E-Book Sale – Black Friday Weekend!

Hi Lovies,

If you are in need of a good fiction story, I have you covered. From now through Monday my e-books will be on sale for $0.99! Be sure to head over to my author page on Amazon.com and pick up:

The Mistreatment of Zora Langston – Zora Langston is nine years old when her father dies, leaving her in the hands of a mother who is anything but loving and siblings who never considered her family. Without her father, she is truly alone. Before the dirt has even settled on his grave, there’s a new man of the house, and he has no interest in being Zora’s father.

Despite her hardships, Zora remains true and allows faith to help free her from this new, horrible life she’s found herself in. She finds solace in her aunt and uncle and, for the first time, starts to discover what it’s like to have a real family. However, just when she thinks she has escaped her tormentors, new abusers emerge, old ones return from hiding and she must find the strength to survive.

Southern Horror Stories – The mistreatment of slaves has caused the captives to fight back. Tired of the mistreatment, the slaves want revenge and blood. Follow six separate stories of betrayal, violence, bloodshed and revenge. These short stories show what can happen when people have been pushed to their limits.

In “Barren Plantation” find out why we use the word barren for people who cannot have children. “Caleb’s Stitches” shows how to turn the tables on a mad scientist. Climb inside the “Mind of Hope” if you think you can survive the insanity. Read about a spooky way station for escaped slaves in “The Underground Hell Road”. “Pirates of Slavery” is a bloody story of revolt, while “Slave Island” will lure you to a dangerous island that you can never leave.

Disclaimer: Not suitable for young children. Contains violence, sexual content and paranormal activity.

The Opposite of Hew – Kay McQueen is a woman who goes against the grain. She wants no part of love or romance. When her beloved aunt passes away, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She meets Heath Novack and discovers they have more in common than either of them think. However, when she learns the truth about who he really is, can she forgive his deception or will she realize she has known the truth all along?

This is not your typical romance. Happily Ever After isn’t always what it seems.
A BWWM Romance

I look forward to reading your reviews!

But wait, there’s more… As a special treat for being a valued reader I am giving away a FREE short story! All you need to do is sign up for my newsletter to receive Accusing Mr. Loving, about a gorgeous charismatic high school teacher who is accused of the unthinkable. Click here to read all about his dilemma. Remember you are joining my newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time, but I hope you will stay.  Either way you get to keep the book.

 

New Short Story from Lisa W. Tetting

Hi Lovies,

I am excited to announce that I wrote a short story that was included as a part of the Alabama Emerging Writers Anthology put out by Z Publishing Network! The book was released in August, but I waited to announce my inclusion because I wasn’t sure what to do with it. Only 2 chapters of my story were included in the book because I mistakenly exceeded the word count.

However, as a treat to all of my newsletter subscribers, I am sending out the entire story. Currently it is not available anywhere else, but I may release it on other platforms in the coming weeks. To be one of the first to read my story all you have to do is sign up for my newsletter. You can do that here!

In the meantime, here is what the story is all about:

Reid Loving is gorgeous, charismatic and a great person. Because of his job as a high school sociology teacher, he is surrounded by overzealous, hormonal teen aged girls, who are all clamoring for his attention. When he takes an interest in Amelia, a female student with a learning disability, unfounded rumors start to fly.

Shante Jackson has her eyes on Mr. Loving and will stop at nothing to get him. Her jealousy of Amelia causes her to use her popularity for evil in an effort to get rid of her. Unfortunately, her seventeen year old mind cannot phantom the trouble she can cause for Mr. Loving, when she spreads nasty rumors about his relationship with Amelia.

When Mr. Loving is accused of a heinous act, he is raked over the coals, with not only his job, but his freedom in jeopardy. The photographic proof does nothing to prove his innocence. Amelia is the only one who can save him after he is accused of this unspeakable act. The police and district attorney don’t believe Amelia is being truthful, until she provides the smoking gun against Shante. However, it may be too little, too late to save Mr. Loving’s reputation, career and impending marriage.

