All posts by Angie J

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight – Teresa Gabelman

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Teresa Gabelman

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Teresa Gabelman. I write paranormal romance. The Protector Series (Vampire) and Lee County Wolves (Shifter). I’m a New York Times and USA Today bestseller because I have the best readers ever. It’s all because of them. I love to read when I have time; I’m a huge gamer and just got my first PC gaming system (SWEET), and I have three dogs I absolutely adore. I have a very supportive family as well as a reader community that I call my chosen family.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

The ones that follow for sure.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

Making each character and storyline different but still (in a series) keeping to the main or overall storyline. (Did that even make sense?) LOL! Adding new characters for readers as well as myself to look forward to in future books.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Don’t give up when you want to give up, and believe me, that will definitely come. Find a good support system you can turn to when you want to smash your computer into a million pieces. I have a great group of ladies I turn to, and they are amazing. They tell me to hush, get over it and write. LOL! Sorta kidding. Seriously, an amazing support system or person is the key. Everyone needs to vent during those stressful times. I also cuddle with my dogs…a lot. Finding a snuggle buddy helps tremendously.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

Depends on deadline time. During the end of a deadline, I am pulling all-nighters. When deadlines are not looming, I usually write, rewrite, listen to, and edit four to five chapters a day, depending on what is happening with the life stuff. That doesn’t always happen, but it’s the goal.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

It has to be Steve. He’s a hilarious Warrior who never shuts up and is always in trouble, especially with fellow Warriors. Readers often ask me where I come up with his lines; honestly, I have no clue. They just come, and for an author, that is so refreshing when you have a character that happens with. His banter with other characters even has ME laughing, which is welcomed when I’m stressed to the max. So yeah, Steve is my go-to character.

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success happened to me with book one of the Protector Series when I made my first sale. Before I published Damon in 2011, I told my husband and son that if only one stranger bought my book, I would have successfully become an author. I will never forget the day I sold my first Damon ebook to a complete stranger. I wish I knew who that stranger was so I could hug them because that was a dream come true for me.

Do you have anything you want to share that didn’t fit on one of these questions?

Thanks to all the readers who support us by reading our books. You’ve made a lot of dreams come true. We couldn’t do what we do without every single one of you.

What are your social links?

https://linktr.ee/TeresaGabelman

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.

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#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight – Kate Rudolph

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Kate Rudolph

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m a paranormal and sci-fi romance writer who lives in Indiana. I love writing about kick butt heroines and the steamy heroes who love them. I’ve been devouring romance novels since I was too young to be reading them and had to hide my books so no one would take them away. I couldn’t imagine a better job in this world than writing romances and sharing them with my fellow readers.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

The later books definitely!

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I like to mix and match different genre and trope elements – no one says that book nine in an alien romance series can’t ALSO be a murder mystery.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Words on the page, seriously. Even if all you can manage is a sentence, write it down.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

An hour or two.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

I love all my children equally.

What is your definition of success?

I’m able to support myself by writing books and that is definitely part of is.

What are your social links?

facebook.com/katerudolphauthor;

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-rudolph

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

https://shop.katerudolph.net;

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kate-Rudolph/author/B00RSCS29E;

https://books.apple.com/us/author/kate-rudolph/id1017101766;

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=kate%20rudolph;

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/”Kate Rudolph”;

https://www.audible.com/author/Kate-Rudolph/B00RSCS29E

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight – Jessa Aarons

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Jessa Aarons

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hi. I’m Jessa Aarons.
Oh my, talk about myself… I’m horrible at this LOL!
I’m a Midwestern girl at heart and have lived here my whole life. I was born in Green Bay, WI… Go Pack Go… but moved a smidgen south and have lived in the same south-eastern city since I was two. In fact, I currently live only 4 blocks away from my parents. I really moved far!
I’ve been married to my hubby, who I call Mr. J, for 7 years. We’ve been together for 12 years. He’s the reason I started writing books. He’s been my biggest cheerleader since day one, and I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without him. He’s seriously the best!

