Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Reading: Ten Christmas Brides by 10 well-known authors.

Ten Christmas Brides
by: Ruth Cardello, Nina Bruhns, Donna Fasano, Rebecca York, Helen Scott Taylor, Patrice Wilton, Mona Risk, Annie Jones, Alicia Street, and Mimi Barbour
Genre: Holiday Romance
Reviews will follow when I am done with each book.

A BLESSED FESTIVE SEASON TO ALL

 

Recipe for Love
by Ruth Cardello, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

All Madison Andrade wants for Christmas is a place to hide and she finds it in the home of a lusty French chef. Richard D'Argenson's recipes are famous, but they lack one necessary ingredient--love.

 4 STARS REVIEW: 

Maddy and Richard was the perfect couple that brought two worlds together as they discovered each other. A secret, followed by a lie allowed the two to meet far from the borders of the US. Richard, a chef and restauranteur, felt affronted with this young woman at first. However, he realized soon there was more under the skin of the young woman who lived in his house practically unannounced. He had some issues to overcome but Maddy quickly made him forget and accept what was once in his past.
It is filled with family drama, romance, love and doing the right thing even if one had to be send away for the other to open their eyes.
A short story that is part of the Ten Christmas Brides Box set. So far it was money well spend and a book I can recommend if you are in the mood for a quick Christmas read.  



Must Love Santa
by Nina Bruhns, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

Detective Nick Palladin just needs to close one last case in Vice--going undercover as Santa--before getting his Christmas transfer to the K-9 Unit. But when a cute little fluffball and the knockout holding her leash stumble into the op and are attacked, Santa and his faithful dog come running to the rescue!




5 STAR REVIEW:  

Book 2 in the Ten Christmas Brides Box set. I have never read some of the author's books but I had a delightful time reading this Christmas romance from her pen. The interaction between the two main characters; well actually four: we cannot ignore the two dogs roles in this book. They would simply steal your heart from the start, their infatuation with each other was what brought the two owners together. 
It is a wonderful love story that will make you believe in the miracle of Christmas as the plot unfolds. It's filled with enough drama and suspense to give it a slight edge to make this more than just a love story. The subject of human trafficking is still a very serious issue and needs all the attention it can get; even from a love story. But the two lovers definitely had my vote; they complimented each other perfectly. Both had certain goals that they wanted to reach, both were willing to sacrifice but when the bad guy showed his ugly colors the focus shifted.
A great story for this time of year, with a well written plot and wonderful flow to it all. 
So far I am enjoying this box set from the various authors.  





An Almost Perfect Christmas
by Donna Fasano, USA Today bestselling author
Aaron Chase is desperate to give his daughter a perfect Christmas and elicits the help of Pediatric Nurse Christy Cooper to do it. When Aaron's impish eight-year-old talks them into a make-believe wedding, can the magic of Christmas make the vows stick?







4 Star Review:
This is book 3 in the Ten Christmas Brides Box set and a lovely edition to it, I believe. It is the perfect read for this time of year, quick with a great message.
It all begins with a little girl, but yet so wise for her years, making a plan to bring her dad some happiness when she was gone. A perfect set up for two adults who only caught on after the fact.
Two people that was drawn together; understanding the heart ache of loss and the void it caused found themselves in a place where they could relax and be themselves, discovering that there is a future in the midst of all the hurt and longing.
A wonderful story with enough emotion to make it believable and enjoyable.  




Christmas Captive (The Decorah Security Series)
by Rebecca York, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author

How did hard-driving businessman Jordan Campbell end up in a coma? And can nurse Hannah Andrews use her psychic talent to connect with him and trap his would-be killer? As she and Jordan work together, she knows she's putting her own life--and her heart--at risk.



