Sad Tomorrows

 It's been a year. 

They say bad things come in threes, and after this year, I'm hoping that was the last of it. 

The traumatic end of my relationship. My mom's passing. My broken ankle. 

I'm unsure how much more I can take. 

I am super thankful and appreciative that with everything that's happened, I've been surrounded by family and love when I needed it most. 

I spent the beginning of the year being a broken shell of a person. It took a lot of counseling and a lot of self-work to be able to put back the broken pieces. I remember being so depressed thinking I would never get through it. I would never feel normal again. 

Losing my mom was the worst thing I've ever been through. It just goes to show when you think you can't take anymore, life piles it on showing you how strong you truly are. I miss her every single day. I want to talk to her all the time. With the holidays here, it's been difficult. I just hope she's looking down on me and proud of who I am. 

I broke my ankle on Thanksgiving. The trifecta should be complete. Going from a super independent human being to having to burden and rely on others for nearly everything has not been easy or simple for me. My poor 90+ year old grandma has been taking care of me. She's 60 years older than me and it makes me feel bad every single day. I'm just grateful for the time I'm getting to spend with her. With how old she is, none of us know how much longer she will be around, so I'm soaking up the time and attention. 

I'm still working on my brand and hoping that one day I will be able to work for myself. That one day my words will touch enough people that what I love doing will get to be a part of my every day life. My mom told me to never give up, and to be successful for her, and that's what I plan to do. 

Leaving Vegas in such a hurry was a lot on me. I held a lot of resentment and sadness for having to leave my friends and my Vegas family behind when I wasn't fully ready. I'm hoping that going back will restore that piece of my heart for me. I'm a much different person than the one that left, but I know that I still have a lot more growth to go. 

I haven't dated anyone since that fateful night. Partly because I needed to focus on me, partly because I wasn't ready, and partly because I'm scared. Someday I'll be ready to put myself out there again, and hopefully I won't be single forever. Hopefully there will be someone out there who will love me for me. 

At the end of the day, I'm not giving up. I'm going to continue to push away the dream killers and go full force toward what I love because it's what makes me happy. It's what fulfills me. No one can tell you what is right for you, you need to figure that out on your own. So I'm 35 and have no retirement. So I'm 35 and unmarried. So I'm 35 without children. So I'm 35 and still unsuccessful in many people's eyes. But I'm me and this is my path, no one else's. I've done so many things I can look back on with fondness and being proud of. This is my life to live and I'm going to live it for ME. 

Welcome to Kira Adams' Spotlight Saturday! Every week I will be featuring a different author in the industry. Indie, trad, small press, etc. The point is to help get the word out about new-to-you authors and books they are releasing. Maybe you will find your next favorite author. Maybe you will find a story that will touch your soul. Whatever the case may be, thank you for being here.

This weeks feature is Stacy Kristen!

There will be corresponding posts on my Facebook page, my Instagram page, in my readers group, and my blog! Links will be in the comments.

1. What inspired you to begin writing?

As a prolific reader of romance, the light bulb just came on one day. I was like I can totally do this! I can be a romance writer!

2. If you had to choose a fictional character from one of your books to have lunch with, who would it be and why?

Oh, that's a tough one. I'd have to go with Sutter from Vegas Redemption. He has such a backstory!

3. Do you have anything else in the works apart from your book/series?

I am working on book 2 of the All I Ever Duet, which is Abbie's book (Kelsie’s book is first, which came out December 7).

4. What is a writing goal you have?

To have a photo from photographer Wander Aguiar grace one of my book covers #goals

5. Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I'm a bit of both, so I suppose I'm a plantser. 

6. Do you prefer to write in past or present tense?

Present tense.

7. Are you traditionally published or indie?

Indie author.

8. How many books have you written?

16 so far.

9. What is your favorite genre and/or trope to write?

Erotic romance.

All I Ever Wanted: A Small Town, Friends to Lovers, Second Chance at Love Christmas Romance (All I Ever Duet Book 1) released on December 7th, 2021.

Kelsie and Reese have been friends since high school. But for Reese, his biggest regret is letting Kelsie walk away without telling her his true feelings. But now Kelsie’s back and he has one last shot at happiness. But will Kelsie feel the same way? Will there be a Christmas miracle? Find out in All I Ever Wanted.

