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December 2023

Bespoke Author Marketing Services | Literary Inspired

Interview with Danika Bloom, author of The Billionaire’s Shrubbery

Author Interviews, Billionaire Romance Books, Contemporary Romance Books, Romance Book Reviews & Recommendations /

Welcome back to my Author Spotlight series, where I shine a bright light on the talented authors within the indie romance community. This series aims to celebrate authors who bring their unique voices to the romance genre, connecting them with readers who crave diverse and enthralling love stories. Today, I have the delightful opportunity to introduce you to the USA Today bestselling author, Danika Bloom. Known for her rom-com series about bands of brothers, Danika’s writing showcases her love for vibrant characters, quirky humor, and irresistible chemistry. With her upcoming release, “The Billionaire’s Shrubbery,” she takes us on a journey that intertwines enemies-to-lovers, workplace dynamics, and the allure of a billionaire’s empire. “The Billionaire’s Shrubbery” promises a delightful mix of steamy encounters, witty banter, and a dash of horticultural magic. It introduces us to Virginia Beach, whose superpower is her ability to communicate with plants, and the grumpy yet undeniably charming Will Power. Set against the backdrop of Virginia Beach itself, this enemies-to-lovers rom-com explores the challenges and unexpected sparks that arise when two captivating personalities clash. Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an indie romance author and how you found your passion for writing in the genre? I didn’t have a plan or burning desire to write romance until 2019. My background is as a technical ghost writer for progressive not-for-profits in Canada and although I’d indie published a paranormal women’s fiction novel (in which all the men die!) in 2016, my plan was to write a book in the style of AJ Jacobs and Mary Roach—a fact-based book with personal anecdotes. My working title was, “Girls Who Get Themselves in Trouble: The Untold Communion of Sex, Religion, and Politics.” After two years of research and working on the book, I realized that what I wanted to communicate would be so much more fun—and palatable—to deliver in romance. In my mind, the romance genre is a gentle and yet subversive way to talk about and celebrate female pleasure and sexual autonomy. And that’s how I started writing romance. The synopsis of your upcoming release, The Billionaire’s Shrubbery, promises a quirky and fun enemies-to-lovers romance. What drew you to this particular trope, and how did you put your own unique spin on it? Honestly, I don’t start with tropes. I meet characters and they drive my stories. It’s their histories that determine whether their HEA will be with an enemy or best friend. Will Power introduced himself to me while I was doing a program with a personal development guru, like a mini Tony Robbins. As I sat through about 15 hours listening to this guy, Will Power started to talk to me. Boy was he grumpy! And when I asked him what his issue was, he said he had killer insomnia. 🤪 As a woman of a certain age, I am quite familiar with how hard it can be to be perky and fun when you’ve only slept for four hours and that’s been a pattern for weeks. I knew Will needed sunshine—literal and figurative. I love quirky heroines and always write women I’d love to be friends with, so Virginia the plant-whisperer was born in my imagination! In the book, the hero, Will Power, is described as both charming and grumpy. How did you develop his character to make him an intriguing match for Virginia Beach? Knowing my husband won’t be reading this, I’ll tell you the truth—the charming grump is my husband—that’s how I figured out when Will would be grumpy, what he’d be grumpy about, and how he’d still be a man that Virginia would want to spend time with. He’s never grumpy at Virginia, he’s grumpy about life, but when he’s with her, she helps him see how to look at life from a different perspective. Humour plays a significant role in your rom-com series. How do you strike a balance between comedy and romance in your writing? Honestly, it took me several books to really figure out how to strike that balance. My first series is tricky since it has lots of scenes you’d expect in a rom-com, but overall, they’re more humorous romance than pure rom-coms. I think what makes The Billionaire’s Shrubbery a real rom-com is in the set-up—how Will and Virginia meet—and in the silliness of Will’s goal which is really to just be able to get a good night’s sleep. And of course, the banter. In all my books, the heroines are quirky and the banter is witty and fun, even for serious conversations. As an indie author, what challenges have you faced in the publishing industry, and how have you overcome them? For the years before I indie published my first novel it was the isolation and feeling like I was on my own—had to learn 1001 things about the business of being an author without knowing where to look or whose opinions to trust. There is a lot of contradictory advice out there! In 2021, I had the amazing fortune of being accepted into Skye Warren’s Romance Author Mastermind, a three-day conference for romance authors who’ve published five or more titles. The friends I’ve made in the rom-com sub-genre are my lifeline. I’m pretty sure I’d have quit writing were it not for the support from that group of women. How do you navigate the publishing process and market your books to reach a wide audience? Do you have any tips or strategies that have worked well for you? I’d say my strategy is pretty iterative and I think the most important tip for success is to keep trying new things, be open-minded, and treat your books like a business—be an authorpreneur. I focus my ongoing marketing on building relationships with readers on my email list. I write (almost) weekly notes to them that get dozens replying, telling me their stories, related to whatever I’ve written about. And I reply to every single person who writes me back. Some weeks it takes a

