Category Archives: WOTR Event

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #AttendingAuthor #spotlight – J.R. Gray

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J.R. Gray

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

J.R. Gray. I am a queer own voice writer of gritty gay romance.

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 the hardest for me because it’s solidifying all the personality and fleshing out characters. Usually by the time I finish the first book all the characters for future books are actively in my mine.

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

I’m usually so excited about the next character by the time I finish the first book that I carry that fresh excitement into the next book.

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

I think the loneliness of constantly being in our own heads and not being able to share something until it’s fully done can be emotionally draining. I don’t usually show anyone a book until it’s finished so I spend weeks or months alone with something.

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

I’m all over the place. Some days its two hours other days it’s ten. It depends on how close to a deadline I am and how words are flowing.

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

My favorite by far is Iris Rose, who is in my up coming Pretty Broken Rockstar series. The first book is Pretty Obsessed. I have so much connection to his struggle and feelings.

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 would love to see my Pretty Broken series made into a television show. Each of the band members has a very distinct face for me. Book one (Pretty Obsessed) is River, who is the guitarist he is Finn Wittrock, book two (Pretty Toxic) Lowe is who the bassist who is Shawn Mendas in my head, Book three (Pretty Wreck) Alister is Lucky Blue Smith -Book four (Rock Bottom) is Caspian who is the guitarist and is Neels and book five (Black Rose) is Iris Black who is Harry Styles.

What is your definition of success?

Being able to support myself on my art.

What are your social links?

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

Twitter: @TheOriginalGray

Instagram: @HipsterWrtier

Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMR4J7Qsw/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/j-r-gray

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/J-R-Gray/e/B00J8JEDHK

Website: www.jrgraybooks.com

What are your buy links?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/J-R-Gray/e/B00J8JEDHK

Pretty Obsessed: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09B8M889C/

Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/JR-Gray/B00J8JEDHK

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 – Ava Cuvay

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Ava Cuvay

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Ava Cuvay writes Sci-fi Romance, has dipped her toes into Paranormal Romance, and writes/illustrates children’s books under a different pen name. By day, she’s a Substitute Teacher, by evening, she’s Mom and Sweetie, and somewhere in all that she also flexes her Author skills. Third graders have declared her cool because she “has author merch,” but her teens usually just roll their eyes and her cats just glare until she throws them treats. 😉

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

At the moment, I’m stuck on the second book of my trilogy, so I’ll definitely say the books after books one!

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

Good question, for any books… stand-alones or series. And my only answer is hours of soul-searching and good critique partners!

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

Surround yourself with cheerleaders (family, friends, and other authors), support other writers, celebrate the small victories, and don’t beat yourself up on the set-backs.

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

None. My writing comes in spurts and I rarely get to do it on a daily basis.

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

Gasp! That’s like asking me to choose my favorite child! I love all my main characters because I love watching them grow through their story arcs.

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?

“What a Dragon Wants” my dragon shifter story. I’d say Liu Yifei as my Chinese-American heroine, Chris Hemsworth as my Viking hero, and so, of course, Tom Hiddleston would have to play his total-a**hole older brother. 😉

What is your definition of success?

Getting to publish my books and having readers enjoy them!

What are your social links?

https://avacuvay.com/books/

https://www.facebook.com/AvaCuvayAuthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15051407.Ava_Cuvay

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ava-cuvay

What are your buy links?

https://avacuvay.com/books/

https://www.amazon.com/Ava-Cuvay/e/B01E5OIZ0I

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #AttendingAuthor #Spotlight – Anna Blakely

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Anna Blakely

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hey, all! I’m Anna Blakely, and I write romantic suspense. I live in rural Missouri with my hubby of 21 years, our three kids (19, 16, and 14), and a whole slew of animals…including a Donkey named Fred. I’m an avid reader, and I write what I love…strong, sexy, alpha heroes who’ll do whatever it takes to protect the women they love, and heroines who aren’t afraid to try to save themselves. My stories are filled with love, adventure, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, but I always give my couples a happily ever after!

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

For me, the first in the series is definitely the hardest. That’s the readers’ first introduction to the new group of characters, and the success of the series tends to rest on that first book being well recieved. So yeah, that’s a lot of pressure for sure!

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

To keep things fresh, I try to give each of my heroes and heroines their own unique story, including their backstories. Because I write romantic suspense, there are certain aspects of my stories that remain the same. There will always be a bad guy (sometimes more than one), they’ll always find a reason to go after the heroine–giving the hero a reason to protect them–and there will always be a climactic rescue scene. But for the meat of the story, I let my characters lead me and I just go with the flow. Typically, I have a general idea of where the story is going, but sometimes even I’m surprised by how it all plays out.

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

If you get bogged down or frustrated by a particular chapter or scene, take a break. Even if it’s only for a few minutes, sometimes stepping away from the keyboard is the best thing to do. For me, I will often step outside with my dog and walk around the yard for a bit. That almost always clears my head and allows the new words to start flowing again.