4 Star Review: 
This book is part of the Ten Christmas Brides box set.
The story had a paranormal twist into the romance scene. Hannah, a nurse that could connect with her patients in an unusual way, was hired to care for tycoon Jordan; a man in a deep coma after a terrible fall. No one could explain why he was in a coma but this is where the story became interesting.
It is a fast paced story that takes you into the life of Jordan and his family who clearly had an agenda from the moment Hannah arrived at the house. Soon her own life was in danger and the author did a good work creating enough suspense not to make it overly dramatic. The ideal story for this time of year.
It had a wonderful cast of characters, each wrapped in mystery as Hannah tried to safe Jordan's life from impending death. With a romantic ending that gave you a good feeling at the end.  






The Army Doctor's Honeymoon Baby (The Army Doctor's Series)
by Helen Scott Taylor, Award-winning and National bestselling author

Army doctor, Blair Mackenzie, secretly loves his childhood friend, Lorna, and protects her in the African refugee camp where they work. Lorna depends on Blair--he's her best friend, the only man she's ever loved. She longs to admit her feelings but a family secret from their past prevents her.




4 Star Review:
A quick read that takes you from the dangers of Africa to the beautiful snowy hills of Scotland in quick strides. Well written, with just enough information to make this an enjoyable read.
Lorna and Blair knew each other all their lives but secrets kept them apart for ten years. During an abduction by rebels the two admitted their feelings to each other. While trying to escape Blair got injured. This led our couple to their homeland; here they were met with unease but also a warm welcome.
A sweet love story that tells a tale of heart ache and how to get passed it if you believe in the love of the one you love. 
 


Kiss Me Santa
by Patrice Wilton, National bestselling author

Widowed schoolteacher, Cindy Harris meets Brad Williams--posing as Santa--when she takes her young son to the mall. Imagine her surprise when he shows up as the hot-shot realtor selling her family home. Sparks fly between them. Can the magic of Christmas give them the best gift of all -- love?

REVIEW WILL FOLLOW SOON:

An Unusual Christmas
by Mona Risk, Award-winning and National bestselling author

Running away from Christmas celebrations and the demons of her past, Dr. Jillian has dedicated her life to saving third-world children. In Belarus, a baby girl, four little boys, and a handsome doctor may teach her the true meaning of Christmas.

A Cowboy for Christmas
by Annie Jones, Award-winning and National bestselling author

A single mom who has pinned all her hopes on reviving a popular tourist dude ranch gets a Christmas surprise that may change everything when her son asks Santa for a new dad. And that very night a Christmas-skipping cowboy shows up at their door.

The Christmas Honeymoon
by Alicia Street, Award-winning and National bestselling author

Quiet librarian Serena always loved Christmas, until she was jilted before her December wedding. A year later, while trying to rekindle her tarnished holiday spirit, she meets Damien, handsome daredevil--and a total Scrooge. Their unlikely mutual attraction brings on a challenge that leads to one very romantic Christmas.

She's Not You
by Mimi Barbour, National bestselling author

Sick and widowed, running scared from a man who insists she belongs to him, Belle is forced to let the charmer down the hall help out. Not just for her sake, but it's Christmas, she's in trouble and her little girl has decided their sympathetic neighbor is her special hero.

BUY LINKS



A Special Gift From the Ten Brides Authors!

A book full of delicious cookie recipes to share with the family this Christmas!

In this book you’ll find favorite cookies of the heroes and heroines in the Ten Christmas Brides romance-novel boxed set. Some are the treats our characters remember fondly from their childhoods. Others are the ones they enjoy today—or make to give as gifts. Here you’ll find everything from Almond Crescents, Coffee Pecan Delights, and Swedish Teacake Cookies to Rocks, Butterscotch Brownies and Scottish Shortbread. And each recipe comes with a note explaining how it fits into the author’s story, so you’ll have a little more insight into her characters and plot.

The recipes are the authors' gifts to you this holiday season. Enjoy these special goodies and have a wonderful Christmas. Best wishes from the authors of Ten Christmas Brides!