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Interview with Lorissa Padilla author of ‘Til You Came Along

Author Interviews, Rom-Com Romance Books, Suspense Romance Books /

Welcome to another exciting post in my Author Spotlight series! This is where I have the privilege of bringing you closer to the creative minds behind the captivating world of indie romance books. Today, I have the pleasure of introducing a talented author who not only weaves stories of love but also brings them to life through her graphic design skills. Lorissa Padilla is a self-published author and graphic designer hailing from the heart of New Jersey. Her journey into the world of romance literature has been a testament to her passion for storytelling and her creative flair for design. With her husband, two toddlers, a chocolate lab, and even a cat, Lorissa’s life is filled with the kind of vibrant energy that shines through in her work. As a lifelong lover of books, her inspiration was sparked early, ignited by none other than Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. However, it wasn’t until she found the right books that her love for reading truly blossomed, propelling her into the world of literature. And, when life as a mom made traditional art forms challenging to pursue, Lorissa discovered her artistic outlet in graphic design. She now crafts custom illustrations, logos, tattoo designs, and striking book covers that grace the works of fellow indie authors. The intersection of her two passions—books and art—became a source of healing and inspiration during a pivotal time in her life. Lorissa is immensely grateful for the supportive community that has accompanied her on this transformative journey. Today, we shine our spotlight on Lorissa Padilla’s latest book, ‘Til You Came Along, a romance that navigates the tumultuous path from enemies to lovers. In this tale, she explores themes of love, memory, and the resilience of the human heart. It’s a story that promises to tug at your heartstrings and leave you pondering the power of love. Can you share with us a little about your journey as a self-published author and how you decided to pursue writing as a career? It’s pretty mind-blowing to think that just a year ago, I had no intention of publishing my book! I wrote it, I was happy with it and proud of it – but content to keep it to myself and my trusted friends and family. I always dreamed of writing a book, since I was a little girl and fell in love with reading. I would stand and stare at the bookshelves in Borders or Barnes and Noble and dream of one day seeing my book there. But I let the fear of rejection and criticism be louder than my dreams and belief in myself. Until one day I just decided to do it! I found an editor (who is the best, shout out to Kristen! @kristenreadswhat) and gave it a shot. It hasn’t been an easy journey! It’s so much more work than I had realized it would be, but it’s been so worth it. To see my book printed, the wonderful feedback it’s gotten (I don’t let myself look at bad reviews/ratings anymore, #SelfCare) and the friends I’ve made along the way – has made this journey incredible. As a graphic designer, how has your background influenced your approach to creating book covers and illustrations for indie authors? What aspects do you find most fulfilling about this work? My background as a graphic designer and artist for this particular ‘field’ helps me to understand how incredibly important it is for the book cover to be perfect. One of the many pros about self-publishing is being able to maintain creative control, especially with the cover design. I know how much I agonized over my own cover in trying to make it perfect, and I apply that same mentality to each author I work with. Sometimes we get it right the very first try, sometimes it takes lots of tweaks and edits and redos – but I want to make sure that I’m helping them create the cover they dream of for the book they’ve worked so so hard on. ‘Til You Came Along explores the theme of enemies-to-lovers romance. What inspired you to write this particular story? Were there any challenges you faced while developing the characters and their relationship? The inspiration for my book was an accumulation of several different ideas and thoughts I had over the course of several months. I’m a huge ‘enemies to lovers’ fan when it comes to reading, and one of my many thoughts was “What if after the enemies become lovers, something happens to one of them and they lose their memories? Would they go back to being enemies? How would that play out?” And I couldn’t get that thought out of my head! When I finally sat down to start writing, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t expect for these characters and their story to come so quickly and naturally to me. I had a hard time reminding myself at the end of a writing session that these were fictional characters I was making up and I didn’t need to be carrying their emotional burdens with me as I left my Word Document. The biggest challenge was not having endless amounts of time to spend writing their story! My sons, 3 and 5, give me few breaks from playing monster trucks and watching Blippi. The main characters in your book, Elliot and Madeline, go through a significant transformation in their relationship. How did you approach capturing their emotional journey and creating a believable romance for readers to connect with? Creating an authentic and believable romance was something I took incredibly seriously. It was also something I stressed about during the writing process. As someone who can make an emotional attachment to a dog food commercial, I wanted to make sure that when people read my words they were feeling their own emotional attachment. I really just tried to pour my whole heart into the story. I pulled from real life experiences where I felt

