Category Archives: Author Spotlight

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Liz Flaherty

Leave a comment

Liz Flaherty

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Liz Flaherty – I live in north central Indiana and I write sweet contemporary romance with leanings toward seasoned romance and women’s fiction. I’ve also written a column called Window Over the Sink for over 30 years.

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

The ones after it are harder because I have a difficult time with two things. (1) Keeping things straight, no matter how much attention I’ve paid to detail. (2) Maintaining excitement. At the end of the day, I’d rather write stand-alone than series.

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

I try to make the stories and the protagonists as different as I can, but I’m not sure I accomplish it.

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

Use it. Emotional writing is often the best. Who wants to read about a life that’s not messy?

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

I come to the office first thing in the morning and stay here until about noon, then occasionally a couple of hours later in the day. How much of that time is spent writing and how much is spent staring at the wall is…well, it’s the process.

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

Grace, from ONE MORE SUMMER, is probably my favorite. She had every reason in the world not to be loving and giving, but it didn’t stop her from doing both–even though the love was sometimes of the tough variety! She wasn’t beautiful or extraordinary in any way except the size of her heart.

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?

HOME TO SINGING TREES is a historical based right here where I live. I’ve always thought it would be a good film. As to who would star in it, I don’t watch enough movies to pick anyone! At the time I wrote it, I think I had Jeff Daniels and Anne Hathaway.

What is your definition of success?

Being happy.

What are your social links?

http://www.facebook.com/lizkflaherty
https://twitter.com/LizFlaherty1
https://www.amazon.com/Liz-Flaherty/e/B001J919R4%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3336348.Liz_Flaherty
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/liz-flaherty
https://www.instagram.com/lizkflaherty/?hl=en

What are your buy links?

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

General Admission is $10. 1-4 General Signing Time ONLY

After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #AttendingAuthor #Spotlight – Dahlia Rose

Leave a comment

Dahlia Rose

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I write traditional published and info published books, I span across multiple genres, I love to Cosplay, dance, music, bartend. Im a bit of an eccentric blend girl.

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

I’d say the rest of the series

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

Its not really hard, my characters are alive in my head so we have some of the best conversation on where we should go from here

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

Chaocoate mattinis… Ok Kidding or am I? I would say one b book at a time, and being true to yourselves.

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

10

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

Fayth and her family in I think we’re alone now. They were so diverse and all a bit crazy, Maxie the 7 year old was a representation of my son Brenin and the many questions he asks 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?

For my book with Hallmark “Mistletoe in Juneau, I would pick Boris Kodjoe and Antonia Thomas who plays Doctor Claire in The Good Doctor.

What is your definition of success?

being better than you were last week. A person doesn’t define your success, you do and as long as you evolve, and keep learning. you are successful.

What are your social links?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/author.dahliarose
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/fansofdahliarose
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dahliarose1029
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/dahlia-rose
Book+Main: https://bookandmainbites.com/AuthorDahliaRose

What are your buy links?

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

General Admission is $10. 1-4 General Signing Time ONLY

After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Clara Stone

Leave a comment

Clara Stone

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Clara Stone

Clara Stone writes YA/NA Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance stories and is a complete sucker for sweet, memorable kisses. She strongly believes that true love conquers EVERYTHING, along with a tub of Ice cream!

When she isn’t reading or writing or dancing, much to the embarrassment of her husband and two kids, she’s probably watching Supernatural and The Walking Dead. So, if she sounds like your cup of syrup to your pancakes (or waffles… no favorites here), then give her a “Follow” to any number of social media kingdoms she’s built and stay updated of her upcoming releases, book sales, and book recommendations!

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

The ones after it!

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

Watch tons of movies/t.v shows, read books and take points.

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

Put yourself in the shoes of your character and feel what they are feeling.

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

most days not as much as I like to, but maybe 60 mins on most days

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

Harrington Lovelly! He’s all alpha, but a putty when it comes Jessica and that makes my heart go googoo, gaagaa.

What are your social links?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorclarastone.

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/charmingsquad

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

bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/clara-stone

What are your buy links?

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

General Admission is $10. 1-4 General Signing Time ONLY

After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #AttendingAuthor #Spotlight – AJ Renee

Leave a comment

A.J. Renee

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m AJ Renee and I write contemporary and paranormal romance! I’m so happy to be here with you today. A little about me, I live in Virginia, I’m an air force wife, mom to three girls, avid animal lover, and I enjoy trying new to me wines and craft beer.

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

The first book is always harder. You have to set the setting and create a strong foundation and it usually holds the most details.

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

If I’m not excited, my readers won’t be either. I have to make sure the ideas are fresh and I’m not producing the same plot with different names. Everyone has different struggles and obstacles as do characters in books. My job is to create those and tell a great story.

