Category Archives: Writers on the River Attending Author

Fantasy Romance, Review, Romantic Comedy, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #Review – All I Wank for Christmas: A Romantic Comedy by Tori Ross

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Tori Ross, author of Contact High and The Cuffing Season Contract, is back with a laugh-out-loud holiday romance sure to jingle your nuts and roast your bells.

After a series of unfortunate events left Holly Hepperdine without an accounting job, the only way to pay bills, pay for her sister’s school, and help her sick mother is to work at the local rub and tug massage parlor, The Happy Stroke Club, making a hundred dollars a “pop.”

Jasper Nicholas is stressed to the max on Christmas Eve. His father is ill, and Jasper has to run the family’s delivery service tonight. On a whim, he stops for a quick massage, realizing too late that there are other perks of the purchased package. He indulges but can’t get the gorgeous woman with the witty banter out of his mind, even after they go their separate ways.

When Jasper comes down Holly’s chimney late on Christmas Eve, she realizes Jasper is Santa Claus’s son and tasked with delivering gifts to the world’s children. He also needs desperate help with navigation and inventory. Can Holly and Jasper keep their hands to themselves long enough to deliver the gifts?

All I Wank for Christmas is an irreverent, raucous romantic comedy standalone, sure to put you in the mood for a happy holiday season…no Happy Stroke Club needed.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

OMG, I just can’t even with this book! I laughed out loud and then had to stop and fan myself. This story will keep you on your toes!

Holly gives a handy to Santa’s son! What more is there to say??? You should literally stop reading this review and just read the book 😊

The story is a bit “over the top” but that is what makes it so great!

Jasper stops at a massage parlor thinking he could relieve some stress. He just didn’t realize the type of parlor he was going into and got so much more than he bargained for from Holly. These two have an instant attraction and both of them can’t stop thinking about each other. When Jasper searches Holly out and lets her in on the secret that he is Santa’s son, she skeptically goes along with it to deliver presents. The night is a disaster and if something can go wrong, it does. But the story and shenanigans that they get into will have you glued to this book eagerly turning to the next page.

We have all heard eleventy billion Santa stories but this one takes the cake! The characters are witty, the banter is hilarious, and the steam level continues to increase throughout the story.

I highly recommend this for a fun, but hawt, Christmas read!

Author Logo

Tori Ross is the bestselling and award-winning author of steamy contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Her book, The Cuffing Season Contract, won the National Indie Excellence Award for romantic comedy, and she’s written several shorts, novellas, full-length books and serials. When she’s not writing, she runs a podcast called Sitting Here Reading Corn with Tori Ross and plays pickleball to get out of the house. She lives with her family and a hyper dog that needs extensive training.

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #authorspotlight #eventsponsor – Freya Barker

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Freya Barker

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My name is Freya Barker, and I write mostly romantic suspense.
I currently have 53 books published and have one more release scheduled for this year.

I enjoy writing about slightly more mature heroes and heroines and enjoy approaching behavior, romance and heat from the perspective of someone who’s lived a little…. maybe lost a little…. Characters who aren’t necessarily looking for love, but end up finding it despite all the big and little things life throws at them. Even murder and mayhem.

I’m also married, Mom to four kids, Oma to four adorable grandkids, and fur-Mom to the fiercest, 10-pound, four-legged, snuggle pooch on the planet. I love traveling, in particular camping, and hubs and I drag our little trailer from one end of Canada to the other.

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

I love writing the first book in a fresh series and creating a new world, the harder part is staying true to that world and those characters in subsequent books. There are a lot of threads to keep hold of!

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

I make a conscious effort not to repeat myself. There are so many stories to be told, especially with romantic suspense. All you have to do is read a newspaper or watch the news and story plots are thrown at you.

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

Keep expectations low (or at least reasonable), motivation high, and pace yourself. You’ll hear this one from more of us—this is a marathon, not a sprint. Better has priority over faster—always.

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

Hard to say, some days 14 hours, other days 2. But when I’m working on a book I write every day, seven days a week.

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

Every character I’m writing right now is my favorite. Having said that, I LOVED writing the women in my GEM series because they’re the ones carrying the story. They are the badasses, busting balls and taking names.

What is your definition of success?

It changes all the time, but in the end, making a living doing something I love is a good place to be. Success is not doing better than everyone else, it’s doing well for yourself.

What are your social links?

Web: http://freyabarker.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FreyaBarkerWriter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freyabarker.writes/
Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/freyabarker
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/freya-barker
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Freya_Newsletter
Reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FreyasBarksandBites/

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.)