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Why I Decided to Cancel My Book Subscription Boxes After 2 Years

Book Subscription Boxes, Bookish Thoughts /

As an avid book lover, I have always enjoyed finding new and exciting ways to discover and enjoy the latest books. Two years ago, I subscribed to several book subscription boxes, excited about the prospect of receiving a new and unique selection of books each month. However, after this time, I have come to the decision to cancel my subscriptions. One of the biggest reasons for my decision is the sheer volume of special edition books being announced at once. Keeping track of all the different editions and releases can be overwhelming, and it’s becoming increasingly expensive to keep up with the latest and greatest releases. It seems that every other day, a new special edition is announced, making it difficult to decide which one to purchase or even whether to purchase any at all. Furthermore, many book boxes release the first book in a series, which often obligates me to purchase the rest of the series as it comes out. This can become quite costly, and the pressure to keep up with the latest releases can be overwhelming. I feel that this obligation to purchase the next book in the series can sometimes take away from the joy of reading and feeling truly excited about discovering new books. Another issue I’ve noticed is that many book boxes seem to be trying to do too much at once. This can lead to quality issues and poor customer service. There have been instances of book boxes experiencing months of delays, incorrect book content, and poor editing. These issues can detract from the enjoyment of receiving a new book and can even ruin the reading experience altogether. Finally, I’ve noticed that the market for special edition books is becoming increasingly saturated. Many book boxes offer the same book or series as special editions, which can make the experience feel less unique and special. When there’s too much of a special thing, it isn’t very special anymore. I’ve enjoyed my time with book subscription boxes, but I’ve come to the realization that it’s time to move on. I want to be able to enjoy reading at my own pace and without feeling pressured to keep up with the latest releases. While I will miss the excitement of receiving a new book in the mail each month, I am looking forward to rediscovering the joy of reading on my own terms.

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Interview with Madeline Nixon author of Emergency Lullabies

