#Booksarenotfree

January 11, 2017 gibbsdream15 Comments

There is a growing trend in society to believe that books should be free or heavily discounted and we have all been guilty of feeding into it. I pick up freebies but I am also happy to pay for the books I want. Maybe I can’t get all the ones I want but hey isn’t that just life? I see lots of clothes I like and I might be able to pick up a new dress for a special occasion or a new pair of jeans because my old ones have holes in where no self-respecting forty-something wants holes but I can’t buy every item that my heart desires. Certainly not on my non-existent income as an author. Just as well I have a full-time job that stops me from being a starving artist languishing in a garret with only bread and water to sustain me. My day-time job takes up a huge portion of my week and often leaves me drained but from somewhere I have to find the time for my passion which is writing. My dream would be my writing to take off and be able to write full-time but alas that can’t be at the moment.

Everyone of us has had people who ask for a free copy, I’d like to quote my friend and fellow author Chris Turnbull “erm No! There is no such thing as a free copy…even I don’t get a free copy and it’s my book.”

We do have a free copy on our computers, sure and we can send it to our Kindle device but if we want a print copy of our book, we have to pay – the proof copy isn’t even free. But let me tell you a bit more about what we’ve paid for: A beautiful cover, a feast to the eye, to tempt you, an editor to shape our words and spot mistakes and inconsistencies. And let’s be clear on this my editor and cover designer, both wonderful women who are also authors won’t accept it if I ask them to provide their services for free–which I wouldn’t do. Some people pay for marketing and do promotional giveaways.

I have three novelettes on the market at the moment and a pending novel (having the red pen treatment). A novelette is small, doesn’t require the same time frame to write it but I still used my time and I still paid for the above items. Yesterday was the two-year anniversary of my first novelette ‘As Dreams are Made on.’ Based only on the cover and editing alone I have lost £36.00 on it. So to recap, two years on and with 104 kindle sales and 16 paperback copies I am still in the red. I haven’t set my price high 0.99p/c because it is a short read. An hour or so of entertainment for under £1.00/$1.00 but still people want it for free. You could argue that if they like it they might buy one of my other books and yes that is true but lets also go back to the earlier paragraph where I acknowledged that I can’t buy all the books or clothes I like. So maybe it would generate sales–but maybe not.

Books aren’t just entertainment they are often an escape from reality –a reality that many people find challenging so given the duality of the product why do we question its value?

I’ve got an experiment for you to try (I won’t do it myself as I previously mentioned my busy schedule 🙂 )

Walk in to or phone your hairdresser and ask them if they will give you a free haircut.

Ring your garage next time your car needs a service or MOT and ask them to do it for free

Who loves having their nails done? Manicure? Pedicure? Facial? Let’s see about this freebie

The list is endless.
I would love to hear back from anyone who gets a freebie. Good luck and happy hunting.

But for this author who works endlessly and pays for the services I receive the only freebies I will consider are those that I choose to give for a promotional event which will require your participation.

For anyone who believes that authors should be paid for their work please leave a comment in support and it you are so inclined please share it with the hashtag #Booksarenotfree let’s get it trending.

If you are interested in my books follow the links:

US: https://www.amazon.com/Maria-Gibbs/e/B00SDDJV1U/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maria-Gibbs/e/B00SDDJV1U/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

If you want to know more about my books have a look at the other pages on this website. You can even see the reviews that I have left for the books I’ve read recently.

Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Attending Author: Nicola C. Priest

January 11, 2017January 10, 2017 gibbsdreamLeave a comment

Can we start with your name and where you’re from?
I write under my given name, Nicola C. Priest, but people tend to call me Nicky. Midlands girl, born & bred.
Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?
Completely true. When I was younger, I used to love reading Stephen King and James Patterson, mainly because my mom loved to read those authors so I picked up her books, but now I’m predominantly a romance girl and love to read Nicole Edwards and Kristy Bromberg
What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?
Most of my books are contemporary romance, but one of my in progress books, Perception, leans towards the Crime genre, with a touch of romance thrown in.
If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?
Just one character? Don’t think I could do that, but Id happily take all seven of the Walker Brothers from Nicole Edwards’ Alluring Indulgence series. Seven hot, sexy cowboys; what’s not to love there?
When did you first start writing?
I’ve loved writing since I was in school. Our creative writing classes were always my favourite. I started writing fanfiction based on various TV shows but it wasn’t until a certain trilogy came out that I decided to have a go at writing something original. I figured if she could do it, then so could I.
Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?
I do plan to some degree, but I tend to just write and go where the characters take me. I never know how a story is going to end until I get there. Two of the books I’ve released ended in completely different ways to what I originally envisioned.
Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)
Tough one, but I’d have to say Jackson MacKenzie out of Somewhere Love Remains. I won’t go into details, but there are parts of that book that mean a lot to me and I’ll leave it there.
Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?
Somewhere Love Remains. I had an armed forces penpal back when I was a teenager.
Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?
Yes. I’m working on the sequel to Heart & Soul, called Mind & Soul which has a couple of twists people won’t see coming. The second I’m working on is Perception, which is a little different to what I usually write.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?
Just write. I’m a firm believer that everyone has at least one book inside them, but you won’t get anywhere unless you write. All the editing and formatting comes after, just get the words on the paper and the rest will follow.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I work full time as a financial services contractor so that takes up most of my day. When I’m not working or writing, I go to the gym and catch up on my reading list.
What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?
Definitely the marketing. Getting a new book out there is hard and I hate pestering people or posting repeatedly on pages/groups. I know how it makes me feel seeing the same post over and over, but then I remember that this person is trying to do the same things as me, they’re just being a bit more forward lol
We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?
I hate it when people assume that just because I have a book on Amazon, I must be raking in the cash. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve heard “You’re an author? You must be loaded” or words to that effect. I wish I was loaded, but as most of us indie authors can attest, that’s just not the case
What is your idea of happiness?
Being able to give up my full-time job so that I can write for a living instead. I’d love to be able to earn my living as an author.
For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.
For me it would have to be a log cabin in the middle of nowhere, with an open log fire and huge armchair. I’d have a glass of my favourite wine next to me with the fire roaring, warming the room and casting a soft glow over the furnishings. I’d have my Macbook on my lap and just let the words flow.
What makes you laugh/cry?
I’m a big softie. Anything that my nieces and nephews achieve always has me in tears, and they’re not even m kids! My niece recently took park in the Children in Need choir which was televised and when I caught a glimpse of her on the TV I teared up. I’m a sucker for sappy movies too.
You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature. Hmmmmm. I think I’d take the inspirations behind my leading men. Henry Cavill inspired Alistair Lockwood; there’s just something about him and I could look at him all day. That man can wear a suit like no other. Canadian actor Yannick Bisson inspired Jason Harper, again, very easy on the eyes, but also a fantastic cook so he’d be able to keep all of out energies up. The last one, and I’m not giving a name here as it’s personal, is the inspiration for Jackson MacKenzie. He’s a good friend of mine and has helped me through some tough time. I wouldn’t be without him in my life.
What is your most annoying habit?
I’m the queen of the saying “I’ll do it in a minute.” It drives my husband mad as whatever it is never gets done and he ends up doing it himself. My memory is terrible so unless I do something there and then, I completely forget about it.
Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)
I have three books out at the moment: Heart & Soul is part one in the Heartland series. You have Alistair Lockwood, Hollywood moviestar and heartthrob, you meets clerical assistant Samantha Westfield during a meeting. There’s an instant attraction, but both have dark secrets that they want to keep hidden.

