October is bringing so many new things! One of them is a new shop I have created for authors, readers, and book lovers.
I would love for you to check out out.
I met International Best Selling Author, Emilia Rose at the Lust In The Lowcountry conference. Thankfully, she agreed to take part in this interview...let's take a look at her story.
Thank you for joining us. Please tell me a little about yourself.
Thank you so much for having me! My name is Emilia Rose, and I’m a USA Today bestselling author of steamy contemporary and paranormal romance. I love writing about bad boys, billionaires, and ruthless alphas.
Could you let us in on what you’re working on now?
Currently, I’m in the middle of writing and releasing my steamy (18+) high school contemporary romance series called the Bad Boys of Redwood Academy. It’s about the bad boys who rule the school and the good girls who rule their hearts! I’m working on the fourth book in the series called Detention, which is a taboo student-teacher romance.
Which of your stories is your favorite?
My favorite story is titled The Bad Boy and is part of my Bad Boys of Redwood Academy series of standalones. Blaise, the billionaire skateboarding punk, finds Vera’s notebook filled with smut! With it, he blackmails her into being his toy, but ends up falling in love with her.
What’s your inspiration?
I find tons of my inspiration in music. Pretty much any genre can inspire a smutty story.
How and when did you begin writing?
I wrote all through middle and high school because I had a bunch of stories swimming around in my head, but I stopped for a couple years in college. Thankfully, I picked it up again and have been writing ever since!
What is one of your favorite books by another author?
Right now, I don’t have a favorite, but I really love these authors: Mia Kerr and Elaine Waters.
Have you considered writing in other genres?
I only enjoy writing steamy romance. At first, I stuck solely to paranormal romance but my readers encouraged me to start writing contemporary romance with mafia bosses, billionaires, and bad boys!
What is your writing process? Do you need silence or music?
Usually, I need music for inspiration before, during, and after I write. Coffee shops are great too to help me focus.
How long does it usually take you to write a book?
I write about four stories at once, so I can’t say an exact time. But I tend to release eight books a year, so I would say that I write fairly quickly.
Have you ever had the dreaded Writer’s Block?
All the time! Thankfully, I am very driven by deadlines and make sure that I get the story to my readers in time. If I let a story sit for way too long, I rarely come back to it as another idea has begun speaking to me.
Do you have pets?
Yes! I have two sassy cats named Luna and Peanut as well as a duck that we haven’t named yet, but she’s so cute!
What is your favorite part of writing? Do you have favorite plots?
I LOVE my characters! I’m not a plotter or outliner at all, so I experience the story as I write it. My characters just sorta… let loose and take me on an adventure. So uncovering their story and who they are is my favorite part!
Anything new on the horizon?
Currently, I’m adapting my short stories into audio dramas and one of my paranormal romances into a graphic novel!
Could you tell me the heat rating of your books out of 5 flames?
My books are usually high heat, between 4 and 5 flames!
Who is your main source of support for your writing?
My husband! He has supported me from the very start when I had no confidence in my abilities as a writer. He pushed me to publish and has continued to support all my writing goals!
Click the book cover to go to Emilia's Amazon Page!
I had the pleasure of meeting Jenn at the Lust In The Lowcountry conference this year. She is an amazing author with a great story. Let's hear all about her...
Thank you for joining us. Please tell me a little about yourself.
My name is Jenn and I write all kinds of romance- new adult, sports, contemporary. I have one son, he’s a professional baseball player and I’m dating the “real” Jack Carter (after 20 years apart and one heck of a book series inspired by us lol)
Could you let us in on what you’re working on now?
I’m in the middle of writing 5 more stories in my Fun for the Holiday’s Series! That will make a full year’s worth of reads- one for each month! Think Hallmark, but hotter.
Which of your stories is your favorite?
I love The Perfect Game for what it did for my career, but I love Dear Heart, I Hate You for how it challenged me at a time in my life when I didn’t believe in love anymore, but wrote about it for a living. I love Safe at First, and wish it got more attention, for the story I chose to write for that particular athlete. It’s not one I ever see talked about and as a mom to a pro athlete, who didn’t get drafted, it was an important story for me to tell.
What’s your inspiration?
Real life. My heart. My past. My imagination.
How and when did you begin writing?
I started writing in 2010 after getting fired from my job. I thought I only had 1 story to tell, but that turned out to be a lie. LOL
What is one of your favorite books by another author?
I love Claire Contreras romantic suspense books (she writes a lot of genres) and I honestly think Tara Sivec is one of the funniest writers out there.
