Category Archives: WOTR Event

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight – H. D’Agostino

Heather D'Agostino

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My. name is Heather. I abbreviate it because my name is so long it’s hard to fit on covers LOL I’m a woman of many talents. I’m a degreed teacher, but have been out of the classroom for sixteen years. I found my passion for writing when you daughter was a baby. I started as a fan fiction writer, and it evolved from there. Since then I’ve worked as a preschool teacher, a nanny, bartender, and now I’m an Instacart shopper. I have 2 kids, a boy and a girl, a sweet puppy who I treat as a third child (she’s spoiled, but don’t tell her that), and an awesome husband.

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

The others. The first is easy because you can pretty. much do whatever you want. When book 2 comes along, you have to remember all the little details from the first so someone doesn’t end living in a different city, or changing hair color, or names. Don’t laugh, it happens.

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

I try to be realistic, but in a unique way.

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

Feel your feelings. It is draining, but if you’re writing something that’s supposed to be sad, or happy, or nerve wracking, and you’re not feeling it…your readers won’t either. I’ve spent many times sitting at my laptop bawling my eyes out in pubic as I write an emotional scene. I’ve learned to ignore the stares. LOL

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

It’s sad. Not as much as I used to. Right now, life is so busy that I usually only get 2 days a week of writing time. On those days I might spend 3, maybe 4 hours writing. I used to write every day, and was producing a book about every 3 months. Now I’m lucky to get one every 6. Life happens and when kids get older the require more time.

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

I wouldn’t say a favorite character, but a favorite family, yes. The McKay family in my Broken series and the second generation from those books are a favorite of mine. They’re just easy to write. When I decided to write a second generation, I was worried that it would be difficult to top the first series, but I flew through those books with ease.

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 always envisioned Theo James as Dev in Being Nobody, and Joe Manganiello as Cole in the Broken books. I never really cast the females.

What is your definition of success?

Being happy with what you’re doing.

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

Yes!!! Angie, Melinda, Jillian, and the rest of the team are awesome.

What are your social links?

www.facebook.com/HDAgostino.author
www.instagram.com/hdagostino001
http://hdagostinobooks.weebly.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.)

I am only on Amazon. Signed paperback can always be purchased through me. Just message me on FB.

https://www.amazon.com/author/h.dagostino

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

#WOTR23 #Attendingauthor #Author Spotlight – Michel Prince

Michel Prince

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Michel Prince, writer of books, lover of football, and crazy pillow lady.

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

Yes. — if I think/know it’s going to be a series the first is hardest because I need to lay a foundation for the others (it will go off track but I want to pretend I have a map) if it turns into a series I need to keep going back to make sure I’m staying true to the characters.

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

If I’m bored you’re bored. If there is nothing to evolve with the older characters along with the new then it’s time to end. Even your favorite cake gets old if you eat it every day, so if I can’t toss a few berries on top I’ll keep it going.

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

Take your breaks when needed, but give yourself a time to return to writing. Stepping away is easy, coming back is hard.

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

I’ve had to move to only writing on certain days and then I write for 6 to 8 hours, but I only get that 3, maybe 4 times a week sadly.

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

Esme Carmichael from my Love by the Yard series. Highly intelligent, bored easily, with a quick wit and love of buffets.

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?

Jessica Biel -Joss, Betty White RIP-Hilde, Gary Dourdan or Chiwetel Ejifor -Slaton, Josh Dummal-Carlton for Amara Acquired

What is your definition of success?

Being able to pay for health insurance instead of working for it.

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/MichelPrinceBooks

https://www.tiktok.com/@michelprincebooks?lang=en
https://twitter.com/MichelPrince1

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.

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Tarina Deaton

Tarina Deaton

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Tarina Deaton – retired Air Force. I live overseas. I’ve never lived in one place for more than 4 years. I have 10 year old boy/girl twins.

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

The ones after

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

I ask myself if I would want to read the book. Do I care about the characters? Did I make myself cry. lol

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

Keep a notebook with you. I find it most stressful when I have an idea and nothing to write it in.
Don’t force yourself to write if you’re not in the right headspace – it will just make you more frustrated and stressed.