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

Definitely the ones after it! When I started my Rebel Vipers MC, I had so many characters wanting to talk, that picking the first was easy… bok one’s story was plotted in mere days. After that, things went wonky for a bit. Because all the “others” wanted their story’s told too, I’ve juggled my writing order around so many times, I couldn’t tell you what my original series order plan was anymore.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

Mostly by having a different trope for different books. One of my characters was a single dad, another was a commitment-phobe, and even another a enemies-to-lovers type. By switching things up by story style, even in one series, you could keep things fresh and fun!

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Don’t rush yourself! I’ve been there, and I crashed. It’s so easy to compare yourself to other authors out there, and wonder why they’re doing “x, y, & z” better than you. Don’t! Write for you. Go at your pace. Write the stories you want to read. Being an author should be fun, you got this!

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

Some days zero minutes… others, fourteen hours LOL! But when I’m in book mode, I usually aim for word count instead of time. I’ve had it take ten hours to write five thousand words. And the next day I can do that many in four. It depends on how “agreeable” the characters are in telling me their story.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

So far I’d have to make it a tie. Smoke and Haze, from book 4 in my Rebel Vipers MC series was so much fun. It’s a MMF story, about their journey to not only accepting their own sexualities, and their new places in the MC and newly patched Brothers, but also in finding the right woman to fit into their relationship. There’s angst and danger and so much love in this book, I didn’t want the story to end. I probably could write them 3 more books!

What is your definition of success?

Success to me is when readers want more. More books, certain characters to get a story… just more. If they want more from me, that to me means they like what I’ve done so far, and it means I’m doing something right.

What are your social links?

Facebook Author Page:
https://www.facebook.com/jessaaaronsauthor/

FB Reader’s Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/jessaaaronsdiamondreaders/?ref=share

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jessaaaronsauthor/

Twitter:

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21228897.Jessa_Aarons

Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessa-aarons

Pinterest:

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/user/4dvs7k15msq5cgsy4dj8hggac?si=gkhxIHXYRJCpPZEMq6BfGg

TikTok:
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRc6Cpby/

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Jessa-Aarons/e/B08WG1JKMH/ 

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight – Judith Lynne

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Judith Lynne

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Judith Lynne. I’m a lifelong romance lover; dipped my toe into other types of writing in my life (including trying screenwriting), and came back to finally write the romances of my dreams. I live in Ohio and love it; keeping my houseplants alive, learning to garden – and baking bread! My readers know I have a pet turtle who doesn’t care about my writing at all, and the world’s handsomest nephew-dog. Most people don’t know I have a PhD in literature and a master’s in linguistics, but it’s obvious I get WAY too nerdy with research for my books. I love primary source material.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

Hot tip: the second book is the hardest, for some reason. The first book is the easiest!

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I have characters of *all* kinds, and I write a series by picturing a group of people who will wind up connected somehow (rather than being connected to start with, like a family). I love found families. So I keep things fresh by reminding myself what’s unique about these two people and their relationship compared to the rest of the troop; the story is always driven by the relationship.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

I’d say get a husband as supportive as mine but he’s taken! Plug into a social network of writers who will support your efforts, and plug into a conference or club that puts on events that will spark your creative juices when they feel stale. Know what fills up your tank.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

2-3 hours. But some days it’s nothing and some days it’s 12.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

Anthony, because he’s incredible. I never imagined someone giving up so much for love before I “met” him. And Tella because she’s Batman. 🙂

What is your definition of success?

Someone falling in love with one of my characters. Which makes them a friend of mine, because I fall in love with all of my characters!

Do you have anything you want to share that didn’t fit on one of these questions?

I’m putting out my tenth book but I still feel like I’m just getting started. I hope any readers out there who love the Regency time period will let me know what types of books they’d still like to see from me – reader inspiration is the best! It’s not always “I want to see this” but often it’s “I never see this” and I think “Hold my beer…”

What are your social links?

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judith-lynne

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19819362.Judith_Lynne ;

https://www.facebook.com/judithlynnebooks/ ;

https://twitter.com/judithlynnepub ;

https://www.instagram.com/judithlynnebooks/

and I’m just trying Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/JudithLynneAuthor/

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

All my buy links are at https://judithlynne.com

but I’m also findable at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judith-lynne

and https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-Lynne/author/B07ZLH4J3S

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.