Author Interviews, Rom-Com Romance Books /

Welcome to another exciting edition of Author Spotlight, where we shine a light on the talented authors in the indie romance community. Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to Madeline Nixon, a multi-talented writer whose diverse experiences have shaped her writing journey. Madeline released her debut romance novel, “Emergency Lullabies,” in September. Let’s dive into her world and learn more about her inspirations, passions, and the intriguing stories she has to share. Madeline Nixon is a writer with a knack for exploring various genres, from nonfiction to children’s books. She has worn many hats throughout her life, including being a dog walker, a baker, a chocolatier, and an editor. However, the title she holds most dear is that of an author. Madeline’s journey into the world of writing has been a fascinating one, leading her to create a diverse body of work. Madeline’s debut romance novel, “Emergency Lullabies,” is a heartfelt story that promises to tug at your heartstrings. Set to release this fall, the novel follows the journey of Magnolia Callas as she grapples with the unexpected loss of her sister and sacrifices her singer-songwriter dreams to raise her niece. But life takes an unexpected turn when a sweet, single dad enters her world, potentially rekindling the music in her soul. Let’s get to know Madeline Nixon better through this insightful interview: Congratulations on your upcoming debut romance novel, “Emergency Lullabies”! Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the story and what led you to write this particular book? The first spark of inspiration for this book happened when I was at a splash park with my little brother. I saw a father enter the park with his daughter, sit down on one of the benches, and start flirting with the woman there. Now, I have no idea what that situation was, but it tweaked something in my mind for a meet-cute, and I spent the next few months jotting down random bits of story in my Notes app. “Emergency Lullabies” follows the journey of Magnolia Callas as she copes with her sister’s passing and gives up on her singer-songwriter dreams to raise her sister’s daughter. How did you approach crafting such an emotional and poignant storyline? I’ve always been interested in those kinds of complicated emotions. Some of my favorite books deal with big grief and make me cry. I find it very human and very cathartic to explore things like that. I also knew as I was beginning the plotting of this book that there had to be a reason Magnolia was nannying because it didn’t feel like a natural career choice for the character I had in mind. And then, after I’d finished writing draft one of the book and was starting to revise, my grandmother passed away. So I really channeled all my own grief over that situation into Magnolia and her family. Music seems to play a significant role in your novel. How did your own experiences and passions influence the portrayal of music in “Emergency Lullabies”? I grew up in a family that sang Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat songs in the car and had all the karaoke games. My sister also did musical theater and singing classes most of the time while we were growing up. Though I wish I was, I am actually not musically talented at all. So I feel like, in part, I’m kind of living out part of a pipe dream through the music in this book. My vision for Magnolia’s musical style was folklore/evermore era Taylor Swift. The book’s synopsis mentions a sweet, single dad who may be the key to bringing music back into Magnolia’s life. Can you give us a glimpse into the chemistry and dynamics between the main characters without giving too much away? Theo is one of my favorite characters I’ve ever come up with. I have a soft spot for kids, so any guy who’s a good dad or good with kids is a winner to me, and I tried to bring that to his character. Part of Theo and Magnolia’s dynamic is that they knew each other in high school, but because they were in different circles and because of a certain funny little incident, they didn’t really like each other. Or, at least, Magnolia didn’t like him. But we come to realize very quickly that Theo had a bit of a crush on her back then and definitely never forgot about her. As an indie author, you’ve explored various genres, from nonfiction to children’s books. What drew you to the romance genre, and what challenges did you face while transitioning from other genres to writing romance? I’ve written in a number of different genres, for sure. I went to school for Professional Writing and Communication, and the writing part of that degree was heavily focused on creative nonfiction, aka things that actually happened but written as if it were fiction. My first book, “Feathers,” is very much like that. They’re short stories about my life. Since then, I’ve worked at a small children’s publisher/distributor, and part of my job there was writing books when they didn’t have another author at hand. And I gladly did it because I will gladly take any chance to write anything. I think that’s how I’ve always sort of approached writing. I just wrote whatever feels right to me in that moment. I read across a lot of different genres, so I also write in a lot of different genres. The first thing I wrote after “Feathers” was a paranormal mystery, followed by “Emergency Lullabies” (which I’m publishing now, obviously), followed by a thriller. I’ve navigated back to romance again because I find writing them fun. I’m a big horror and mystery girl, but I think my favorite genre to read is romance. There’s just something a little magical about it. I also find writing romance easier than mysteries because I don’t have to know who did it and all

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Tips for Overcoming a Reading Slump and Falling Back in Love with Books

Bookish Thoughts, etc /

Reading slumps can happen to anyone, no matter how much of a bookworm you are. Sometimes life gets in the way, or you just can’t seem to find the right book to capture your interest. Whatever the reason, a reading slump can be frustrating and discouraging. But don’t worry, with a few tips and tricks, you can overcome it and get back to your reading groove. Revisit an old favourite When you’re in a reading slump, it can be helpful to revisit a book that you’ve loved in the past. Re-reading an old favorite can help reignite your love for reading and remind you why you enjoy it so much. Plus, you might even discover something new about the book that you didn’t notice the first time around. Try a new genre If you’re feeling bored with the genre you typically read, consider trying something new. A change of pace can help renew your interest in reading. If you typically read mysteries, try a romance novel. If you usually read non-fiction, try a sci-fi novel. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy something you never thought you would. Set a reading goal Setting a reading goal can help motivate you to read more. It can be as simple as reading 10 pages a day or as ambitious as reading a book a week. Having a goal in mind can give you something to work towards and keep you accountable. Join a book club Joining a book club can be a great way to get back into reading. Not only will you have a set deadline to finish a book, but you’ll also have other people to discuss it with. The social aspect of a book club can make reading feel more enjoyable and less like a chore. Take a break Sometimes the best thing you can do when you’re in a reading slump is to take a break. Give yourself permission to not read for a few days or even a week. Do something else that you enjoy, like watching movies or going for a walk. Often, taking a break can help you come back to reading feeling refreshed and excited. Reading slumps happen to the best of us, but they don’t have to last forever. By trying out some of these tips and tricks, you can overcome your slump and get back to enjoying the wonderful world of reading.