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

I try to write at least one chapter a day, however many words or however long it takes me.

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

Denise – the best friend from book one of my Combat Hearts series and the heroine in book 1.5 & 2. She’s a bad ass, but she has a soft center if you can get past the hard exterior.

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?

Oooh. For Stitched Up Heart: Jase: Chris Pine, Bree: Rachel Boston

What is your definition of success?

I got an email from a reader thanking me for addressing combat PTSD in women and how it affects women veterans just as much as men. Touching people on a personal level is more rewarding than anything else.

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/authortarinadeaton;

https://www.amazon.com/Tarina-Deaton/e/B01K03H19Y;

https://www.instagram.com/tarinadeaton;

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tarina-deaton;

https://www.tiktok.com/@tarinadeatonauthor

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.tarinadeaton.com/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.

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Skye Malone

Skye Malone

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Skye Malone

Skye Malone writes action-packed fantasy and paranormal romance. A fan of magical books since childhood, they adore stories that pit ordinary characters against extraordinary odds and reveal the strength within. Abandoned buildings are their passion, along with old castles and deep, dark parts of the forest where anything is possible. A graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in English literature, Skye lives in the Midwest with a retired racing greyhound and a three-legged mutt.

If you’d like to hear about Skye’s latest releases, sign up for their new release mailing list! You’ll learn about new books and all the exciting book-related updates. Visit http://skyemalone.com/mailinglist/ to join in!

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

The ones later in the series always seem to be harder. When I’m starting the book, the sky’s the limit on what I can do. Once I’m farther in the series, I suddenly have to obey my own d*** rules, and that’s annoying, lol.

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

When in doubt, I blow something up. Doesn’t matter if it’s a car, a relationship, a problem, or a fricking sofa. I like to keep things churning and changing as much as I can, so I’m always looking for a chance to turn everything on its head.

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

Pace yourself. Even if you binge write, plan on some time to rest in all that. No one is a machine.

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

It varies wildly. Some days are all writing, some are only a small amount.

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

I love them all. I honestly cannot answer that.

What is your definition of success?

I love them all. I honestly cannot answer that.

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

Thank you so much to the Twinsie Girls for welcoming me here!

What are your social links?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorskyemalone
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorskyemalone
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorskyemalone/

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.)

For ebooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers: https://www.amazon.com/author/skyemalone
Paperbacks available also on other major book retailer sites

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Sophie Stern

Sophie Stern

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Sophie Stern – I love coffee, cats, and writing!

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 for me because it sets the tone for the rest of the series. I always want to make sure to make the first book as strong and exciting as possible.

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

Lots of jokes! I like writing snarky, quirky characters who aren’t afraid to joke around. That’s one of my favorite ways to keep stories fun.

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

Set goals but keep in mind that your goal doesn’t have to be the same as other people.

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

Usually about eight hours!

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

Cosmo in “The Dragon’s Fake Fiancee” is one of my favorite characters because he’s so feisty! Ekpen in “Grimalkin Needs Brides” is another favorite.

What is your definition of success?

Making my readers smile.

What are your social links?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sexysophiestern
Insta: www.instagram.com/dontdatedemons
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sexysophiestern

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.sexysophiestern.com has all the links you need!

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

#WOTR23#attendingauthor #spotlight – Jennifer Daniels

Jennifer Daniels

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hey hey! I’m Jennifer Daniels, and I write Fantasy/ Romance. I’m live in Upstate, NY with my husband and son. Oh, and I have a “pet” raccoon Walter. Lol… Walter come every night to visit. He’s my good boy🦝🐾

Writing was never on my radar, until my son wanted to write a book. I decided to give it a try and that when Opalla was born.

I used to hate reading but my friend introduced me to Harry Potter and I was hooked. Now I always have a book in my hand and often Harry Potter playing in the background.

I’m a huge paranormal junkie. I love watching Ghost Hunters, The Walking Dead or anything like that. But, I don’t like anything to scary. The Hallmark channel is often playing in the background…

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

The others that come after

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

I have only done the Opalla Series, so I tried to make each of the main characters have very different personalities. In my standalones i have jumped from witches, wolves, shifters, and just general romance.