Thanks for your support over the years and please let me know what you think of the story. I have created a profile for the story on Goodreads for you to leave your feedback. Add it to you TRB list. Click Here.

The Opposite of Hew – New Release

Hi Lovies,

Just a quick note to let you all know about my latest project. I have written an Interracial Romance Novella entitled The Opposite of Hew! The book will be released on July 27th and is currently on pre-order on Amazon.

Here’s the Deetz:

Kay McQueen is a woman who goes against the grain. She wants no part of love or romance. When her beloved aunt passes away, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She meets Heath Novack and discovers they have more in common than either of them think. However, when she learns the truth about who he really is, can she forgive his deception or will she realize she has known the truth all along?

This is not your typical romance. Happily Ever After isn’t always what it seems.
A BWWM Romance

Pre-order your copy today by clicking here! This will be the first time I am using Kindle Unlimited, so if you have a subscription, you can read it for FREE after the release date.

 

My First Book Signing Experience

So I did this thing this past weekend. I decided to step way out of my comfort zone and participate in the AAA Book Festival in Atlanta. Why would you do this, you might ask. Well, they say if you want different results, you have to do something you’ve never done before. Plus, I know that getting out and mingling with book readers in person is a great way to find new readers for my books.  Here’s the tea on what went down:

 

The Prep:

I spent weeks preparing for this festival. First I paid the fee to become a vendor and that’s when the real work began. I toiled and slaved trying to finish the sequel to The Mistreatment of Zora Langston to no avail. I was only able to get about 12,000 words written in her next story because my inspiration changed in the middle of writing. Instead, I turned my focus to another tale.

It started out as a short story for an anthology I was asked to participate in. That was short lived when I was told the maximum amount of words for the anthology was 200. I was like What? Who writes a short story in 200 words or less, but I digress. That would never do for the idea I had so I wrote a different short story for the anthology. I loved the story I was originally writing so much that I was compelled to finish it. The writer in me had to see where the story ended up. I ended up finishing the story, but the dilemma was I was too close to the book event to have it edited, published and printed. My solution was to offer it as a pre-order at the book signing, along with the sequel to Zora’s story. That worked because I already had the artwork for both covers.

In between writing, I took inventory of my stock of books, ordered more to be sure I

©Emory Rose Photography used with permission

had enough for the event. I also ordered bookmarks, postcards and a ton of other swag to display on the table. I even tried my hand at hand painting coffee mugs. A couple turned out great, but the one mug… let’s just say it would ruin my brand if anyone ever saw it. I have decided I am no artist, but you can’t blame a girl for trying. However, I am pretty crafty so I was able to make a few bracelets to sell at the show. The bracelets turned out great!

The Plan:

©Emory Rose Photography used with permission

I decided I was going to go all out, this being my first book signing. I wanted to buy a nice new outfit, get my hair braided and spend a ton of money that I didn’t have on this thing. I quickly came to my senses. I went shopping, but apparently the universe was telling me to sit down some where because I couldn’t find anything I wanted to wear. I took a look in my closet and decided on a nice summer dress that has been hanging in the closet for a few years. I have worn it a few times, but not often. Wardrobe – Check! As far as my hair, I simply washed it and twisted it so it would look good on the day. Hair – Done!

I also had the big idea that I was going to take 10 of each book to the festival with the goal of coming home without any books! I knew it was an ambitious goal, but hey I aim big. lol Anyway I think it would have been doable.

Reality:

So there I was all packed and ready to go. My husband, who has been amazing through this whole process, loaded the truck and we headed to Atlanta. It is only a two hour drive so it wasn’t that bad of a ride. We got there a day ahead to make sure there weren’t any time issues.

Saturday was the big day and we had to be at the venue around 8:30 AM for setup. I knew it wouldn’t take an hour and a half to setup my table so we arrived around 9 AM. The check-in was smooth. I got my assigned table number and we were off. Things were well organized and some of the other authors were very curious as to how I was setting up my table. I was in go mode so I didn’t make a lot of time for chatting until after I was finished making sure everything was perfect. As soon as I was finished wiping the sweat from my brow, it was go time.