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

The best advice is if you’re not feeling it or are struggling, give yourself a mental break. It’s sometimes best to take a few steps back so when you return to it you’re firing at 100%.

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

On writing days, about three hours.

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

They are ALL special to me! Don’t make me choose!

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?

Again with the hard questions! I love both the St. Fleur series and my Broderick Coven, so either of those on the big screen would be wonderful. As far as actors, who ever can bring the characters alive. There are too many talented actors to pick from.

What is your definition of success?

I’m still trying to define success within my writing career. Outside of work, seeing my children thrive, not be jerks, and showing kindness tells me I haven’t failed at motherhood.

What are your social links?

Website: www.ajrenee.com
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2bdqx9f
Amazon: https://bit.ly/ajrenee
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/BBajr
Facebook: https://bit.ly/faceajr
Instagram: https://bit.ly/instaajr
Twitter: https://bit.ly/twajr
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/GRajr
St. Fleur Belles Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2bmtFmI

What are your buy links?

Amazon: https://bit.ly/ajrenee
Nook: https://bit.ly/nookajr
iBooks: https://bit.ly/ibooksajr
Kobo: https://bit.ly/koboajr

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

General Admission is $10. 1-4 General Signing Time ONLY

After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #attendingauthor #Spotlight – Dawn Brower

Leave a comment

Dawn Brower

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Dawn Brower I write historical and contemporary romance. I’ve been writing since 2014 and love writing. I have two sons that are now grown. My dogs are my new babies, lol. You’ll see lots of pics of them if you follow my social media.

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

Usually the first because that’s where the world building begins, but every now and then one of the later ones decided to make my life difficult

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

I mostly write historical. There are only so many scenarios you can put your characters in and make it work. The characters themselves are where you make it more interesting. Like certain quirks or hobbies. Most of my female heroines have strong personalities. They can be unpredictable at times. For instance In Never Dare a Hellion Christiana actually shoots the marquess after he dares her to. She regrets it later but in that moment she’s like dare me, the nerve. Then bang. Oops.

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

Take breaks. Yes, you need to keep some momentum, but utilize self care. Burn out is real and your writing will suffer. Don’t get into the mindset you have to do everything. Also do not compare yourself to other writers. Not everything works for everyone and no one has the same path they need to follow.

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

I try to write a chapter a day. Whatever that word count ends up being. I like to have something finalized. If I can’t do a whole chapter I at least end at a scene.

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

I really adore the Marquess of Foxworth. He kind of stands out across the whole series. Some of the things that come out of his mouth are hilarious.

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?

Wow I have no idea but it would be amazing to see some more period pieces like Bridgerton. My Linked Across Time series is extensive and might be interesting to see o see adapted. With the past and present it would have more options. Like Outlander. The two main characters James and Alys (Searching for My Rogue) I think I would like to see Madelaine Petsch and Ben Barnes

What is your definition of success?

Finishing something I started. Sometimes that’s the hardest part.

What are your social links?

www.twitter.com/1DawnBrower
www.facebooks.con/1DawnBrower
www.instagram.com/1DawnBrower
TikTok: @1DawnBrower
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/dawnbrower
BookBub: BookBub.com/Dawn-Brower

What are your buy links?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dawn-Brower/e/B00KBBRW5E/
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/author/dawn-brower/id900654301
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Dawn%20Brower
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Dawn-Brower/B00KBBRW5E

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

General Admission is $10. 1-4 General Signing Time ONLY

After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #attendingauthor #Spotlight – Skye Malone

Leave a comment

Skye Malone

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Skye Malone (they/them). I’m an urban fantasy and paranormal romance writer of nearly twenty books, currently based out of Central Illinois. I love (and write) action-packed stories with car chases, fights, and magic. My current series is a post-apocalyptic shifter paranormal romance based on Norse mythology called The Shifters of Ragnarok. When I’m not writing, I’m usually taking care of my retired racing greyhound or my three-legged mutt.

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

The other ones after it, every single time.

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

The series is one big story to me, so there are overarching plot lines and things still to be discovered in every book. I’m usually excited for the later books in a series, not bored, because I get to explore events and show developments I (and hopefully readers) have been looking forward to throughout all the previous books.

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

You’re not a machine, so figure out what is sustainable for you long-term. While you might be _able_ to do X amount of books a year, can you keep that pace? Things will come up in life that cause chaos. Nothing you can do about that. So don’t base your professional plan on you operating at 110% capacity all the time. You’ll crash and probably hurt your health. Elana Johnson says “start as you mean to go,” so always plan with an eye to the future and how you intend to operate five or ten years from now.