Somewhere Love Remains tells the tale of Olivia and Jackson, two people who connect when Olivia places an advert for an armed forces penpal. Throughout the years Olivia falls for Jackson, but he falls for someone else and they lose touch. Jump to 14 years later and a chance encounter has them reconnecting, but they’re both different to what the other remembers.

Chase the Knight is a novella you can read in 45 minutes. Abigail’s life is threatened by her dad’s shady work dealings so he hires Alexander Chase, and undercover cop, to protect her. Can’t really say much more without giving it away.

Mind and Soul & Perception are currently in progress. Mind & Soul carries on six weeks after Heart & Soul ended with Alistair and Samantna trying to move on with their lives. Perception is a little different to the other books in that it is a crime book where several girls have gone missing, with two turning up later, apparently murdered.

Lightning round
Tea or Coffee? Tea
Cash or credit? Cash
Cats or Dogs? Cats
Beach or Mountain? Beach
Summer or Winter? Summer
Sweet or Savoury? Savoury
Early riser or late riser? Late Riser
Morning or Night? Night
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Real
Sex – Lights on or off? Both

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nicola-C.-Priest/e/B00GW2VPUE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1484058652&sr=1-1

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

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NicolaCPAuthor

Website: https://www.nicolacpriest.co.uk

Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Attending Author: Laura Morgan

January 10, 2017January 9, 2017 gibbsdreamLeave a comment

1.Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

I’m Laura Morgan, originally from Essex but I now live in the West Midlands.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

Oh absolutely. I love reading anything dark and powerful. I found there was a real gap in that market a few years ago and that was what inspired me to write my first dark novel. They say if you can’t read the book you’re trying to find, then you have to write it, and that’s exactly what I did!

I do have a few big influences though. JR Ward is one of my all time favourites, as is Pepper Winters and Colleen Hoover.

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I’m one who crosses over. I have a dark paranormal series, a contemporary romance duology and a crime novel coming out soon. I also write dystopian science fiction under another pen name too. I just write what comes to me, regardless of genre.

4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

I’d have to say Rhage from the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I’ve always had a thing for the bad guy with a heart and he was the one character who stayed with me long after reading about him. I’d love to take him and make him my own. To pop him in my worlds and see what happens!

5. When did you first start writing?

I’ve always made up stories since being a child, but I only started properly writing them down around four years ago. I hadn’t even realised that coming up with stories in my head wasn’t what everyone did. I figured it was the norm to conjure up characters and storylines, but got the shock of my life when I realised that wasn’t quite the case. That realisation gave the push I needed to finally put pen to paper.

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

Both really. I plan some, usually at night while I tell myself a story to fall asleep. Then the next day, I type up what I came up with and then some more.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

My favourite character has to be Cate, the Dark Queen in my Black Rose series. She’s dealt some pretty bad cards in the first book and is pushed in directions she doesn’t want to be, but then she finds her strength and turns it all around. She becomes a force to be reckoned with and I absolutely love her for every moment of it.

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

Not really. There are a few real moments I have added along the way. Secret scenes only those who know me really well will spot, but most of all I will see a real-life scenario and ask ‘what if?’ That’s what makes it into the story rather than a real event as such.

9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’m about to release a new story called Rough Love. This one is a modern day tale of both the good and bad in our world. A world where love can conquer all, but at the same time the monsters can also win a few of the battles along the way. It’s a contemporary crime with elements of romance, but fundamentally it’s a mystery and a dark one at that!

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Don’t get too swallowed up in sweating the small stuff. Just sit down and write. Blurt out an initial draft and don’t give up. It’s better to have a rough draft you can work on a million times than nothing at all.

11.What do you do when you’re not writing?

I love to sing and am part of the Military Wives Choir, through which I’ve had some great opportunities to sing with famous artists and even go on the radio with the amazing Chris Evans. I’ve written poems and songs for them as well and hope to have even more input as time goes on. It’s something I hadn’t thought I’d love so much when I started out doing but now couldn’t live without!

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

The marketing. I’m too nice and don’t like to bombard people or shove my cards under anyone’s nose I find. I’m awkward like that, but I guess it comes with the territory or being a loner who sits in front of a computer for hours on end talking to imaginary people lol!

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

Because I write romance, the amount of people who tell me random stories about their lovelife is unreal! But then they almost always follow up their story with a, ‘but don’t put that in your book!’ Really?! I think you fail to comprehend the complexity of the writers’ imagination if you think I’m going to put you in my next book 😉

14. What is your idea of happiness?

Being able to write and do what I love for the foreseeable future. I truly love what I do and would adore being able to write full time. My family are incredibly supportive and it’d also be amazing not to have to sacrifice my family time so much.

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

I love to sit down in my nice and warm writing cave with my coffee brewed to perfection and perhaps a biscuit or two for dunking. Next, it’s on with the writing playlist and I choose whichever one ties in with my current piece of writing. With (ideally) no distractions, I then close my eyes, focus on the story, and begin to type. The words are then not simply black and white symbols on a page, but the narration of the movie playing out in my head. They flow perfectly and only stop when I say so…

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

I’m a sucker for love. I cry at the sweetest of stories and the heart-warming ones. Laughing wise, I’m like a twelve year old. A good fart joke or someone falling over will get me giggling every single time!

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

I’ve got a serious fan-girl situation going on with a singer/writer called Corey Taylor so he’d be first on my list for shooting the breeze, singing together and having some fun (he also comes across as a hilarious guy.) After that, I’d have to go with some eye candy—the one and only Tom Hardy. He’s a great actor and has been the inspiration behind many of my leading men so he’d have to come along to keep on inspiring me 😉 Then, I’m thinking some more eye candy and my other inspiration, Henry Cavill. He seems so nice and gentlemanly, but also like he’d fun and perhaps let me ogle him while he’s swimming and hunting 😉

18. What is your most annoying habit?

I don’t think I have one really? My hubby might tell you differently though, but I do know I can be quite annoying with grinding my teeth at night. I sometimes wake myself up with the noise it’s that bad, oops!

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

I have quite an extensive collection now! The Black Rose series is my dark paranormal collection. They have angels and demons galore, and of course all the dark deeds you might expect given the setting. I cover controversial and taboo subjects, as well as the age-old concept of balance between the worlds of light and dark. I drag the reader kicking and screaming through both the good and bad in this and other worlds.

