Category Archives: Author Spotlight

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #Authorspotlight – Kate Oliver

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Kate Oliver

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Kate Oliver – International Bestselling Author, I’m a mom to a human and several animals, I love makeup and fashion but I also love getting dirty and playing in my garden. Writing and reading are my passions.

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. It sets the tone for the rest of the series.

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

Don’t give up. It could take years but if it’s something you truly love, don’t stop. And don’t be afraid to ask other authors for help! We’ve all been there.

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

I spend 3-5 hours writing and about 20 hours on social media and marketing. LOL. JK. It just feels like 20 hours sometimes.

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

I think Kane from Haylee’s Hero Daddy is one of my most favorites because he’s so gruff and bossy but soft and kind. I also really love Sean from Safe with Daddy because he’s a gentle Daddy Dom. I really like all my characters really. The good ones anyway.

What is your definition of success?

Loving what I’m doing and being happy with my life.

What are your social links?

kateoliverbooks.com,

Instagram: kate.oliver.books,

TikTok: authorkateoliver

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

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #authorApotlight – Kelsey Elise Sparrow

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Kelsey Elise Sparrow

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Kelsey Elise Sparrow – mom, teacher by day, and lover of fiction. Writing is my passion as well as being a huge fan of the arts along with Marvel comics.

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

It’s the follow up books in the series. I’ve been working hard to keep all the details right.

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

Remembering every person in the world has their own story as such my characters do as well. The locations play a part as well.

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

Take your time. You will know when your story is complete. Don’t force it. It will show in your work.

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

Some days, I write nothing at all. The scenes will dance around in my head and remain there. Others, I write upwards of 3,000 words. It depends if the muse is hanging out or if she’s just passing through.

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

I have one who reminds me of me because she has a number of my characteristics. Her name is Zoie and she is in The Norton Sisters series. I liked the name so much, I gave another character the same name. I hadn’t realized I spelled the names exactly the same until I’d already published both books. The second Zoie really goes by the nickname, Nikki, which fans will discover more about in the follow up to Cross’ story in The Whiskey Sweet series.
A character from the Inked to the Max series crosses over to Whiskey Sweet. We’ll see if she sticks around or heads back to Georgia.

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

Oh wow. This one is a hard one. I’d love to see An Author’s Tale on the big screen. Stephanie Daniels would have to be played by Amber Riley. Her cover model love interest would be played by either Liam or Chris Hemsworth. Her best friend could be played by Naomi Scott. She has the moxy/confidence to own her own sexuality as well as put Stephanie in her place. Florence Pugh would play the other best friend.

My second pick would be Paper Lipstick. Sophie Turner could play Max and Zendaya could play the best friend, Zoie. Deckard has to be played by Tyler Lee Hoechlin. Zoie has a dancer’s body and Zendaya fits that mold perfectly.

I’d work Hero Fiennes-Tiffin into the movie some type of way.

What is your definition of success?

For me, success comes in waves. The first is having the ability to complete any novel while being a full-time, special education teacher. The second is every person who tells me how much they were touched by or identified with one of my characters.

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

Please feel free to listen to the music that inspired the works. Each book has a playlist at the end of it. Also, know all characters are connected one to another. Even those who reach into fantasy and the paranormal.

What are your social links?

Website: http://kelseyelisesparrow.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelseyesparrow/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyesparrow/
TikTok: tiktok.com/@kelseyelisesparrow
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kelseyesparrow
Amazon Profile: https://amazon.com/author/kelseyelisesparrow
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelsey-elise-sparrow
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cYDXE9
Blog/RSS: https://www.kelseyelisesparrow.com/sparrows-news
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kelseyelisesparrow
YouTube: https://goo.gl/HUhyyk
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorkelseysparrow/
Reader/Fan group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kelseyssparrows/
Order form: https://bit.ly/kesbooksigning

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

https://www.kelseyelisesparrow.com/shop

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendinauthor – Lisa Caviness

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Lisa Caviness

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My name is Lisa Caviness. I write suspense books with a romantic flavor. My favorite books to read are romance young adult adventures and, of course, suspense and thrillers. I live in Indiana with my husband, three daughters, and precious cat.

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

In many ways the first book in a series is harder because it sets the tone and story world for the entire series. This book is critical because if it doesn’t resonate with the readers, they aren’t likely to continue the series. On the other hand, the remainder of the books in the series must maintain the tenor of the story and carry the plot and characters arcs toward a satisfying conclusion.