Pick up a copy here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09KQYRZN8

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/stacy-kristen

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19521884.Stacy_Kristen

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stacy-Kristen/e/B07Y45G1VH

Website: https://stacykristenauthor.carrd.co/

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

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

Spotlight Saturday: Pearl Tate

Welcome to Kira Adams' Spotlight Saturday! Every week I will be featuring a different author in the industry. Indie, trad, small press, etc. The point is to help get the word out about new-to-you authors and books they are releasing. Maybe you will find your next favorite author. Maybe you will find a story that will touch your soul. Whatever the case may be, thank you for being here.

This weeks feature is Pearl Tate!

There will be corresponding posts on my Facebook page, my Instagram page, in the group, and my blog! Links will be in the comments.

1.    How long have you been writing?

      In the beginning of 2018, I was laid off from my job as a construction project manager. We wanted to wait to move back to our home town when my son was done with the school year, and there was no point in getting another job until then. So I had six months to kill and started writing and self publishing. I believe that my background in project management has had a very strong impact on how I’ve done. Making goals, plotting, writing, and marketing are all things that take planning and mapping out.

2.    Do you have anything else in the works apart from your book/series?

I do have one more book to finish in the Omega Mates series, and then I plan to go back and revisit the Quasars. They’ve been very successful, and I purposely left a whole bunch of things hanging to tie in different ideas in that series. I may bounce around them and see what people like. If one is popular, I can expand on it.

3.    What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Keep writing. The more you write, the better you get at it. Practice makes perfect and all that jazz. But seriously, I can see a big improvement in my writing just since I made it a full time thing in 2018. I know I still have a long way to go, and you can sit down and rewrite your books until infinity, but just in flow and catching my own mistakes, I think I’ve come a long way.

4.    What advice do you have about marketing and promotion?

I try to take advantage of the KDP sales we’re allowed every 90 days. Since I’m still exclusive on Amazon for everything but my freebies, I do go ahead and discount things for my list. It really helps my rankings for them to go buy my stuff when it’s on sale. Then my books get more exposure by those sales bumping up my rankings.

5. Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I’m an extreme plotter. In fact, I have a difficult time because I’ll write something and then need to go back and figure out what I called that thing I made up. Unfortunately, I’ve bounced around in different software trying to find something that works, and those migrations from one to the next cost a lot of time. If I ever find the miracle I need, I’ll be sure to let everyone know.

 Seriously though, I think I do plot more than the average person, but only to make sure everything ties together and I don’t forget any of the cool twists that make a story fun to read.

6.    Do you prefer to write in past or present tense?

Since 2018, I’ve been writing in the present tense. I think there are trends and that was one popular one to make a more immersive experience. It’s the whole show, don’t tell, and when it’s done correctly, I think it’s great. But like any writing style, it takes practice and rewriting.

7.    Are you traditionally published or indie?

Indie. I’m not sure what the advantages would be of traditionally published, since I don’t know anything about it. 

8.    How many books have you written?

Pearl Tate has published 24 so far.

The Quasar Lineage series is twelve books, plus one short story.

The Sinth Strain series is five books, plus one short story prequel.

And the Omega Mates series is four books so far, plus one “free if you join my mailing list” short story that ties into the series.

Book four of the Omega Mates series is the newest release and it’s called Alpha Breed.

 

9.    What is your favorite genre and/or trope to write in?

I’m a huge alien romance fan, and I strongly believe if you’re going to write in a genre and be able to sustain doing it consistently, you do need to love it. That’s why I have so many alien romance books out. To me, the sky’s the limit on what can happen. And of course, tied in with alien romance is the fated mates trope. A classic that has a huge fan base (including me!)

 

10.  Where is your favorite place to write?

I prefer to write at my desk with my favorite chair and keyboard. It’s centrally located to look out the window for “plotting” purposes. I’ve worked everywhere from on a plane to on a beach, but I always prefer my desk. To be really productive, I need to focus.

Alpha Breed - A Sci-Fi Alien M/F Omegaverse Romance: Omega Mates Book 4 released on Nov 22^nd at an introductory price of .99 cents!

Six Alphas are stunned as their prayers are answered, and Omegas are miraculously delivered to them from the sky...

 

Lori:

I don’t believe aliens abducted me from Earth… until I land on the strange planet and see one drowning! I’ve dedicated my life to saving people, and alien species or not. This is no exception.

Let’s hope whoever operated on my head so I can understand the natives doesn’t expect me to be an alien ambassador. After losing my boyfriend in college, I’ve dedicated my life to my profession as a surgeon. I’m sorely lacking in people skills.

When I’m thrown into their breeding program, I realize it isn’t my social expertise they’re interested in!