Have you considered writing in other genres?
Yes. But there will ALWAYS be a romance aspect to whatever story I tell.
What is your writing process? Do you need silence or music?
At the beginning, I couldn’t write without my book soundtrack. Now, I need silence. I still have book soundtracks for almost every full length story I tell, but I listen to them in the car.
How long does it usually take you to write a book?
I usually write and release about 3 books a year. But the holiday books are technically novellas, so this year I’m releasing SEVEN and there will be FIVE next year!
Have you ever had the dreaded Writer’s Block?
Sure. I don’t consider it writer’s block though. I’ve just had times where I don’t feel like writing, or the story isn’t coming, or whatever IT is, it’s not working. I step away and watch movies, or read.
Do you have pets?
I have a dog named Jack!
Anything new on the horizon?
Fun for the Holiday’s is a collection of stand-alone romance stories with holiday/seasonal based themes. They’re super fun, funny and sexy!
Do you have anything that you absolutely need to have in order to write?
Monster zero-sugar energy drinks. LOL I know, I know….
Could you tell me the heat rating of your books out of 5 flames?
I’d say they’re a 2. My books are more about the story, then the sex. There’s always sex IN the story, but it’s never what it’s about.
Who is your main source of support for your writing?
To be honest, I don’t think anyone truly understands what it’s like to be a writer- except other writers.
Thanks for having me!
I met Gladys at an author event and just HAD to interview her for my blog...Let's take a look:
Thank you for joining us, Gladys. Please tell me a little about yourself.
I’ve written for myself off and on since the third grade, always putting my dream of being an author on the backburner. It took a friend asking for feedback on a piece they were writing during COVID for me to focus on making my childhood dream a reality. I discovered I had all these stories pent up inside waiting to be told, and once I got started, I couldn’t stop.
When I’m not writing, or begging people to read what I’ve written, you’ll find me hanging out with my eight-year-old daughter and her band of neighborhood friends. I’m perfectly content knowing about Pokémon cards, Nerf guns, pterodactyls, and the latest in barbie accessories. They provide me with endless amusement, which I share on my social media because we could all use a daily dose of laughter.
Could you let us in on what you’re working on now?
Picture it, Sicily, 1927. Just kidding, a little Golden Girls humor. Seriously, picture outlaw bike club meets cartel. Dark, action, drama, suspense, and, as always, sexy.
Which of your stories is your favorite?
Lord, this is like picking a favorite child. Brutal. How about I give you my favorite thing about a few? Devil’s Secretary – the reference to the pineapple. Hilarious, dark, and a little off color. Leave it to Luc, the Devil, to be creative. This Thing of Ours – Rachael and the poker. That girl will do anything for her man. Inked – Charlie. I’ll just leave that right there. The Order Bound Series – the fight scenes. They were crazy fun to write.
What’s your inspiration?
This varies. It started off being a scene that would come to me in a dream. For example, in This Thing of Ours, it was the diner scene and with Trinity, it was a sex scene between Rhone and Jade in the woods. Inked started out as a project for women’s day that took a dark and gritty turn, but it’s such a beautiful story. With Devil’s Secretary, I just wanted the freedom writing about the devil gave me. Not really sure where my current project came from aside from me wondering what would happen if….
How and when did you begin writing?
I alluded to the third grade earlier, but it was actually a field trip to The Vanderbilt Estate that sparked my ten-page (typed) romance titled The Vanderbilt Affair. Don’t worry peeps, it was totally pg.
What is one of your favorite books by another author?
Anything and everything by TL Hodel. She’s the queen of the likeable butthole and I love her for that. Not to mention she’s a cool person.
Have you considered writing in other genres?
Honestly, no. Romance is my jam. That being said, I write across every subgenre of romance you can think of. Love to read it all and thus I will write it all.
What is your writing process? Do you need silence or music?
People are probably going to hate this, but for me, silence is golden. When my daughter is off for the summer, literally nothing gets done, it's terrible. A fun fact, though, I always start with the cover and title.
How long does it usually take you to write a book?
Depends on the length. I wrote a few shorter ones, like Devil’s Secretary, that I knocked out in a few weeks, but for the most part I put out a book about every three to four months.
Have you ever had the dreaded Writer’s Block?
Do not jinx me like that! Lol. Not yet.
Do you have pets?
