Spotlight Saturday: Daphne Elliot

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 featured author is Daphne Elliot!

1.     What inspired you to write The Havenport Series?

I love steamy, small town romance. I enjoy reading books with a sense of place and a bit of world building. So when I started thinking about writing my own romance series, I knew I wanted to create a small town to be the backdrop. I based Havenport on my hometown. I was fortunate enough to grow up on the ocean in Massachusetts, in a town steeped in Revolutionary War history and lots of local festivals and culture. So it seemed natural to work so many of these elements into my fictional world. I wanted to create a unique place that would provide a backdrop to the emotional journeys of the characters.

 

2.     How long have you been writing?

I started writing in elementary school and never stopped. Throughout my childhood and teen years I wrote many short stories and novels. In my 20s life got in the way and I stopped writing, but found myself coming back to the dream over and over again. When Covid began, I found myself desperate for a creative outlet and so my romance author journey began.

 

3.     What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Write! Sit down and write some words. Have fun, get silly and creative and do whatever you want to do. Writing can be so joyful and satisfying, if you want to do it then do it! Publishing and marketing can be brutal and break your spirit, but doing those things doesn’t make you a writer. Writing does. So go forth and write your words!

 

4.     Are you a pantser or a plotter?

Pantser all the way. I have tried to be an organized plotter and failed every time. I love the thrill of writing a book and letting the characters tell me what they want to do and where they want to go. It’s exhilarating, albeit disorganized.

 

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

I write in past tense, mainly because it comes naturally to me. But I don’t have strong opinions either way. For me, I like romance in either tense, but I am far more picky about 1st vs. 3rd person in romance. I am a firm lover of 1st person.

 

6.     Are you traditionally published or indie?

Indie all the way! I love indie publishing because it removes gatekeepers and allows people the creativity and flexibility to pursue their dreams. There is no one way to be an indie author - you can approach thing however you want and make things work for you.

 

7.     How many books have you written?

I am just about to publish my third novel on September 16th, with two other novellas this year. I have dozens of unfinished books on my laptop, but as far as actual publishable material? 5 so far.

 

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

I love contemporary romance, and for tropes, I love a good slow burn. I am not an instalove kind of girl. I want my characters pining for each other and building up to that moment where they cannot live without one another. I adore fake relationships, there is so much you can do as a writer with that setup, and am currently working on an enemies to lovers book that I am really excited about. 

Finding You, Book Two in the Havenport series released on June 24^th, 2021.

Explosive chemistry and fake relationships don’t mix. Someone really should have told them that sooner…

Declan Quinn does not need a girlfriend, no matter what his matchmaking mother thinks. He’s perfectly happy with his life just the way it is - uncomplicated and quiet. But there’s nothing uncomplicated about his sexy new neighbor… or the way she makes him feel.

The last thing on Astrid Wentworth’s agenda is romance. But Declan wants a fake girlfriend to keep his well-meaning family at bay, and she needs a fake boyfriend for an upcoming work event. It’s the perfect solution. Unless she makes the mistake of falling for the hot, long haired, grumpy fisherman, that is…

It was supposed to be a simple, platonic arrangement. It soon became anything but. At this point, they’ve stomped all over the line between real and pretend. So…now what?

Author’s Note: Finding You is a full-length, standalone, steamy, small town, slow burn, contemporary romance featuring explosive chemistry and a guaranteed happily ever after. May contain adult language, spicy sexy times, a dog who thinks she’s a cat, sledgehammers, burning Christmas trees, and assault by stiletto. Download today and let the good times roll.

 

Pick up a copy of the first book in the series, Trusting You:

https://www.amazon.com/Trusting-You-Small-Romance-Havenport-ebook/dp/B08WNN2TYD

 

Pick up a copy of Finding You:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095JGL8FJ

 

Pre-Order a copy of the third book in the series, Keeping You:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CDTXS28

Find Daphne at:

daphneelliot.com

daphneelliotauthor@gmail.com

 

Subscribe to Daphne’s Newsletter:

http://daphneelliot.com/join-newsletter/

 

Like Daphne on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/DaphneElliotRomance/

 

Follow Daphne on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/daphneelliotauthor/

 

Hang with Daphne on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21191191.Daphne_Elliot

 

Follow Daphne on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Daphne-Elliot/e/B08WS3DR3Q

Spotlight Saturday: USA Today Bestseling Author Erica Marselas

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 featured artist is USA Today Bestselling Author, Erica Marselas!

1. How long have you been writing?

I've been writing since I was little. I always had a need to write out what was going on in my imagination. I would make little books, even if the whole story was one sentence long. Then in second grade our teacher had made us hardback books of stories we wrote and that's when I really knew I wanted to be a writer one day. Soon I was writing things like Vampire Pig, but then as I got to my teens moved on to Fanfiction. 

