Planning, Planners & Goals= My Year Of Productivity, Accountability and Discoverability

This is it! I've been working on this for about a month and have 6 days to finalize all my plans and goals for next year. I'm starting January 1st for a few reasons. 

First- I want to give myself the full year to pull this off- I have some major plans. There's weekly, monthly, quarterly and of course the final yearly goal I fully plan to meet. I have so many personal, writing, and financial things I want- no I WILL accomplish this year.

Second- My daughter got me a Passion Planner for Christmas, but it wont be here until some time in January. I have printed temp pages to use until it gets here. When it gets here I'll do a whole post about it and how I plan to use it.

Third- I'm going to do weekly end of the week post here to keep track of everything.

I know plans don't always work out. Some goals are unattainable (or at least they seem like it). And there are a lot, I mean tons of aspects, you just can't control. But I'm determined not to let any of that get me down. I need to do something to keep myself moving forward!

Looking Back At The Past Year And What's To Come.

I'm making some plans. For me personally. For my writing. For this blog. As we get closer to the new year I'll start talking more here. Right now lots of thinking and planning going on. Talking to myself is occurring probably more than it should. Is that a writer thing? Probably not.

So for now I'm letting my mind ramble and working on a story tentatively titled Seducing His Private Chef.

Trip to Graduate School and First Day of NaNoWriMo

So yesterday was the start to NaNo. I got in 2467 words, which wasn't bad considering my day.




I guess you could blame some of it on the night before since I didn't get to bed until 5 am. So it was bed at 5 up at 7:30 am, and on the road by 8am. We drove into Boston to learn about the Masters program at Simmons College and take a tour of the campus.

We saw the common areas and the tech lab, which has state of the art equipment. They even have a 3d printer.



It was great and my daughter is sure this is the place she wants to go.

After that we came home and I worked for a bit, but honestly my brain was mush. So by 5:30pm it was nap time! I woke back up around 8:30 and managed to get in some writing.

Today however is all about the writing. I do have to take a tip to the store at some point.

Good luck to all my fellow NaNoers. Here's hoping you don't have to many distractions.

Realizations: Good & Bad

Last night and tonight were filled with lots of issues.

I'm going to start with the GOOD. After some deep thought last night, while I started to pack up my office, I figured out why my current story wasn't working. It took a few hours but I was able to revamp the chapter points and decide how to fix it. So good by original first chapter and hello new beginning!

Another GOOD I chatted with some great authors tonight at Coffee Time Romance. Check out @LauraLeeLenhoff and @AndreaRCooper on Twitter and Facebook. We talked about branding and books.

Now for the BAD. I had to spend almost an hour fixing the links on the book list on my website. All my Pink Petal (Jupiter Gardens) titles weren't working.

Break from Branding to Swap Rooms

I'm taking time this week to prep for swapping rooms with my daughter this weekend. I'll still be writing and every, but most of my focus will be on getting everything ready.

So what do I need before we actually switch.

Large area rug for under my desk and chair to protect wood floor. Done!
Small area rug for under huge file cabinet. Done!
Curtains. Done!

Now I have to pack. Man I have so much stuff.

Sad part of the swap is my daughter is going to paint over my sexy pink walls. Still I'm looking forward to the move.

Branding: A Deeper Look At Me

Here I am?
Do you know me?
If not we it's nice to meet you.

For this post I looked at me and asked those who know me a few questions.

I'm going to start with my tagline. But first I'm going to admit something. Back in 2009 when I first found out I was getting published I wasn't ready. I thought I'm going to write first and figure out the rest when I need to. WRONG! I wish I had at least dipped my toes into the promotion and business end of things.

Okay back to taglines. Here's a few I like, and links to some great authors websites:
 
Brandy Walker Passionate, Breathtaking Romance. http://brandywalker.net/

Tilly Greene Scorching romances full of twists, turns and ties. http://tillygreene.com/

Nina S. Gooden Love That Breaks Bonds! http://www.ninasgooden.com/

Lissa Matthews Where the men are NAUGHTY http://lissamatthews.com/

Shannon Stacey fun contemporary romances and more http://shannonstacey.com/

Jaci Burton Passion On The Edge http://jaciburton.com/

Okay, now here's mine:

Rita Sawyer Giving You It All. Romance. Passion. Laughter. www.RitaSawyer.com

Now we're going to go over those questions I talked about.
First, does my tagline encompass all my books?
The consensus here was yes, which is a relief. I hope all my books have romance and passion, but the laughter is key. If you're not having fun doing whatever you're doing why do it? That's not to say I don't enjoy tugging at people's heart strings. I just like my stories to have a good balance of ups and downs.

