Author Spotlight – Jessica Lauryn

Welcome!

1. When did you start writing?

I’ve always been writing, in some form or another.  When I was a child, I made up stories with my dolls.  I guess you could call it my childhood version of small-town drama at play. I also wrote 8 children’s books for my grade school’s young author program.  Then I shuffled writing away for a while, convinced, during high school, that I would one day become an artist or designer.  In college, I took several writing classes which kickstarted the storyteller inside me and revived a fantasy I’d had since I was 6, watching soap operas with my mother, believing one day I would write them too.  Following graduation, I picked up my first romance novel and everything came together. 

• What motivates you to write?

In addition to being an avid reader and a dedicated writer, I still watch 2 of the 4 remaining soap operas and the occasional romantic prime time drama.  Over the years I’ve fallen in love with countless potential couples and endless missed opportunities on the part of the writers.  Often, this serves as a point of inspiration for me, nudging me to create similar characters of the same archetypes and give them the stories their chemistry calls for.  “Character crushes” IE falling in love with a particular actor’s portrayal of a hero (or villain!) can instill an intense fascination in me which I can carry over when I “cast” said actor in the role of my own hero.

• What genre do you write in and what made you chose this particular genre?

Watching soap operas definitely made me fall in love with romance at a young age but I also remember loving the Disney movies that contained romance – Beauty & the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty – better than the others.  (I still love them!)  The first look/meeting, the build up to that first kiss and love scene, all the tension and conflict and the exciting potential scenarios – former lovers getting a second chance, enemies falling for their enemy, it all excites me in a way very few things can! 

I wondered if finding love in real love would “satisfy” my desire to play out romantic scenarios through my imagination, but in fact, it’s had quite the opposite effect.  Honestly, if I’m reading or watching something and I discover there’s no romance in it, I get pretty bored pretty quickly. Many people have told me over the years that they don’t read or enjoy romance, but no matter how many times I hear that I just think, how can you not love romance?  It’s the greatest thing ever!

• What is your goal in writing? Do you have dreams where your writing should take you?

In spite of my better efforts, many times over I’ve found myself falling for the villain instead of the hero.  I blame Michael Rosenbaum for being so incredibly sexy playing Lex Luthor on Smallville that I’ve made reforming former villains a major part of my author brand.  With this idea always in my mind, I also hope to make people aware that making mistakes doesn’t make someone a villain, and everyone is deserving of a second chance.  Speaking from a romantic perspective, love can be found in unlikely places and if we take what we see at face value, we may be missing out on something pretty incredible.

Moreover, for me, stories resulting in a happily ever after are the ONLY kind of stories!  There’s a happily ever after out there for all of us and I hope to inspire as many people as possible to never stop looking until they find it!

• Do you ever suffer from writer’s block and if yes, how do you deal with it?

I’d love to say I never have writers’ block, but with the realities of my life as a busy toddler mom, distraction can become its own form of writers’ block.  It’s important for me to try to set aside at least a little bit of time each day to write, to keep my head in my story.  When that’s not enough, I jump around.  I’ll work on a different part of the story, a different phase of the editing process, a different story altogether, or go read another author’s work.  Like the human body, writing is a muscle which must be exercised constantly if we want it to work.  The day I stop trying is the day writers’ block secures the upper hand.  

• What advice would you like to give new, hopeful authors?

When I was first starting out, I read in a writing-how-to-book that writers spend their entire lives in basements doing nothing but write.  If that idea scares you, you may be in the wrong profession.  Write what you know and what you love.  Be open to advice but know when criticism is just that.  Write, write and write some more.  Writing is a tough business, but if you really love it, you’ll do whatever it takes to stay the course.

• Please, tell us about your work.

My latest release, An Enchanting Song is an enemies-to-lovers romance, set in the present day in the fictitious world of Rabourn Theater. 

Sebastian Nathanson has been plotting to take control of Rabourn Theater since he was barely out of high school.  He’s close to achieving his end game when a mysterious enchantress stops him in his tracks.  Seduction seems the appropriate method of defense where this cunning vixen is concerned.  But when he finds himself on the receiving end, Sebastian begins to come apart.  As he attempts to up the ante, he falls harder and harder, becoming lost and vulnerable, at his ethereal enemy’s mercy.

Madelyn Bennett has lived a sheltered life. Determined to get justice for the mother who died before her time, she’ll do whatever it takes to become Rabourn Theater’s star performer.  But when a dangerous man takes a keen interest in her, the perfect plan comes apart at the seams.  Sebastian Nathanson is a serpent in prince’s clothing. And Madelyn has never been more afraid—or tempted—in all her life.

Thank you for being my guest. It was such a pleasure to have you here!!

---

About the Author:

#1 Bestselling Author Jessica Lauryn has been writing since before she could hold a pen. Her days of storytelling through the art of playing with dolls inspired her to write romantic suspense novels The Romance Reviews describe as having “Just the right amount of passion and romance!” Villains often reform in Jessica’s stories, and just may become heroes themselves! Jessica makes her home in the rural northeast. When she’s not writing, she enjoys collecting antiques and finding beautiful wooded areas to explore with her family.

Connect with Jessica

Social Media Links:

Website: www.jessicalauryn.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ck5-O9

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaLauryn_

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jlauryn/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalauryn/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaLauryn

---

Jessica Lauryn’s Books

(click the cover for more information)

Amazon – https://amazon.com/dp/B0B79DWJMG

B & N – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-enchanting-song-jessica-lauryn/1141861570?ean=2940185839744

---

Pre-Order Announcement – Austen-Teaparty

Title: Austen Tea Party

Series: The New Romance Café Collection (#23)

Blurb: 

Take care not to spill the tea (literally) while we share the latest on-dit (aka dish the dirt) about the Ton, who is courting, and who has been compromised in this collection of Austen-inspired romance stories.

