Saturday, February 21, 2015

Thank You!!!



To All Of My Visitors(readers, fans, authors and family)!

Thank you for reading my books and visiting my blog!

Here is something for you.

About the Author:

The history behind my writing!

The power of one's voice, straight from the heart. It's an inner passion that has been develop over the years. Staying true yourself and realizing your worth. Just asking yourself, am I a writer? And you know this, when all you do is think about what you should write about. Searching for words to make sense to another words. So, you find yourself going through an thesaurus or even an dictionary.

And it doesn't stop there because you spend hours everyday at your computer just typing away or either in a journal. Also, jotting down notes all the time.

Now that is a true writer!

I love writing. My mind is at ease and then it all just flow freely together connecting all the hooks. Just setting sail across the oceans and exploring; sight seeing as far as the eyes can see.

It's true to my identity. Being full of life in all I do. Writing your heart out. Letting your voice be heard.

Because in the beginning, your  mind is blank. Then the light bulb finally turns on. Giving us the bright idea of all time. So much information to figure out what to do with it and what's next. Knowing it is all there; just have to get it down before it goes away.

Then we are on a mission. Trying to get it done and to succeed in the end.
By not giving up. Staying in the game. And mastering your achievements in life. Keeping the faith through it all.

As for me, I got to keep believing and achieving to become an successful writer. This is me and I love to write.

Thank you again for visiting my blog page! You have taken the time to see what I was talking about or had going on. It means a lot to have visitors or fans. And if you have any questions or concerns, please leave me a message and also your contact information in the contact box.

Have a blessed day!

Monday, February 9, 2015

A Free Gift For You!




Something for you!

I am giving away a free ebook to the first 20 people who leaves a friendly comment. And once there are 30 comments, I will giveaway a half-off coupon to each of you after it reaches 20 comments.

Thank you for taking part in this!

Friday, February 6, 2015

Author in the Spotlight



Hello! Today, we have Amy McGuire with us for Author in the Spotlight.


About the Author

Amy was born in the tiny town of Campbell River, B.C. and grew up a child of missionary parents in East Africa. From an early age she discovered a love of reading and shortly thereafter discovered a joy and talent for writing. By the time she  reached high school she was writing for fun and slowly getting interested in both reading and writing romance. Her first published novel was written back in 2009. She lives in Ontario with her husband, young daughter and one cat and one Siamese Fighting Fish. Because of my love for Canada, most of her stories are based here.


After talking with Amy and asking her questions, here is what she had to say.

1.) What inspired you to write? 

I don't know if there was any one thing that inspired me. I have been writing stories and poems ever since I was a young girl. I have always loved the written word and the outlet it provides for my imagination. There is a quote from Ever After where Drew Barrymore's character says, "He was addicted to the written word," in regards to her late father. I think that pretty much sums me up. I love to read and I love to write. I'm not a huge non-fiction fan, as I like to disappear into other worlds for awhile and escape when I'm either reading or writing.

2.) What was the hardest part of writing The Hope Valley Saga?

Hmm. The hardest part. I guess it would be the dialogue. It's hard to get characters who speak like everyday people on the first try. It's a delicate balance between too much dialogue, long monologues which may need to be shorter and text around the dialogue. Being my first novel, I had a lot to learn and at times I think I nailed it, while at others, I'm sure my dialogue came across as unrealistic or forced. I hope that my writing has improved since my first novel but I suppose readers will have to read my novels to see if that's the case. 

3.) Who is your favorite author?

My favorite author. I actually don't have just one. I guess you could say I have an author per genre. One of my all time favorite Christian sci-fi authors is Frank E. Perretti - especially his angels and demons series.  C.S. Lewis is my favorite author of children's books and I have many fond memories of reading or being read The Chronicles of Narnia as a child. Now that I have a child of my own, I enjoy reading that to her as well. My favorite romance author is Nora Roberts. Actually, I love Debbie MacComber too. And lastly, Lucy Maud Montgomery who wrote the Anne of Green Gables series and many other related books.

4.) Do you outline?

Oh man. Sometimes I wish I did. I suppose it would be easier sometimes to have it all laid out before I actually write. Other times I'm glad I don't, because the story will take unexpected twists and turns and I am often happily surprised with the results. So, I don't really outline, but often, if any idea or piece of dialogue or a scene comes to me, I will write it down in a journal for future reference.

5.) Have you had any rejections?

I have had multiple rejections. I don't think many indie authors end up selling on Kindle Direct Publishing without having experienced a rejection or two. I learned many things about the publishing business as a result of those rejections, as well as the certain knowledge that I am grateful to be self publishing instead of having to work on the deadlines of a large company that doesn't know me personally. At times I wish I was published through a traditional house, if for nothing else than to have someone shoulder the costs of marketing, cover design and even website costs. Aside from that, I'm actually fairly content now that I've discovered KDP.

6.) How do you overcome writer's block?

Ah. The dreaded writer's block. I think the best way I overcome it is to move onto another story. Sometimes I just go for a walk or read a book or even watch a TV show. I get inspiration from pretty much everywhere, so even a visit with my friends or family can clear up the writer's block. What I find is important though, is not to get frustrated when writer's block hits but to focus on other things until inspiration hits.

7.) What project are you working on now?

I'm working on my first stand alone novel, Collateral Damage. It's also my first novel that isn't strictly romance. It's the back story of one of the characters who appears in The Heart's Discovery and his brother. I originally hoped to have it ready by April but we'll see how things go. I'm excited about it though. Damian is a character with a rough past and I'm hoping to give him a realistic redemption that not only helps him, but helps others around him as well.