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

This is a tough one because I love all my characters, but it would have to be the very stubborn Dexter and his bff forever Meadow from the Love Plan.

 

Because Dex and Meadow come as a pair and they're the most "wild" of the bunch and know how to have a good time. There wouldn't be any dull moments with them around.

3. What has been your biggest accomplishment since publishing?

I think being able to go to a book signing and sign. It was/ is definitely a cloud nine moment to get to meet readers and fellow authors. Although becoming a USA bestselling author was pretty cool too. 

4. What advice do you have for aspiring authors? 

Just keep writing :) Your story needs to be heard, so keep going. 

5. What is a writing goal you have?

Right now, my goal is to get back into the swing of things once school starts because 2021 I've been in a writing drought. I'm hoping to get a few books out next year and then in 2023 finally write a longgg series 🙏  

6. Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I used to be a pantser but now I'm a plotter.  I have to know the climax and the end game before I can write.   

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

First person, Present tense. :) I love a good duel pov, but only when the story calls for it because sometimes you need mystery 

8. Are you traditionally published or indie?

Indie all the way baby!!

9. How many books have you written?

14  I have published… but there's a lot more floating around on word docs out there :D

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

Second Chance and forbidden 

11. Where is your favorite place to write?

I never sit in one place for long. So when I find it, I'll let you know. 😂

Her Reluctant Husband released on Amazon through Kindle Unlimited on March 25^th!

 

I would do anything for my family, including marrying a man who hates me.

Not like I had a choice when the person who helped raise me tells me who I must marry in order to save my home.
When I came face to face with Alex Wilks again, the man who despises me and wishes I never stepped foot back into Kinder Falls after the day I left, I didn’t know what I was in for.
Alex was the boy I once idolized, but later, he became the man that broke my trust.
Both of us are reluctant to dig into the lies and secrets surrounding the night that broke us apart.
Because it might end up being the truth that destroys us.
One year.
We just have to survive one year.
The only thing is, we both have so much to lose.
But maybe everything to gain.

Her Reluctant Husband is a full-length emotional and steamy rollercoaster standalone romance.

***Please Note: This story deals with sensitive subjects of sexual and physical abuse that might be hard for some readers. ***

Pick up your copy here: 

https://www.amazon.com/Her-Reluctant-Husband-Erica-Marselas-ebook/dp/B08XNXZCN1

Website: www.ericamarselas.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/doPtf9

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EricaMarselas

Facebook Author Group: Erica Marselas Diamonds in the Rough https://www.facebook.com/groups/204237160123849/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Erica-Marselas/e/B077M8DCFR/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/erica_marselas

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/erica-marselas

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/17348219.Erica_Marselas

Spotlight Saturday: Regina Kyle

 

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 featured artist is Regina Kyle!

1. What inspired you to write Showstopper?

Showstopper is part of Sarina Bowen’s World of True North. She’s one of my favorite authors, and when I saw that she was opening her world to other writers, I jumped at the chance. I’ve written one LGBTQ romance, and I really wanted to write another. The Vino and Veritas part of Sarina’s world gave me the chance to do that. As an added bonus, Adam, one of the two heroes, is a hockey player. We’re a hockey obsessed family, and writing a hockey romance was something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. I’m also a life-long theater geek, hence Kolby, the other hero, is a theater major who meets Adam in an improve class.

2. What book inspired you to begin writing?

There’s really two. When I got my first ereader, about the same time I started writing, the first thing I did was learn to check ebooks out of the library and check out some of the free books that Harlequin offered in their category lines. The first library book I checked out was Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ It Had To Be You. The first Harlequin book I read was Leslie Kelly’s Slow Hands. I loved both, and Leslie’s book sent me down a Harlequin Blaze rabbit hole that eventually led to my first publishing contract with that line.

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

This is reaching back a bit, but I’m going to go with Devin Padilla, the heroine in Triple Time, my second book. She’s the most kickass heroine I’ve ever written. The book begins with her surprising the hero, who thinks he needs to rescue her, but beating the crap out of a handsy customer at the bar where she works. I think she’d be a hoot to share a meal with.

4. What has been your biggest accomplishment since publishing?

Hmmm . . . this one’s tough. Like any career, publishing has a lot of highs and lows. I think one of the things I’m proudest of is winning the Booksellers’ Best Award three times—for Triple Dare in 2016, Billionaire In Her Bed in 2018, and Dirty Work in 2021. That recognition means a lot to me because the award is judged by booksellers and librarians.

