Category Archives: WOTR Event

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Sophie Stern

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Sophie Stern

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Sophie Stern – I love coffee, cats, and writing!

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

The first book is the hardest for me because it sets the tone for the rest of the series. I always want to make sure to make the first book as strong and exciting as possible.

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

Lots of jokes! I like writing snarky, quirky characters who aren’t afraid to joke around. That’s one of my favorite ways to keep stories fun.

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

Set goals but keep in mind that your goal doesn’t have to be the same as other people.

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

Usually about eight hours!

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

Cosmo in “The Dragon’s Fake Fiancee” is one of my favorite characters because he’s so feisty! Ekpen in “Grimalkin Needs Brides” is another favorite.

What is your definition of success?

Making my readers smile.

What are your social links?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sexysophiestern
Insta: www.instagram.com/dontdatedemons
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sexysophiestern

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.)

www.sexysophiestern.com has all the links you need!

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$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.

$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 Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR23#attendingauthor #spotlight – Jennifer Daniels

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Jennifer Daniels

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hey hey! I’m Jennifer Daniels, and I write Fantasy/ Romance. I’m live in Upstate, NY with my husband and son. Oh, and I have a “pet” raccoon Walter. Lol… Walter come every night to visit. He’s my good boy🦝🐾

Writing was never on my radar, until my son wanted to write a book. I decided to give it a try and that when Opalla was born.

I used to hate reading but my friend introduced me to Harry Potter and I was hooked. Now I always have a book in my hand and often Harry Potter playing in the background.

I’m a huge paranormal junkie. I love watching Ghost Hunters, The Walking Dead or anything like that. But, I don’t like anything to scary. The Hallmark channel is often playing in the background…

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

The others that come after

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

I have only done the Opalla Series, so I tried to make each of the main characters have very different personalities. In my standalones i have jumped from witches, wolves, shifters, and just general romance.

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

If you are feeling overwhelmed, walk away. Go get yourself a drink or a snack. Do something that doesn’t involve your writing.

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

For me I can not sit and write everyday. There are times the computer will sit for months. But, if something pops into my head I can write until my hearts content..

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

Lyndy from the Opalla Series. This was my debt book and I put alot of myself in Lyndy. Opalla became my therapy after having my back surgery. At that time I took out all of my frustration on my computer keys…lol

If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

I think My new book Between the Pines. THe two main characters, Sloan and FLetcher. For Sloan i would have Victoria Justice and for Fletcher i would have Tyler Hoechlin.

What is your definition of success?

Do what makes you happy and just being content in life.

 What are your social links?

https://m.facebook.com/jenniferdanielsauthor

https://m.facebook.com/jenniferdaniels2017/

 https://authorjenniferdani.wixsite.com/authorjendaniels

https://twitter.com/Jld0316Jennifer?s=07

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17240726.Jennifer_Daniels

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jennifer-daniels

tiktok.com/@authorjennniferdaniels

https://linktr.ee/authorjenniferdaniels

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 #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$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.

$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 Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Dena Garson

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Dena Garson

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Dena Garson – I’m a mom of two boys plus an extra as well as 2 snobby cats and a dog who doesn’t understand the meaning of the word NO. I do still have a day job as a Quality Improvement Analyst. I like to dabble in a lot of arts and crafts like crochet and jewelry making/beading. And I spend a lot more time watching football than I ever expected thanks to my boys.

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

The others after the first are definitely harder for me. Probably why I don’t have long series.

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

I don’t write long series – most of mine are only 3 books deep. But I do like all of my books to stand alone – just with shared characters.

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

Writing does take a thick skin and a love of long spans of alone time. The most valuable tip I ever received was to give yourself permission to write crap during your first draft. You can fix most anything in edits.

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

Varies based on what is going on with the family – anywhere from 30 minutes to three or four hours.

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

Picking a favorite character is like picking a favorite child. Each book holds a special place for me for a variety of reasons. I loved Rege (Rege’s Rescue) because he’s such a sexy, brooding hunk. But I also loved Trixie (Her Clockwork Heart) because she seemed so real and relatable to me and had awesome “pets.”

What is your definition of success?

Being happy with what you choose to do and seeing the fruits of your labors through both monetary rewards as well as satisfied consumers (readers/customers).

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

Earlier this year I moved all of my contemporary books under a new pen name: Liana Garson. You can find Liana and those books on my website and on Kindle Unlimited.

What are your social links?

FB Author page – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDenaGarson
Twitter – https://twitter.com/DenaGarson
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/denagarson/

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/Dena-Garson/e/B007ER5E58/
https://denagarson.com/

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$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.

