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Debbie

Today’s Cozy Chat is with Harper Lin who I spoke with about her Cape Bay Cafe mysteries.
Hi, Harper. Thanks for joining me for a Cozy Chat. Have a seat and help yourself to some tea while we talk.

Can you tell us a little bit about the Cape Bay Cafe Mystery series? What gave you the idea for it?

I don’t live near the beach, but always thought it would be fun to. I also love cafes. Whenever I travel, the cafe scene in a city or town is very important to me, so this series is really fantasy fulfillment for me, to live in a friendly small town, running a cozy cafe where all the locals congregate—except for all the murders, of course!

Sounds like fun and a great theme for a cozy mystery series.

Do you have any advice to other authors about writing cozies or writing in general?

It’s easier to write a mystery when you plot it out first. Write down who the killer is, what their motive is, and a few other suspects and their possible motives. Sometimes I can’t plot out everything beforehand because the characters need to develop and discover as they go, but I do put down the bare bones of the story first.

I like that advice. I’m more of a pantster than a plotter, but I definitely agree it’s important to have some basic plot points and a character outline for a mystery. In my mystery, A STONE’S THROW, as well as its sequel which I hope will be published soon, I had an idea who I wanted to be the bad guy (or gal as the case may be), but I did change things toward the end.

What are you currently working on?

There is a fourth book in the series called “Latte, Ladyfingers, and Lies.” I also have two other books coming out in my other series, “The Wonder Cats Mysteries“, and “The Patisserie Mysteries“.

Wow! You write a variety of mysteries. I’m partial to the cat one. I must add it to my TBR cozy pile.

Do you write any genres other than cozies?

No, but I really want to write a young adult series. Perhaps a YA mystery series!

YA books are very popular right now. It would probably do well.

Can you tell me how you got started in writing?

I always read a lot, and I started writing for fun. Then I went down the self-publishing venture after lots of help from other writers and by hiring professional editors.

As a new author, I’ve found other writers tremendously helpful. They are so eager to share their experience, and the networking and support is very motivational.

What are your hobbies besides writing?

I love yoga. Sometimes I bake, but I don’t have as much time for that as I used to since I am busy writing all the time. Of course, reading is a big one!

I used to enjoy yoga. Now I’ve just been walking and doing Leslie Sansone videos when I can’t walk outside. The stretching is very important.

I also know what you mean about writing taking up so much time, and most authors are avid readers, as well.

Is there anything else you’d like readers of this blog to know about you and/or your books?

I hope my books are entertaining. Readers tell me that the stories help them relax after stressful days at work, so I’m glad I’m able to entertain them.

Books can be very relaxing, especially cozies. Even though they feature murder and other crimes, some of the characters almost become friends.

Thanks so much for joining me today and best wishes to you on all your series. I’m including some of your contact information for readers who want to connect with you.

www.harperlin.com

Facebook!

Author Spotlight, Authors, Books, New Releases

Look Who is in the Author Spotlight – Krysten Lindsay Hager!

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Debbie

Welcome to the Limitless Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors from Limitless Publishing. Today, I am chatting with Krysten Lindsay Hager from
Dayton, Ohio.

Thanks for joining me in the library lounge, Krysten. Please have a seat and make yourself comfortable.

How long have you been publishing with Limitless? What titles have you published with them? Have you self-published any titles or published with another publisher? Please give details.

I have been with Limitless since 2015. My YA books with Limitless are: Next Door to a Star (Star Series: Book One) and Competing with the Star (Star Series: Book Two.) It deals with a teen handling a move to a beautiful beach town and trying to fit in with the new teens there—including one famous former TV star. It’s funny and very real with the emotions and drama they go through.

I also have a middle grade/younger YA humor series called, the Landry’s True Colors Series. It’s with the publisher Clean Reads. That series is about friendship, dealing with frenemies, growing up, modeling, self-esteem, and self-image.

Very nice. Can you 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.

In all my work I use humor and my books deal with the issues teens and young women face today like self-esteem issues, friendships, frenemies, self-image, relationships, celebrities, and fame.

The Star Series includes the YA book, Next Door to a Star, and the second book in the series, Competing with the Star, which just released this week. This series follows a teen named Hadley Daniels who has just moved to a beach resort town in Michigan and found herself living next door to (and befriending) a former teen TV star. We follow Hadley’s journey as she learns to be true to herself, find real friends, and deal with her first love. When writing the second book, I started to think about how I would have felt as a teen if my boyfriend had a crush on a famous star who was now showing an interest in him!

In the Landry’s True Colors Series, it’s about an eighth grader named Landry Albright who enters a modeling competition and finds herself “unfriended” after she makes it to the next round and her bffs do not. Landry’s journey deals with handling the self-image and self-esteem issues many of us face as young teens, how to handle frenemies and bullies, first love, and the anxiety of school, friendships, and modeling. There are three books out in that series right now: True Colors, Best Friends…Forever?, and Landry in Like.

Both of your series sounds great. I think you know I have a pre-teen daughter, and those topics are definitely ones she is interested in or will be soon 🙂

How would you 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 hope to finish the third Star Series book and fourth Landry book and also finish my adult novel and two other YA projects.

Boy, sounds like you are very busy. Good luck with all of that.

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

I began writing to reach out to those readers who thought they were the “only ones” who felt the way Landry and Hadley do in their insecurities and anxieties. I want readers to know they are not alone in those feelings.

I think that’s very important for teens (and anyone) to know, and writing books with those themes are a great way of reaching them.

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

Focus on writing the book you want to read and not writing for the market. The work will reflect your passion and be better for it. And you can never learn enough about this business.

Both of those points are so true. That’s what’s so fascinating about being an author. You learn so much about yourself through your writing and about others when you interact with readers and fellow authors.

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

I think all writers have the challenge of letting a publisher see what they can do. Most of the conferences I went to recommended building up your name by publishing articles and short stories to get writing credits and to get your name out there.

That’s a great way to break into the field. I started with pet articles in cat magazines and veterinary journals. I don’t write that type of book, but I do always try to include pets in my fiction.

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 am a big supporter of writing classes, publishing seminars, conferences, and workshops. I have taken so many of them and started attending them right after graduating from high school. They are so valuable. I learned so much about writing and the publishing industry from the many classes, conferences, and workshops I have attended over the years. There really isn’t a shortcut to publishing, so you need to gain knowledge just like you would in any other career field.

Definitely.

What hobbies and interests do you have besides writing?

I love reading, exploring new towns and places, watching movies, and Detroit Lions football.

A nice variety of interests.

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

When I signed my first contract, I saw an author post, “I love being a writer, I hate being an author, it’s hard and scary.” I read that on Facebook and wondered, “What am I in for?” I love coming up with story ideas and creating characters, but the business side can get overwhelming and will take over your entire day and then you realize you had no time to write.

I am finding that myself right now. Writing is the easy part of being an author compared to marketing, promoting, blogging, keeping up with social media, speaking, autographing, etc. It’s all fun and exciting, but it’s very time consuming especially since most authors have full-time jobs.

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