Ruth Cardello
Ruth Cardello is a New York Times bestselling author.  She writes fast-paced, fun, sexy romances with hot alpha heroes and the strong women who tame them.  She writes about Billionaires, Cowboys, and she is also getting into some spicier story lines.  She likes to consider what she writes as bathtub reads.  Sheer escapism.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter

Nina Bruhns
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nina Bruhns decided it was time to change careers and pursue her longtime dream of writing when fieldwork in Egyptology became too dangerous. Since then, Nina has achieved international bestsellerdom writing for Berkley, Harlequin and Silhouette, various epublishers, and now as an indie author with Cajun Hot Press. Nina has earned numerous awards for her thirty-plus books to date, including three Daphne du Maurier Awards for Best Overall Mystery-Suspense Book of the Year, three Rita nominations, four RT Bookclub Reviewers Choice Awards, a National Readers Choice Award, five Dorothy Parker Awards of Excellence, and two Golden Hearts.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter

Donna Fasano
USA Today Bestselling Author Donna Fasano is the author of over 30 romance and women's fiction titles. Her award-winning books have been described as "emotional," "heartwarming," and "simply wonderful!" Over the course of her 25 year career, she has sold 4 million books worldwide. BigAl from BooksAndPals.com says, "Donna Fasano is a keen observer of human nature and creates characters that ring true to life."
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter
Rebecca York
New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly best-selling and award-winning author, Rebecca has written over 145 books and novellas. In 2011 she became the dozenth author to receive the Romance Writers of America Centennial Award for having written 100 romantic novels. Her Killing Moon was a launch title for Berkley’s Sensation imprint in June 2003. Five more books in the series have followed.

Rebecca has authored or co-authored over 65 romantic thrillers, many for Harlequin Intrigue’s very popular 43 Light Street series, set in Baltimore, and many with paranormal elements.

Her many awards include two Rita finalist books. She has two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times: for Series Romantic Suspense and for Series Romantic Mystery. And her Peregrine Connection series won a Lifetime Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense Series.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter

Helen Scott Taylor
Award-winning author, Helen Scott Taylor is an award-winne, writes sweet contemporary romance set in the UK and Europe. Her contribution to Ten Christmas Brides is The Army Doctor's Honeymoon Baby, part of her Army Doctor series.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter

Patrice Wilton
Patrice Wilton is a National best selling author of more than 20 books. Her best known series include The Candy Bar Series, Serendipity Falls series, and her returning war hero series, A HERO LIES WITHIN, HANDLE WITH CARE and AT FIRST SIGHT.

She lives in West Palm Beach with her retired PGA golf pro husband, and plays tennis and golf when she's not writing fun, sexy romance stories. She loves emails and will answer everyone the same day.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter

Mona Risk
From Best Romance Novel of the Year at Preditors & Editors Readers Poll, to Best Contemporary Romance of the Year at READERS FAVORITE with two Gold Medals, and EPPIE award finalist, Mona Risk’s name was posted on Amazon.com in the 100 most Popular Authors in Romance list for several months and she recently received an OUTSTANDING ACHIEVER Award at Affaire de Coeur Magazine.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter

Annie Jones
Award winning author Annie Jones loves Romance, Christmas and Route 66 so it seemed natural to combine them in A Cowboy for Christmas. The author of 40 books including romance and women's fiction, she lives in Kentucky with a houseful of family and a head full of ideas for more books.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Alicia Street
Alicia Street is an award-winning author who often writes in collaboration with her husband, Roy. Her years as a dancer, choreographer and teacher are the inspiration behind her Dance 'n' Luv contemporary romance series. Many of her characters from this series cross over into her Holiday Luv series, which includes her sweet romance novella featured in Ten Christmas Brides.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter

Mimi Barbour
Mimi Barbour is an Amazon best-selling author who's sold over 500,000 copies of her books world-wide. Her five romance series: The Vicarage Bench/ time travel at it's best, Angels with Attitudes / angels love romance, Vegas / fast-paced plotting, Elvis / make a song a book and her newest, Undercover FBI / with sizzling conflicts and lots of humor.

