Category Archives: Author Spotlight

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Stefanie Spangler

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

My name is Stefanie Spangler, and I am the author of Dark Designs. Dee is my favorite Twinsie.

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

I know lots of authors who really hit their stride after the first hurdle, but for me, right after I finished the first book, life happened. So everything after the first one is definitely harder.

What comes first? The plot or characters?

For me, I have to start with the characters. Otherwise, I can’t quite see how the plot would go without knowing the characters first.

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

Usually, writing the blurb and coming up with the title is a team effort with a few people on the publishing team. Blurbs are just universally hard, I think.

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/StefanieAuthor Twitter: @StefanieAuthor www.stefaniespangler.com

What are your buy links?

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR21 #AuthorSpotlight #EventHost #6YearFamily – Jillian Jacobs

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Jillian Jacobs

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Jillian Jacobs I’ve recently moved into a money pit and it’s sucking up all my reading time 🙁

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

After, because you have to remember everything from previous books.

What comes first? The plot or characters

Characters

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

TJ Klune

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

I think I’d just ask him how he comes up with all his “worlds” and which character is the most like him and how he feels about self publishing versus traditional

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

Blurb writing

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Book events

What is your definition of success?

Anytime someone enjoys what I’ve read

What are your social links?

Www.jillianjacobs.com for all the info

What are your buy links?

I’d say use the jillianjacobs.com again

 

 

Author Spotlight, Uncategorized

#AuthorSpotlight – Kelsey Elise Sparrow

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

Kelsey Elise Sparrow. I am a romance author who loves most versions of the genre. That means, I write under several subgenres. I’m also a teacher and mother. Some of my favorite stories have all left me wanting for more as well as thrown me for a loop. I decided I wanted the same to be found in my writing.

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

The ones that come after especially if there has been time or other works between works.

What comes first? The plot or characters?

Most of the time the plot comes first. On a very rare occasion, the characters give me the plotline and everything that comes with it.

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

I have a few. JM Walker, Audrey Carlan, JR Ward. Top of my list would be Gena Showalter. I love her works and have for years.

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

1. Do you keep a notebook handy for all your notes on a particular book as you write? 2. Do you have a process or checklist from concept to publish? 3. Are you one to promote other lessor-known authors?

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

Oh gosh. I absolutely loathe writing the blurb for my novels. The series names and titles come easily but the blurb makes me want to bawl my eyes out every time.

What is your definition of success?

Success is when you have readers who are just as passionate about an author’s characters as the author themselves. The characters are loved and the readers want to know what’s going on in their lives.

What are your social links?

“Website: http://kelseyelisesparrow.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelseyesparrow/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyelisesparrow/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kelseyesparrow Amazon Profile: https://amazon.com/author/kelseyelisesparrow Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelsey-elise-sparrow Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cYDXE9 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kelseyelisesparrow YouTube: https://goo.gl/HUhyyk Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorkelseysparrow/”

What are your buy links?

https://kelseyelisesparrow.com/https-kelseyelisesparrow-com/

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Jesse Lane

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

Hi! My name is Jessie Lane and I am super blessed to know Twinsies Angie and Melinda the best. They have been a blast to have as friends and readers through the years and I cherish them a great deal. Especially Angie because she has absolutely no problem verbally kicking my butt to get it in gear.

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

For me, the books after the first are the hardest. I feel that readers have these expectations of what I should or should not do with the characters, and I struggle with staying true to my vision versus making readers happy.

What comes first? The plot or characters?

Honestly, that’s a toss up. I could go through every book and answer this question and it would end in a 50/50 scenario for plot or characters. I’m always open to the creative ideas or characters that come to me and I just go from there.

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

Wow, this one is hard because I have been insanely blessed to meet some of my unicorn authors such as Lora Leigh, Jeaniene Frost and JR Ward. However I would absolutely love to meet Karen Marie Moning and Kresley Cole.

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

“If I could ask Karen Marie Moning and/or Kresley Cole three questions they would be: 1) Do you plan on starting more new series in the future? 2) Do you read as much as you write? 3) What is your favorite supernatural/paranormal species?”

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

The blurb! How in the hell do you summarize an entire book in two paragraphs without giving it all away? It drives me nuts sometimes.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Honestly, it’s a mash-up of meeting all my readers. I’m constantly humbled by how many people have read my books and want to come meet me in person. I’m just little ol’ me, and it blows my mind that other people like what I write.

What is your definition of success?

Success is completing a mission and feeling gratification from it. Whether that’s cleaning my house, writing a book or not killing my kids when they drive me nuts. Sometimes life is about big wins, but mostly it’s about cherishing those everyday little wins.

What are your social links?

“Want to keep in touch with me on social media? Come here to stalk me everywhere: https://jessielanebooks.com/follow-me-links/”

What are your buy links?

