All posts by Jo-Anna W

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Jesse Lane

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

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

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

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

What comes first? The plot or characters?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

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

What is your definition of success?

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

What are your social links?

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

What are your buy links?

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

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Aviva Vaughn

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

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

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

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

What comes first? The plot or characters?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

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

What is your definition of success?

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

What are your social links?

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

What are your buy links?

amazon.com/author/avivavaughn

Part of a Series

#Review – Resisting (Men of Inked Novella) by Chelle Bliss

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I belong to no one.

It’s the way I’ve chosen to live. Master of my own destiny, finding my way through this bullshit thing called life.

I learned from a young age how to get my way. Being a woman isn’t a weakness. It’s the opposite. I’ve spent my life being surrounded by four overbearing brothers, but I’ve never been a wallflower. Independent and unwilling to be tied down, I grabbed life by the balls and lived it to the fullest.

I was enjoying myself, minding my own business at my brothers wedding. Then WHAM.

Ever have a man walk into your life and alter your entire universe? My answer would’ve been no before he tempted me into his bed.

I’m talking about the big damn bang.

Everything that I thought was right, suddenly spins on its axis and bitch slaps me in the face.

Holy hotness! Wow. This little novella is definitely the hottest book of the series so far!

Suzy and City are finally tying the knot and this novella shows Izzy’s point of view on what goes down.

You see mostly everything in Throttled, Suzy and City’s novella but what you don’t see, is the delicious man who Izzy spends the night with the night of her big brother’s wedding.

Izzy is head strong. Like beyond head strong. So she needs a man who can match her and bring her down a peg or two. In walks James and he’s the perfect man for her. Alpha, rough, cocky, knows what he wants and that’s her. She’s not expecting him to be the way he is and it scares her. But she shoves those feelings aside and has a night of fun.

I didn’t realize that this novella should be read before Resist Me, so don’t make my mistake. Read this one first to get all the details of James and Izzy’s first night together!

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Heather Savage

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

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

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

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

What comes first? The plot or characters?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

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

What is your definition of success?

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

What are your social links?

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

What are your buy links?

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

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Bella Roccaforte

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

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

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

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

What comes first? The plot or characters?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

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

What is your definition of success?

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

What are your social links?

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

What are your buy links?

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – M.J. Schiller

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

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

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

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

What comes first? The plot or characters?

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

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

Nora Roberts.

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

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

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

Probably blurb writing, although all can have their difficulties.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

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

What is your definition of success?

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

What are your social links?

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

What are your buy links?

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

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Naomi Valkyrie

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

I’m Naomi Valkyrie. I’m an Autistic Author that loves dark and spooky things. I spend most of my time writing paranormal fantasy, paranormal romance, and procrastinating – I mean networking – with other authors in a Discord group.

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

I have found that each book comes with its unique challenges.

What comes first? The plot or characters?

It depends. Sometimes all I get is a name to start with, other times I get bits of story line.

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

This is a tough question. I read so much that it is difficult to choose just one. For this round I’m going to say, Domino Finn.

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

(1) Where do you research the magic elements you write? (2) Where did the idea for the Black Magic Outlaw series come from? (3) How many parts of the BMO books did you love but have to cut out during editing?

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

Blurb writing – no contest. I hate it so, so much, lol.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

I think the memory that stands out is feeling relieved that there were actually people who loved my first book.

What is your definition of success?

There are several categories of success. You can be successful in all areas, or just in some areas. At this point in my life, I feel like anything that makes you feel accomplished or satisfied with your work is a success.

What are your social links?

“NEWSLETTER: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/t2y9y0 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/naomivalkyrie/ FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebookdungeon/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NaomiValkyrie INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the_book_dungeon/ MEWE: https://mewe.com/i/valkyriemcdonald PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/thebookdungeon/ BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/naomi-valkyrie GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/valkyrieoracle ALLAUTHOR: https://allauthor.com/author/naomivalkyrie/ WEBSITE: www.naomivalkyrie.com”

What are your buy links?

“No Rest for the Wicked (Life is Hell 1) – https://www.amazon.com/Rest-Wicked-Life-Hell-Book-ebook/dp/B08KGQHT5K/ Hell Hath No Fury (Life is Hell 2) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L18PH5Y House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis 0) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F4G84D3/ The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis 1) – https://www.amazon.com/Rise-House-Valdis-Naomi-Valkyrie-ebook/dp/B07XXJR5QF/ It Comes From Within (House Valdis 2) – https://www.amazon.com/Comes-Within-House-Valdis-Book-ebook/dp/B0888TMF87/”

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – CM Mills

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

Jo Anna

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

First

What comes first? The plot or characters?

Plot

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

Sylvia Day

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

How do they plan? What gets their juices flowing? How do they make their work exciting?

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?

Publishing my first book this year

What is your definition of success?

Publishing & living your dream

What are your social links?

@authorcmmills on IG and twitter @lillianrhaine

What are your buy links?