Mimi's been heard to say: "I'm an author who loves to read uplifting stories about romance. Add in some time travel, or maybe an angel, or even a little romantic suspense and it makes the story more fascinating because of the incredible possibilities."
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter


 

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

A new facelift for In the limelight with...

It has been awhile since I have posted on this blog. And to be honest, I had no clue where to go from the last post, and bring something new to the table-so to speak.

Just as this blog, I myself, did undergo many changes-some good, some bad-but everything is as always a learning curve in once life. Views change, actions change and sometimes we need to change the direction to move forward and take control back in your hands.

This is what is happening with this blog as well. It is taking a whole new direction. The focus will still be on the authors and their books, but with an added bonus. More about it later.

Due to the many changes I have undergone personally I am forced to think differently about my life and blogging since I spend so many hours here and Inspire to Read blog. It has become imperative for me to have my own income and be independent once again. Although my books are selling, it is not enough to make a living from it and I must make sound decisions about my future and the blogs I have in order for me not only to survive but to prosper. To quite is not an option. After finally finding my calling in life it will be impossible to stop at any point.
In the last few months I am learning a lot about marketing, branding and how it will benefit me and propel me forward. When I spoke to another gentleman about my predicament he introduced me to Amazon's astore. Although a registered member for a long time I never knew about this venture from Amazon. And when he showed me on Skype how easy it was to open, I started immediately; stocking shelves the past few days to get it up and running as soon as possible. The other leg will be to accept books on a trusted site and sell them just as a normal bookstore would. I am almost done with the legal stuff, but will let you know when it is operational.

So was the Inspire 2 Read bookstore born and I must say I do feel very positive about the new changes. Of course it will cause more work for me, and more time on the computer, but it is a work that I love to do so it would feel like picnic rather work. I really hope that just as in the past that I will have you, the reader's support. I still plan to interview authors and their books, especially new releases as they come in, so that you will learn more about them and the book. I don't know about you, but when you know more about a author, and really have that connection it is easier to buy a book from that person. Every book has two stories; the one that the author made up, and the one he/she lived while the book was created. It is so easy to pick up a book now a days, but to really connect is another matter entirely. This would be my aim.
Feel free to browse around in side the bookstore, and please do leave a comment or send me a letter on the contact form. All recommendations are welcome. If there is a book you feel your fellow readers should know about please let me know. For now I have stocked the shelves with the books I have read and reviewed over the last two years, as well as the authors books I have seen or promoted on my blog.
Please note: To all authors I have interviewed in the past, if you are looking for your post, the link has changed. Please do not hesitate to ask me about the new link and I will send it to you right back. All the posts are still in tact but just under a new link.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Missionary, Inspirational Speaker, International Radio Host, Author Là Tanyha Boyd



Lá Tanyha Boyd, is living her dream and walking in her calling to empower, and inspire others in“Living in the Now;” the abundant life. Author Lá Tanyha, has traveled around the world via the airwaves as an Inspirational Speaker delivering messages to jumpstart your day and vision, all the while infused with Faith, Hope, & Determination leaving you with a mindset of I CAN DO THIS! Challenging others to Take Action to go higher in their careers, fulfill their goals and walk in their purpose.
Lá Tanyha is the International Host of Spiritual Food for Thought Global Radio. Through this syndicated radio broadcast she empowers others across the globe to follow their dreams and to live life with purpose, passion, fire and determination.
Author Boyd often shares messages that; “Life is all about living and when we can have Spiritual Food, it nourishes us like nothing else.”
Answering the call to minister, Missionary Là Tanyha has been working in the vineyard for over ten years, and is a Licensed Missionary.

Là Tanyha is a mentor and a powerful Inspirational Speaker, facilitator with a heart and fire for God and His people. 