We have a beloved old lady named Cody. She’s part greyhound and part black lab. Picture the coloring and hair of the lab with the body style of the greyhound. Needless to say, if she gets out, it requires me to drive around the hood with sliced cheese in the minivan cause the girl is fast even at twelve.
What is your favorite part of writing? Do you have favorite plots?
The creative part of seeing where the story takes me. I’m a complete pantser and have been known to shoot a character and call my mom like now what?
Anything new on the horizon?
I’m intrigued with the idea of subscriptions. I’d love reader input as I write.
Do you have anything that you absolutely need to have in order to write?
Other than a kid who doesn’t hover and say mom, mama, mother, every second like Stewie from Family Guy? Lol, no.
Could you tell me the heat rating of your books out of 5 flames?
Oh, gosh, definitely a 5.
Who is your main source of support for your writing? Mine is my husband and children.
My mom plays an integral part of the process because I call her every night and read what I’ve written. When the words are said out loud, you catch clunky sentences and things that don’t come off the way you want them to. After my mom, my daughter is my next biggest fan because she doesn’t hesitate to inform the grocery store clerk I write about smoochy love (her term). Then there’s the hubby, who prefers to stay in the background and tells me to keep writing because he feels like he could get behind a sugar mamma (he’s totally kidding, don’t send him hate mail).
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Romance readers rock and I hope you check out my stories and drop me a line to let me know what you think. Writer’s love knowing you connected with a character or that you thought the story line was creative. Believe it or not, it makes a difference to us. Some of my readers say the sweetest things that make me tear up, so don’t stop doing it!
Thank you for taking part in my Author Spotlight on my blog.
Check out Gladys books by clicking on the book cover below...
I had a fantastic weekend at the Ignite Your Soul author event! Check out my setup in the picture above...
On the way to the event I stopped at The Busholme, which proved to be a great decision. The food, staff, at atmosphere was fantastic!
I had fun, met new fans and authors, and would definitely do it all over again!
Today, lets read about author Shannon Stults! I am happy to have this talented writer featured here today. Shannon is a small-town Georgia girl who currently has five published books!
Thank you for joining us. Please tell me a little about yourself.
Thanks for having me! I’m a (somewhat) socially awkward author of adult and young-adult contemporary romance. I love to travel with my sister and have been to about half of the fifty states, but when I’m home in small-town Georgia, I’m usually either reading, snugging with my dog and cats, or catching up on my Netflix shows. And maybe a little writing when the mood strikes.
Could you let us in on what you’re working on now?
I’ve got my hand in a couple WIPs, the first of which is a YA series centered around four high school boys and childhood blood brothers as they each try to balance friendship and young love. I’m also knee deep in an adult series about three siblings whose parents left them at a young age.
Which of your stories is your favorite?
That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child. I will say that my first published book, Keeping Score from the Willow Creek series, holds an incredibly special place in my heart. It’s where my journey as an author started, and that story, those characters, will always be extra special to me. Not to mention it’s also just a super fun read full of adult pranks, an enemies-to-lovers rivalry, and a seriously swoon-worthy firefighter hero.
What’s your inspiration?
I’d say my inspiration mostly comes from books I read and shows I watch. I’ll see a certain trope or character dynamic and think, This is how I would do it. I’ve had a few ideas start from dreams I’ve had, and several have been extensions of random daydreams while I’m driving or working. My brain’s almost always cooking up something.
How and when did you begin writing?
I wrote my first book (absolute garbage, if I’m being honest) my freshman year of college while playing The Sims. This particular Sim I was playing at the time was a writer, and as she cranked out the pages on the game, the idea for the story she wrote came to me. It became so detailed and specific that at one point I just had to put down the game and pick up the pen and paper. A few months later I had my first completed manuscript and at least a dozen new ideas I couldn’t wait to get started on. Like I said, that first book was complete trash, but it was the first time I thought of myself as a writer.
What is one of your favorite books by another author?
Oh, there are so many routes I could take with this one. One of my favorite books of all time, or maybe I should say one of the most impactful, is A Tale of Two Cities. I love getting into the classics, and that Sydney Carton seriously tore me apart. More recent books? Anything by Cassandra Clare, Kasie West, Tessa Dare (I have eclectic tastes). But you only asked for one book so I think I’ll stop now before this whole thing runs off the rails.
Have you considered writing in other genres?
So far I’ve published adult and young-adult contemporary. I’ve written a few YA paranormal romances that, much like my first manuscript, sucked. At this moment, if I could write in any other genre, it’d have to be regency romance. I could read it all day, every day, but there’s so much historical research that has to go into it. I have so much respect for those authors. I just don’t know if I could do it myself.