Okay next up is the logo I use on my self-pubbed books.
 
I know what you're thinking. What's the difference? Nothing in the text, but that was my point. In this case I wanted to say the same thing, but hopefully in a more eye catching way.



Since this goes in the back of my books I still had to ask myself How is this going to help me with promotion? After some friendly discussion with a little help I came up something I could put on my promo items.

I know it's the same thing. BUT different. This I could use. And boy did I. Book 3 in my Heiresses In Aprons Series is Martinis, Manicure & Mud Pies. My promotion guru and favorite daughter (she's my only daughter) designed these mini business cards,

 and we put the logo on the back. Then we punched a hole in the bottom and attached them to these mini-martini glasses filled with candy covered chocolates and a gumball olive, or candy fruit slice.

I think they came out great. I like to try and do something original and little special for events. I'm always on the look out.

What does any of this have to do with my brand? That's what I'm trying to figure out. I think I'm getting closer.

I would love to really go with the humor angle a little more. I've even sat on a few humor panels at, Authors After Dark, a romance readers conference I go to every year. The problem here is I don't set out to be funny. It's kind of something that just happens. Honestly it was one of my publishers who first decided my novella A Damsel Without A Dress was a romantic comedy, not a straight contemporary romance.

It was readers who told me my Heiresses series has a chick lit feel. I was totally thrilled with that. Book 1 Shit Kickers & Stilettos hit the chick lit bestseller list at ARe

That's enough thinking for now. I'm going to shut off the business side of my brain and write.

Branding: How Much Do I Suck!

I'm not sure, but I'm going to figure it out starting now. Since I decided to be completely, 100% honest with this blog I'm going to just say whatever comes to mind. Starting with this topic.

Branding is an issue for a lot of people. Companies, artist, and ordinary people all want to be recognized for what they stand for. As an author for me it's how get someone to look at my books as a cohesive group. I want people who read any of my books to say yup that was on of Rita's books.

So what are the questions I need to answer myself to see if I can do this?

What do all my books have in common?
Well hopefully they're fun. I like to laugh. So even though there are some serious moments I don't think the books are too heavy. So I try to give my readers it all. Romance, Passion, and Laughter.

Do people even know who the hell I am?
This comes down to discoverability and promo. I'm working on this topics as well, but again I have to get my ass in gear and figure this shit out!

How the hell do I make readers take notice?
That's the million dollar question. I'm not one of those authors who start shit. Meaning if I don't have something nice to say I try not to say anything. I often hear about authors behaving badly and I never want to be one of those. On the other hand I need to step up and shout hey here I am.

I know there's so many more things that affect me and my writing and sales. For now I'm going to have to focus on these three and decide where to go.

New Release:Pampered, Polished & Playful

New Release! Yes, it's finally here.

Pampered, Polished & Playful is available now.

When Tiffany Craig’s father served her with an ultimatum to go to college or he’d cut her off she knew the last thing he expected was for her to turn the tables on him. Sick of her entire family looking down on her she does just that by issuing a threat of her own. Her mother and sister were annoyed that they were going to have to take her place on the charity boards and foundations she sat on in her family’s name. Her father could change that by just taking back his demand. She knew he wouldn’t do that. So Tiffany was going to live her life the way she wanted.

Tiffany and Ace Fentonworth don’t have the best first meeting, or second, or third, but each time she ends up in his arms with his mouth on hers. Ace had no idea what it was about Tiffany Craig that drew him in. Whatever it was it also turned him into a first class jerk, but he couldn’t stay away from her even when he tried. The more he was around her the less he wanted to. Nothing about her made any sense and Ace wanted to find out why. He knows the only way he’s going to figure it out is to spend more time with her.

But could they work past their assumptions about each other and find out why they couldn’t stay away from each other?

