Friends & Lovers Trilogy Promo & Nook Giveaway

 To promote the release of the Friends & Lovers Trilogy, I am giving away a Nook, an autographed skin for the Nook, and an autographed paperback of Friends & Lovers. Enter through the Rafflecopter, and earn more chances to win by following everyone who is participating in the promo on Twitter!

 

Friends & Lovers is Make it Last, I Choose You, and Trust in Me, and includes a bonus ending for each couple.

 

Check out the Awesome cover by b design!

 

 

 

You can buy Friends & Lovers here:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

Now, on to the GIVEAWAY!!! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bethany Lopez

Friends & Lovers Trilogy/Stories About Melissa Series

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indie-licious blog hop - Indelible (6)

Happy Easter!

Today I am giving you another teaser from Indelible, my previously untitled WIP.

We are still in Judd's POV and this is the second meeting of him and Sam. This is a first draft and unedited, but I would love to hear what you think so far.  (Sorry Krystal, I try to keep them short, but sometimes I just can't! :))

Sam looked up and I saw the momentary confusion cross her face, before she recognized me from the bar. She schooled her features, so I couldn’t tell whether she was happy to see me or not.

“Hey,” she responded. Didn’t even crack a smile.

Not a good sign.

I pointed at the empty chair across from her.

“Do you mind if I sit?”

Sam shrugged a bit, I figured that was the best response I was going to get from her, so I took it.

I sat down and tried an open and friendly smile. Something to say,”Hey, I’m a good guy.” Which, of course, I’m not.

When she still didn’t say anything, I cleared my throat a bit and took an encouraging sip of my coffee, before trying again.

“So, I hope you weren’t offended the other night,” I began.

She looked at me blankly, so I continued, “You know… when James said that I’d been asking about you… You seemed to get mad, then left. I just wanted you to know that there was no hidden agenda on my part, I just thought you were hot and wanted to get to know more about you.”

Her cheeks turned pink at that, which I thought was hot as hell, and she finally responded.

“I wasn’t offended,” She said, cheeks still flushed. “I just wished that I’d heard that from you instead of James. At the time, it seemed like you were playing a game, and I don’t do games.”

I grinned, because I really liked her candor. In fact, I hadn’t seen anything about her to date that I didn’t like.

“I can appreciate that,” I replied. I didn’t like games either. “What do you say we start over?”

She smiled at that, finally, and I felt like I’d won a prize.

“Okay.”

I held my hand out over the table.

“Hi, I’m Judd.”

“Sam,” she replied simply.

“I think you’re hot, Sam,” I said honestly. “I’m not looking for a serious relationship, but I’d like to get to know you better. If that works for you, I’d love to take you out Friday night.”

She laughed and nodded slightly before responding.

“Luckily, I’m not looking for a serious relationship either, and I think you’re pretty hot yourself,” I couldn’t stop the shit-eating grin that spread across my face at that. “Let me see what I’ve got going on this weekend, and I’ll get back to you.”

“Okay, can I get your number?” I asked, reaching for my phone.

She shook her head and I looked at her, the confusion apparent on my face.

“I’m not ready to give you my number just yet, but I’ll be here again on Wednesday morning, I’ll let you know then.”

That said, she stood, smiling saucily as she gathered her things and walked towards the door.

Leaving me there, watching her walk away, and grinning like an idiot.

I was really beginning to dig this chick.

~

Stop by the other blogs participating in the hop:

http://indieliciousblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/teaser-sign-up-331.html?spref=fb

This is a Blog Hop!

---

1. Strong Novels	2. Book Obsession--Christie Rich
3. Andrea Heltsley Books	4. Krystal Wade
5. Sharp Words	6. Bethany Lopez
7. New Kids on the Writers Block	8. The World of Elle Chardou
9. M. R. Polish	10. RaverRantsandRaves

Five Questions with Anne Hargrove

Five Questions with Anne Hargrove


1. When you think of your favorite books, what is it that draws you to them and makes you want to read them over and over again?