What is your writing process? Do you need silence or music?
I’m the plotting type. Always have an outline, for the book and for each chapter in it, and I do it all handwritten in a spiral notebook. I write out each scene and chapter by hand before typing everything I’ve got up at the end of the week. When I’m writing by hand, there can be no sounds and no distractions. Same with when I’m editing. Otherwise, I just can’t get the flow right. But I’m not against having music or some show on in the background while I’m typing it all up.
How long does it usually take you to write a book?
The longest it’s taken me is about three years, though in my defense there was a pretty big hiatus in the middle there after writing the first half in only two weeks. The quickest I’ve written a draft, first page to last, was two months. The biggest factor for me there is whether or not there’s a deadline looming over my head.
Have you ever had the dreaded Writer’s Block?
It’s hard to say if what I get is the same Writer’s Block everyone is always talking about, but I do get stumped from time to time. In my experience, it always comes when I’m in the middle of a book and the scene I’m trying to write just doesn’t feel right. When that happens, it means there’s something that’s not working in the story up to that point and I just need to backtrack a little bit and fix it. Once I do, things usually start flowing pretty quickly again.
Do you have pets?
My sister and I have three cats—ironic since neither of us are really cat people—and I’m proud to say only one of them is evil. Turns out naming your black kitten Anakin Skywalker is a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy. He also happens to be my favorite when he’s not being a total jerk. There’s also my dog Dexter who is technically my mom’s (but everyone knows I’m favorite, teehee). My Instagram is absolutely riddled with his sweet face.
What is your favorite part of writing? Do you have favorite plots?
The outlining and planning is always the best part for me. Those initial moments when the ideas come to me for the first time and then I write it all down, more and more details that make it real and funny and sweet. Then there’s that Aha! moment as it all comes together. So much better than having to type it all up and get the wording just right. And a million times more fun than that dumb editing phase. Ugh.
Is anything new on the horizon?
I can’t share a lot of details, but one of my books has been optioned for film. There’s no guarantee the movie will happen since about a hundred tiny details would have to line up perfectly. But just knowing the possibility is there is easily one of the highlights of my career so far.
Do you have anything that you absolutely need to have in order to write?
Aside from total silence? Not really. I’m all for a comfy pair of pj's and a cushy spot on the sofa, but I wouldn’t say they’re required. If I’m in the right mindset and have a pen, I could write just about anywhere.
Could you tell me the heat rating of your books out of 5 flames?
I’d give most of my writing a 3 out of 5 flames. Not clean, but definitely not too spicy either. I do have one book, The Wedding Planner Playbook, that is a Hallmark-type read. Only 1 flame for those clean romance readers.
Who is your main source of support for your writing? Mine is my husband and children.
My parents are pretty supportive, though I’ve had the occasional “real job” conversation with them. But my biggest supporter would easily be my sister. She’s my best friend, my roommate, and my biggest fan. She reads every book, listens to every idea, and is always willing to help me work out a plot issue…which usually consists of her nodding while I talk my way through to a solution. I couldn’t have gotten where I am today without her.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
I’m always looking to add to my contacts in the writing and reading community. To see what I’ve been up to and stay updated on new books, find me on Instagram or Facebook (@shannonstultsauthor) or contact me on my website, www.ShannonStults.com, to get in touch.
Thank you for taking part in my Author Spotlight on my blog.
Welcome, Melinda! Can you start by telling us something about yourself?
I’m married to the same boy I had a crush on in the 4th grade. Our love story sounds just like a romance novel. One day I may try to give it justice.
I have 3 kids and an amazing family. I’m the youngest child with 3 brothers. No need for condolences though, they’re pretty cool … most of the time. Don’t tell them that though. I guarantee it will go to their heads.
I’m an extroverted introvert, I’m quiet if I don’t know you. I keep to myself and will have my head in a book whenever possible. If you’re a part of my inner circle, you just laughed at all of that except the part about having my head in a book.
I believe music and chocolate soothe the soul, and I’ve never met a dirty word I didn’t like to use.
Could you let us in on what you’re working on now?
Currently, I’m working on Fear Inc.: Volume Three to wrap up the Fear Inc. trilogy. This one has been a long time coming. It’s been a labor of love for sure.
Which of your stories is your favorite?