Freya Barker Web – http://freyabarker.com
Freya Barker Kobo – bit.ly/FreyaBarker-Kobo
Freya Barker B&N – bit.ly/FreyaBarker-BN
Freya Barker Apple – https://apple.co/454AmyA
Freya Barker Amazon – https://amzn.to/3Zx9E0g

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$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. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$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.

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #authorspotlight – J.R. Thorn

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J.R. Thorn

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

J.R. Thorn (Jen) – I am a reverse harem paranormal romance author with a penchant for fated mates! I live in Detroit, MI because I was an automotive engineer for ten years, but when the books started taking off it was time to live my dream. I’ve been full-time as an author since January of 2023. Can’t wait to meet everyone at WOTR24!

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

The ones after it! Because then I have to rein in my muse and she doesn’t like it when I do that. Case in point, Fortune Academy was supposed to be a trilogy and I’m releasing book 10 early next year.

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

Oh absolutely. I’m known for having a unique flair to my books that often surprise readers. I started as a fantasy author, so my fantasy brain loves to have fun with things and be creative even if I’m writing in a familiar or well-loved trope.

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

Be kind to yourself! This is a marathon, not a sprint. Also remind yourself why you’re writing. That always helped pick me up on a tough day.

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

I go through cycles of writing and publishing/admin work. If it’s a writing part of the cycle, I will write in sprints for 4-8 hours in a day, rarely up to 12-14 hours if I’m really getting sucked in. I don’t write at all during stretches of admin work. Being an indie author means there’s a lot of non-writing stuff I have to do, too!

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

Vivi from Dragonrider Academy on my A.J. Flowers pen name is my favorite because she’s a regular high school girl just reading in the library dreaming of dragons. Then her dream comes true, including a hot fated mate she didn’t even plan on. (I might identify with Vivi far too much.)

What is your definition of success?

Being a full-time career author and being able to support my family. This is my personal definition and does not have to be the same for anyone else!

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

How many pen names do I have? I have 5 pen names! I enjoy developing my skills in various genres to become a more well-rounded author. (That’s just fancy talk for saying my muse has ADHD.)
My pen names are J.R. Thorn (RH Paranormal Romance), Jennifer Thorn (PNR), A.J. Flowers (NA Fantasy Romance), Eva Storm (Post Apoc), and Aurora Weiss (LitRPG — Think Ready Player One)

What are your social links?

@jrthorn_author

https://www.facebook.com/groups/147559016065195

https://www.facebook.com/BloodStoneSeries

https://www.instagram.com/author_jr_thorn

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://linktr.ee/jrthorn

https://linktr.ee/ajflowersbooks

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$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. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$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.

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #authorspotlight – Terri Anne Browning

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Author Logo

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Terri Anne Browning.
I’m originally from WV, spent a few years in Alabama which was where I was living when my writing career took off. Now I live in Virginia with my husband, three kids, two dogs, and a chatty yellow Quaker parrot named Raven. I write contemporary romance about rockers, bikers, mafiosos—and the kickass women who love them. My series all cross over and have turned into their own universe that now spans multiple generations.

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

For me, it depends on the series. Sometimes it’s the first because there are all these characters that have to be introduced. But there have been times, when it was so easy to bring them up in book 1, yet by the time I get tot hat side character’s story, they clam up and I have to beg them to give me a glimpse of who they are.

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

I have a notebook and Google file just on each series. I try to keep everything from bra size, height, eye color, and tattoos in there. But even with that, I find myself messaging my editor to ask if she remembers what certain side character’s eye color is or their last name. 😳
I recommend starting a series Bible from the beginning. Even if you think that book is only going to be a standalone or a duet.

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

Self-care is a must. Take a day—or even just an hour—to focus on only you. Crank up the music in the car. Lock the bathroom door and eat a pack of cookies while you’re taking a bath. Sometimes you just have to take that moment to breathe.

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

I write on my phone with Google, so most days I can spend anywhere from 2-16 hours writing on and off. It’s just easier for me, because 1) Google auto saves and I don’t have to worry about losing anything. 2) it takes too much energy to open my laptop, do whatever update might be needed, check my emails, add to my playlist, and then finally open the WIP doc—by which time my mind is ready to shut down and take a nap. I’m more productive on my phone.

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

Emmie Armstrong. She is my OG. My readers love her and still love getting a glimpse of her in the new generation series.

What is your definition of success?

With each new chapter in their lives, their goals change and therefore their perception of success is different. If you’re happy with who you are, then in my opinion you are successful.