Please tell us about your latest book.
There are times when each one of us needs encouragement and inspiration; especially when you’re dealing with the challenges of life. 'Spiritual Food for Thought: 31 Inspirational Quotes to Jump-Start Your Day,' will not only offer daily words of inspiration but promote spiritual growth in one's day to day living. In this journey called, Life, I've learned that God never consults our past to determine our future. It is us, who determine our own future by our actions. As such, I have made sure that my book is full of powerful nuggets that are sure to equip and encourage each one of us to take life head-on, live it to the fullest and provide it with a meaningful direction.

'Spiritual Food for Thought:31 Inspirational Quotes to Jump-Start Your Day,' is touted to be a soul stirring read as it consists of deeply inspirational messages that offer daily words of empowerment and promote spiritual growth for its readers. The book is immensely thought provoking and takes its readers on an immeasurably inspiring journey towards self discovery while it also challenges them to pursue greatness and positivity in life.

What can we expect from you in the future?
With all that is going on in the world today, people are hungry for words of encouragement and inspiration to move and drive forward in this journey called LIFE, and with that said my passion and assignment is to engage, and equip the multitudes and in so doing win souls across the globe through the airways, my writings, and speaking engagements while empowering others to move forward in this journey called LIFE. 

I will be doing a “31 day challenge of Positive Thinking to Jump-Start Your Day.” I found that Self-talk has a huge influence on the overall direction of our thoughts. Negative self-talk is an easy habit to slip into, especially if you are surrounded by negative people. So, the first step toward a more positive thinking is to change the tone of our self-talk.
Like any other bad habit, before we can change it we need to become more consciously aware that we are doing it. And so the 31 day challenge of Positive Thinking to Jump-Start Your Day “will play a significant part in transforming that stinking thinking

How do we find out about you and your books?  How may readers contact you?
To stay connected with me subscribe to my mailing list by visiting my website: http://www.latboyd.com/

What truly motivates you in general?  In your writing?
To inspire is to take that fire within from a flicker, to a flame giving you the confidence to progress. All of us need inspiration to drive and move forward in this journey we call life, my personal quest and the various moments of learning during my very own journey in life have been the inspiration for this book, which is extremely dear to my heart. I sincerely pray that my book is able to reach out to the very hearts of my readers and inspire them to take that first step forward to do the things that they have never done before, to live the life they only dreamed of doing and enabling them to fulfill their purpose.

What are some of your favorite things to do?
During my down time you may find me in the kitchen cooking some down home meals or spending time with family and friends. You may even find me at the salon pampering myself, or shopping and giving back to myself. It’s so important to have balance and building relationships.
Do you have a favorite author?
There are so many great authors; I enjoy that it’s hard for me to narrow it down to one: Michele Andrea Bowen, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and Tyora Moody are just a few of the authors that I enjoy.




What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
The first rewarding for me as a writer is the connection with my reader’s. The second most rewarding is knowing that my work can reach all parts of the world. My good friend and fellow Author; LaCricia A ̀ngelle said it best “My books can go where I may not be able to go physically.” To be able to give a word of inspiration of hope, love and faith for others to move and drive forward in this journey of LIFE…Is an awesome feeling.

Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Yes! I would like to leave these words right from my book Spiritual Food for Thought: 31 Inspirational Quotes to Jump Start Your Day,” that is this… JUST DO IT!! To move forward, you have to step out the boat. Moving out of complacency and comfort. If you want something you’ve never had you have to do something you’ve never done. Moving out of fear and removing all inhibitions being comfortable in WHO you are and WHO’S you are.  Let today be the first steps towards your goals, your calling, your deliverance….ultimately your purpose and destiny. 

~The Time is Now…Let’s Get It Done!!! 



Spiritual Food for Thought: 31 Inspirational Quotes to Jumpstart your Day, is a daily devotional to encourage and inspire you in your walk with Christ.
“In this journey called, “Life,” I've learned that God never consults our past to determine our future. The roads we take become learning experiences for growth and development, to bring us into our God given purpose.”

