#TrueCrime – Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule

Small Sacrifices

Ann Rule’s shocking and powerful account of the destructive forces that drove Diane Downs, a beautiful young mother, to shoot her three young children in cold blood. Includes 11 photos!

On the evening of May 19th, 1983, Diane Downs arrived at Mckenzie-Willamette Hospital driving a blood splattered Nissan. Inside were her three children (Christie Ann 8, Cheryl Lynn 7, and Stephen Daniel 3) in critical condition, lying in the back seat suffering from fresh gunshot wounds. Downs herself had been shot in the arm and immediately told authorities that a “bushy haired stranger” flagged her down on the side of a nearby deserted road and proceeded to shoot her three children, and then herself. She claimed she barely managed to get into the car and drive off, leaving the man behind. Two of Downs’ children, Christie Ann and Stephen Daniel, were expected to make a full recovery, while Cheryl Lynn passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital. Downs’ strange and cold reaction to this news was what immediately heightened the suspicions of the hospital staff and authorities, contributing to her becoming the lead suspect. As the investigation continued, her version of the story became more convoluted and new evidence against her led to her arrest.

In 1989 SMALL SACRIFICES was made into the popular TV movie of the same name starring Farrah Fawcett, which earned her an Emmy nomination.

“This searching analysis of the shooting of three children in Oregon by their mother devolves into a study of personality….Under police questioning she recalled her childhood with a cold, domineering father who abused her sexually, her weak mother, a rape by one of her bosses, her failed marriage and many men with whom she had sex. One of these men, whom she claimed to love, did not want children, and that may have prompted the crime, speculates the author. The greatest strength of this book is the exploration by ex-policewoman Rule of the aberrant personality of Downs, who is now imprisoned and not eligible for parole until 2020.” -Publishers Weekly

“A harrowing pathological portrait, a nearly unthinkable triple-murder plot, a hold-your-breath police procedural and a tale of dedication and compassion all superbly combined to produce the most riveting true-crime account since In Cold Blood. From her heartbreakingly ironic rifle to her final satisfying “revelation,” Rule guides her readers through a Middle American world of violence and shopping malls, of sexual obsession and pizzas “”to-go,”” of child abuse and music videos…Thus begins this true tale of a modern Medea. His suspicions aroused by Downs’ apparent lack of interest in her children’s survival and by glaring discrepancies in her story, Assistant District Attorney Fred Hugi investigates What he finds will not only have readers gasping in horror but pondering the dark irrationalities lurking in American society as well. What could have been in lesser hands merely a sensationalist 80’s gothic becomes, thanks to Rule’s painstaking research and more-than-considerable literary skills, a work of resonance and revelation. Paced with masterful assurance, incorporating verbatim trial transcripts and diary entries, probing the reactions of the Oregon townspeople, this narrative maintains its breath-stopping tension to the very end. Sure to be talked about for a long time to come.” – Kirkus Reviews

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this audio book.

I am a true crime junkie and sometimes I need something true crime to read or listen too after I have read a bunch of romance novels.  Weird?  Maybe but I own it.  I remember watching this movie when I was a child thinking how can a mom kill her kids??  I just didnt understand at age 10.  Well fast forward and here I am a true crimer lover.  I had forgotten all about this story/case until a podcast I listen to did an episode on it.  I was shocked back to the 10 year old me watching the movie.

Listening to Ann Rule tell the retell this story is kinda crazy. I listened to her tell the Ted Bundy case and Cinnamon brown case.  She definitely has a way with words to describe what is happening.

The story is sad but if its about a mom trying to kill her kids I am guessing you already figured that much.  I didn’t know some of the information she gave from listening to the podcast.  But she does seem to cover the story from the beginning when Diane brings her kids to the ER claiming she was attacked and shot.

If you are a true crimer like me you will appreciate all the details Ann shares with the reader about the police investigation and the trial.

Ann Rule was a popular American true crime writer. Raised in a law enforcement and criminal justice system environment, she grew up wanting to work in law enforcement herself. She was a former Seattle Policewoman and was well educated in psychology and criminology.

She came to prominence with her first book, The Stranger Beside Me, about the Ted Bundy murders. At the time she started researching the book, the murders were still unsolved. In the course of time, it became clear that the killer was Bundy, her friend and her colleague as a trained volunteer on the suicide hotline at the Seattle, Washington Crisis Clinic, giving her a unique distinction among true crime writers.

Rule won two Anthony Awards from Bouchercon, the mystery fans’ organization. She was nominated three times for the Edgar Awards from the Mystery Writers of America. She is highly regarded for creating the true crime genre as it exists today.

Ann Rule also wrote under the name Andy Stack . Her daughter is Goodreads author Leslie Rule.