    ~~ Oh man, I’m such a sucker for a great toe curling romance. I mean I love the ones where one of the characters is flawed in some way, and the other one swoops in and rocks the other’s world. But I also love it when the female characters are strong and self-sufficient too, and not simply waiting for a man to come in and save her.


2. Did you consciously decide to write the genre you write, or did it choose you?

~~ That’s an interesting question. When I first started writing, I wasn’t quite sure about the direction I wanted to take, other than romance. My daughter was in high school and enjoyed reading, but hated all the vampire and werewolf books (can you imagine, haha). So I decided on going the YA/NA route because of her, but I did the paranormal thing with a sci-fi twist. When I wrote my 3rd Guardians of Vesturon book, I introduced a character that almost stole the show and I knew I needed to write his story. He, however, was too old and completely inappropriate for YA/NA, so that was my first venture into the adult romance genre. After that book, I decided to venture into adult contemporary romance and since then I’ve written Edge of Disaster and Shattered Edge and I just completed Desperate Lengths, which will be published in April. I’m also working on my 4th and last Guardians of Vesturon book, which I hope to have out by June.


3. If you could sit down for a drink and a chat with any writer, who would it be, and why?

~~I would absolutely LOVE to get together with Michelle Leighton (I love you Michelle!), Samantha Young and Alice Clayton all at the same time. Even though I talk with Michelle and see her, I’ve never met Samantha or Alice and I admire all three of those talented women SO much. Since I’m focusing on adult contemporary romance right now, I would love to be a sponge and learn everything they could teach me about their sexy love scenes!

Another couple of women I would LOVE to get together with are Lila Felix and Shelly Crane. I also admire them for their amazing talent and brilliant works and would love to be a sponge around them too!


4. When you are not writing (or reading) what is your favorite pastime?

~~Is eating a pastime? Just kidding! I love to hike and snow ski, although after this past injury I’m not sure about the last one. I’ve decided I need to become a gymnast because doing the splits on skis is hazardous to your health! I also enjoy cooking (so the eating thing really wasn’t a joke, LOL...and shopping of course!


5. At what point were you sure that your book was ready to be published, and how did you go about making it happen?

~~I don’t think I’m sure yet! For me it was a matter of typing the words, “The End,” and then finding an editor. Seriously! And then, I knew I was going to self publish, so I spent hours on the internet and ended up buying H.P Mallory’s book and followed her recommendations. I also used Smashword’s recommendations. I totally did everything backwards though. I put my book up for sale and THEN I joined Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads,etc. What a dummy I was. I was completely clueless on all this stuff. At the beginning though, you feel as though your brain is getting bombarded by so much information that you don’t know what’s important and what’s not. It was overwhelming. I did what I could and then hoped for the best. I’m still trying to juggle it all and I never know what works and what doesn’t. It’s a massive puzzle to me! I think it would be totally awesome if there were a way for someone to tell me, “Annie, this is what you need to do. One, do this. Two, do that. And so on.” That is exactly what I need! One thing I do know is that now there is not enough time in the day to accomplish everything that I need to get done.


Thanks SO much Bethany for inviting me to drop by today. It’s been fun chatting with you!

Release of A Different Blue by Amy Harmon

Title:  A Different Blue

Release Date:  March 29

 

Synopsis: 

Blue Echohawk doesn't know who she is.  She doesn't know her real name or when she was born.  Abandoned at two and raised by a drifter, she didn't attend school until she was ten years old.  At nineteen, when most kids her age are attending college or moving on in life, she is just a senior in high school.   With no mother, no father, no faith, and no future, Blue Echohawk is a difficult student, to say the least. Tough, hard and overtly sexy, she is the complete opposite of the young British teacher who decides he is up for the challenge, and takes the troublemaker under his wing.

 

This is the story of a nobody who becomes somebody.  It is the story of an unlikely friendship, where hope fosters healing and redemption becomes love.  But falling in love can be hard when you don't know who you are.  Falling in love with someone who knows exactly who they are and exactly why they can't love you back might be impossible.

 

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

www.facebook.com/authoramyharmon

www.authoramyharmon.com

giveaway

 

 

 

Five Questions with Katella Stegmann

Five Questions with Katella Stegmann


1) When you think of your favorite books, what is it that draws you to them and makes you want to read them over and over again?