8.) Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

I would say, don't be overconfident but don't lose hope either. No one starts out with the great American novel. Your first novel may be okay or it may even be awful. The first draft is also never a good indication of the finished product. As far as cover design goes, unless you are actually a cover designer, don't try to do it yourself. Spend a little money on your book in regards to the cover and editing and it will go a long way towards sales. You will also have more people take you seriously if you produce a good looking product. You want to stand out from the crowd. Writers on KDP are a dime a dozen these days. To stand out, you have to have a great product and then you have make sure everyone and their grandmother's dog knows you have a book out. And lastly, ask a professional or someone you see selling well in your genre for help. You never know. They just might to be willing to help you out.


There you have it from Amy McGuire.

Thank you for allowing me to do this interview. It was nice meeting you. And I would like to wish you the best in everything you do. If anyone would like to contact Amy or you have any questions please feel free to. You can reach her at the contacts below.


Amy's books:

Dreams Comes True(latest novel in The Hope Valley Saga):

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/429473



Contact information:

Weblog: www.shesanauthor.wordpress.com




Monday, February 2, 2015

Author in the Spotlight





Hello, today we have Ra’Mone Marquis for Author in the Spotlight.


About the Author

Ra’Mone Marquis is a native of the State of Florida. He received his Bachelors degree from Florida International University where he became a proud 2005 initiate of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He went on to receive his Masters degree from the University of Phoenix. Mr. Marquis currently lives in Miami, Florida. Life experiences and literary idols such as Omar Tyree, Terry McMillan, and Eric Jerome Dickey; have shaped Ra’mone into the author that he is today. This is what formed the foundation of him being considered an unique and relatable author. Due to a desire to provide people with an uncensored, entertaining, and informative place to learn and express one’s self regarding everything sexuality; Ra’Mone created the website The Quis Box. It includes everything from a blog, discussion topics, videos, drink recipes, and more. He is also the Founder and President of True T.A.L.E.N.T.S. Foundation, Inc.; a 501c3 nonprofit that he started in 2011. Its mission is to mentor and enrich the youth of our communities, ages 13-18 years old. With talents including music and dramatic arts; Ra’Mone finds joy in writing, cooking, entertainment, exercising, eating, and traveling…just to name a few. Courtesy of Grind 2 Glory Publications and Kace Books, LLC. Ra’Mone’s first novel is a highly reviewed novel entitled District 69: The Crimson Edition. His second novel, District 69: The Color Haven is its unpredictable followup.



After talking with Ra'Mone and asking him questions, here is what he had to say.

1.) What inspired the author to write the book(s)?

When it came to District 69: The Crimson - the bulk of the stories in this book takes place in Miami. so I thought to myself, what part of Miami is sexy and alluring to me? I immediately thought about the art district and 69 is my favorite sexual position which is how the first part of the first book and series was created. Next I wanted a color that I thought added a good ring to the title and had levels of sexuality to it. Crimson was the perfect touch due to how I personally feel about the color. As for the second book the 2nd part of the title "The Color Haven" came from an idea for me to take a variety of colors, use how they make me feel, and use that to guide the types of stories that are in each part.

2.) How long have you been writing? 

I started writing when I was in elementary but it was more for therapeutic reasons. As I got older and started to have my own experiences in sex, love, and relationships...my writing transitioned and evolved.

3.) Who is your favorite author?

 Oh wow that's a hard one but I have to say.....Eric Jerome Dickey.

4.) Do you outline?

 I do. It is a must for me. Once I have a title for the book, I then outline how the book will go such as the stories, titles, etc. In my third book that is not out yet, part of the book is a mini book with 4 chapters. I created an outline to structure what I wanted to cover in each chapter.

5.) What is your routine? 

Early in the morning or late at night is when I prefer to write. I need complete silence, a snack (preferably a nut medley or fruit), and a glass of wine or margarita. Once I finish I leave the store alone and let it marinate. Then the next day or later that day I come back and juice it open/edit it.

6.) What do you do when you aren't writing?

 Living life to the fullest so that I can have more to write about, exercising, and working on my other endeavors.

7.) Where do you get your ideas from?

 Real life experiences. All of the stories I've written in my first two books are my real life experiences or the experiences of others.

8.) How do you get over writer's block? 

I don't force. I do nothing but wait for it to pass.

9.) What project are you working on now?

 I am making plans to debut my own online show and my dissertation for school. Other than being an author I'm also a PhD student. 

10.) Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

 My brand and worked is rooted in getting people to embrace and cherish the essence of love and sexuality. They do not need to run from or hinder it. My books are more than just stories of sexual activity. They are journeys of diversity that caters to everyone and allows you to feel as if you are in the midst of what is going on. 


There you have it from Ra'Mone Marquis.

Thank you for allowing me to do this interview. It was nice meeting you. And I would like to wish you the best in everything you do. If anyone would like to contact Ra'Mone or you have any questions please feel free to. You can reach him at the contacts below.


Ra'Mone Books:

District 69: The Crimson Edition

Amazon (U.S)  Kindle- Buy Now

Paperback - Buy Now

District 69: The Color Haven

Amazon (U.S.) Paperback & Kindle- Buy Now

Email Ra'Mone

Twitter: @ramonemarquis

Instagram: @ramonemarquis & @kacebooks

Facebook

You can enter and enjoy The Quis Box : www.thequisbox.com

You can find additional information about Ra’Mone Marquis’ nonprofit, True T.A.L.E.N.T.S. Foundation, Inc., at: www.ttfoundation5.com
Twitter: @ttfoundation5
Instagram: @ttfoundation5

Facebook: www.facebook.com/truetfan or www.facebook.com/true.talents