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

Always! I released the first book in my Mediterranean Millionaires series, How Not To Mess With A Millionaire, this past June. I’m working on the second book, How Not To Marry A Millionaire, now. Next up will be the third book in that series, How Not To Misjudge A Millionaire. It’s been a blast writing these books with super hot foreign heroes set in Italy, Spain, and Greece. I’m also noodling a couple of proposals for two new series.

6. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Read. Then read some more. I read almost 200 Blaze books when I was learning how to write one. If you can, find a local writing group that will both encourage you and give you guidance and constructive criticism. I know I wouldn’t be published if it wasn’t for the help of my local writers’ group. And remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. And only the persistent prevail.

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

I’m a steamy contemporary romance girl all the way. I enjoy writing both M/F and M/M romances. As for tropes, some of my favorites are friends to lovers, best friend’s sister, opposites attract, and secret identity. I’m working on my very first accidental pregnancy book now, and that’s been fun.

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

I love, love, love writing first person present tense. That’s why I chose that style for Showstopper. Most of my traditionally published books are third person past, though, so I do both.

9. Are you traditionally published or indie?

Both. Most of my books are traditionally published, but I do have some indie novellas out there.

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

Ugh. This is probably my weak point. I’m way, way better at shilling other authors’ books than my own. There’s lots of advice and lots of classes out there. Just remember, you don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to be on every social media site known to man, or doing ad spends on every platform available. Marketing and promo is a lot of trial and error. Figure out what works for you, run with it, and forget about the rest. And don’t be afraid to ask others to share for you on their social media and in their newsletters. Just be willing to do the same for them.

Showstopper released on 8/12!!

I swore I wouldn’t do this again. Mix sports, school, and sex. But right now the only thing standing between me and the NHL is six feet of frenemy packed into a pair of formfitting jeans that have me thinking all kinds of things I shouldn’t. Mostly how to get him out of them.

I don’t just want Kolby. I need him. Because I’ve got to pass this theater class--yeah, I said theater--if I’m going to keep my spot on the team. When tutoring sessions turn into dates-not-dates over Shipley Cider at Vino and Veritas, I realize it’s going to be harder than I thought to keep my hands on my stick and off of Kolby. Worse, I think I might be falling for him. But I’m not ready for that. I want to keep this thing between us on the down low for now.

But Kolby hates secrets. Especially his own . . .

Pickup your copy here:

https://www.amazon.com/Showstopper-Vino-Veritas-Regina-Kyle-ebook/dp/B098LSDXG5

Website: www.reginakyle.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/reginakyleauthor

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8144022.Regina_Kyle

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/regina-kyle

Regina Kyle will be taking over the Kira Believer's Readers Group today at 8AM PST/11AM EST! Please join us for fun, games, giveaways and more !

Spotlight Saturday: USA Today Bestselling Author Cameron Hart

 

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 featured artist is USA Today Bestselling Author, Cameron Hart!

How long have you been writing? 

I started making up stories when I was in kindergarten and drawing them out. That turned into a love of writing throughout high school and college. I graduated with a degree in journalism and creative writing in 2014 and have spent the last 7 years either writing articles online or romance books!

 

What has been your biggest accomplishment since publishing?

I JUST found out that I hit the USA Today Bestsellers list!

 

Do you have anything in the works apart from your series? 

Always! Seriously. Too many projects. I have a second pen name that I write under with Shaw Hart. Skye Alder is all about short, sexy shifter romances. Between Cameron and Skye, there’s always something going on!

 

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

First, find your tribe. These are the authors you trust, who will support you, answer questions, and cheer you on when you struggle with burn out. From there, know where to invest your money/time/energy. You can’t do it all! I invest in quality covers, professional editing, ads, and promos for new releases. One Facebook group that has been SUPER helpful is Writing Instalove! https://www.facebook.com/groups/528859047815529

 

What is a writing goal you have?

My big dream is to go full time by the end of the year!

 

Are you a pantser or a plotter? 

I started off as a pantser and am now a plotter. After a year of plotting, I have no idea how I ever wrote without some sort of outline! It seems so stressful now, haha.

 

How many books have you written?

45, going on 46!

Website: http://www.cameronhart.net/ 

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Cameron-Hart/e/B07Q62HF6L/ 

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/862971197478456 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameron.hart.author/ (@cameron.hart.author)

Email: cameronhartauthor@gmail.com

The boxset of the Men of Blackthorne Mountain series just came out on July 23rd! This mountain man series is all about gruff mountain men and the women who bring them to their knees. All of my books have lots of heat, plenty of sweet, and just enough drama to keep things interesting. 

Check out the boxset here: https://amzn.to/2W5gU79

Cameron Hart will be taking over the Kira Believer's Readers Group today at 1PM PST/4PM PST! Please join us for fun, games, giveaways and more !