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Don’t Let Others’ Reading Goals Demotivate You: Finding Joy in Reading

Bookish Thoughts, etc /

In today’s world, we are surrounded by social media, where people share everything they do, from their food to their travel stories. Similarly, people often share how many books they have read this month, and it’s easy to feel demotivated and guilty about not reading enough. However, we need to remember that reading is not a competition, and we should consume this content with the intention of finding new book suggestions instead of seeing it as a way to compete with others. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and feeling like we’re not doing enough. But it’s important to remember that reading is a personal journey, and everyone’s reading habits are unique. Some people may have more time to read than others, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean that they’re better readers or that you’re not reading enough. It just means that everyone has different priorities, schedules, and commitments. It’s also essential to consider the pressure that life already puts on each of us. We all have responsibilities, deadlines, and commitments that can take up a significant portion of our time. Reading should be a joy and a way to escape from the pressures of daily life. It’s not something that we should feel guilty or stressed about. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should focus on finding joy in reading. We should read for pleasure and not just to keep up with others. We should take the time to enjoy the books we read, savouring the words, and letting ourselves get lost in the story. When we consume content about other people’s reading habits, we should do so with the intention of finding new book suggestions. We should look at it as an opportunity to discover new authors, genres, and styles of writing that we might not have come across otherwise. Furthermore, we should remind ourselves that reading is a lifelong journey. We will never run out of books to read, and there will always be more stories to discover. We should focus on building a sustainable reading habit that brings us joy and not on trying to keep up with others. In conclusion, we should not let other people’s reading habits demotivate us. Instead, we should consume this content with the intention of finding new book suggestions and focusing on building a sustainable reading habit that brings us joy. Reading is not a competition, and we should enjoy the journey at our own pace. Remember, it’s not about the number of books we read; it’s about the joy and fulfillment we find in the process.

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The Power of Love: The Role of Romance Novels in Empowering Women

Bookish Thoughts, etc /

When the topic of romance novels comes up, it’s easy for some to dismiss them as mere escapism filled with clichés and predictable love arcs. But let’s set the record straight: romance novels are a force to be reckoned with, especially when it comes to empowering women. Far from being just “fluff,” these books serve as a catalyst for change, challenging societal norms and offering women a platform to explore their own narratives. The Essence of Romance Novels: More Than Just Love Stories At the heart of every romance novel is the exploration of relationships and the transformative power of love. But it’s not just about finding “the one.” It’s about women discovering their own worth, learning to love themselves, and understanding that they deserve happiness in whatever form it comes. Romance novels provide a sanctuary—a safe space where women can delve into their innermost desires, emotions, and even fears. They offer a lens through which women can view their own experiences, and often, they find they’re not alone. Celebrating the Power of Female Agency One of the most striking aspects of modern romance novels is the portrayal of strong, independent heroines. These are women who are masters of their own fate, unafraid to chase their dreams, take calculated risks, or voice their opinions. They defy the societal norms that often box women into certain roles. Through these characters, romance novels send a powerful message: women are not just side characters in their own lives; they are the authors of their own stories. Breaking Down Gender Stereotypes Romance novels are a battleground for challenging traditional gender roles. Gone are the days when these stories were solely about damsels in distress saved by their knight in shining armor. Today’s romance literature features complex, multi-faceted characters, both male and female, each with their own ambitions, desires, and imperfections. These books offer a nuanced look into the male psyche, allowing women to better understand and connect with the men in their lives, breaking down barriers and fostering more meaningful relationships. Sexual Empowerment: A Taboo No More Another area where romance novels shine is in the realm of sexual empowerment. Far from the prudish or overly idealized depictions of yesteryears, contemporary romance novels often feature sex-positive heroines who own their bodies and their desires. These stories serve as a liberating force, affirming that women have every right to seek pleasure and fulfillment, free from shame or judgment. The Community Aspect: A Sisterhood Forged in Shared Stories Beyond the pages, romance novels have played a pivotal role in building communities. Whether it’s online forums, book clubs, or social media groups, these spaces offer women a platform to connect, share, and uplift each other. It’s a unique form of sisterhood, bound by the love for stories that resonate with their own lives. Here, women can share book recommendations, discuss intricate plot points, and even offer emotional support, making these communities invaluable in fostering real-world connections. FAQs: Common Questions About Romance Novels and Women’s Empowerment Are romance novels feminist? While not all romance novels explicitly identify as feminist, the genre has increasingly incorporated feminist themes, such as female agency, consent, and challenging gender norms. Do men read romance novels? Yes, men do read romance novels, although the majority of readers are women. The genre offers insights into emotional and relational dynamics that are universal, transcending gender. How do I choose a romance novel that aligns with my values? Reviews and recommendations, especially from communities of like-minded readers, can be invaluable. Look for books that have themes or characters that resonate with you. The Takeaway: Romance Novels as Catalysts for Change So, the next time someone tries to belittle the genre, remember to highlight the transformative power of romance novels. They’re not just tales of love; they’re narratives of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. They remind us that we all have the agency to craft our own happy endings, and that’s a message worth reading about.

