Category Archives: Author Spotlight

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #AuthorSpotlight – Heather Young-Nichols

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Heather Young-Nichols

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Heather Young-NIchols is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romances. A native of the great and often very cold state of Michigan, she is better known at home and to her friends as the Snarker-in-Chief. A job she excels at beyond anything she could have imagined. She loves many things, but especially cold coffee, hot books, and baseball. But not necessarily in that order.

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

I think all of the books in a series pose special problems. The first book because you really need to create something that makes people want to keep reading. This is an issue with the following books as well. But I also think that the more you get to know your characters it does become a little easier.

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

My contemporary books are a series of standalones so it’s easier to stay fresh when you have new characters. With the paranormal books that revolve around the same couple, you get throw in more bad guys to keep things moving and keep them exciting.

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

I’m not the best for advice on emotions. As a Gen X member, we weren’t really allowed to show emotions growing up so I’m very good at keeping mine well hidden. I’d say, rest and doing something else relieves the stress. Walking away when you need to.

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

My writing block is about two and a half hours Monday through Friday. However, my writing goal is one chapter a day Monday through Friday. So if I do that in less than the tie alloted, sometimes I move on to other things, and sometimes I keep writing. It just depends.

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

Ugh. It’s literally like asking who my favorite child is. I love them all equally. Just in different ways. If I had to choose one, most days, I’d probably say Gemma Diamati from Love by the Rules because she’s awsome and a badass but I’m pretty sure she’s the one I put through the most. Sorry, Gemma.

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?

That’s hard because some of my characters are inspired by real actors or musicians. For example, Cross was inspired by Rian Dawson from All Time Low. I was at their concert, literally watching them play, when I got the idea for the Courting Chaos series. Can he act? I don’t know.

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is having people that I don’t know who want to read my books. I know. That’s the easy answer but that’s all I ever wanted when I started this. In my eyes, I was successful the first time I sold a book that wasn’t to a friend or family member.

What are your social links?

facebook.com/heatheryoungnicholsauthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/heatherstreasures1
instagram.com/heatheryoungnichols
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-young-nichols
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7362274.Heather_Young_Nichols
twitter.com/heatheryn76
https://www.tiktok.com/@heatheryoungnichols
Heatheryoungnichols.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.)

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 – Sarah Zolton Arthur

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Sarah Zolton Arthur

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hi. I’m Sarah Zolton Arthur. I live in Michigan with my two sons, and I write steamy books. The steamier the better. You might get a ménage but the couples are singular. I don’t write RH or love triangles because I don’t read those myself. And my readers always know that no matter the wild ride they go on to get there, you’ll always find some form of HEA at the end. Besides writing, this year is different because my baby is graduating high school in May so we’ve been doing all the college visits and whatnot. I’m sitting here freezing as I write this because it’s almost December in Michigan and I only drink frozen coffees, which, I pretty much live on. I’m so excited to be attending my first WOTR in July. When I saw the charity that they support I knew I had to be a part of this wonderful event. My motorcycle club books specifically deal with empowering women, helping them to leave abusive situations and escape trafficking. It felt like fate brought us together.

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

The consecutive books in a series are harder to write. You have to make sure you’ve kept up the continuity of the people and the world you’ve created along with making sure not to repeat themes and situations so the readers don’t get bored. And my MCs for example, are romantic suspense. It’s not easy to keep the suspense brewing without becoming repetitive.

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

I watch the news to see what I can use and turn into a fictional story. The truth can be wilder than imagination.

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

After I’ve finished an emotional story, I change it up with something else. That’s why I write rom-coms, too. They’re my outlet. You don’t write rom-com, try PNR. The point is to give yourself something else fun and less draining to focus on.

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

I probably spend five of my eight hour work day actually writing. The rest is spent dealing with the business side of publishing.

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

I have two. The first is Bossman from my MC series the Brimstone Lords MC. His jokes and fun personality in conjunction with his intensity when it comes to protecting his family, along with his Kentucky accent are based off my late husband as a shoutout to him and so many of the reasons I married the goof. The second is in the latest book in my Bedlam Horde MC series: Devil to Pay. The female lead is named Aja. She’s tough but kind, and she’s not ashamed of the things she’s had to do in her life to survive. And she’s done a lot. She’s a fighter. In a time where we hear all these angry men talking smack about women, “if she has a high body count she’s worthless,” Aja is like, sit down little boy. She doesn’t have time for that BS as no one should. She was so refreshing to write.

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 man, that’s so difficult because I don’t watch a lot of television or movies. Who is a new version of a mid-twenties Paul Walker? Because that would be Lennon McCartney from Skydiving, Skinny-Dipping & Other Ways to Enjoy Your Fake Boyfriend. I’d love to hear the responses.

What is your definition of success?