First order of business was to locate fellow author Yecheilyah Ysrayl and finally meet her in person. We have been online friends for about three years, supporting each other’s work and helping each other with marketing and promotions. I was thrilled to finally hug her. She is such a special lady. Someone came to her table inquiring about her book so that was short lived.

Soon after that I had two visitors at my table. One was a gentleman named Keith who looked at my display and purchased two books immediately! I was thrilled thinking the day was going to go great if this was any indication. I signed his books, but he he was camera shy so I didn’t get a picture.

Right as I was finishing up that sale, one of my avid readers appeared all smiles. Aleatha is a member of my reader’s group L’s Lovebirds that I have for my L. Loren pen name. She is always very active and has made friends with several of the other members. I was happy to meet her in person. She is from my home town and attended my high school, but I am a few years older than she is so I hadn’t met her yet. I was thrilled to say the least. Because her birthday is the 17th of July and mine is the 19th we share a special bond. Aleatha purchased two books as well.

 I was off to a great start! 4 books in ten minutes! Woo Hoo!!! Well that excitement wore off after sitting and waiting for people to show up. Customers were few and far between. I was disappointed to say the least. you can’t sell books if no one is there. A few people trickled in and started coming through the aisles. I talked to everyone who passed by and tried to get them to come t my table. People stopped and inquired. Most of them were looking for children’s books, thinking that Zora was one. I made sure to explain the true content of the book and made sure they knew it wasn’t for a young audience.

Time passed and as I looked around the room, I could tell the other authors weren’t fairing any better than I was. We visited each other’s booths and chatted, but still no public. Thank God I send invitations to people I knew in the Atlanta area. I had a few friends come out just to support me. I was very surprised to see a high school classmate, who I had not seen since we graduated, come out just to buy my book! She actually purchased two and promised to go online and look at the rest of my catalog. I was so happy to see Lisa Williams and her beautiful daughter come out to support me.

My now grown nephew, who is quite the looker, surprised me by showing up with another former classmate of mine. I was over the moon to see my sister’s youngest son Andre. I still can’t believe he is a college graduate and living his best life on his own in Atlanta. Where did the time go? My high school classmate was good friends with Andre’s father and decided to come out to show some love as well. Mark is a veteran who was serving in Afghanistan and is now home safely, thank god!

My good friend Roni and her husband also stopped by and purchased a total of four books! She always shows up and shows out. I am lucky to have a friend who supports my dreams. I had a few more sales that day from people I did not know, but the bulk came from friends and family.

As I was packing up for the day, the daughter of a good friend came by to show love and support. She wanted to buy, so I opened up the crates and she purchased three books! Thanks for coming out Lai.

Overall it was an amazing first experience. I sold a few books and got to see some people who I haven’t seen in a while. I also made some new author friends in the process. Even though I didn’t make my sales goal, I enjoyed the day and am looking forward to my next event.

Indie Shine – Wenda Bien- Aime

Welcome to another edition of Indie Shine, a place for Rebirthoflisa to shine the spotlight on indie artists. Today we welcome author Wenda Bien-Aime

©Wenda Bien-Aime used with permission

Q & A

What do you do and Why do you do it? 

I am independent author of fiction literature and interactive self-help journals. Like many authors, I can remember writing from as early as 11. I can even remember using on of those old typewriters (I’m telling my age LOL) to write a short story about best friends on a shopping adventure at the mall.

I write because it is my calling and there is no way I can escape it. My purpose on this journey is to help others heal and to enlighten through story-telling or journaling. Even when I have tried to walk away from writing, I am led right back to it.

For example, I remember working at a call center as a customer service representative. Somehow, I ended up as a recurring contributing writer for the company’s monthly newsletter.

Tell us about your most recent work. 

My most recent novel is Koko: A Novel. Koko is loosely based on a few friends of mine. The main character is twenty-seven-year-old Koreen Wilson, a reality star and video vixen who loves her fiancé but can’t stop cheating on him because she’s into spontaneity and kinky sex and he isn’t. She claims to love him but continuously cheats on him with both men and women.