Join us for a turn around the room in stories from USA Today best-selling and award-winning romance authors curated by the New Romance Café featuring cameos from some of Jane’s most memorable characters (and some we’d like to forget). ALL proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Pre-Order Link: https://books2read.com/tnrc2023AustenTeaParty

TBR List: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63135499-austen-tea-party

---

Author Featured: Kenna Campbell

Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/kennacampbell 

About the Author:

Jenna D Morrison is an up-and-coming author of fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction with a side of romance. She has been an avid reader since she was four and started writing for her own enjoyment in middle school.

She lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her mother and their very spoiled fur babies. When she is not reading or writing, Jenna is a Zen Buddhist priest, an amateur genealogist, a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and aunt.

Kimberly A Campbell is a mother of four beautiful adult souls, grandmother to one amazing eight year old and has been a teacher to many young students that she loves as her own. She has always had a love for reading, writing and storytelling, advocating that same love in the children she’s crossed paths with along the way. She’s always dreamed of becoming an author, and is excited to finally have the opportunity to do so, with a focus on fantasy, paranormal and science fiction, which are her favorite genres. Kimberly makes her home in with her doting, supportive husband, children and many rescue cats in Houston, Texas. When she isn’t reading she enjoys spending time with her family, playing video games with her friends and baking delicious things she never eats.

Together, Jenna D. Morrison and Kimberly, best friends for nearly 20 years, write contemporary romance and young adult fantasy as Kenna Campbell.

1-Year Book Birthday – Bodacious – By Stephanie Ayers

Too loud, too bright, and too bubbly. That’s what the residents of Crazy Town consider Emmalee Bishop, a young woman who walked into town looking for the one person with clues to her past—her birth mother. As bumptious as she is bodacious, she can’t seem to escape trouble no matter where she goes. When trouble follows her into Crazy Town, it just might be more than the residents can handle.

In a town full of secrets, will she find who she’s looking for or will the residents run her out before she gets a chance?

---

Bodacious

A Crazy Town novella by International Bestseller Stephanie Ayers

http://mybook.to/BodaciousCT

Chapter One

“I’m not getting off the highway, so if you’re okay with that, hop on.”

The dude’s Harley Davidson motorcycle was stunning—black with red pinstripes and a flaming skull on either side. Cerulean blue eyes peeked out from beneath a few stray strands of ebony hair that managed to escape his helmet. I hoped this guy ain’t a serial killer, because I ain’t had no choice but to accept his offer. He was the only one who stopped to give me a ride, and I couldn’t stay in that stupid town any longer. I had to find my family—my biological family.

“Well, what’s it gonna be?” he asked.

His foot pounded against the pavement like he was short on patience or something.

“Okay,” I said, accepting the helmet he held out for me. “I’m down for that.”

I hopped on the back of his bike and wrapped my arms around his waist. I didn’t know what this dude was into, but he had a six pack under that leather jacket, and it ain’t beer.

“I’m Jesse Hart,” he said before revving his motor.

“Emmalee Bishop. Thanks for the ride.”

“Hang on tight.”

He pulled out into traffic smoothly and rolled down the highway. The ride was exhilarating, even if he was speeding. He drove so fast, it was hard to read the signs we passed, but the Welcome signs were clear enough.

Crossing state lines at a hundred miles an hour on the back of Harley was almost better than a good romp in the hay with a cute boy. And Lord, let me tell you, I wouldn’t mind rolling around in the hay with Jesse Hart. I’m trying to be a good girl, though, and sex with strangers ain’t saintly. Not even close. Gripping his six pack like I was made it extra hard to get him out of my mind, though, but I didn’t dare let go.

Woo-woo-woo!

Shit! He’s gone and done it now. We had a cop on our tail. Jesse never slowed down as he took the first exit ramp off the highway, and we almost crashed going around a curve. He slowed down enough then to keep us safe, but that only let the Alabama state trooper get closer. We tore down the empty two-lane road the exit ramp took us to, and the cop finally quit chasing us.

Oh, Lord, let me tell you! This guy made me quiver in my hoo-haw. I’d lay down on the side of the road and let him do me right there if he asked, good girl be damned. Who’d he tell?

When Jesse turned onto a dirt road that disappeared into the trees, I thought maybe he was just as interested in a quick lay, but he stopped between two big trees and shut his motor off without getting off his bike. He held his index finger over his lips, and I got it. Mum’s the word. I ain’t going to make a sound. Before too long, we heard a siren nearby, and he shook his head.

He whispered, “Damn Alabama cops. They don’t know when to quit.”

The siren faded away soon enough though, and we worked our way back to the road. I spied a faded green sign that said “Graceville, one mile” and underneath that “Crazy Town, three miles.” I ain’t never walked three miles in my life if you don’t count walking around school, but Crazy Town sounded like my kind of place.

“I’ll get off here,” I yelled, remembering what he said when I first got on the motorcycle.

Jesse set his feet on the road to steady the Harley as I climbed off the back.

“You sure? There’s nothing out there but a bunch of hillbillies and hicks,” Jesse said.

“Yeah. I’m okay with that. Thanks for the lift,” I said as I gave him back the helmet.

He secured it to the back of the Harley and gave me a salute. “Have a nice life, Emmalee Bishop.”

I watched him roll down the road until he disappeared. I ain’t got no idea what to expect in Crazy Town, but with a name like that, I got a feeling I’ll find a place to call home.

Chapter Two

Okay, now that I ain’t racing down the highway, I should probably start at the beginning.

I’m Emmalee Bishop, only child to Joshua and Heather Bishop. Only that’s not quite right. I mean, I’m their only child, but they ain’t my birth parents. And that’s the main reason why I was there then. I’m on a mission to find my real parents, or at least people who might know who they are.

Now before you get to thinking Joshua and Heather Bishop were some sort of horrible people, they ain’t. It ain’t their fault I was walking along that road in Alabama. They did me as good as they knew how, and I was the better for it, but I ain’t nothing like them.

I ain’t like nobody, especially anyone in Cedarville, where I grew up. Ain’t nothing wrong with Cedarville, North Carolina, neither. It’s just boring, and it ain’t home. Ya know what I mean?