Get your copy at Amazon, ARe, Smashwords, B&N and other e-retailers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Authors After Dark Featured Author Interview: Jessica Jarman

AAD Featured Author Interview: Jessica Jarman

 

Welcome Authors After Dark 2014 featured author Jessica Jarman!

 Is this your first year attending AAD?
Nope, this is my fourth. :)

What brings you back to AAD?
It is by far my favorite con to attend. I love the atmosphere, catching up with old friends, laughing so hard my face hurts... The events are spectacular. I’ve met and spent time with more readers at AAD than any other con I’ve attended. And I LOVE that. I’m so excited for Charlotte, I could pee my pants (but, don’t worry, I won’t!)

Do you have a book coming out before AAD you want the attendees to know about?
YES! I’m part of an anthology with Jenny Trout aka Abagail Barnette and Bronwyn Green. It’s called If Ever I Would Leave You. The three stories are NA and contemporary twists on Arthurian Legend. I canNOT tell you how pumped I am for this collection to release. I’ve always loved anything to do with King Arthur, Merlin, Camelot, the Knights of the Round Table… To be able to channel that into a book, AND get to work with two of my favorite people in the world has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I seriously have the best job in the world.

 
If you were to suggest one of your books to the AAD attendees, which book would it be? 
Aside from If Ever I Would Leave You, for all the reasons I mentioned above? LOL I would say any of my New Reality books. They’re set after the world pretty much falls apart, but there is still love and sexy times to be had. They were so much fun to write and will probably always be favorites of mine.

What panels will you be on at AAD?
I’ll be on the Take a Chance, Odd Paranormals and If it Makes You Feel Good. So come and see me!!!

If an adoring fan wanted to buy you a drink at the bar, what’s your poison?
Oh, I’m fairly easy. I’m happy with a beer, to be honest. A beer and some good conversation and I’m yours for a while. :)

Where can readers find you?
http://www.jessicajarman.com
http://jessicajarman.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/jessjarman
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Romance-Author-Jessica-Jarman/161691307207648
http://authorjessjarman.tumblr.com/

Authors After Dark Featured Author Interview: Selena Blake

AAD Featured Author Interview: Selena Blake

 

Welcome Authors After Dark 2014 featured author Selena Blake!

 So Selena, this is your first year attending AAD, right?
It is! I’m an AAD virgin.

What made you want to come to AAD?
I’ve heard so many great things about AAD and my friend Eliza Gayle’s been prodding me to attend for a few years. I’ve got to see what all the fuss is about and I can’t wait to meet new readers and finally put faces to the names I’ve known for years.

So where will attendees be able to find you at AAD? Do you hang out in the bar? The lobby? Or are you the one who throws parties in their room?
I’ll be around. Look for me hanging out in the halls or perhaps in the lobby when my feet give out. In the evening I wouldn’t be surprised if you found me at the bar. I’m on the hunt for the perfect martini

 

If you were to suggest one of your books to the AAD attendees, which book would it be?
I would say Games Demons Play (http://bit.ly/GamesDemonsPlay). So many readers are shy about reading a “demon” book but this isn’t your traditional demon. He’s drop dead gorgeous and in my Mystic Isle series, demons are simply practical jokers. They’re not evil. So it’s not a traditional demon book by a long shot. It’s actually as sweet as it is sexy (and trust me, it’s sexy!) My demon’s also tender and protective when he’s not putting blue food coloring on your tooth brush. I think it’s one of my best books to date.

If an adoring fan wanted to buy you a drink at the bar, what’s your poison?
Well, like I mentioned, I’m on the hunt for the perfect martini. I tend to try things in waves. One year, I sampled a few hundred chocolate bars, the next I sampled margaritas. This year I’m on martinis. I had an incredible Key Lime martini in the Florida Keys a few months back so it’ll be hard to top that. I haven’t had a chocolate martini yet, but I’m looking forward to it.

SWAG. We all love SWAG! What cool stuff are you bringing?
I love romance trading cards and the ones for my Stormy Weather series are seriously gorgeous. So I’ll have a bunch of those on hand. I’ll also have some of my famous I Like My Werewolves Cajun t-shirts!

