Thursday, April 27, 2017

Authors in the Spotlight 4/27

In today's Authors in the Spotlight, we have author Keshia Keith!

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Name: Keshia D. Keith

How long have you been published? I’ve been published since November 8, 2016.

What's the worst part about being published? I can’t think of a worst part about being published. I will say that it takes money to publish a book. How much of a cost it is will be up to you, based on who and how you choose to publish your book.

What's the best part about being published? The best part about being published is seeing my work on my website and other sites such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, etcetera. It is available in bound print and electronically.

Are you self-published or did you go through a publishing company? I’m self-published, but the publishing company, Westbow Press, provides self-publishing as an option when choosing to work with them.

*What are the highs, if any? The highs are being able to speak with others about my experiences being described in my new book. I’ve been able to meet quite a few people who have also experienced postpartum depression or some form of depression.

*What are the lows, if any? I can’t say there are any lows. When you write and put out a product, its important to enjoy the process and be thankful that you’ve been blessed to be able to make such a huge accomplishment. Sharing your story is important.

What is the name of your book(s)? The name of my book is, The Classroom Of My Life.

Was it/were they an easy write for you? This book was something I put off for quite a few years. I wrote an outline for the book four years before I actually gave true dedicated time to writing the book. Once I started, the book was an easy write for me.

What's the hardest part about writing a book? The hardest part of writing a book is eliminating the doubt about what other people may or may not view as a great book to read. I had to block out the idea that I would be viewed differently once my book was out there. It is also sometimes difficult to determine how much to share. My book talks about my experience with postpartum depression, so I had to deal with feelings associated with that time in my life, before I was able to share this story one of hope and honesty.

What's the easiest part about writing a book? The easiest part about writing a book is almost similar to the hardest part. Once the fear and doubt are eliminated, it is easy to share something I feel will help others come out from hiding their experiences. Some one needs to know they are not alone. I feel I was able to do that with my book, so that has made the process an easy one.

Where can interested readers purchase their copy of your book(s)? Interested readers can purchase my book at the following: www.keshiadkeith.com, West Bow Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and iBooks on iPad & iPhone

Do you have any future projects in the works? I don’t have a project in the works right now, but I am going to write more books in the future.

*Is there a tentative release date? There is no release date at this time.

Do you have any social media sites that you would like to share with my readers? You can follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
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Join me next week as I bring you more authors!

 

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Authors in the Spotlight 4/25

In today's Authors in the Spotlight, we have author Jon Dalton!

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Name: Jon Dalton

How long have you been published? 2014

What's the worst part about being published? Getting reviews. For self-published authors, reviews, particularly on Amazon, are important as they help the overall ranking for our books thereby creating more interest, and ultimately, sales. Many people I know do not realize how important reviews become as an influence on or sales.

What's the best part about being published? Interacting with my fans. I love hearing from my readers.,

Are you self published or did you go through a publishing company? Self published.
 
*What are the highs, if any? The excitement as a story unfolds
 
*What are the lows, if any? Ugh, revisions. I love creating a story, but then, going back to do edits and revisions, well it’s tedious work.

What is the name of your book(s)? Dancing on a Tightrope, Can’t Dance Forever, Dancing under the Mistletoe and Pina Colada Dead in the Wolf Mallory mystery series. There’s also Candy Cane Kisses written as Haley Jordan in the Jasmine Lane series.

Was it/were they an easy write for you? Fairly so. I’m what they call a punster, in that I don’t plot out a story, I just let it unfold, so often, I have to wait for the characters to tell me what happens next.

What's the hardest part about writing a book? As I said earlier, the editing and revising process.

What's the easiest part about writing a book? For me, it’s that moment when an idea pops in my head.

Where can interested readers purchase their copy of your book(s)? http://amzn.to/2lAipmw, http://amzn.to/2lsJM12, http://amzn.to/2ldRCQQ, http://amzn.to/2lXXET3, http://amzn.to/2mfu51y

Do you have any future projects in the works? I’m currently working on Dancing with a Dead Man and a short story tentatively titled Dancing with James Bond. I’ve also started Gingerbread Dreams, the next book in the Jasmine Lane series.

*Is there a tentative release date? No, not at this time.

Do you have any social media sites that you would like to share with my readers?

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Join me Thursday as I bring you more authors!

 

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Authors in the Spotlight 4/20

In today's Authors in the Spotlight, we have authors Whitney R. Mayes and A.M. Griffin!

  
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Name: Whitney R Mayes

How long have you been published? 7 months now

What's the worst part about being published? I think my first worry when I was first published was wondering what others would think of my story, but then I realized I have always wanted to finish this goal and because of that it being published was totally worth it to me even if that meant I was going to be judge.

What's the best part about being published? The best part for me was being able to speak my truth and hopefully being able to help others with my own experience and my words.