I ain’t got a clue why I was the way I was, and that’s partly why I left. Cedarville ain’t on the “Bible Belt,” but it’s plenty religious. They didn’t like me much there, saying I was too wild, too loud, and too promiscuous—whatever that meant. I couldn’t help it if boys liked me. I liked them, too. Other girls didn’t like me much, but I didn’t really care. I didn’t like them much, neither.

Now, Lord knows I ain’t no saint, for sure, but I ain’t staying nowhere that wouldn’t accept me for who I was. That’s partly why I left, too. I didn’t even say goodbye to the people who raised me, didn’t leave a note, nothing. I just took off and hauled ass out of town.

Poppa Joshua and Momma Heather, they tried. I’ll give them that, but the older I got, the more I saw how different we really were. I ain’t never gonna fit in properly in Cedarville, and they deserved to. I needed to know where all my quirks and attitude came from, whose body type I inherited, and where my blonde hair came from. Nothing about me was anything like them—with their dark hair and brown eyes, their slim builds, and quiet demeanors—and I tried hard to find any similarities. I weren’t even as kind as they were. I had no filter, took no bull hockey, and demanded attention from everyone I met. So, I hightailed it out of there on a split-second decision and ain’t had no regrets since. Not one.

And before I knew it, I was headed to some place called Crazy Town with nothing but the clothes on my back and a pack of gum in my pocket.

How could I forget about my gum? I had to spit out the old piece when I got on the back of Jesse’s bike, so I popped a fresh piece in my mouth. Lord, let me tell you! That was exactly what I needed. My mouth ain’t so dry now. I never realized how riding on the back of a motorcycle could give ya such a bad case of cottonmouth.

So anyways, on with my story…

I’d just turned twenty a couple months ago. It was like a light bulb went off in my head or something because ever since my birthday, everything got under my skin. Even Billy Crews, the boy next door I rolled around in the hay with when the urge struck, started pushing on my last nerves talking all up in my face about marriage and babies and all the stuff I ain’t got no interest in and probably never will. Me and babies just didn’t get along. I didn’t get along with most people, so there was that, too.

Anyways, Billy told me we had to get married, or we ain’t having any fun in the barn anymore, so since there ain’t nothing holding me to the place, I left. Just like with my parents, I didn’t offer no goodbyes or nothing. I bet he was still waiting in the barn for the hanky-panky he ain’t gettin’ from me no more.

I ain’t got no idea why it took me so long to leave Cedarville. I mean, I could’ve left two years ago when I turned eighteen and finished school, but I didn’t; even though I figured out when I was two that I didn’t belong there, despite my parents’ efforts to help me fit in. Bless their hearts. They tried so hard.

For one thing, I matured much faster than the other girls did. I was nine when my monthly started, and I was halfway through ten when my boobies came in. That’s when the boys started paying extra attention to me. Henry Wilkins got my first kiss, Eddie Vander touched my boobies first, and Billy got to pop my cherry. And all this happened before I turned thirteen. At thirteen, I had the biggest boobies in seventh grade, and I showed them to anyone who wanted a peek.

Hmm. Maybe that was why all the girls hated me because the boys—well, they liked to look (and touch, too, if I’m being honest), and I always let them.

Now, before you judge me too harshly, Billy was the only boy I got down and dirty with, but I liked the attention from the other boys, and Billy never was my actual boyfriend. I ain’t doing nothing wrong by letting them look. Ain’t nothing wrong with letting them touch, neither. Not in my book, anyways, but their girlfriends didn’t like it much. Maybe if they let their boyfriends touch their boobies, they wouldn’t be touching mine. I didn’t care. Boobs were just mounds of skin with tips. Why boys got so excited over them is beyond me. I ain’t got a penis, and Lord, let me tell you! Those are some ugly sonsabitches. But the boys got excited, so I let them look, and that was that.

That’s enough about my boobies and boys. They still chased me everywhere I went, but I couldn’t do nothing about that. Sorry, girls.

If I’m honest, other girls were my real issue. They didn’t like me, I didn’t like them, but we were stuck together like flies in molasses. I reckon it might’ve always been that way, but I was open for a fresh start and looking for a change of mind.

That was another reason why I left. There ain’t no second chances in Cedarville. For as much as they preach the Bible, their ability to forgive and forget needed a gigantic overhaul. How did I know? Let me tell ya about Amber Griffith.

Amber Griffith, bless her heart, owned a massage parlor right there on the main street that went through Cedarville’s downtown. Sounds all fine and dandy, right? Wrong. The good, Christian ladies of Cedarville Baptist Church didn’t like that their husbands went in there and let another woman put her hands on them—innocent reasons or not. So that was strike one for Amber, and it ain’t even her fault. Strike two came about when one of those wives decided to check the parlor out for herself and discovered there was more than massage chairs in there.

A lot more, Shew Buddy, let me tell you!

Not only did Amber have pagan books and materials in there (it was where I spent my babysitting money to get the opal necklace I’ll never take off), but she also had toys and other sex stuff in a back corner, including movies. And that was all it took. That God-fearing church hussy told the pastor, and he shut the parlor down quick. That ain’t enough for those church heifers, though. They had to run Amber out of town, and Lord, I tell you what, they most surely did. They done ran her out of town so fast, she never looked back.

That’s how I knew I ain’t never going to fit in there, and Lord knows, I didn’t want to. Maybe I just ain’t going to fit in anywhere.

That might’ve been a harsh thought but so was reality. I read somewhere once that you only get one life so make it count. I aimed to live a good life, but there ain’t nobody counting.

Purchase Link: mybook.to/BodaciousCT

---

A creative ninja with a dark mind and a quirky nature, Stephanie Ayers writes all the words and spins twisted tales filled with horror, fantasy, suspense, and anything in between. With a trunk full of tricks thanks to a checkered past, she haunts Irish castles and snowy mountaintops in her dreams, while living the unicorn life in Ohio disguised as a human. When she isn’t listening to the voices in her head, she spends her days as a mom, Gigi, cat lover, and Netflix binger, while avoiding housework at all costs.