Success is being happy with your life. Doing what you love to do and knowing that by doing it, you are bringing joy to others. I recently found out that I’m a book club. Am I a Richie Richerton? Ha! Not even close. But that book club hasn’t just read one of my books, they read all of my books. Would I like to be a Richie Richerton? Who wouldn’t? But I still consider myself a success. How many people can say they are a book club?

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

We live in a binging world. People want it all right now. What readers have to remember is whether an author is traditionally or indie published, the ability to put out the next book in a series comes from readers reading what’s already available. If you wait to read a series because you want them all at once, you risk not getting the rest of the series. It’s hard to have to wait for that next book, I know. I’m a reader, too. Just remember the anticipation makes it worth the wait!

What are your social links?

Facebook.com/SarahZoltonArthurWrites;

Instagram.com/sarahzoltonarthur;

tiktok.com/@authorsarahzoltonarthur

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.)

sarahzoltonarthur.com or amazon.com/~/e/B01202KU0U

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 – Dylann Crush

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Dylann Crush

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Dylann Crush and I write steamy contemporary romance that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love. In addition to writing, I co-host Romance Happy Hour twice a month where we chat with romance authors. I also run Book Box Babe where readers can pick up the Romance Happy Hour Book Box or booklover t-shirts.

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

Writing a book is hard no matter what, but I think the first in a series is more difficult. The first book has to do so much: set up the series, introduce all of the characters, and provide enough of a hook so that readers will want to keep reading through the rest of the series.

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

I’m a plantser which means I plot enough of my book to give myself guideposts on big plot points I need to hit, but also leave it open enough for my characters to surprise me. There’s nothing like having a new character or situation appear on the page that I didn’t see coming.

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

Make sure you keep refilling the well. Writing does take a lot out of authors so it’s important to make sure you’re experiencing all the feels on a regular basis.

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

It depends on what I’m working on at the moment. I tend to track word count instead of time spent writing. If I’m drafting, I often try to hit at least 3k words a day which can take anywhere from a couple of hours to several depending on how well the words are flowing.

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

That’s like asking me to pick a favorite kid. Some of the characters who have come most easily to me are Cassie and Robbie from Sweet Tea & Second Chances. I also really enjoyed writing Presley from the Holiday, Texas series and can’t wait to write Vaughn’s story from the Whiskey Wars series.

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 feel like I pretty much picture Chris Hemsworth or Henry Cavill as most of my heroes. LOL. I’d love to see one of my books made into a movie someday. Maybe Sweet Tea & Second Chances with Henry Cavill as Robbie and Kristen Bell as Cassie.

What is your definition of success?

Writing books that readers are excited about and can’t wait to read is my definition of success. My goal with my books is to provide an escape for readers… a safe place where love always wins and they’re guaranteed a happily ever after.

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/dylanncrush
https://www.instagram.com/dylanncrush/
 https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanncrushbooks
https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanncrush

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

https://www.amazon.com/Dylann-Crush/e/B015LYG5TO

www.dylanncrush.com

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #AuthorSpotlight – Vinni George

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Vinni George

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Vinni George! I’ve been a romance reader since I snuck one of my grandmother’s Harlequins when I was in middle school. I started working in the industry as an editor and still edit for others, even though I’ve started writing my own stories. I write MM/LGBTQ contemporary and shifter romance (both with and without MPREG), and I published my first novel, Hold the Door, in April 2021. Hold the Door was a finalist and runner-up in Gay Contemporary Romance in the 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards. Outside of writing, I’m a title-holding burlesque performer and pin-up model, and I love to cook and travel. I live in Ohio with my husband and son.

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

The subsequent books in a series are always harder for me. The first book has the benefit of being exciting and new, and there’s a certain kind of energy that fuels that.

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

When I writing a series, I usually map out the main chat for each novel and the tropes and general meet-cute scenarios at the beginning so I know where I’m heading and know how things are going shake out and that I won’t be replicating the same thing over and over again. For me, a sense of place is really important, so I make sure the settings are changing, even if the location of the story doesn’t. That kind of world-building keeps me excited and engaged.

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

My biggest piece of advice is to just do it. Write every single day even if it’s a haiku or a journal entry. I have a piece of art on my wall that says, “Create something today, even if it sucks,” and those are words I live by.

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

Since I’m also a full-time editor and full-time mom, I usually get only two to three hours of solid writing time in…if I’m lucky. But I prioritize my writing early in the day, so I know I’ve put words on the page even if the wheels fall off the bus for the rest of the day.

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

Absolutely, without a doubt, my favorite character that I’ve written is Hank, a.k.a Summer Sausage, the aging drag queen from Revolving Door, book two in my Open Doors series. He was based heavily on several friends in the drag community and the late, great Leslie Jordan. He’s a side character but a scene stealer, and he’s just the best.