“www.authorcmmills.com Get my debut book here: https://linktr.ee/thanightskyy03”

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Julie Lafrance

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

Julie Lafrance, I am a hockey loving Canadian and I have hugged JM Walker.

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

The last book.

What comes first? The plot or characters?

I’m a word vomit so my characters come first

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

Lila Rose

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

Where do you get your inspiration? What is the best way for marketing? Do you plot?

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

Naming the book!

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Getting to hug JM Walker

What is your definition of success?

Success is having the nerve to push a book out to the world, the rest is gravy.

What are your social links?

“☆.¸(*•.¸(´*•.¸(*•.*🔷*.•*´)¸.•*´)¸.•*´)¸.☆ ✦•••✦Are you stalking me? ✦•••✦ ☆.•*(¸.•*(¸.•*(¸.•*🔷*•.¸)`*•.)`*•.¸)*•.☆ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JALafranceAuthor/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/JA-Lafrance/e/B01C6B1S1A/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14951067.J_A_Lafrance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ja_lafrance Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JALafrance1 BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ja-lafrance?list=author_books Readers Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1351744788198642/ Website https://jalafranceauthor.wixsite.com/website JA Lafrance Gear https://teespring.com/stores/ja-lafrance-merchandise https://www.zazzle.ca/store/ja_lafrance_store Newsletter sign up http://eepurl.com/gffh-b Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JALafrance2016”

What are your buy links?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/JA-Lafrance/e/B01C6B1S1A/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Author Spotlight

#AuthorSpotlight – Quinn Ryder

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

“Well, I can’t tell you my real name because anonymity is everything when you write under a pen name, but I go by Quinn Ryder. I’m new to the MC/Mafia dark romance world, but have been writing under a different pen name for over five years. I like to think of myself as a jack of all trades, because there’s no genre I’m afraid to tackle as long as I have the inspiration to get the words out on paper. (or computer screen 😉 ) I am married with two kids, both in those crazy teenage years where attitude is in abundance, and friends are your only reason for living. I might as well live in a zoo with how many pets I have, and I spend most of my time either homeschooling the hormonal teens, dabbling in the underbelly of the criminal world with my stories, or editing for other authors. I enjoy watching movies, spending time with my family, and writing, writing, writing. As for the Twinsies, I’d love to get to know each and every one of you. I’m new to your blog, but you definitely have a new subscriber. ”

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

To be honest, the actual writing of certain books has never been hard for me. What is hard is the spontaneous bursts of inspiration that tend to lead me away from finishing series. I’ll be writing in one series, then get an idea for another. When you’re writing for two pen names, you have to go where the words take you, and sometimes it’s into new worlds that are screaming to be written.

What comes first? The plot or characters?

PLOT! There are times where I’ll have a book in my head but the characters refuse to name themselves. 95% of the time I have the blurb to my stories written before I have even started the book.

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

Hmm, I’d really like to meet Cassie Mae, Suzanne Collins, and JK Rowling (Mainly because my daughter is a super freak when it comes to Harry Potter, and I’d love to see her face while meeting one of her idols.) but I did already meet one of my Unicorn authors, RS Grey, when I first started getting into publishing.

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

Blurbs have always come easy for me, titles and names have as well, so, in my opinion, the hardest thing about writing for me has always been writing the middle of a story. I write the beginning of a book, then the ending, and it’s the middles of a story that like to mess with me. I think of it as kinda like building a sandwich where you only have slices of bread and you have to go searching for that perfect ratio of meat, cheese, and condiments to pile in between that give your sandwich all the pizazz and flavor to make the perfect bite. Writing is like making sandwich. You have a solid beginning and a mind-blowing ending you know the readers love, but you also need those pieces of brilliance in between to round out your story and make it the perfect mix that readers can’t wait to sink their teeth into.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

I think my favorite memory as an author would be publishing my first book. I was reluctant to take that leap off the proverbial ledge into the writing world because I was afraid I would sink, and now that I’m here, I keep treading water looking into the vast sea of amazing stories wondering which wave I belong to.

What is your definition of success?

I think success is what you make of it. For me success was the first time a reader contacted me to tell me how much they loved my story and how the book affected them in a emotional and positive way. I never expected people to love my books the way they do, but the outpouring of love I get from my readers is all the success I need. Sure, becoming a best-selling author who brings in a lot of money is a writer’s dream, but as long as people love my stories, that’s all the success I’ll ever need.

What are your social links?

“Website: https://authorquinnryder.wixsite.com/mysite Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorquinnryder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorquinnryder/ Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/quinn-ryder Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20312549.Quinn_Ryder”

What are your buy links?

“Specter’s Wake: https://books2read.com/SpectersWake Dusty’s Tracks: https://books2read.com/Dusty Sergio: The Santoyo Brothers Book One: https://books2read.com/u/ml2daY Revving For Love Anthology: https://books2read.com/Revving Sinful Valentine: https://books2read.com/SV Killing Me Softly Anthology: https://books2read.com/KMS ”