Since signing with Crazy Ink Publishing, Stephanie has managed to somehow meet (most of) her deadlines and produce over a dozen solo works (with no ending in sight). With ink in her blood, an absence of fear, and a passion for telling stories, she isn’t afraid to dip her pen in the inkwell of many genres, and even has four successful series in her name—the stand-alone horror volumes of The 13 Series, the individual fairy tale retellings of the Portal to Madness series, the read-in-any-order cozy paranormal mysteries of the Coven Cozy Mysteries, and her epic five book fantasy series, Destiny Defined.

When she isn’t lost in her overactive imagination or entertaining her mini-unicorns, you can find her weaving words for Ladies of Horror fiction or playing with graphics and building her newsletter.

You can find Stephanie all over social media and find a full listing of her works on her Amazon author page.  Her favorite wandering place is her readers’ group on Facebook. Join the herd now!

Stay up to date with everything unicorn by subscribing to her monthly newsletter and get a free read as a thank you!

Social Media and Contact Info:

ONE CLICK: https://linktr.ee/stephanieayers 

---

Purchase Link: mybook.to/BodaciousCT

Author Spotlight – EV Sparrow

Welcome!

Please introduce yourself. Hey everyone, my pen name is E.V. Sparrow. I’m happy to meet you.

1.            When did you start writing? May of 2015. But I always told stories in my childhood.

2.            What motivates you to write? Words.Communication.I love dialogue and the power of storytelling, and then God called me at the perfect time in my life to write.

3.            What genre do you write in and what made you chose this particular genre? Writing Christian Historical fiction, and a bit of romance. My dad’s family made me the keeper of their history with bags, and totes of photos, letters, and documents I kept with me for 35 years. It was the perfect situation to start stories.

4.            What is your goal in writing? Do you have dreams where your writing should take you? First, write them. Ha! The goal being to usher ordinary readers into the extraordinary power of God’s unexpected presence in the everyday.

5.            Do you ever suffer from writer’s block and if yes, how do you deal with it? Not often, because of my imagination.I am visual with my stories in my thoughts, so I flip through photos, Pinterest, Instagram—anything visually inspiring.

6.            What advice would you like to give new, hopeful authors? Authorship is a process! Don’t think you will write one story and you’re ready. Think long haul. My journey to my novels started with writing short stories. Begin short—blog posts, articles, or stories, practice your skills, discover who you are as a writer, your own voice, and what your purpose is by the body of work you create. It becomes clearer as you go.

7.            Please, tell us about your work. I will have a novella self-published to introduce my main character to readers. The plan is I will publish it by April and take some copies with me on a trip to Ireland in May. Celebrate Lit Publishing and I have a three-book contract, with the debut novel releasing on 12/5/23. All the totes and bags of family items I mentioned were the inspiration for the series.

The novella, Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling, is about Mick Muldoon, a recent widower and Irish Catholic emigrant during 1866 Ireland, who left his tragic life for America. Improved prospects for wealth beckoned to his sister, Orla, Mick, and their brother, Ed. Why was it so difficult for Mick to escape abject poverty and find work? Where were America’s promised opportunities? Could his anguished heart and soul discover love again?

*You will find an epigram at the beginning of each new chapter. It’s a specific style of writing, using a quote from Mick under each chapter’s title, as the entire book is in his POV.

Book 1: Releasing on 12/5/23. Muldoon’s Misfortunes, born with moderate scoliosis into a poor Irish Catholic family, tenant farmer Michéal Muldoon is a self-medicating alcoholic. When he loses his second wife and children to typhus, he believes God isn’t loving or powerful. Mick also blames English oppression and an entity, Mister Death, for his misfortunes.

Twenty-seven-year-old Mick emigrates to America with his sisters and brother in 1866 seeking love and hope, but longs for the farm he was desperate to escape. His life becomes a mixture of hilarious mishaps, mayhem, and persistent hopes.

While he works for the railroad’s expansion in the lawless, sparsely populated upper Midwestern territories, Mick forsakes his faith in God and lives unfettered by Christian teaching.

He believes freedom from faith in an indifferent God is the answer to a better life. Will he learn faith creates it? Can Mick conquer alcoholism, and that cruel creature, Mister Death?

Book 2 is about Mick’s oldest sister, Orla.

Book 3 is about Mick’s oldest son, Liam.

Thank you for being my guest. It was such a pleasure to have you here!! Thank you for connecting with me, and for introducing me to your readership. I hope to make some new friends.

---

Connect with EV Sparrow:

erin@sparrow.world

https://linktr.ee/ev.sparrow

Newsletter (monthly) 

https://www.amazon.com/author/evsparrow

---

Check out ‘Heartland Treasures’

Heartland Treasures on Amazon

Welcome Back Sharon K Connell

It is a very special pleasure for me to welcome you back on ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest’. In your former visits we learned about your writing, your writing process and asked for some advice. But there are so many more questions to ask!

Let’s see what you can tell us today:

1. Would you please describe your writer’s spot?

My home office is where I write. A large desk with a hutch sits next to a window with a view of our front yard, a bird bath, and a yellow rose tree. The desk holds many books and writing implements. The hutch contains other items I use in creating my books.

Hanging from the hutch, to the left of my laptop, is my current character board. To my right is a TV stand with a lap tray over it where I keep a three-ring-binder for the story I’m currently working on. (I don’t know about you, AJ, but I have a lot of books open and papers everywhere with information I need to get the story down the way I want it.) To my left is an antique phone table that holds a rolodex, address books, note pads, and other items I use during the day. My office is set up this way so I don’t have to get up every two minutes to find something. Everything is at my fingertips.

• Is there a particular plan or schedule you follow with your writing?

Yes. When I start my new story, I get the story down first. No editing, unless something is staring me in the face and telling me, “You need to fix this.”

After the first draft, I go back and read the entire story through, catching some easy fixes. D

During the 3^rd draft, I seriously edit one chapter at a time, using three online editing programs. As each chapter is finished with the editing programs, I run the chapter through the ReadAloud program on my laptop.