$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 Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Tabetha Waite

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Tabetha Waite

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Tabetha Waite – I write romance with adventure and heart! I’m a small town girl from Missouri who had big dreams of writing. Romance became my first love in high school when I started reading Harlequin and the timeless Gothics. I published my first book in 2016 and since then, have become a multi-award winning hybrid author with more than 30 published novels and novellas between indie and various small press publishers.

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

Generally the very last one! You feel like you are building all the anticipation until the last one and you want it to be worth the wait for the reader, while enjoying all the characters until then.

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

Always expect the unexpected! I like to add twists!

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

Don’t take the fun out of what you love. When you do, it becomes a chore, and not the enjoyment that you found at the beginning.

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

I work a full time job, so I generally spend about 2-3 hrs a day after supper in my office. And on a weekend I don’t have to go anywhere, I am usually there. I don’t watch much TV anymore!

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

I will always love Orion and Athena. They were the couple from “Why the Earl is After the Girl,” the first book I got published.

If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

I honestly don’t even think about that. lol. I just strive to make my readers happy. But if I made a bestseller list, that would be pretty cool!

What is your definition of success?

Having someone tell me that they liked my stories. It’s as simple as that. If I made someone smile and brightened their day, then I did my job as a storyteller.

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

Other than writing, I like to collect dolls! Most people think it’s creepy, but if there are any of my fellow peeps out there, I’d love to hear from you! Oh, and I’m a BIG Beauty and the Beast fan!

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/TotallyTabetha/

http://www.twitter.com/@TotallyTabetha

http://www.instagram.com/tabethawaite

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15485251.Tabetha_Waite

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tabetha-waite

@tabethawaite

http://www.linkedin.com/tabethawaite

Reader Group –
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2316431591948667

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.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Tabetha%20Waite%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=Tabetha%20Waite&fcsearchfield=Author

https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/tabetha-waite/id1134400117?mt=11

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$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.

$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 Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Becca Jameson

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Becca Jameson

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Becca Jameson. I live in Houston, TX, with my husband, my son, and the crazy cat and dog! In my free time… Oh, wait, I don’t have free time! I write. I read. I edit. lol

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

The others after it.

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

I remember nothing. So, it could be fresh because I don’t have any idea what I did before. OR, it could be that I’m just repeating myself over and over. Shrug. No one has complained.

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

Turn everything off and write in half hour increments.

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

Five hours.

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

It changes, but I think Lucy is my current favorite. No idea why. That book is raw and has stuck with me.

If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

Good golly I have no idea! Severed Dreams might be good. It’s a newer stand alone. A total mind fuck. No idea who would star in it.

What is your definition of success?

Loving what you do.

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

I love my job. I’m so grateful I get to do this every day. I’d rather be writing than anything else.

What are your social links?

Goodreads: goodreads.com/beccajameson
Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/becca.jameson.18
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/beccajameson4
Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BeccasBibliomaniacs/
website: http://beccajameson.com/
twitter: @beccajameson  or: https://twitter.com/beccajameson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becca.jameson/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/beccajameson1/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/becca-jameson
Newsletter: http://www.beccajameson.com/newsletter-sign-up

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/beccajameson


https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/becca%20jameson


https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=becca+jameson


https://www.audible.com/author/Becca-Jameson/B007CBQSP6?ref=a_search_c3_lAuthor_1_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=QDK67MNM36JM5N0DJ0EP

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$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.

$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 Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Melissa Haag/ MJ Haag

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Melissa Haag

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My name is Melissa, and I think my characters lead more interesting lives than I do. lol

I’m a mom of three, author of 50+ (I think) titles, a proudly independent business woman, habitual snacker, and connoisseur of desserts. I love being happy and write stories laced with humor. I’m a social introvert who enjoys a good thunderstorm and is currently in love with k-dramas on Viki.

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

Writing a book is like going on the best date of your life. It’s a little nerve-racking at the start, but once you get going, it’s amazing and fun. And you never want it to end. Ever. But it always has to. So, I’d say the final books in any series are the hardest. It’s never easy to find a satisfying way to say goodbye.

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

For me, it’s all about the characters and their “flaws.” It’s not enough to write someone in an abusive relationship desperate to know what healthy love feels like. I’m also going to give her a medical condition that causes inopportune fainting, a low sex drive but a strong desire for children, and stick her with an awkward co-dependant roommate situation. (Demon Discord under my MJ Haag pen name)

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

There’s a difference between learning from your peers by watching what they do and comparing yourself to others. The former is smart; the latter will erode your self-confidence.

