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Witch’s Choice (Crimson Moon Hideaway Book 1) by Natalie-Nicole Bates ~ Genre: LGBTQ F/F Paranormal Romance
When Neyla Bennett receives an invitation to participate in what she thinks is a quiz show, she is immediately suspicious. But the offer includes an all-expense-paid vacation to the Crimson Moon Hideaway resort and that’s just too good to pass up. When she arrives, she receives a rude surprise. Witch’s Choice is not a quiz show – it’s a dating show! To make matters even worse, one of the contestants is her former love, Tullie LaCroix, who left Neyla years earlier without an explanation. Tullie is still as beautiful and sexy as Neyla remembers, and she wants to resume their relationship. But when the truth of Tullie’s desertion is finally known, will it bring the couple back together or tear them apart for good?
Two sexy ladies smelling the flowers in the solar house
Natalie-Nicole Bates has worn all the hats in the publishing world – reader, reviewer, author, and now small publisher with Perfectly Poisoned Press. She has the ability to see the point of view of everyone involved with the love of books.
With a taste for the darker side, Natalie-Nicole’s favorite genres are Dark Victorian, Steampunk, and Dark Paranormal. Her interests include collecting Victorian-era photographs, Frozen Charlotte Dolls (her latest batch was just delivered from a German excavation site after being buried underground since about 1860), and antique poison bottles. She loves exploring and photographing cemeteries – the older, the better!
Let’s start by finding out a little bit about you…
What is your name and do you write under a pen name?
My name is Luv Lubker. (I go by Luvy on Facebook)
Where do you call home?
I live in Central Texas.
Obviously, we know you are an author, but some writers have other jobs as well. Do you have another occupation? Do you believe you’re any good at it? Do you like what you do?
I am a Raw Food chef (for my own family) and am teaching myself German so I can translate books.
Do you have any hobbies, other than writing? What do you enjoy doing?
I always loved animals. As a child, I researched all sorts of animals and had many pets. I also love reading, Raw Food preparation, bicycling (I learned to unicycle when I was 7 but only learned to bike when I was about to turn 25).
Not to pry too much, but do you remember your first love?
I haven’t had one.
What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
My parents and friends always said “You should write a book” since I started my historical research, but I always said I didn’t know how to describe things. Reading Clare McHugh’s book A Most English Princess inspired me to start writing my own interpretation of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter Vicky’s story.
What was your dream growing up? Did you achieve that dream? If so, in what ways was it not what you expected? If you never achieved the dream, why not?
I always imagined I would like to do something about animals as a child. I had many pets as I said, but when I was 12 my chickens got massacred by dogs. I stopped getting the huge bags of animal books from the library that I had always gotten. I just couldn’t read them anymore.
Who is your role model?
I have many.
What is your greatest fear?
Being alone I think.
Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books?
I like them all for different reasons. I like ebooks for when I want to be able to get something immediately, but I like getting the physical books of books I want lots of book marks in, and also I like them because I can resell them. Audio is great too, I love the really good readers, and music when audio has that. It is fun to listen while doing other things. I also get more out of some books listening than reading, and also often hear more at a time than I read so I get more in context.
Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?
Lots! I read or listen to my favorites over and over again. I researched Charlotte Bronte for a few years and read or listened to Jane Eyre and Villette a dozen time each (literally) within 3 years. They were so good I could read them that many times that close together and always find new meaning.
What is your opinion of novellas?
I don’t really have one.
Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?
Not that I can think of.
What is your favorite film based on a book?
I don’t usually like movies based on books much. The books are usually so much better! I like the Thornfield part of Jane Eyre with Toby Stephens and Ruth Wilson.
What is your favorite book genre at the moment?
Biography and memoirs and letters.
What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why?
Becoming Queen Mary by Kori Roff Lawrence, because I am interviewing other Victorian era authors and researchers and reading their books if I haven’t already.
What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
I am reading Dearest Mama, the second volume of Queen Victoria’s letters with her eldest daughter, Vicky, for research for my next book. Also, Tagebucher 1848-66, a German book of the diary of Friedrich III (Vicky’s husband) – “Fritz”, the father of Kaiser Wilhelm II. These are book hardback books I’ve bought.
I am listening to Rilla of Ingleside, the last book of the Anne of Green Gables series, and The Mysterious Benedict Society.
If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?
Queen Victoria, Friedrich “Fritz” III, Charlotte Bronte, Brian Jacques. They are people and authors I greatly admire.
Let’s shift somewhat and talk about your latest story.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?
Under His Spell. A lonely young man visits the first World’s Fair – the Great Exhibition of 1851 – and meets a family who changes his life forever.
Is the above book part of a series?
I am planning a series – The Rival Courts.
How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?
I was making a design for Facebook posts and banners and liked the color scheme. I designed my own cover.
Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)?
Only You from the movie The Young Victoria makes me think of things Fritz wrote to Vicky.
How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?
My Mom and I were talking about my book and she thought of it. I had just written a part the night before where a character says “I was under his spell”, and I thought it was perfect. When I was almost done writing, I was finishing translating the part of Fritz’s diary from the last year my first book covers. I didn’t do it all in order, I had already done the end of the year, I was just in the middle, but the last page I translated mentioned a poem Vicky quoted on the anniversary of their engagement which translates as “I love you as one under a spell” – it just seemed like confirmation that it was the perfect title.
Do you have a book trailer? If so, where can we watch it?
I read the prologue here. I might come across a little nervous.