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

I typically work anywhere from 8-10 hours a day. Sometimes more if I’m on deadline.

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

Wow, that’s a hard question to answer! My characters are like my kids…they’re all special to me in their own way. But if I had to pick just one, I’d say Adrian Walker was the most fun to write. He’s a total smarts who started out as an antagonist in Rescuing Gracelynn (Bravo Team Book 1), and I had full intentions of killing him off at the end of the story. But at the last minute, I decided to let him get away. Then, I was going to have him be a reoccurring bad guy throughout the series…but by the end of Book 3, I decided to redeem him. That was a lot of fun!

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 Taking a Risk (parts one and two) made into a movie. I’d have Alex O’Laughlin as Jake McQueen (he was my muse for that character). For Olivia, I’d say either Natalie Portman or Lacey Chabert.

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is being happy with the work you’ve produced.

What are your social links?


• Join Anna’s Reader Group: www.facebook.com/groups/blakelysbunch/
• BookBub: https//www.bookbub.com/authors/anna-blakely
• Author Page: facebook.com/annablakely.author.7
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/annablakely
• Twitter: @ablakelyauthor
• TikTok: https://bit.ly/AnnaBlakelyAuthor_TikTok
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18650841.Anna_Blakely

What are your buy links?

• Amazon: amazon.com/author/annablakely
• https://books.apple.com/us/author/id1444752029
• https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Anna%20blakely
• https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=Anna+blakely
• www.annablakely.com

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #AttendingAuthor #Spotlight – Cindy Tanner

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Cindy Tanner

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My name is Cindy Tanner. I am a hoarder of books, lover of animals, and romance writer.

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. First in series, when the ideas are so fresh and big is so easy to get words down. Because I’m a panster it can be easy to write myself into a corner. I also write chapters out of order, focusing on certain scenes within the story as milestones so further into a series I go the more I need a time machine to go and fix consistency issues for the timeline.

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

I don’t fear the delete button. We have a love/hate relationship. As painful as it is to take away from the word count if something bores me or seems repetitive it has to go to keep things interesting. I find it important to make sure I am getting plenty of life experiences. If I let my personal life get boring I find that my writing tends to fall a little flat. As a writer I constantly need new experiences to feed my muse, even if it something small like trying new food or new music.

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

Everyone has a different path to success. Define what your success means to you and plan out how to get there. There is no golden ticket that guarantees success. Sometimes it take trial and error to find what is going to work.

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

Can I plead the fifth?

My writing schedule is not as consistent as I would like. I set hours office for myself everyday but often that time is spent on other tasks like marketing, emails, social media, or edits.

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

Cassie, my Phoenix from an unreleased paranormal I have been working on. She is a fighter who is full of sass and doesn’t know when to give up.

What is your definition of success?

I think of success as a ladder. The first rung was finding readers that liked what wrote, then it was hitting a sales goal, then paying bills with royalties. The more rungs I climb the more I add. I want to hit a best selling list and increase my backlist. I also hope to get to collaborate and cowrite a few things in the future as well.

What are your social links?

Website:
https://www.cindytanner.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thecindytanner/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authorcindytanner/
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/CindyTannerAuthor
BookBub
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cindy-tanner
Twitter
https://twitter.com/TheCindyTanner
TikTok:
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRn4TgxX/

What are your buy links? 

Part of a Series, Vampire, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #Paranormal #Vampires #Series- Vampire’s Promise (Guardians #8) by Valerie Twombly

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Vampire's Promise (Guardians, #8)

After living through the horrors an evil demigod cast on humanity, Gwen is left with nothing to fight for. Peace may be great for mortals, but as a guardian, she is used to battling and blood. With all of her brethren now mated, it has left her adrift and alone in this new world. Her only excitement is bouncing at Roxie’s bar. That is until her visions show her the one thing she thought she would never see.

Kian, son of… Well, he isn’t really sure who he is anymore. His mother, Goddess of Destruction, has lied to him his entire life. Stories of his true father have been whispered in his ear and now he is hellbent on uncovering the truth. When he steps into another dimension, he discovers the true depths of deception, but before he can learn who he really is, the demigod is tossed into Khedeus’ prison simply for the crime of being born.

Pushed together by a vengeful God, Gwen knows the moment she lays eyes on Kian he belongs to her. The demigod is wary and with good reason. To him, she is nothing more than another lie, but fate has plans for them both. The world is once again in danger, but this battle isn’t hers. To save her mate, she will pay the ultimate price.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

Gwen and Kian…such a great story.  Kian is a Demigod who is pretty much just done with secrets. Gwen is a Guardian who had been fighting her whole life.  She is tasked with finding the son of someone who ends up being her mate!!  SAY WHAT.  She had given up on finding her mate so yeah shocker!!!!

Kian is not about to trust anyone given who his whole life of circumstance.  I mean he is manipulated, and pretty much just told flat out lies.  He doesn’t know who his dad is thanks to mommy dearest.  So when Gwen says they are mates he is less then thrilled at the news.  Plus can he trust this person since no one is every truthful about anything in regards to him.