If you find yourself checking your social media outlets every five minutes, it’s time for a break. Boundaries create healthy relationships…especially the ones authors have with social media. Don’t let it own you.

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

3-4 hours on actual words. (But I tend to work a full 8-9 hours since writing is only 40% of an author’s job.)

 If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

Oh boy…this is a tough one. I have over 50+ books between my pen names.

But, if I had to pick one character, it would be Sam from the Judgment of the Six series (by Melissa Haag). He’s an older wolf shifter and the guardian of one of the MCs. When I wrote him, I absolutely pictured him as Sam Elliott.

What is your definition of success?

Waking up happy.

Time is precious, and the number of days we have is finite. I’m trying to slow down and find comfort, wonder, and humor in each moment. If I can wake up happy, it means I did all the right things the day before and plan to do all the right things again today.

What are your social links?

https://melissahaag.com/about

https://mjhaag.melissahaag.com/about

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://melissahaag.com

https://mjhaag.melissahaag.com

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$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.

$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 Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Audrey Simmons

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Audrey Simmons

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hi my name is Audrey. I write YA high fantasy and dystopian scifi (always with a thread of romance) and under a pen name I’ll be publishing steamy fantasy romance. I really like to focus on the characters and how they’re dealing with the chaos of their lives. The more angst the better. I also love world building and creating interesting magic systems. When I’m not writing, I’m making art, playing games, or reading.

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

I only have one book out, the first in a series, and I’m working on the second at the moment. Right now the second one definitely feels harder but the first one took so much more time because not only was I writing the story but I was building the world and figuring out the characters.

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

Take breaks both from writing and social media. It can be easy to fall prey to comparing yourself to others. Everyone is at their own place in their writing journey so it’s best to compare yourself only to yourself.

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

I try to spend at least an hour writing every day but some days I write the whole day. Though in the past I was more of a sporadic writer.

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

My favorite right now is one from a steamy series that will be under a pen name so I’ll talk about one from Child of the Moon instead. Hemi is my favorite character in that series. He’s just a lot of fun and very easy going. He keeps his head on in stressful situations and always has his friends backs.

What is your definition of success?

Success was publishing a book and I’ve done that. Now I guess success will be finishing the series and getting it out there.

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

I’m really excited for the chance to be at Writers on the River ^_^ I’ve been a table buddy the past two events and it’s a blast.

What are your social links?

Twitter: twitter.com/AuthorAudreyS

Amazon author page: amazon.com/Audrey-Simmons/e/B09W5XSG55

Facebook: facebook.com/authorAudreySimmons/

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 #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$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.

$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 Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #Spotlight -Maggie Adams

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Maggie Adams

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Most people call me Mags, so when I was in the market for my logo, I went with lips because I talk a lot, and my signature Mags. My kids thought it was perfect!

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

Other after, definitely! I have to go back and reference my previous dialogues, etc. in fact, in Something’s Gotta Give, I had to copy an entire scene from the previous book, Leather and Lace, only do it from Sggs heroines perspective. That was tough.

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

Everyone is different, so each character has to have a true personality. The key is to keep true to that person while introducing new characters into the story. I love quirky sub characters so I use them quite a bit. And then they sometimes become main characters with their own books. I did this with Zoe from Forged in Fire. She became a main character in my PNR series, Legends, Kermode. And Minx was a stand-alone novel until fans wanted to know more about Miranda’s friends. Now it’s a series, Hell on Heels.

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

I love music, so it’s an integral part of my writing. Exercising let’s my mind wander, coupled with music and I come up with plots or dialogue. When Im writing, I play instrumental music so words don’t interrupt the voices in my head. Lol

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

I usually get an hour or so every evening, but my main writing occurs on the weekends. It’s not ideal, but I’m hoping to retire and spend all my time writing.

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

There are actually two characters that are dear to my heart – Dixie, from Whistlin’ Dixie, was modeled after my daughter, she’s even on the cover. And in Minx, Miranda is me. With the exception of the divorce, the scenes are pretty well scenes from my life. Oh and hubby isn’t a billionaire, but he’s definitely one in a billion!

If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

I think Minx would make a great movie with Melissa McCarthy as Miranda and Tom Selleck as Reese. Of course, her buddies would star in the sequels!

What is your definition of success?

Everyone has bills, wishes, and dreams, but truly, I feel I’m living the dream. I have a loving husband who is also my best friend, my children and grandchildren are my sunshine, and I’m lucky enough to have time to make my dream of writing come true. Added to that, I’ve made so many friends through my books. I’ve found my tribe!

