Category Archives: Author Spotlight

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Kelsey Rae

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

Hi! My name is Kelsie Rae. I write contemporary romance and dark mafia romance. I have three monster kiddos, three fur babies, and a husband who still puts up with me after eleven years of marriage. 🙂 Dee Kendrick is the Twinsie I know, and she’s awesome.

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

First book! Gah! I’m literally planning my 2021 series right now and it isn’t exactly what I’d call a walk in the park. Once that one is finished, it feels like it gets a lot easier.

What comes first? The plot or characters?

Ooo… good question! Usually a song sparks an idea for a story. Whether it’s a gritty voice or the sexy lyrics, that’s where I start. But I think it depends on the song as to if it sparks a scene or a specific character. Usually, I’m just along for the ride.

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

Rachel Van Dyken. (I’ve actually met her, and she’s amazing, despite my awkwardness. lol)

If you could ask that author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be? How many words does she write in a day? How does she manage to connect with her readers so effortlessly?

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

BLURBS ARE THE DEVIL. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rewritten a blurb for the same book. Usually, I feel like I’m just chucking ideas at a wall, and am praying one of them will stick.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Signings are amazing because I get to meet so many awesome readers, especially the ones who’ve reached out to me beforehand through email or social media. Each and every time I hear one of them compliment my stories is my favorite thing in the world. 🙂

What are your social links?

“Amazon → https://amzn.to/2W5sKM0 BookBub → http://bit.ly/2uXKxsU Facebook → http://bit.ly/2GkLj7K Reader group → https://bit.ly/2L0Gwcw Goodreads → http://bit.ly/2G4wC9O Twitter → http://bit.ly/2GiCLyq Newsletter MailerLite→ https://bit.ly/2YCfqQZ”

What are your buy links?

https://amzn.to/2W5sKM0

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR21 #AuthorSpotlight – Harley Easton

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Harley Easton

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Harley Easton – Romance writer. Sometimes I write paranormal romance. Sometimes I write sweet romance. Sometimes I write erotic romance. No matter what, all of my romance comes with a kiss of magic and usually a little snark. I have had a ton of different jobs and I grew up reading fantasy, fairy tales, urban fiction, and humor, so you definitely see influence of all that variety in my work.

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

Getting things started is difficult for me, so the first book seems to be the hardest. It is why I don’t currently have a series out. I’m still working on that first book. Once a project is in motion, I have better momentum.

What comes first? The plot or characters

The plot usually comes before the characters. I’ll get a rough outline and start working on a project, but at some point the characters always take over the story. They will very loudly let me know if something I’ve planned doesn’t work for their personality or how they think.

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

I’ve been lucky enough to meet a few of my favorites, like Neil Gaiman, Molly Harper, and Stuart McLean (before he passed). I would love to meet some of my favorite modern day fairy tale authors. Jane Yolen is top of my list, but Melissa Albert, Theodora Goss, and Merissa Meyer are all tied for close second.

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

1. Other than the classic tales, what inspires you most?
2. What is your favorite fairy tale trope and how do you like to subvert that trope in your writing?
3. Which book of yours was the most difficult for you to write and how did you work through those difficulties?

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

I always think naming a book is hard. It’s tough to find the perfect few words that can really interest a reader and touch on the depth of the book. I’m much better at blurbs.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

I don’t have one favorite memory. My favorite part of being an author, is the friendships I’ve made with authors and readers. That makes every signing, every anthology project, and every promo a good memory. It keeps me going when I’m struggling on a project.

What is your definition of success?

Success is finishing a project and it being done well. I really enjoy having a physical copy of something I’ve written or edited. Turning the cover of one of my books, feeling the pages flip between my fingers and knowing I’ve put my all into a story is extremely satisfying.

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/WriterHarleyEaston/

https://www.instagram.com/harleyeastonwriter/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8506548.Harley_Easton

https://twitter.com/Harley_Easton

https://www.loveromancereads.com/harleyeaston.html

What are your buy links?

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR21 #AuthorSpotlight – Robyn Peterman

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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, iced coffee with a squirt of chocolate syrup 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?

It’s been different with each series. However, as long as I feel passionate, the story comes to me. I love writing series. The characters become old friends.

What comes first? The plot or characters

The characters if it’s a long running series. Usually I have an idea for the plot, but it morphs as I write since I pants. LOL I have no set system. Occasionally, I’ll just start with a line of dialogue that grabs me and the rest flows.

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

LM Montgomery. She’s not alive anymore, but Anne of Green Gables is one of my favorite books.

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

Honestly, she could talk about anything she wanted to and I would be delighted. Her life was fascinating and her books are magical to me.

