Category Archives: Author Spotlight

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Nikki Leigh

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Nikki Leigh

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Nikki Leigh
Nikki Leigh is an American romance author who was born and raised in Northern Vermont. She has been happily married to love of her life for 30 years and they have four amazing, albeit sassy daughters and now have been blessed with 7 equally amazing sassy grandchildren.
On the weekends you will find her enjoying a simple car ride through the scenic country-side with her husband or watching the latest sitcoms together. On occasion you might even find her camping in Florida at one of her husband’s favorite sites…
In her free time you will most likely find Nikki reading a new book from one of her several hundred favorite authors or spending time with large extended family.

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

The others, hands down!

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

Lots of ideas from movies, and having a great imagination have never failed me.

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

Take your time. It can be stressful and sometimes, and remember we don’t have to get it right the first time. Rewrites are a necessary evil.

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

I usually spend at least 8 hours a day writing. Usually more.

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

My favorite character would be Ethan, (my menage duet). He deals with his desires of wanting two women, his best friends. Not only that but he stumbles on a hidden secret of his adoption, his adopted father is also is bio dad. He deals with and learns that forgiveness is a priceless gift.

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is having fun while I write. The day I dread writing a story it’ll no longer be the vision I want. I just want to bring a smile to my readers!

What are your social links?

(Amazon) www.amzn.to/3JZsVQo
(Website) www.authornikkileigh.com
(Author Page) www.facebook.com/NotYourMothersRomance
(Reader Group) www.facebook.com/groups/nikkisnorthernreaders
(Instagram) www.instagram.com/authornikkileigh
(Tiktok) www.tiktok.com/@authornikkileigh
(Twitter) www.twitter.com/@AuthorNLeigh
(Goodreads) https://bit.ly/3OQadMc
(Bookbub) https://bit.ly/3u989XM

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) www.amzn.to/3JZsVQo

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Sara Whitney

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Sara Whitney

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Sara Whitney, author of sexy, sunny contemporary romance

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

They’re all hard in their own way! As important as it is to start strong, I often find myself having to sort through a million previously established details by the time I get to the final book in the series. Wait, I said he did WHAT for a job? I described him as being from WHAT state? I’ve sometimes written myself into a current with decisions I made months (or years!) before, and I have to bend the current story to make it match the details in the previous ones.

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

I also look for new tropes and new character types to play with. If I can surprise myself with a plot twist or dynamic bit of banter, I hope it’ll surprise readers too.

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

Be easy on yourself! If you need a break, take a break. The manuscript will still be there tomorrow (or next week or heck, next month). Sometimes your creative well needs to be refilled with a TV show or a nap or the new release from your favorite author. You’re not Supergirl, so don’t hold yourself to impossible standards.

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?

Tempting Taste, the first book in my Cinnamon Roll Alphas series, would be spectacular with Chris Hemsworth and Emma Stone.

What is your definition of success?

I love leaving a mark on readers. If someone’s day is made a little lighter by one of my books, that’s a success to me.

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/SaraWhitneyAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/saras.squad
https://www.instagram.com/sarawhitney_/

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/stores/Sara-Whitney/author/B07RPBJV4L

https://books.apple.com/us/author/sara-whitney/id1463165311

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Sara%20Whitney%22

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=sara%20whitney

https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Sara+Whitney

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Savannah Verte

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Savannah Verte

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Savannah Verte. wife, mother, grandmother, professional Sexton. Author for almost a decade

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

All of them for different reasons. The first because you want it to hold interest after it’s done so readers come back for the next. You’re also excited to embark on a new writing journey and the disciplines can be overwhelming, making it hard to focus.
The subsequent ones because they need to do the same, but also live up to the first when you were excited about a new story idea.

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

I never write sequentially. I will write something else between volumes in a series to keep my mental edge, and to keep from blurring the storylines together. Hopefully, this variety gives the readers fresh material too.

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

However you do it, is the right way. Writing isn’t a “if I can do it, you can do it,” pursuit. It is a deeply personal event between the writer and the page. Authors need to find what works for them, and not get distracted by what works for others.

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

none. I will rework a story in my head for weeks or months before sitting down to purge it to the page in a small window.