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

I keep things fresh by coming up with new twists and bringing in interesting characters. It’s hard work but I feel that if I can be drawn into new characters and plots then the readers will be as well.

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

I have learned the importance of stepping away from a project for short breaks. I’d also recommend staying organized and creating weekly, monthly and even yearly goals to help plan projects.

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

2 hours

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

My favorite character is Walker Mumfrey/Reid Patterson from my Order series because he was genuine and quirky. I had a lot of fun writing this character.

What are your social links?

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lisa-caviness
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LisaCaviness1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisaCavinessWriter
Amazon Author page: www.amazon.com/author/lisacaviness
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14668568.Lisa_Caviness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisacaviness1/
Newsletter link: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r1l3r7

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

www.amazon.com/author/lisacaviness

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Jennifer Laslie

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Jennifer Laslie

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My name is Jennifer Laslie. I write paranormal romance and young adult. I’ve recently switched my young adult books to a pen name, Jenna Laslie. I moved to Utah four years ago. The mountains are absolutely gorgeous out here. Everyday, I get to look out my office window and gaze at them.

I’m also a crazy cat lady, but that’s okay, because I’m married! Besides all the fur-children in my house, I have two sons. One still lives with us and the other moved back to Kentucky a couple years ago.

When I’m not working or writing, you can find me crafting, reading, or drinking coffee.

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

I think it’s an overall thing. You have to get the whole series arc down. Sometimes it can be hard to make it all cohesive. So I’m going to say the others after the first book.

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

Don’t hoard covers. Period. It’s what gets you into trouble. HAHA!

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

Not enough lately. These past few years, the world has gone downhill, but I’m slowly getting back on my feet and hope to write at least during the week after the day job.

What are your social links?

http://www.facebook.com/authorjlaslie
https://www.instagram.com/nytemirage
http://www.twitter.com/authorjlaslie
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jennifer-laslie
http://www.subscribepage.com/jenniferlaslie
https://www.goodreads.com/nytemirage
https://books2read.com/ap/xe2gvR/Jennifer-Laslie
https://www.amazon.com/J.-Laslie/e/B00NCJV6Z4
 tiktok.com/@authorjenniferlaslie

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.)

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.

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Piper Mackenzie

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Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Piper Mackenzie – New Author and book enthusiast

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

The first as I wanted there to be hints to the upcoming books hidden in the story.

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

shoulder shrug. lol My ideas usually come to me in dreams

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

Don’t let it consume your life – some of the best stories come from experiences

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

2-3 hours

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

Katie in The Experiment – Her personality is very similar to my own.

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?

My only published book is The Experiment, the first in its series, but I have several in the works. The second coming out soon along with some stand alone stories. But the Experiment would be the one I would choose. As for the celebrities, that is tough. I picture a jacked Paul Wesley as Grayson, and maybe Hayden Panetierre as Katie? Jacob Elordi would be Joe, and Maggie would be Madelaine Petsch.

What is your definition of success?

Someone saying that they can relate to my stories. 🙂 I try to write what I believe a person would truly feel in any given situation.

What are your social links?

You can find me on facebook – Piper Mackenzie Author – https://www.facebook.com/piper.mackenzie.94402
I’m on Instagram – Piper Mackenzie
Tiktok – @pipermackenzie467
Pinterest I have several Boards for each of my books of what and who I picture. @pipermackenziebooks
My website is pipermackenzie.com or you can check me out on BookBub, Good Reads, or Amazon

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

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Darlene Kuncytes

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Darlene M. Kuncytes

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Darlene Kuncytes. I am from Northeast Ohio, born and raised. I live just East of the CLE! I’m a total coffee addict and animal lover who would adopt and save them all if I could! I have loved reading and writing since I can remember. I never wanted to be a princess or a ballerina, I wanted to be Stephen King! lol I love hanging with friends and am fiercely loyal to those I love. I’ve got your back! I am living my dream of being a published author and can not even begin to express how much my readers mean to me!

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

The first one. It has to set the tone for the ones that follow.

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

I think it stays fresh when the personalities of the characters differ in a lot of ways. And even though it continues a story, the next book has to tell a story that can also stand on its own in so many ways. Different situations and different storylines that intersect is key.

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

Write what you love and LOVE what you write. Be true to the muses in your heart and head.

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

Right now, NOT ENOUGH! lol But I try to write as much as I can. It varies for me depending on what else is going on at the time. Life has a great way of interfering with my writing time.

