Category Archives: Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Lacey Black

Lacey Black

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I am from Central Illinois, born and raised. I live about 10 minutes from my own small hometown, which might be why I love to write small town stories. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and we share two kids.

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

Definitely the latter books!

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

I like to brainstorm with my book team and do so almost daily with my writing partner, Kaylee Ryan.

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

Just write the book. Tell the story the way you feel it should be told. Then, find yourself a team of betas, editors, and proofers to help perfect it. It takes many sets of eyes to find the little things. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the last nine years, it’s not to skimp on good covers (photo and design) and editing.

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

3-5 hours, spread through the day.

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

Meghan Summer from the Summer Sisters. She was the hardest character I’ve ever written. I was terrified telling her story because I was scared readers wouldn’t like it. It was outside of my comfort zone, but I powered through and wrote one of my favorite books every. It took almost the entire series to shape her storyline, and I couldn’t be prouder of it!

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’d LOVE to see the Brew Crue turned into a movie. I see Liam Hemsworth as Walker and Natalie Portman as Mallory.

What is your definition of success?

Loving what I do. Life’s too short not to find joy in what you do day in and day out.

What are your social links?

Website: www.laceyblackbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlaceyblack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laceyblackwrites/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lacey-black
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthLaceyBlack
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8414783.Lacey_Black

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/Lacey-Black/e/B00MW2UGZI
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Lacey-Black/B00MW2UGZI

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.

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Laura A. Barnes

Laura A. Barnes

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Laura A. Barnes
I’ve been an author for six years now. When I’m not writing, I like to read and binge watch shows and movies on Netflix. Also, I love to spend time with my children and grandkids. I love to travel too and hope to start adding more stamps to my passport soon.

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

The first book in the series is always the hardest for me, because I’m setting the scene for the entire series. I’m introducing characters and trying to set the tone for the series. Do I want it to be a mystery, comedy, or a bit of both?

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

I try to write new scenes that I haven’t used before or that I haven’t read before. Sometimes it’s a matter of combining familiar situations into one, but adding a new twist.

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

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Just allow your imagination to run when your writing and don’t worry about mistakes. That is what the editing process is for. Enjoy yourself. Because if you don’t, then it turns into something you don’t want to do any longer.

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

If I’m working on a story, anywhere from 4-5 hours. It all depends on the deadline I’ve set for myself. Some days I don’t write at all.

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

Oh, this is a hard one. I actually have two that are special to me. Probably because they both share the same characteristics. Zane Maxwell from Rescued By the Scot & Graham Worthington from The Siren’s Gentleman. Both characters are these fun loving men that also have a serious side to them that nobody understands. Only those closet to them. They pull you when their sense of humor and you fall madly in love with them by their romantic gestures and the passionate love they hold for the heroines.

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is when a reader understands the depth of the story as I have written it.

What are your social links?

Website: http://www.lauraabarnes.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16332844.Laura_A_Barnes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraA.Barnes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labarnesauthor/
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@labarnesauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/labarnesauthor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura-a-barnes
Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes

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.)

Website: https://www.lauraabarnes.com/books
Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/”Laura%20A.%20Barnes”
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=Laura+A.+Barnes
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/author/laura-a-barnes/id1194175494
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Laura+A.+Barnes
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/ap/8YjKbe/Laura-A-Barnes
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Laura_A.Barnes
Eden Books: https://edenbookstore.com/author/labarnes/
Chirp Audiobooks: https://www.chirpbooks.com/authors/laura-a-barnes-audiobooks
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Laura-A-Barnes/B06VTX3P3S

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.

#WOTR23 #Attendingauthor – Miranda Lynn

Miranda Lynn

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Miranda Lynn I have always been a voracious reader and created worlds in my head ever since I can remember. Being inspired by two of my English teachers and a high school creative writing teacher put the writing bug into my head and it slowly grew until the advice of a fellow writer hit home. I still use that same advice when talking to other aspiring writers. “Write the story you want to read”

I am a military wife, a proud mother to two amazing, now adult,sons, a fur baby lover and am excited as each new chapter in my life unfolds even with the bumps and bruises that may come with it. I love connecting with fellow authors, readers, and fans.

