Category Archives: Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – April Lynn Baker

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself and which Twinsie do you know.

April Lynn Baker. I’m from Franklin, IN and I write PNR and MC romance. I don’t know either of you. I’m new to the page.

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

The first one. That’s where the whole plot comes from for the whole series. From there it gets easier

What comes first? The plot or characters?

With me, my characters. Then I come up with my plot. I know I work backwards.

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Esther E. Schmidt

If you could ask that author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?

What got you into writing? What do you do when you get writers block? Any advice you can give me on writing better MC books?

What is harder? The blurb writing, naming the book, or naming the series?

I am good at writing blurbs. I would say the other two. I’ve gotten plenty of headaches from naming my books and figuring out a series name

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

I would have to say publishing my very first book. It was amazing. But that feeling doesn’t go away.

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is not giving up when it gets tough. Push through it and make the book worthwhile for the readers. Your success comes from them.

What are your social links?

https://linktr.ee/aprilbaker80

What are your buy links?

“Keller: Dirty Daggers MC #1 Revving For Love Anthology Love You to Death Anthology Jase: Appalachian Dragons #1 https://www.amazon.com/Jase-Appalachian-Dragons-Book-1-ebook/dp/B0876BV6H6/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=April+Lynn+Baker&qid=1605720196&sr=8-3″

#AuthorSpotlight – Carson Mackenzie

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself and which Twinsie do you know.

My name is Carson Mackenzie. I am a single mother with two grown sons. I live in the South with one son, a Great Dane, and two shelter dogs who think they run the household. I don’t know any of the Twinsies.

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

Writing the first books in a series can be hard because it is the book that will either peak a reader’s interest or not. However, to me, the books that follow are the hardest. The first book is fresh, a new idea that brings on the excitement of new characters and building a world around them. With the books that follow, as an author, you want them to be as unique as the first. The main characters in the following books deserve to not to be overshadowed by the mains in the first book and given their own different and engaging storyline. The goal is when the series is completed, readers feel from book one to the last book written had the author’s complete devotion to their characters and story was achieved.

What comes first? The plot or characters?

I start with a basic plot, then once the characters form – I start writing and allow the characters’ personalities to complete the plot as they guide me through telling their story.

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Nora Roberts – I grew up reading her. Over the years, she is one of the only authors who’s stories and writing has kept me entertained to point I keep coming back for more.

If you could ask that author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?

When did you realize you wanted to be an author? How long did take you gain enough courage to take the plunge into allowing others to see your work? Are you a disciplined writer or do you only write when the mood strikes?

What is harder? The blurb writing, naming the book, or naming the series?

None. I title the book and write blurb before I even start typing the story. If it is to be a series, it is also name prior to working on book.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

My favorite memory is from my first published book. It was a private message from a reader who stated she enjoyed the story and was looking forward to reading more along with watching me grow as an author.

What is your definition of success?

Success can be defined a number of different ways – For me it is knowing people are reading and enjoying my books as much as I enjoyed writing them.

What are your social links?

“Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Carson-Mackenzie/e/B019CYGYSQ/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarsonMackenzieAuthor/ Webpage: https://www.carsonmackenzieauthor.wordpress.com/ Carson’s Crew: https://www.facebook.com/groups/carsoncrew Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carsonmackenzie4/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14764937.Carson_Mackenzie Allauthor: https://allauthor.com/profile/carsonmackenzie/ Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carson-mackenzie MeWe: https://www.mewe.com/i/carsonmackenzie Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/l2k1l8 ”

What are your buy links?

“Speed (Book 1) – Universal – https://books2read.com/speed Crusher (Book 2) – Universal – https://books2read.com/crusher Devil (Book 3) – Universal – https://books2read.com/devil-blackhawkmc Ghost (Book 4) – Universal – https://books2read.com/ghost-blackhawkmc Jag (Book 5) – Universal – https://books2read.com/jag-blackhawkmc Coast (Book 6) – Universal – https://books2read.com/coast Snatched (Book 1) – Universal – https://books2read.com/snatched-havenmc Hawk’s Bounty (Book 2) – Universal – https://books2read.com/hawksbounty Keg’s Revelation (Book 3) – Universal – https://books2read.com/Kegsrevelation Her Way or No Way – Universal – https://books2read.com/her-way-or-no-way Touched by the Music – Universal – https://books2read.com/touchedbythemusic ”