My contemporary romances Forever Lost and Forever Loved are set in the real world, but one just as dark in its own way. You have hookers and gangsters, but also the story of a young woman who’s overcoming her own history via their world. Plus, you have a hot alpha lead you cannot help but fall in love with haha!

With my science fiction, I wrote from another perspective. One of a futuristic society where the human race is no longer in charge of the earth. Following an alien invasion, the series begins with the story of a young woman who has been brought up under their reign, but she has a bright future ahead of her, if only she can overcome the obstacles in her path first.

Lightning round
Tea or Coffee? Both! Earl grey tea for me though, if you please
Cash or credit? Cash
Cats or Dogs? Dogs – I have a furry friend who sits by my feet as I type
Beach or Mountain? Beach, but always in the shade otherwise I melt haha
Summer or Winter? Winter
Sweet or Savoury? Savoury – I’m a crisp monster
Early riser or late riser? Late riser for sure!
Morning or Night? Night
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Fake
Sex – Lights on or off? On!

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

http://www.facebook.com/lauramorganauthor

https://www.facebook.com/LCMorgansauthor

www.lauramorgan.co

www.lcmorgan.co.uk

http://www.twitter.com/lauram241

http://www.goodreads.com/laura_morgan

https://www.goodreads.com/LC_Morgan

http://lauramorgan1.blogspot.com

https://instagram.com/lauramorganauthor/

Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Book Signing Attending Author Interview: Lucy Felthouse

January 9, 2017January 7, 2017 gibbsdream5 Comments

1.Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

I’m Lucy Felthouse and I’m from Derbyshire.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

Oh yes, reading has always been my first love. I used to whizz through all the books in the school library, and ones I’d been given by my older cousins. I particularly loved Enid Blyton. I don’t remember if any author or book in particular inspired me to write, but even as a child I was forever making up stories and scribbling them down in notebooks. I wish I could see those notebooks now!

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I write erotica and erotic romance, but find that these themselves encompass a lot of different genres—I write contemporary, paranormal, thrillers, etc…

4.If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

Harry Potter, because then I would be filthy rich. Not to mention having written a completely awesome world populated with amazing characters.

5. When did you first start writing?

I genuinely can’t remember. Like I said, when I was a child I used to scribble in notebooks, making up stories and things. So probably ever since I could physically write!

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

It depends. I’d never say I plan every inch of my books, but with some I do have a chapter by chapter plan, or a more general outline to ensure consistency and that I don’t lose my way, especially if the book is longer or more complex. But for short stories and some novellas I just tend to have an idea in mind and run with it and see what happens.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

I think Alice from my first full-length novel, Stately Pleasures, is my favourite. Purely because it was my first full-length novel and therefore is my baby. And come on—she gets two smoking hot guys—what’s not to like?

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

Afraid not—my life really isn’t that interesting!

9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’m currently working on my first erotic spy thriller! It’s been a genre I’ve wanted to explore for a while, so I’m glad I finally got around to it. The thing is, it’s kind of spinning out into a series…

Here’s a little snippet:

Mallory Scott spotted the people she was looking for as soon as she walked into the hotel bar. Hell, she hadn’t even needed to search, they were being so loud and obnoxious that they were practically screaming for attention.

Stupid, in Mallory’s opinion. If you’re going to run an international diamond scam, then surely you’d want to keep a low profile? But no, apparently these guys didn’t give a shit. Not only were they screaming for attention, and getting it, she noticed, as other patrons of the bar shot them the occasional glare, they were also projecting the fact that they were filthy rich. They were supping on the most expensive champagne money could buy and asking if they could have some oysters and caviar brought in. The overwhelming arrogance made her blood boil, but she consoled herself with the fact that by the time she was done with them, they’d be taken down by more than a peg or two—they’d be at rock bottom.

Heading for a table in a position where she could watch them, but remain partially hidden behind a pillar, she shook her head. She could hardly believe they’d kept their multi-million-pound enterprise going for so long. If they ran their operation as sloppily as their current behavior indicated they might, it was a miracle indeed.

Not that it mattered. They could be running the tightest ship ever known to man, and she would still find a way to take them down. It was what she did. For years now, she’d been successfully infiltrating illegal operations of varying kinds, then gradually dismantling them from the inside. Before the criminals realized what was happening, it was too late, their wrists were practically in the handcuffs, their asses on their way to jail.

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Read lots in your chosen genre, learn to edit your own work, and if you’re signing contracts with publishers, read them thoroughly. It’s exciting when someone wants to buy your work, but not everyone is trustworthy.

11. What do you do when you’re not writing?

Read, of course! Play with my dog, spend time with my other half, go out walking in the countryside, visit stately homes and historical sites, go to the cinema, go travelling. I love exploring new places.

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

None of it, really. I’m an editor and a marketer/publicist as well as a writer, so it’s all my day job! I have to do the paid work first, though, having bills to pay and food to buy, so I do often wish I had more time to write.

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

This isn’t anyone in particular, but I’ve found it a lot—people think that all writers earn a fortune. If only that were true! We have to work damn hard and for very little reward, and then some people complain about paying a couple of quid for an eBook when they spend more than that on a cup of coffee.

14. What is your idea of happiness?

That’s a very deep question, and I’m currently feeling pretty crappy with a cold and therefore woolly-headed, so I’m not even going to attempt it right now. LOL.

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

See above question! But any setting that is quiet with no distractions is good for me!

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

My other half and my dog make me laugh. They’re both nuts.

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

Bear Grylls—he’s both practical and kinda hot.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Chris Hemsworth. I think I’ve got a reasonable variety of men there, so I won’t get bored…

18. What is your most annoying habit?

Just one? I’m sure I’ve got loads! Probably you should be asking my other half this… or maybe not 😉

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

I have tons of books, so I’ll stick with full-length books here, I think!

The Billionaire and the Wild Man

Flynn Gifford is enjoying a simple existence in a rural Derbyshire village when Caroline Rogers crashes into his life, barefoot and panicked.

Their lives could hardly be more different—she owns a successful luxury hotel chain, and he’s a penniless nomad who’s off the grid—yet neither can deny the attraction that burns between them. As Caroline reluctantly starts to open up to him, Flynn finds himself divulging some secrets of his own, secrets he thought he’d take to his grave.

But can a billionaire and a wild man ever make a relationship work, or will their secrets keep them apart?

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/the-billionaire-and-the-wild-man/

The Persecution of the Wolves

Werewolf brothers Matthew and Isaac have lived in the peaceful village of Eyam, Derbyshire all their lives. The villagers know what happens every full moon, and have their reasons for keeping quiet. But this secrecy comes at a cost—the brothers can’t risk romantic entanglements.

Then, at the full moon, a sheep is slaughtered on Eyam Moor, by what could only be a large animal. Even the brothers’ staunchest supporters begin to have their doubts about who—or what—could have done it.