The book also featured her 2 of her best friends: Ivonka Roux and Desiree Loren (No relation to L. Loren! LOL) Ivonka is a 38-year-old woman who feels as if time is running out for her to get married and have children. She continuously bypass red flags in relationships just to get to the altar.

Desiree Loren is the baby of the trio at 24-year-old. Being married to a wealthy man nearly three times her age isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, as she deal with infidelity, depression, and raising six children.

Who inspires you? 

Other writers and authors inspire me. As a matter of fact, in 2011, I had a chance to sign with a publishing company and passed on it due to a very dark and challenging time in my life. I had written a short sci-fi for my English professor and she liked it so much, she encouraged me to find a publisher. I did but the timing was wrong. I was going through so much at during that time, I stopped writing.

I never thought I would write again until I joined a Facebook group for Black writers in 2016 (Shout out to W.B.A.C.). A lot of those writers in that group are undiscovered gems.They inspired me to pick up my pen and start writing again. As far as well-known writers, Eric Jerome Dickey (my mentor in my head LOL), Terri McMillan, and Daaimah S. Poole are my inspirations.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time? 

My masterpiece has yet to be written. With every book I write, I put in effort to be better than the last. I study the work of vets in the industry to try to perfect imagery and dialogue.

What is your motto in life?

Nothing happens overnight, you have to put in that work. Think of it as planting seeds. Eventually, it’ll be time to harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true. 

My wildest dream would be to collaborate with Eric Jerome Dickey or even be mentored by him 🙂

What is your favorite quote? 

“Be careful how you treat people. What you do to others has a funny way of coming back on you.” Not sure who said it first.

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?

I would love to be remembered for creating a classic novel with a life changing message.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public? 

I am currently working on Pick Me Blues, which will be book 5 of the Koko series. That should be available, hopefully, by the end of this month. (Now Available Click Here) 

Where can fans purchase your work?

My work is available on Amazon, Audible, iTunes, and on my website at www.myindiebooks.com.

Bio:

©Wenda Bien-Aime used with permission

Wenda Bien-Aime was born on September 9th, 1982 in Miami, FL to Haitian immigrants. She is the eldest of 3 girls and has one daughter. Wenda began her writing journey at the age of 11. She writes under pen name, Bien-Aime Wenda to honor her late father who had no sons to carry on his last name.Her erotic work can be found under pen name, Candy B. Vixen. Wenda enjoys dabbling in different genres including science fiction, fantasy, contemporary fiction, poetry, children’s literature, and erotica.

Social Media:

Facebook: @MyIndieBooks or @CandyBVix

Instagram: @myindiebooks

Indie Shine – Dani Pasquini

Welcome to another edition of Indie Shine, a place for Rebirthoflisa to shine the spotlight on indie artists. Today we welcome author Dani Pasquini!

©Dani Pasquini used with permission

Q&A

What do you do and Why do you do it? 

In my “real” job, I am a neonatal nurse practitioner. I absolutely love to care for these incredibly ill infants, ensuring their survival through their hospital course so that they can then be able to go home to their families where they will continue to thrive. I keep in touch with many of these families and it’s really amazing to watch them flourish and to just know that in a small, but important way, our efforts helped make them a family. I could not imagine doing anything else as a career. Well, maybe a cupcake decorator. Nobody dies if you make a mistake.

My writing started when I was a child, hidden beneath my covers with a flashlight. Very dreamy, happy movie scene right? Well, that writing helped me escape the realities of my surroundings. It was a real escape for me. I would often find little snippets of a scene or a character written on non-distinct paper which was often discarded. I really wish I had kept some. I remember one piece I wrote was about children who could turn into tigers. It was actually inspired by the Phil Collins song called Brazil, ironically enough. As an adult, music continues to inspire my work.

I try to write everyday. And can often be found daydreaming about my characters. Creating plots and scenes, essentially birthing these little visuals in my head so that I can then build on them when I sit down to write. I love to create fantastic characters who have these amazing experiences. It’s really almost like an escape for me. Sitting down to write with my sound cancelling headphones so that I can listen to music as scenes pour onto the page is my absolute favorite thing to do.