This is just a sample of inspiration you will receive from this book.
Spiritual Food for Thought: 31 Inspirational Quotes to Jumpstart your Day
, consists of inspirational messages that offer daily words of empowerment, and promote spiritual growth and development in the Lord Jesus Christ for your day to day living.

Here's What Other's Are Saying!

Spiritual Soul Food for Thought is the BEST way to start your day! I have used the quotes to kick off my mornings, motivate my afternoons, and empower my evenings!”~Tamika Hall, Editor-In-Chief of Gospel Insider News.com Magazine & Bestselling Author of Meet Me at the Altar, and Love Doesn’t Leave Bruises
I have been a guest on Lá Tanyha Boyd's Spiritual Food for Thought Global Radio show numerous times. She is a warm, delightful woman walking in her gift of encouragement. If you need a spiritual word to lift your spirits, I recommend Spiritual Food for Thought. You're guaranteed to find words of wisdom that will jumpstart your day.”~ Tyora Moody, Award-Winning Author of the Victory Gospel Series and Eugeena Patterson Mysteries.


For More Information:
Visit the author online at:

Website: www.latboyd.com
Follow on Twitter:@spiritualfoodra  Hashtag: #JumpStartURDay    

FAB Tours would like to thank you for sharing

Author Lá Tanyha Boyd’s gift with the world.



 


Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Interview with LaQuisha Hall and her new book Positively Bodyful.




Mrs. Essence 2013 | Author | 
Founder of iEAT | LaQuisha Hall

LaQuisha Hall is a woman with a purpose that goes far beyond what is expected of her. She is an award winning community service leader who has served as Mrs. International Beautiful 2012 and now reigning as Mrs. Essence 2013. As an overcomer of low self-esteem due to being naturally thin, a witness of domestic violence, a sexual abuse survivor and an international advocate, LaQuisha actively works to empower women and youth. LaQuisha spends hours locally and abroad mentoring via the Queendom T.E.A. (The Etiquette Academy) program encouraging and teaching teen girls about safety, feminine etiquette and positive self-esteem. LaQuisha is a doctoral candidate who has been educating youth for over a decade. LaQuisha recently launched a journal for young girls, Positively Bodyful.



Please tell us about your latest book.

I wrote a journal for teen girls, Positively Bodyful, to help promote a positive and healthy self-body image. This journal is written from my perspective of being naturally thin, but encourages all girls to be proud of their bodies and who they are as a person. I tried to find books like mine at bookstores to support the girls in my mentoring program whose self-esteem was low from being thin, but these books were non-existent. So, I decided to write it myself!  The girls who are comparing themselves to others or putting themselves down are not alone. As young ladies, they are going through a lot of changes in their bodies and as their bodies change, so does their image of themselves. It is not always easy for our youth to like every part of their looks, but when they get stuck on the negatives it can really bring down their self-esteem. I was teased for being "skinny" throughout my life and I understand their plight. I wrote this journal to encourage girls to use their creativity to keep their mind positive.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I am currently working on creating a Facilitator’s Manual, to accompany Positively Bodyful for those who have girl groups. I am also completing a young adult novel called “Unholy Communions” about a young girl who tries to escape the hands of a pastor who sexually abuses her. This novel is a reflection of my childhood. 

How do we find out about you and your books?  How may readers contact you?

Positively Bodyful can be purchased on Barnes and Noble, Amazon and other book retailers or it can be purchased via my website: laquishahall.com.

What truly motivates you in general?  In your writing?

I am motivated in general and in writing by all of the young girls I meet through serving as a teacher, beauty queen, mentor and inspirational speaker. This is the reason I created my business, iEAT (Empower. Aspire. Transform.). It pains me to hear my story told of past hurt told back to me by such beautiful, intelligent young girls. I want to inspire them to be victorious in spite of any obstacles they face.