Heart and soul. You can tell when someone has sweat blood into their stories, and someone who is just writing to try and gain a quick buck. Character development is huge. If I don’t care about the characters, I don’t care about what happens to them. I also like authors who don’t rely solely on romance to sell a story. There are other aspects that are equally important in a well rounded novel. Depth can make or break a book for me. Life is a balance between sacrifice and love. As a reader, I think it’s important for the author to make me question why I feel the things I feel. If a book makes me cry (in a negative or a positive light), you can bet I’ll read it again. I’ll also reread something if it makes me laugh. Humor is a must have.


2) Did you consciously decide to write the genre you write, or did it choose you?

Considering I’m eternally twelve years old and still laugh at childish and inappropriate things I’d say YA is my perfect match. I’m completely juvenile. We were just meant to be, like sweatpants and Sundays.


3) If you could sit down for a drink and a chat with any writer, who would it be, and why?

Dr. Seuss, because I think it would be a hoot to have an entire conversation that rhymes. “Would you like a shot of booze? Would you like to dance, then snooze? Would you like a glass of rum? Would you like your teeth to go numb?” Or Victor Hugo, because the heart he brought to his stories…I only dream of accomplishing the soul he put into his characters. And I won’t name names, but I can also think of a certain mainstream YA supernatural writer I’d like to sit down and smack with a newspaper and tell her, “No. That’s a bad author. Stop. Just stop.” I might get arrested for assault, but it would be worth it. I dislike poor quality writing being recognized over some of the incredible talent I’ve seen that goes virtually unnoticed. I know so many talented indie authors. I will always support indie over mainstream. Always.


4) When you are not writing (or reading) what is your favorite pastime?

I like to sing Broadway musicals in the shower. Does that count as a pastime? My current obsession is Les Misérables. Thank you, Victor Hugo. I was also singing RENT with one of my coworkers in surgery earlier today. The dog that was waking up from anesthesia looked at us like we were nuts. There’s just something about musicals that jacks me up.


5) At what point were you sure that your book was ready to be published, and how did you go about making it happen?

I edited to the point of exhaustion. Honestly, I was never ready. I just had to shut my neurotic brain up and completely clear my mind of my fears of sharing my writing in the public eye. I was like, “You’ve jumped out of a plane, but you can’t publish your books? Girl, you’ve got to chill. There are people out there fighting for your country, risking their lives every day. This is NOT that scary. Stop being a wussy and just go for it.” I give myself very rousing pep-talks. It’s an advantage of growing up as an only child. I entertained myself, which ironically helps me as a writer.

My God, I’ve rambled way too long. I’ll let you get back to your regularly scheduled internet distraction now. Thanks Bethany, for letting me talk your ear off with my senseless drivel. You’re a gem for asking such thought provoking questions.

Five Questions with Elle Chardou

Five Questions with Elle Chardou

 1. When you think of your favorite books, what is it that draws you to them and makes you want to read them over and over again?

There is just something about my favorite books that draws me into them and keeps my interest. I love Stephen King, Anne Rice, VC Andrews and so many of the old school authors because there was a hook at the beginning and before you knew it, they had you.

Two of my favorite novels of all time The Dome and The Stand (Unabridged version) both by Stephen King. Both started out simple enough but throughout the novel, King had a way of drawing you into his world and bonding you with his characters and making them feel very real like they were your next-door neighbors.


2. Did you consciously decide to write the genre you write, or did it choose you?

My genre chose me. Never in a million years did I think I would write romance but I started out in paranormal romance and then this was followed by contemporary romance with strong female themes and also romance known as New Adult.

Even though I write romance, I still try to challenge the reader and I have to work on that. I would like to be a more emotional writer and less intellectual writer. With Only Love, I think I balanced this but I still have a way to go and improve on my craft. I never want to stop learning!

3. If you could sit down for a drink and a chat with any writer, who would it be, and why?

Without a doubt, Stephen King. I think he is absolutely brilliant and he would be the only reason I would ever want to live in Maine. I really do respect he has a career that spans longer than my lifetime and although I would be the first to tell you I couldn’t read him when I was younger, I love his books now. It would be an evening of seafood and picking his brain about what makes his tick!