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

If you are feeling overwhelmed, walk away. Go get yourself a drink or a snack. Do something that doesn’t involve your writing.

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

For me I can not sit and write everyday. There are times the computer will sit for months. But, if something pops into my head I can write until my hearts content..

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

Lyndy from the Opalla Series. This was my debt book and I put alot of myself in Lyndy. Opalla became my therapy after having my back surgery. At that time I took out all of my frustration on my computer keys…lol

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 think My new book Between the Pines. THe two main characters, Sloan and FLetcher. For Sloan i would have Victoria Justice and for Fletcher i would have Tyler Hoechlin.

What is your definition of success?

Do what makes you happy and just being content in life.

 What are your social links?

https://m.facebook.com/jenniferdanielsauthor

https://m.facebook.com/jenniferdaniels2017/

 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

tiktok.com/@authorjennniferdaniels

https://linktr.ee/authorjenniferdaniels

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.

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Dena Garson

Dena Garson

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Dena Garson – I’m a mom of two boys plus an extra as well as 2 snobby cats and a dog who doesn’t understand the meaning of the word NO. I do still have a day job as a Quality Improvement Analyst. I like to dabble in a lot of arts and crafts like crochet and jewelry making/beading. And I spend a lot more time watching football than I ever expected thanks to my boys.

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

The others after the first are definitely harder for me. Probably why I don’t have long series.

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

I don’t write long series – most of mine are only 3 books deep. But I do like all of my books to stand alone – just with shared characters.

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

Writing does take a thick skin and a love of long spans of alone time. The most valuable tip I ever received was to give yourself permission to write crap during your first draft. You can fix most anything in edits.

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

Varies based on what is going on with the family – anywhere from 30 minutes to three or four hours.

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

Picking a favorite character is like picking a favorite child. Each book holds a special place for me for a variety of reasons. I loved Rege (Rege’s Rescue) because he’s such a sexy, brooding hunk. But I also loved Trixie (Her Clockwork Heart) because she seemed so real and relatable to me and had awesome “pets.”

What is your definition of success?

Being happy with what you choose to do and seeing the fruits of your labors through both monetary rewards as well as satisfied consumers (readers/customers).

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

Earlier this year I moved all of my contemporary books under a new pen name: Liana Garson. You can find Liana and those books on my website and on Kindle Unlimited.

What are your social links?

FB Author page – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDenaGarson
Twitter – https://twitter.com/DenaGarson
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/denagarson/

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/Dena-Garson/e/B007ER5E58/
https://denagarson.com/

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Tabetha Waite

Tabetha Waite

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Tabetha Waite – I write romance with adventure and heart! I’m a small town girl from Missouri who had big dreams of writing. Romance became my first love in high school when I started reading Harlequin and the timeless Gothics. I published my first book in 2016 and since then, have become a multi-award winning hybrid author with more than 30 published novels and novellas between indie and various small press publishers.

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

Generally the very last one! You feel like you are building all the anticipation until the last one and you want it to be worth the wait for the reader, while enjoying all the characters until then.

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

Always expect the unexpected! I like to add twists!

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

Don’t take the fun out of what you love. When you do, it becomes a chore, and not the enjoyment that you found at the beginning.

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

I work a full time job, so I generally spend about 2-3 hrs a day after supper in my office. And on a weekend I don’t have to go anywhere, I am usually there. I don’t watch much TV anymore!

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

I will always love Orion and Athena. They were the couple from “Why the Earl is After the Girl,” the first book I got published.

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 honestly don’t even think about that. lol. I just strive to make my readers happy. But if I made a bestseller list, that would be pretty cool!

What is your definition of success?

Having someone tell me that they liked my stories. It’s as simple as that. If I made someone smile and brightened their day, then I did my job as a storyteller.

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

Other than writing, I like to collect dolls! Most people think it’s creepy, but if there are any of my fellow peeps out there, I’d love to hear from you! Oh, and I’m a BIG Beauty and the Beast fan!