The purple alien I’m paired with vows not to leave me. Even I can’t deny the attraction between us.

But I’m waiting for the other Earth women to find me. We have an agreement, and they promised to keep looking until we’re all back together.

Can they get me out of this predicament I’m in? And do I want them to?

Or am I better off trusting this dominant alien who declares I’m his mate?

PLEASE NOTE:

This Sci-Fi Alien M/F Omegaverse Romance features an ABO culture complete with Omega fated mates, heats, and knotting with a dominant, possessive Alpha. It contains Adult Language and Steamy Adult Bedroom Scenes. It is intended for 18+ Readers & Adults Only.

It’s part of a science fiction romance series but can be read as a standalone story with its own HEA.

 

Pick up a copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MDXSP2P

Omega Mates Series Page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NHM6WQJ

Prequel short story: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/yfpupgstkt

Website: http://PearlTate.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Tate/e/B07KV4TXKB

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorPearlTate

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pearltate

Spotlight Saturday: GH Brookhorn

Welcome to Kira Adams' Spotlight Saturday! Every week I will be featuring a different author in the industry. Indie, trad, small press, etc. The point is to help get the word out about new-to-you authors and books they are releasing. Maybe you will find your next favorite author. Maybe you will find a story that will touch your soul. Whatever the case may be, thank you for being here.

This weeks feature is GH Brookhorn!

There will be corresponding posts on my Facebook page, my Instagram page, in the group, and my blog! Links will be in the comments.

1.     What inspired you to write The Four HorseWomen of the Apocalypse?

I love the idea of twisting well-known mythologies and stories and making them my own. The Horsemen of the Apocalypse has always intrigued me; four creatures who storm across Earth and cause the very Apocalypse, is just up my street.

I am also a feminist and love women dominated stories. When those two ideas clashed, The HorseWomen were born! Honestly as soon as it did, the ideas rushed at me and I had to write them down. The main theme being: How pissed off and annoyed these deities would be that all of Humanity thinks they’re men!

War fought her way out first being the most forthright, then Pestilence, Death, then finally Famine, who again, just blew out of me and onto the paper. I can’t control them! They are four outspoken and feisty divas.

It is a collection of short stories; each HorseWoman gets their own 10k story and they all get their HEAs at the end of their individual story.

They are fast burn, steamy, sweary and hopefully funny too.

However, I struggled to contain them to these short stories alone. They were originally meant to be a standalone collection, but as I wrote them, a whole other background plot grew and grew, and this collection finishes on an open ending. I am currently writing the companion novel, tentatively called—'The Apocalypse, but not as we know it.’ to complete their arc.

I aim to have them out in the next few months, so watch this space and sign up to my non-spammy newsletter to keep up with progress!

2.     Who is your favorite author?

My favourite author is KF Breene. I love her books, her style, the snarky yet somehow vulnerable characters she creates. The worlds she spins and crafts.

As a bookworm child, my favourite author was Roald Dahl. Particularly the book Matilda. I read it at least once a month for YEARS!!! She is where my love for independent, outspoken female characters comes from. Matilda 4eva!!! Hahaha

3.     Anything else in the works apart from The HorseWomen?

‘Dreams in Reality’ is what started me on my writing adventure and I will go back to it once I have completed the HorseWomen.

The kernel for the idea hit me a long time ago, and it whirred around my head for years before I decided to start writing it. Since that original draft, it has gone through so many versions and I have learnt so much that it is barely recognisable as the same story now! I changed tense, POV, everything! To the point where I’ve had to rewrite large parts completely, but I love the story as much now as I did at the beginning and I want to get it right, so postponing it to give me time to

work on it some more, was the right thing to do.

The original inspiration was my sister. She has schizophrenia and at a point when she was in and out of hospitals being sectioned constantly, my Mum and I had a wistful

sort of conversation along the lines of: “What if…What if she isn’t ill. What if she is seeing actual reality and it’s us who cannot see clearly?” The idea stuck and I loved the idea of re-writing her real-life story to a story where she is the hero, where she gets all the things in her life she has been denied because of her ongoing illness. Simple things we all generally take for granted; a true loyal friend, who would break the world, only for you. A partner in life who loves you no matter what. Freedom, both in society and in your own mind.

The idea worked for my preferred genre – Paranormal Romance, and I went with it!

I have already written book 2 of this series and book 3 keeps rumbling in the back of my mind, building ideas.