After editing, I send the chapter to my critique group for their input. While waiting for those critiques to come in, I start the editing on the next chapter. As the critiques come back, I go over what was suggested, corrected, etc. and decide what changes to make.

When the entire story has been critiqued, I once more read through the story to make sure it flows and I haven’t overlooked anything. After that, it goes to my professional editor.

• Do you think writers often are ‘introverted’ people, preferring to be alone rather than in company?

I’m not sure about that. I don’t consider myself an introvert, although I do not like large crowds. But I love to talk to people, and I don’t mind talking to groups.

• Do you publicly speak or have readings, and if yes, do you have any advice for beginners?

In the past, I spoke to church groups and various others. I haven’t done that for a long time. I also sang publicly. But I haven’t had any readings. My voice has deteriorated through the years due to sinus problems and allergies.

The only advice I could offer is to know your subject well, have notes in front of you to refer to, and make sure you are well-rested. Also, do not focus on any one individual in front of you. Look at the back of the group and speak to an imaginary person who is enjoying what you are talking about. J

• There are so many scams out there for writers and upcoming authors. Did you ever have experience with any of it and do you have advice on how to not get trapped?

When I first started writing, I contacted a vanity press, not knowing what I was doing. It took forever for me to get them to leave me alone. I finally got an answering machine for my home phone and let it answer all my calls. Eventually, they gave up.

As far as scams, no. I never have had to deal with that. When it comes to emails and phone calls, I simply do not answer if I don’t know who’s calling or emailing me. I do not open anything I’m not one-hundred percent sure of.

My advice is, only deal with those you know or those who have been vouched for by people you trust.

• Do you have a particular marketing strategy for your books?

Since I’m an indie author, I basically do all my own marketing. I’ve gone the route of having others market for me, but haven’t seen any more increase than when I do my own. Having worked in advertising, creating advertisements is easy and fun. I take the advertisements I’ve created and post them on Facebook and Twitter once daily, and occasionally on Instagram (except for Sunday). You don’t want to irritate readers by bombarding them with your books all day long.

So far, this has worked well for me. My base of readers has increased steadily.

• Did you publish more of your work since your last visit here? If yes, please tell us about it.

The last time I was a guest on your blog was December of 2020. Since then, I’ve published Ko’olau’s Secret and Tall Pines Sanctuary, two romantic suspense mystery novels, and Amethyst Lights, and romantic suspense fantasy novelette.

Ko’olau’s Secret is set on the island of O’ahu in Hawai’i. My main character, Kyleigh Flanagan, flies from Texas to O’ahu after she receives a suspicious note from her Army Major father. His commanding officer has no explanation for her father’s disappearance but has ordered an investigation. She checks in with Honolulu law enforcement and meets detectives O’Shea and Swanson who have already started an investigation based on information the major had given them about criminal activity on the post. Kyleigh is not sure she can trust them. One of the detectives causes sparks to fly, but not the good kind. Not at first.

Tall Pines Sanctuary is set in Colorado at the edge of The Rockies. Twenty-four-year-old artist Faith O’Callaghan was bequeathed her grandfather’s magnificent log cabin in the mountains. She’s convinced her grandfather’s death was not an accident and is determined to find out what really happened to Gramps. Faith’s fiancé, Josiah, hasn’t heard from her for months. Upon discharge from the Army, he sets out to find answers. This story has a few mysteries to solve.

Amethyst Lights is a story about Lady Jillian, a faery from the village of Amythaseah. She’s been ordered to marry the cruel and self-centered prince against her will. The village is under a curse which caused it to disappear except for a seven-day break every one-hundred years. Jillian flees to the world outside her hamlet during the break. Lylan, a faery from a town outside the royal hamlet, comes across the glowing village as the break in the curse begins. When Jillian bursts out of the bushes and falls to the ground, Lylan rushes to her aide. The question is, can he protect her and can a royal faery love a common gentlefaeryman.

Currently, I’m working on a story to be released this summer. Trust Never After. It will be a romantic suspense novel set in central Minnesota, with just a touch of mystery.

Thank you for being my guest. It was such a pleasure to have you here!!

---

Connect with Sharon:

Website: http://www.authorsharonkconnell.com

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/sharonkconnell

Facebook Book Page: https://www.facebook.com/averypresenthelpbook1

Facebook Author’s Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChristianRomanceSuspense/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonKConnell

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

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonkconnell

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rosecastle1/

YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/avtIO2XZ-Ds

YouTube: youtube.com/@authorsharonkconnellcreates

Tall Pines Sanctuary Group Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/3450908258475494

Ko’olau’s Secret Group Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1125923617932028Amethyst Lights Group Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/2383356775135658

---

Sharon’s Books:

Ko’olau’s Secret https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732923752

Tall Pines Sanctuary: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732923787

Amethyst Lights: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732923795

Author Spotlight – Vivienne Sang

Welcome!

Please introduce yourself.

Hi. My name is Vivienne Sang and I write under the name of V.M.Sang

1. When did you start writing?

That’s a difficult question. I remember writing a story when I was quite little. Perhaps about 6 or 7 years old, but don’t remember much else until I wrote a very bad romance in my teens.
When I was at school, I always enjoyed creative writing classes and once wrote a story that went on for at least ten pages. What my English teacher thought about having to wade through it is unknown.
When studying at teacher training college, I wrote a few poems, only one of which is still in existence. That poem was my first published work, I suppose, as it was published in the University magazine.
I begun writing my first novel towards the end of the 90s, but it took a very long time to come to fruition as I was teaching full time. I self-published it, and the second part of the series, but when I found a publisher for another book I’d written, they wanted to republish my first two as well.

2. What motivates you to write?

All the people that jump into my head begging (no demanding) I tell their stories. The very first time it was a name that came into my head. I figured out her story, but I’ve not yet written it. She’s gone a bit quiet recently, so I’ve not told her tale yet.