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

That’s a really hard one. I love all my characters. In ways, they are each a part of me. But, if I had to choose, I’d say Kat from A Wolf’s Savage Embrace. She is a total smartass, and I love that she would give up anything for those she loves.

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

Oh wow. That is a great question. I would love to see I’ll Be Seeing You made into a movie. I love the fire between the two characters. As for who would play them…wow. I just can’t think of any celebrity. Maybe Jennifer Lawrence for Katherine, but for the male lead. Wow, that’s really hard, because I have a picture of Cole in my head and not a celebrity that matches it.

What is your definition of success?

Having people love what I do. The stories I tell. There is nothing more satisfying than having someone contact me to say that one of my books touched them and made them fall in love. And that they can’t wait to read more.

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

Just to keep reading. TV is easy, and it’s great to binge watch programs and such, but nothing compares to losing yourself in a book. To entering a world that you help create with the author. I can picture my characters in my head, but the really cool thing is that a reader may picture someone entirely different and that is what it’s all about. I may write the books, but a readers imagination helps to bring them alive and that is so freaking cool!

What are your social links?

Website: www.DarleneKuncytes.com
Amazon Author Page – http://amzn.com/e/B00BIO0EJY
Facebook fan page – https://www.facebook.com/AVampiresSavingEmbrace/
Facebook author page – https://www.facebook.com/darlene.kuncytes?fref=ts
BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/darlene-kuncytes
Google – https://plus.google.com/u/0/113966820170828537573/posts
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/vampsgirl13/
Newsletter – http://eepurl.com/bLp3CP

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.)

Enter a world of spell-binding romance!
A Vampire`s Saving Embrace ~ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BHYJRCU
A Wolf`s Savage Embrace ~ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZWHQKG
Marcus’ Mortal Embrace ~ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SQ0SZEY
~~~~~~
The Whisper of a kiss…
The pounding of two hearts…
Can love survive as danger lurks in the shadows?
Grab this sexy as hell romantic thriller and find out!
I’ll Be Seeing You~https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WV17SEC
~~~~~~
Anthology Novella Series!!
Just .99 each!!
Book 1 – A Witch’s Hearts Desire ~ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9CYCJL
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Book 3 – Wolf Bane ~ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXVLZFM
Book 4 – Magical Holiday Love! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9CYCJL
Book 5 – The Wolf Next Door! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W9177FF
Soar with dragons!!!
Capture your dragon and lose your heart!
Promised to a Dragon!!
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Wynter is HERE!!
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Swim in the tides and find your heart….
The Mermaid’s Kiss!
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In the mood for something sweet? Make sure to grab this sexy, fun sugary delight!
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Can music soothe even the most tired of souls?
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Dark Song
https://amazon.com/dp/B08YJ4CR23

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Katy Miller

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Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Kayt Miller. Writer of contemporary romance, rom-com, and more. I live in the midwest. There’s a lot to tell. I don’t it’ll fit here. (That’s what she said.)

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

Probably the others after especially related to the timeline.

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

I try to make something about my characters a bit unique and I hope they enjoy the characters.

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

The stressful part of writing, for me, are the self-imposed deadlines. I tend to procrastinate.

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

An hour or two. It depends what else is going on.

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

My favorite is usually the one I’m writing about now. But, I’d have to say Hank from Out of the Blue is one of my favorites even though many readers didn’t like him. 🙂

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’ve thought about this… Out of the Blue. A Hemsworth brother for sure to play Hank. Risa Dorken to play Sophie.

What is your definition of success?

If my readers like my book / story.

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

I also do a a blog with two best friends called: Three Besties from the Midwesties.

What are your social links?

www.facebook.com/authorkaymiller,

Instagram and Twitter: kaytmiller1,

www.kaytmiller.com.

Facebook group Hopeful Romantics: https://www.facebook.com/groups/563276847534349

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

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Megan Kelly

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Megan Kelly

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Megan Kelly, lover of chocolate and writer of stories. My kids have grown into wonderful humans, so now I take imaginary people and whip them into shape. I’m a huge believer in family and happily ever after. I live in the St. Louis area, where the weather has an imagination–and sense of humor–of its own.

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

All have challenges! Everything in the first book needs to be imagined, filled in and fleshed out. That’s fun as well as a lot of work. The following books in a series bring some established people and places, which can be either restrictive or a godsend, and sometimes both.

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

I love my characters, and since each has his/her own struggles, every book feels different. The first three “Love in Little Tree” books feature the same wedding and some characters who are in all the books. When I’m revisiting a scene readers saw in another book, I tell it from another character’s viewpoint. It challenges and amuses me to see it through different eyes, to reveal or hide things in dialogue or action.