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

The others after it. I am horrible at keeping series bibles so I always have to go back to verify places, names, descriptions. I still make mistakes, but thanks to my amazing alpha readers usually get all of them fixed before publication.

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

I like to throw in new and different characters. I also pull from the real world. Trauma’s, experiences, headline news, etc. I try to keep each book as fresh as possible while still doing the series justice.

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

Take a break when you need. It’s ok to cry through a scene. It’s ok to blush through them too. But most of all take time to refill that emotional cup even if it’s simply a glass of wine, a bath, and a good book.

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

Not as much as I would like. This past year has been difficult for me to get into any type of routine. A lot of real life stresses have taken over my brain and the characters have been quiet. Ideally I would like to get to an hr each day as I still work a full time job on top of my writing career.

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

I hate to admit it but my favorite so far is Diego from Her Chosen Mate (book 2 in the night shift series) Working through his trauma and having to return to an identity he had buried to save his mate. He has my heart right now.

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?

His One True Mate. I see David Boreanaz as Leo and Sandra Bullock or Julia Roberts as Kat for the main characters. I haven’t thought about the rest of the crew but now I think I need to create some pinterest boards.

What is your definition of success?

That definition changes as I grow. Loyal and dedicated fans who love my characters as much as I do is a big part of it, but as I grow my career bettering each book and gaining consistent sales is another.

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

Always be open to learning and growing in your career and don’t get upset if you fail. Every failure leads closer to success.

What are your social links?

https://linktr.ee/AuthorMirandaLynn

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.)

My Books

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.

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Sharon Hamilton

Sharon Hamilton

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Sharon Hamilton

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

The first one, since I write in series all the time. Figuring the series comes first. I need a full series arch.

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

I try to put two people who wouldn’t normally expect to fall in love, to get connected by some circumstance, possibly an accident, or dangerous issue. But it can be a holiday, vacation, or chance encounter.

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

Take naps Meditate every day and night. Keep notes as you think of them, or think of plot things that would work. Write when you’re inspired, never do it forced or when it’s work.

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

2-3 weeks before launch, 5 hours a day. I take long breaks in between when I don’t write. Do other business things, or answer emails or design NL or contests for readers. Work on getting reviews or things with my PAs.

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

Not really. Every hero at the time becomes my favorite. I have to fall in love with them when I’m writing. Otherwise, the book won’t be any good.

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 have nearly 100 books. Hard to answer that question. Beside, that will never happen!

What is your definition of success?

To write stories of my heart, bringing enjoyment to others, memorable characters, to make people laugh, and cry, and have them begging for more. I hope to bring the portrayal of military heroes accurately, especially the SEALs, to do them the proper justice they deserve.

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

My love of writing SEALs came when my son became one, a medic, serving 10 years, including 2 TDIs with ST6.

What are your social links?

authorsharonhamilton.com

Everything is on my website.

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.)

My website has everything, both digital, print books, and audio books. I have interviews with my narrator, J.D. Hart, with sample audio chapters, I have a company store for swag.

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.

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Jamie A. Waters

Jamie A. Waters

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Jamie A. Waters is an award-winning fantasy romance author and dragon enthusiast. Weaving together magic, intrigue, and some delicious romance, she creates memorable and immersive worlds that provide the perfect escape. Her books features strong, capable heroines and their swoon-worthy heroes who will stop at nothing to save the day.

Jamie currently resides in Florida with two neurotic dogs who enjoy stealing socks. When she’s not writing, she’s usually trying to learn new and interesting random things (like how to pick locks or use the self-cleaning feature of the oven without setting off the fire alarm). In her downtime, she enjoys reading, playing computer games, painting, or acting as a referee between the dragons and fairies currently at war inside her closet.

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

I probably have a harder time with the later books in the series. I write a lot of fast-paced fantasy, so worldbuilding and intricate plots that unfold throughout the series is key. In the first book of a new series, I’m still learning about the world and the characters. The longer the series progresses, the more hurdles the characters have to overcome. Things can get pretty dicey before they reach their Happily Ever After.