As the brothers fight to clear their names, things are complicated by unexpected opportunities to indulge their lust. Isaac is intrigued by a handsome newcomer to the village, and a vivacious visitor is happy to offer Matthew her all.

Can the men prove their innocence, or is their centuries-old secret about to be revealed to the outside world, bringing their carefully-crafted existence crashing down around their ears?

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/the-persecution-of-the-wolves/

Grand Slam

California had seduced me with promises of a new life working at Los Carlos Tennis Academy. What I didn’t expect was the dark, brooding number one seed, Travis Connolly, resisting my help. He wasn’t interested in my psychology skills. Instead his attention was drawn to the edgy, sharper corners of my desires, proving that they existed, setting me challenges and driving me crazy to the point of combustion.

I’m the best tennis player in the world—officially—so why would I need a damn woman full of psychobabble to get me on form? Despite my irritation, however, I can’t resist pushing Marie Sherratt’s buttons even though doing that shows her the darkest shades of my lust, the parts of me I buried deep. So I set her a challenge, one she rises to, one that has me rising too, and before long my game relies on her calling the shots, hitting the target and bending to my will. One thing was certain, being not just master of the court, but also of Marie is seriously good for my soul.

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/grand-slam/

Eyes Wide Open

An ordinary girl catapulted into an extraordinary world meets two even more extraordinary men—but what will she do when she discovers their sexy secret?

Fiona Gillespie moved to London shortly after graduating to take advantage of the opportunities the capital could offer. However, months later, she’s still living in a horrid flat and working in a grimy East End pub. The problem is, she doesn’t really know what she wants to do, career-wise. So when she happens upon an advertisement for a job at a plush Mayfair hotel, she jumps at the chance. A great deal of determination and a spot of luck land Fiona her dream role.

But working at the Totally Five Star London is just the beginning. She adores the role and flourishes, impressing her bosses and making her increasingly determined to climb the career ladder.

While her career is flying, though, her love life is non-existent. She hasn’t even thought about men, never mind met or dated one for months, so when she bumps into two gorgeous businessmen in the hotel, she’s surprised to find her head has been well and truly turned. Even more surprisingly, they flirt with her—both of them! She’s drawn to James and Logan, despite feeling that they’re way out of her league.

When a misunderstanding leads Fiona to James and Logan’s sumptuous top-floor suite, she has no idea what she’s about to uncover. Scenes of people-trafficking, drug-pushing and wild sex parties all appear in her active imagination. Yet what she actually sees is something she’d never even considered before, something that piques her interest.

After discovering their sexy secret, what will she do with this new-found knowledge?

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of anal play, spanking, sex toys and bondage.

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/eyes-wide-open-totally-five-star-london/

Stately Pleasures

Is it possible to have it all?

Alice Brown has just landed her dream job as property manager at Davenport Manor, a British stately home. It’s only a nine-month contract to cover maternity leave, but it’s the boost up the career ladder she needs.

On her first day, Alice finds her boss, Jeremy Davenport, in a compromising position. Jeremy and his best friend Ethan Hayes, Head of Security at Davenport Manor, turn the situation around and give her an ultimatum. Faced with the possibility of losing her job, Alice agrees to their indecent proposal.

When the dust settles and Alice has time to think, she realises perhaps it isn’t such a bad thing after all. But what happens when Alice thinks she’s falling for both men?

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/stately-pleasures

20. Lightning round

Tea or Coffee? tea
Cash or credit? cash
Cats or Dogs? dogs
Beach or Mountain? mountain
Summer or Winter? summer
Sweet or Savoury? sweet
Early riser or late riser? neither
Morning or Night? Afternoon!
Christmas Tree – real or fake? fake
Sex – Lights on or off? Depends who it’s with!

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/lucyfelthousewriter

http://www.twitter.com/cw1985

http://www.pinterest.com/cw1985

http://www.goodreads.com/cw1985

http://eepurl.com/gMQb9 (newsletter signup)

Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Book Signing Attending Author: J F Holland

January 8, 2017January 7, 2017 gibbsdreamLeave a comment

1. Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

Julie and I write under my maiden name JF Holland. I still live in the small town I was born in Partington in Manchester.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

I read contemporary and paranormal romance, and I have a few authors who inspire me. Jill Shalvis, my good friend Kate Hardy (who write for Mills & boon) Lynsay Sands, JR Ward, Lara Adrian, Gena Showalter, Kresley Cole, Hannah Howell and a few others.

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I write what I read, contemporary and paranormal romance, but I do cross over slightly. I enjoy a bit of humour in my books, so I try to add that in too. as well as sass and a little intrigue.

4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

Oh my, so many, I’d have to say Mary from JR Wards the Black Dagger Brotherhood though. She has the strength to face down the brothers and she’s lifemate to Hollywood, I mean, nom.

5. When did you first start writing?

I don’t ever remember I time when I didn’t write, even when I was little I wrote. I’d re-write books I wasn’t overly fond of and change them to my liking. If I wasn’t reading I was writing or drawing. I’ve wrote seriously for about the last 10 years though, but I didn’t release my first book until last July.

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

I tried for years to plan, to work out each chapter, and have quite a few partial manuscripts I never finished due to it. I’m now what is termed a pantster. Basically, I sit down at my laptop, maybe with a rough idea, and just write. I see the story in my head as a movie, what they say how they move, surroundings etc., I just write what I see. I’ve actually explained my writing process in Blue Christmas, as that’s about a writer.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

That would have to be Maya from my paranormal series. She takes no shit from her mate and gives him a run for his money.

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

My paranormal series is bases on The Big Black Cat sightings in the UK. I’ve listened about big black cat sightings for years, strange in a country where we don’t have any. Then you add in the sightings of wolves (or should I say werewolves) and a Lion too at one point and I instantly went down the shifter route. So between the stories on the press, sightings and Maroon 5’s ‘Animal,’ my Bound Series was born.

9.Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’m working on 2 books, but several more in the pipeline. I’m writing the book that Lorie, the main character is writing in Blue Christmas, called Date Night, which is a contemporary romance. Also, I’m writing the 3rd book in my paranormal series, this one is called Fire in The Moon, and Balin now gets his story. The 3rd book will bring more fighting and intrigue as the immortals fight for the lives of the women they love, and rescue one of the males. Also, we’ll see more of what some of the characters are capable of bringing to the table. So intrigue, hot sex, fight scenes and a little payback is expected.

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Don’t give up, read a lot, and write. Write whatever comes to mind. You may not use everything that you write but your confidence grows with each piece that you produce. As the saying goes, you can’t edit a blank page.

11. What do you do when you’re not writing?

I read, or draw, I also crochet, and a little cross stitch. I also have children so family time is important. One of my sons is a drummer in an indie rock band, so I go to their gigs and attend rock concerts if they come up.

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

Marketing and writing the blurb, that to me is like pulling nails. I’d rather write another manuscript than have to do my marketing and write the blurb.