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

so many of them for different reasons, but I think Ashmael Nocte is my personal kryptonite. He’s not what he seems and the dichotomy of him is a challenge to flesh out before I can write him. He’s a single malt…slow burn, complex notes, but so simple and pure he’s elusive, even as he’s right in front of me.

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

I’m horrible for this kind of question. I don’t pay attention to current events, and really don’t watch television or movies, so I don’t know who most celebrities are.

What is your definition of success?

When I don’t weigh more at the doctor’s office than what I do at home…. seriously, when the bills are paid, the necessities are covered, I have friends and family to share time with, and laughter.

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

Thanks for checking me out. I’m a huge fan of this event and the good work that it does.

What are your social links?

facebook.com/authorsavannahverte

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

www.savannahverte.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 #attendingauthor – Jolanthe Aleksander

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Jolanthe Aleksander

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My name is Jolanthe (Jo-lawn-thay) Aleksander. I’m a mom to 1 son. I work full time and write whenever I can.

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

The last book in a series I found to be the hardest because you want to make sure that everything is tied up, there are no open storylines that need a conclusion.

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

I’ve only written one series, and it was an ongoing series with the same couple as the main characters. I’ll be able to answer better when through with the new series I’m working on. 😉

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

Find something that takes your mind away from writing but can be just as inspiring. For some that can be reading, dancing, taking a drive to the beach, a nature walk, planting…or just vegging on the couch watch your favorite show. Sometimes we just need a mental break to recharge and reboot.

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

Not enough.

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

Celine from my Veil series. She is fiesty, strong, and not afraid to fight back.

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?

hmmmm….the only celebrity I had in mind for my books was Brock O’Hurn. He was the inspiration for Caomhnoir.

What is your definition of success?

Finishing what you started to the best of your ability.

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

What works for one author doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for another. Some have a regimented writing routine. Some squeeze their writing in between tasks. Some are plotters and others are pantsers or somewhere in between.

What are your social links?

WEBSITE: https://ajolanthe.wixsite.com/jolialeksander
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP: https://mailchi.mp/89b5048f1f99/jolanthe-aleksander
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/JOLANTHE-ALEKSANDER/e/B0163KCF7G
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009301131785
FACEBOOK FAN PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/JolantheAleksander/
PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/ajolanthe/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jolanthealeksander/
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14442826.Jolanthe_Aleksander
BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jolanthe-aleksander

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

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Taki Kasai

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Taki Kasai

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hiiiii! My name is Taki Kasai. I write fantasy, sci-fi, and contemporary Romance. Currently live in the St. Louis-ish area.

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

All of the books that follow. I set the bar with the first and feel like I have to keep raising it further while keeping the material fresh and new. Eek

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

I try to think of different ways to bring the world to focus and change up how the characters react to a situation. Per example I have an assassin, a crazy lady, and a hacker. They help keep things fresh haha

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

Do it at your pace. Don’t allow people to rush you, the story will come when it is supposed to.

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

I try to spend at least a couple hours. For the past few weeks it has only been about 45 mins or so though.

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

Addie Moya. She is a mysterious character, everything you have her figured out she changes things on you. She keeps it interesting and makes me want to get to her story even more.

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?

In the Mage War series I really want Michael Fassbender to play my main evil Lorcan. In my Genesis Trilogy. I would love to see Tom Hardy play my series killer.

What is your definition of success?

Being happy with the product you released and just being happy in general.

What are your social links?

FB: Facebook.com/takikasai
Ig: kasaitaki
TikTok: @authortakikasai

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.)

http://amazon.com/author/takikasai

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Debbie Burns

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Debbie Burns

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Debbie Burns – best-selling author of eight heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction novels who writes happily ever afters for both her stories two- and four-legged stars.

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

Honestly, I think they are different challenges and awards for both the first and the rest in the series. The first takes longer, but it also allows for more freedom as you’re setting the story parameters. Also, looking back, a series bible is essential!!

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

My Rescue Me series has expanded to seven books. Since it’s set in St. Louis, I’ve had fun writing about different St. Louis neighborhoods, restaurants, and venues each story. Also, since my books are set in a fictional animal shelter, I also choose a different type of animal rescue (and dog breed) to highlight each story.

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

Take time for self care and fill your creativity well often. I love hiking, gardening, and going to yoga classes. All these leave me feeling restored and more in connection with my creativity. Also, when it comes to writing first drafts, I’ve found Stephen King’s adage of “Write with the door closed; edit with the door open” can’t be understated.