What are some of your favorite things to do?

I love pageantry and I am the reigning Mrs. Essence 2013. I also love being a natural hair and fashion blogger via my blog, Corner Curl Girl. I spend a lot of time supporting my community and being a role model to girls through my mentoring program, Queendom T.E.A. Finally, I enjoy spending time with my super supportive husband of 8 years, Mardis Hall.


About the Book

Are you comparing yourself to others or putting yourself down? If so, you are not alone. As a young lady, you are going through a lot of changes in your body. And, as your body changes, so does your image of yourself. It is not always easy to like every part of your looks, but when you get stuck on the negatives it can really bring down your self-esteem. Written by a woman who was teased for being "skinny" throughout her life, this journal will encourage you to use your creativity to keep your mind positive. Prepare yourself to step into your Queendom!

quishabook(front)-01

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon.com

BarnesandNoble.com

www.laquishahall.com

For More Information:
Visit the author online at:

Website: laquishahall.com
Follow on Twitter: @laquisha_hall Hashtag: #PositivelyBodyful
Instagram: @laquishahall

FAB Book Banner LaQuisha Hall


FAB Tours would like to thank you for sharing Mrs. Essence 2013 | Author | Founder of iEAT | LaQuisha Hall gift with the world


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Introducing a new author today: Colleen Green and her new release "Last Words" plus a Giveaway



Colleen Green

Author’s Interview Questions

“Are you famous?” Is the general question I get when family and friends introduce me to their friends. It always left me with a pause as quick comebacks filter through my mind but I end up saying something like ….”Oh gee thanks” and give a shy smile, silly I know but the idea unsettles me. (a)Does this happen to you and (b) what do you say?

No one has asked me if I was famous. Friends and family who hear that I wrote a book seem to want me to become famous. For example, my boyfriend’s stepmother recently said that it would be nice to have a Nicolas Sparks in the family. Although I just said I agreed and nodded, I wished I would have said, “Well then tell everyone you know who reads to buy my book and have them tell everyone they know who reads to buy the book then I might just have a chance at becoming famous.” As an author who is new to readers it is important to get word- of- mouth sales going. Ask people to review your book and post it on as many sites as possible. 

Here is a review of Last Words. My debut romance suspense novel Amber Milestone is a complicated character who really just wants what we all want...happiness. So what is so wrong with that? On the road to happiness, people (family members, even a true love) can be both helpful and disappointing. Reading what ultimately matters to Amber is an emotional, enjoyable journey from beginning to end.
Jay Worthen 

In general, do you like to talk about you writing and published books or are you very close-lip about it? If no, why?

I like to talk about my writing experience however, I feel as a newbie I have a lot to learn. In this age of self promotion there is lots of room to learn and grow as a writer. Try and try again until you succeed needs to become a slogan of all newbie’s. If something doesn’t bring you sales, then try another method, sooner or later you’ll figure out the path that is right for you. 

What book/s are you currently writing and what is it about?

Right now I just finished my debut novel Last Words, a romance suspense novel that isn’t your typical love story. What makes mine different is the ending. My main character is swept away in a love affair that tests her boundaries and how she defines her self worth. I am currently working on the prequel and sequel to Last Words book one in the Amber Milestone series. 



Blurb about book

Jack Hale’s commanding presence and sultry eyes catch Amber’s attention the first time she sees him. She dreams of a future as an executive chef, but from the kitchen of stepfather’s restaurant, she is mesmerized by the dashing man in a stylish business suit. The day he orders dessert and asks her to share it with him, dreams of their life together take hold of her heart. She imagines those few bites of dessert to be the beginning of a storybook romance… little does she know what twisted secrets Jack Hale holds. 

Why this particular genre?

Romance has always intrigued me. Why some relationships work and other don’t is interesting. Fiction tends to be larger than life. We can have that perfect guy after all. Like I said, though my book is different, I believe that is what makes it stand out. I won’t give away the ending but you’ll be satisfied at the end in a surprising way. 