4.     Pantser or Plotter?

Definite pantser here. Although I do try to plot some of the important points. Does that count as a mixture?!

5.     What are some writing goals you have?

I try not to set concrete goals, otherwise I end up getting anxious about meeting my own goals and then get in my head. It’s a vicious circle!!

In general, though, I just want a few people to read my books and laugh along with the ridiculous parts, cry along with the sad bits and melt at the spicy ones.

…Making a little bit

of cash wouldn’t hurt either!!!

6.     Advice about social media?

Honestly, I stumble around in the dark as much as the next person! I do have moderate luck on Instagram though and have previously been asked what I’m doing to get followers.

Whilst I am certainly no expert, I think people generally appreciate honest, real interaction. Don’t take yourself too seriously and show your failures as well as successes. If you’re liking, commenting, sharing, and enjoying other people’s post, you’re heading in the right direction. You get back what you put in.

If you add purple and unicorns on pretty much everything, you’ll get my vote anyway!!

7.     If you had to have lunch with one of your characters, which one?

Can I cheat and say Bob and Junie from Dreams in Reality?

Their fierce female friendship is one of the most important aspects of the story (as well as Junie and Caleb’s romantic relationship). I love strong female friendships who support each other to the end. To me it can be as heart-melty as a romantic relationship.

Other than those two, I would love to have lunch with War. Whether I’d make it through without being run through with a sword I dunno! It would add an element of danger to the cucumber finger sandwich buffet we are attending though!

Check out the never-before-seen blurb for The Four HorseWomen of the Apocalypse!

When the HorseWomen are sent by the Goddess to locate four men they saddle up, assuming they're readying for the long awaited Apocalypse.

Angry with humanity's lies, greed, and selfishness, they are raring to get started.

When they find their targets however, they discover there's a lot more to the men - and humanity - than they expected. Temptingly so.

Will they save everything? Or doom it?

Meet the HorseWomen of the Apocalypse:

War.

Pestilence.

Death.

Famine.

A collection of four short stories. One for each HorseWoman and their human.

Expect swearing, spicy relationships, a spot of silliness and four fierce females.

Estimated Release: January 2022

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHbrookhorn.author/

Website: https://ghbrookhorn.wixsite.com/author

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/415466999718086

Newsletter: https://ghbrookhorn.wixsite.com/author

Spotlight Saturday: Danielle Hill

Welcome to Kira Adams' Spotlight Saturday! Every week I will be featuring a different author in the industry. Indie, trad, small press, etc. The point is to help get the word out about new-to-you authors and books they are releasing. Maybe you will find your next favorite author. Maybe you will find a story that will touch your soul. Whatever the case may be, thank you for being here.

This weeks feature is Danielle Hill!

There will be corresponding posts on my Facebook page, my Instagram page, in the group, and here on my blog!

1. What inspired you to write Untouchable?

 I've had story ideas for as long as I can remember, and I'd often jot them down in a notebook or on my phone with little intention of doing anything with them. As much as I loved writing, the idea of getting published always seemed near impossible.

 

It wasn't until I went on maternity leave after having my son in 2016 that I realised self-publishing was a legitimate possibility. With that in mind, I took a story idea I couldn't get out of my head and ran with it. It eventually became my debut novel.

 

After many drafts and revisions and traversing a super steep learning curve (which I'm still on!) I finally accomplished a lifelong dream and published Untouchable in October 2020.

2. How long have you been writing?

 I've adored reading and writing for as long as I can remember and a part of me always loved the idea of being an author. At sixteen I wrote my first novel after being inspired by a Point Horror book (thankfully, it never saw the light of day! Haha)

 

I then went on to study English Lit at University, and wrote a ton of essays, short stories, and some poetry.

 

So, I'd say writing, in one form or another has always been a part of my life.

3. What book inspired you to begin writing?

As a kid my favourite books were written by Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton, which often inspired a poem or short story.

 

As a teen, my inspiration came from my love of Point Horror and Point Romance books. I would devour book after book in both series and was always consumed with a desire to create my own characters and worlds after reading.

 

As an adult, there probably wasn't one book that drove me to put pen to paper, rather dozens I've read over the years and fallen in love with. I think my main desire has always been to create characters that feel real and a story that moves the reader.

 

The books I love the most are the ones I develop a deep connection with and read again and again. That's my inspiration and goal when I write now.

 

4. Who is your favorite author?

 Gah! I have soooo many!

 

But... I'll go with my OG favourite Jane Austen. I've read and studied every one of her books and even completed my final dissertation on her and her work at university.