#WOTR23 #authorspotlight – Sarah Zolton Arthur

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.

#Review – Tin Toy (Silver Cyborg Book 2) by Ava Cuvay

Tin Toy (Silver Cyborg Book 2) by [Ava Cuvay]

Betty Hayworth is hiding from her life. She endured cybernetic enhancements to serve her country as an international spy, but infiltrated top-secret information from her own government as a high-end escort instead. So, she ran away to a small Indiana neighborhood where she works as a librarian and fears her handler will track her down or her cyborg status will be exposed to a society that abhors them. None of which helps her find the kind of love and happiness she reads about in her romance novels.

Everett Dean is running for his life. As founder and CEO of the premier cybernetic design company, someone is trying to destroy him. His life, his company, his legacy. He needs to discover the truth and expose whoever is behind the recent attempts on his life, before they try again. This search leads him to an unassuming library where he meets an enigmatic woman who looks like a pin-up model, fights like a trained assassin, and kisses like an angel. All of which inspire him to reassess his life’s priorities.

Their mutual attraction is a risk neither can afford. But as complications from their secrets arise, they must learn to trust each other if they hope to survive.

Book Two of the Silver Cyborg Series trilogy. This story has a romantic happy ending and a storyline continuing to book three.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

What do you do when you realize God is just a man and that man is your maker? Betty is a librarian but she is so much more than just a librarian. This woman is a beautiful bad@ss. She was used and abused but is trying to just live and come out on top. This woman has an insanely crazy past. She sold her soul to the devil himself and became a cyborg. She left that life trying to just live and be normal when one day, the man that was behind giving humans a second chance as cyborgs, quite literally lands in her lap. Everett is on the run and he has no clue why! He is a millionaire with crazy intelligence and a great government contract, aaaaand then he was no longer. He becomes a vagabond and ends up in Betty’s library trying to look for answers. Their worlds collide and Pandora’s Box explodes open. These two are both trying to distinguish between the good guys and bad guys all while having something vital in common: secrets. What would the neighbors think? This book is seriously intense but has all of my favorite things like snark, angst, secrets, sarcasm, fighting, serious sexy time, and an ending that will keep you wanting more!

Ava Cuvay

Ava Cuvay writes out of this world romance featuring sassy heroines, often-alien-but-always-sexy heroes, and an alcoholic beverage or two… Set in a galaxy far, far away. She resides in central Indiana, USA with her own scruffy-looking nerfherder, kiddos who are growing up without her permission, and two kitties that make her laugh. She believes life is too short to bother with negative people, everything is better with Champagne, and Han Solo shot first. When not writing, Ava is thinking about writing. Or wine. And she’s always thinking about bacon.

#WOTR23 #PromoPost – The Torn Series by J.M. Walker

Binge The Torn Series now!

Book 1 ➡️https://www.aboutjmwalker.com/possessed-by-you

Book 2 ➡️https://www.aboutjmwalker.com/revealed-by-you

Book 3 ➡️https://www.aboutjmwalker.com/perfected-by-you

Book 4 ➡️https://www.aboutjmwalker.com/bound-by-you

Brett MacLean Duet ➡️https://www.aboutjmwalker.com/brett-maclean-duet

✅ Rich/broken hero

✅ Grumpy/Sunshine

✅ Lots of 🔥

✅ Mild BDSM

Blurbs:

-POSSESSED BY YOU-

Releasing control is relief…

I was warned about men like Brett Maclean.

He was dark and thrilling, intense and controlling. And he captivated me from the very start. He unleashed something inside of me like no other. His bad rep and troubled past drew me to him like gasoline feeding a flame.

With just one taste, I felt the danger in him, the uncontrollable power that left me breathless. The passion consumed me. Fast and hard.

Temptation couldn’t guard my heart. I should have known a man of such raw and wild desires came with competition.

~

-REVEALED BY YOU-

The sharp edge of love…

Brett MacLean was possessive. Even more since I became his. He was my desire…my ultimate pleasure…he was mine.

As each day passed, he revealed a part of himself that had lain dormant. A broken childhood. A troubled man. One I was determined to help.

After months together, I thought I knew him. But soon realized I was wrong. His dark secrets were only the beginning. The past was more disturbing than I ever could have fathomed.

His deep seeded need for me came with a price that could have consequences. I needed him just as much. Because of this, we would be tested. My greatest fear was that it would take us beyond the limits of our love.

~

-PERFECTED BY YOU-

An all-consuming need…

Evvie Neal was my addiction. The love I felt for her

controlled me and it brought me to my knees.

She was my one. My only.

Destroyed as a boy, healed as a man, she was my saving grace. The first person who knew the real me. Because of her, I became stronger. Whole.

A true warrior in my own personal Hell.