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Events We Love – Romance Rendezvous Book Blast, August 10, 2024, Cedar Falls, IA

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*Author List Subject to Change*

Romance Rendezvous Book Blast
Hosted by: Romance Rendezvous Book Blog
August 10, 2024
Please join the Romance Rendezvous Book Blast Attendees Page to keep up-to-date with all things related to this signing!
Three ticket options are available HERE
Ticket Options:
🎟 FREE Ticket option: This ticket will gain you access into the signing from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. The first 20 readers through the doors will receive a RRBB swag bag. Brunch is not included.
🎟 Early Entry Ticket option: This ticket will be $15 (plus Eventbrite fees) and you will gain early entrance into the signing from 12:00– 4:00 and a swag bag. Brunch is not included.
🎟 VIP ticket option: This ticket will be $30 (plus Eventbrite fees) and you will gain early entrance into the signing from 10:30 – 4:00, brunch with the authors, swag bag, and extra raffle tickets to be used on the raffle drawings.
Venue info:
Hilton Garden Inn
7213 Nordic Drive
Cedar Falls, IA
(319) 266-6611
Guests can call the Hilton directly at 319-266-6611, press “0” for the front desk or use the Hilton Link below for online reservations: https://www.hilton.com/…/romance-rendezvous-book-blast/
For anyone wanting to spend the night there are three hotels in the area: Hilton Garden Inn (319-266-6611), Super 8 (319-266-6988), Comfort Suite (319-273-9999).
Author Interviews, Author Spotlight, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight – K.L. Kreig

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K.L. Kreig

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

KL Kreig: Mother, Nana, Entrepreneur, Love Lover

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

First, definitely. It sets everything else in the series up so you don’t want to write yourself into a corner in the first book!

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

Introducing new characters throughout the series helps the reader stay invested. Building the backstories slowly of other critical characters is important to create interest in them and where their individual stories may lead to next. Honestly, the hardest part of writing romance is, oddly, the sex scenes. Keeping those fresh and exciting is challenging.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

As with anything else in life, build your tribe. Surround yourself with people who you can TRUST, who want you to succeed and find and befriend (not insincerely) seasoned authors who know the ins and outs of the business. Understand that building a loyal readership takes time and tremendous effort on your part. Your work needs to be quality, not quantity. Finally, writing is the easy part. After your story is done, the real hard part begins (packaging it correctly and marketing it appropriately). You are the CEO and, at least initially, the sole employee of your own business, and as such, you need to understand all aspects of business: marketing, finance, social media management, analytics, taxes, etc, etc. Writing and publishing a book is not for the faint of heart! 🙂

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

Completely varies by my schedule. Many days, none. Others, 2-3 hours. I have a full time job and another online side business that I also manage.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

Wow. This is like asking if I have a favorite child. I’m going to take the cop out and say no. Every character I write is special and unique in their own way, even the side characters who never get their own stories!

What is your definition of success?

My personal definition is the accomplishment of finishing what I think is a story that will stay with the reader long after they finish the last page. Every book can’t be that to all readers, but every book is that to at least one reader.

 What are your social links?

Website: http://klkreig.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/KL-Kreig/808927362462053
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/klkreig
Instagram: http://instagram.com/klkreig/
Kreig’s Babes (Private Fan page): https://www.facebook.com/groups/646655825434751/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-l-kreig
TikTok: @klkreig_author

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/klkreig
Black Swan Affair audible: https://amzn.to/46IqZXa
Forsaking Gray audible: https://amzn.to/495UCDf

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight – Laura A. Barnes

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Image for Laura A. Barnes, click to learn more.