Tell us about your most recent work. 

I am actually working on book 3 of the series called The Gold Feather, which is also the name of the first book. The second book begins about 2 years after the first book ends. Lily and her Dual Jonas continue to support one another, along with the other Duals and Solos that they have encountered on their journey.

Lily is still exploring her abilities and beginning to accept this new reality. Book one is really the foundation for which the next books are built upon. It is there that you are introduced to Lily and Jonas along with the characters and you begin to learn what they have gone through. Book 2 is very different, it has a very different feel in the sense that it is action packed and full of revelations, that I hope were unexpected. It was really fun to write and I am really excited to set it free.

Who inspires you? 

I don’t think there is one person who inspires me. I get most of my inspiration from women who persevere. Women who do not accept the status quo and fight for what they believe in, fight for their survival and are not afraid to sometimes piss people off.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time? 

Hands down without a doubt in my mind, and I know it’s a cliche, but my children are. They are amazing little beings full of kindness, love, empathy, creativity and curiosity. I hope that they grow up to live their truth and are fearless when it comes to achieving their dreams.

What is your motto in life? 

This is a hard one since I have so many, I’ll start with these…

1) Don’t knock it till you try it

2) If it doesn’t effect me, I won’t judge you

3) Laugh whenever possible. Laughter is the cure for all that ails you. 

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true.

Wildest dream huh?…I want a live in nanny, a maid, a chef, a physical trainer and a chauffeur. I think this is a good start. Oh and I want a live in masseuse.

What is your favorite quote? 

“Leave the gun, take the cannoli” – Clemenza (The Godfather)

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for? 

I want my kids to remember me for being fearless, determined and strong. For standing up for myself and protecting them from all of the things that I endured as a child.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public? 

Book 2 will be ready soon. I am working on the cover and actually most importantly trying to finalize on the name of the book. I feel like naming a book is like naming a child. It’s one of those things you just don’t want to get wrong.

Where can fans purchase your work? 

I am on Amazon! It includes Amazon in several countries, like the UK and Canada for instance. I have learned that it’s not available in India sadly.

Bio: 

©Dani Pasquini used with permission

I was born in Brazil and spent the first 10 years of my life there. After moving to the states, it took me close to 20 years before I was able to become a US citizen. My family and I feared that immigration was always lurking behind bushes just waiting to pounce on us and send us back to Brazil. Growing up an immigrant surrounded by some of the wealthiest families in America often made me feel like an outcast and there were many obstacles that I had to overcome, most of which my American friends could not relate to. In the end, my struggles made me who I am today. They opened up a window in my mind to allow for these fantastic characters to take shape. Putting ink to paper and giving them life has been very cathartic in my healing process.

 

Social Media:

Website: DaniPasquini.com

Instagram: @Dani_Pasquini_books

Facebook: @DaniPasquiniWrites

Indie Shine – Kay Blake

Welcome to another edition of Indie Shine, a place for Rebirthoflisa to shine the spotlight on indie artists. Today we welcome author Kay Blake.

©Kay Blake used with permission

Q & A

What do you do and Why do you do it? 

I’m an author. Currently indie author. Right now I do it because I have creative control of my work. I hope to one day have a book that is published traditionally. I love telling stories, and writing. I always have. It is one of the things that makes me happy. I want to share my stories with the world.

Tell us about your most recent work. 

My most recent work is called Don’t Blame Me. It was inspired by the Taylor Swift song of the same title.. This is a second chance romance. It’s a interracial romance. I had fun writing this story.

Here is the blurb: Sometimes love’s a drug. The rush can be so addicting. All that matters is the high. Not the consequences. Not the damage left in its wake. Adrian Robinson was a college football star, with his future all mapped out. He didn’t expect to fall for feisty, Leah Hunter. Nor did he expect the destruction left in its wake when it all came to an end.