As time went on, demons from my past haunted me,

threatening to ruin what I had worked so hard to become. Strong.

The ultimate sacrifice was giving up a piece of myself to be perfect. For her.

~

-BOUND BY YOU-

Bound by a love stronger than us…

Years have passed since I married him. Brett MacLean. My one. My only.

We became comfortable. Our lives a form of habit. But something was missing.

That connection. That undying want. That need for each other. It was gone.

While he asked me to trust him, he was keeping a secret.

I didn’t know how long it would last before I gave up. On us.

~

-REFLECTED BY YOU-

Just when you thought you had it all…… It can be ripped from you in the most devastating way. Will you be prepared to fight?

It started without trust. Passion. Lust. An all-consuming need; that was all we had in the beginning.

Lies. Betrayal. Deceit. We moved past it all and fell in love anyway.

Over ten years later, with a family of our own, our little world was perfect. Happy.

But then that happiness faded away when she came into our lives.

No control. No power. Just heartbreak and unwanted submission.

We were forced to our knees at the sight of her. The words falling from her lips were like nails digging at our soul because we knew.

We would have to go through hell to get out of this.

And even then, I wasn’t sure if it would be enough.

Possessed is Possessed by You written in Brett’s POV

https://www.aboutjmwalker.com/torn-series-boxed-set

*AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED*

#WOTR23 #authorspotlight – Dylann Crush

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.

#WOTR23 #Review – The Vampire Who Saved Christmas by Sophie Stern

The Vampire Who Saved Christmas by [Sophie Stern]

One human. One vampire. One collection of missing blood.

Juniper James is working at the Rose Valley Blood Bank when something goes terribly wrong: a collection of blood is stolen, which means an upcoming surgery they’re supposed to supply blood for isn’t going to be able to happen. Suspicion is instantly cast upon Edward Sparrow – the tall, lanky man who runs the blood bank.

Juniper knows that Edward couldn’t have possibly stolen all of that blood, and she also knows that he’s a vampire.

Now Juniper and Edward have to team up to solve the mystery and save the day before Christmas is ruined for one little boy.

Will they be able to save Christmas?

The Vampire Who Saved Christmas takes place in the same world as ROSE VALLEY VAMPIRES by Sophie Stern. This is a spicy quick read featuring a snarky vampire and the human who falls for him. Standalone. Guaranteed HEA. For more vampires by Sophie Stern, check out Megan Slays Vampires or Sweet Nightmares: The Vampire’s Melody.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Fun, quirky, fast and hawt read!

‘100% of the time, that’s how relationships end. In death. Unless, of course, you’re a vampire.’

Edward Sparrow, our resident vampire that no one knows is a vampire, runs the blood bank. He provides blood to the hospitals and the local vamps. Everything starts to fall apart when everyone reports to work in the morning, like normal, and they find out the blood is missing…all of it. Things are really starting to feel all sorts of out of whack. The snarky vamp has to figure something out to save the day. The voluptuous Juniper is right at his side. However, these two can’t stop thinking about each other. There is a bit of guilt that comes along with not being able to save everything right now. But there is also something to be said when you can stop and enjoy the moment when things are going right.

Sophie Stern guarantees the HEA and has done a fantastic job with this one. If you are looking for a quick pick me up with a few hawt scenes, I highly recommend!

Sophie Stern

Sophie Stern writes paranormal and contemporary romance stories for her amazing readers across the globe. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her pole dancing, traveling, or reading zombie novels.

Learn more at:

www.sexysophiestern.com

Join Sophie’s mailing list for freebies & new releases:

http://eepurl.com/bh8v_j

#WOTR23 #2ndChance #Mafia – Grizz, Grumpy Mountain Men Book 1 by KL Ramsey

Grizz (Grumpy Mountain Men Book 1)

Grizz knew that Brooklyn was too good for him. He had proven that every time he left her because he didn’t want to screw up her life any more than he already had. They had been through a lifetime together already, and now, she was standing on the porch to his cabin, asking him for help. He’d give it because it was Brooklyn, but then, he knew she’d walk away again, and that would gut him. Brooklyn’s life was in the city now and he knew she’d go back when the danger passed. He’d lose her again and there was no way that his heart would be able to take it.

Brooklyn was torn between two worlds—her love for NYC and her love for Grizz, her grumpy mountain man. They had been through so much together, even the loss of a baby, but she still hoped he’d find his way back to her. It felt like a lifetime ago that he had left the city to move up to his cabin in the Catskills, taking her heart with him. He’d show up in NYC now and again, to beg her to come live with him up on his mountain, but that wasn’t a move she was ready to make. She wouldn’t give up her job; she loved being a lawyer, even if it did put her in danger sometimes. When she found herself in trouble, her only thought was to get to Grizz. She knew that he’d protect her, even if it meant showing up to the one place she swore she’d never step foot again—his cabin.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie’

I purchased this book.