4. When you are not writing (or reading) what is your favorite pastime?

 My favorite past time is traveling. I love to see new places and visit new countries. So far, I have been to Canada, England, Scotland, France, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, the and the Netherlands. I have a friend who lives in both Denmark and Norway so I would love to go see her and France is, by far, one of my most favorite countries on earth!


5. At what point were you sure that your book was ready to be published, and how did you go about making it happen?

I have been self publishing for almost two years so when my first book came out, it was not ready for prime time. It wasn’t until I released my first book after this one (a paranormal romance that morphed from Death Wish to Mortal Death), I met a competent editor. We get one another and usually the process is plow through the novel, proofread and self-edit and then send it to my editor where it goes through three rounds of editing before it is uploaded.

I want people to enjoy my novels and focus on the plot, not the typos and awkward sentences.

Only Love Blurb

 

After an explosive secret is revealed, Deirdreleaves her life in Seattle behind and starts anew in La Jolla. However, shedidn't anticipate having the dashing "sex on a stick" neighbor in theform of Drake O'Connell. He's sexy, self-depreciating and a chef for one of themost popular restaurants in the city.

 

However everyone has secrets and as Deidre and Drakebecome closer, her old life catches up with her. Soon, Colin, her formerfiancé, is living in the same city and pushing Deirdre to make a decision.While she finds herself falling for Drake yet still not letting go of what sheand Colin had together, she must come to her own conclusions and in the end,someone will get hurt in the process.

 

When life is love and love is pain, and the wholeworld is various shades of gray, Deirdre gains strength in realizing she mustdo what is right for her and the future she desperately wants while trying tocome to terms with a past she would rather forget.

 

Buy Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Smashwords

All Romance

 

Contact Information

 

Blog: The World of Elle Chardou:http://thebeautifulpeopleawritersjourney.blogspot.com.

Join Ms. Chardou’s MailingList for early notification of New Books HERE!

Follow Elle Chardouon Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/dblanchbenz007

Like Elle Chardou onFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Elle.Chardou

If you would like to email me, I can be reached at: ellechardou@gmail.com

 

 

Biography

 

Elle Chardou is a world traveler and author of several different series.

Ms. Chardou is the author of The Ties That Bind Trilogy,The Atonement Series, The Hart Family Saga, The Vamp Saga, The Supernaturals, Beginnings: Book I (The Plague) series.

She is currently working on A Summer to Remember from the new Seasons of Love & Lustseries, Only Time from The Atonement series and Indecent Behavior, which part of the newExploitation of Love series

Ms. Chardou has lived abroad in Stockholm (Sweden), Manchester (England), Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Portland. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Five Questions with Rebecca Rynecki

Five Questions with Rebecca Rynecki


1. When you think of your favorite books, what is it that draws you to them and makes you want to read them over and over again? 

The adventure, the fantasy, the romance. Falling in love with the characters and watching them fall in love again and again.


2. Did you consciously decide to write the genre you write, or did it choose you?

It definitely chose me. I started out just wanting to do a plain old epic fantasy, and it turned out to be more of a romance with fantastical elements. The characters really drove it in that direction.

3. If you could sit down for a drink and a chat with any writer, who would it be, and why?

Well, she's unfortunately no longer alive, but definitely Marion Zimmer Bradley. Her books were my teen years. I inhaled everything by her. I would just want to listen to her talk about her characters, her research...I would be in geek heaven!

4. When you are not writing (or reading) what is your favorite pastime?

Does running through the woods and fields count? 'Cause I'm all about doing that when the weather is nice.

5. At what point were you sure that your book was ready to be published, and how did you go about making it happen?

It took a very long time with the first book. This story had been in my head since I was 12 and it took till I was 28 before I could really work on fleshing it out, and actually giving it to beta readers and editors. After I got a positive response on it, I spoke to other self published authors after I read some amazing self pubbed ones, and they pointed me in the right direction. It was a lot of hard work, but every time one person says to me that my book made them laugh or they're in love with Gabriel...I know it's worth it.

https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRyneckiAuthor

https://twitter.com/BeccaRBooks
http://rebeccaryneckithequestsandperils.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/rebeccarynecki/

Five Questions with Jennifer Snyder

Five Questions with Jennifer Snyder



 1. When you think of your favorite books, what is it that draws you to them and makes you want to read them over and over again?