We’re all excited about the book signing. What books will you have on hand to sign and sell?
Things may change but I know I’m bringing Ask For It, my New York Times bestseller. If steamy contemporary romance (including sinfully handsome former NFL superstars) are you thing, you’ll want to check this out.

Where can readers find you?
My cyber door is always open at: http://www.selena-blake.com
Subscribers of my mailing list get access to 5 free reads: http://members.selena-blake.com/signin.html

Readers can always find me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/selenablake
and Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/SelenaBlake
and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorSelenaBlake/

Authors After Dark Featured Author Interview: Alyssa Breck

AAD Featured Author Interview: Alyssa Breck

 

Welcome Authors After Dark 2014 featured author Alyssa Breck

 Is this your first year attending AAD?
No. This is my third year.

What brings you back to AAD?
There are a few things that keep me coming back to AAD. I love hanging out with readers and other authors. AAD is a decidedly more relaxed environment than other cons I’ve attended. The parties are amazing. And the books...so many books! I’m not just an author attending, I’m also a reader.

Do you have a book coming out before AAD you want the attendees to know about?
The first book in my Bad Blood Empire series, Branded by Sin, will be releasing this summer from Ellora’s Cave. I’m super excited about it. I’ll have some swag and cover flats to share at AAD.

Tell us about the party you’re hosting at AAD!
I’m one of the sponsoring authors for the Paranormal Party on Friday afternoon. If you’re into the scary, spooky, vampires and werewolves type books, make sure and drop by for special paranormal swag and books. Oh, and food. There will be yummy snacks for all.

What panels will you be on at AAD?
AAD panels are always so much fun and very interactive. I’m thrilled to be a panelist on Rock and Roll, Vamps, Urban Fantasy and If it Feels Good.


If an adoring fan wanted to buy you a drink at the bar, what’s your poison?
Martinis. Extra Dirty. Like me. *smiles*

We’re all excited about the book signing. What books will you have on hand to sign and sell?
I will have copies of Unraveled, my new rock star novella. I will also have the newly edited version of Giving up the Ghost.

Where can readers find you?
I can be found engaging in shenanigans on Twitter (@AlyssaBreck) and Facebook.

Authors After Dark Featured Author Interview: Kris Norris

AAD Featured Author Interview: Kris Norris

Welcome Authors After Dark 2014 featured author Kris Norris!

Is this your first year attending AAD?
Not by a long shot. This is the third time I’ve been fortunate enough to attend this fantastic event.

What brings you back to AAD?
The answer’s easy. This is, without a doubt, the best author/reader con out there! While it might not sound like it, AAD is an incredibly intimate event. You have tons of time to hang with other authors and readers and really get to know folks. Dare I say, you get to make new friends? Hell, I managed to acquire two fantastic ladies to be part of my zombie team...they’re definitely coming north when it hits...can’t ask for more than that:) I absolutely love attending and being able to reconnect with people I only get to see once a year. And hey, the price is more than right. If you’re not signed up...what are you waiting for?

Do you have a book coming out before AAD you want the attendees to know about?
Actually, I do! The fourth book in my apocalyptic series What Remains… entitled Reckoning, will be releasing July 26th. And I hope to have the other three books there in Print form. Nothing like some zombies to get you geared up for fall!

What panels will you be on at AAD?
I’m lucky enough to be on three panels this year. Kick-ass heroines, which I’m really looking forward to. All of my leading ladies are pretty badass. Mostly because I think it’s important for women to be able to hold their own, and to be portrayed as something other than the damsel in distress. Not that they don’t occasionally need rescuing. We all do, but I love women that can save the guy just as easily.

I’m also on the sci-fi panel. I released a new series last year… Dark Horizon...after having some great success with my first sci-fi—Worlds Apart—I really wanted to revisit that genre. Also, I’m a giant Sci-Fi nerd. Star Trek, Star Wars, Firefly, Andromeda, Red Drawf...you name it I’ve probably seen it. I read Sci-fi too… the likes of Isaac Asimov and friends...I have one more book to go in my series because Alex needs closure... so I’m ready to talk about all things Star Trek and the like. Oh, or about my books (Captain Kirk...say it with me people. You know you want to:)

The third panel is the suspense/thriller one. At the end of the day, this is and will always be my favourite genre. There’s just something about stalkers, serial killers, the great escape or the race against time...there’s a reason I’ve watched all eight seasons of Criminal Minds...other than for Dr. Spencer Reid.