#WOTR21 #AuthorSpotlight – Melonie Johnson

Melonie Johnson

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Melonie Johnson
I’m a Star Wars junkie and Shakespeare groupie. Known as #thewritinglush, I love dark coffee, cheap wine, and expensive beer. And margaritas. And mimosas. And mules. Basically any cocktail that starts with the letter m. I met my future husband in that most romantic of places—the mall—when we were teenagers working in stores across the hall from each other. Today, we live happily ever after in the magical land midway between Chicago and Milwaukee with our two redhead daughters, a dog that’s more like a small horse, and a pair of hermit crabs. After teaching high school English and Theatre for several years, now I write smart and funny contemporary romance and moonlights as an audiobook narrator under the pseudonym, Evelyn Eibhlin. Declared a “writer to watch” by Kirkus and a “fizzy, engrossing new voice” by Entertainment Weekly, my debut series, SOMETIMES IN LOVE, has appeared on the Amazon Best Books of the month, and been featured in Cosmopolitan and Woman’s World. Watch for my next romantic comedy, TOO GOOD TO BE REAL, out July 6, 2021.

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

Even though later books in a series have more logistical challenges because you are juggling multiple books at various stages of the publication process, starting a new series is harder because you are getting to know the characters, establishing the world, defining relationships, etc. It takes time and drains a lot of creativity.

What comes first? The plot or characters

Almost always the characters.

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

I have been so lucky to meet several of my most favorite authors, including Karen Marie Moning Diana Galbadon, and Laura Kinsale.

If you could ask that author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?

1. What are your tricks for making the words flow when “writer’s block” hits?
2. Which of your books would you choose to be made into a movie?
3. If you could write outside your published genres, what would you try?

What is harder? The blurb writing, naming the book, or naming the series.

Crafting the blurb! So tricky to boil it down to the right bits and tie it up in a neat package.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Romance Game Night at the Strand Bookstore in NYC

What is your definition of success?

A fan base with readers who connect with my stories and love my books.

What are your social links?

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/melonie-johnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewritinglush/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/MelonieFJohnson/_saved/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelonieJohnson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelonieWrites/

What are your buy links?

Too Good to be Real: toogoodtobereal.com
Sometimes in Love series:
Getting Hot with the Scot: https://meloniejohnson.com/books/sometimes-in-love-2/getting-hot-with-the-scot/
Smitten by the Brit: https://meloniejohnson.com/books/sometimes-in-love-2/smitten-by-the-brit/
Once Upon a Bad Boy: https://meloniejohnson.com/once-upon-a-bad-boy/

#AuthorSpotlight – KB Cinder

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself and which Twinsie do you know.

KB Cinder, I’m a contemporary/rom com author who writes books like Jack Off and Circle Jerk 😉 I don’t know any of the Twinsies!

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

Gahhhh. The ones after. Characters don’t always follow your plans for them.

What comes first? The plot or characters?

Characters!

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Lucy Score 🙂

If you could ask that author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?

“1) Do you write chapter to chapter in order or do you bounce around? 2) Do you have any weird writing rituals? 3) How do you keep your funny even when life’s not so funny?”

What is harder? The blurb writing, naming the book, or naming the series?

Blurb. Condensing your baby into one little snippet is like pulling teeth.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Coming up with the concepts of Circle Jerk and Jack Off. I resisted a lot of my gut instincts early on. Embracing my kind of funny has been such a relief.

What is your definition of success?

Writing what makes you and your readers happy.

What are your social links?

“https://www.facebook.com/kbcinderauthor https://www.instagram.com/kbcinderauthor/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19210548.KB_Cinder”

What are your buy links?

#AuthorSpotlight – Michelle Geel

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself and which Twinsie do you know.

“Hiya! I’m Michelle Geel, a mom of 2 kiddos & 4 dogs, and I live in a coastal city in South Africa. I’m kooky and weird, and sarcastic in the best way possible (there’s a good way?). The off-the-cuff sh*t I often spout tends to be highly entertaining to those around me and in my book, keeping my loved ones laughing is always a bonus. I’ve just signed up to the TwinsieTalk newsletter, so am looking forward to getting to know everyone on the team. I write contemporary steamy romance, and am still learning to live with my NSFW brain (I still have a daytime job). Although my first two books are trad published by DDP (Deep Desires Press), I am now flying solo as an indie-author and have released my first self-published novella, Playing Offense, just last week! (Playing Offense is part of the Girl Power Romance anthology – where women have been placed in positions which are generally filled by men.)”

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

I have not written a series yet, but I’d suppose the follow-ups would be. Especially if each book covers a different couple & there’s interaction between the couples from each book (e.g. brothers). Timelines are tricky to keep straight and readers are not fools – they pick up on every-freaking-thing!

What comes first? The plot or characters?

Ooh, toughie. It would depend what triggers the idea. If I see an extraordinarily handsome man, I’d build the story around him. If it’s the plot, the characters will soon emerge.

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Ooh, you guys don’t make this easy. I’d have to say TL Swan, simply because I’ve known her longer and have interacted with her on a few occasions, but we’ve never actually ‘met’.