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Laura A. Barnes – I’m addicted to reading as much as I am to writing stories with a happily ever after. If I’m not writing, I’m binge watching shows on Netflix or spending time with my children and grandchildren. My husband & I got the traveling bug a few years ago and we’re planning a trip to somewhere in Europe next fall. I write historical romances and just started this year writing contemporary romances. I love to write enemies to lovers story with feisty female characters who bring the gentlemen to their knees.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

The first book is harder, because I’m trying to introduce the other characters in the series without taking away from the main couple. Also, I’m trying to establish a link that will connect all the books together.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

By trying to come up with scenarios I’ve never used before. Sometimes it’s a matter of writing a common every day activity but adding a twist that makes the scene unique.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Don’t feel guilty for carving out time for yourself. Allow yourself the freedom of doing something for yourself and most of relax and have fun.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

When I’ve started a project, I usually will send about three hours writing. Some days are more productive than others.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

Graham Worthington of The Siren’s Gentleman. I introduced this character in another series, and got such wonderful feedback from readers about how they wanted him to have his own book. He was a passionate soul who loved deeply. His character held a depth that inspired me to write a series around him.

What is your definition of success?

To accomplish a goal I set for myself. With every book I write I set out to write a story that my readers will enjoy.

What are your social links?


Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraA.Barnes/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/labarnesauthor/
Twitter https://twitter.com/labarnesauthor
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@labarnesauthor

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

https://www.lauraabarnes.com/

https://amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes

https://books2read.com/Laura-A-Barnes

https://books.apple.com/us/author/laura-a-barnes/id1194175494

https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Laura+A.+Barnes

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.

BDSM

#NewRelease – Brie’s Bonus Bites, Brie’s Submission series by Red Phoenix

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Not to be missed!Ultimate collection of all the bonus chapters, special POVs, and extra content Red Phoenix has written for the Brie Series over the last twelve years compiled into one beautiful book.Brie’s Bonus Bites is the definitive collection of Brie extras and includes a brand-new short story only found here!Includes personal introductions by Red before each story.*For fans who love Brie & readers who are curious.

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

I don’t think any fan of the series will miss out on this book with some many yummy and fun scenes.  The book is full of fun memories of the series told to us before by Red.  We see our favorite characters interacting and we remember scenes from the series.  It was a great walk down memory lane for me for sure.

I was so happy to get this ARC so I can drift back in to one of my favorite series and see my old friends.

USA Today Bestselling Author

Red Phoenix is an award-winning romance author who gained popularity with her series, Brie’s Submission.

To join in the Brie experience begin with the 1st Boxed Set (Books 1-3) and start your journey into a sensual world…

✤Red’s Books: RedPhoenixAuthor.com

✤Join my Newsletter: RedPhoenixAuthor.com/newsletter-signup

✤Goodreads Group: goodreads.com/group/show/116428-fans-of-red-phoenix

✤Twitter: twitter.com/redphoenix69

✤Facebook: facebook.com/redphoenix69/

“I believe, based on personal experience, that love conquers all. It is a running theme in all of my writing. ” ~Red

Brie’s Submission Reading Order

* Available in eBook, audio book and paperback

RedPhoenixAuthor.com/reds-books/brie-series/

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight – Melonie Johnson

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Melonie Johnson

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Melonie Johnson – I’m a lifelong Star Wars fan, my dining room has been converted to the “Star Wars bar” and I decoratre entire trees devoted to Star Wars every Christmas. I’m a former high school English and Theatre teacher who started writing as a new mom in search of something to stimulate my brain. Always loved reading romance, gobbled up the classic bodice rippers starting around age 12 even though the local librarian would give me the stink-eye whenever I checked out a stack of Johanna Lindsey books. I write rom-coms and contemporary romance under my real name, and am launching a new romantasy series under the pen name Emoline Thorne (fun fact – Emoline is an anagram of Melonie). I met my husband when we were both teens working across the hall from each other at the local mall, we’ve now been married 20+ years and have two lovely redheaded daughters. My favorite drink is pretty much any cocktail that starts with the letter M. Cheers!