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

Four or five hours, sometimes more

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

Ashe from the Kindling Trilogy. That trilogy was my first published work, and I’d been thinking about that story for nearly fifteen years, so I’d spent a LOT of time with her character and scenes in my head. I also just deeply enjoyed writing her story, more than I can say, so she has a very special place in my heart.

 What are your social links?

Facebook: facebook.com/authorskyemalone

Newsletter: http://skyemalone.com/mailinglist

Instagram: instagram.com/authorskyemalone

What are your buy links?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/skyemalone
Elsewhere: skyemalone.com/books

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

General Admission is $10. 1-4 General Signing Time ONLY

After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #AttendingAuthor #Spotlight – Nan Reinhardt

Leave a comment

Nan Reinhardt

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Nan Reinhardt BIO: Nan Reinhardt is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic fiction for Tule Publishing. Her day job is working as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader, however, writing is Nan’s first and most enduring passion. She can’t remember a time in her life when she wasn’t writing—she wrote her first romance novel at the age of ten and is still writing, but now from the viewpoint of a wiser, slightly rumpled woman in her prime. Nan lives in the Midwest with her husband of 48 years, where they split their time between a house in the city and a cottage on a lake.

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

I think the first because that’s when you create the setting, the secondary characters, and the secondary plot lines that will carry through the rest of the series.

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

It’s all about creating a place that readers want to go or want to live, as well as secondary characters who are fun. Giving a secondary character a story that follows through several books is a great way to keep readers and myself engaged. Sorta like Carly Hayes and Mac Mackenzie in my River’s Edge books–so far I’m on book #7 with 3 more River’s Edge books contracted (and who knows after that?) and Mac and Carly have been together since book #2 and readers love them. I think because they are an older couple who are getting a second chance at love and they’re an unlikely pair.

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

Breathe. Creativity can’t blossom in a tense, uptight (I know I’m dating myself!) brain, so just breathe and write…even if you’re not working on your book, write something–your journal, an article, a blog. If you’re stuck and feeling like you can’t write, go out and take a walk or do something completely mindless. Also, fill the creative well with books and films and well-done TV shows. Absorb narrative.

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

I’m also a freelance copy editor and proofreader, so my day job takes up a good bit of my day. However, I get up every morning at 6 am and write for at least 2 hours, until my husband wakes up and our day begins. That’s my best time to write.

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

My favorite character is always the one I’m currently writing, although I do confess to having a special place in my heart for Brendan Flaherty in The Baby Contract, because he’s sorta loosely based on my kid.

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 be delighted if any one of my books were made into a movie–I’d say right now, I’d love to see my upcoming The Valentine Wager (releases 2/1/22) made into a film. I’d pick Simon Baker to play hot cop Ryker Lange and maybe Leighton Meester to play Irish spitfire Kitt Boynton.

What is your definition of success?

I believe success is being happy with who you are and what you doing right now in this moment, and if you’re trying to make the world a little bit better place–that’s a good thing, too.

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/authornanreinhardt/
https://www.instagram.com/nanreinhardt/
https://twitter.com/NanReinhardt
https://www.nanreinhardt.com

What are your buy links?

https://www.amazon.com/Nan-Reinhardt/e/B007OYDC6O

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Nan%20Reinhardt

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=nan%20reinhardt

https://books.apple.com/us/author/nan-reinhardt/id578768922#see-all/books

https://tulepublishing.com/authors/nan-reinhardt/

https://nanreinhardt.com/the-women-of-willow-bay/

https://nanreinhardt.com/four-irish-brothers-winery/

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

General Admission is $10. 1-4 General Signing Time ONLY

After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #AttendingAuthor #Spotlight – Michel Prince

Leave a comment

Image for Michel Prince, click to learn more.

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Michel Prince, multi genre author easily distracted by squirrels and shiny objects.

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

Others. I’m really bad at writing down important details while writing and I have to go back multiple times to previous books to make sure I have eyes, hair, tattoo’s, parents names etc are correct.

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

Different issues, while issues can be on a similar path every character like every person gets there a different way. While there are book formula’s that doesn’t mean you have to use the same ingredients.

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

Walk away, take the shower, take the stroll, find a hobby that allows you let your brain rest.

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

One to ten hours. Breaks happen, so do good and bad days. All you can do is accept something was put down, reviewed or edited.

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

I like my characters that are smart asses best. Esme, Bounty, and Mandy are a few of favorites 

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?

Amara Acquired, Jessica Biel, Betty White, Darby Stanchfield…. Haven’t figured out the heroes yet.