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

You write filth (which I don’t) I don’t write erotica per se, I write heated romance with a story. I also hate how people assume you can just switch it off at a certain time. Unfortunately, characters don’t have a stop clock. Ideas and scenes can come to you at the most inopportune moments.

14. What is your idea of happiness?

I’m pretty easy to please, a book, and a cup of tea and I’m good.

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

The kids are in bed, and the house is quiet. The fire is lit, so the room is nice and cosy. I’m sat with a lamp on and a couple of candles flickering on the mantelpiece. The television is on, low, in the background (I can’t listen to music as I write as I get more story ideas) and my dogs are curled up snoring beside me.

I sit beneath a blanket, wearing slippers on the sofa, with my laptop on my knee and envision the scene I’m working on. At the side of me sits my warm mug of tea and either a bag of bacon Wheaties or a bar of dark chocolate.

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

My children can make me do both, my dogs the same.

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

I’ll take Jesus as he was a carpenter, so the skills will come in handy. Plus, he’s in with the big guy and you never know when you’ll need a favour. Gordon Ramsey as he can cook and I find his swearing highly entertaining. Lastly I’d take Liam Neeson as he has a particular set of skills and they may also come in handy to survive.

18. What is your most annoying habit?

I’m always on the last minute or late, my mum said I was even born late lol

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

Dennison Property Story Series (contemporary)

The Only One (book 1)

This Time (book 2)

Second Chance (book 2)

Blue Christmas (holiday Romance)

The Bound Series (paranormal)

Moon Sworn (book 1, introduction)

Bound by The Moon (book 2)

20. Lightning round
Tea or Coffee? Tea
Cash or credit? Cash
Cats or Dogs? Dog
Beach or Mountain? I’d have to say both for this.
Summer or Winter? Summer as it’s warm, winter as I love the crisp air.
Sweet or Savoury? Savoury
Early riser or late riser? Late riser
Morning or Night? Night
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Fake, I have dogs.
Sex – Lights on or off? Lamp lol

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

You can find me on facebook:- www.facebook.com/JFHollandRomanceWriter

Twitter:- www.twitter.com/JFHollandwriter

Or I have a website:- https://www.jf-holland-romance-author.com

Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Attending Author Interview: Audrina Lane

January 7, 2017January 6, 2017 gibbsdream1 Comment

Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

My name is Audrina Lane and I’m from Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

Absolutely, I’ve been a voracious reader since as early age, devouring classics like Little Women and Gone with the Wind. I guess my main inspiration is Stephen King, because he writes such brilliant characters. I also enjoy Jilly Cooper and Anita Shreve.

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I write contemporary love stories but with an erotic twist. However I have plans for branching into the paranormal genre in the future and have been enjoying writing short stories with a horror/supernatural edge to them. Still love though!!

4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

It would have to be Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind, because she is such a complex and feisty female throughout the novel. In many ways I want to shout at her and give her a good shake and in other ways I completely admire her ambition.

5. When did you first start writing?

I started writing short stories for my sisters when I was a teenager. I then wrote my first full length novel in 1992, aged 19. However it languished in a loft until 2013 when I re-worked the idea into my first book.

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

I’m afraid I just let the words flow although I generally have a rough outline of the story in my head. However this often changes as my characters evolve and shape the story.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

It has to be Stephanie from my Heart Trilogy series and my first character. She is kind of based on me and many of my hopes and fears so she’s kind of like my twin sister.

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

The first book in The Heart Trilogy is very much based on my first love affair and trying to make sense of why something so perfect, ended! My favourite scene in the book is Stephanie’s first kiss with James and this was taken from the memory of my first kiss, strangely enough in the same location, with a lifeguard called James!!

9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’m currently working on the 2nd part of my two part series called Bloodstained Heart. Part 2 – Revenge. This is the story of Felicity, the evil bitch who causes havoc and destruction in the Heart Trilogy series.

I’m also working on collaboration with another author called Rita Ames called 24 Hours to Love. It’s a love story written by the two main characters. I write as Jackson, the alpha male racing car driver and Rita is writing as Lola the pit board model that he falls in love with during the Le Mans 24 Hour motor race. (See teaser attached)

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Just do it, don’t worry about it or put it off. I wish I’d started writing years ago as I feel I have so many stories to tell and not enough time to tell them in!!

11. What do you do when you’re not writing?

I work full-time for Herefordshire Library Service, delivering the service to schools, nursing homes and the elderly within Herefordshire. It can be frustrating being surrounded by books when all I really want to be doing is writing. My writing happens in every other available space and time during evenings, weekends, and lunch hours! I also enjoy walking my dogs, listening to music and dancing.

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

I think it’s the editing and trying to be more concise and precise with my writing. Luckily I have a great editor and a friend who is really good at spotting spelling and grammar mistakes for me.

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

My other half when I’m sat on the sofa with my iPad open and he asks “Are you busy?” Apparently this does not look busy to him so always have to make sure that all the relevant chores are complete before I do sit down.

14. What is your idea of happiness?

Having the time to write more!!

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

I can feel the soft, warm breeze drifting up from the ocean that is directly in front of me. My sun lounger is positioned to shade me as I sip on my cold gin and tonic and let my characters frolic in their story.

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

My dogs playing together or fighting over a chew or toy makes me laugh. As for crying I’ve done a fair bit recently and generally because certain songs come on the radio and remind me of the past.

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

Mmh, good question! I would take George Michael for his singing and song writing. I’m sure we would be able to shoot the breeze and have a great friendship. Scott Eastwood, because he is so hot and can swim so we’d have some fun together in the waves! Finally my best friend Miriam, because a girl always needs a gossip!

18. What is your most annoying habit?

Biting the skin around my fingers, it’s a nervous habit that I do when I’m stressed or upset.

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

The Heart Trilogy

Where did your Heart go? – The first book in the series. It’s a story about Stephanie and her daughter Charlotte set in my home town of Ross-on-Wye. When Charlotte’s first relationship comes to an end her Mum gives her the diary from 1988 which is the story of her own first love affair. A great look at first love in the 80’s juxtaposed against first love today, and the possibility of second chances.

Unbreak my Heart – The Second book in the series. It sees Stephanie reunited with her first love James, whilst Charlotte is happy in her relationship with Mitchell. But the evil ex-wife Felicity is on the scene and causing chaos and dancing ambitions may pull Charlotte and Mitchell apart.

Closer to the Heart – The final book in the series finds both couples struggling with their relationships with family deaths and Felicity’s destructive nature. But will it all end happily – I’m afraid I can’t say as it would spoil things!

All the trilogy books are filled with references to fantastic music from the 80’s through to now.

Bloodstained Heart. Part 1 – Passion

The first in a two part series (I’m currently writing the 2nd) this is a dark, erotic romance that tells the life of Felicity (from the Heart Trilogy). The first part starts as she approaches 18 years old in 1978 and then continues and gives a different perspective on the events from all of the Heart Trilogy series. It also gives a more in depth look at some of the other characters from the series.