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

I’m the queen of plot twists! I’m mostly a pantser (writing by the seat of my pants). A lot of times I don’t know what’s going to happen until I write it. There have been countless times that I’ve just stared at my screen and thought, “Where the heck did THAT come from?”

When I’m not writing and need to refill my creative well, I’m either reading or playing video games. I love to learn and experience new things. Inspiration finds me in the strangest of places. I’ll be playing a game, and a thought will come to me almost out of the blue. I’ll run out of the room to go type up a new chapter really quick. I like to think that each of our brains are supercomputers. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes, and I’m just along for the ride.

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

Self-care and make sure to recharge the well! I think we all started writing because we have a passion and love for amazing stories. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of publishing dreams. But it’s important to remember to take time for yourself and focus on why you want to take this journey. Find out what types of things inspire YOU, and when you become discouraged, hold onto that inspiration tightly. It’ll let you continue to soar.

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

Sometimes, several hours. Other days, I’ll write only a sentence. I try to open my current manuscript every day, but I don’t force the words. Sometimes “writing” is simply sitting outside and drinking a cup of tea while I think about my characters, or wonder if dragons ever suffer from motion sickness.

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

Blossom, the mischievous and adorable pixie from The Dragon Portal series. (Ahem, who let the goat loose in the dwarven embassy this time?) She wasn’t a planned character, but I can’t imagine the series without her. Her antics keep me laughing, and I love writing scenes with her in them.

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?

Um… I’m terrible at naming actors and actresses. For leading ladies, I always thought Mila Kunis looked a bit like Kayla from Beneath the Fallen City. She also happens to be from the Ukraine, and that series draws a lot of inspiration from Slavic folklore.

And I’d have to say Scarlett Johansson as Sabine for The Dragon Portal series. There’s just something about her mannerisms and a little of her appearance (minus the pointy ears and glowing skin markings, of course).

What is your definition of success?

I write because I love getting lost in stories. I publish because I want to share them with others. To me, success means that I have the ability to pursue my dreams while also uplifting and providing joy to others. Every time I receive an email or message from a reader telling me they love my books and the escape they provide, I know I’ve succeeded.

What are your social links?

https://linktr.ee/booksbyjamiewaters

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.)

Website: https://www.jamieawaters.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jamie-A.-Waters/e/B00JXT4VTK/
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/author/jamie-a-waters/id831846900
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Jamie+A.+Waters
Books2Read: books2read.com/booksbyjamiewaters

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.

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Robyn Peterman

Robyn Peterman

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

NYT and USA Today best selling author, Robyn Peterman writes because the people inside her head won’t leave her alone until she gives them life on paper. She writes snarky, sexy, funny paranormal and snarky, sexy, funny contemporaries.
Her addictions include laughing really hard with friends, shoes (the expensive kind), Target, Coke (the drink, not the drug LOL) with extra ice in a Yeti cup, bejeweled reading glasses, her kids, her super-hot hubby and collecting stray animals.
A former professional actress, with Broadway, film and T.V. credits, she now lives in the south with her family and too many animals to count. Writing gives her peace and makes her whole, plus having a job where she can work in her sweatpants works really well for her.

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

All books are hard. All books are easy. LOL I pants so I have to feel it. To me, they’re each like a child—beautiful in their own ways. So, to answer the question, none are harder or easier than others. They’re all their own special, wonderful, hilarious nightmares. 

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

I have no idea. If a story speaks to me and makes me happy, I can only hope a reader will enjoy it. My characters live in my head and when one is talking really loudly, I write that book. 

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

I don’t find the writing emotionally draining, it’s the rest of the stuff I have to do that wears me out. Writing stories is my passion. However, I do walk and exercise to keep my head clear and to make sure my ass doesn’t become one with my office chair. If you’re stressed find an outlet to destress— yoga, meditation, walking, a writing group.

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

Umm… a shitload. LOL I pretty much work all the time. I’m going for better work/life balance this year. Wish me luck. 

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

Don’t tell the others, but I have great fondness for Satan aka Blade Inferno aka Uncle Fucker. He’s just so hilariously wrong, he’s all kinds of right.

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?