What are your social links?

Facebook.com/Terriannebrowning.author
Twitter.com/AuthorTERRIANNE
Terriannebrowning.com
Instagram.com/Terriannebrowning
Tiktok.com/Terriannebrowning

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 #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$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. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$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.

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #Authorspotlight #EventSponsor – Michel Prince

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Michel Prince

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Michel Prince

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

The first if I know it will be a series because I’m trying to set up for rest of the series. The rest if I didn’t realize I was going to start a series out of a single title.

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

Keeping up with the times and timelines so the book is relevant.

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

Know your limits and when to say no. It’s a hard thing to do especially starting out… or a decade later because what if ‘this is the thing.’ But you need to set up those boundries.

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.

Serena Love. No fear, smart sarcastic wit and a great love of all foods.

What is your definition of success?

Having a reader tell me they had an emotional reaction to my books. (kinda want to see how this has changed over my years of coming to WOTR)

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

Yes I’m the crazy pillow lady… what can I say I like to keep my hands busy. check out my Etsy store. https://www.etsy.com/shop/MichelPrinceBooks?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

What are your social links?

www.facebook.com/michelprincebooks

www.instagram.com/michelprincebooks

www.tiktok.com/michelprincebooks

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 for all sights https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=50275

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$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. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$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.

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #authorspotlight – Elle James aka Myla Jackson

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Elle James

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Elle James aka Myla Jackson New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of Romantic Suspense with Cowboys and Military heroes!

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

All of them! I’ve written over 200 books

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

0-10 hours Depends on the deadline!

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

Kujo and Six – love a broken man and his dog!

What is your definition of success?

Happy with your life your family and doing what you love.

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

Miliary heroes make me swoon. I come from a military family and have huge respect for our men and women in uniform

What are your social links?

• Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1441344619422730/
• Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/ellejamesauthor
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ElleJamesAuthor
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellejamesauthor/
• Website: www.ellejames.com
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/28048.Elle_James

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.)

• Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search=elle+james
• Amazon page: http://bit.ly/ElleJames-Amazon
• Newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/uih54u0wqg

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$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. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$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.

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #authorspotlight #EventSponsor – Jade Waltz

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Jade Waltz

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I am Jade Waltz.

Tea drinker. Knitter. Mother of two lovely sons and a pair of cats.

When I am not writing, I am playing video games (with my husband and sons too!), watching true crimes/court cases, and knitting.

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… because if you don’t hook readers, it’s difficult to entice them to read the rest of the series.

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

I’ll switch between series to see where my muse takes me and avoid writer’s block. I don’t write formulaic stories, and every time I try to… I hit a wall. I believe that allowing myself the opportunity to explore allows me to produce my best work.

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

Self care is important. It’s important to allow yourself time to write and let the words marinate for some time. The first words on the page are not going to be perfect, but they are words…. progress. You can always edit them later. It’s critical to get words down instead of being obsessed by the fear that what you’re writing is garbage.

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

5 to 8 hrs, more if I am on a deadline crunch.

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

Kaede from my Project: Adapt series.

He’s complicated, devoted, and willing to destroy the universe to protect Selena (even if it means sacrificing himself).

What is your definition of success?

I believe there are several layers to this, beginning with being able to recoup the money you put into the book, then being able to compensate yourself for the hours you put into the work, and finally being able to live well off of what you write.

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

I write marching band drill on a seasonal basis to express myself artistically outside of writing.

What are your social links?

Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJadeWaltz/

Newsletter link:

HOME


https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/c5y8l5

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

BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jade-waltz

Tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@authorjadewaltz

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 #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$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. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$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.

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #AuthorSpotlight #EventSponsor – Darie McCoy

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Darie McCoy

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Darie McCoy. I write across the romance subgenres from contemporary to paranormal/shifter to sports romance with a couple of others in between. I’m a serial hobbyist who likes to keep her hands busy.

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

I’d say the ones after the first are harder, because I don’t want to lose the momentum from the first book.

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

Each couple has different challenges. They are connected, but not identical. Their responses to the various situations are rarely the same.

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

Find something you can use to renew yourself. Be it a warm bath, or taking time off when you finish a rough scene or chapter- find a way to let yourself get grounded again before you move on to the next thing.

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

I write five days a week anywhere from 5 to 7 hours.

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

I love them all, but there are a few who have a slight edge. Driscoll Kelly (For Real), because he’s the first book boyfriend that I wrote. Stephanie and Jian (Involuntary) are the others because their story came to me in a dream and hasn’t let me go since.