Now, Adrian’s a hotel magnate and one of the most eligible bachelors in the world. He has it all, except the one woman he has kept in his heart for years. And he’s willing to do anything to get her back. Leah hasn’t seen Adrian since the day she was forced to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. When Leah is assigned to write a piece on him for her magazine, remnants of their torrid romance still burn like yesterday. Will the high be worth it this time? Or is it destined to crash and burn?

Who inspires you? 

Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, Toni Morrison and Beverly Jenkins.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time? 

 

Catch Me If I Fall because it was one of those books that touched on many issues. Don’t Blame Me as it is a bit different than my norm, and my first full length novel.

What is your motto in life? 

To keep going. I have a chronic illness called fibromyalgia and sometimes when I’m in a lot of pain, I have to remember to keep pushing for what I want, no matter what it is.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true. 

I would like to hit number 1 on The New York Time’s Best Sellers List and have a movie made from one of my books.

What is your favorite quote? 

“Today I shall behave as if THIS is the day I will be remembered.” – Dr. Seuss

There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection.” – Steve Maraboli

“Fix another Queen’s crown without telling the world it was crooked.” -Unknown

“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” -J.K Rowling

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for? 

I want to remembered for the stories I write. I want to be remembered for being kind and for always being myself.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public? 

I am working on many. Don’t Blame Me will be available August 10, 2018. A motorcycle club book called Lady Guardians: Switching Lanes which will be available in 2019. Book 3 of The Kim Brothers series also in 2019. And many other projects.

Where can fans purchase your work? 

On Amazon: Available in eBook and print.

Bio:

©Kay Blake used with permission

Kay is an award winning author who writes sassy, sexy and sweet contemporary and interracial romance. She is from arguably the greatest city in the world. (New York). She is a sarcastic sweetheart who prefers snuggling at home with a good book. Kay is a mom of 3 cubs and a wife. Kay indulges in strawberry cheesecake, horror movies, Harry Potter, The Walking Dead, wrestling and of course a happily ever after.

Social Media:

Website: authorkayblake.wordpress.com

Facebook: @authorkayblake

Twitter: @authorkayblake

Instagram: @authorkayblake

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/Kay_Blake

 Newsletter Signup

Guest Blog Submissions – Now Open!

Hi Lovies,

A couple of weeks ago I was on Instagram and a particular picture caught my attention. The site who posted it, For Harriett, sparked a discussion in the comments about women who are of a certain age who do not have children and the stigma society has attached to them. This renewed my interest in this topic. You see a few years ago I had an idea to do a blog feature about childless women, but I never moved forward with it. They say that it is all about timing and well, I have decided it’s time!

If you are a woman over 30 who does not have children I need your input. It doesn’t matter the reason you are not a mother, I want to hear your story. Here are the details:

 

If you would like to participate, please complete this form https://goo.gl/forms/VVpbuEodsDHGyV9g2  

I look forward to hearing from you. If you are not a childless woman over 30, but know of someone who would like to be involved, please share this post. Thanks.

Couch Convos with Lisa W. Tetting – JJ Murray

Welcome to Couch Convos with Lisa W. Tetting, where we delve into the world of Author Interviews. Lisa’s convos with all types of authors will feel like you’re sitting on the couch chatting along. Find out about up and coming authors, their books and the business of writing all in one place. So grab some tea and a snack & get ready for a good time. Today we welcome Best- selling, award-winning interracial romance  author JJ Murray!

Part I

©JJ Murray used with permission

LL: Welcome to Couch Convos! Let’s get started. The Date is amazing! What inspired you to write it?

JJ: THE DATE is a departure for me because it’s not a typical HEA romance. I believe it is a more realistic view of what passes for romance in the new millennium.

LL: Why do you choose to write about interracial couples?

JJ: I have been writing interracial romance (BWWM) since I began courting my future wife in 1989. She inspired many of the heroines in my 38 novels.

LL: Your main character in The Date, William makes such a transition from push over to standing firm in his convictions. How did you come up with his personality and everything that came with it?

JJ: Like most of my heroes, William is not an alpha male. Though readers seem to prefer alphas in their romance novels, I believe they have a much better chance of meeting and snuggling up to a beta male in real life.