The Good to the Last Death Series has been optioned. I refuse to say who I would like in the roles. It’s bad luck. LOL 

What is your definition of success?

A happy family, great friends… and lots of pets. 

What are your social links?

Website
 
Robyn Peterman Facebook Page
 
Twitter 
 
Instagram 

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
 
Goodreads
 
Book Bub

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.

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Measha Stone

Measha Stone

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Measha Stone. I write dirty stories. Shocking!! 😆 More specifically I write Alpha heroes and their feisty leading ladies. I write a variety of flavors of romance: BDSM Romance, Daddy Dom romance, Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, OMG TOO dark don’t read that romance, and am still adding to my palette.

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

The others after it. Mostly because I’m a disorganized pantser, and trying to keep all the characters in the world straight as more books enter the series can get hard because I have to go back into books to find information.

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

I try to use new tropes with each book so that they don’t end up being more of the same. It helps keep the stories fun for me to write as well.

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

Just do it. Don’t think so much about it, just sit down and write. And when you’re not writing, read!

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

1-2 hours.

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

Yes! Ashland Titon in Beast. He’s the first dark alpha male character I wrote. He’s unbearably hot, insanely protective, and has no mercy for both his lady and his enemies. I just love him.

What is your definition of success?

Being able to write books while supporting my family and raising my kids.

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/authormeashastone

https://www.tiktok.com/@meashastoneauthor

https://www.instagram.com/meashastone/

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.

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Sage Young

Sage Young

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hi I’m Sage Young and I write Dark, Suspense and Contemporary Romance

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

Definitely the ones that come after the first one.

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

I try to keep it fresh. I recently entered the world of dark romances so it’s new for me and my readers

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

When I’m writing and if gets too stressful or emotional I listen to music. It helps to center me

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

approximately two hours

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

I love all my characters. They all bring a different perspective in the books

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?

If I had to choose one book it would be Choices We Make, the first book in the Moretti Brothers Series. I loved Victoria and Dominic’s love story. The actors: Celestine Rae would play Victoria Hart and Giulio Berruti as Dominic Moretti

What is your definition of success?

For me success would be readers that will one click my book regardless of the Title. Readers loving my story telling skills. And of course having a bestselling novel.

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

I love writing. I have several crazy ides in my head and it’s fun to flush them out and create stories.

What are your social links?

BookBub: https://bit.ly/3bUr177
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3gYHl8P
IG: https://bit.ly/3QsUiVn
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3PyoVHW
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/378FhTI
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sageyoungauthor
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3Aq8QzH
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/3BMPJA3
LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/3hOPGg6
Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3nrkYJF

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.)

Here’s the link to my Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3nrkYJF

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.

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight – Jenna Jacob

Jenna Jacob

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Jenna Jacob – I write steamy, panty-melting BDSM, Rock Star, Cowboy, and contemporary romance. I’m a mom of four, grandma of six, and I live in Kansas with my hunky-hubby, Sean, and two fur babies. I’ve been writing for ten years and currently working on my thirty-fifth book. WOOT!

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

Definitely the first because you inevitably set something in stone you wish you hadn’t and have to plot around it. LOL

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

I like coming up with unique and sometimes quirky characters. Nobody wants to read a rinse and repeat of your previous hero or heroine.

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

Never give up. Even if you have to rip out chapter after chapter – don’t give up.

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

Between writing and handling administrative stuff, about ten to twelve hours.

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

Wow – that’s like trying to pick out your favorite child. Impossible. I love them all for different reasons.

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?

Tempting My Billionaire Daddy. I’d go with Anna Kendrick as Blair and Michele Marrone as Dalton (Sir Ink) **I love the way he say’s “Baby girl”. ~Whimper!*

What is your definition of success?

When a reader tells me they loved my story.

What are your social links?

Website: www.jennajacob.com
E Mail: jenna@jennajacob.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorjennajacob
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_jacob_author/
TicTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jennawriteshawtromance
Amazon Author page: http://amzn.to/1GvwNnn
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/JennaNewsletter
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jenna-jacob
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2lZagNE
Jezebels Party Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jennajacobsjezebels

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: http://amzn.to/1GvwNnn

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.