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/TotallyTabetha/

http://www.twitter.com/@TotallyTabetha

http://www.instagram.com/tabethawaite

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15485251.Tabetha_Waite

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tabetha-waite

https://www.tiktok.com/@tabethawaite

http://www.linkedin.com/tabethawaite

Reader Group –
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2316431591948667

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.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Tabetha%20Waite%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=Tabetha%20Waite&fcsearchfield=Author

https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/tabetha-waite/id1134400117?mt=11

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Becca Jameson

Becca Jameson

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Becca Jameson. I live in Houston, TX, with my husband, my son, and the crazy cat and dog! In my free time… Oh, wait, I don’t have free time! I write. I read. I edit. lol

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

The others after it.

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

I remember nothing. So, it could be fresh because I don’t have any idea what I did before. OR, it could be that I’m just repeating myself over and over. Shrug. No one has complained.

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

Turn everything off and write in half hour increments.

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

Five hours.

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

It changes, but I think Lucy is my current favorite. No idea why. That book is raw and has stuck with 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?

Good golly I have no idea! Severed Dreams might be good. It’s a newer stand alone. A total mind fuck. No idea who would star in it.

What is your definition of success?

Loving what you do.

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

I love my job. I’m so grateful I get to do this every day. I’d rather be writing than anything else.

What are your social links?

Goodreads: goodreads.com/beccajameson
Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/becca.jameson.18
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/beccajameson4
Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BeccasBibliomaniacs/
website: http://beccajameson.com/
twitter: @beccajameson  or: https://twitter.com/beccajameson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becca.jameson/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/beccajameson1/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/becca-jameson
Newsletter: http://www.beccajameson.com/newsletter-sign-up

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 Author page: amazon.com/author/beccajameson


https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/becca%20jameson


https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=becca+jameson


https://www.audible.com/author/Becca-Jameson/B007CBQSP6?ref=a_search_c3_lAuthor_1_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=QDK67MNM36JM5N0DJ0EP

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

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

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

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

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

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Melissa Haag/ MJ Haag

Melissa Haag

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My name is Melissa, and I think my characters lead more interesting lives than I do. lol

I’m a mom of three, author of 50+ (I think) titles, a proudly independent business woman, habitual snacker, and connoisseur of desserts. I love being happy and write stories laced with humor. I’m a social introvert who enjoys a good thunderstorm and is currently in love with k-dramas on Viki.

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

Writing a book is like going on the best date of your life. It’s a little nerve-racking at the start, but once you get going, it’s amazing and fun. And you never want it to end. Ever. But it always has to. So, I’d say the final books in any series are the hardest. It’s never easy to find a satisfying way to say goodbye.

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

For me, it’s all about the characters and their “flaws.” It’s not enough to write someone in an abusive relationship desperate to know what healthy love feels like. I’m also going to give her a medical condition that causes inopportune fainting, a low sex drive but a strong desire for children, and stick her with an awkward co-dependant roommate situation. (Demon Discord under my MJ Haag pen name)

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

There’s a difference between learning from your peers by watching what they do and comparing yourself to others. The former is smart; the latter will erode your self-confidence.

If you find yourself checking your social media outlets every five minutes, it’s time for a break. Boundaries create healthy relationships…especially the ones authors have with social media. Don’t let it own you.

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

3-4 hours on actual words. (But I tend to work a full 8-9 hours since writing is only 40% of an author’s job.)

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

Oh boy…this is a tough one. I have over 50+ books between my pen names.

But, if I had to pick one character, it would be Sam from the Judgment of the Six series (by Melissa Haag). He’s an older wolf shifter and the guardian of one of the MCs. When I wrote him, I absolutely pictured him as Sam Elliott.

What is your definition of success?

Waking up happy.

Time is precious, and the number of days we have is finite. I’m trying to slow down and find comfort, wonder, and humor in each moment. If I can wake up happy, it means I did all the right things the day before and plan to do all the right things again today.

What are your social links?

https://melissahaag.com/about

https://mjhaag.melissahaag.com/about

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://melissahaag.com

https://mjhaag.melissahaag.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.