5. If you had to choose a fictional character to have lunch with, who would it be and why?

This in no way is picking favourites because I love all my characters the same!! But for a lunch date I'd have to go with Liss (FMC from the second book in the Unstoppable Series.) She's blunt, smart, witty and comes out with some of the most hilarious one liners. I feel like I'd spend the entire time laughing, which is awesome!

 

6. What has been your biggest accomplishment since publishing?

The road to self-publishing as a newbie was so incredibly overwhelming at times, I wasn't sure I'd even get my first book out! So, my biggest accomplishment so far would have to be hitting that publish button, then seeing people actually buy or download a book I'd written!! That was, and still is, incredibly surreal and absolutely huge for me.

 

7. Do you have anything else in the works apart from your books/series?

 I have SO much planned! I have story concepts and future series ideas coming out of my ears. If I could write 24/7, I'd have ten books published already, but real life (aka kids and husband) has very little respect for my (probably) over-ambitious writing plans!

Next up is the third in my Unstoppable Series. Then in 2022, I have a whole new series planned.

 

8. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

 Do plenty of research about self-publishing.

 

Watch podcasts, join Facebook groups, make connections with fellow writers and don't be afraid to reach out.

 

The author community is so generous and kind, and always willing to share and support each other. For those times when deadlines are missed or a reader doesn't give such a glowing review, it's great to have a support network in place and people to share experiences with.

9. What advice do you have about marketing and promotion?

Ooh, this is tough!

 

There are so many different approaches to marketing and promotion, and I'm still figuring it all out!

 

I'd say social media is important for engaging with readers and building a dedicated team. Paid ads for getting as many eyes as possible on your books. Then probably most important is nailing the book cover and blurb for your genre/trope to make readers want to pick it up and read it!

 

10. What is a writing goal you have?

 I'd like to increase my writing pace with each book and create a more structured writing schedule. My target next year is to write and publish a new three-book series, plus two standalone novellas.

11. Are you a pantser or plotter?

Both, but mostly pantser.

 

I usually create an outline, so I have some form of direction to follow, but I don't limit myself as my stories tend to develop as I write.

 

12. Do you prefer to write in past or present tense?

Past.

 

Past comes more naturally to me, but the genre I write in tends to be predominantly present. I'm toying with the idea of switching it up for my next series, but I have no idea how that will go!

 

13. Are you traditionally or indie published?

Indie. For me, I love how accessible KDP is and having complete control over my books.

 

14. How many books have you written?

 I have three published and two finished but in need of a re-write.

I also have several outlines waiting and about three thousand snippets, chapters, scenes and/or ideas taking up space in my phone storage! They will eventually become stories, I promise!

 

15. What is your favorite genre and/or trope to write in?

My favourite genre is contemporary, and I have a ton of favourite tropes.

 

If I had to pick one, I'd say enemies to lovers. I love the writing process with this trope, the push and pull, the denial, the shifting emotions, the resistance, and then the sizzling chemistry and acceptance when they finally give in! I love writing that angsty, emotional roller coaster romance.

 

16. Where is your favorite place to write?

At home on the couch! I try to spend time at my desk for the sake of my back and my furniture, but I definitely prefer my bright and airy living room with the big comfy couch. 

Always Mine, the first book in the Westridge series released on July 22^nd, 2021.

 

One drink. One night. One ex-boyfriend... and then we go our separate ways. Simple, right?

Not if fate has anything to do with it.

Matthew Davidson stole my heart long before it occurred to me it was something I could lose. I loved him with a passion that consumed me, terrified me... destroyed me.

Believing I was over him was my first mistake. Agreeing to his offer of an innocent drink six years after our relationship crashed and burned was my second.

But how much could one night hurt?

Well, a lot more than I'd bargained for.

When Matt shows up at my sister's wedding a few months later, I'm faced with the prospect of telling him our one-night reunion had lifelong consequences. And then I need to figure out how to let him back into my life without allowing him into my heart.

*Always Mine is a 35k second chance, surprise baby standalone novella. Recommended for readers 17+

 

Pick-up a copy here: https://mybook.to/AlwaysMineBook

Website: www.daniellehillauthor.com

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

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Danielle-Hill/e/B08JNKXHZ6

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/daniellehill

Newsletter/Mailing List: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/d1m9s9

Book links:

https://mybook.to/Untouchable

https://mybook.to/Unthinkable

https://mybook.to/AlwaysMineBook