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Interview with Bridget Van der Eyk, author of 10 Dates

Author Interviews, Contemporary Romance Books, Romance Book Reviews & Recommendations /

Welcome to another exciting edition of my series, Author Spotlight! This weekly feature is dedicated to shining a well-deserved spotlight on talented indie romance authors, providing a platform for them to connect with readers and share their incredible writing journeys. Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to an up-and-coming contemporary romance author, Bridget Van der Eyk, who will be sharing insights about her debut novel, “10 Dates.” Bridget Van der Eyk hails from the picturesque countryside of New South Wales, Australia, where she resides on a 5-acre property with her loving family and two adorable dogs. When she’s not immersed in her full-time teaching job or indulging in captivating Korean zombie shows on Netflix, Bridget pours her heart into crafting compelling romance stories. “10 Dates” is a riveting tale that takes readers into the glamorous and scandalous world of Hollywood. The story revolves around Libby Evans, a young socialite and heiress to her great-grandfather’s film production empire, Privileged Pictures. Libby’s life seems perfect, with all the money, a dashing boyfriend, and the potential for a coveted Victoria’s Secret Angel contract. However, an unfortunate turn of events unfolds when she wakes up with a pounding hangover and a paparazzo named Wentworth Turner beside her. To keep her secret hidden, Libby must agree to Wentworth’s demands – 10 Dates. Your dream for “10 Dates” is to see it transformed into a Netflix mini-series featuring Kendall Jenner and Harry Styles. Can you tell us more about why you envisioned these actors in the lead roles and how you think the story would translate to the screen? I didn’t write 10 Dates with Harry and Kendall in mind, but it just so happened that I think both would fit perfectly into the lead roles of Libby and Wentworth. Not only appearance-wise, with her dark hair and supermodel figure, but I think Kendall Jenner’s fun and carefree demeanour would be perfect to represent the effortlessness that Libby breezes through life with. I also think Harry Styles’ cheeky, confident, and warm personality would bring Wentworth to life and make any girl fall in love with the character. We’re excited to learn that a sequel to “10 Dates,” titled “3000 Words,” is in the works. Can you give us a sneak peek into what readers can expect from the continuation of the story? Are there any new themes or developments that you’re excited to explore in the sequel? 3000 Words picks up where 10 Dates left off and sees Libby getting out of Hollywood and moving east to try her hand at the college life at Columbia University. If 10 Dates was a movie then it’d be Romeo and Juliet with the strong ‘forbidden love’ book trope, however, 3000 Words is more Legally Blonde – the romance is still there but it’s more about Libby’s journey of self-discovery and her figuring out what she wants out of life and love. You have a full-time teaching job, and a family, and you still find time to write. How do you manage to balance your writing career with your personal and professional life? Do you have any tips or strategies for other writers who struggle with finding time to pursue their passion? I am always busy juggling many different things and wearing many different hats in my life, but I love writing so I make time for it. For me that means using any spare time I have for writing, editing, marketing etc. Sometimes that’s during the day while my newborn is napping, and sometimes that’s at night when both my kids have gone to bed. I try and make use of any spare time I have because some days there is not a lot of it! “10 Dates” is available for free on Kindle Unlimited. How has this platform benefited your book and your connection with readers? Have you noticed any particular responses or feedback that stood out to you? Realistically, it is hard as an indie author for people to take a chance on your writing and your books because of how unknown you are, especially when you’ve only written one book so far. Kindle Unlimited was very attractive to me because it gave people with a subscription the opportunity to give 10 Dates a go without having to invest in a paperback or an ebook. I’ve had a lot of people give 10 Dates a go on KU and then go on to buy the ebook or paperback because they really loved it, so that has definitely made KU worth it for me. Can you share with us the inspiration behind your debut novel, “10 Dates”? What sparked the idea for the story and its unique premise? I wrote the characters in 10 Dates before I even came up with the premise of the book – each and every character is inspired by someone I went to high school with (obviously with embellishments here and there). I’ve always been a keen romance reader (contemporary romance is my jam) so it always made sense that 10 Dates would turn into a love story, but I wanted it to be a love story where there were twists and turns as well so you don’t know what’s going to happen until it does. Besides writing, you mentioned that you enjoy binging Korean zombie shows on Netflix. How do other forms of media, such as TV series and movies, influence your writing process and storytelling? Are there any specific shows or movies that have had a significant impact on your work? I started writing 10 Dates back in 2007 when I was 18 years old. At the time, I was addicted to the Gossip Girl TV series and books, and my readers have told me that that influence is very clear in 10 Dates. 10 Dates has been described as a ‘Gossip Girl goes Hollywood’ love story where you’ve got the spoilt, rich kids, and the power struggle to be Queen Bee, as well as the secrets and scandals. One of the intriguing aspects