The depth of the characters. The emotions displayed within the pages. Sometimes even just a truly funny scene or a witty comeback line.

2. Did you consciously decide to write the genre you write, or did it choose you?

It definitely chose me. All of the genres I write in chose me. I like it that way though! ;)

 3. If you could sit down for a drink and a chat with any writer, who would it be, and why?

I have become a big fan of Abbi Glines…so I’d have to go with her! I love each of her novels for different reasons. I follow her on Facebook and Twitter (sounds stalkerish, don’t you think?) and think she’d just be a blast to hang out with!

4. When you are not writing (or reading) what is your favorite pastime?

Spending time with my two kidos. I can be found having hulu-hoop contests to see who can go the longest (I’m the champ of the household BTW), drawing with sidewalk chalk, playing board games, dressing up Barbie for her date with Ken, and even helping to catch a cricket or two.

5. At what point where you sure that your book was ready to be published, and how did you go about making it happen?

I just knew. I know that’s a crappy answer, but it’s the truth. Shattered Soul was my debut novel and I just knew it was the one to put out. It was the novel in which I finally found my ‘voice’ as an author. Finding your voice is a very big thing, it helps your characters seem realistic, easier to relate to, and gives your story a level of depth. Something just clicked into place with Shattered Soul and for that I am grateful.

I attempted to query for a little while, but got no bites and absolutely no feedback. My husband bought me a kindle for Christmas in 2010 and I stumbled upon Amanda Hocking. I read a few of her books and went to her blog to learn more about her…and that was when my eyes were opened to a whole new world—Self Publishing. I read every book I could get my hands on about Self Publishing, scoured the internet, and hired myself an editor. On May 14th of 2011 I took the plunge! I don’t regret the way that I went for even a second. Becoming a Self Published/Indie Author has been, for me personally, one of the best decisions in my life. I’ve met some wonderful readers, bloggers, and absolutely amazing authors I otherwise wouldn’t have along the way. I’ve also been able to work from my home while still being there for my children during sickness and school events. THANK YOU READERS! Had to have that shout out! ;)

 

Author Bio:


Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing new adult and young adult fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is a tea lover with an obsession for Post-it notes and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.


Social Media Links:

Blog: http://jennifersnydersblog.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jennsnyder04

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/760553.Jennifer_Snyder

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

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Snyder/e/B00529EAJ6

Five Questions with Karli Rush

Five Questions with Karli Rush

1. When you think of your favorite books, what is it that draws you to them and makes you want to read them over and over again?

I have always been captured by authors that make me feel. Really feel. A book that evokes strong emotions will keep me reading. I may not even like the outcome, but will still love the book because of the emotional escapades I encountered. Making me feel is the definite key.

2. Did you consciously decide to write the genre you write, or did it choose you?

Almost all my books come to me in dreams, so I would say that the current genre I write in chose me, which is paranormal romance. I find it interesting that this year it will change. I have a couple of books that will be out in the next few months, but later this year I have a contemporary romance that is calling to me.

3. If you could sit down for a drink and a chat with any writer, who would it be, and why?

Edgar Allen Poe. He was able to capture so much into so few words that I would love to chat with him and find out anything I could about his writing.

4. When you are not writing (or reading) what is your favorite pastime?

Walking barefoot through haunted hotels, okay, that is not a pastime but I did do that last weekend. I would say that getting into nature, usually mountain biking or hiking with my family is how I spend my off time.

5. At what point were you sure that your book was ready to be published, and how did you go about making it happen?

I never think my books are totally 100% ready. I always feel that I can improve them somehow, but if I didn’t bite the bullet then I would not have published. I am an Indie Author. I do it all myself, from writing, editing, formatting, creating my book covers, and promoting. I publish on Amazon and CreateSpace for the printed version. I sometimes also publish on Smashwords so that my distribution gets more exposure on sites like Barnes and Nobles, Sony, and many others. It is a full time job, but I still do it all in PJ’s and love it!