What are your social links?

www.facebook.com/michelprincebooks

instagram.com/michelprincebooks

tiktok.com/michelprincebooks

twitter.com/michelprince1

What are your buy links?

https://www.audible.com/author/Michel-Prince/B007XWI6OA?ref=a_search_c3_lAuthor_1_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=YGE643D7C8G9J5SKCS4Y

https://www.amazon.com/Michel-Prince/e/B007XWI6OA?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1630889735&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Michel%20Prince%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

General Admission is $10. 1-4 General Signing Time ONLY

After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #AttendingAuthor #Spotlight – Marie Piper

Leave a comment

Marie Piper

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hello! I’m Marie Piper, I live in Chicago, and I write American Historical Romance.

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

I tend to think the following books in a series are harder than the first book, because you’ve got boundaries you’ve set for yourself and established things that you can’t really change.

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

If you can find something – an element, a character, a scene – that you’re excited about and that feels fresh and new, it can carry you through the less-inspiring times.

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

Taking long solo walks to let your mind wander. Getting plenty of sleep. Reading books by other amazing authors.

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

I don’t really have a daily routine – I’m a homeschool Mom, so I fit writing in whenever I can!

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

I will always love Billie, the heroine of HIS BLUEBIRD BRIDE which is the first book in my Gilded Brides series, because I wrote her book in response to a writer’s group I was in at the time who basically all believed that a former prostitute or madam couldn’t be a heroine. I disagreed…so I wrote a series full of former prostitute/madam heroines. Billie’s book was the first time I felt really free to write what I wanted to read.

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?

Christina Hendricks would be an amazing Billie in a movie of HIS BLUEBIRD BRIDE….though I think the Gilded Brides series could make for a good TV series, as there are plenty of characters to explore.

What is your definition of success?

Being able to write my weird little books and have some people like them. That’s enough for me.

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/MariePiperBooks

https://twitter.com/mariepiperbooks

https://instagram.com/mariepiperbooks

What are your buy links?

http://www.mariepiper.com/

https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B015PALG34

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

General Admission is $10. 1-4 General Signing Time ONLY

After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #attendingauthor #Spotlight – Kate Hawthorne

Leave a comment

Kate Hawthorne

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hi! My name is Kate and I’m your friendly neighborhood LGBT romance author. I was born and raised in California and lived there over three decades before relocating to Louisville (for my other job). We’ve (me, my husband, daughter, and dog) have been in KY for two years now, and while I miss the food and weather in CA, I love it here. Speaking of food. I love it. I’m a super food motivated person and the way to my heart is with books, wine, and good snacks.

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

I definitely think the subsequent books in a series are harder, but the first book comes with its own kinds of pressure. In the first book, you’re really tasked with setting up a world that’s interesting enough to keep readers coming back for the rest of the books ON TOP of the relationship story you’re trying to tell. But then the follow up books rely so much on the characters, you can’t really fall back on the world like you could in the first one. So, I guess they’re hard in different ways.

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

I like to keep things fresh by turning reader expectations on their heads. I think it’s a lot of fun to keep at least one character a little secretive and drop hints about him. Readers will start to form ideas and opinions about who his love interest will be or what his back story is, and then I get to write him completely differently if I want to! I think as an author it’s really important to listen to your characters and what they’re telling you, and being in tune with them and their stories keeps me on my toes, too!

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

Place value on your time. Being an author is a job, even if it’s something that you’re doing in your spare time/on the side. Your time is valuable, and you need to be responsible with it. Know what your priorities are, make schedules, and be respectful of your own time.

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

A handful of hours. Since I have another full time job (that pays much more), my time is split. I write at least an hour in the morning while I have my coffee, and then I write over lunch, and then again at the end of the day.

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

I think it would be impossible to choose. So many of my characters are important to me for different reasons. The one that is standing out to me right now is a character in my book Unfettered. His name is Heath, and I put a lot of my own history into his character development, so he has a special place in my heart, for sure.

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 so hard to choose!!! If I could turn my FIRST book, His Kind of Love, into a movie I would totally cast Oscar Isaac as Gabriel and Freddy Carter as Joel.

What is your definition of success?

I think success varies widely from person to person, and it even varies for me from day to day. I don’t think all success should be financial. For me, being happy with the work I’m doing is success. Being recognized by my peers for being good at what I do is success. Touching readers lives…also success.

What are your social links?

FB – http://facebook.com/authorkatehawthorne
FB Group – http://facebook.com/groups/hawthornesharem
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17636987.Kate_Hawthorne
Patreon – http://patreon.com/katehawthorne
BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-hawthorne
Twitter – http://twitter.com/katewriteswords
Website – http://www.katehawthornebooks.com

What are your buy links?

http://author.to/katehawthorne 

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

General Admission is $10. 1-4 General Signing Time ONLY

After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY