I do still have a little ways to go before I'll open again for review requests, but in the meantime, I posted a new review today for The Love Programme on the review page. Go check it out :)
Monday, August 25, 2014
Catching up with Reviews
Yes, I know. I'm way behind on reviews. But the good news is ... I'm catching up!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Interview with Natalie-Nicole Bates
Here's a chance to get to know Natalie-Nicole a little bit better:
1. What inspired you to write your first book?
That would be Change of Address. I had an idea for two people previously unknown to each other, discover that the house they thought they inherited is actually in dispute. There are two wills, signed by two different attorneys on the same date. I’d never seen anything like that before.
2. Do you listen to music or watch TV when you write?
The television is usually on in the background, but I don’t really pay attention to it. Sometimes I use the iPod, but I often find it distracting.
3. How did you decide on the titles of your books?
I don’t think I have a clear answer to that. I’ve just been lucky to have the titles come to me as I’m writing the story.
4. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I don’t really have what I’d call a ‘mentor’. I have three authors I love and admire (unfortunately all are deceased now). Jacqueline Susann—a few years ago, someone gave me a copy of Valley of the Dolls as a gift. I was absolutely blown away by it! Although it was written in the 1960’s, the writing is transcendent. Dominick Dunne—the male equivalent of Jacqueline Susann. He managed to squeeze about six lives into one. A truly amazing human being. Sidney Sheldon—Master of the Game, one of my hands down favorite books.
5. Which stage of the writing/editing process is the most challenging for you?
The start. I always find writing those first few pages the most challenging. Once I get that done, I roll.
6. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your work?
I was born in Russia, but now live in the United Kingdom. I just received my degree in Mortuary Science this past spring. It’s strange because I can’t actually practice—I’m allergic to almost all of the chemicals involved. It actually put me in the hospital! I’m interested now in cemetery preservation. I write both contemporary and paranormal romance, and have been published since late 2011.
7. If you could sit down and chat with just one of your characters, which one would it be and what would you ask them?
I love, love, love, Daniel Tremont from SEE ME. He’ll also be the hero in my upcoming paranormal novella SAVE ME (Believe Again). It’s a sort of retelling of SEE ME, but more of a funked up fairy tale. He’s one of the characters who latched on to me and refuses to let go. I would just love to hear him speak about his never ending life.
8. Do you have any advice for other writers out there?
Always seek out a comprehensive writing course to learn the correct process for writing a book. I can’t tell you how many promising writers fall down on things such as point of view.
9. Who have been your biggest cheerleaders during your writing process? Who are the ones you have to share your news with, about your books, immediately?
My husband. I have a few close writing friends I share with, but always my husband.
1. What inspired you to write your first book?
That would be Change of Address. I had an idea for two people previously unknown to each other, discover that the house they thought they inherited is actually in dispute. There are two wills, signed by two different attorneys on the same date. I’d never seen anything like that before.
2. Do you listen to music or watch TV when you write?
The television is usually on in the background, but I don’t really pay attention to it. Sometimes I use the iPod, but I often find it distracting.
3. How did you decide on the titles of your books?
I don’t think I have a clear answer to that. I’ve just been lucky to have the titles come to me as I’m writing the story.
4. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I don’t really have what I’d call a ‘mentor’. I have three authors I love and admire (unfortunately all are deceased now). Jacqueline Susann—a few years ago, someone gave me a copy of Valley of the Dolls as a gift. I was absolutely blown away by it! Although it was written in the 1960’s, the writing is transcendent. Dominick Dunne—the male equivalent of Jacqueline Susann. He managed to squeeze about six lives into one. A truly amazing human being. Sidney Sheldon—Master of the Game, one of my hands down favorite books.
5. Which stage of the writing/editing process is the most challenging for you?
The start. I always find writing those first few pages the most challenging. Once I get that done, I roll.
6. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your work?
I was born in Russia, but now live in the United Kingdom. I just received my degree in Mortuary Science this past spring. It’s strange because I can’t actually practice—I’m allergic to almost all of the chemicals involved. It actually put me in the hospital! I’m interested now in cemetery preservation. I write both contemporary and paranormal romance, and have been published since late 2011.
7. If you could sit down and chat with just one of your characters, which one would it be and what would you ask them?
I love, love, love, Daniel Tremont from SEE ME. He’ll also be the hero in my upcoming paranormal novella SAVE ME (Believe Again). It’s a sort of retelling of SEE ME, but more of a funked up fairy tale. He’s one of the characters who latched on to me and refuses to let go. I would just love to hear him speak about his never ending life.
8. Do you have any advice for other writers out there?
Always seek out a comprehensive writing course to learn the correct process for writing a book. I can’t tell you how many promising writers fall down on things such as point of view.
9. Who have been your biggest cheerleaders during your writing process? Who are the ones you have to share your news with, about your books, immediately?
My husband. I have a few close writing friends I share with, but always my husband.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Blog Tour Stop Cover Reveal
The Merry-Go-Round
by Donna Fasano
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 2, 2009
What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing two projects at once. I've never done this before, and I can’t decide if I love it or hate it. I’m writing a Christmas Novella entitled Almost Perfect Christmas, the story of man who enlists the help of a woman in giving his daughter a perfect Christmas. Unbeknownst to him, his little girl has every intention of playing an angelic matchmaker. The other project is the first book of a 3-book series called Following His Heart, the story of a man who is eerily drawn to a woman, and after they fall in love, they discover what brought them together, and it just might tear them apart. Yes, the description is vague, but that’s just the way it has to be for now. I’m chuckling as I type this. Both books are contemporary romance novels and are due out this fall.
What are you reading now or what do you have in your TBR pile?
I just finished Learning to Swim by Sara Henry. I’m currently reading Love Me Tender by Mimi Barbour. On my TBR pile you’ll find A Reluctant Hero by Jackie Weger, Creatus by Carmen DeSousa, The Neighbor by Dean Koontz, Three Junes by Julia Glass, One Way or Another by Elaine Raco Chase…should I go on?
What flavor is your writing style?
I always tell people I write cotton candy for the mind. Think back to when you were a kid and you took a bite of that delectable confection. What did you do? You smiled. That’s what I’m going for in my romance novels.
Was writing always the first thing you wanted to do in life?
No, I wanted to be a teacher, but then I met and fell in love with my husband. We married and began raising a family. It wasn't until my children started school that I started writing.
While you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?
I believe there’s a lot of me in my protagonists. I write about women who are strong, yet vulnerable. My main characters and my secondary characters have flaws and make mistakes (don’t we all?), but then most of them do all they can to learn, grow and become better people.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
One piece of advice I often give to writers is to READ. Don’t just read in the genre in which you write. Read everything. And then figure out what you liked and what you didn't…and then think about why. Reading and analyzing the writing of talented people can help you perfect your own skills.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I bow down to readers! I am so appreciative that they spend their hard-earned money on my books and then take the time to read my stories. I am so blessed to have a job I love, and I wouldn't have this job if there weren't readers who love romance novels.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I came to writing through my love of reading. I spent many a Saturday as a kid in the local library. I loved books, but I never imagined I would ever write one. My husband gets the credit for my becoming a writer. When my children started school and I decided to find a part-time job, he looked around at the piles of romance novels in our home and said, “You've read a lot of those. Why don’t you try writing one?” So, you see. It’s all his fault.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Not my latest book, but one of my titles—Where’s Stanley?—features an ending that I didn't come up with. I handed in the completed manuscript, and my editor suggested a different ending. I wasn't happy, but I did as she asked. Personally, I think the book suffered for it, but readers seem to enjoy it.
What books have most influenced your life most?
Old Yeller, Sounder, The Bell Jar, To Kill a Mockingbird…how can people read these books and not be influenced? There are so many titles that inspired me and moved me, molded and shaped me, there isn't time to name them all. The characters in these wonderful books help young readers to decide what kind of individual they want to be.
Do you ever experience writer's block?
There was a time when I’d have said no. I have a plant-your-butt-in-the-chair-and-the-words-will-come attitude. But I did suffer writer’s block while my dad was battling cancer. It’s difficult to write feel-good happily-ever-after when your beloved father is dying.
Do you write an outline before every book you write?
I do, yes. I equate an outline with a road made; how do you know where you’re going if you don’t have a map? I might write the first chapter or two on the fly, but I always take the time to plan out where I want the story to go. Now that’s not to say that the characters are going to stay on the straight and narrow. They decide to veer off the highway every now and then, and that’s when I have to do a quick reroute.
Have you ever disliked something you wrote?
I've never published anything that I disliked. I have started projects that haven’t seen the light of day, either because I couldn't figure out where to take the story, or I couldn't make the protagonist sympathetic or likable. It’s a rare occurrence, and when it happens, I just set the story aside and hope I can someday come up with a solution.
Author Spotlight: Natalie-Nicole Bates
The Heart of the Hunter
by Natalie-Nicole Bates
After a devastating accident, Barret Atkins has accepted a quiet, solitary existence. His life is turned upside down, when he finds the badly injured Kansas Smith, left for dead in a case of mistaken identity. As Kansas begins to recover, Barret must face some deep scars of his own. When the couple begin to fall for each other, their lives spin into a revival of past hurts, jealousies, and betrayals, causing Barret to put a halt to their budding relationship.
Barret’s hesitation causes his best friend-turned vicious rival, Duncan Craig, to pursue a friendship with Kansas. Where will this leave Barret? Can they all hold on long enough to escape Kansas’s attacker, and will they ever conquer their own inner demons intent on keeping them apart?
Buy Links:
Social Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BatesNatalie
Street Team Sign Up: https://www.facebook.com/groups/441841792565396/
Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/585466478240251/
Bio:
Natalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author.
Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian and Edwardian era photography and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia.
She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19th century post-mortem photos.
Visit Natalie online at www.natalienicolebates.com
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Crazy Couple Weeks
Yep, it's been hectic. Book releases, preparation for first child to start school - life has been getting the one up on my blogging when it comes to new articles. But with some of the stuff out of the way, I'm going to start posting regular articles here once again.
And continue to keep your eyes open for more blog tours. If you have any you'd like let me know about, please email me at sweetlycleanromances@gmail.com.
Also, as an author, if you'd like to have your book mentioned on the Facebook page, please fill out this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hVSXLTQDu4RxY5g6T3aR966zmG9TJZBZ-L4OLyfwcVw/viewform
And, if you are a reader that just read a great book you'd like me to know about, please PM me on the FB page or email at the address above with the book title and author name.
Thank you for all your support and for sharing my love of books!!!
And continue to keep your eyes open for more blog tours. If you have any you'd like let me know about, please email me at sweetlycleanromances@gmail.com.
Also, as an author, if you'd like to have your book mentioned on the Facebook page, please fill out this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hVSXLTQDu4RxY5g6T3aR966zmG9TJZBZ-L4OLyfwcVw/viewform
And, if you are a reader that just read a great book you'd like me to know about, please PM me on the FB page or email at the address above with the book title and author name.
Thank you for all your support and for sharing my love of books!!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Changes to Author Services
A few changes have been made to the Author Services page, including a new way of sharing your book. Make sure to check it out!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Interview with Brooke Williams
Meet Brooke Williams
Interview:
What inspired you to write
your first book?
I had an idea about
writing a book with a character in a coma for a long time. I didn’t really know
what that would entail or what the book would even be about beyond that. When
the introduction to the book came to me one day, I was inspired to write it
down. After that, I had to know what happened. There was no stopping it after
that and “Someone Always Loved You” was born.
Do you listen to music or watch TV when you write?
I used to but now, I like peace and quiet. I think it’s
largely because all day everyday is total chaos with my two young girls. I
write when they are napping and it’s the only “quiet” I get all day. Plus I can
hear music and other noise through their monitors so any more noise is just
overkill!
How did you decide
on the titles of your books?
“Someone Always Loved You” was actually a huge struggle for
me. I took suggestions from family members for weeks. I wanted to call it
something like “Blood is Thicker than Water” or something equally strange that
really didn’t make sense for what it was. All of my other books, however, I
have had the title in mind before I’ve started writing it. Usually if I don’t
have the title up front, it’s hard to come up with it later.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a
mentor?
Oo, good question! I have to pick just one? Richard Paul
Evans is one of my favorites and I feel like his writing has inspired me
plenty. I don’t feel like my style is like his, but if I could be like another
writer, I certainly wouldn’t mind being compared to him!
Which stage of the writing/editing process is the most
challenging for you?
Editing!!! I don’t particularly like reading my own stuff…at
least not with a fine toothcomb. I read what I meant and not what I said and
it’s hard for me to be hyper critical about what I put out there. Editing it
tedious and strenuous and so un-fun compared to the writing portion!!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your work?
First and foremost, I’m the mother of two young girls, ages
5 and 18 months. I spend all day every day with them other than “nap” time. My
youngest still naps, but the oldest does not. I’ve been strict about a quiet
time for her and it’s been my saving grace. Without it, I would never have time
to write a word! In my former life, I was a radio announcer/producer/script
writer. It was a fun career in many ways, but I prefer what I’m doing now.
Someday, I hope to make writing a more full time thing once my girls are in
school.
If you could sit down and chat with just one of your
characters, which one would it be and what would you ask them?
I’d love to chat with several of them, actually. Jordan from
“Someone Always Loved You” is so peaceful and such a selfless soul. I think I
could learn a lot from her. Kate Covington in my upcoming novella “Wrong Place,
Right Time” has a lot in common with me in her former career as a TV traffic
reporter. Though she was in it longer than my 5 months…
Do you have any advice for other writers out there?
Don’t give up. “Making it” in the industry is a struggle. IF
you want to get published, you might feel like finding the right avenue is like
finding a needle in a haystack. Let me tell you, if you don’t look for that
needle, you’ll NEVER find it! It’s in there! Dig deep enough and you’ll run
across the right thing.
Who have been your biggest cheerleaders during your
writing process? Who are the ones you have to share your news with, about your
books, immediately?
My mom is at the top of the list. After I wrote “Someone
Always Loved You” she wanted a sequel…like yesterday! She’s read about
everything I’ve written and she always has positive things to say and encourage
me with. My friend Andrea, a fellow writer with a book coming out in October
(The 20th Christmas, check it out!) is very like-minded about
writing. She’s very encouraging and I know she really GETS it, so it’s always
fun to compare notes, triumphs, and disappointments with her.
BIO:
Brooke Williams bio
Brooke Williams is an award-winning author and
freelance writer. She began her career in radio, both on the air and behind the
scenes. She did a brief stint in TV news and then took on her most challenging
job as a stay at home mom. During the few quiet hours in her day, Brooke writes
articles for a number of clients as well as fiction creations such as “Someone
Always Loved You.” Brooke has also written “Beyond the Bars,” a thriller, “God
in the Kitchen,” a Christian novel, and “Taxi Delivery,” a Christian Romance.
Brooke looks forward to the December 9th release of “Wrong Place,
Right Time,” a romantic comedy and the February 2015 release of “Accept this
Dandelion” inspired by the Bachelor TV show. Brooke has been married to her
husband Sean since 2002 and has two daughters, Kaelyn and Sadie.
Links:
Website:
Facebook:
Goodreads:
Someone Always Loved You amazon link:
Email: authorbrookewilliams@gmail.com
Saturday, August 2, 2014
We're looking for you!!
CALLING ALL CLEAN ROMANCE AUTHORS!!!!
If you write clean romance in any sub genre, and are looking for a spotlight, YouTube Reading, or have a blog tour coming up, contact us now to find out how we can help!!!
Blog Tour Stop Day #2
Someone Always Loved You
by Brooke Williams
Excerpt:
PROLOGUE
The bright yellow taxi nearly took the
curve on two wheels. She told the driver
that getting there fast was a matter of life or death. She just didn’t want to lose her own life in
the process. She thought longingly of
her car, up on blocks at the mechanics where it had been stationed for nearly a
week. Glancing out the window and seeing
another curve coming, she cursed herself for not maintaining her vehicle
properly. Bracing herself for the turn,
she held back tears as the phone call re-played itself in her mind.
“Mrs.
James?”
“Yes.”
“This
is Memorial Hospital. Your husband had a heart attack. He just arrived a few
moments ago…his condition is critical.”
“Is he
going to be okay?”
“We
just don’t know at this point.”
She clenched her eyes shut as she
remembered how her own heart nearly stopped beating as she heard those
words….heart attack…critical condition…don’t know.
The taxi had to get her there. She needed to tell him before it was too
late. Even if he didn’t live, he had to
know before he died. Even if he couldn’t
hear her, she was going to try.
As she thought about the exact words
she would use, the taxi jolted to a stop across from the towering emergency
building. She glanced at its massive
presence with a sense of dread.
She threw
bills at the driver, not waiting for change.
After the fancy curve work, the driver deserved every extra penny. In her rush, she didn’t bother to look both
ways. In her terror, she didn’t hear the
siren.
* * * *
It was his first day on the job. He had studied the maps for days at a time
and he knew the city streets better than the back of his hand. He knew the fastest routes at every time of
day. His first passenger would not die
on his clock. Not a chance. With the siren blaring, he drove swiftly, but
gently, so the emergency medical technician in the back could work without
disruption.
“She’s losing a lot of blood, Jay,”
the EMT shouted. “We gotta get there
fast, man!”
“Not a problem,” Jay replied. “I called ahead. They have her blood type ready. Plus we’re already there.”
Jay only glanced back for a
moment. He just wanted to see the look
on the seasoned EMT’s face as the man realized he’d just taken the quickest
ambulance ride of his career right through the city during rush hour.
The woman
darted out of nowhere. In his glory, Jay
never saw her.
The second he looked away had been one
second too long. As his eyes fastened
back on the road ahead, the ambulance pulled under the emergency room over hang,
and he caught the worry in her eyes an instant before the impact. The sickening sound jolted him backward into
his seat.
Find out what happens next here:
Friday, August 1, 2014
3 Day Blog Stop
Someone Always Loved You
by Brooke Williams
His first day on the job, ambulance driver Jay has a horrible accident. The victim of the crash is thrown into a coma and Jay keeps vigil by her side. As their lives, past and present intertwine; a story of love through time unfolds. An intricate drama including adoption, love, suspense, and plenty of questions, Someone Always Loved You is a novel that keeps the mind churning and the soul alive.
Blog Spotlight
The Master's Plan
by LaVerne St. George
Caralyn Masters lost both her faith and her sister in a
tragic accident. The trauma leaves lingering effects--automobiles give her the
literal shakes. She hoped that a grant from the reputable Doncaster Foundation
would set her non-profit firmly on its feet. Now the grant funding has
disappeared for no good reason. She’ll need a Plan B. Or a Plan C.
Jason Montague knows from painful experience that his seizure disorder is enough to scare most
women off. Finding someone to share his life? Not so easy. Now he’s learned
that there’s a problem with the Doncaster accounts in the Midwest office. All
the grants he promised are in jeopardy, and he’s off to Kansas (of all places!)
to figure out what’s going on. …Then
Love Steps In.
Buy Links:
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