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

Find a support group. Seriously. I am energized when I spend time with other writers. I have non-writer friends in whose company I can forget the stress of my writer life. My husband knows how important writing is to my well-being. Surround yourself with positivity, and give yourself an escape if you need it. A day off. A handful of chocolate. Whatever it takes.

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

I’m a binge writer, so I’ll write until I’m emotionally spent, then have to take several days’ break to recharge. I’d say how long it takes depends on the scene, which also determines the recovery time.

 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?

Ooooh, how fun! I’d want Chris Hemsworth to play Jack Walker in “The Wedding Rescue.” He needs to be believable as a cowboy, rugged and sexy, but not a jerk. Jack is a widowed father to a little girl, and I think Chris would be awesome in the role.
Wait, wait–Chris Evans did that movie where he was the uncle of a gifted girl, and he was wonderful. OH, but what about Hugh Jackman?! He played a believable cowboy and he’s yummy–uh, I mean, sensitive. Okay, I guess casting isn’t my strength.

What are your social links?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeganKellyAuthorPage
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/megan-kelly
Website: http://megankellybooks.com

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

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HTaqw5
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/author/megan-kelly/id187119024
Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/2me2yx35

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #authorspotlights – Helen Scott

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Helen Scott

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Helen Scott – romance author, all around nerd, pet mom, and wife to my amazing hubby

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

The ones after it! Especially the last one!

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

Trying different subgenres and tropes!

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

It’s a marathon not a sprint. Fall in love with your idea and let your instincts guide you. And most of all, read!

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

probably around 4 or 5 hours

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

That’s like asking to pick my favorite book! I can’t do it! I will say the most challenging to write so far has been Lyric from my Sweetest Revenge series because she’s so damaged.

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 go with my vampire series, Blood Vow University. Elisabeth Olsen would play Cordelia, the FMC, and Sebastian Stan would play Rook, the MMC that’s seen in Vampire’s Nest.

What is your definition of success?

Having happy readers!

 What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/helenscottauthor

https://www.instagram.com/helenscottauthor/

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

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #Authorspotlight – Shannyn Schroeder

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Shannyn Schroeder

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I write steamy contemporary romance set in Chicago. I have multiple series surrounding big Irish-American families. I like writing about essay families both the ones we have bye blood and by choice. I also write heist romances as Sloane Steele. I am a mom of 3 mostly grown people, I work as a curriculum writer and part-time English teacher and executive functions coach.

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

The hardest part about the first book is setting up the world – which for me, means figuring out who all the siblings are. But that’s the fun part. It’s harder as the series goes on because I never know how much to include about past couples and things that happened. It’s a fine line of making new readers aware of things without boring the readers who have been there since the beginning.

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

I try to play with different tropes and if I’m not feeling it, I’ll write something else for a while. That’s how I ended up writing a heist romance series. Then I was happy to jump back into my Chicago neighborhood families.

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

Find other writers. If you have a supportive partner or family (I haven’t), they don’t really get what it’s like to be stuck or to be excited when you unravel a plot point. Other writers get it. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my writer friends at Chicago-North Romance Writers and my Panera supper club pals.

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

That’s a total crap shoot. It depends on where I am in the writing process, but I try for at least an hour a day. Because of my day jobs, that doesn’t always happen, so then I do more on the weekends.

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

I don’t hide that Jimmy O’Malley is my favorite hero. He’s overprotective and bossy as the oldest sibling in his family. He’s not much of a talker, so of course, I paired him with his best friend’s sister who does nothing but talk. Jimmy and Moira were my first grumpy-sunshine pair (although I didn’t think about that at the time) and they will always be special to me.

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

I could do this all day because I create a collage for each book before I start writing. I use actors as placeholders for each character. The book I am currently working on (In Fine Form – The Doyle Family #2) the hero, Declan would be played by Nico Tortella (who played Josh on the TV Younger) and Renee would be played by Hayley Atwell (who played Peggy Carter)

What is your definition of success?

As a writer, success means having readers who look forward to my next book. When people have me on their auto-buy list, that’s a sign of success.

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

If anyone wants to try my books, I always have at least 3 books free – the first from 3 different series.

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/shannyn.schroeder

https://twitter.com/SSchroeder_

https://www.instagram.com/sloanesteeleauthor/

https://www.instagram.com/sschroeder_/

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

https://shannynschroeder.com/index.php/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.