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 a really hard question. I’m really bad at finding celebrity face casts for my characters. Outside of Leslie Jordan, who would have been the ONLY choice to play Hank from Revolving Door, I’m just not sure.

What is your definition of success?

Oof. my definition of success has changed a lot over the years, and I feel like it’s something that is constantly evolving for me. I used to work in sales for a big three publisher, and then, my definition of success was always reaching some external quantifiable number or percentage. Since I’ve left the corporate world my definition of success is more about happiness and being able to balance the various facets of my life so I feel all are getting the attention they deserve. Some days I feel really successful and other days not so much, but on the whole, I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and that feels pretty darn successful.

What are your social links?

All my social and buy links can be found here https://linktr.ee/vinnigeorge.

 

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #AuthorSpotlight – Alison Bliss

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Alison Bliss

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My name is Alison Bliss. I’m a bestselliing, award-winning author of steamy, laugh-out-loud contemporary romances and rom-coms. I’m a born and raised Texan who currenly resides in the Midwest with my husband, two teenagers, four dogs and two cats. I enjoy swimming, canoeing, hanging out with my family, watching movies, playing games, crafting, refinishing furniture, and working on renovation projects with my husband.

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

The first book is usually the easiest for me because the character’s world is a blank slate. But once you create that world, the following books in the series have to continue what you started. That sometimes can be constricting while writing.

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

I try to keep things fresh by not writing the same character over and over. My Perfect Fit series is a great example. Each book features a plus-size heroine, yet each heroine is very different from one another. In Size Matters, Leah is my self-deprecating, always on a diet heroine. While in On the Plus Size, Valerie is a confident, sexy heroine who doesn’t have the same hang-ups. Then there’s More to Love where my heroine, Jessa, is a gourmet chef and total foodie. She’s more on the neutral side when it comes to her size, but there’s a fun twist in that one where the hero is a food addict who struggles maintaining his weight.

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

Don’t quit. The only difference between an aspiring writer and a published author is that one didn’t stop writing.

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

A typical writing day for me is somewhere between 4-6 hours.

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

My favorite character to write was Emily from Rules of Protection. I had so much fun with her character that I found myself laughing out loud at things that she would say or do. She was sassy and funny, and she frustrated the heck out of the hero by not following any of his rules.

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?

Rules of Protection would be a fun movie. I think Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone would be hilarious in it.

What is your definition of success?

Any achievement that makes a person proud.

What are your social links?

FB Author Page: http://facebook.com/AuthorAlisonBliss
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AlisonBliss2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AlisonBliss2/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/AlisonBliss2
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dvShQv

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: http://authoralisonbliss.com/
Amazon Page: http://amazon.com/author/alisonbliss
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alison-bliss
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/AlisonBliss

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #AuthorSpotlight – Dakota Trace

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Dakota Trace

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Dakota Trace. I’m an avid reader, crazy mom/nana, a health care worker and sometimes author. Been writing since I was a teenager before getting published in 2008. Dang where did the time go? I love to write in various genres from contemporary erotic romance, menage, male/male, bdsm, and my latest addition: daddy doms.

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

I’d have to say the others after it. Such high expectations from the readers.

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

Don’t beat yourself up when the writer block comes. We all experience and like most things, it will pass. (This is from an author who’s coming off a three month writer’s block.)

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

When I write, it’s usually two to three hours.

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

I’d have to say Willem from my Rawhide Ranch books. He’s a very old-fashioned Daddy Dom who isn’t in a rush to get to the good parts. Every part of the relationship is a ‘good part’ for him. He wants the whole person, just not what his lover can give him in bed.

What is your definition of success?

Success? Having one person find joy or the ability to escape into one of my stories. If I entertain even one person, then I’ve done my job.

What are your social links?

https://linktr.ee/DakotaTrace

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

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight – Britni Hill

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Britni Hill

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Britni. I love horror movies. I drink way too much coffee. I have the best rescue pup ever. He’s 9 and spoiled rotten. I hate snow, and I love to binge cheesy teen dramas. If they’re paranormal it’s even better. My first book was released in 2012 and it was a dream come true. One I’m still lucky enough to be living.

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

It depends. I call myself a moody writer. Some days I write and write and write. Others … not so much.

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

Oh my. Yes! Jason Parker. Gah! He was horrible. And yes I know how that sounds. Everyone hated him. I hated him. But his arc is fabulous.

What is your definition of success?

Being happy. It took me a while to understand that, but if I’m happy and content then I’m where I’m meant to be. And that’s success!

What are your social links?

www.facebook.com/britnihillauthor
www.facebook.com/britnihillsbibliomaniacs (reader group)
www.instagram.com/thatbritnihill

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/Britni-Hill/e/B007V4C9EI
Apple books: https://books.apple.com/us/author/britni-hill/id885053971
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=britni+hill

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 #Attendingauthor #ARC GIVEAWAY – Albany Walker

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Albany Walker

Be sure to comment FB post in the Writers on the River reader group for a chance to win an  ARC from Albany!!!