If an adoring fan wanted to buy you a drink at the bar, what’s your poison?
It has to be sweet, and not taste like alcohol. Mike’s Hard Lemonade—Black Cherry—is my current drink of choice. I know, totally girlie. But I won’t be shamed by that fact, lol.

SWAG. We all love SWAG! What cool stuff are you bringing?
I have a few things. I’m doing a scavenger hunt with three other authors. We’ll be giving away books and other goodies, as well as an electronic device (shhh, can’t say yet, wink wink). I’ve also got some fabulous smartphone cleaning cloths. They turned out really nice.

We’re all excited about the book signing. What books will you have on hand to sign and sell?
Hoping to have all three What Remains books… UNTAINTED, WASTELAND and MUTATION. I also hope to have a suspense/thriller book, DARKEST NIGHT, which I also designed the cover for.

Where can readers find you?
http://krisnorris.ca
http://krisnorris.com
http://krisnorris.blogspot.ca
https://twitter.com/kris_norris
https://www.facebook.com/kris.norris.731

Authors After Dark Featured Author Interview: Lissa Matthews

AAD Featured Author Interview: Lissa Matthews

 

Welcome Authors After Dark 2014 featured author Lissa Matthews!

 Is this your first year attending AAD?
No. This will be my third Authors After Dark event.

What brings you back to AAD?
Location. Location. Location. I live in Charlotte. I don’t attend many cons, two usually. And because this one is typically located somewhere in the South, or at least within driving distance and usually not too pricey, it’s a good one. There’s something for everyone.


So where will attendees be able to find you at AAD? Do you hang out in the bar? The lobby? Or are you the one who throws parties in their room?
This year, I’m not sure. I don’t hang out in the bar much and I’m not a party person. I go where I’m supposed to go when there’s something scheduled, but otherwise, I’m usually in the lobby or in a central area or...wherever there’s coffee...

If you were to suggest one of your books to the AAD attendees, which book would it be?
The favorite is usually a toss up between Simple Need and Pink Buttercream Frosting. Two of my early ebooks that seem to still be talked about a lot.

What panels will you be on at AAD?
I’ll be on the Blue Collar Heros panel. I was only able to wrangle a spot on one panel this year. The last time I was on 4, I think. So this will be a little different. I’ll have a lot more free time.

 

We’re all excited about the book signing. What books will you have on hand to sign and sell?
I’m still working this one out. Twisted Up should be on hand as well as The Cupcake Cowboy. I’m hoping to have Stick Shift and if all the stars align and the seas part and I get that fairy godmother I’ve been desperately needing, I may have The Sticky Cowgirl as well. This has been a very difficult summer and everything for me is coming down to the wire with too much to do and catch up on and not enough time to do it.

Where can readers find you?
Twitter: @lissamatthews
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlissamatthews
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LissaMatthewsfanpage
Pinterest: authorlissa
Website: lissamatthews.com

Authors After Featured Author Interview: Rita Sawyer. Hey! That's Me!

AAD Featured Author Interview: Rita Sawyer

Welcome Authors After Dark 2014 featured author Rita Sawyer!

 Is this your first year attending AAD?
No. I’ve been coming back each year since I attended in Secaucus NJ back in 2010.

What brings you back to AAD?
For me AAD has it all. Approachable authors, fun book loving readers, and an atmosphere that is designed to bring them all together.

So where will attendees be able to find you at AAD? Do you hang out in the bar? The lobby? Or are you the one who throws parties in their room?
I’ll be found hanging out in the lobby.

If you were to suggest one of your books to the AAD attendees, which book would it be?
It would depend on what they were in the mood for. If someone’s look for a few quick reads with romance and laughter I’d have them check out my romantic comedy anthology Being Naughty Can Be Fun. If they want something hot and steamy then my Brazen Sister Series would come to mind, but a little less steamy go with the Heiresses In Aprons Series.

Tell us about the party you’re hosting at AAD!
I’m not hosting, but I am taking part in Game’s With Gooden And The Gang. You play games collect tickets and WIN prizes. I’ll have 2 games going. A Wheel of DOOM, and Ticket Pong. I'll also be a part of the Friday lunch. I've got some cool swag, free books, and someone get's to win the centerpiece from my table.

What panels will you be on at AAD?
I’m on the Contemporary Romance, Humor, and Blue Collar Hero.


If an adoring fan wanted to buy you a drink at the bar, what’s your poison?
I’m not much of drinker, but when I do fuzzy Navel is my go to.

SWAG. We all love SWAG! What cool stuff are you bringing?
Complete and utter randomness. I look for stuff that’s different and fun.


We’re all excited about the book signing. What books will you have on hand to sign and sell?
I’ll have the first three on Heiresses In Aprons Series and a random assortment of my other titles.

Where can readers find you?
Website: www.RitaSawyer.com
Blog: Reflections From A Romance Writer On The Loose
FaceBook
Twitter: @ritasawyer

Authors After Dark Featured Author Interview: Stacey Kennedy

AAD Featured Author Interview: Stacey Kennedy

Welcome Authors After Dark 2014 featured author Stacey Kennedy!

 Is this your first year attending AAD?
I love AAD so much that this is actually my third year!

What brings you back to AAD?
The people, the parties, basically the FUN! I love the fact that AAD is more intimate. There is a very good chance I’ll see everyone that I’ve met before and meet a lot of new people, and if that isn’t awesome I don’t know what is! I’ve had a total blast every time I’ve attended AAD that it keeps me coming back for more!

So where will attendees be able to find you at AAD? Do you hang out in the bar? The lobby? Or are you the one who throws parties in their room?
Without a doubt, I’ll be at the bar. What can I say? Wine makes me happy. Very happy!! So, please come and have a drink with me. :)

 

Do you have a book coming out before AAD you want the attendees to know about?
Yes, I do! Like BDSM, sexy Doms, and a sweet love story? Good. I’ve got you covered. The third CLUB SIN book is coming out just before AAD on July 22nd. Here’s a little bit about it:

 Kyler Morgan, Master at the legendary Club Sin in Las Vegas, knows how to give women what they want—too well. He hasn’t had a real challenge in a long time. Then Ella Snow enters his life. Beautiful, inhibited, and innocent in the ways of submission and domination, Ella is the new blood he’s been lusting after. Soon, the thrill of training her to embrace his world brings forth desires Kyler cannot control.

After ending an abusive relationship, Ella makes a promise to herself to start living life to the fullest. It’s one of the reasons she seeks out Club Sin. Here, Kyler’s every touch is a lesson in liberation, stirring passions that have no bounds. But as she falls under Kyler’s command, Ella discovers that some secrets are so dark they must come to light. Submission alone may not be enough to save her, leaving her Master with only one question: How can he help Ella heal while unlocking the deep pleasures she craves?

Wanna know more? You can find it here - http://www.randomhouse.com/book/240353/desired-by-stacey-kennedy

Tell us about the party you’re hosting at AAD!
I’m a co-sponsor of the Leather & Lace party! Yes, it shall be a sexy night for sure! In fact, I think it’s a perfect night to wear a corset!! Oh, and if anyone wants to find me, I’ll be the one on the dance floor!

 I heard through the grapevine you’re sponsoring a table at the Sins & Virtues ball. Tell us more!
I’ll be at the Wrath table. This is the first year that I’ll be wearing a costume and I totally admit this whole costume shopping thing was way more fun than I was expecting. If it wasn’t for Etsy, I think I might be in full panic mode, but that online store made life very easy for me. I love, love, love my costume, and I cannot wait to see yours! For my guests at the ball, I have quite a few goodies for you. No secret spilling here, but it shall be a wicked fun night!

Where can readers find you?
I’d love to connect before AAD. You can find me here:
Website - http://www.staceykennedy.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorstaceykennedy
Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/Stacey_Kennedy

 So excited to see you all there. We are going to have a blast! Thank you, Sidney Bristol, for sharing a bit about me today! Make sure you all track me down and say hello...and you must make time to have a drink with me, too!! xoxo

Authors After Dark Featured Author Interview: Bianca D'Arc

AAD Featured Author Interview: Bianca D'Arc

Welcome Authors After Dark 2014 featured author Bianca D’Arc!