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

I probably average about three hours a day, though some days are longer and others, lighter.

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

No, I fall in love with the characters just as deeply with each story. I will say that it’s often the dogs in the stories whose connection I cherish the longest. Perhaps that’s because many of them have been based on real animal personalities that I’ve known.

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?

If any of my books were made into a movie, I’d want it to be Summer by the River, my stand-alone women’s fiction. Usually, I envision the stars of my books as a mashup of my imagination and real people; however, when I wrote that book, I 100% envisioned a young Gerard Butler as Carter O’Brien, the male lead. Now Gerard Butler would be too old to play Carter, but I’d hope they would find someone who’d be both charming and a good look alike!

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

Thank you!

What are your social links?

FB: @authordebbieburns

Insta: @_debbieburns

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.)

Buy links here: http://www.authordebbieburns.com/books.html

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Debbie-Burns/author/B073LR24G3?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Debbie-Burns/B073LR24G3?ref=a_search_c3_lAuthor_1_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=HSZJPXAWH6VFW2N838QB&pageLoadId=UDKd5SeZHZ8c84XZ&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – J.M. Madden

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J.M. Madden

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My name is JM and I’ve been a full-time writer for about 11 years. I have 2 mostly-grown kids and I’m married to the love of my life!

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

The first book is the hardest, because you have to build the basis for your series. And if you get anything wrong, you’re stuck with it. Lol!

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

I try to stay true to life, as much as possible. I write about disabled veterans and I try to make sure to portray the disability as realistically as possible. Even my paranormal series, I try to make the details as real and believable as possible, just to make you wonder if it COULD be true.

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

Finish the first book, then put it aside. Write your second book. Go back to your first book and see how much you’ve grown! I’m 50+ books in, and I’m still learning!

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

Roughly 2-4 hours. More if I’m on a deadline.

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

John Palmer from Embattled Hearts (which is free everywhere). He’s in your face and doesn’t care who he pisses off. But he’s a great leader and friend.

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?

Manu Bennett would be John Palmer. Everyone else is up in the air. Lol!

What is your definition of success?

Being able to do what I love and have people appreciate it!

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

I love Writers on the River and I’m excited to be coming back!

What are your social links?

✔www.jmmadden.com
✔My FB Like page- https://www.facebook.com/JMMadden58
✔Follow me on Twitter– @authorjmmadden
✔Sign up for my Newsletter if you haven’t already. You get 4 free books! www.jmmadden.com/newsletter
✔Follow me on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jm_madden_58/
✔The Lost and Found Series Discussion Group-https://www.facebook.com/groups/433871413415527
✔Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@authorjmmadden
OR you can email me at authorjmmadden@gmail.com

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

Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/J.M.-Madden/e/B004HLNZCI/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1461624632&sr=8-2-ent
And the individual links are also listed on my website- www.jmmadden.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 #attendingauthor – Lacey Black

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Lacey Black

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I am from Central Illinois, born and raised. I live about 10 minutes from my own small hometown, which might be why I love to write small town stories. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and we share two kids.

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

Definitely the latter books!

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

I like to brainstorm with my book team and do so almost daily with my writing partner, Kaylee Ryan.

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

Just write the book. Tell the story the way you feel it should be told. Then, find yourself a team of betas, editors, and proofers to help perfect it. It takes many sets of eyes to find the little things. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the last nine years, it’s not to skimp on good covers (photo and design) and editing.

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

3-5 hours, spread through the day.

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

Meghan Summer from the Summer Sisters. She was the hardest character I’ve ever written. I was terrified telling her story because I was scared readers wouldn’t like it. It was outside of my comfort zone, but I powered through and wrote one of my favorite books every. It took almost the entire series to shape her storyline, and I couldn’t be prouder of it!

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 LOVE to see the Brew Crue turned into a movie. I see Liam Hemsworth as Walker and Natalie Portman as Mallory.

What is your definition of success?

Loving what I do. Life’s too short not to find joy in what you do day in and day out.

What are your social links?