“All of my books descriptions and buy links can be found on my website here: https://jessielanebooks.com/all-books/”

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Aviva Vaughn

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

Hi ladies! I’m Aviva, I write diverse, slow burn, contemporary romance. I love food, travel, and books (in no particular order) and those passions all show up in my stories! I’ve published eight books and my readers often say they “feel like they are right there with my characters” in whatever city or country the story is set. I am currently working on three series, one of which is a project with Penny Reid’s Smartypants Romance (slated for release in 2021). I don’t know any Twinsie yet…I was referred to you by Naomi and Tonya of Love and Devotion.

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

The first book, because you need to lay the foundation (backstory) while still keeping the plot moving. You also want to lay some clues so that careful readers start to wonder/guess at what is coming next.

What comes first? The plot or characters?

For me, the plot comes first. Or maybe I should say that a question comes first. For instance, for my series BECKONED I wondered what it would be like if two people were meant to be together, but they met at the wrong time. That question birthed six books and spanned five years.

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

Living or Dead? My first choice is Jane Austen, however, for living authors I’d say Talia Hibbert or Stephenie Meyers.

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

I’m going to go with Jane Austen for this because the least is known about her. I’d ask her how close to the first draft her final published works were, why she only wrote standalones, and what the heck happened with the hot mess that is Northanger Abbey.

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

BLURB WRITING FOR SURE. It’s hard to sum up 100,000 words into three perfectly perky paragraphs.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

I’ve had so many special moments. Having my work touch someone is incredibly gratifying. I printed out and taped up the first time a reader emailed me. That was special. Anytime someone tells me they’ve read my books more than once blows my mind. Also, my mom is a big fan, and she’s never liked anything I’ve done so that was a shocker (not kidding).

What is your definition of success?

Being creatively fulfilled while having enough to share with others. The freedom to live/work anywhere. Impacting readers positively.

What are your social links?

“AvivaVaughn.com Facebook.com/AvivaVaughnAuthor amazon.com/author/avivavaughn goodreads.com/avivavaughn bookbub.com/profile/aviva-vaughn Instagram.com/AvivaVaughn Pinterest.com/AvivaVaughn Twitter.com/AvivaVaughn”

What are your buy links?

amazon.com/author/avivavaughn

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR21 #AuthorSpotlight – Genevieve Jack

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Genevieve Jack

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Genevieve Jack, Award winning and USA Today bestselling author of paranormal romance and fantasy. I’m a fan of all things supernatural, from witches, to dragons and everything in between. Love wine, dogs, and the beach.

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

Whatever book I am currently writing is the hardest book I’ve ever written! Send chocolates.

What comes first? The plot or characters

Both. I’ve never had a story come to me that didn’t involve something happening to a very specific character. I usually start by imagining one vivid scene and the book builds itself around that.

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

The blurb (a.k.a the back cover copy or description). You’ve just unveiled a complex story over 300 pages of blood, sweat, and tears, and then you have to tell it again in 200 words or less. It’s a cruel and not so unusual punishment.

 What is your definition of success?

Having enough that I can share it with others. Enough love, money, time, etc. If I have enough to share, I feel good about where I’m at. It means I have room to breathe.

What are your social links?

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/genevieve-jack, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6477522,
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGenevieveJack
https://twitter.com/Genevieve_Jack

What are your buy links?

www.genevievejack.com, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PHN9G6V, https://books.apple.com/us/author/genevieve-jack/id557982095, https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=Genevieve+Jack, https://play.google.com/store/info/name/Genevieve_Jack?id=1hcqnw2dc

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Heather Savage

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

Hey! I’m Heather Savage and I write under the Pen Name H.R. Savage. I like to write novels that take place in magical or apocalyptic worlds with some suspense and steamy romance. I live in the sunny SoCal and have three kids, a supportive hubby, and a cat named Korra.

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

Definitely the ones after it. The second and third book can be KILLER. Because not only am I hoping to give the characters the same juiciness as the first book, but I’m also trying to cross-reference the first book to make sure I’m not missing any key details, or contradicting something that happened.

What comes first? The plot or characters?

For me it’s the plot. Then I build the characters who therefore change the plot entirely LOL.

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

Oh gosh. Probably between Stacey Marie Brown and K.F. Breene.

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

“1. What is your plotting process, if you plot at all? 2. How they make secondary characters SHINE! 3. What inspiration they use for writing”

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

OMG All of the above! I think I have a panic attack every time. For Captured I went through so many titles, and then the series I kinda just threw together. It takes a lot of tears and me bugging my Critique Partner, Ella Burns LOL.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Getting a message from someone who just stumbled on my books. Not a friend. Not an ARC reader or Beta. But someone who just picked my book up and thought it was amazing. That really makes my heart feel whole and drives the confidence to be able to write.

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is being able to have a great community of readers that is supportive and fun, while still making enough of a profit to keep writing!

What are your social links?

“Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHRSavage Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629457934010857 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrsavageauthor/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Savage/e/B01G4NCJYQ”

What are your buy links?