Are you self published or did you go through a publishing company? I went through the self-publishing route and that was a huge learning experience for me.
*What are the highs, if any? The highs were setting a goal of figuring out how to get a book out there and then accomplishing it! I feel proud that I stayed determined and finished what I have dreamed of.
*What are the lows, if any? Lows I would say letting your doubts get in the way. If you question your writing or if people are going to like it then you can lose focus on what you’re trying to accomplish

What is the name of your book(s)? My eBook that you can get through Amazon is called “How to Overcome in a Kickass way with the Power of Positive Thinking.” I also have a blog were I release each week more of a story that I’m writing called “Tales of Emma: Classified as a Hot Mess.”

Was it/were they an easy write for you? Yes my self-help book was easy because it was my own personal story to share with others so it came naturally.

What's the hardest part about writing a book? Getting stick on the flow and making sure each chapter ties together so the reader can easily follow the story line.

What's the easiest part about writing a book? I don’t think there is an easy part, at least not for me the whole writing process is unique from start to finish.

Where can interested readers purchase their copy of your book(s)? You can get my ebook through Amazon and you can find my Tales of Emma at http://wmayes.wixsite.com/time2readwithwhit

Do you have any future projects in the works? I want to keep working on Tales of Emma and would like to turn this blog into a book
*Is there a tentative release date? No not at this time

Do you have any social media sites that you would like to share with my readers? Yes! Facebook

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Name: A. M. Griffin

How long have you been published? I published my first book Dangerously Mine in December 2012. It took that book a year to go to publication. I submitted it to Ellora’s Cave in December 2011. That was such a long journey and eye-opening experience, but one that I’m glad I went through.

What's the worst part about being published? The unknown and laying yourself bare for everyone to see and critique. It’s very hard. With each book that I write I pour myself into the characters, the world, the life and hope that everyone loves the characters as much as I do. I know that I can’t please everyone, that’s not what I’m looking for. I understand that there will be bad reviews, but I hope that the good outweighs the bad (I’m sure every writer feels this way!).

What's the best part about being published? Introducing readers to all the people that live in my head! (LOL). I love bringing my characters to life, to see what motivates them, what drives them, their little nuances. It’s such a great feeling to be able to bring them out and have their voices be heard. I know it sounds a bit crazy, but there’s a sense of wonderment to it all.

Are you self published or did you go through a publishing company? Right now I’m hybrid. I have some books with a traditional publisher and some that I published myself.
 
*What are the highs, if any? There are highs with both. With traditional publishing I have help. I don’t have to worry about paying for the editor or cover. There’s a fantastic team behind me at Totally Bound and I feel covered and secured. With self-publishing I retain the creative freedom. I can choose the covers that I want, how I envision the hero or heroine. If I disagree with the editor my voice trumps and I can decide what to do.
 
*What are the lows, if any? On the flip side to all of the highs there’s also plenty of lows. With the traditionally published books if they don’t sell well I feel that I’ve let me team down and I’ve let Totally Bound down. Like I’ve failed them. With self-publishing it all falls on my shoulders. Even though I like the creative freedom there’s such a weight to it that sometimes it can feel crushing.

What is the name of your book(s)? The books that I’m currently promoting are the three in my paranormal romance, Dark Wolf Enterprises series; Shifter Claimed, Lover Claimed and Hunter Claimed.

Was it/were they an easy write for you? The first two; Shifter Claimed and Lover Claimed were fairly easy. I had trouble with Hunter Claimed only because my H/H had different agendas and it was often hard to get them to trust each other and stay on the same page. They’re both very strong willed and have loyalties that lie elsewhere. Asha is loyal to her Vampire Mistress who saved her when she was a teenager. Hunter, my wolf-shifter is loyal to his pack. Sparks fly and luckily for me, once I got them to want each other, everything finally fell into place.

What's the hardest part about writing a book? When the characters don’t talk to me I’m stuck. Basically dead in the water, waiting for them to decide what to do next. If my brain is silent, my fingers aren’t typing.

What's the easiest part about writing a book? I really wouldn’t anything about writing a book is “easy”. Lol.

Where can interested readers purchase their copy of your book(s)? The Dark Wolf Enterprises series is available almost everywhere via electronic channels. (Amazon buy link)

Do you have any future projects in the works? Yes! Beginning this May I’ll be re-releasing all five books in my sci-fi romance, Loving Dangerously series. I can’t wait! (Amazon buy link)

Do you have any social media sites that you would like to share with my readers? Where you can find me: Website! Subscribe to my Amazon page! Email me at: amgriffinbooks@gmail.com! Like me on Facebook! Follow me on Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram. Subscribe to my newsletter for updates giveaways!

Thank you for you time and I look forward to reading more from you in the future! Thanks for having me! ~A.M. Griffin

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Join me next week as I bring you more authors!