What is your definition of success?

Being able to have your career doing what you love while providing for your needs along with your wants.

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

I’m still new to the author life, but I’ve enjoyed this journey immensely.

What are your social links?

www.facebook.com/darie.mccoy;

www.instagram.com/authordarie;

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

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/Darie-McCoy/author/B09LNH41K8; https://books.apple.com/us/author/darie-mccoy/id1628855173;

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$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. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$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.

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #attendingauthor #AuthorSpotlight – Tori Ross

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Tori Ross

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Tori Ross, and I write romantic comedy and steamy contemporary romance. My book, The Cuffing Season Contract, won the National Indie Excellence Award for romantic comedy, and I’m currently working on my first romantic suspense.

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

Other books in the series, specifically from book 3 on. I have a small attention deficit problem, so sticking with something long term is hard for me.

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

Honestly, I just take a break when I need it. The good thing about my series, The Traveling Calvert Sisters, is that they can be read as standalones. Each novella features a different sister, so that keeps it fresh. All eight of the sisters have different personalities and different love interests.

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

Give yourself grace and set your goals when you go into this. Everyone says that, but I didn’t realize how true it is until I started publishing. This career is more of a marathon than a sprint, and you need to set realistic goals to keep yourself on track.

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

I write for two to three hours a day. I’m incredibly disciplined with it, and I’m a morning worker. These days, marketing takes more of my time than actual writing.

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

I can’t get Jasper Nicholas from All I Wank for Christmas out of my head. I also still have a massive crush on Liam Lane from Contact High. For some reason, I have more emotion for my male characters than my female. I often talk to my male characters in my head when I’m working on a book, even if I’m not actively writing.

What is your definition of success?

Having people enjoy my books. It’s not about the money for me, although it’s nice when I have a decent royalty month. I like the idea of taking people out of reality for a little bit.

What are your social links?

I’m on Instagram and Facebook at @authortoriross and on Tik Tok at @author_toriross. I’ve also recently started using Pinterest, and I think it’s something a lot of authors don’t appreciate enough. I love posting graphics and videos.

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.)

My website (you can click on the Books tab in the menu for my work: https://smuttybooklady.com/
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tori-Ross/author/B09BTK1DV2

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$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. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$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.

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #EventBlogger #AttendingAuthor – JM Walker A.K.A. Twinsie JoJo

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Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

J.M. Walker – I’m a Canadian author and have been publishing since 2013. I write anything from erotica romance to dark romance. I am venturing into other genres. Or I have ideas anyway but I haven’t written them yet. I’m a little scared to but at the same time, I sure do love me a challenge.

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

For me, the others after it are the hardest because I suck at keeping track of character names, characteristics and timelines. Just as my editor. Good thing she knows what she’s doing.

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

Oh gosh. I don”t read a lot of romance anymore, so maybe that helps? Not sure. But I do know that while I’m writing my MC romances, I won’t read MC. I’ve actually only read 3 MC books and that was long before I started writing it. That helps keep things fresh for me. Oh and for my next MC series, I got an idea from a horror movie. That also helps.

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

Be kind to yourself. If you don’t meet your word count for the day, don’t be hard on yourself. Trust me, as someone who’s currently dealing with burn out, writing thousands of words a day, is not always a good thing.

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

Not long at the moment. But I used to spend my mornings writing and then I would work the day job for the afternoon. I miss that but will get back to that in the upcoming months.

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

I have 3 – Lucas Crane, Sammy and Cyrus Butcher. Once Lucas started talking to me after 6 years of trying to write his book, his story poured out of me. And with Cyrus and Sammy, they know how to communicate and had no issues telling me exactly what was on their minds. I had so much fun writing both of their books that I can’t wait to write someone like them again. Actually, he’ll be more like Sammy but worse. 😉

What is your definition of success?

Constantly improving. It’s one of the things I love most about this author journey. I’m always learning. With the market changing so often, while sometimes it can be quite challenging to keep up with the times, it’s also fun as well.

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

I just want to thank you ladies for inviting me back this year. This really doesn’t go with this spotlight but I’m putting this here anyway. With my current publishing break, a part of me is scared that people will forget about me. It’s a weird feeling. I know. But I want you girls to know that I truly appreciate you for inviting me back each year. It’ll help readers remember my face. Anyway. I am truly a lifer and as long as you’ll have me, I’ll always attend Writers On The River. xx

What are your social links?

https://linktr.ee/authorjmwalker

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 #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$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. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$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.