What inspires or motivates you to write?

Creating my own world through writing has been a pleasure. I wanted to do it because it is something I can truly call my own. You write for yourself first. Of course, you have to tweak it to please the masses if you want the fame too, but to go through the process of making a story has to come from a place of pure passion. 

What is the writing process like for you?

I tend to think in terms of plot first. As long as what motivates people to do something comes from a strong emotion then the reader will want to know what comes next. 

How did/do you teach yourself to write?

You study the genre you’re interested in by reading and noticing how the writers you like use words to make you care about someone as if they were real. Surround yourself with friends and editors who will be brutally honest and let you know when you’re onto something and when you need to go back and do revisions. Writing is easier than revising to me. But it is in the revising that your story will take its most true shape. 

What aspect of the craft do you think is most difficult to learn?

I think writing about sex is difficult. It’s more about the emotions than the physical aspects but it is easy to get caught up in positions instead of emotions. I still plan on reading more romance so I can study how this is done. 

What has been the most encouraging comment someone has made about your writing?

A friend said I was brave for writing and publishing. I never had thought of it that way before but she’s definitely right, you have to be brave to craft a story, and then put it out there for people to criticize or fall in love with. Even the most popular writers have their critics, so you have to recognize that not all people like every style of writing. 

What is the best and/ or worst part of being a writer?

The best part is creating a world that you can call your own. The worst part is trying to figure out how to get the book in the hands of thousand of readers. I’m still trying to figure that part out. Eventually I will and then that part won’t be the worst. 

Do you have any advice for struggling writers?

Surround yourself with people who encourage you to write. You need to learn how to juggle reading, writing, and promoting along with working and spending time with your family. Hopefully the working part will give way to writing full time for a living. 

What is your favorite genre to read or write?

Romance/suspense or family drama 

Favorite author?  V.C. Andrews 



What did you do before you became a writer?

I currently work in the printing industry. I haven’t been able to become a full time writer yet. I just published my debut novel so it could take a few books before I can become a full time writer. 

Was it a life long dream or triggered recently?

It’s always been a life long dream of mine.

Do you have a bucket/ to-do list and would you share at least two things on it?

Finish my sequel to my first book. Sell at least five hundred of my first book. 
Go to Italy. 



This or that questions:

Coffee or Tea - coffee 
Sweet or savory –sweet 
Homemade meal or takeouts – takeouts 
Winter or summer – winter 
Night-owl or Early-Bird – night owl 
 Telephone or visits – visits 
Which social network do you prefer? I don’t have a preference. 
Blogger or website? Both 
What does your family say about your career? Supportive or Clueless
When some of my family bought my book they acted like it was no big deal, that I just poured my heart and soul into this story. No congratulations, no ” I’m proud of you”. My father would have said it but he’s no longer with us. I was understandably hurt. On the other hand, some family and friends have been more willing to say how impressed they are. I think people react different to my accomplishment depending on how well they know me. The better the know me the more excited they are to read my story. 



And Finally Motto/wisdom in life you live by.

If at first you don’t succeed then try, try, try again! 

Contact details and buy links of the newest books you would like the readers to know.
Buy Last Words Author House / Amazon 

I have book club questions on my website www.colleengreen.info
My blog http://activeamateurchef.wordpress.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPGreen
Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/authorcolleengreen

My rafflecopter contest 

My rafflecopter facebook link http://bit.ly/17P7oV8

About the Author
Colleen Green graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in Technology. She lives in Ohio. She started the Dayton Book-n-Cook Club, where she shares her love of cooking and reading.
For more information, visit www.colleengreen.info.
Her recipes are on her blog at http://activeamateurchef.wordpress.com.

Her Cranberry Orange Stuffing & Cranberry Granola Stuffing recipe looks delicious. I will have to try it out. J

Thanks once again for your willingness to share with me and the readers. 

Until next time.