This book is another great read in the series.  I enjoy each book and can’t wait for more from this author.

Award winning and bestselling author Valerie Twombly grew up watching Dark Shadows over her mother’s shoulder, and from there her love of the fanged creatures blossomed. Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper.

When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and dog, in Northern IL.

WOTR Event

#WOTR21 #CoverReveal – Don’t Go Away Mad by Lacey Black

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Title: Don’t Go Away Mad
Series: Burgers and Brew Crüe #2
Author: Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Design: Melissa Gill Designs
Photo: Wander Aguiar
Model: Lucas Loyola
Release Date: June 29, 2021
BLURB
Jasper
The kitchen: it’s my domain, where I create the best burgers in the Midwest. I’m the man behind the grill at Burgers and Brew, the restaurant and bar I co-own with my best friends. Every night, we’re packed, the demand has never been this high. It’s the only way I want it, thriving and pushing myself to be the very best.
Then she started her new business across the street from mine.
The one woman who always got under my skin, who pushed me to be better. Lyndee was my biggest rival in school and my biggest regret.
Now, she’s in town, and as much as I try, I just can’t stay away.
I want her.
Lyndee
A new start: that’s what Stewart Grove means for me and my brother. He’s the one who pushed me to take the chance on opening my own bakery. I am ready for the long hours, the grueling schedule, and the hard work it will take to be successful.
I wasn’t at all prepared to come face-to-face with the man across the street.
An almost kiss in college with the world’s most infuriating man has haunted me for the last decade. Now Jasper’s here, and I don’t think I can resist him.
Things are about to heat up in and out of the kitchen.
I just pray I don’t get burned.
PRE-ORDER LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Only available at the following
retailers for a VERY limited time
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
GOOGLE PLAY
AVAILABLE NOW
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
UNIVERSAL
Free in Kindle Unlimited
AUTHOR BIO
Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading and writing. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and a chocolate lab. Lacey loves shooting guns and should only consume one mixed drink because she’s a lightweight.
AUTHOR 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 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 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 Interviews, Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#AuthorSpotlight – Maggie Adams

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Maggie Adams

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Maggie Adams – Maggie Adams is an internationally bestselling romance author. Her first book in the Tempered Steel Series, the romantic comedy-Whistlin’ Dixie, debuted in Top 100 for Women’s Fiction, Humor, on November 2014. Since then, she has consistently made the various best seller 5-star lists with her Tempered Steel Series. Her series has launched the tiny town of Grafton, Illinois, into international recognition with sales in Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, Australia and the UK. She is the recipient of various awards for excellence including Dayreader Reviews Best of 2015, the Readers Favorite Award 2016, the Indie Romance Convention Romantic Comedy Award 2017 and the 2017 New Apple Awards -Suspense. She hit #1 best-seller on all major ebook sites with her contribution in the Feisty Heroines Romance Collection of Shorts in 2020.
She also writes paranormal romance, young adult romance and women’s fiction. Maggie’s books can be found on eBook and paperback on her website and all major book sites.
When she’s not writing, she can be found dancing, singing and cooking (usually all at the same time), and spending time with her family and friends. Her life, according to her husband, is a living version of the a Lucille Ball sitcom, but they wouldn’t change it for anything!

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

The others after in my opinion. You have to make sure all your timetables, characters, and scenes are in sync with each new book. It’s amazingly tedious.

What comes first? The plot or characters

Characters are always first for me. Those darn voices in my head!

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

Lexi Blake!! Of course, I’d probably be so star struck, I’d likely giggle until I snort like a pig then pass out.

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

How do you maintain the freshness of each book in a series? Is your husband your guinea pig for figuring out scenes? (mine is…) Who is your favorite author?

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

The Blurb!!! Gah, I hate writing those. I’m always afraid my knowledge of the book is going to either give out too much (spoiler) or not enough (boring).

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Wow! I’m not sure I could pick just one. I’m always amazed and humbled that people recognize me at events. Same goes with other authors. I’m like, “but I’m just me and you’re so well known. How do you know me?” lol

What is your definition of success?

Being happy with your life, no matter what you do, or what others think. It’s taken me quite a long time to come to the conclusion that if your heart is happy, then life is good.

What are your social links?

http://www.maggieadamsbooks.com – website
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maggie-adams
https://www.facebook.com/maggieadamsbooks – book page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/maggiesminxes -reader group page
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9867300.Maggie_Adams – goodreads
https://twitter.com/AuthrMaggieAdms – twitter
https://www.pinterest.com/maggiesminxes/– Pinterest
https://www.instagram.com/maggieadamsbooks/ – Instagram
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-adams-006a8b142/ – LinkedIn

What are your buy links?

https://www.maggieadamsbooks.com ,

https://www.amazon.com/Maggie-Adams/e/B00PKHNK6E,