20. Lightning round

Tea or Coffee? Coffee
Cash or credit? Cash
Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Beach or Mountain? Beach
Summer or Winter Summer
Sweet or Savoury Savoury
Early riser or late riser? Early
Morning or Night? Morning
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Fake
Sex – Lights on or off? Dimmed

Stalker links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audrina.lane or https://www.facebook.com/AudrinasPlace/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AudrinaLane

Website: http://www.audrinalane.co.uk/

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

Books · Christmas · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Valentine Book Signing Attending Author: Chris Turnbull

January 5, 2017January 4, 2017 gibbsdreamLeave a comment

Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

Chris Turnbull, and I live near York.

Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

I love reading, being swept up into a new world by an author can be so incredible. I like to feel drawn into the book, I want to feel for the characters and go on the journey they are. As a youngster I was addicted to the Goosebump books by RL Stine, then later got hooked onto the Harry Potter series which was the main reason I wanted to write a book of my own.

What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

Although my books are seen by many as being very different, often described as (historical fiction, gothic, time-travel and of course I now have a children’s book) I do not see them all as being so different. I am a huge nerd when it comes to history, I love learning new things about the past and all my books are set somewhere in history that I find to be of interest. Whether it be 1889 Paris, the year the Eiffel tower opened, or just Victorian England. My books allow me to explore life in these times, learn and explore new things. My books also connect together with Love, whether that be the love of a partner, a family member or a friend.

If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

I think without a doubt I would have loved to have created Albus Dumbledore. He is exactly the kind of character that I love. He is the father figure to Harry, a respected man, a humble man, and not to mention he can kick ass when needs be.

When did you first start writing?

I started writing when I was a teenager; I had an English teacher at the time that really inspired me to be creative. She did not tell you things were wrong and allowed you to express your creative side. Sadly she left the school after only one year and I was devastated, as her replacement was all about sticking to textbook work. Thankfully though I continued to write for fun in my spare time, and it was in 2013 that I started work on ‘The Vintage Coat’ which ended up being my first published work.

Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

I give myself bullet points of things I would like to see happen. I also create character profiles so I know a little bit more about the people I am writing about. Then I just go with the flow and see where the story takes me. I find this way of writing keeps me excited, as I want to find out what happens next. My theory is if the story excites me, then hopefully it should the reader.

Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

Ooo that’s difficult to pick only one. I think I would choose Charlie from ‘The Vintage Coat’. He is a fun guy, loyal friend and I think I could be friends with him.

My second choice would be Tom from ‘Whitby’s Darkest Secret’ because I think he is adorable and a strong willed young man.

Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

‘The Vintage Coat’ is based purely on a military coat I purchased in an antique shop in Alston. It immediately sparked my imagination and out came a time-travel story about the coat, and also set in Alston.

Also my children’s book ‘A Home For Emy’ is based on true events as this is the story of my own dog.

Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I am currently working on a number of projects, the first being a sequel to ‘Whiby’s Darkest Secret’. I am having so much fun writing this book, and fans of the first book will be very surprised with the turn of events this new book takes.

Also I have been working on a Christmas themed book which I hope to release at the end of 2017. This is a collection of short stories and poems that I have enjoyed writing over the course of a number of years.

Finally (or at least what I will tell you for now) I have begun work on a second children’s book, it again will feature Emy and I hope to release it in early 2018.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Don’t give up. Don’t follow the crowd.

I was always told that I needed to read and write every day, but for me (as well as most authors) I work full time. Sometimes I just need an evening off from writing and rest. I work better when I am not tired, so I would always say work at your own pace and do what is best for you.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I love to travel, whether that is a day out to the coast or a holiday somewhere exciting. Me and my partner have a dog which we love to spend time with.

What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

Personally I don’t think there is an easy part. The whole process is very demanding if you wish to succeed. Being a writer is a full time job in itself and you have to go through it all, the good and bad bits. I love being in my office and writing, knowing there is no pressure and being able to just write what comes to me. Editing is never fun, and you go over the manuscript so many times you start to fall out of love with your work. However all the hard work is worth it when you finally have a copy in your hand…and even better is when somebody else tells you they like it.

We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

After the release of my first book I had quite a few people ask me if they were going to get a free copy…erm No! There is no such thing as a free copy…even I don’t get a free copy and it’s my book.

Then you get those who say ‘I don’t know how you find the time to write a book’. These are usually the people who spend their evenings watching every single soap on TV, as well as other mindless television programs. Please note I have nothing against watching things you enjoy…I do it myself, but don’t spend every day of your life sat in front of the television and then question how I find time to write.

What is your idea of happiness?

Spending time with the ones I love. You don’t need a lot of money, or ‘things’ to be happy. Some of my best moments have been the simple one. Walking on the beach with my dog, sitting in the garden with my family, playing a silly game with my best friend and her family. These are the things that I remember more than anything.

For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

When I finished writing ‘Whiby’s Darkest Secret’ I decided that I wanted a spend a couple of nights away from home so I could focus on finishing the book…

I stayed in a two bed house in Whitby, the large oak wood dining table where I sat writing overlooked the harbour. I could hear seagulls and the sun was shining. In the morning I went for a walk, I soaked in the town atmosphere and even visited the ruined Abbey for the first time in my life. After a bit to eat I returned to the dining table, where my mind was freshly filled with the sounds and smells of the town I was writing about, and I even went back to change certain parts of the book. I sat there for hours until it got dark, the harbour lit up with a row of lights that lined the pathway. I finished the final few chapters that night.

What makes you laugh/cry?

Laugh: I have a very rude sense of humour…enough said.

Cry: Most things as I am an emotional wreck. The worse times though is when I am reading/watching something about a dog that is sick, hurt or dying. I read ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ on the aeroplane back from New York and I started to cry uncontrollably…and I mean really going for it, I couldn’t speak I was in such a state. The man next to me must of wondered what the hell was going on.

You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.
David Attenborough…My hero in life and somebody I would love to meet. Plus he would probably know how to survive the island.
Joel Dommett – He was hilarious in ‘Celeb get me out of here’ so I think he would keep up entertained…plus he survived the jungle so I think he would help us survive an island.
My other half, because I would miss him (and he could try and smuggle the dog with him).
What is your most annoying habit?

Annoying…me?

I have a bad habit of zoning out if I am bored. Which is terrible when your other half tells you something important and you didn’t hear.

Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)
The Vintage Coat: A time-travel story set between modern day Alston and WWII.
D: Whitby’s Darkest Secret: A dark murderous story set in the backdrop of Victorian Whitby.
Carousel: Time-Travel tale. Jonathan is sent back to 1889 Paris, but unfortunately gets stuck there.
A Home For Emy: Children’s book based on true events. Illustrated beautifully by Rebecca Sharp of Dasilvaline.
Lightning round
Tea or Coffee? Tea
Cash or credit? I am really bad and almost never have cash on me
Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Beach or Mountain? Mountain
Summer or Winter – Tough!…I love Winter fashion, but I prefer the warmth of summer
Sweet or Savoury Sweet
Early riser or late riser? Late
Morning or Night? Night
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Real
Sex – Lights on or off? Who cares…

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

www.chris-turnbullauthor.com

www.facebook.com/christurnbullauthor

www.twitter.com/christurnbull20

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chris-Turnbull/e/B00UFW8RB2/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Valentines Book Signing Attending Author Interview: Lindsay Jayne

January 4, 2017January 4, 2017 gibbsdreamLeave a comment

Lindsay Jayne

Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

My name is Lindsey, and I am from Wolverhampton in the West Midlands

Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

Yes, definitely. I started out reading. Initially good old paper backs many moons ago, and then hoards of different things on my Kindle.

If I were to pull out 3 names that inspired me to give it a whirl, they would be Teresa Gabelman, Melissa F Olson, and Ashley Stoyanoff. Love their series’ so much!!! Very good paranormal reads!

What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I started off writing Paranormal. They were meant to be Erotic as well, but my first novel kind of veered off into a thriller instead. Which suited the story more than filth. So I wrote the dirty books seperately.

I hope to also branch out into Post-Apocalyptic (though, probably under another name) as well as eventually combining the Paranormal and Erotic genres.

If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

Oh wow, this is difficult because I have come across so many bad ass characters. It would come down to 3… Jill from Teresa Gabelman’s Warrior series, Scarlett from Melissa F Olson’s Scarlett Bernard series, or Rachel from Maggie Shayne’s Brown and de Luca series, because each are strong, powerful, alpha women and I adore them and how they are written. For me, a good, strong MC makes for awesome reading, and these were no exception!

When did you first start writing?

I’ll need to hazard a rough guess over this one… I would say about 3-4 years ago. It took me a long time to get my first book polished enough for me to be happy with. It took at least 12 months for me to publish it because the first draft was utter rubbish! I had to seek help!

Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

I’d like to think that I plan, but in reality, it doesn’t always work that way. I get a basic plot and I go with the flow… sometimes even the plot changes a few times before I settle on something I like.

The book I am currently writing, for example, is only 3 chapters in and already I’ve changed my mind 4 times! I have moments where something will just come to me, and then something else will work on top of that, etc., etc., and I have to write it all down before I forget it.

Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

Hmm, another difficult choice. I have my female fave and my male fave. My female fave is Amelia Ellis from the Faction series. She is a kick ass cop with a feisty attitude, and she takes no crap.

My male fave is from the same series, and that’s Nate Turner. He’s a sarcastic, scruffy, loveable rogue.

Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

Without going into too much detail, there are elements of a past life / relationship used in my first book, Invoking the Witch. More specifically, relationship elements, control issues, domestic abuse… I won’t give too much away because I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone who might read it, but I did have to draw on a lot of memories and past hurt / emotions to fully convey what the MC was going through.

Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’m currently working one 3 pieces at the moment. One just loosely, which was originally a short story for an anthology that never happened. So, I am turning it into a novella. It’s an Erotic Spy Thriller.

The 2nd is a carry on from my first full-length Erotic novel, Graceful Damnation. Not so much one of a series, but I am giving each character their own book which usually follows on from where the previous left off.

The 3rd I’m working on, which I am currently focusing on at the moment, is Nate’s series which follows on a little from the Faction series previous to that, but rather than vampires, it’s going to be more about werewolves and packs, though some familiar faces will make an appearance.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

I’d always tell someone never to give up. Write as though no one will ever read your words, because they come across more raw and honest that way. Don’t let someone tell you you’re wrong, but do let other help advise and polish your work, because some of the best advice I had came from other authors, and I still cherish and use it to this day.

Despite the occasional ups and downs on Social Media, the author world is quite a friendly and tight-knit community. There’s always someone willing to help, because there’s always somebody who’s experienced the same struggles you likely will. Don’t be deterred, just be determined.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I have a full time job in recruitment currently. I also have my (almost) 5 year old Bedlington who still thinks he’s a puppy to keep me on my toes. Recreationally I love my PlayStation and First Person Shooter games.

On top of that, I also design book covers and other imagery for myself and other authors, as well as Swag and Jewellery. As you can well imagine, I’m kept busy – but I like it that way.

What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

The writing can sometimes be hard. I will, on occasion, find myself struggling for ideas, or how to connect one piece of the story to another. But, at the same time, it’s the most enjoyable part.

Editing is tedious, but necessary. And it helps when you have a great group of Beta readers, as I do. They point out things I have missed, even after reading it over thousands of times!

Marketing is definitely the hardest. It’s great writing the book and then hitting publish when all the bits and pieces have come together, but the hardest part is definitely trying to get it shouted about.

There are plenty of tools, don’t get me wrong, and I would probably find it so much easier if I spent more time and money on it. But, as you can see, my time is stretched thin as it is, so I do what I can in the hopes that, one day soon, a PA will take pity on me and help me out for free Swag and books!!

The dream is also to do it full time, but it’s swings and roundabouts at the moment – though, I will persevere because I love it so much.

We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

I’m quite lucky in the sense that my family and friends support what I do. Sometimes, you get the odd one that calls it a hobby, which I understand because, to them, it would seem that way. I mean, I have a full time, paying job and I write in my spare time, which is almost the definition of a hobby in a way. However, it’s so much more than that, but I don’t sweat it. I know what goes into the whole process, and I know how I feel when I get something out of it. I’m just glad there are people that stand behind me while I do it.

What is your idea of happiness?

To feel fulfilled, and for those around me to be content in their lives. No have minimal worries and to be involved in doing things that I love with the people I love.

For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

A large room, the walls fairly plain, in some off-white colour – not to be boring, but to enable me to fill them with my achievements and accomplishments. One wall with hoards of pictures of family and friends in varying white and oak frames – my inspiration and my happy thoughts. Another wall with glossy, a4 framed photos of all my book covers, in all their glory.

In one corner, a large desk, big enough for my laptop, my storage devices and all my materials for making swag and jewellery. Some of them will even be on shelving, fixed to the wall above the desk.

The desk itself will be fairly minimal, but will have ample lighting and a large notice board pinned at the back, covered in lined paper and Post-It notes with scribbles and ideas on.

In another corner will be a unique, novelty bookcase with all my signed paperbacks that will slowly grow. Somewhere on that shelf, there will be a reserved space for my paperbacks, too.

There’ll be at least two windows, with linen blinds drawn up, allowing in sunshine. Simple bright green plants in white pots will sit on the window sills.

The lighting will be variable, depending on the mood and what I am doing, and, though I prefer the quite when I am writing, there will an iPod on a docking station, ready to blast out my choice of song when I need that inspiration for a difficult scene, or I’m working on swag or jewellery.

And, last, but not least, a black pyramid kettle with an endless supply of Nescafe decaf cappuccinos!!

What makes you laugh/cry?