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

I think the first book in a series is definitely the hardest, still getting to know the characters, getting a feel for the world.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

The characters keep things fresh! They are always surprising me with what they decide to do, ha. But also, feeding my brain by reading, listening to music, researching odd things that spark my curiosity all help to keep new ideas and scenes coming.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Create a space that helps trigger a “time to write” response in your brain, a specific spot in your home, a playlist, a candle, a drink – all things that help create a habit and signal your mind it’s time to write. Another important thing to do is to stock up on energy pennies, you may think you have no time to do anything else but write, but that mindset is the fastest way to burnout. Taking time to rest, to move your body (like a walk), to enjoy other hobbies – these all feed your soul and enrich your life and will make your writing better and the time you do spend BICHOK (butt in chair, hands on keyboard) more productive.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

In a perfect world, I’d spend about 4 hours on writing… in the real world, many days I spend zero, and others I spend 20.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

So hard to answer! I’m going to go with a fan favorite, Theo Wharton, the hero of Smitten by the Brit. He is my “Prince Eric” as I like to say. And he can still make me swoon.

What is your definition of success?

Frankly, I’m still figuring that out. Unfortunately, whenever I think I’ve hit a milestone I thought would make me feel like a success, the bar moved and I was convinced the next thing and the next would mean success. I’m trying to change that mindset, but it’s not easy. I will say, one thing that ALWAYS makes me feel like a “real” author is when a reader reaches out, either in person or on-line, to share how much they enjoyed one of my books. THAT feels like success every time.

Do you have anything you want to share that didn’t fit on one of these questions?

I’m an avid audiobook listener who also narrates audiobooks under a pseudonym. I have a fun series on YouTube called Kiss List Confessions where I talk with other authors about all things kissing! I als have an interview series on Instagram called Mad About Meet Cutes where I chat with other romance authors about their their favorite meet cutes in books, movies, and TV, as well as hear about their real life meet stories!

What are your social links?

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MelonieWrites
Facebook Reader Group THE READING LUSHES: https://www.facebook.com/groups/141817033159064
TikTok: @thewritinglush https://www.tiktok.com/@thewritinglush
TikTok: @melonie_johnson https://www.tiktok.com/@melonie_johnson
Instagram: @MelonieJohnson https://www.instagram.com/meloniejohnson/
Instagram: @thewritinglush https://www.instagram.com/thewritinglush/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCRo7jtdZ83ASTaHSrhIq5OQ
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/MelonieFJohnson/_saved/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18305208.Melonie_Johnson

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/meloniejohnson
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melonie-johnson
Audible Author Page: https://www.audible.com/author/Melonie-Johnson/B07GTF5CFL
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/contributors/melonie-johnson

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight – Michele Shriver

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Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Michele Shriver. By day, I’m an attorney practicing primarily in criminal defense and juvenile law. Evenings and weekends, I am an author of contemporary and sports romance and women’s fiction. I don’t have nearly as much time for writing as I’d like, but I do it because I have stories in my head that demand to be told, and because it’s cheaper than therapy. I love doing books signings and meeting new readers, especially because it gives me the opportunity to visit new cities and states.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

The ones after. With the first book in a series, everything is fresh and new and with endless possibilities, and you don’t have to worry about keep track of previous events in the series or character traits and descriptions, etc.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

Unfortunately my schedule doesn’t allow for writing every day. I’m more of a weekend writer these days and aim for a few hours each day of the weekend.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

That’s a hard one. All of my characters are special to me in their own way. If I had to name a favorite right now (and since I chose to answer this question, I guess I do), I have to go with Myriah in Tranquil Harbor. She’s only in a supporting role, non POV character in that book, because she is the catalyst of of so many things and changes the life of the MC forever. She’s a beautiful, tortured soul who has survived so much in her young life, and I can’t wait to write more for her and tap further into her enormous potential. Readers have definitely not seen the last of Myriah Banks.

What is your definition of success?

Knowing that in some way, I have connected with a reader, whether it’s a particular story or character they identify with, or even a single line of dialogue that might make them smile or laugh.

What are your social links?

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMicheleShriver/,

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5303070.Michele_Shriver,

Street Team/ Reader’s club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/721292531291721/.

Website: http://www.micheleshriver.com

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

Authror Page: https://tinyurl.com/9r67dpej

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.