 Is this your first year attending AAD?
I was actually there at the very beginning when Stella first came up with this idea. I helped in the initial stages of the very first AAD con and was all set to go and have a blast, but then tragedy struck my family when my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I pulled out a couple of months before the big day and dropped out of the writing scene for a couple of years. Stella was a complete doll about all of it and I think my first actual attendance at AAD was in Philadelphia, which was awesome.

So where will attendees be able to find you at AAD? Do you hang out in the bar? The lobby? Or are you the one who throws parties in their room?
I’m pretty much all over. I go to the events, love being on panels, and this year, I’m actually one of five sponsors of the luncheon on Thursday, so don’t miss it! :)

 

If you were to suggest one of your books to the AAD attendees, which book would it be?
 I would probably suggest my recent release, KING’S THRONE, because it’s designed to be read as a standalone and does a good job of introducing readers to the ongoing world of my paranormal creatures. At this point, several years in, a few of my paranormal series (Tales of the Were, Brotherhood of Blood, String of Fate, and the related mini-series Redstone Clan, et al) are all converging. Everything will come to a head later this year with the release of the follow-up to KING’S THRONE, titled JACOB’S LADDER and then the final Redstone Clan book - MATT. It’s a good time to dive right in and get acquainted with the world of shifters, vampires, mages and even a few fey!

Tell us about the party you’re hosting at AAD!
The lunch on Thursday will be sponsored by myself, Becca Jameson, Delilah Devlin, Sasha White and Opal Carew. We are bringing free books (of course), as well as some dynamite swag that we’ll be giving away in little mini shopping bags as guests arrive. Don’t miss it!

If an adoring fan wanted to buy you a drink at the bar, what’s your poison?
Usually just a Coke, or if I’m feeling frisky, we can add a dash of Captain Morgan to that! ;-)

Where can readers find you?
Website - http://biancadarc.com/
Blog - http://www.darcsidetales.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BiancaDArcAuthor
Twitter - https://twitter.com/biancadarc

Authors After Dark Featured Author Interview: Susana Ellis

AAD Featured Author Interview: Susana Ellis

 

Welcome Authors After Dark 2014 featured author Susana Ellis!

 Is this your first year attending AAD?
Yes

What made you want to come to AAD?
My friend Selene Grace Silver was invited as a featured author, so I signed up too. She writes contemporaries and paranormals. I write historicals.

Do you have a book coming out before AAD you want the attendees to know about?
I’m currently revising a Regency time travel that will be submitted to Sourcebooks, along with a series starring my Regency time-travelling lady, Lady Pendleton.

 

Tell us about the parlor game you’re hosting!
It’s a “Concentration” type memory game where you have to match Regency people and terms. Prizes include some great souvenirs from my recent trip to London!

If an adoring fan wanted to buy you a drink at the bar, what’s your poison?
Club soda, LOL! But I wouldn’t say no to a piña colada!

Everyone loves the conference costumes. Can you give any hints about what to expect?
I’m a Regency author. What do you expect? My mother made it and everyone who sees it wants one. But she insists it was a one-time thing.

SWAG. We all love SWAG! What cool stuff are you bringing?
Buttons, pens, mugs, magnets. collector cards, bookmarks.

 

We’re all excited about the book signing. What books will you have on hand to sign and sell?
Cotillion Christmas Celebrations, an anthology of Regency Christmas novellas including my A Twelfth Night Tale.

Where can readers find you?
https://www.facebook.com/susana.ellis.5
https://twitter.com/susanaauthor
http://www.susanaellis.com

Celebrating Melissa Schroeder's 10th Anniversary

Melissa is hitting a major milestone. Lasting 10 years in any business is an accomplishment, but Melissa has done more than just lasted. She has navigated the ever changing waters of publishing, and stepped out as risk taker. My respect for her goes beyond what she has accomplished. I've had a few chances to sit or mingle with Mel at a few conferences and I can say she's down to earth and easy to talk to. I suggest if you get the chance go up and say hi. You wont be sorry.

I can honestly say the same for her books. If you haven't tried one DO IT. You can thank me later.


Here's a good one to start with.

Is it love, or just a little harmless sex?

 

Max has always been Anna‘s knight in shining armor. But Max has always seen her as a charming, and very sexy, little sister.