3. What genre do you write in and what made you chose this particular genre?

I write in two genres–Fantasy and Historical fiction.
I chose fantasy because I’m a fan of the genre. I wrote a scenario for the Dungeons and Dragons club I ran at the school I was teaching in. Then I thought how it would possibly make a good story. I was inspired by reading (and playing the scenarios) the Dragonlance Saga by Weiss and Hickman. I thought that if they could make their scenario into a book, perhaps I could do the same. But it wasn’t just one book! It morphed into a series. I’m now writing Book 4.
Historical sort of chose me. When I was a teenager I went to Derbyshire (in the UK) with a friend and her family. We came upon a ruined house. It had obviouslyt been a grand mansion at one time, and we wondered about it. What was its history and how had it come to be in ruins?
This image of the house stayed with me for many decades until I decided to write about it. This, too, has become a number of books, two of which are now published.
I decided to trace the family who ultimately built it from a young boy coming to Britain as a slave, with the Romans. The second book follows a young Viking girl; a descendant of the boy from Book 1.

4. What is your goal in writing? Do you have dreams where your writing should take you?

I don’t have dreams of hitting the NYT best seller list. (Although that would be nice.) Nor do I think about becoming the next big thing. I just want people to enjoy my stories. And to actually know they exist!

5. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block and if yes, how do you deal with it?

I’m unsure what writer’s block is. I’m part way through one story that I’m stuck on. It seems to be going nowhere, but I don’t consider that to be writer’s block. I’ve put it away for a few months while my subconscious considers it.
This, I think, is the best way to deal with it, and if no inspiration comes, then that means that story is a non starter.
I’ve not yet run out of ideas for stories, but if I do, I’ll consider it no big deal. I’m retired, and although I enjoy writing, and treat it as if it’s my job, I’m not reliant on my earnings from it. (A good job!)

6. What advice would you like to give new, hopeful authors?

Stick at it! It takes time to get people to know your book is out there. And most important is to connect with other authors. I’ve made lots of online friends who are extremely helpful.
Also, when you are marketing your book, please don’t simply say ‘Buy My Book’ and nothing else. Making contact with people is important. People are more inclined to buy your book if they know a bit about you and like you. I know that’s true of me. I’ve found many excellent books by buying a book because I have had contact with the author and think of them as friends.

7. Please, tell us about your work.

The first series is called The Wolves of Vimar. It tells how a group of disparate folk who call themselves Wolf help to save the land of Grosmer when an enemy invades. They first have to find a long-lost artifact which is prophecied to be the only thing that can kill the man in charge of the invaders, then they discover who he is and what his plans are. They face dangers and near death, and all are changed by their experiences.

The second is a duo called Elemental Worlds. The Crown Prince of Ponderia is behaving strangely. His best friend, Pettic, discovers the princehas been captured and a doppleganger put in his place. The only way to rescue the prince is to enter the four worlds of Earth, Air, Fire and Water and find a gem in each world. Before he can find the gem, Pettic has a task to perform. And he cannot leave the Elemental World without the gem’s magic.

There are three prequels to The Wolves of Vimar published that tell a bit more about the people in the main series.

The two historical novels are Vengeance of a Slave and Jealousy of a Viking. In each of the books, which are standalone novels, the protagonist has to overcome a problem. As the tiles suggest, the first. the young man. Adelbehrt, has to overcome his desire for vengeance on the Romans, and in the second, the young woman, Helgha, has to overcome her jealousy of her lover’s wife.

Thank you for being my guest. It was such a pleasure to have you here!!

It was a pleasure, AJ. Thank you for having me.

---

Connect with Vivienne:

V.M. Sang was born and lived her early life in Cheshire in the north west of England. She has always loved books and reading and learned to read before she went to school.

During her teenage years she wrote some poetry, one of which was published in the magazine of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). Unfortunately, that is the only one that is still around.

V.M. Sang became a teacher and taught English and Science at her first school. Her main subject was science, though, but she also taught Maths and what was then known as Computer Studies.

She did little writing until starting to teach in Croydon, Greater London. Here she started a Dungeons and Dragons club in the school where she was teaching. She then decided to write her own scenario.

The idea of turning it into a novel formed in her head, but she did little about it until she took early retirement. Then she began to write The Wolves of Vimar Series.

Walking has always been one of V.M. Sang’s favourite pastimes, having gone on walking holidays in her teens. She met her husband walking with the University Hiking Club, and they still enjoy walking on the South Downs. They also bought a kayak and have done quite a lot of kayaking in Brittany along the river Vilaine and the Oust.

Quieter things that she enjoys doing are a variety of crafts, such as card making, tatting, crochet, knitting etc. she also draws and paints.

V.M.Sang is married with two children, a girl and a boy. Her daughter has three children and she loves to spend time with them.

She now lives in East Sussex with her husband.

You can contact her on the following platforms.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23500375-vivienne-sang
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/sang0566/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viv-sang-37427598/
Amazon Author Profile: http://viewauthor.at/VMSang
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carthinal/

---

Vivienne’s Books:

THE WOLVES OF VIMAR

The Wolf Pack

book 1

https://books2read.com/u/m0lxEy

The Never-Dying Man

book 2

https://books2read.com/u/3R6ozR

Wolf Moon

book 3

https://books2read.com/u/mvWjXe

ELEMENTAL WORLDS

The Stones of Earth and Air

book  1

https://books2read.com/u/mYygKV

The Stones of Fire and Water

book 2

https://books2read.com/u/brwoVE

VIV’S FAMILY RECIPIES

https://books2read.com/u/mVR7dM

A FAMILY THROUGH THE AGES.

Vengeance of a Slave

book 1

https://books2read.com/u/3kLZxR

Jealousy of a Viking

book 2

https://books2read.com/u/bMYGKk

WOLVES PREQUELS

Jovinda and Noli

I apologise for this, but I’ve lost the universal link for this book!

The Making of a Mage

https://books2read.com/u/mddNNO

Dreams of an Elf Maid

https://books2read.com/u/4ElDZg

Promote on ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest’ – in 2023

It’s 2023 and ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest’ is eight years old.

I am very proud to have this blog up and its success and progress grew significantly. I thank all followers and readers for making this such a pleasurable experience and an excellent adventure for me.