Website: www.laceyblackbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlaceyblack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laceyblackwrites/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lacey-black
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthLaceyBlack
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8414783.Lacey_Black

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/Lacey-Black/e/B00MW2UGZI
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Lacey-Black/B00MW2UGZI

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Laura A. Barnes

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Laura A. Barnes

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Laura A. Barnes
I’ve been an author for six years now. When I’m not writing, I like to read and binge watch shows and movies on Netflix. Also, I love to spend time with my children and grandkids. I love to travel too and hope to start adding more stamps to my passport soon.

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

The first book in the series is always the hardest for me, because I’m setting the scene for the entire series. I’m introducing characters and trying to set the tone for the series. Do I want it to be a mystery, comedy, or a bit of both?

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

I try to write new scenes that I haven’t used before or that I haven’t read before. Sometimes it’s a matter of combining familiar situations into one, but adding a new twist.

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

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Just allow your imagination to run when your writing and don’t worry about mistakes. That is what the editing process is for. Enjoy yourself. Because if you don’t, then it turns into something you don’t want to do any longer.

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

If I’m working on a story, anywhere from 4-5 hours. It all depends on the deadline I’ve set for myself. Some days I don’t write at all.

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

Oh, this is a hard one. I actually have two that are special to me. Probably because they both share the same characteristics. Zane Maxwell from Rescued By the Scot & Graham Worthington from The Siren’s Gentleman. Both characters are these fun loving men that also have a serious side to them that nobody understands. Only those closet to them. They pull you when their sense of humor and you fall madly in love with them by their romantic gestures and the passionate love they hold for the heroines.

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is when a reader understands the depth of the story as I have written it.

What are your social links?

Website: http://www.lauraabarnes.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16332844.Laura_A_Barnes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraA.Barnes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labarnesauthor/
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@labarnesauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/labarnesauthor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura-a-barnes
Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes

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: https://www.lauraabarnes.com/books
Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/”Laura%20A.%20Barnes”
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=Laura+A.+Barnes
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/author/laura-a-barnes/id1194175494
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Laura+A.+Barnes
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/ap/8YjKbe/Laura-A-Barnes
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Laura_A.Barnes
Eden Books: https://edenbookstore.com/author/labarnes/
Chirp Audiobooks: https://www.chirpbooks.com/authors/laura-a-barnes-audiobooks
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Laura-A-Barnes/B06VTX3P3S

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #Attendingauthor – Miranda Lynn

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Miranda Lynn

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Miranda Lynn I have always been a voracious reader and created worlds in my head ever since I can remember. Being inspired by two of my English teachers and a high school creative writing teacher put the writing bug into my head and it slowly grew until the advice of a fellow writer hit home. I still use that same advice when talking to other aspiring writers. “Write the story you want to read”

I am a military wife, a proud mother to two amazing, now adult,sons, a fur baby lover and am excited as each new chapter in my life unfolds even with the bumps and bruises that may come with it. I love connecting with fellow authors, readers, and fans.

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

The others after it. I am horrible at keeping series bibles so I always have to go back to verify places, names, descriptions. I still make mistakes, but thanks to my amazing alpha readers usually get all of them fixed before publication.

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

I like to throw in new and different characters. I also pull from the real world. Trauma’s, experiences, headline news, etc. I try to keep each book as fresh as possible while still doing the series justice.

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

Take a break when you need. It’s ok to cry through a scene. It’s ok to blush through them too. But most of all take time to refill that emotional cup even if it’s simply a glass of wine, a bath, and a good book.

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

Not as much as I would like. This past year has been difficult for me to get into any type of routine. A lot of real life stresses have taken over my brain and the characters have been quiet. Ideally I would like to get to an hr each day as I still work a full time job on top of my writing career.

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

I hate to admit it but my favorite so far is Diego from Her Chosen Mate (book 2 in the night shift series) Working through his trauma and having to return to an identity he had buried to save his mate. He has my heart right now.

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?

His One True Mate. I see David Boreanaz as Leo and Sandra Bullock or Julia Roberts as Kat for the main characters. I haven’t thought about the rest of the crew but now I think I need to create some pinterest boards.

What is your definition of success?

That definition changes as I grow. Loyal and dedicated fans who love my characters as much as I do is a big part of it, but as I grow my career bettering each book and gaining consistent sales is another.

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

Always be open to learning and growing in your career and don’t get upset if you fail. Every failure leads closer to success.

What are your social links?

https://linktr.ee/AuthorMirandaLynn

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://mirandalynn.com/my-books/

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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