 

 

Amazon Author link - http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=karli+rush

 

 

 

Indie-licious Blog Hop ~ Untitled (5)

Happy Sunday! Time for another Indie-licious Blog Hop. I'm going to give you another snippet from my current WIP, tentatively titled: Indelible (Thanks to Christie Rich for the suggestion).
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the title, and the teaser!

Judd's POV

I pushed through my last set, grunting as I lifted the weights over my head. Tuck, the guy I worked out with every morning, and one guys on the team that I was cool with, spotted me from above.

“How was the bar Saturday night?” Tuck asked as I struggled to catch my breath.

 I swigged some water and wiped the sweat from my brow before answering. “Alright,” I responded. “Caught a couple good games.”

 Tuck was the blonde All-American preppy type, but I didn’t hold it against him. He was quick on third and could run faster than most, plus he was always up for a good time.

 “Any hot chicks?” He asked, positioning himself on the bench.

“There was one that had a great ass, but nothin’ much happened there” I said, drinking more water to try and sooth my burning throat.

“Couldn’t close?” Tuck mocked with a raised eyebrow and a shit-eating grin.

 “Shit,” I grinned back at him. “I can close any day of the week. I was just laying the groundwork.”

 Thanks for stopping by!

Stop by the other participating blogs to check out their teasers!

http://indieliciousblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/teaser-sign-up.html?spref=fb


This is a Blog Hop!

---

1. Andrea Heltsley Books	2. Krystal Wade
3. New Kids on the Writers Block	4. Bethany Lopez
5. The Beautiful People: A Writers Journey	6. Rebecca Rynecki
7. Erin Danzer, YA Author 8. Book Obsession--Christie Rich 9. Elizabeth Sharp

Andrea Heltsley's Giant March Giveaway

It's time for the giant March giveaway!!!

Score!!!

 

Andrea Heltsley has some awesome prizes in this giveaway.  She is offering signed books for two lucky winners and tons of awesome swag!!!  Some of the swag is even signed by your favorite authors!  This is your chance to land stuff from some of the best indie authors in the industry!

So go ahead, enter the giveaway.  You know you want to.

Here is a list of participating authors in no particular order:

Jessica Sorensen

Andrea Heltsley

Shelly Crane

Bethany Lopez

Amy Miles

Lisa Collicutt

Bailey Ardisone

Nikki Jefford

Georgia Cates

Devyn Dawson

Taryn Browning

Miranda Kavi

Krystal Wade

Amy Bartol

Heather London

Alyssa Rose Ivy

M.R. Polish

Jennifer L. Armentrout

Devon Ashley

Sophie Davis

Nichole Chase

Christie Rich

Heather Hildenbrand

A.M. Hargrove

Quinn Loftis

Megan Duncan

Cambria Hebert

Rebecca Rynecki

Michelle Muto

Lila Felix

C.A. Kunz

Emma Michaels

Addison Moore

Angeline Kace

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://andreaheltsley.blogspot.com
https://www. twitter.com/andreaheltsley
http://www. facebook.com/andreaheltsley
http://pinterest.com/aheltsley/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5766043.Andrea_Heltsley

Five Questions with Sheri Fink

Five Questions with Sheri Fink


Sheri Fink is a #1 international best-selling, award-winning children’s author, the creator of “The Whimsical World of Sheri Fink” children’s brand, and an international speaker. She writes books that inspire and delight children while planting the seeds of self-esteem that can have lifelong benefit. Her books, The Little Rose, The Little Gnome, Exploring the Garden with the Little Rose, and The Little Firefly are all Amazon best-sellers.


1. When you think of your favorite books, what is it that draws you to them and makes you want to read them over and over again?

I love books that immediately immerse me into their worlds and won’t let me go … the kind of books that you don’t even want to put down to go to the bathroom. For me, it’s a combination of the storytelling style, compelling characters, and interesting plots.