There is, however, one thing that I’d like to extend even more: The chance for many other writers to use “Writer’s Treasure Chest” as a promotional platform.

• Do you feel like trying how it is to publish blog posts?

• Do you have anything important to say?

• Would you like to show up on this blog?

• Do you have a book to promote?

Use “Writer’s Treasure Chest” and contact me for

• a Blog Tour

• a “Featured Author Interview”

• a “Guest Post”

So many things are possible, and I’d like to give you a chance to introduce yourself and your work here!

For once I used the contact form within a blog post and hope you will use it!

Name(required)

Email(required)

Message

Contact Us

Δ

Generally, ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest’ does have a contact form on the right side, as a widget.

It is always there! Check it out and contact me, I’ll be delighted to work with you on your plans, your guest post, and your blog tour, or send you the sheet with the interview questions!

I will be proud to have you as a guest on ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest’.

Darlene Foster is back! Welcome!

It is a very special pleasure for me to welcome you back to ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest’. During your former visits, we learned about your writing, and your writing process and asked for some advice. But there are so many more questions to ask!

We want to find out today, what new sides we will unveil:

1. Is there something on your desk, or in your bag, that you consider a ‘mascot’, or a lucky charm that’s supposed to help you with your writing? What is it, and why?

On the wall above my desk is a collection of pictures of my family that I consider my lucky charm. My family has always been there for me, motivating and encouraging me along the way. Without them, I would probably not have accomplished any writing goals. I live far away from them now, so having their pictures where I can see them as I write lets me know they are watching over me and whispering, keep going!

• Imagine you wrote your first draft of your book and in the middle, you discover a major plot flaw. What is the first reaction? And how are you going to face the problem and solve it?

My first reaction is to just forget it and start a new story. I find these problems overwhelming initially. After a good cry, I would close the computer and leave it for a few days. Then I would look at the problem with fresh eyes and rework it. There is nothing that can’t be fixed. What doesn’t kill you makes your writing stronger!

• Some writers are phenomenal storytellers, but they have problems with their networking. What would you recommend they should do?

I love networking but realize not everyone does. I would recommend starting a blog first and foremost. It is the best way to connect with other writers and readers. I know not everyone likes social media but I think it is important that writers have some presence. So pick one or two that you feel comfortable with. Without social media these past two years, I´m not sure what writers would have done to network and sell their work. Of course, face-to-face networking is always the best and in non-pandemic times I would suggest attending writers’ conferences, workshops, and book fairs. Connect with local libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops, and arrange a reading and book signing. Always carry a book with you or at least a bookmark or postcard describing your book. I sold books to the person sitting beside me on an airplane because I had a book with me!  

• What do you think about writer’s contests? Do you participate? If yes, what’s the challenge for you there?

I do submit to writer´s contests but only if there is no cost or a low cost. I have won prizes and have been included in some anthologies because of contests. I like them as they motivate me to come up with new ideas. And working to a deadline is good for a writer.  I must say I entered more of these when I was starting out and needed the motivation. It looks good on your writer’s resume and in your cover letter to a publisher if you have won some prizes. It also gives you validation as a writer that others like your work well enough to give you a prize. The stories that didn´t win a prize can be reworked and submitted elsewhere. I now have enough short stories to compile a collection. I look at entering contests as good practice. I would just stay away from those that ask for a high fee.

• There are many warnings when it comes to Book Awards. In many cases, you pay a lot for the submission, but it doesn’t really help the marketing or the sales. What do you think about that?

If you win a book award, it does help sales. But the competition is tough. My publisher has submitted my books to a few reputable Book Awards but nothing has come of it. I have not submitted on my own as the cost seems too high. If I did, I would only consider submitting if it was a reputable award.

• I personally wanted to participate in a ‘Writer’s Conference’ two years ago and lost the money I had paid because the organizer made a major mistake. Do you participate in ‘Writer’s Conferences’? If yes, what’s the excitement for you there? Are there conferences you would recommend?

It´s sad that you were not able to get your money back. I love Writer´s Conferences and have attended many over the years. My favourite is The Surrey International Writer´s Conference in Vancouver BC. Writers from all over the world attend and I have met some amazing people there, including Diana Gabaldon, who writes the Outlander series. A few years back, I had an opportunity to share the first three pages of my first Amanda Travels book to Meg Tilley (author and academy award winning actor) at SIWC. She gave me some suggestions and encouraged me to continue sending out the manuscript. It was just what I needed as I was about to give up on ever being published. The next year I found a publisher willing to publish my books. I have just signed my ninth contract with the same publisher. Every time I attend a conference I leave with new knowledge and great connections. It is a good way to keep abreast of the writing industry as things change all the time. I also attended the Winchester Writer’s Festival in Winchester, England which was great. Once this pandemic is over, I will be attending more conferences.

• What’s the biggest excitement for you, when you introduce a new book to the public? Please, tell us about it.

Like having a baby, I am always so excited to show off a new book. My publisher does such a fabulous job of the covers too. It just never gets old, that feeling of accomplishment. When readers tell me they are so happy to see there is a new book out, that makes my heart sing. Good reviews get me excited as well. After all the work that goes into writing and publishing a book, it is so satisfying to be able to show it off.

Thank you for being my guest. It was such a pleasure to have you here!!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

About Darlene:

Growing up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Darlene Foster dreamt of writing, travelling the world, and meeting interesting people. She also believed in making her dreams come true. It’s no surprise she’s now the award-winning author of Amanda Travels, a children’s adventure series featuring a spunky twelve-year-old who loves to travel to unique places. Readers of all ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another. When not travelling herself, Darlene divides her time between western Canada and the Costa Blanca, Spain with her husband and entertaining dog, Dot.