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

The blurb. Blurb writing sucks ass. LOL It’s easier to write a freakin’ book than writing a blurb.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Too many to count, but my posse of author friends keep me sane. That has been the real treat of being an author.

What is your definition of success?

Being happy. LOL

What are your social links?

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/robynpetermanauthor/

Bookbub — https://www.bookbub.com/authors/robyn-peterman

Fan group — https://www.facebook.com/groups/1386913988200179

Twitter — https://twitter.com/robynpeterman

Newsletter — http://bit.ly/2XEuMFe

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/robynpetermanauthor/

What are your buy links?

Website — http://www.robynpeterman.com

Amazon — https://www.amazon.com/Robyn-Peterman/e/B00A7D7DPA/

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Paige P. Horn

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

Paige P. Horne. I live in a small town, I’ve been a server for the past 12 years and I love it. I love talking to my customers and the fast pace of it. I’m married, no kids. I’ve been published since 2015 and the only other thing I would like to do, along with writing novels/ screenplays (One day) would be to own a small restaurant or food truck with my husband. I know Tenise <3

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

The others after. I’m a Pantser, so I don’t really plan out anything. With series you kinda have to, so it’s tougher for me.

What comes first? The plot or characters?

It depends. Sometimes it’s the characters, sometimes it’s an idea.

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

I’m really into Taylor Jenkins Reid. I’ve read almost all her books. I’d also love to meet Pepper Winters.

If you could ask that author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be? Are you a Panster or Plotter? How many hours a day do you put aside to write? For Taylor I’d ask about her novel Daisy Jones and the Six. I loved that book and I want to know her writing process and researching for it. For Pepper, I’d ask about Unseen Messages. I thought that story was fantastic and I’d want to know the same questions I asked of Taylor.

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

Blurb! It’s the least fun and the hardest. IMO.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

I have several, sorry. lol. Attending Shameless as a signing author was awesome. Having our town newspaper write an article about me was sweet too. And then, of course, meeting people who’ve read my words! I mean, come on, that’s a dream come true!

What is your definition of success?

“I think it depends on which subject you’re talking about having success in. If it’s a career, I think making a living doing something you love is where it’s at. Relationship/Marriage: Being with your best friend and going through this thing called life together, having them support your dreams, and you theirs. That’s magic. As for yourself, just being the best version of you, you can. If you can hit the pillow at night with a mindset that you did the best you could, then that’s success to me. ”

What are your social links?

“https://www.instagram.com/authorpaigep.horne/ https://www.facebook.com/authorpaigep.horne https://www.facebook.com/PaigeP.Horne Www.AuthorPaigePHorne.com https://www.bookbub.com/profile/paige-p-horne https://amzn.to/32MQh7q”

What are your buy links?

“https://amzn.to/32MQh7q And I have a perma free book! Give Me Love. Link is here: https://amzn.to/3kDpiS3”

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR21 #AuthorSpotlight – CJ Baty

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C. J. Baty

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

C.J. Baty

C. J. Baty lives in southwest Ohio. Her heart however, lives in the mountains of Tennessee where she hopes to retire some day. The mountains have always provided her with inspiration and a soothing balm to the stresses of everyday life.

The dream of writing her own stories started in high school but was left on the back burner of life until her son introduced her to fan fiction and encouraged her to give it a try. She found that her passion for telling a story was still there and writing them down to share with others was much more thrilling than she had ever expected.

She has a loving and supportive family who doesn’t mind fixing their own meals when she is in the middle of a story. And a network of friends, who have encouraged and cheered her on in her quest of being an author.

One thing she has learned from life and she is often heard to say is: “You are never too old to follow your dream!”

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

I think it’s the others that come after. Especially if the same characters are in each additional book. It’s a little easier if each book has a different set of MC’s but theme continues through the series.

What comes first? The plot or characters

I’m a panster at heart so it’s always the characters for me. The plot is an idea that works itself out.

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

I have had the amazing good luck to meet two of mine, Karen Marie Moning and Josh Lanyon. Both of which are truly amazing ladies. I’m also a huge Clive Cussler fan so meeting him would have been lovely. Unfortunately, he passed away in February this year.

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

1. I’d ask KMM how she continues to keep book after book in a series fresh and new.
2. I’d ask Josh Lanyon how she has continued to produce wonderful story after wonderful story in her long career.
3. I’d ask Clive Cussler how many hours of research he did before he wrote his stories. There are so many details and historical facts in his stories. It always amazed me.