2. Did you consciously decide to write the genre you write, or did it choose you?

When I initially wrote The Little Rose, I didn’t know what it was. It just flowed through me at a time when I most needed its message. It wasn’t until a year later that I realized it might be a children’s story. My genre chose me.

3. If you could sit down for a drink and a chat with any writer, who would it be, and why?

I would love to sit down with J.K. Rowling. Before I read the first Harry Potter book, it had been a long time since I stayed up all night reading a book because I just had to know what happened. I was in grad school at the time and wasn’t reading a lot of fiction for fun. I love that J.K. Rowling’s books and her characters are so full of heart. Reading her series and hearing her inspiring personal story really moved me and enabled me to see new possibilities for my writing. It would be amazing to chat with her about her creativity and her writing process.

4. When you are not writing (or reading) what is your favorite pastime?

I love spending time with friends who inspire me. I crave connection with people who are making a difference in the world. I treasure the moments I spend with them talking about our dreams, helping each other overcome limitations, and celebrating our successes.

5. At what point were you sure that your book was ready to be published, and how did you go about making it happen?

I was sure my book was ready to be published once it had been edited, read and enthusiastically approved by 20 beta readers, and felt finished. I decided to independently publish my books after asking successful authors how they did it. Two weeks after I released The Little Rose, it was a #1 best-seller on Amazon and it remained at #1 for over 60 weeks. I’m so glad that I had the courage and persistence to achieve my goal. It has truly transformed my life and I’m so grateful.


Sheri’s newest book is The Little Firefly. This is an enchanting tale about a late-blooming firefly who can’t wait to be all grown up. When all the other fireflies are glowing except for the Little Firefly, she discovers that true friends will love and support her just the way she is.

This charming story helps kids learn about unconditional love, friendship, and acceptance. The Little Firefly will retail for $24.95 and is available now on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Little-Firefly-Sheri-Fink/dp/0983408963/

Discover more about Sheri Fink and her books at: www.WhimsicalWorldofSheriFink.com and become a Fan at: http://www.facebook.com/sherifinkfan.

Five Questions with Bailey Ardisone

Five Questions with Bailey Ardisone

 

1.     When you think of your favorite books, what is it that draws you to them and makes you want to read them over and over again?

 

Bailey: I love books that really draw you into that world and makes you forget about everything else. You want to fall in love with all the characters, even the secondary ones. The ending is very important, you have to make sure you fit everything together, tie up all the loose ends and of course, I love happy endings!

Ardisone: Unexpected love and intrigue. I really enjoy reading about a girl who isn't expecting a guy to be interested in her but then she finds out later that he is. Love it!

2.     Did you consciously decide to write the genre you write, or did it choose you?

 

Bailey: I have always loved fantasy. When I knew I wanted to write a book, I definitely wanted my first one to be fantasy.

Ardisone: I consciously chose to write Young Adult Fantasy because I think mentally I prefer to think young and immature LOL Who wants to grow up??

3.     If you could sit down for a drink and a chat with any writer, who would it be, and why?

Bailey: If he were alive today, I would have to say J.R.R. Tolkien. I would love to hear his thoughts about creating middle earth. He didn’t just write a book, he created a whole world. He created past and future stories, the history of middle earth. I would love to talk to him about his inspiration behind his ideas.

Ardisone: Rachel Higginson, because she is my hero. She seems like such an awesome person to get to know and have as a friend. Also, Jane Austen because I just love all her books!

4.     When you are not writing (or reading) what is your favorite pastime?

Bailey: Watching movies, listening to music, and I am always day-dreaming.

Ardisone: Sleeping. Or watching Lord of The Rings. Or drawing =)

5.     At what point were you sure that your book was ready to be published, and how did you go about making it happen?

 

Bailey: After my sister and I completely finished writing, we read it over and both discussed what needed to be fixed. Once we were done and decided we were happy with it, we self published and haven’t looked back!

Ardisone: I just knew. It was time. We started writing Sweet Oblivion in November, 2011 and then took a long break because life got in the way. Finally, when fall 2012 came I knew it had been long enough and it was time to step it up into high gear and get it published. We worked non-stop to get it done and finally published on December 30th, 2012; over a year later from when we started.