 

Until Max’s cold fiancé dumps him, Anna unloads another of her many conquests and she invites him over for margaritas and Mexican food. Too much tequila, too much flirting, and too many years of fighting the attraction — Max loses control and has mind-blowing sex with Anna on her couch. And in her shower. And in her bed. When the sun rises the next morning, both of them must face that their night together is just the first of many.

 

For Max, he knows he wants Anna forever, but convincing a commitment-phobe like Anna is no easy task. For Anna, she can’t believe she has finally slipped beneath Max’s steely self-control. He is every woman’s dark, wet fantasy come true.

But what happens when Max pushes Anna for more than just A Little Harmless Sex?

 

If you've read this one tell me which book or series of Mel's you recommend. One lucky commenter with be chosen at random for a goodie bag of swag and stuff on the 27th so don't hold back. And be sure to stop by all the other blogs and see what's going on.

 

Blog Hop to celebrate Melissa Schroeder's 10th anniversary. July 18th - 27th. Grand Prize: iPad Mini. Giveaways at every stop!

1.	Melissa Schroeder	11.	Delilah Devlin	21.	Krystal Shannan
2.	Heather Long, Author	12.	A.M. Griffin	22.	The Smutketeers
3.	Brandy's Blog	13.	On A Moonlit Night	23.	Carol Burnside / Annie Rayburn
4.	Relections From A Romance Writer On The Loose	14.	Jami Davenport	24.	Virginia Nelson, Author
5.	Author Lia Davis	15.	Dawn Marie Hamilton Writes	25.	Ella Jade
6.	Tilly Greene's Hot Thoughts Blog	16.	Author Jessie Lane's Official Website	26.	Houston Havens
7.	Booked & Loaded	17.	Louisa Bacio Love Knows No Bounds	27.	Zany PNR Addict
8.	Donna Michaels - Donna's Dish	18.	XtraOrdinary Romance	28.	In My Humble Opinion
9.	Naughty Book Eden	19.	Escape Velocity	29.	Samantha Holt
10.	Author Island	20.	Amanda McIntyre's Books	30.	Rita Sawyer

 

Author After Dark Featured Author Interiew: Candace Blevins

AAD Featured Author Interview: Candace Blevins

 

 

Welcome Authors After Dark 2014 featured author Candace Blevins!

 Is this your first year attending AAD?
Yes, and I’m thrilled! I can’t wait to meet readers and other authors.

What made you want to come to AAD?
I’ve heard such great things about how a smaller event allows authors to really connect with readers, and I’m excited to have the opportunity.

Do you have a book coming out before AAD you want the attendees to know about?
The sequel to Safeword: Matte, titled Safeword: Matte - In Training, will be out June 20th, and the next book, No Safeword: Matte - The Honeymoon, is currently scheduled to release the Friday of AAD, but I’m talking to my publisher about possibly releasing it a week earlier.

 

If you were to suggest one of your books to the AAD attendees, which book would it be?
Depends on their kinks. Safeword: Quinacridone deals with objectification, while the two Davenport books delve into TPE, and Safeword: Rainbow strives to find a balance between power exchange and everyday life. Safeword: Matte is my least extreme, but is still a lot more intense than the average BDSM books.

If an adoring fan wanted to buy you a drink at the bar, what’s your poison?
Jack and Coke.  I’m part Irish, and I’m a Tennessee girl.  :)

We’re all excited about the book signing. What books will you have on hand to sign and sell?
I’ll have all of them, but will have the most of Safeword: Matte, since the three sequels are releasing this summer and fall. I hope to have hard copies of the sequels, but the timing will be tricky.

Safeword: Rainbow
Safeword: Matte
Safeword: Davenport
Safewords: Davenport and Chiffon
Safeword: Quinacridone
Safeword: Matte – In Training (June 20)
No Safeword: Matte - The Honeymoon (August 8)

And I should have an excerpt available for:
No Safeword: Matte - Happily Ever After (Fall 2014)

Where can readers find you?
facebook.com/candacesblevins
candaceblevins.com
twitter.com/CandaceBlevins
pinterest.com/candacesblevins/

I love to hear from fans, and I can be reached at candace at candaceblevins dot com, or via messages on Facebook.