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

For me, it’s that danged blurb! How do you condense an entire book into 5 to 10 sentences that will draw a reader to your story? I spend a lot of time rewriting a blurb before settling on one version and then I usually still doubt it.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

The moment a mom told me that she had purchased one of my books for her young adult son because he wanted to read about characters he felt a connection with. That floored me. Oh a close second would be the gay couple who were the first to buy a book from me at my very first book signing.

What is your definition of success?

When a reader says they love my story or my characters. Then I feel like a real author so that’s success.

What are your social links?

Twitter https://twitter.com/cbaty
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cj.baty.3/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cjbaty27/?hl=en
Website cjbaty.com
Blog cjbaty.blogspot.com

What are your buy links?

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/C.-J.-Baty/e/B00K2ISIQI?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/c-j-baty
Universal Link https://books2read.com/ap/nkNz6R/CJ-Baty

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – K.I. Lynn

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

I’m Cat (K.I. Lynn) and I’m a homebody who lives with her hubby and her dog dog Juno (my sidekick). I love cheese and the color aqua.

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

Right now I am attempting my first ever intended series (the two I have were “hey, this is getting waaaay too long for one book) and I will say, possibly the first book. Because you have to introduce in a natural way characters that come into play later on (especially because it’s a family saga series) and you have to know who those characters are. I’m having to guess how a character is going to come out in their own book, which may not be written for almost two more years!

What comes first? The plot or characters?

The plot. I’ll get a rough idea with a base character vibe, but it always inevitably changes as I write.

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

Stephenie Meyer

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

Naming the book. I tend to write my blurbs when I get hit with the initial idea, because that is when I have the least information and don’t get bogged down. Naming a book is just…it either happens right away (Forever and All the Afters) or it’s like pulling teeth (Becoming Mrs Lockwood).

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Meeting my bestie, Elena M Reyes. Without writing we never would have met.

What is your definition of success?

There are multiple definitions of success I’ve hit over the years, and others that I haven’t. It goes up and morphs as I go. In the beginning it was selling 1,000 copies of Breach. Then 10,000 copies of Breach. Then 100,000 books overall. Getting in the top 100 on Amazon. Translated into other languages (Italian, German, Hebrew). It’s always changing. Right now? I want to be able to build up a down payment on a new house. I want Off the Cuff to hit the top 100 on release week in January.

What are your social links?

“Follow me on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kilynn.breach Follow me on twitter – https://twitter.com/KI_Lynn_ Check out my website – http://www.kilynnauthor.com/ Become a fan/friend on Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6553256.K_I_Lynn Follow me on Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/K.I.-Lynn/e/B00CHSZ81E Follow me on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/k.i.lynn Join my fan group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1446344115596744 Get my Newsletter – http://bit.ly/1U9NSoC Follow me on Bookbub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/k-i-lynn Paperbacks – http://bit.ly/KILynnPaperbacks ”

What are your buy links?

“Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/K.I.-Lynn/e/B00CHSZ81E www.KILynnAuthor.com”

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR21 #AuthorSpotlight – Amy Hale

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Amy Hale

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Amy Hale

Since childhood, best-selling and award-winning author Amy Hale has been using the written word to inspire, encourage, and entertain. She loves creating characters and worlds from nothing but her imagination and a few glasses of wine. Her popular paranormal series The Shadows Trilogy has earned multiple awards, as have the Havenwood Falls books, of which she is a participating author.

She debuted her first fiction novel in 2015 after retiring from 13 years of non-fiction writing for various online entities. For the last couple of decades, she’s also carried the titles of Laundry Goddess, Chef, Butt Wiper, Soother of Temper Tantrums, and in more recent years, Moderator of Sarcastic Eye-rolls and Sass. She resides in Illinois with her husband and two grown children who claim they are never moving out. Regardless, they are the center of her universe, although her cat believes otherwise.
If she had any spare time, she’d love music, photography, watching Mystery Science Theater 3000 with her family, and long rides on the back of her husband’s motorcycle.

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

I think the first is hardest. You have to build everything from scratch. Once you have the characters and world built, it’s a little easier to run with.

What comes first? The plot or characters

It depends on the story. I’ve had it happen both ways. Sometimes a character will come to mind after seeing something that inspires him or her. Other times I get an idea for a situation and that spurs on the formation of the characters.

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

I’m happy to say that I have met my unicorn author. I’m a huge Julia Quinn fan and I had the honor of meeting her a few years ago. She signed all my well-worn and often read books. I was just starting my writing career and meeting her and talking with her was a huge encouragement.

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

What inspired her Bridgerton characters? When did she realized she had the gift for historical fiction? Has she ever wished to write in or had ideas for other genres?

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

The blurb. I don’t know why, but I can write entire books with less difficulty than I can write a couple of paragraphs about the same books.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

I think my favorite memories all involve meeting readers. Talking with them about their favorite stories, from me and other authors, is always a joy.