If you could ask that author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?

“Tee often speaks of how she rewrites entire books. I’d love to know whether it’s a complete rewrite, or whether she keeps the scenes she really likes (which may limit her). She has a beautiful style of writing. It pulls you right in and makes you feel as though you’re actually watching a movie. I’d love to know what (if anything) she attributes this skill to. When she jots down her plot – does she strictly stick to it, or does she go where her characters take her?”

What is harder? The blurb writing, naming the book, or naming the series?

B.L.U.R.B.!!! (maybe like multiplied by a few million, just to cover all the bases)

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

“C’mon, these are like final-stage questions at Who wants to be a millionaire! (and I have no lifelines left) Gosh, it’s pre-published author stage, but I guess the night I received the email from the publisher, offering to sign me & publish my first book. (I wasn’t sure that my writing was good enough to even self-publish, so their offer was a huge feather in my cap.)”

What is your definition of success?

As an author, it would be the ability to write a story so well that it completely captivates the reader, swoops them along the bumpy rollercoaster ride, and spits them out – satisfied – on the other side. #goalachieved

What are your social links?

“https://www.facebook.com/MichelleGeelAuthor/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/276850519695721/ https://www.instagram.com/mich3geel/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17773786 http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07B7DR4J1”

What are your buy links?

“Playing Offense: http://amzn.com/B08LZJWH83 Crimson Tide: http://amzn.com/1090763255 Finding a keeper: http://a.co/3PFJSt1”

#WOTR21 #AuthorSpotlight – Ellis Leigh

Ellis Leigh

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Ellis Leigh, USA Today bestselling author of paranormal and sci-fi romance. I like fur, fangs, and long walks through creepy forests late at night.

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

I think the later books become harder mostly because, as authors, we build entire universes in our minds. All those details–all the foreshadowing that happens along the way–has to be logged and tracked somehow. The farther along a book is in a series, the more re-reading of past books I have to do to jog my memory.

What comes first? The plot or characters

Characters. Always. Every books starts as a GIF in my head of a particular moment in time. That moment tends to spotlight the overall goal of that character. The character profile fills in from that, then the plot builds around that moment. Character is always primary, though.

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

I met her! I adore Kelley Armstrong, and I was lucky enough to meet her at the RWA convention in New York. Her Women Of The Otherworld series inspired me to revisit my love of paranormal romance, and I am forever a fan of hers for that.

If you could ask that author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?

How do you build your characters to have such depth and personality? As a genre skipper, how much reading do you do in the genre you’re writing in at the moment? Can I have Jeremy Danvers, please?

What is harder? The blurb writing, naming the book, or naming the series.

All of it. Every single aspect because it affects marketing and visibility. I may want to name a paranormal romance some super simple name, but I have to be able to show a reader what’s inside at a glance. Cover, title, subtitle, and blurb are vital to a book’s success for sure.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

I was at a reader convention once, standing in line at the coffee shop at like six in the morning in my pajamas and hoodie. Picture it–no makeup, messy hair, bleary eyed. I’m talking fresh out of bed with no shame. It was at that moment a reader of mine came running across the lobby SCREAMING my name. She was so excited to meet me that I couldn’t even be mad when she snapped a selfie with me. I wanted to, and I’m sure somewhere out there is a horrible picture of me trying hard to smile pre-coffee, but she was a gift. I will forever be grateful for that moment of being seen.

What is your definition of success?

I don’t think I have one for myself. I always have goals–financial, production, noticeability–but nothing I could say is a direct component of “success.” Ask me in another five years.

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/ellisleighwrites

https://twitter.com/ellis_writes

http://instagram.com/ellis_and_kristin

https://www.facebook.com/groups/feralbreed/

What are your buy links?

http://author.to/ellisleigh

#AuthorSpotlight – K Logan

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself and which Twinsie do you know.

K Logan, I am a stay at home mom of 5, who’s first book comes out Nov 20th!

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

I feel the first book is hardest because it has to set the pace!

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

There are so many. Erin Trejo and Taylor Delong are my top two

If you could ask that author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?

how do you decide on names, places and plot your storylines?

What is harder? The blurb writing, naming the book, or naming the series?

Blurb writing!

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

seeing everyone come together to celebrate!

What is your definition of success?

Being happy with your final project

What are your social links?

“Author Page: [https://www.facebook.com/Author-K-Logan-106998574380399](https://www.facebook.com/Author-K-Logan-106998574380399) Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i1r5w1 Amazon: [amazon.com/author/klogan](http://amazon.com/author/klogan?fbclid=IwAR1_rx8WSpuNp8_SxN6g3qCVTnS1CI4RP34aPn-xhN4IbccKjbdzPMgaXvc) Readers Group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2250588138490382](https://www.facebook.com/groups/2250588138490382) Website: https://authorklogan.com BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-logan Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20847079.K_Logan ”

What are your buy links?