LL: How did you determine the places William would take Brittany to on their date?

JJ: I chose the “events” in their date based on what I thought would create the most fun and romance. Like all dates, some of what they do doesn’t quite work out.

Part II

LL: Who designs your book covers and how did you come up with the concept for them?

JJ: Zaji from Creative Ankh Designs; I provide the idea and the graphics, and she assembles the cover.

LL: Which social media platforms do you find most beneficial in getting the word out for your books?

JJ: Facebook and Instagram seem best for promoting my work.

LL: Tell us about your writing process. Do you need complete silence or do you work with music? Do you have a little drink while writing or is smoking your thing? Give us the skinny.

JJ: I keep a little spiral notebook with me at all times and write whenever and wherever I can—at work, while driving, at home. I transfer much of what I scratch down later to files in my laptop. I drink gallons of hot Irish tea and eat bags of pretzels mainly. (I don’t drink or smoke). Each of my novels has a soundtrack, and I include music (and food!) in every one.

LL: What does your writing nook look like? If you could make it into anything you wanted, what would that look like?

JJ: I write on an 1898 Campaign desk that has slots and shelves and a slide-out board for my laptop. I surround myself with pictures of my sons and have natural oils, watercolors, and lithographs on my walls. My dog, Lovie the Wonder Mutt (a 10-year-old boxer/Labrador), is usually at my feet.

LL: What was your editing process like?

JJ: When I was with Kensington Publishing, my agent, editor, and a copy editor hacked at my work. Now, only I edit my work, but I have a great deal of experience in editing after 33 years teaching college and high school English and editing 100+ novels, mostly from first-time authors.

 

LL: Please give other indie writers 3 tips/tricks that you learned and used during your writing career.

JJ: 1) Get it down on the page, and don’t expect perfection until much later. Spew. Vomit. Fill the page. Only then will you have anything to work with.

2) Make time to write and stick to a schedule.

3) Use pen and paper often. Writing is more visceral and real that way.

LL: Share one unique thing you’ve done to market your book?

JJ: I used to make ten dozen chocolate chip cookies for my signings. Folks like to eat and talk literature.

LL: Tell the readers the one resource you can’t live without as a writer?

JJ: In the old days, it was an old Roget’s thesaurus and a 1950 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Now, it’s the Internet, this generation electronic Library of Alexandria. I enjoy reading Yelp reviews!

LL: Do you use an outline when writing and do you stick to it?

JJ: I outline the entire novel first so I know how my book is going to end. It is general enough that I can deviate at will and go off on tangents.

LL: Will you be participating in any conferences this year? If so, which ones and when?

JJ: I will not be traveling any time soon. I exhausted myself last year with seven different events. 

LL: What are you currently working on?

JJ: SOMEBODY TO LOVE. (I’d give you more information, but it’s a work-in-progress)

Well, that brings us to the close of another episode of Couch Convos. Be sure to check out The Date and the rest of JJ’s catalog. For more information about JJ Murray hit him up on his social media accounts.

©JJ Murray used with permission

Amazon Author Page: JJ Murray 

Website: JohnJeffreyMurray.com

Facebook: @authorjjmurray

Instagram: @a3jmurray

Guest Blog Recruiting!

 

Hi Lovies,

I have been inspired to create a guest blog event for women who are over 30 and are childless. There were a couple of social media posts over the last few weeks that I was engaged in where women who do not have a baby and are over the age of 30 are simply tired of being harassed by society. They will not comply with what the rest of the world deems normal and are pushing back. The reluctance to talk about what is happening with their bodies is personal and private. Why do strangers need to know if they can’t have a baby or simply don’t want one?

Well, this blog feature is going to address those concerns and more. It is a way for women to express themselves without the overwhelming cloak of judgement hanging over them. If you are a “childless” woman over the age of 30 and would like to participate in this event, please contact me.

Let the people hear your point of view so they can stop asking you all of the time. Let your voices be heard!  Be sure to spread the word! Like, and share this post.