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

I am truly blessed to be able to do what I love and meet all the wonderful book lovers at events.

What are your social links?

For those that may not know me or my work… Why the hell not? I’m all over the place! lol Here’s the 411 on me. Oh, and I’m not above handing out free books to join my newsletter!
https://twitter.com/AuthrMaggieAdms
https://www.pinterest.com/maggiesminxes/
https://www.instagram.com/maggieadamsbooks/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/maggie+adams
https://www.amazon.com/author/maggieadams
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9867300.Maggie_Adams
http://www.maggieadamsbooks.com
https://www.facebook.com/maggieadamsbooks
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-adams-006a8b142/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-adams

www.tiktok.com/@maggieadamsbooks

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.amazon.com/author/maggieadams
Buy direct – www.maggieadamsbooks.com

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$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.

$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 Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #Spotlight – Cheryl Brooks

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Image for Cheryl Brooks, click to learn more.

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Cheryl Brooks
I’m a native of Louisville, Kentucky and a former critical care nurse who resides in rural Indiana with my husband, my youngest son (the eldest lives in California), one horse, two cats, and one dog. My published works include the Cat Star Chronicles series, the Cat Star Legacy series, the Cowboy Heaven series, the Unlikely Lovers series, and the Soul Survivors trilogy, along with several stand-alone novels, novellas, and short stories. My other interests include cooking, gardening, and keeping 30+ acres of land looking beautiful.

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

The first book is easy because you have free rein to create any kind of world and characters you like. The subsequent books are a little harder because you have to maintain the continuity of the world you’ve created while coming up with new stories and characters.

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

Different settings help, plus, each character speaks to you in a different way.

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

Don’t expect it to be easy or lucrative. To be truly successful, you must devote the greater part of your life to writing and marketing, which is tough to do when there are other demands on your time.

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

Not nearly as much as I used to when I was churning out a 90K book every three months. That pace nearly cost me my sanity. Nowadays, I’m lucky to write two hours a week, sometimes none if I’m busy with other things.

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

I think Onca in Rebel is my favorite character. Of all the others I’ve included in my books, his character is the one who demanded that I write his story.

What is your definition of success?

To earn enough money with your writing to live comfortably without resorting to a day job would be a major achievement for any writer. Unfortunately, very few writers can reach that goal, much less maintain it. Most of us have to measure our success by the impact our writing has made on our readers. Several readers have told me that my books helped them through some very tough times, which, for me, is the best measure of success.

 What are your social links?

Website http://www.cherylbrooksonline.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.brooks.963
Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/cherylbrooksauthor/
Twitter https://twitter.com/CherylCatMaster
Blog http://cherylbrooksauthor.blogspot.com/
Email cheryl.brooks52@yahoo.com
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/752898.Cheryl_Brooks
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cheryl-brooks

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 of my buy links are on my website: http://www.cherylbrooksonline.com/

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$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.

$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 Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Sophia Paisley

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Sophia Paisley

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Sophia Paisley. I adore finding treasures for my little free library. I also enjoy annoying my family and finding unique places to vacation. My husband still won’t forgive me for having to sleep surrounded by camel dung. I’m not sorry.

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

The books after the first one are always the hardest for me. I have a two-second memory and have to rely on spreadsheets to keep characters, locations, and facts organized. I also have to rely on my ability to remember to update them. I fail often.

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

I take cues from the characters. Every person is unique, and it’s the same for characters. I don’t hold them back.

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

I spend most of the day procrastinating. I have a mile long to-do list, so it’s easily done. And then I realize the characters are waiting for me (and I’m not allowed to play games until words are written). I get about three to four hours of writing in on a good day. One or two on a bad day. I don’t count editing time. That beast stands alone.

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

London Reese from Tempted to Love. He is by far my favorite. His back story is deep and he’s driven. He’s the kind of man you’d purposely lock horns with just to get a reaction.

 What is your definition of success?

For me, success isn’t about money. Did I survive the day? Success. Did my family survive? More success. Did I put a smile on someone’s face? Success. Did I change someone’s outlook or distract them enough that they didn’t think about their problems for a few hours? Epic success. Money is good, too. It pays bills. As long as those are paid, I’d rather have the memories.

 What are your social links?

I’m horrible with social media. If you want to keep in touch, sign up for my monthly newsletter for an insider’s look into my work and life. There are also monthly giveaways. https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/t9s6o5

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.)

You can find links to all my books at https://www.sophiapaisley.com/

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$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.

$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.