“getbook.at/ChasingFirefliesKL Wide Link: https://books2read.com/u/4XLazv ”

#AuthorSpotlight – Brooke Page

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself and which Twinsie do you know.

Hi, My name is Brooke Page. I live in the beautiful state of Michigan with my husband, two children, and three cats. I work at a school part time in the computer lab, and write romance on the side when I can find time. I like romantic suspense, but am currently dabbling in a rockstar series. The Twinsie I know is the lovely Tenise! We’ve known each other for almost 8 years! We met through the book world 🙂

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

I’d say the first book. It’s so important to have a good set up, and I typically think of the big BOOM moment, which typically comes later in the series. I’ve written many ending scenes prior to beginning books.

What comes first? The plot or characters?

It depends on who’s talking in my head. Typically, I get a plot idea first, then build the characters around that.

What is harder? The blurb writing, naming the book, or naming the series?

BLURB! I loath writing blurbs, it’s such an important part of the writing process that it causes me anxiety.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

I’ve had readers come up to me at signings telling me how much certain characters relate to them. I love when readers find my characters relatable and help to give them perspective on their lives.

What is your definition of success?

Be happy at what you do. I’ll never turn down a moment to write. I figure the day when I don’t “feel like it” will be the day the fire has gone out.

What are your social links?

“authorbrookepage.com http://www.instagram.com/brookepage05 http://www.facebook.com/authorbrookepage email: authorbrookepage@gmail.com mailer: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h4a8o7″

What are your buy links?

“Amazon page: webpage with all links: http://www.authorbrookepage.com/price-list.html”

#WOTR21 #6YearFamily #AuthorSpotlight – Elissa Daye

Elissa Daye

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hey all! I’m Elissa Daye. I wear several author hats at the moment as my alter ego Melissa Davis and new pen coming soon Missy Davis who will write sweet contemporary romance, not Daye’s brand at all. I believe we all have stories to tell inside us and sometimes we don’t get to pick what they are, which is why I write EVERYTHING instead of sticking with one thing. It can get confusing after awhile, especially when you switch back and forth from one voice to another, but it sure keeps me hopping.

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

I would say the first book in the series is usually the hardest. It’s also the one you continually want to go back and change or add more to. There are things you don’t think about until the second or third book in, but if we constantly look back we’ll never move forward. Setting up the world in the first book, especially if you write paranormal, that can be exhausting. And when you add more to your world, you have to keep a running record of your rules governing your world, and all of the things that came before. It’s fun though. I like to keep a folder per book and keep all the important info from that book in one spot.

What comes first? The plot or characters

I would say a plot idea comes first, but then I find my characters who often have ideas of their own as we get into the storyline. I tend to follow them wherever they lead me.

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Anne Rice. Not just because she is an amazing author, but I feel she fights for any author, even those of us who are less traditionally published. I would want to spend whatever time I can just soaking in her brilliance.

If you could ask that author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?

What inspires you? How often does your muse keep you up at night? How hard was it to be a trend setter and write erotica when it was so taboo? Nowadays it’s everywhere.

What is harder? The blurb writing, naming the book, or naming the series.

Blurb writing. I still don’t have it down. It’s an art form that escapes me sometimes. That back matter, it’s everything. It helps draw readers in and it’s so hard to do that in just a few paragraphs when your entire book has so much more in it. You also don’t want to give your entire plot away in the blurb either.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

It’s actually a recurring one. It happens every year I get to meet with fans at a book signing. I love talking to people about my books. I love hearing what they love to read and seeing the joy they have for all the books. There’s nothing like watching people drag carts of books around the room, each one lovingly picked out and stored in a special place in their homes. Their love for us, it’s amazing and it keeps us motivated to not let them down.

What is your definition of success?

Most people might thing making a best seller list is a measure of success. For me I’ve learned that lists are like unicorns. I feel the most impact I have is when I have made someone feel something about my story. I have had a few people toss at least one of my books across the room. I’ve had some in tears, and also have been told what pages some of them mark to come back to later. *wink wink* You know who you are!

What are your social links?

www.elissadaye.com,

@daenira,

https://www.facebook.com/elissadaye

What are your buy links?

#AuthorSpotlight – Emma Mountford

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself and which Twinsie do you know.

Emmamountford82@icloud.com

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

First

What comes first? The plot or characters?

Plot

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Jaine Diamond or Cat Porter

What is harder? The blurb writing, naming the book, or naming the series?

Blurb writing

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Being a part of an international bestseller

What is your definition of success?

When people love what I have written

What are your social links?

https://m.facebook.com/emma.mountford2

What are your buy links?