I am a super fan of the 2nd chance story/opposites attract.  Grizz and Brooklyn were college sweethearts who had a falling out…not a falling out of love so much as changes in life directions.

Grizz hasn’t stopped trying to win Brooklyn back but she is very driven.  She has goals for her career and that is her priority now.  When some bad stuff happens, she runs to the only man who can keep her body safe from harm…but maybe not her heart.

Grizz and Brooklyn are stuck in a confined space for awhile and start to sort out their issues because the love is so strong. They both want to make it work this time, but both need to compromise to make it happen.

I loved seeing a strong female character like Brooklyn.  She knows what she wants and has the drive to fulfill it.  But I also love her realizing she can have her career and the man she loves at the same time.  Grizz is just such a grumpy man.  LOL  I loved him. He is aggressive with his pursuit of Brooklyn which made my heart love him so much.  I think each time she said no to him, made him even the more determined to have her back!!

Romance Rebel fighting for Happily Ever After!
K. L. Ramsey currently resides in West Virginia (Go Mountaineers!). In her spare time, she likes to read romance novels, go to WVU football games and attend book club (aka-drink wine) with girlfriends.
K. L. enjoys writing Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, and Sexy Ménage! She loves to write strong, capable women and bossy, hot as hell alphas, who fall ass over tea kettle for them. And of course, her stories always have a happy ending.

#WOTR23 #AuthorSpotlight – Vinni George

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.

#Review – The End of August: Part Three by Rue Volley

The End of August : Part Three by [Rue Volley]

It’s 1985.
Leaves are falling.
The pumpkins are lit.
Bedroom walls are filled with posters of Teen WolfFright Night, and A Nightmare on Elm Street.

But for August East and his small band of unlikely friends, it’s all about defeating a demon that’s ruled the town of Whynot, Ohio, for half a century, all while hosting a killer party on Halloween.

You know. Normal stuff.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Just WOW! I have no words. I have been sitting here for two days trying to figure out exactly how to describe this book. I have been left speechless and this does not happen very often. I am a bundle of all sorts of feels. There is an incredibly strong pull between East and Keller and you get all the deets on why! I love the bond within their circle of friends. Shy, Evie and Vincent absolutely make this story. They are the glue that really held this entire series together. The relationships between all of the characters is written in a very real way. So much so that when part three ended, I was completely wrecked. And I can’t even get started with the Halloween party and the demon that needs defeated. I did NOT expect the ending, at all!  I had a horrible book hangover, LOL! This series has gotten better and better with each book…..and I seriously am hoping for a spinoff or continuation because, dayum! I NEED MORE! The story is absolutely unforgettable! I feel like the characters are begging for more!! I highly recommend this series!!

Rue Volley

Rue Volley is a USA Today Bestselling Author and award-winning screenwriter who is best known for creating compelling storylines with a multitude of twists and turns that leave her readers virtually speechless.

She specializes in paranormal romances that include otherworldly characters who, regardless of their supernatural abilities, feel oddly familiar, or in other words, human. This, coupled with her easy reading style, a wicked sense of humor, and excellent world-building skills, has garnered her a fiercely loyal fan base over the past decade who support her regardless of what genre she chooses to write in.

Some of her best works include Hemlock, The Dead Boy’s Club, 13 Ways to Midnight, Hellhound, The Devil’s Gate, and A Vampires Tale of Blood and Light. All of which utilize her skill at piecing together compelling dramas that highlight her love for vampires, witches, angels, and demons across many genres, including young adult, new adult, urban fantasy, and erotic romance.

Rue Volley’s work seems to be synonymous with one phrase in the publishing world.

Thoroughly addictive.

She is accredited with two award-winning screenplays for film, Hellhound (original script, 2014) and Awakening (contributing screenwriter, 2015). IMDb: imdb.com/name/nm7043310/

Connect with Rue:

Website: http://www.ruevolley.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruevolley/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rue-volley

Twitter: @RueVolley

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Rue-Volley-146299465525490/?fref=ts

#BookPromo #Poem #SelfCare – The Princess Saves Herself In This One (Women Are Some Kind of Magic) by Amanda Lovelace

Winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Poetry (2016), the princess saves herself in this one is a collection of poetry about resilience. It is about writing your own ending.

From Amanda Lovelace, a poetry collection in four parts: the princess, the damsel, the queen, and you. The first three sections piece together the life of the author while the final section serves as a note to the reader. This moving book explores love, loss, grief, healing, empowerment, and inspiration.

the princess saves herself in this one is the first book in the “women are some kind of magic” series.