In your latest novel, who is the lead character and can you tell us a little about him/her?
Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Vicky, and her husband, Fritz, later Friedrich III, German Emperor and King of Prussia. They are the parents of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
What is your character’s greatest strengths?
Fritz’s strengths I would say were his kindness and humanity in the midst of a very difficult, dysfunctional family and negative environment. Vicky (and Fritz too) were able to stand an incredible amount of difficulties (and difficulties is underestimating) and she still kept her comical point of view (she makes lots of puns in her letters and makes light of her difficulties a lot of the time) and her sweet expression.
And what are his/her greatest weaknesses?
Fritz was easily depressed – but that wasn’t surprising with all he went through. Vicky often didn’t tell him or her mother about bad things that happened which they might of protected her from because she didn’t want them to worry about her. Vicky could also be a bit too honest in her opinions – either hurting people’s feelings or getting herself or her family into trouble.
What’s a positive quality that your character is unaware that he or she has?
Fritz was extremely modest – was often bullied as a child and as an adult – and didn’t think much of his talents. Vicky was very pretty I think, but she was often critical of her appearance. She was a wonderful writer, her letters are fascinating, but she said she didn’t like her own writing style.
Will readers like or dislike this character, and why?
I think they are very likable, and I have written much about their good qualities.
What first gave you the idea for your latest book?
I have read about Queen Victoria’s family for over 7 years, and always go back to Vicky and the Queen’s letters when I get to the end of another line of research. Now that I am reading Fritz’s diaries, I am learning more new information which I don’t often see in English books. I have my own perspectives on the Prussian Royals which I wanted to share. I also wanted to tell the story more from Fritz’s point of view, which I haven’t seen done before.
Let’s talk now about your writing process.
What is your writing style like? Are you a pantster or a plotter?
I am writing a story that is already there, just making my own version of it. I write out my table of contents and let the story “download” itself as I write.
Have you come across any specific challenges in writing or publishing? What would you do differently the next time?
Promoting without a publisher.
Are you a self-published/Indie author or did you publish through a traditional publishing company?
Self-Published Indie.
If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route?
I wanted to get it out there.
How do you get out of writing block?
A few times when I got stuck or felt critical of my work when I reread it, I started reading it but imagining it in the voice of one of my favorite audiobook readers. That helped me get “out of myself”, and I kept going.
Where can your readers follow you? Please list links to any applicable websites and/or social media accounts.
https://therivalcourts.com – my book (and some author interviews) is available here, and is on sale during May 2021.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Allmother Rising by Elexis Bell
Genre: Dark Fantasy with Straight and LGBTQ Romance
A broken-hearted priestess and a deposed prince team up with a ranger and a rebel with one too many secrets. In the name of The Allmother, they go to war to save their lands.
A coup in a neighboring kingdom brings threats of invasion and fire to Priestess Rising Veliana’s home in the forest. Under the guidance of her goddess, The Allmother, she forms an alliance with the deposed prince, Tyrvahn, and his ex, Garle, the leader of a rebellion that’s been brewing for years. But Garle has many secrets, one of which could unravel Veliana and Tyrvahn’s budding romance and the future of these uneasy alliances. Veliana’s best friend, Kivala, tries to soften Garle with the ways of their fallen homeland, but what she learns chills her to her core. At war with a vicious man twisted by the god of greed, they can’t afford to fight amongst themselves. Can they overcome their differences to save their home and their goddess from the new king? Or will the forests burn over blood-soaked earth?
Fans of magic and grit, high stakes and godly secrets will love this dark high fantasy novel with straight and LGBT romance.
Elexis Bell writes gritty and emotional novels. Born and raised in the midwestern United States, she dreams of a cabin in the woods rather than a house surrounded by cornfields.
She loves writing well-developed characters facing real problems in vibrant, magical worlds. Armed with a degree in psychology and a rollercoaster past, she sprinkles gut-wrenching emotions over high fantasy romance, science fiction, and the occasional thriller.
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An Interview with Nancy Thorne, author of The Somewhere I See You Again!
DO YOU EVER WISH YOU WERE SOMEONE ELSE?
When I was younger I never wished to be someone else, but always wanted to be a better version of how I saw myself, whether it was my appearance or how much I knew. Now that I’m older, I sometimes think it would be a great thing to go back in time to my younger self to tell her she’s fine just the way she is.
WHAT PART OF THE WRITING PROCESS DO YOU DREAD?
I consider myself to be a slow, calculating type of writer. The beginning is the most difficult for me. As I continue, the characters evolve into their unique selves and the writing becomes easier.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?
The short answer is since grade school. The longer answer is I’ve seriously been writing for eight years. I spent decades trying to convince myself that just because I thought in my heart that I was a writer, it didn’t necessarily mean I was one. Through many years I listened to people say that they wanted to write a book, but none of them did. So, I kept dismissing my own yearnings. But they were like itches I could never scratch away.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW WRITER STARTING OUT?
To not give up. To know going in that it takes time to hone your writing skills. Learn from other writers who have the experience you still need, whether by joining a writers’ group, attending lectures, or researching the Internet. If you can, get some feedback from others who aren’t in your family. There are editors who may be starting out who can give you feedback and critique your work. Be patient, keep writing and know you will feel less than others, especially at the beginning of your writing journey. Don’t compare yourself to anyone but who you were last week, or the week before, as you learn. All writers have to go through these times.
HAVE YOU EVER HAD AN IMAGINARY FRIEND?
When I was in grade school I felt comforted by small porcelain figures that I’d take to school hidden in a pocket. Throughout the day, I’d comfort the tiny figurine, which was actually comforting myself. I’d tell the cat or rabbit or dog that it was only a few minutes until recess or lunchtime. I made sure they knew they were cared for.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PHOBIAS?
I don’t like taxidermy heads of animals, so I try and pretend they don’t exist if I happen to be in a restaurant that has stuffed moose heads, etc. on the walls.
DO YOU EVER READ YOUR STORIES OUT LOUD?
I can honestly say that I don’t though I’ve heard that it’s a good idea. I don’t read my stories out loud because it wouldn’t sound like my character – and it doesn’t seem right for me to give a character my voice when they already have their own.
TELL US ABOUT YOU MAIN CHARACTER AND WHO INSPIRED HIM/HER
When I was a teenager many things and many friends inspired me. A vital part of me seemed to remain in the past. So, my main characters’ personalities bubble to the surface easily, as most of my characters do. They inspire me because I’ve never truly discarded them in my mind.
ANY WEIRD THINGS YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE ALONE?
I talk to my dog in weird ways. Sometimes my voice is high-pitched; sometimes I growl at him and call him silly nicknames like he’s a baby. Like I said, it’s weird.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE AND WHY?
My favorite quote is: “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul”, from the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley. William was only in his twenties in 1875 when he wrote the poem. He was in the hospital with severe health problems, yet he showed tremendous courage in his poems.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHOR AND WHY?
I have to say Ernest Hemingway, only because the first adult book I ever read was “The Old Man and the Sea.” I was quite young and the book affected me in an emotional way. I also have to say that in the past few years I’ve fallen in love with Anton Chekhov, the famous 19th century author. My husband doesn’t seem too concerned.
WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF GOOD WRITING?
There are technical aspects and there are emotional elements. The most important element for me is the reactions of my characters. I try to make sure they act in an honest manner, true to their personalities and emotions.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM FLAVOUR?
Chocolate. Or maybe butterscotch swirl. Or maybe orange sherbet.
WHICH MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURE DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Easy. Pegasus. I’ve been a horse lover forever. Going horseback riding as a pre-teen and teenager was my favorite activity. I thought for sure I’d own my own horse one day. Didn’t happen.
HOW DO YOU DEVELOP YOUR PLOT AND CHARACTERS?
The characters and their situations come to me quickly. The story usually involves some aspect of my own life experiences. The plot comes after I mull around different scenarios.
DESCRIBE YOUR WRITING SPACE
I have a writing room on the second floor of my home. It’s a small room, but perfect to write in. The uncanny thing is that my family and I moved into this house twenty years ago, when I was still stuffing down my feelings of being a writer. But this particular room was already decorated with wallpaper consisting of rows upon rows of realistic looking books along one wall. It was like the universe was trying to tell me to finally “get in here and get writing!”
WHAT ARE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
My two sons, my husband, my dogs, food and water.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TELEVISION SHOW?
I prefer to read, but I’d have to say my favorite shows are streamed. I don’t like waiting for commercials to finish.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR BEST IDEAS?
Sometimes ideas come to me when I’m in bed trying to get to sleep. Others I’ve held in my brain for a long time, especially things that bothered me when I was growing up.
IF WE WERE TO COME TO YOUR HOUSE FOR A MEAL, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I should say pasta because I’m half Italian, but it would probably be something my husband barbecued, with different salads made by me. We would sit in my backyard and talk. I love to hear about others’ lives. Everyone has a story.
WHAT WOULD WE FIND UNDER YOUR BED?
Dust and dog fur, probably. I’m afraid to look.
WHAT WAS THE SCARIEST MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE?
When I was fourteen, I was almost snatched off the street by a couple of guys. They stopped at the curb, jumped out of their car, and tried to grab me. My girlfriend was too frightened to do anything, so I plunged my body to the sidewalk, kicking and screaming. I guess they decided I was too difficult to deal with because they got back in their car and took off.
WHAT GROUP DID YOU HANG OUT WITH IN HIGH SCHOOL?
Mostly I hung out with my “gang” of six guys and six girls. We reconnected recently after decades apart.
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT THESE DAYS?
I’m passionate about my family. I’m passionate about what’s going on in the world. I’m passionate about my writing. I’m passionate about each person who picks up my book and reads it.
IF YOU HAD TO DO YOUR JOURNEY TO GETTING PUBLISHED AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?
I would try to not feel so heartbroken at each rejection.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE PARANORMAL ABILITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
To travel back in time. I’d love to see my dad again, and again, and again.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOUR READERS WOULD BE MOST SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
My age. I started writing after my boys were grown, so I’m older than many young adult authors. But the good thing is, a vital part of me never moved on from my teenage years. I’ve always been aware of this.
WHEN WRITING DESCRIPTIONS OF YOUR HEROINE, WHAT FEATURE DO YOU START WITH?
I start with his or her attitude. How badass or passive are they? How confident or vulnerable? How persuasive or gullible? How serious or funny? How damaged?
ARE YOU A PLOTTER OR A PANSTER?
Hmmm. Both at times. I start with the characters and some sort of plot then let the characters evolve. Sometimes they decide to change an aspect of the plot or take the story in a different direction although my general vision remains.
IF YOU COULD APOLIGIZE TO SOMEONE IN YOUR PAST, WHO WOULD IT BE?
One of my best friends when I was a teenager. I hitchhiked with her across Canada. Eventually, I totally chose my boyfriend’s wishes and hopes over hers. It was an awful thing to do.
IF YOU COULD KEEP A PARANORMAL CREATURE AS A PET, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A creature small enough to fit into my pocket. I’d take it everywhere with me, as long as it didn’t bite.
HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR WRITING DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE OTHERS THAT WRITE IN THIS PARTICULAR GENRE?
I think because I’m older than a lot of YA authors, my writing naturally comes out in a unique way. I’ve had different experiences in different time spans.
ARE THE EXPERIENCES IN THIS BOOK BASED ON SOMEONE YOU KNOW, OR EVENTS IN YOUR OWN LIFE?
I’m not the kind of author who can make up entire worlds and inhabitants like a fantasy writer. In everything I write, my experiences in my own life are interwoven somewhere in the story.
Would you like a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card or an ebook copy of The Somewhere I See You Again? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Everything to Lose (Mountain Resort Mystery Series Book 2) by Shannon Work ~ Genre: Mystery, Suspense
When the truth could cost you everything… Sometimes murder is the only way out.
When her husband is found dead in their Vail, Colorado mansion, Victoria Banks is accused of murder. Determined to prove her innocence, she hires famed detective Jack Martin to help find the real killer.
But when the two uncover a sinister plot some would kill to keep secret, could it cost both of them their lives?
With a growing list of suspects, can Jack find the killer in time to prove Victoria’s innocence? Or will he discover his beautiful client is actually guilty of murder?
From the mountain luxury of Vail, Colorado, to the oilfields outside Denver, Everything To Lose is a page-turning story of murder and greed.
Shannon Work grew up in Del Rio, a border town in the dusty wilds of West Texas. When she graduated from high school, she moved east to College Station and graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a master’s degree in Land Economics and Real Estate.
Most of her working life has been spent developing real estate, earning a national Best in America Living Award for one of her developments. After two failed starts at writing a novel while raising three kids and working, she retired to pursue her dream of writing mystery novels full time.
Shannon and her husband are recent empty nesters and split their time between Houston, Texas and Telluride, Colorado. Always with their laptops and dogs in tow.
Elexis Bell writes gritty and emotional novels. Born and raised in the midwestern United States, she dreams of a cabin in the woods rather than a house surrounded by cornfields.
She loves writing well-developed characters facing real problems in vibrant, magical worlds. Armed with a degree in psychology and a rollercoaster past, she sprinkles gut-wrenching emotions over high fantasy romance, science fiction, and the occasional thriller.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Allmother Rising? There are four main characters, so in order of appearance: Veliana is the Priestess Rising of Kin territory, but Rising to lead her people makes her nervous. And with the new king of Jun threatening to invade, the stakes have never been higher. Shy and struggling to recover from the betrayal of her former love, she carries a lot of burdens into battle.
Tyrvahn is the deposed prince of Jun. Once conceited and wasteful, a near-death experience brought him to the Allmother’s door. She showed him a better way to live. He just has to escape the assassins his uncle sent after him, deal with the recent deaths of his parents, and get his throne back to lead them according to the Allmother’s ways. Garle hates the new king and his nephew. After they led the invasion of her homeland more than a decade ago, killing her parents and running everyone out of their homes, she vowed revenge. Having lived undercover in Jun ever since, working her way into an… acquaintanceship with the royal family in the name of gathering information, her opportunity to kill them and the evil god that twists the hearts of Jun residents has finally arrived. Kivala thinks she’s moved on. Her brothers died in the invasion of her homeland, but it’s been years. She’s safe and sound in Kin with her parents, best friends with the Priestess Rising, and always has a brightside or a joke. But when war comes to her doorstep again, the thought of losing another home and more family pushes her to the front lines.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book? It’s hard to pick, honestly. I’m not sure how to choose between the characters, the world, or the animal companions.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Who designed your book covers? I actually do my own covers. I really enjoy graphic design, and once I get started, it absorbs hours of my life. Of course, I always get feedback from other authors, artists, and readers before finalizing a design.
Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book? I did end up going down a rabbit hole researching how bears show affection. The book has animal companions, and I have no experience with bears… so my google search history took a surprisingly wholesome turn compared to some of the other things I’ve researched for books.
How did you come up with name of this book? The Allmother is the primary god in the world within the book, and she desperately wants to reach the rest of her people. Aia (her son and thus a lesser god) holds them beyond her reach in a kingdom without the trees that connect the mortal realm to her realm. In Kin, the person in line to lead the territory is called the Priest or Priestess Rising. So, since the Allmother is reaching out to lead the rest of her people home, I combined the two terms and got Allmother Rising.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination? Nope. I don’t base any of my characters off people I know. They pop into my head, and they quickly become their own people, making decisions and thinking things all on their own.
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write? Most of them come to me as I write. I always have at least two of the main characters before I start writing, but the rest fill in as I go.
What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book? None. I start writing and figure everything out as I go. If that means stopping to research how bears show affection for half an hour, then so be it. (I actually did that while writing this book.)
Do you see writing as a career? First and foremost, it’s something I love. Whether it eventually pays the bills or not, the joy of writing is enough to continue. But in the future, I’d like to make enough money from my books to be able to quit my day job and write even more books.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre? Of course. I’ve actually turned one of the spare bedrooms at my house into my own personal library. I read fantasy and sci-fi, always with romance. The darker, the better, and I prefer character driven books.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why? I can write regardless of what’s going on around me, but I prefer music. I make playlists for every book, adding to them every time I hear a song that reminds me of one of the characters, a scene, or just the book as a whole. That’s my preferred soundtrack while writing, but I’ll write regardless.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time? I usually have multiple projects going at a time, but only one in the writing stage. At the moment, I’m writing a sci-fi series, editing a dark romantic fantasy and a thriller romance, and releasing Allmother Rising. I just can’t write two books side by side. I get too excited about the characters and worlds, too consumed. And inevitably, one sucks me in, leaving the other project on the backburner until the first is done.
Pen or type writer or computer? Honestly, whatever I have on hand. I’ll type on my phone or my laptop. I’ll write in a notebook or on loose scraps of paper. Sometimes, I come home from work with my entire forearm covered in scenes and conversations that I thought up throughout the day. I work in a factory, and my machine tracks my progress to the tenth of a second, so I don’t have time to dig out paper and write out every detail in my head. Instead, I just jot down the barest bones of what I come up with on my arm, just enough to make sure I remember everything when I get home to type it up.
Any advice for new authors? I have a few pieces of advice that I will always, always, always tell any new writer that asks for advice.
1. As long as the first draft is written, it’s a perfect first draft. Don’t stress over what others will think or whether it’s good enough or whether it’s original or too long or too short. A first draft is perfect as long as it’s written.
2. Writer for yourself. Edit for your readers.
3. NEVER PUBLISH WITH A VANITY PRESS. They’re legal scams. Please, save yourself millions of headaches, infinite heartache, bullying, and thousands of dollars. If a publisher approaches you, unless you’re famous, it’s probably a vanity press. If they call themselves a subsidy press, they’re a vanity press. If a publisher expects you to pay them, it’s a vanity press. (Ingramspark is the exception in that they charge $25-$49 to list your book in their massive wholesale database.)
Please, research every publisher you consider. Ask other authors and check out Writer Beware to see if they list a publisher that seems even the slightest bit suspicious. I was taken in by a vanity press when I first published nearly a decade ago, and it very nearly destroyed my faith in publishing altogether. Spare yourself that trouble.
Describe your writing style. Gritty, lyrical, character-driven, and punchy. My characters drive the plot, and I don’t waste time with unnecessary details. I use a lot of sentence fragments, a lot of dependent clauses and paragraph breaks, all in the name of flow. And I never shy away from the tough subjects my plots demand.
What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first? What are common traps for aspiring writers? I’m what’s known in writing communities as a pantser/discovery writer. Some people prefer discovery writer because it sounds more serious. I prefer pantser because it sounds more fun and writing is supposed to be fun. But regardless of what you call it, I write by the seat of my pants. No outlines. No story bible. No character profiles. I get an idea, and I start writing. Beyond that, I do a lot of things that are commonly preached against in writing circles. Many people say not to edit as you go because it might trap you in a cycle of rewriting/fixing rather than writing the rest of the book. But I edit as I go, and it works for me.
A lot of people say to write every day, but I work 12 hour shifts at least two days a week. I don’t usually get to write on those days.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want? I just let the story be what it needs to be. There’s an audience out there for any book. It’s just a matter of finding them. Yes, writing this way rather than writing to market means that marketing will inevitably be more difficult, but the integrity of the characters and the story means more to me than saving myself a little difficulty in advertising.
How long on average does it take you to write a book? I write somewhat quickly. Despite working full time and maintaining a semblance of a social life, I can usually finish a first draft in about four months. Some books take a little longer, depending on how much overtime I end up with during that time.
Allmother Rising took one day less than four months. The writing started out slow thanks to work, but then Covid happened, and the factory I work at got shut down for two months. So, I still got it done in four months.
However, my current project, The Regonia Chronicles, is an exception. It’s a series that I didn’t know would be a series until I was about 90,000 words in with no end in sight. (Most sci-fi/fantasy novels are between 70,000 and 120,000 words, for reference.) And then, when I started writing what I thought would be book two, I had to go back and add several chapters to book one, which changed the point at which book one ended. Then, book three meant more additions to book one.
So, for this project, I honestly have no idea how long each book is taking because they’re all under construction up until the completion of the whole series. Not to mention the fact that I’ve stopped to write unrelated books a few times, and since I’m making up a complete language for one of the races in the book, I occasionally have to stop writing to fill out their dictionary. But usually, I can stick to an average of four months per first draft.
What can we expect from you in the future? I always have a lot of projects going on at one time, so in addition to releasing Allmother Rising, I’m also editing and writing. All my books are intensely character focused, so their internal struggles are always in the forefront.
My current projects in editing: Second to None, a dark thriller romance with murder, an abusive relationship, star-crossed lovers (not the abusive relationship), and ghost stories. A Blessed Darkness, a dark romantic fantasy featuring a fated couple, blood magic, power that makes even the gods wary, and the dangers of losing yourself in love.
My current writing project: The Regonia Chronicles, a dark romantic sci-fi series full of unethical experiments, genocide, aliens, alcoholism, and a very close look at the ways that families break apart (and break the people within them). Books 1-3 and one of the prequels are written. I’m currently writing book four and the other prequel.
After all that, I have an idea for a second standalone novel in the universe of my last release, a dark paranormal fantasy romance called A Heart of Salt and Silver, as well as several ideas in new worlds.
Character names are very important to me. They have to feel just right for a particular character—they either work, or they don’t. Sometimes character names come easy—while I’m outlining the story. Other times, I struggle to find the name that fits just right. And I try to make sure none of the character names are too similar in the same book. I want it easy for the reader to remember who is who!
I’ve always believed that character names should be as well thought out as book titles. They should reflect something of the character’s personality. Many of the most famous literary characters have memorable names. Who could imagine a character by any other name than Harry Potter, James Bond, Hercule Poirot, or Jay Gatsby? It’s obvious the authors put a lot of thought into naming their main character.
There are numerous resources authors can use to help create character names. There are even name generator websites that some authors use, although I haven’t. Resources I have used include lists of popular baby names for the years my characters were born. I have also googled lists of cultural surnames and searched through burial lists from local cemeteries.
A particular fun resource I have used to create character names in each of my novels is the book Agatha Christie A to Z, which lists the names of every character (major and minor) that Agatha Christie used in her novels and short stories. Agatha Christie is a literary hero of mine, and each of my books includes variations of names taken from this book.
I hope that, now, with some insight into the work that authors often put into naming characters, you will think about them while you’re reading. Does the name provide insight into the character’s personality? Does it work for you? Or does it sound like the author merely plucked it from a telephone book? But I hope you will never again take for granted what’s in a name.
Shannon Work grew up in Del Rio, a border town in the dusty wilds of West Texas. When she graduated from high school, she moved east to College Station and graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a master’s degree in Land Economics and Real Estate.
Most of her working life has been spent developing real estate, earning a national Best in America Living Award for one of her developments. After two failed starts at writing a novel while raising three kids and working, she retired to pursue her dream of writing mystery novels full time.
Shannon and her husband are recent empty nesters and split their time between Houston, Texas and Telluride, Colorado. Always with their laptops and dogs in tow.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Celaine Charles lives in the Pacific Northwest where she teaches elementary school, writes fiction and poetry, and blogs about her writing journey on Steps In Between.
Her YA Fantasy, Seam Keepers, debuted May 12, 2021 (The Wild Rose Press). Always busy, Celaine is currently drafting the sequel, Dream Keepers, along with a brand-new YA Contemporary Fantasy, Life Song.
Her poetry book, Colors Collected, debuted in August 2019. This book stemmed from her online poetry series, Colors, hosted on Channillo, and awarded Best Continuing Series, Best New Series, and Best Poetry Series for the 2018 Channillo Awards. In addition, she has poetry published with other various presses.
When Celaine isn’t writing, she is usually with family and friends, or hiking among the trees and the flowers in her beautiful evergreen state.
The inspiration for my story, Seam Keepers, evolved from a literal dream and a challenge. I woke up one morning thinking about dreams and if there could actually be different worlds inside dreams. If so, what might they be like? What would their purpose be? How would someone from Earth get to that dream-place? Why would they want to go?
I dove in, drafting my story without any direction or know how. I was soaring on the famous quote to write the story you’ve always wanted to read. I had a human character, a hidden dream world, and a pretty clever dream creature. Then I wrote linearly until I found myself stuck, stuck, stuck. I had no idea how to really plot or develop a book of that scale. I simply grasped ideas and themes I wanted to glean. It was time to do some more reading. What were other authors doing to make their books work?
A couple years later, after almost giving up, I said a little prayer and gave the idea to the stars. Two weeks after that, I met a woman who changed my life. I had discovered she was an author and shared with her my want-to-be-writer secret. She shook her head and said if that’s how I felt, then I already was a writer. She challenged me to start over with a new story idea and write a whole new book without stopping to revise or edit. Her rules were simple, don’t look back, just finish. Her initial thought was that I would complete something, even if it was trash, then be able to go back and finish my original story. There’s a lot of motivation that comes from finishing, I know this firsthand now. But what really happened for me…the new story I wrote became the story I published…Seam Keepers!
Okay, I fibbed a bit. My friend challenged me to write a whole new story, nothing I’d ever written before. But I couldn’t quite bring myself to leave that dreamy setting I had created. So, instead of continuing my original story inside the dream world, I wrote about new characters outside, or what is now the seam surrounding the Dream Realm. I am smiling because now I get to write the sequel, Dream Keepers, picking up with some of my original story ideas from all those years ago.
A literal dream and a writing challenge—that’s how Seam Keepers came to be.
What can we expect from you in the future?
My writing future is glittering in tiny firefly lights. After bringing Seam Keepers to life, I can’t possibly stop creating. I have book two, Dream Keepers, in process now. I have also began plotting a beautiful YA Fantasy, Life Song. Not to mention, I have a fairytale I’m working on with two incredible characters I can’t get out of my head! They will see the light one day. In addition, prompted by a fun challenge from my writing critique group, I wrote a Christmas Paranormal Romance for a holiday themed series with my publisher, The Wild Rose Press. It hasn’t been accepted yet, so I am crossing my fingers. If it’s a big fat rejection, then maybe I will query it somewhere else. Or maybe I will just share it with my followers. It was an absolute delight to write! As always, writing begets more writing…
Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
I have learned immense amounts through the process of writing this book. For one, I am a recovering pantser. Unfortunately, Seam Keepers was created linearly, and most certainly, by the seat of my pants! I started at the beginning and wrote until the end. But then the journey really began. I spent hours re-writing the beginning, re-organizing the middle, changing the ending, re-writing the beginning again, deleting and tightening parts in the middle and end, only to do it all again. There was a total of three re-writes with this book.
Honestly, it’s because I had no idea what I was doing. I trusted I had a story to tell, and like an energizer bunny, I worked my heinie off to write it. Since then, I have learned that plotting (at least for the big scenes) isn’t such a bad idea. I’ve slowed down to take writing classes and trusted in the need for beta readers. Most importantly, I’ve learned to save up money to pay a developing editor so in the end, I can query a polished manuscript.
I find it humorous because I had been told some of these important parts about writing before. I guess I had to struggle to realize them for myself. I remember thinking that my original story didn’t need to follow a plot chart. My book could be that really unique story that breaks the mold. Snicker-snicker! Maybe somebody will do that one day. But for now, little ole me is happy to follow the scenes that work in a story because…I want to share my story. I want to write more books. It is a bit of a game to play, to get your story out there. So, if it means I must organize myself a little more than I used to, so be it!
Let’s just say plotting is my goal, although I have at least one foot in my pants at all times.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
As much as I try plotting my book…being a recovering pantser and all…there are times when my characters need to take the reigns and show me the way. They are the ones living the story, so they know best. I find when I try to coerce them in a direction I think they should go, I am usually—mostly—always wrong. Once my characters start to develop into their own beings, I have to trust them. We do a pretty nice job of working together, especially after all our conversations over coffee and during nature walks. Thankfully, they are kind in their tugs to venture down new paths.
Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.
How can I convince you to read my book, Seam Keepers? If you are looking for a fantastical escape…a contemporary coming of age tale with a new version of good versus evil…a natural (and unforced) friendship-to-love relationship…a story with incredible family dynamics, layered beyond what you could ever imagine…bound to otherworldly realms you’ve never read before…filled with dreams, destinies, demons, danger, and dedicated character growth…where the two main POV arcs actually cross over…and with the pacing needed to keep you reading through to the touch-your-heart, girl-has-found-her-power, boy-claims-his-truth ending…then this is the book for you!
If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?
If Seam Keepers was a scent, it would be evergreen. The story starts with a dream leading my characters into the woods of the pacific northwest. There’s hemlock and fir, cedar and pine, and with their adventures between realms, these tall beauties were all constant.
Is there a writer which brain you would love to pick for advice? Who would that be and why?
Maggie Stiefvater is an author I would love to sit down and chat with. Her books tend to carve out a little spot in my chest. She is the master of characterization. Her characters are always original and unique, yet I feel like I might run into them on the street somewhere because they are so real. Her story lines are whimsical and creative, but with layers of reality to ground you. I adore getting lost in her worlds.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since high school (way back when), but I never told a soul. It wasn’t until 2017 that I came out publicly as a writer. My joys have been poetry and fantasy fiction (however during my younger years, when my own children were small, I wrote a few picture books…I’ve yet to do anything with). I hope to keep writing until the end of my days. It feels like such a privilege to do so.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I read every day and love to read fantasy! It’s my favorite genre. I enjoy both contemporary and epic fantasy. And although I read other genres sometimes too, whatever I read, must have some level of magic so that I can escape reality. That’s why I read…to escape the world as we know it. Well, and as an author, I read to improve my own writing.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
I write in silence and with music, both. It depends on what stage of writing I’m in…and how distracted I am. If there is a lot of noise going on around me, then I play wordless background music—usually movie scores, like The Last Airbender, How to Train Your Dragon, The Mortal Instruments, Harry Potter, and many others. If there are no distractions coming from my outside life, then I usually write to the tune of my own voice whispering back the lines I’m drafting or to the computer voice in Word reading back my pages. If I’m at a critical point in my story line, then there’s nothing but silence until I squeal in delight or slump to cry. Again, it all depends on where I am in my writing process.
Pen or type writer or computer?
I pen story ideas in colorful, paper-filled journals, but always I draft on a computer. I love the sound of my fingers pressing keys, and I like to edit as I write, so typing is quicker. Whenever I handwrite, I usually slop my thoughts down in illegible cursive, or doodle flowers and trees, distractedly, so typing is usually the most efficient way for me to create.
Advice they would give new authors?
My advice to new authors: Read books. Write…even when you don’t want to. Take classes. Join writing groups. Go to conferences. Read more books. Immerse yourself in the world of writing. Call yourself a writer. Persevere through rejections and obstacles. Accept that you have room to grow…a lot of room to grow. Keep reading more books. Keep writing. Find a critique group. Create a writing space for yourself. Be kind to yourself. Read even more books! And never—ever—ever—stop writing!
What are they currently reading?
I’ve recently finished reading the Shadow and Bone series from Leigh Bardugo, and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, by V. E. Schwab, and loved them. I am currently in the middle of Laini Taylor’s book, Daughter of Smoke and Bone. My TBR pile is enormous but makes me smile!
Would you like a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about author Celaine Charles.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Seam Keepers (Seam Keepers Book 1) by Celaine Charles ~ Genre: Fantasy
Ashton Nichols dreads the changes graduation will bring, most of all, losing her impulsive best friend, Mason. Her world turns upside down when she follows him into the woods and encounters a demon and a destiny beyond what she ever imagined.
Mason Deed seeks freedom from his grief-stricken father. But after his encounter in the woods, he must think about Ashton’s safety. Hiding the truth from her about her identity leaves them both vulnerable and caught between good and evil.
Together they uncover the unimaginable. Will they find enough courage and strength to claim their own free will, save their families, and protect human souls?
Celaine Charles lives in the Pacific Northwest where she teaches elementary school, writes fiction and poetry, and blogs about her writing journey on Steps In Between.
Her YA Fantasy, Seam Keepers, debuted May 12, 2021 (The Wild Rose Press). Always busy, Celaine is currently drafting the sequel, Dream Keepers, along with a brand-new YA Contemporary Fantasy, Life Song.
Her poetry book, Colors Collected, debuted in August 2019. This book stemmed from her online poetry series, Colors, hosted on Channillo, and awarded Best Continuing Series, Best New Series, and Best Poetry Series for the 2018 Channillo Awards. In addition, she has poetry published with other various presses.
When Celaine isn’t writing, she is usually with family and friends, or hiking among the trees and the flowers in her beautiful evergreen state.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Love on the Line(Women at Work Book 1) by Kirsten Fullmer ~ Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance
In this epic and unique love story set in the wild mountains of West Virginia, a young woman and her unlikely friends find their way through multiple job hazards and terrible working conditions to achieve the unexpected.
Andrea never thought she’d live in a camp trailer or work outdoors in inhospitable climates; but eager to leave the stress and tedium of grad-school behind, she sets off with her estranged grandpa, Buck, to build a pipeline through the rugged mountains of West Virginia. She’s determined to understand the man and the family divide that drove him away. Once the job starts, she forms an unlikely friendship with Nick, the rough and tumble foreman of the bending crew. Most of the guys aren’t willing to accept her, and Rooster, the handsome, cocky, tie-in foreman, is determined that she’s a ridiculous distraction.
But building a pipeline is fraught with danger, fatigue, and confrontation as egos collide. Caught up in the all-male social microcosm, Andrea can’t help but understand the pecking order, and she’s at the bottom. Being a woman makes it even more unlikely she’ll be accepted. Buck proves to be a taskmaster, but a kindhearted teddy-bear of a man under a gruff exterior, and Andrea comes to love him, opening herself up to the pain of his past.
Rooster and Andrea are drawn to each other, yet they know an on-the-job romance will only cause problems. Rooster is tormented by his own past, and determined to prove himself to Buck, a pipeline ledged. Messing with the old man’s granddaughter is a line Rooster refuses to cross. But as Andrea shows herself to be a hard worker and a valuable member of the crew, she earns Rooster’s respect and he can’t keep his distance. It seems the couple can’t go back, they can’t move forward, and they can’t let go. Both will have to make sacrifices and take a chance on ruining their credibility in order to be together.
Kirsten is a writer with a love of art and design. She worked in the engineering field, taught college, and consulted free lance. Due to health problems, she retired in 2012 to travel with her husband. They live and work full time in a 40′ travel trailer with their little dog Bingo. Besides writing romance novels, she enjoys selling art on Etsy and spoiling their three grandchildren.
As a writer, Kirsten’s goal is to create strong female characters who face challenging, painful, and sometimes comical situations. She believes that the best way to deal with struggle, is through friendship and women helping women. She knows good stories are based on interesting and relatable characters.
Would you like a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
My latest book, Love on the Line, is the story of Andy, a woman who chooses to work building a pipeline in the rugged mountains of West Virginia. Why did I write about this? I wrote it partly because I was inspired by the experiences of my own daughter who entertained me with many of her personal experiences as a pipeliner. But I also wrote it because I too chose to work in a male dominated field back in the day. Some of the struggles of women in these fields are upsetting, but many are inspiring and funny, thus perfect material for the kind of books I love to write. Just because not many women choose to do it, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done, right?
More than any time in recorded history, women are choosing to work in male dominated fields. Every day you come across a woman truck driver, firefighter, or pharmacist. And even though it’s become commonplace, many fields stick with their traditional titles such as policeman, draftsman, and even garbage man. Given this plus the infamous glass ceiling, why would a woman choose to spend their entire career fighting an uphill battle? There are a million reasons, but overwhelmingly, the answer I find is “because I want to” or “because the job appealed to me,” or “My dad and grandpa did it, why shouldn’t I?”
When was the idea planted for women to take the jobs they wanted, even if they were traditionally considered only suitable for men? Some would say with Eve, but both folklore and history are filled with women who not only worked at the jobs they pleased, they ruled societies: Joan of Ark and Cleopatra, to name a few. In Victorian times, women who wrote were forced to use a male pen name or work without recognition. But the women of my grandmother’s generation were forced to work at jobs considered appropriate only for men during world war II. They worked everywhere from factories to the fields. Sadly, after a taste of the liberation a paycheck affords a person, these women were expected to quietly step back into the kitchen once the men came home.
My mother’s generation, were blessed with not only their mother’s experiences, but all manner of modern conveniences which allowed them to clean and cook and generally care for their families in a fraction of the time it took their mothers. Many of these women took it upon themselves to “have it all” and step out into the working world, and not just as nurses and schoolteachers. Their bravery gave the women of my generation the encouragement and conviction that we too could plan a career. However, we quickly learned that we couldn’t be super mom and have a demanding and time consuming career without a shift in attitude, and this shift had to come from the men. The change had to happen not just because of the aforesaid glass ceiling on the job, but because we needed help at home.
Do I think only women who work have value, and somehow women who don’t work away from home are lesser somehow? Of course not! In my lifetime I have been a stay at home mom, a sick in bed mom, a full time student mom, an employed full time mom, and a retired mom. All of those words we put on women are pointless when you realize that we are in this together, and we should be supportive and understanding, no matter what roll you chose.
So, take a moment this summer to grab a copy of Love on the Line. Then curl up in a corner with a cup of coffee and prepare yourself for a heartwarming story filled with feminine strength, challenge, bravery, friendship, and romance.
Nina Soden 