---

Connect with Darlene:

website http://www.darlenefoster.ca/

Blog https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DarleneFosterWriter/
Twitter https://twitter.com/supermegawoman
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/darlenefoster
Amazon author page https://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Foster/

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Darlene’s Books:

Amanda in Holland https://www.amazon.com/Amanda-Holland-Missing-Action-Travels/dp/1771681713/

Amanda in Malta https://www.amazon.com/Amanda-Malta-Sleeping-Travels-Adventure/dp/177168237X/

Amanda in New Mexico https://www.amazon.com/Amanda-New-Mexico-Ghosts-Travels/dp/1771681209/

Amanda on The Danube  https://www.amazon.com/Amanda-Danube-Sounds-Music-Travels/dp/1771681020/

Amanda in Alberta https://www.amazon.com/Amanda-Alberta-Writing-Stone-Travels/dp/1771680199/

Amanda in England https://www.amazon.com/Amanda-England-Missing-Novel-Travels/dp/1926760778/

Amanda in Spain https://www.amazon.com/Amanda-Spain-Girl-Painting-Travels/dp/1926760557/

Amanda in Arabia https://www.amazon.com/Amanda-Arabia-Perfume-Flask-Travels/dp/1926760360/

Amanda in France: https://www.amazon.com/Amanda-France-Cathedral-Travels-Adventure-ebook/dp/B09R2JJTN5/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=Amanda+in+Malta%2C+Darlene+Foster&qid=1662666031&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Book Spotlight Thursday: Discovery of the Five Senses: The Urban Boys by K.N. Smith – Written By Janny C

Happy Book Spotlight Thursday! This Thursday, I am happy to hop on board again with R&R Book Tours to spotlight the YA Thriller Discovery of the Five Senses: The Urban Boys by K.N.Smith. Along with a chance to win one of two $50 Visa gift cards! READ ON!

Discovery of the Five Senses: The Urban Boys

Publication Date: September 15th, 2021 (Second Edition)

Genre: Young Adult Action-Adventure, Young Adult Thriller, Urban Fantasy, Mystery/ Thriller

Welcome or unwelcome. Fate has arrived.

“A captivating and poetic tale of mystery, fantasy, and reality tied together by action!” 5-stars, Lars Jackson, Amazon Customer

CONTINUE READING HERE

Author Spotlight – Jan Sikes

Welcome!

1.            When did you start writing?

I began my writing journey after my husband passed away in 2009. For years, people would come into our home and our lives and say to us, “Someone needs to write your story.” We always agreed and thought someone would. I awoke to the realization one day that if someone else wrote it, I would have to tell them the whole thing. So, I got busy, took writing classes, and dove into the project. It took four books to tell it. Then I published a book of poetry and art and thought I was done. Wrong! Six novels and ten short stories later, I can’t find a way to stop.

2.            What motivates you to write? 

Story ideas are my biggest motivators. It is my belief that when I am given the inspiration for a story, it is my duty to the Creative Gods to do something with it. As long as the story ideas keep coming, I will keep writing.

3.            What genre do you write in and what made you choose this particular genre?

This is a hard question to answer. The first four books I wrote were biographical fiction – true stories told in fiction format with fictitious characters. Then I launched into writing short stories in varied genres. I experimented with everything from sci-fi and young adult, to a western. My current series is in the romance genre. Ghostly Interference is a paranormal romance and Jagged Feathers is romantic suspense.

4.            What is your goal in writing? Do you have dreams where your writing should take you?

My writing goal is simply to affect someone’s life, to perhaps give a different perspective on situations. Each story I write has a theme or message. I like to make someone stop and think “what if?” My dream is to get my true story made into a movie. That would be amazing!

5.            Do you ever suffer from writer’s block and if yes, how do you deal with it?

I can’t say I have ever suffered from writer’s block, but I have hit some brick walls. Often, I find if I stop and take a walk or listen to music, I find where I need to go with the story.

6.            What advice would you like to give new, hopeful authors? 

Write! If you have the inspiration for a story, write it. Then what you do with it is up to you, but the most important thing is to just start. Statistics show that most people who venture into writing a book do not finish it. It is not easy. It requires the 3 p’s, patience, preservation, and persistence.

7.            Please, tell us about your work.

The White Rune Series is my latest work. Book 1, Ghostly Interference, was published in December 2020. I actually got the idea for this book when I was writing book two of my true story series. But, I couldn’t stop what I was doing at the time, so took some notes and wrote one chapter, then put it aside until I completed the true stories. After I finished Ghostly Interference,  I decided to try and find a publisher for it instead of self-pubbing. I pitched for three years before the Wild Rose Press picked me up. That was a huge day for me and a big step in my writing career. It is a paranormal romance, with the paranormal aspect being that of a ghost.

The second book in the White Rune Series is Jagged Feathers and is romantic suspense. The release date for Jagged Feathers is January 31, 2022. This book deals with some big subjects like PTSD and amputation as well as psychic visions.

The third book in the series is Saddled Hearts and I have finished it and signed a publishing contract for it. It should be released later in 2022.

I’ve started a new series I am calling The Magnolia Series. It is different from anything I’ve ever written and look forward to the challenge. The first book in the series will be entitled, Bitter Magnolia.

Thank you for being my guest. It was such a pleasure to have you here!!

---

Connect with Jan:

WEBSITE: http://www.jansikes.com

BLOG:   http://www.jansikesblog.com

TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/jansikes3

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks

PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/jks0851/

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7095856.Jan_Sikes

BOOKBUB:   https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jan-sikes

LINKEDIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jansikes/

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Sikes/e/B00CS9K8DK

---

Jan’s New Book:

Vann Noble did his duty. He served his country and returned a shell of a man, wounded inside and out. With a missing limb and battling PTSD, he seeks healing in an isolated cabin outside a small Texas town with a stray dog that sees beyond his master’s scars. If only the white rune’s magic can bring a happily ever after to a man as broken as Vann.  

On the run from hired killers and struggling to make sense of her unexplained deadly mission, Nakina Bird seeks refuge in Vann’s cabin. She has secrets. Secrets that can get them all killed.

A ticking clock and long odds of living or dying, create jarring risks.

Will these two not only survive, but find an unexpected love along the way? Or, will evil forces win and destroy them both?

UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK:

https://linktr.ee/Rijanjks

BOOK TRAILER LINK:  https://youtu.be/CwGRyRVMyLE