Here is my Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Savage/e/B01G4NCJYQ

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Bella Roccaforte

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

“Bella Roccaforte….I’m bella roccaforte bitches you know me. Kelly. JK. I’m just a hot mess that loves to tell stories. Prefer to tell the darker side of things. ”

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

“depends on the series. The deadly dreams series was easy to write when fitting it into my schedule. Finished it finally. But book two in the Crescent Hunter series is impossible. But I’ll do it someday. ”

What comes first? The plot or characters?

characters – I know them all intimately before I start writing about them.

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

“This may sound crazy, but I’ve met so many from George Martin, Anne Rice to Ava K. Michaels. I might like to meet K.F. Breene because I love her work AND judging from her facebook posts she’s sort of like my kindred. She just doesn’t know it. I need to fix that shit. ”

If you could ask that author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be? “Lort. I don’t know I think probably how do you balance life with children and sitting down and writing? How do you stay focused and how can I make people like me. She’s very likable, I would like to be likeable. I’m a very nice person really. “

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

“BLURB – and Satan said, “”make them write a synopsis.”” ”

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

I’m really incredibly blessed in this. I have so many. Meeting Ava K. Michaels in person. Agreeing to create a publishing company with her. Chocolate chip Bundt cake with S.J. Pierce. Smokes and coffee with Jo Michaels (no relation to Ava) But here’s a great reader story. Okay, this is stupid BUT I think it’s when I was in the airport shoving a bagel with cream cheese in my face and someone came up to me and was standing “in my space.” I was really awkward and nervous and looked up with cream cheese on my face and was like, “What?” and she was standing with a copy of Ink: Fine Lines in her hand and said, “You’re Bella.” I was stunned and thought about not fessing up to it because my mouth was full and I had cream cheese on my face. But I said, “Yeah.” And she asked me to sign her book. I was so giddy I almost lost my bagel out of my stomach. So it’s that or the time I was “detained” in Chicago after doing an appearance at Comic Con.

What is your definition of success?

If one person can read one of my books and escape this shit world for a few hours. That right there is all the success I need. Oh and to be able to afford to publish the next book:).

What are your social links?

“https://facebook.com/bellaroccaforte https://facebook.com/bellasbonfire http://bellawrites.com”

What are your buy links?

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR21 #AuthorSpotlight – Jennifer Daniels

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Jennifer Daniels

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Jennifer Daniels, I’m from Upstate, NY were I live with my husband and son. I write Fantasy/ Romance books but I’m a hug paranormal book junkie and Hallmark channel watcher.

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

For me it all depends on the characters. My first book unusually I have planned. On occasion for a series there can be a problematic character to connect with. In the end, it all works it’s way out.

What comes first? The plot or characters

Each book is different. I have done it both ways before.

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

Robyn Peterman

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

What do you do for writer’s block, how do you gain inspiration and what made you start writing.

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

Blurbs… I hate writing them.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

I received a letter from a reader and when I had a reader bring her own books of mine to WOTR that she purchased online for me to sign.

What is your definition of success?

When it comes to writing, it’s when you have done your very best. And have touched at least one person with your writing.

What are your social links?

https://m.facebook.com/jenniferdanielsauthor

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B076HB3XV1

https://authorjenniferdani.wixsite.com/authorjendaniels

https://twitter.com/Jld0316Jennifer?s=07

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17240726.Jennifer_Daniels

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jennifer-daniels

What are your buy links?

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – M.J. Schiller

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

Hi! My name is M.J. Schiller and I’m a romance writer/retired lunch lady. (You probably haven’t met too many of those!) I’m also a mother to one wonderful 26-year-old and three equally wonderful 24-year-olds! (Yes, they’re triplets!) I like singing at karaoke and watching St. Louis Blues’ hockey!

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

Usually when I write a series, I have each of the books planned out, so they’re usually equally difficult or easy. However, the first one does seem to go more quickly.

What comes first? The plot or characters?

It’s kind of simultaneous and also depends on the book. For DAMAGE DONE it was a single line that popped into my mind that spurred the rest. “Even through bloodshot eyes he could tell she was different.” It all built from there. Plot and characters are so closely intertwined for me it’s hard to say which comes first.

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

Nora Roberts.

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

1) What do they credit their success to. 2) What inspires them. 3) Have they ever felt like quitting.

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

Probably blurb writing, although all can have their difficulties.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Probably the toast my husband made at my first book signing. He had planned it out and I was very touched!

What is your definition of success?

For me success in the business equals having enough sales to pay for editing and covers for the next book, and advertising. If I could make a little more to ease some of the stress on my hubby, that would be awesome, too. Success in life is a whole other story. I guess my definition of that would be striving to be the best that you can be each day and serving others.

What are your social links?

“Website: www.mjschillerauthor.blogspot.com BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-schiller Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockingTheWorldOneReaderAtATime/ Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mjschiller/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjschiller Instagram: http://instagram.com/mjschiller Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6479377.M_J_Schiller ”

What are your buy links?

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.J.-Schiller/e/B009JOQFQQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1