Usually PMT! Or animal / child cruelty if I see / read about it

You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

Hmmm… this is a difficult choice. I’d have to have some eye candy, so Andrew England is a must! Or Drew Truckle… I’d be perfectly happy with either. Having met Drew, he would be my first choice in actual fact, because he is a lovely guy who can hold a conversation, so I’d be entertained.

Ray Mears would be another choice because he is an expert on survival in the wild. He would be able to show us how to live off the land

My third choice…gotta be a woman so I’m not the odd one out, so let’s go with Doon Mackichan because I love her sense of humour!

What is your most annoying habit?

As if I have any, lol!! Erm… I can’t think of one off the top of my head. Perhaps leaving my plates and cups upstairs instead of taking them down to be washed!

Please tell me about your books?

My books, so far, are a 3 part Paranormal Thriller series involving Witches, Vampires and Werewolves at the moment. They can be kind of grisly in nature, so not for the faint hearted. I tend to research my subject matter to death to get it spot on, and sometimes it’s a little dark.

The erotic are exactly that, and they will vary depending on the nature. My novella is quite light and breezy, whereas my full length novel includes murder and revenge, and that, too, is a little on the dark side. The opening chapter is certainly not to be taken lightly, and might be disturbing to some.

I like to fully develop my characters, and I always try to fully describe everything – every feeling / emotion, location, scene, so there is a lot of descriptive passages.

Lightning round
Tea or Coffee? Coffee (decaf)
Cash or credit? Cash these days
Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Beach or Mountain? Beach
Summer or Winter? Summer
Sweet or Savoury? Savoury
Early riser or late riser? Late
Morning or Night? Night
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Fake
Sex – Lights on or off? I honestly do not mind – depends on the mood 😉

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

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

https://www.facebook.com/LJ-Book-Creations-615499755219957/

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lindsey-Jayne/e/B00SQ2I6JG

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindseyJ_Author

Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Valentines Book Signing Attending Author Interview: C A Bell

January 3, 2017January 3, 2017 gibbsdream1 Comment

I will be doing a regular interview slot in the lead up to the book signing which is being held on Saturday 4th February in Telford. The first author is rather aptly the event organiser C A Bell who gives us a wonderful insight into her life and writing.

Can we start with your name and where you’re from?
A.Bell, originally from a lovely little town just outside of London, but now residing in the much more rural county of Shropshire.
Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?
To be honest I’m not a BIG reader. I don’t get a lot of time to myself, so when I eventually do, I want to write instead of read. I have been inspired by lots of authors, though – Sylvia Day, Stephen King, Portia Da Costa, Saskia Walker. There’s lots more.
What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?
I write erotica and all the wonderful sub-genres that come with it. I first started writing erotic romance, then went down the f/f road before trying my hand at paranormal. I’d like to cover it all one day.
If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?
Ooo, tough one. I’d probably take Gideon Cross from Sylvia Day’s crossfire series. Purely because I have a huge crush on him.
When did you first start writing?
I first started writing seven years ago. And that was The Architect. Which coincidently was my first ever publication J
Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?
I plan at the start but it never ends how I planned. Ever! The characters evolve as I write and end up taking me down routes I never saw coming.
Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)
Another tough one… I’m probably going to have to go with Ruth Watson (my first female lead from The Architect) just because she was the first character I connected with and had fun writing. She’s classy, naughty, childish, and fun.
Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?
Yes, a break up inspired me to write The Architect. I found the love of my life but unfortunately we had to go our separate ways. Then I found myself wanting to live my life out with him in some way, and that’s when I first started writing. Little fact – That love of my life is now my husband J
Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?
I am always working on something. I can’t give anything away, but what I will say is it’s nasty, gritty, sexy, and is sure to pack one hell of a punch.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?
Never give up. Don’t let bad reviews or rejections put you off. Keep at it.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
Run around after a two-and-a-half-year-old, a twelve-year-old, and a fifteen-year-old. Not to mention the husband 😉
What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you? Marketing, definitely. I love the writing part and the editing is even better, but the marketing is so hard. With tons of other authors out there in the same genre, it’s hard to been seen in the crowd or get help without paying through the nose.
We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?
That I write, ‘mummy-porn.’ That REALLY bugs me! I’d like to go into a rant here, but I won’t.
What is your idea of happiness?
Just having the people I love around me and happy.
For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.
The room is quiet with only the soft sounds of a saxophone from my stereo across the room filling the air. The lights are low, and the candles either side of my computer flicker softly. The room is warm from the gentle fire crackling in the corner, and my tea is steaming, just waiting for me to dunk a digestive in it, lol. I was doing so well until the biscuit wasn’t I?
What makes you laugh/cry?
My children.
You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.
My husband, Ryan Reynolds, and Nigella Lawson. My hubby because I couldn’t live without him. Ryan for the eye candy and manual labour (sorry hubby), and Nigella for the cooking.
What is your most annoying habit?
My crazy OCD of having to switch all lights on and off before going to bed. It drives me crazy, but if I don’t do it, I feel uneven, lol. Weird, I know.
Please tell me about your books?
My books are always of the erotic nature, so if you ever see my name, you know what you are getting. My books aren’t just pure filth. They always have a story behind them, they are always real, and they are always sexy.

Lightning round
Tea or Coffee? Tea
Cash or credit? Cash
Cats or Dogs? Cats
Beach or Mountain? Beach
Summer or Winter? Both
Sweet or Savoury? Savoury
Early riser or late riser? Early
Morning or Night? Night
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Real
Sex – Lights on or off? Candles

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorC.A.BELL/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cbellAtrix09

Website: http://cbellatrix.wixsite.com/cabell

Books · Life · Uncategorized

West Midlands Valentine’s Book Signing

January 1, 2017 gibbsdreamLeave a comment

I can’t wait to take part in this event. Tickets on #sale 50% discounted for a short time only. Check it out.

#Books #Books #Books

west mids.jpg

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

IT’S OUR LAST TICKET SALE!

50% OFF ALL TICKETS!

CODE: 50_OFF

Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/west-midlands-valentines-boo…

February the 4th 2017 is set to be a day filled with books, romance, laughter, and live 1940’s style music all thanks to The West Midlands Valentines Book Signing & 1940’s Ball. With over 25 confirmed authors covering genres such as romance, chick-lit, erotica, young adult, horror, and children’s fiction, there is sure to be something here for you or your loved one just in time for Valentine’s Day. Or at least something to occupy the kids with.

When the door close to the signing at 16:30 we will be reopening them at 19:30 for our 1940’s swing ball where The Vintage Vocalist will take to the stage and take us back in time with classics from The Andrew Sisters, Vera Lynn, and Anne Shelton. (1940’s dress is very much encouraged).

So, why not come and mingle with the authors and get those books signed before joining us for a swing around the dancefloor?

ALL PROCEEDS MADE ARE BEING DONATED TO HELP FOR HEROES

West Midlands Book Signing.jpg

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Lindsay Jayne

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