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Interview with Elliot Ason, author of The Whole Tooth

Author Interviews, Fantasy, Sci-Fi & Paranormal Romance Books, Romance Book Reviews & Recommendations /

Welcome to another exciting edition of the Author Spotlight series! This series is dedicated to showcasing the remarkable talent within the indie romance community, and today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a passionate and imaginative author, Elliot Ason. Elliot Ason, a lover of all things romance, has captivated readers with her enchanting paranormal and monster romance short stories. Her unique blend of love and the supernatural brings a thrilling twist to the genre, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. As part of our Author Spotlight series, Elliot has chosen to feature her upcoming release, “The Whole Tooth,” which is set to captivate readers when it releases on July 6th and will be available for free on Kindle Unlimited. “The Whole Tooth” delves into the extraordinary life of Beagan, a tooth fairy who finds her contentment shattered when a chance encounter changes everything. As the story unfolds, we follow Beagan’s journey as she navigates unforeseen challenges, while the sparks of romance ignite with Ethan, a normal guy striving to create a better life for himself and his son. Can these two seemingly different worlds find common ground and discover their own happily ever after? As a lover of all things romance, what draws you to writing stories that feature monsters and paranormal elements? How do these elements enhance the romance aspect of your books? Honestly, I got tired of reading about ‘boring’ humans. Don’t get me wrong, I love ALL the romance tropes, but there are only so many grumpy billionaires, hot bikers, or small-town high school crushes I can read about in a row so I gave PNR a chance and ended up falling down the rabbit hole that is monster romance from there 😅 it adds a whole new element to the romance, everything from a language barrier to settings that are (sometimes literally) out of this world. Being a wife, mom, and working full time must keep you busy. How do you manage your writing schedule and find time to pursue your passion for writing? Any tips for other aspiring authors who struggle with balancing multiple roles? I have a unique advantage that I work from home so I’m able to multitask a lot and get both real work and author duties (which there’s a never-ending list of) done in the same 9-hour time span. I try to keep my author stuff to a minimum during family hours but it of course bleeds through sometimes. For aspiring authors, make a little bit of time every week to write/brainstorm. It’ll grow organically from there – you may discover that you work best at 5 am on Tuesdays or something wild like that. Just keep trying til something fits in with your life schedule, and try not to make it a chore. Writing should be a fun thing! “The Whole Tooth” is described as an (almost) insta-love story. What attracted you to explore this trope in your book? How did you develop the chemistry between Beagan and Ethan to make their connection feel authentic? Because I write short stories I have to be able to compact an entire love story into about 40 pages. That generally means I rely on some type of “fated mates” or “meant to be” trope. Time jumps also help, I’m able to summarize months of time in a couple of sentences and move on to the “now” in a relationship. Your book deals with themes of parent abandonment. How did you navigate this sensitive topic while maintaining the overall light and fun tone of the story? Why do you think it’s important to address real-life issues in romance novels?  Though I’ve not dealt with parent abandonment personally, I knew I wanted to explore the responsibilities of being a single parent in a story and The Whole Tooth seemed to fit best. My parents divorced when I was one, so they both were single – it’s all I knew until they both remarried a decade plus later. It’s important to me to add real life to some stories (even if they’re set in a fantastical world), to me it helps to identify with a story more. For The Whole Tooth in particular I tried to keep the abandonment out of the picture when it came to the son being on page, we know it affects him, but we also know he has a fulfilling life despite the circumstances. As an indie author, what have been the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your writing journey so far? How do you navigate the world of self-publishing and connect with your readers?  The most challenging thing, without a doubt, has been self-promotion. I’m painfully introverted, so talking about myself is the last thing I want to do, but being a writer and wanting to share my stories and connect to others means I need to. The most rewarding thing has been the private messages people send about how much they enjoyed a story, it brings a HUGE smile to my face. Can you tell us a little about your experience with Kindle Unlimited? How has it impacted your readership and book promotion strategy? Would you recommend it to other indie authors? For me Kindle Unlimited is a blessing, I wouldn’t be an indie author without it. I just don’t have the time, knowledge, or resources to self-publish in other ways. I really respect all indie authors, no matter if they publish through KU or another way. I KNOW KU has its disadvantages, but for someone like me, it’s a really good fit. I personally would recommend it, so long as you’re not looking to make a million dollars, KU is a good way to get started. What can readers expect from you in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or books you’re currently working on that you’d like to share with us? Yes! I have two anthologies that I’m excited to be a part of later this year. And I also have another standalone story I’m