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight – Melonie Johnson

Melonie Johnson

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Melonie Johnson, aka #thewritinglush – I’m a former high school English and Theatre teacher turned full time fiction peddler. My main genres are contemporary romance and romantic comedies, and I’ve recently branched out into “seasoned romance” (featuring main characters in their 40s and up). I’ve always been a bookworm, and my love of reading definitely plays into every story I write. I’ve lived in the Chicago area all my life, growing up in the northern suburbs, attending college in the city, and raising a family here as well. I’m a Shakespeare geek and a Star Wars nerd, and have been dreaming up meet cutes ever since Han and Leia first kissed.

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

I think this changes depending on so many factors. The most recent book I finished was the second in the series and the hardest I’ve ever written, but in general, I’d say the first book in a series is harder because you’re starting from scratch and building this world and creating characters out of nothing, and that takes a lot of mental energy and time!

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

I am constantly jotting down ideas for both current and future projects. The notes app on my phone is bursting with little snippets of stuff to incorporate into my stories, details absorbed from the world around me. It could be a song or a conversation, a news story or an article I read, or just an idea while in the shower or on a walk – inspiration comes from everywhere and as long as I continur to be inspired, things will continue to be fresh!

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

This is a tough one, because I’m not great about following my own advice – but it’s very important to make time to refill the well. Step away from the manuscript and spend time with family and friends. Take a mental break from your own story to enjoy other stories via books, movies, TV, etc. Get moving – and get outside when/if you can – I find that to be one of the best ways to relieve stress. Publishing can be a brutal business, I recently contributed to the book, WHAT I WISH I’D KNOWN, a collection of essays from writers meant to inspire other writers, and the focus of my advice was to encourage aspiring authors to “find their island” by connecting with a group of authors who support and encourage each other. It can make such a difference when navigating the challenges of being a writer to have a safe space to decompress, as well as having people who understand what you are going through be there to celebrate the highs and commiserate during the lows.

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

In an ideal world, when everything went according to plan, in a typical day I’d spend about four hours of solid writing, with another two dedicated to “author business” such as connecting with readers on my socials, putting together newsletters, updating my website, etc. Unfortunately, as much as I try to create a regular schedule, I am a “feast or famine” type of author, which means there are days I won’t get any words at all, and then others when I’m on the laptop for sixteen to twenty hours, pounding out chapter after chapter.

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

Such a hard question! I’m going to have to go with a fan favorite — Theo Wharton – the hero from my second published book, SMITTEN BY THE BRIT. He’s charming and dashing, but also incredibly loyal and kind hearted. From Darcy to Prince Eric, Theo is many of my fictional crushes rolled into one. He is, quite honestly, irresistible.

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?

This is always a fun concept to think about. I think all my books would make great movies, of course, but my first book, GETTING HOT WITH THE SCOT, would make such a fun film. I can already picture that opening scene at Edinburgh Castle. Logan, the hero, would of course have to be played by a Scot, and I think Richard Madden would be a perfect fit. As for the brown-haired, brown-eyed heroine, Cassie, Zoey Deutch would do nicely.

What is your definition of success?

On the surface, this is something that is constantly changing, the bar always rising higher: more books, more sales, more money, more awards, more recognition… but when I dig down and think about what I truly think success means to me as an author, I’d have to say it is finding a healthy work/life balance that is productive but not exhausting. Writing books I enjoy for an audience who craves them – that is my definition of success.

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

As the Writing Lush, I like to say that books and booze are my brand, and while it’s true I love the combination of a great book with a great cocktail, it’s more about embracing a lush life and treating yourself by indulging in life’s little pleasures – escaping into another world through books is definitely one of those, especially when you can do it while relaxing on the beach (or even on the couch) – it’s about carving out time for yourself and savoring experiences.

What are your social links?

List of links to all my socials: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qkl2YzpE5Vq_46bdxwWlaPPt9UxSb6e35CsHJM2E42c/edit?usp=sharing

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 Home Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/meloniejohnson
Macmillan Author Home Page: https://us.macmillan.com/author/meloniejohnson
Audible Home Page: https://www.audible.com/author/Melonie-Johnson/B07GTF5CFL

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.