My favorite? Moon Awakened. Not only is it my first splash into the paranormal world of werewolves, but it’s also my first full length self-published novel. It was a great learning experience and let’s face it, Riley is H-O-T. I loved writing him.
What’s your inspiration?
The story lines come from everywhere. A song I hear, a phrase someone says, or for a specific example: I was watching the ID Channel (LOVE this channel) it was a story about a murder suspect who was an identical twin. They couldn’t say for certain which twin was guilty because the DNA was the same. I spun that around in to a mistaken identity/secret baby story in For Your Love.
As for characters, my husband is a huge inspiration. My heroes all have some quality he does or something that reminds me of him. He was definitely the “Alpha male who met his match”. I may or may not like to rub that in now and again.
How and when did you begin writing?
I began writing horrible horror stories when I was 12 years old. I had read IT by Stephen King and I knew I wanted to do when I grew up. My tastes in genre changed somewhat as I got older and discovered romance *swoon* and I started writing Happily Ever Afters. However, I didn’t get the nerve to submit anything to a publishing house until late 2016, and in 2017 my first story, For Your Love (then titled Until Eternity) was published.
What is one of your favorite books by another author?
The dreaded question of any voracious reader. There are SO many. How can I pick just one? How about a favorite out of my recently read pile. Give Me a Reason by A.L. Jackson. Single dad. Enemies to lovers. Listen, the feels….omg. If you haven’t read it, pick it up.
Have you considered writing in other genres?
I considered it (Thriller/Horror) but when it all boils down, I enjoy writing about love. This world is so ugly sometimes, I want to add some love and happiness even if it is in this one small way.
What is your writing process? Do you need silence or music?
I am a pantser and a linear writer. When I sit down to write I literally type Chapter One and begin with little to no notes. I know how I want them to start and where I think they will end.
I prefer to have music playing. However, any background noise will do.
Now when it comes to editing, I need Raisinets and more often than not, coffee.
How long does it usually take you to write a book?
It really does vary depending on the project. I have written a first draft in 30 days. I’ve had a first draft take 4 years.
Have you ever had the dreaded Writer’s Block?
Absolutely! The main reason one project took 4 years.
Do you have pets?
We do! 3 rescue puppies of all ages. All of them are hound mixes. Bobby (part Bassett) Finn (Bluetick/Cattle dog), and Emmylou (Norwegian Elkhound/Coonhound) I always have my eyes open looking for our next hound rescue.
What is your favorite part of writing? Do you have favorite plots?
My favorite part is creating a world/characters from nothing. It’s fun to see where my imagination takes me. Having readers fall in love with those stories is a close second though.
I tend to lean toward alpha heroes with big hearts and dirty minds. A few of my storylines have featured surprise pregnancies.
Anything new on the horizon?
After I finish up Fear 3, I’m jumping back into Alabaster City (Moon Awakened), and the Fitzgerald family. There are a few more siblings to explore.
Do you have anything that you absolutely need to have in order to write?
Only some time where no one asks me for anything. That can be hard to come by as a mom. It doesn’t matter how old they are.
Could you tell me the heat rating of your books out of 5 flames?
My books are open door. Even if there is only one actual sexy time, it’s 5 flames.
Who is your main source of support for your writing? Mine is my husband and children.
My whole family is incredibly supportive. My parents, brothers, and my kids all encourage and cheer me on.
However, my husband is my number one. Since we started dating, he’s gone to every event with me. He brainstorms with me when I’m stuck. Tells me when I’ve pushed myself too far and I need a break and is there to help with anything else I need.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure.
If you would like to find and follow Melissa on social media:
Website: www.melindavalentine.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@Author_
Instagram: http://instagram.com/Author.
Facebook: http://facebook.com/Author.
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/Author.
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Are you ready for a fun book with a couple of twists and turns?
The reviews for Shaw are starting to roll in and from what I can see, my readers are enjoying the surprises!
SNEAK ATTACK
A child shouldn't know the games adults play, but since Shaw's parents hadn't shielded him from their "proclivities" his take on love and intimacy was forever skewed.
Fast-forward to his life after being a Navy SEAL, and although he now has the time, Shaw still hasn't found a reason to engage in more than temporary arrangements.
When dangerous events unfold, somehow genuine feelings find their way through the cracks forming in Shaw's heart.
And for a man who believed he'd never have true love in his life, he finds an embarrassment of riches waiting for him with open arms.
Are you ready to have a read for yourself?
This month I want to share the following article, with a shout out to Jessica Hallet for a well-written piece! It's here: https://shopve...