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The Evolution of Romance Cover Art: From Bodice Rippers to Steamy Scenes

Bookish Thoughts, etc /

Romance novels have been a popular genre for centuries, but their cover art has undergone a significant evolution. In the early days of romance novels, the cover art was often generic, featuring little more than a title and author name. However, as the genre became more popular, publishers began to invest in cover art that would entice readers and convey the mood of the story. The Early Days of Romance Cover Art In the early days of romance novels, the cover art was often unremarkable. In the 19th century, romance novels were often published in serial format, with each instalment featuring a simple cover that highlighted the title and author name. As novels began to be published in book form, publishers often opted for covers that were similar to those of other novels in the same genre. The Bodice Ripper Era In the 1970s and 80s, romance novels experienced a surge in popularity, and the era of the bodice ripper was born. Bodice ripper novels were often historical romances that featured strong, passionate heroines and domineering heroes. The cover art of these novels often featured the hero and heroine in a passionate embrace, with the heroine often shown in a state of undress. These covers were often criticized for being exploitative and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about women. The Modern Era of Romance Cover Art In the modern era, romance cover art has evolved significantly. Publishers are now more likely to commission original artwork that reflects the mood and themes of the novel. Many publishers have also embraced the trend of featuring diverse models on their covers, reflecting the diversity of their readership. Steamy Scenes and Sensuality One of the biggest trends in modern romance cover art is the use of steamy scenes and sensuality. Covers now often feature couples in intimate embraces, with suggestive poses and clothing that leaves little to the imagination. While some readers enjoy these covers, others criticize them for perpetuating stereotypes about romance novels as being little more than smutty erotica. Diversity and Inclusion In recent years, there has been a push for more diversity and inclusion in romance cover art. Many publishers now feature models of different ethnicities, body types, and ages on their covers. This push for diversity reflects the changing demographics of the romance readership and has been welcomed by many readers who appreciate seeing themselves represented on the covers of their favourite novels. The evolution of romance cover art has been a reflection of the changing times and attitudes towards the genre. From the early days of generic covers to the bodice ripper era and the modern era of diverse and inclusive covers, romance novels and their cover art have come a long way. While some may criticize the trend towards steamy scenes and sensuality, it’s clear that the genre is here to stay, and that its cover art will continue to evolve along with it. The history of romance cover art is a fascinating journey that reflects the evolution of the genre itself. From its earliest days to the modern era of diverse and inclusive covers, romance novels and their cover art have come a long way. As the genre continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for romance cover art.

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