What is your definition of success?

I see success in many different ways, but I think my biggest measure of success is knowing a reader has enjoyed my work. If I’ve written a story that grabs someone and entertains them, I’ve properly done my job.

What are your social links?

FB: http://www.facebook.com/authoramyhale
FB Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/amyhalesangels
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/authoramyhale
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authoramyhale
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-hale

What are your buy links?

https://www.amazon.com/Amy-Hale/e/B00RQ3QTTU

https://books.apple.com/us/author/amy-hale/id961130103

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Andi Jaxon

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

“Andi Motherfucking Jaxon. I’m random, love rainbows, coffee, sleep, and dinosaur erotica. I think that about sums me up. I know Jo-Anna (JM Walker)”

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

The ones that come after!

What comes first? The plot or characters?

Oh…that’s a hard one. Plot I think.

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

K Webster and JM Walker

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

“Do you plot? If yes, do you plot out the entire book before you start writing or just part of it? What’s harder, the first 10k or the last 10k?”

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

Naming the damn book

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

At Book Bonanza 18, I was standing in line to grab lunch for me and my friend and someone in line recognized me as an author and fangirled. It was mind boggling that someone knew who I was.

What is your definition of success?

This is really hard. I don’t know that I have a definition. There are goals I would like to hit, like making a list on my own, and being able to financially contribute to my household from my sales.

What are your social links?

“Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andijaxonauthor Pinterest: http://bit.ly/AndiPinterest Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/andijunkies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andijaxon Website: http://www.andijaxon.com Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/e42677cb7ccd/andinewsletter ”

What are your buy links?

Amazon: http://bit.ly/AndiAmazon

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR21 #AuthorSpotlight #6YearFamily – Aly Grady

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Aly Grady

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hi friends, Aly Grady here. I can’t wait for 2020 to be over. But while I’m waiting I’ll spend my nights snuggled up with my labradoodle Cody.

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

I’ve only completed one series (Angie wants one more story though) so I’d have to say writing the next books are harder for me.

What comes first? The plot or characters

I’ve always come up with a story idea first.

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

Honestly, I get star struck by everyone. I really enjoyed Janet Evanovich, Stephanie Plumb books so that would be fun to chat with her about Grandma Mazur.

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

Really the only question to ask is WHY isn’t Stephanie on some tropical island with Ranger?

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

Ugh – blurbs. That is an art form I’ve been studying.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Favorite memory as an author so far is my very first WOTR event. I was blown away by the readers and how organized the event was.

What is your definition of success?

Success in writing is hearing from a reader that they loved a story.

What are your social links?

alygrady2012@facebook.com

 @AlyGradyauthor (instagram)

 @AlyGrady (twitter)

What are your buy links?

http://bit.ly/2B2grVh – will bring you to my website that has links to all the retailers.

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR21 #AuthorSpotlight – PJ Fiala

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PJ Fiala

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My name is Patti Fiala and I write as PJ Fiala – I know it’s a stretch, but… I live in Green Bay WI and my husband and I are bikers. We travel around as often as we can, though 2020 was a bit more of a challenge. We did manage to ride the western side of the state and we rode to West Virginia, Virginia, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Delaware. It’s a great way to see the country and we meet the nicest people along the way.

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

The others after it for sure. In a longer series, sometimes little nuances are forgotten about a character or characters that have to continue through, so those little details have to be looked up, which can stifle flow.

What comes first? The plot or characters

For me it’s the characters. Once I know who they are and what they can and can’t do, I can plan a plot for them.

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

I would love to meet Kristen Ashley. I’ve read so many of her books and just love her style. I’d have to pinch myself to keep it real and not make a fool of myself.

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

Where do your stories come from? Who is your muse? What is your writing process like?

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

Oh, for crying out loud, I HATE writing the blurb. Ugh.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Meeting fans at events. I’ve had some run up to me and ask for pictures or signatures and it always blows me away that someone is eager to meet me.

What is your definition of success?

To be financially lucrative in my writing career.

What are your social links?

Website: www.pjfiala.com
Newsletter: www.pjfiala.com/ReadersClub
PJ Fiala’s Road Queens: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PJFialasRoadQueens/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pj-fiala
Amazon Author Page: www.pjfiala.com/PJFialaAmazon
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pjfiala1
Twitter: www.twitter.com/pfiala
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/pattifiala
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pjfiala/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7866768.P_J_Fiala

What are your buy links?

Website Books Page: https://www.pjfiala.com/books/
Amazon Author Page: www.pjfiala.com/PJFialaAmazon