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Albany lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her high school sweetheart. She spends most of her time juggling her four children’s extracurricular activities, with her nose stuck in a book. When not reading you can find her writing her very own book boyfriends. Albany’s passion is writing romance with real characters that are far from perfect, but always seem to find their own happily ever afters.

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

The books after.

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

I feel like my characters do all the work for me. I love complex characters.

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

Write what you love. It makes a difference on all fronts.

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

6 to 8 hours Monday through Friday.

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

I love my FMC’s. I’m in love with Waylynn from my current series (that always happens to me) Her inner strength astounds me.

What is your definition of success?

There are so many levels, but when someone takes the time to email me, and tells me how my words helped them in some way it feels like a major accomplishment. 

 What are your social links?

Albany Walker Author Links

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.)

Albany Walker Author Links

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight – A.L. Kessler

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A.L. Kessler

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m A.L. Kessler (Amy) I’m a mom of two and we have too many animals. I love coffee and reading especially in the fall when I can curl up under a blanket. I’ve always told stories, but I started pursuing it seriously in high school, back before indie-publishing was a thing. I don’t have a traditional job, my job is being an author and freelancing, and I love it.

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

The first and the last book in the series are the hardest! The first book sets up the expectations and the last book better live up to the expectations that you’ve set.

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

Throw in a dead body? Or two? Honestly, I just throw in crazy ideas and then work them out. I’m a ‘pantser’ so I don’t typically write by outline, so if I have an idea I think will work, I’ll run with it.

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

Don’t be too hard on yourself and don’t compare your path to others. Everyone’s author journey is different, and if you continuously compare yourself, it’ll bring you down and you’ll get discouraged. Take breaks, drink your water, and remember to stretch.

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

I spend about two hours a day on actual writing, then I spend an hour or so on admin work, editing, and other work related things.

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

Abigail Collins is one of my favorites (from Here Witchy Witchy) because she gets to say all the things most of us want to say, but shouldn’t.

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’m horrible at picking out celebrities, but for what book, either No More Black Magic or my Children of the Apocalypse Trilogy.

What is your definition of success?

This varies from author to author, but for me success is where I’m at. I’m doing what I love, I’m out of the traditional work force, and this allows me to be there for my kids and all their fun stuff. 

What are your social links?

www.facebook.com/alkesslerauthor

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

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight – H. D’Agostino

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Heather D'Agostino

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My. name is Heather. I abbreviate it because my name is so long it’s hard to fit on covers LOL I’m a woman of many talents. I’m a degreed teacher, but have been out of the classroom for sixteen years. I found my passion for writing when you daughter was a baby. I started as a fan fiction writer, and it evolved from there. Since then I’ve worked as a preschool teacher, a nanny, bartender, and now I’m an Instacart shopper. I have 2 kids, a boy and a girl, a sweet puppy who I treat as a third child (she’s spoiled, but don’t tell her that), and an awesome husband.

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

The others. The first is easy because you can pretty. much do whatever you want. When book 2 comes along, you have to remember all the little details from the first so someone doesn’t end living in a different city, or changing hair color, or names. Don’t laugh, it happens.

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

I try to be realistic, but in a unique way.

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

Feel your feelings. It is draining, but if you’re writing something that’s supposed to be sad, or happy, or nerve wracking, and you’re not feeling it…your readers won’t either. I’ve spent many times sitting at my laptop bawling my eyes out in pubic as I write an emotional scene. I’ve learned to ignore the stares. LOL

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

It’s sad. Not as much as I used to. Right now, life is so busy that I usually only get 2 days a week of writing time. On those days I might spend 3, maybe 4 hours writing. I used to write every day, and was producing a book about every 3 months. Now I’m lucky to get one every 6. Life happens and when kids get older the require more time.

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

I wouldn’t say a favorite character, but a favorite family, yes. The McKay family in my Broken series and the second generation from those books are a favorite of mine. They’re just easy to write. When I decided to write a second generation, I was worried that it would be difficult to top the first series, but I flew through those books with ease.

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 always envisioned Theo James as Dev in Being Nobody, and Joe Manganiello as Cole in the Broken books. I never really cast the females.

What is your definition of success?

Being happy with what you’re doing.

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

Yes!!! Angie, Melinda, Jillian, and the rest of the team are awesome.

What are your social links?

www.facebook.com/HDAgostino.author
www.instagram.com/hdagostino001
http://hdagostinobooks.weebly.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.)

I am only on Amazon. Signed paperback can always be purchased through me. Just message me on FB.

https://www.amazon.com/author/h.dagostino

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.